Kamloops This Week February 22, 2023

ATTACKER’S HOME ORDERED SOLD A6-A7

Proceeds will go to cover costs to care for victim Jessie Simpson

THINK

Feb. 22 is Pink Shirt Day, a day set aside to focus on anti-bullying talk

ON WEDNESDAY A20-A21

The best women curlers in Canada are sweeping toward weekend playoffs

Day of Giv ing : March 2 & 3

For post-secondar y students, rising prices of food, housing, books and other suppl ies means many are struggl ing. But you can help.

Eac h yea r, T RU ’ s Day of Giv i n g ca l l s on t he com mun it y to i mpr ove t he l ives of T hompson R iver s Un iver sit y student s L a st yea r, we ra i sed $ 39 , 65 2 i n 3 6 hour s T h i s yea r on Ma r c h 2 -3 , we ’ r e a i m i n g for $ 4 8 , 0 0 0 i n 4 8 hour s

Eac h dol la r ma kes a d i ffer ence It’s up to you wher e your money goes:

• T RU ’ s fi r st-yea r Nur si n g a nd Respi rator y T herapy student s need es sent ia l equ ipment to complete t hei r deg r ees . Fund a k it a nd help tomor r ow ’ s hea lt h- ca r e her oes

• At t he T RU Com mun it y L ega l Cl i n ic , T RU L aw student s offer e x per t i se to t hose who ca n’t a fford it . Fund acces s to just ice for t he br oader com mun it y

• Our W i l l ia m s L a ke ca mpu s offers pr og ra m s i n hea lt h ca r e , t rades a nd mor e Fund T RU ’ s W i l l ia m s L a ke ca mpus a nd ma ke post- seconda r y educat ion mor e acces sible to r emote Inter ior com mun it ies

• Mor e t ha n 1 , 10 0 student s r eceived donor -f unded fi na nc ia l suppor t la st yea r Ma ny mor e went w it hout fi na nc ia l a id Fund a pr og ra m or awa rd of your c hoice a nd ma ke a d i ffer ence i n a student’s l i fe

S tude nt s s how grat itude during last ye ar ’ s Day of Gi v ing

No matter what you c hoose , your donat ion w i l l have a d i r ec t i mpac t on student s Choose a cause a nd donate on l i ne at t r u ca /g iv i n gday Ma r c h 2 -3 T hen c ha l len ge your fa m i ly a nd f r iend s!

Loca l s joi n Nor m Da ley In it iat ive

L i sa a nd Ter r y La ke r ecent ly joi ned t he Nor m Da ley In it iat ive, f u nd i ng a new awa rd for a n i nter nat iona l student en r ol led i n a f u l l-t i me post-bacca lau r eate prog ra m at t he Ga g la rd i School of Busi nes s a nd Econom ics.

“ T her e a r e ver y few ta r geted i nter nat iona l awa rd s , ” says L i sa . “I t h i n k it’s a r ea l ly good t i me to celebrate what i nter nat iona l student s br i n g to t he ca mpus a nd t he c it y a nd to t r y a nd les sen t he burden a bit for a student ”

T he Nor m Da ley In it iat ive i nv ites 3 0 donor s to cont r ibute $ 3 5 , 0 0 0 eac h to establ i sh t hei r ow n endowed awa rd at T RU. T he i n it iat ive i s nea rly ha l f way to r eac h i n g it s goa l of $1 m i l l ion a nd ha s seen a number of loca l s come on boa rd i n suppor t of student s , but mor e donor s a r e needed

Ter r y a nd L i sa had a l r eady been d i sc us si n g ways to help student s at T RU when t hey hea rd about t he Nor m Da ley In it iat ive Cont r ibut i n g seemed l i ke a g r eat way to suppor t a f r iend who r eg u la rly steps up i n suc h a huge way for t he com mun it y of K a m loops wh i le a l so posit ively i mpac t i n g t he l ives of T RU student s .

To fi nd out how you ca n cont r ibute to t he i n it iat ive , contac t A l i sa Coquet , e xec ut ive d i r ec tor of development for Ga g la rd i a nd T RU World , at acoquet@ t r u .ca .

TRU Foundation Day of Giving

March 2–3 | Online event

Help us raise $ 4 8 ,0 0 0 in 4 8 hour s to suppor t TRU s tudent s! Choose your cause at tru ca /gi v ingday

iDays | March 8 –10

Music, dance, food , f a shion and mor e! tru .ca /internationaldays

Little Lectures, Big Ideas II | March 23

Join TRU ’ s Facult y of Ar t s for this exciting mini - lec tur e at the Paramount Theatr e Fr ee; pr e - r egis tration r equir ed tiny url .com/littlelec tur e s

TRU Foundation Gala | April 22

A black-tie f undraiser suppor ting TRU s tudent s . tru ca /gala

A DOUBLE SCOOP OF LOVE

Their love s tor y began a gains t t he pr is t ine backdrop of Ger many ’ s B lack Fores t That ’ s w here TRU alumni Matt Bajkov (UCC ’0 5) and Lisa Danneberg (now Bajkov, BA ’ 17 ) met in 20 06. Today, they run Frozen Paddle, a downtown Kamloops craft ice creamer y Read more about their stor y at inside.tru.ca or click the QR code.

L inda Tur ner

Linda ha s been a donor since 20 0 5. Her mos t recent donat ion to TRU wa s t hroug h t he ICCHA W ish Amba s sador Fund

Thank you for your generous philanthropy!

C I T Y PAG E

Feb 22, 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

March 14, 2023

1:30pm - Regular Council Meeting

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

You've Got Mail!

Watch for your City Newsletter arriving with your utility bill this week

In this issue, discover which new materials are now accepted in the City ’s residential rec ycling bins, learn about our new period product initiative, have your say on the 2023 budget, and consider nominating someone for an Exemplar y Ser vice Award.

C L I M AT E AC T I O N G R A N T

The City has launched a new Climate Action Grant to inspire and enable residents, non-profit organizations, and charities to under take community-based climate action projects.

To be eligible for funding, projects must align with priority actions in the Community Climate Action Plan and have the potential to decrease community greenhouse gases, enhance community resilience to climate change and/or suppor t a healthy urban ecosystem.

Some examples of potential community projects include:

• Textile rec ycling/clothing swaps

• Repair events

• Bike safety and/or repair events

• Urban gardening education

Apply for up to $2,000 for your project today! The deadline to apply is Februar y 28. For more details and to apply, visit: Kamloops.ca/Grants.

W O O D S T O V E R E B AT E

P R O G R A M S

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

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

Repor t an issue: 250-828-3461

For after-hours emergencies, press 1.

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

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

Do you have an older, uncer tified wood-burning appliance? Scrap it or upgrade it and you could be eligible for rebates!

Wood Stove Scrap -It Program

• $400 rebate to homeowners who remove an uncer tified wood-burning stove (without replacing it).

• pre -registration is required to determine program eligibility

Community Wood Smoke Reduc tion Program

• rebate of up to $1,500 to homeowners who remove and replace an uncer tified wood-burning appliance with a new, low- emission heating appliance from an authorized program retailer

• eligible appliances include electric inser ts or heat pumps, and EPA- cer tified wood or pellet appliances

For a list of authorized program retailers and to find out if you qualify for rebates, visit: Kamloops.ca/WoodStove

P E M B E R T O N WAT E R

S Y S T E M U P G R

A D E S

Greenstone Park will be closed from approximately the end of Februar y through November as the Pember ton Water System undergoes extensive upgrades The critical water infrastructure upgrades includes the construction of a new reser voir and booster station and upgrading water ser vice lines

The installation of the new reser voir requires removing bedrock from the park, which is conducted through blasting A qualified blasting contractor will be conducting controlled blasts in the park in mid-March. The blasting por tion of the project is expected to be completed within two weeks. Although the vibrations generated by blasting will be kept well below the seismic threshold level for damage to occur to homes and structures, minor blasting and construction vibration may still be felt in nearby homes Throughout the construction period, vibrator y compaction equipment may be in use; therefore, any fragile items should be pack aged or protected from damage due to vibration.

Residents can subscribe for updates at: LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/Greenstone

SWEEPING IN WITH A $70K DONATION

The Sandra Schmirler Foundation has donated $70,000 to Royal Inland Hospital’s Rita C. Mercier Neonatal Intensive-Care Unit. The Sandra Schmirler Foundation was created to honour the legacy of Sandra Schmirler, a three-time world curling champion and Olympic gold medallist who died of can-

TODAY’S FLYERS

Bianca Amor, Connector, YIG*, Walmart*, Shoppers*, Sun Peaks Independent News*, Save-On-Foods*, Safeway*, Rexall*, Princess Auto*, Nature’s Fare*, M&M Meats*, London Drugs*, Home Hardware*, Freshco*, Canadian Tire*, * Selected distribution

WEATHER FORECAST

Feb. 22: Light snow -8/-11 (hi/low)

Feb. 23: Periods of snow -5/-16 (hi/low)

Feb. 24: Sunny -8/-9 (hi/low)

Feb. 25: Flurries -1/-6 (hi/low)

Feb. 26: Sun and clouds 3/-6 (hi/low)

ONLINE

www.kamloopsthisweek.com

facebook.com/ kamloopsthisweek

twitter.com/ KamThisWeek

youtube.com/user/ KamloopsThisWeek/videos

Instagram: @kamloopsthisweek

HOW TO REACH US:

Switchboard 250-374-7467

Classifieds 250-371-4949

Classifieds Fax 250-374-1033

Circulation 250-374-0462

classifieds@kamloopsthisweek com

publisher@kamloopsthisweek com

editor@kamloopsthisweek com

cer at the age of 36. The Sandra Schmirler Foundation was created to help babies being cared for in hospital.

Since its inception, the Foundation has raised more than $7 million in support of countless Canadian hospitals, in every province and territory, to purchase life-saving equip-

ment for thousands of premature and critically ill babies and their families.

Every year, at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, the Canadian women’s national curling championship, the Foundation donates money to a local hospital to purchase life-saving equipment for its neonatal intensive-care unit.

MISSING FROM ME AUTHOR

TELLS HER TALE

Heather Shtuka signs a copy of her book, Missing From Me, for KamloopsThompson-Cariboo MP Frank Caputo during her book signing event this past Saturday (Feb. 18) at Chapters bookstore. The book signing took place one day after the five-year anniversary of the disappearance of Heather’s son, Ryan Shtuka. The 20-year-old Beaumont, Alta., man disappeared in the early-morning hours of Feb. 17, 2018. Mounties have not ruled out foul play, but have not reported finding anything suspicious and Ryan’s disappearance remains a mystery. Missing From Me, which chronicles the first year after Ryan vanished, is available at Chapters and online at Chapters/Indigo, Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

ALLEN DOUGLAS/KTW

Maternity care crisis in Kamloops

SEAN BRADYSTAFF REPORTER sbrady@kamloopsthisweek.com

Interior Health said it is working on solutions to the maternity services crisis that is afflicting the Kamloops area.

The Thompson Region Family Obstetrics (TRFO) clinic in Royal Inland Hospital is facing challenges with medical staff recruitment. As a result, it is not accepting patients with due dates beyond July 31 and may be forced to close.

The clinic is responsible for between 50 and 60 of the approximate 100 babies born each month at RIH. According to the Thompson Region Division of Family Practice, the clinic has a team of five doctors, two registered midwives, a registered nurse and medical office assistants. They serve between 500 and 600 families annually.

Demand for the clinic has increased as smaller regional operations have also lost doctors, including in Barriere, Lillooet, 100 Mile House and Merritt, all of which used to do deliveries. Because of that, TRFO has had a noreferral-refused policy for a number of years.

But in 2019, what remained in Kamloops

started to fall apart due to retirements and doctors leaving the field, according to Dr. Shaun Davis, one of the three physicians who remain at the clinic that has been struggling to fill its vacancies since.

“In all honesty, we’re struggling to cover our call already and with only the remaining doctors, it’s going to be a pretty brutal six months to get us to July 31,” Davis said.

Some doctors have expressed interest in doing locums (temporary work) in Kamloops, but Davis said long-term solutions are needed.

In the past 13 years, the number of family physicians in Kamloops providing obstetrical care has plummeted to three from 21 — and about 40,000 of Kamloops’ 100,000 residents are without family doctors. As a result, prenatal patient caseloads have increased significantly.

As for why doctors are leaving obstetrics or choosing not to enter the field, Davis said the reasons vary, but the work itself and B.C.’s payment model, especially during the pandemic, when labour and delivery staffing was “atrocious,” likely has something to do with it.

“It’s hard to say. Canada-wide, it’s been

systemically underfunded, as a lot of women’s health has been. I think it’s a difficult area of work, in terms of on-call hours and the extra training, just the amount of on-call work and the stress that goes with that,” he said.

Davis said a different payment model is needed to provide more incentive for doctors to work in obstetrics.

“You bill once for seeing the patient, and that’s it. We spend a lot of time with our patients here, and that’s not accounted for. I think physicians get frustrated with the time involved and the way it’s paid,” he said, noting those working in obstetrics face insurance premiums that are three or four times higher than other fields.

Dr. Elizabeth Parfitt, interim chief of staff at RIH, said via a statement sent to KTW that sustaining maternity services is a challenge across the province, noting Interior Health has enacted a number of shorter-term supports for the clinic to support immediate ongoing services for mothers and babies, including additional clerical staff, a permanent registered nurse and enhanced funding for locum (visiting) physicians.

Court orders attacker’s home to be sold

MICHAEL POTESTIO STAFF REPORTER michael@kamloopsthisweek.com

A B.C. Supreme Court judge has ruled that a Kamloops man convicted of beating a teenager nearly to death seven years ago deliberately sold his home to his parents for a dollar shortly after the attack in an effort to hide his assets from a potential lawsuit.

As a result, Justice Joel Groves has ordered the sale of the house in Brocklehurst be done by the mother of the victim, Sue Simpson, who will receive the proceeds. The home’s latest assessed value according to BC Assessment is $973,000.

Kristopher Teichrieb beat Jessie Simpson with a bat in June 2016, leaving the then-18-year-old in a coma and with serious, lifelong brain damage.

For the past six years, Jessie Simpson has been confined to a wheelchair, will likely never walk again and will require 24-hour care for the rest of his life.

Am I Paying Too Much?

In my past, I often bought the cheapest product or service; however, I quickly learnt the old adage "You get what you pay for " Often, additional costs would accumulate resulting in a more expensive and time-consuming result. Certainly, for larger purchases, I have learned to ask more questions and rely on referrals from friends and family

Many investors want help managing their wealth We try to help educate clients so they can make an informed decision Admittedly, the investment industry has been “murky ” with respect to costs Regulators now require all investment firms (excluding insurance companies) to provide a clear annual summary of their charges to clients and performance of clients' investments This improvement in transparency was overdue and led competitors to cut costs

The majority of our clients operate under a fee-based service model Clients pay a fee based on the size of their portfolio. Larger accounts pay a lower percentage

overall. Because there are no commissions, and fees are distributed among the investments held in the portfolio equally, we are unbiased and product neutral For example, despite being TD employees, we have less than 5% of our clients' holdings invested in products offered by TD as of December 31, 2022

Fees can also vary depending on your chosen strategy For instance, a stock portfolio generally requires more expertise and effort than a conservative portfolio dominated with bonds Fees on non-registered accounts are typically tax deductible. For example, if you paid 1.0% on your portfolio and you were in a 40% tax bracket, your effective costs would be 0 6% overall These fees include all our services and goes directly to TD Wealth Private Investment Advice From there, we receive a portion which pays for our business expenses and livelihood

What do investors typically pay? Recently, PriceMetrix collected fee data on over seven million North American investors and found the average fees that investors are paying their investment firms are distributed as follows:

In 2021, a civil suit awarded Jessie Simpson nearly $7 million from Teichrieb after he was found civilly responsible for damages.

Lawyers representing the Simpson family accused Teichrieb of hiding assets after the attack in anticipation of that lawsuit. Teichrieb sold his $587,000 Clifford Avenue house to his parents for $1 seven months after the assault while he was in pre-trial custody.

In 2016, prior to the assault, Teichrieb, who owned two-thirds of the Clifford Avenue home, paid his parents $100,000 for the onethird of the property they owned to become the sole owner before selling it back to them after the assault.

In his ruling of Feb. 16, Justice Groves ordered the sale of the house to be done by Sue Simpson, who is acting on behalf of her son, beginning on April 1 and said Teichrieb’s parents must be out of the home by April 30.

See JUDGE, A7

A few points to consider:

1 Am I paying a fair price? Your fee should help you: avoid mistakes, make more money and/or save time Ideally, you would benefit from a combination of all three

2 Does the advisor get any incentives to sell their firm's products? Furthermore, is your advisor acting in your best interest and avoiding all conflicts of interests?

3 What is included? administration, transactions, alternative investment strategies, strategies related to insurance, tax, estate and retirement planning?

4 Are there embedded (hidden) fees that are not obvious? This is still an area of confusion and requires greater transparency

Our goal is to provide investors a quick and easy-tounderstand overview so they can determine if they are receiving value for the service they pay for As always, we are here to help if ever you want to review your costs and services Until

Written by Eric Davis

Jessie Simpson as he appeared 14 months ago, in December 2021. The now-24-year-old Simpson was left with lifelong brain injuries after being attacked by Kristopher Teichrieb with a baseball bat nearly seven years ago. The then-18year-old Simpson was celebrating high school graduation on June 19, 2016, when he became separated from friends and ended up on Teichrieb’s property, near the corner of Holt Street and Clifford Avenue in Brocklehurst, in the early morning hours. Inset photo is Simpson before the attack.

SIMPSON FAMILY PHOTOS

Judge: Teichrieb tried to shield assets from victim

Court heard Teichrieb’s parents moved into the ground floor of the house, with the upper floor under renovation, almost immediately after the attack to run their son’s business.

Court heard Teichrieb’s mother, Cheryl, is caring for her husband, Cornelius, who is infirm after suffering a stroke in 2018. Court heard Cheryl wishes to leave Kamloops.

Kristopher Teichrieb was last known to be residing in a halfway house as part of his sentence for assaulting Jessie Simpson.

He did not file a response in these court proceedings.

Court heard the house is Teichrieb’s lone asset, with his company, KCR Construction, being taken over by his father after the attack and eventually collapsing.

Groves said he found Cheryl was “hopelessly naive” about taking the property back from her son while he was facing criminal and potential civil jeopardy.

He said the same cannot be said of Teichrieb and his father, who Groves described as the “operating mind of the transfer.”

Groves said Teichrieb would have been well aware of the potential civil consequences to him

almost immediately after he beat Simpson and that the plaintiff had proven their case under the Fraudulent Conveyances Act.

“There was, in my view, no need for this transfer to happen other than to be an attempt to avoid financial responsibility for what he had done,” Groves said, noting Teichrieb’s parents were already living there with his consent.

“It was an attempt to put his assets out of the reach of Jessie Simpson.”

Teichrieb pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and began serving a seven-year sentence in 2018. He had originally been charged with attempted murder. In the spring of 2021, he was granted statutory release and moved to a halfway house.

Jessie Simpson, then 18, was celebrating high school graduation on June 19, 2016. He became separated from friends and ended up on Teichrieb’s property, near the corner of Holt Street and Clifford Avenue in Brocklehurst, in the early morning hours.

Teichrieb attacked the teen with his fists and a metal baseball bat.

Teichrieb’s neighbours called 911 to report the June 19, 2016, attack, the bulk of which took place in the middle of the street

after Jessie Simpson attempted to flee.

Neighbours told police they could hear the teen crying and saw him covered in blood. When police arrived on scene minutes later, they found Teichrieb standing over a bloodied, motionless Jessie Simpson, saying, “I got him.”

The teen’s injuries were significant. His mother said the baseball bat attack left a dent so large in her son’s head she can place her hand within it. Her son lives at a care home in Kamloops, but this past year has been able to spend weekends at his mother’s house in Savona.

Sue Simpson, along with friends of the family, continues to organize various fundraising activities to help pay for her son’s care costs. None of the funds owed to Simpson by Teichrieb have been paid to date, Groves said in court.

In the weeks leading up to the attack, Teichrieb had threatened vigilante action after calling police to report a number of incidents of theft and trespassing. Police warned him not to take matters into his own hands.

Following the court decision, KTW reached out to Sue Simpson for comment, but she declined, citing the advice of her lawyer, Joe Zak.

Separating, and your former partner owns a business?

A business and a separation can result in a more complex process to determine the proper child or spousal support amounts.

Support payments are primarily determined by the payor’s income so for employees, calculating income may be as straight forward as looking at their tax return. However, a business owner's tax return may not accurately reflect actual earnings, as our tax laws allow business owners to deduct funds used for personal benefit from income

From a family law perspective, some of these deductions should be included in an individual’s income when calculating child or spousal support payments And, if the business owner’s reported income does not accurately reflect their earnings in the initial calculation, then the court may later "impute" (add back) improperly deducted funds to their income, resulting in larger future support payments

If you have questions, we're here help.

Kristopher Teichrieb enters the Kamloops Law Courts on Oct. 23, 2018. DAVE EAGLES/KTW

JOHN GROVER

There, but for the grace of God, go we OPINION

Afoot-care clinic. Advocates providing a crucial link to housing options, scarce as they may be. A well-equipped gym. A fledgling bike-for-rewards program. A dog as companion. A massive pot of chili. An Indigenous-focused crafts-type room that smells so good you never want to leave. A needed dose of humour. Street nurses. Beds and mats. Washing machines (some waiting for repair). Stories that will hurt your heart. Eight magnificent garden boxes overlooking the Thompson Valley. Cigarette breaks and conversations. Mental-health support. Warm kitchens and social rooms and busy calendars detailing the proposed road to a better life.

That is just some of what a visitor to two social agency buildings will experience — and it would be extremely useful if every citizen of Kamloops could take the 90-minute tours to see what is being done to help those in Kamloops who not only need aid, but who are there because they want a hand up to get to a better place.

Touring The Mustard Seed Kamloops’ outreach centre downtown and the ASK Wellness Centre’s Maverick Manor recovery and career development program across from Aberdeen Mall is an education unto itself — time well spent that allows one, however briefly, to get behind the headlines and social media hyperbole.

Granted, an hour-and-a-half at each place merely scratches the surface as to what is happening there, but those 90 minutes give a visitor a heck of a lot of insight into what are truly lifesaving links to those among

CHRISTOPHER FOULDS

us who have been bodychecked off the mainstream of society due to trauma, addiction, abuse, poverty or any number of hurdles.

We should all recite in our heads, every single day: “There, but for the grace of God, go I.”

Leanna Wereley is The Mustard Seed’s communications and volunteer coordinator.

As she led a group from KTW through the areas of the outreach centre, Wereley recited various facts, with this one standing out in my mind — between 35 per cent and 45 per cent of staff employed at the agency have what is called “lived experience,” which means they know better than most the struggles endured by those they are helping because they have been there.

One of those staff members is Jeff Arlitt, the manager of The Mustard Seed’s men’s recovery program, which features 17 rooms on an upper floor. There, men who want to get clean take part in various programs as they work to get their lives back on track.

Arlitt knows what they are experi-

KTW

General manager:

Ray Jolicoeur

EDITORIAL

Editor:

Christopher Foulds

Newsroom staff:

Dave Eagles

Marty Hastings

Jessica Wallace

Sean Brady

Michael Potestio

Breanne Massey

CIRCULATION

Manager:

Serena Platzer

Connell McInnis is coordinator of clinical services and helps oversee the multi-stage recovery process that is the focus of the men and women who occupy the 42 living units. There are various rules for each stage, but there is also a mutual trust in place, one that takes time to build.

Much like everything else in life, there will be successes and setbacks, goals reached and routes repeated.

Back at The Mustard Seed, health and wellness supervisor Brooke Baird took some time to explain the complexities of her role in connecting clients with myriad services.

Baird’s tale of one woman she is helping was especially emotional and illustrated why there is such disconnect between the so-called “us” and “them.”

The woman is enduring a seriously acrimonious split from her partner, with children’s custody issues involved. She has nowhere to go and is working with Baird to find housing. The search is complicated by the fact the woman has a cat, with pets often posing a barrier to housing.

encing as he is a graduate of the program, with several years of sobriety under his belt. And, he pointed out, his experience helps him connect better with the men he is helping.

Over at the Maverick Manor, Neil Van Dongen and Connell McInnis of the ASK Wellness Society spoke of the work their team is doing at the transformed motel.

Van Dongen, the employment support liaison, connects residents at the Manor with work opportunities. He also has his hands in myriad other projects, including a proposed program that would connect Manor residents and others on the street with bikes. The caveat is that the bikes can be had via credit — sweat equity, as it were.

People might say, “Well, get rid of the cat,” Baird noted. But it is not that simple. With everything the woman has suffered through, and continues to suffer through, the cat has become her most prized possession, essential therapy of sorts. For her, the cat is not a want. It is a need.

There is so much need in the city. And, yes, there is so much strife. I would urge people to contact social agencies and find out what they do and how they can be helped. Eyes — and minds — will definitely be opened.

editor@kamloopsthisweek.com

Twitter: @ChrisJFoulds

Manager:

Liz Spivey

Linda Skelly

Jodi Lawrence

Paul De Luca

Jack Bell

Lindsay Jewell

Robert W. Doull President Aberdeen Publishing Inc. President/Publisher Publishing

Robert W. Doull President/Publisher

Robert W. Doull President Aberdeen Publishing Inc.

ADVERTISING

PRODUCTION

Manager:

Lee Malbeuf

Production staff:

Fernanda Fisher

Dayana Rescigno

Rylan Willoughby

DIGITAL SALES:

Manager:

Chris Wilson

DIGITAL DESIGNERS

Jackson Vander Wal

Moneca Jantzen

Kaitlin Vander Wal

FRONT OFFICE

Front office staff:

Lorraine Dickinson

Angela Wilson

Marilyn Emery

Rosalynn Bartella

Dieter Jennen stirs a massive pit of chili at The Mustard Seed’s busy kitchen in the outreach centre on Victoria Street West. Each month, the social agency serves meals to those in need. In January, 7,197 meals were dished out.

KTW PHOTO

OPINION

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

YET ANOTHER FIRE ALONG THE RIVER

Editor:

On Friday, Feb. 17, at 11 p.m., there was another fire along the Thompson River, about 50 feet from my building on Tranquille Road in North Kamloops and about a half-block west of the Jan. 21 blaze on which KTW reported.

That fire had residents of the Riverdale Trailer Court nervous.

It took firefighters about

30 minutes to douse the most recent blaze and two people were seen by my neighbour running away.

Is the city going to wait until a building full of seniors dies to do anything about the problem?

Living in the ghetto on the North Shore is getting dangerous.

Darlene Ford Kamloops

AMAZING TEAM AT RIH

Editor: I required help in the emergency department at Royal Inland Hospital on Jan. 29 and I just wanted to thank all involved in my care.

They have an amazing team there.

TALK BACK Q&A:

We asked: How did you spend your Family Day (Feb. 20) in Kamloops?

LET’S SHARE THE ROADS IN KAMLOOPS

Editor:

An open letter to vehicle owners:

I’m a fairly active cyclist and a vehicle owner. I’d really like to find a way for us to get along much better. I’m tired of horns honking, finger gestures and scary moments.

In terms of paying for roads, there are endless studies showing gas taxes and vehicle insurance only fund a small portion of our transportation infrastructure.

Most cyclists own vehicles, so we are helping pay roads and their upkeep.

That funding also comes from myriad other municipal and provincial sources, to which we also contribute. So, you see, we help pay for the roads we share. Here are three reasons why you should be glad I’m on a bike:

1. The lineup at traffic lights is shorter;

2. There’s less competition for that prime near-the-door parking spot;

3. Doctor visits are less frequent because of our physical fitness, but they can jump significantly if you hit us.

What’s

Dog licence renewals were due on Jan. 1. Have you paid for your pooch’s licence?

Vote online: kamloopsthisweek.com

I’d rather not be close to moving vehicles. The problem is that the law prevents me from riding on sidewalks and actually directs me to ride on roads.

I’d be pleased to have you help with our lobbying efforts to get dedicated bike paths.

The busy cycling season is rapidly approaching. I look forward to some friendly smiles and waves as we share our transportation infrastructure! 

Tom Rankin 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

Pat LeBeau Kamloops

Have your say on proposed highway upgrades

Kamloops residents are being asked for their input on proposed improvements to area highways.

The province is undertaking a second phase of consultation for its Kamloops Area Transportation Strategy to help build a better understanding of current and future transportation needs.

In phase 1, the government collected feedback identifying issues to understand what is important to people travelling to and through the Kamloops area. Now, in phase 2, the province is collecting feedback on proposed improvements.

Phase one feedback came from 586 B.C. residents and 20 advisory groups.

The province heard of issues on Highway 1 from the Afton interchange in west Kamloops to the Yellowhead interchange where Highway 1 and Highway 5 meet at Valleyview.

Issues raised with this route include commercial truck drivers passing each other up hills, a lack of safe routes for cyclists and pedestrians across the highway and it being a challenge to merge onto Highway 1 from Columbia Street.

The Yellowhead interchange

Bed Bath and bye

(where Highway 1 and Highway 5 meet) near Rose Hill Road and Valleyview Drive yielded traffic congestion issues and merging conflicts as the biggest concern for drivers, as well as a lack of infrastructure and signage for pedestrians and cyclists.

Highway 1 through Valleyview was also raised as a concern, particularly traffic congestion from closely spaced traffic lights and frontage roads. The province heard Vicars Road was of the biggest concern to motorists. Proximity to railway crossings are creating mobility and safety concerns, as is the lack of an alternate route for cyclists between

It appears as though Bed Bath & Beyond will close all 54 stores in Canada, including the outlet in Columbia Square shopping centre in Sahali.

The pending closures are referenced in Feb. 10 court filings in Ontario,

Grand Boulevard and Dallas Road.

Between the Yellowhead interchange to Heffley Creek, drivers have raised concerns about turning movements onto River Street, while a safer pedestrian and cycling connection from Shuswap Road to the South Thompson Bridge has also been identified as a need.

Phase 2 of engagement will help evaluate potential transportation improvements. Based on feedback in this phase, a third phase of engagement will share the recommended strategy and next steps and the goal is to finalize the strategy in 2023. Suggestions proposed for

According to the Canadian Press, Bed Bath & Beyond Canada Ltd. was granted an initial order for creditor protection by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act, according to the company acting as the court-appointed monitor for the case.

public feedback include making underpass improvements at River Road and Dallas Drive, making signage improvements to the Battle Street off-ramp and making pedestrian and cycling improvements to overpasses at Copperhead Drive, Pacific Way and Hillside Way. Intersection crossing improvements at Vicars Road, River Road and Tananger Drive are also proposed.

A reconfiguration of the Columbia Street on-ramp to Highway 1, off-ramp and intersection improvements on Summit Drive and a truck climbing lane on Highway 1 from the Highway 5 (Yellowhead) interchange to

The chain’s pending closure follows similar large-scale company shutdowns in Canada, including Sears in late 2017 and Target in early 2015, both of which had anchor stores in Kamloops malls.

Bed Bath & Beyond Canada is insolvent and cannot restructure its operations without support from its American

The strategy area consists of the provincial transportation network within the boundaries of Kamloops and Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc

Peterson Creek Bridge are in the plan. A new on-ramp from Battle Street to Highway 1 westbound and interchanges at Shuswap Road and Halston Avenue are also proposed.

The strategy area consists of the provincial transportation network within the boundaries of Kamloops and Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, including:

• Highway 1 from the Afton interchange underpass in the west to the Lafarge Road Interchange in the east;

• Yellowhead interchange of Highway 1 and Highway 5;

• Highway 5 from the Yellowhead interchange to the Old Highway 5 intersection at Heffley Creek;

• additional provincial roads and infrastructure.

People are invited to share their views online at https://gov.bc.ca/ kamloopstransportationstrategy.

The website includes information about the strategy and an online survey. The survey will be available until March 5.

parent company, court documents posted to Alvarez & Marsal Canada Inc.’s website show.

Bed Bath & Beyond Canada has begun the creditor protection proceedings, according to the documents dated Feb. 10. There has been no word on when the stores will be shuttered.

KAMLOOPS THISWEEK

KAMLOOPS THISWEEK

Call 250-851-8821

Broadcast by:

6AM - 6PM

March 2nd, 2023

Presented by: BUILDING

Presenting Sponsor: Sun Country Toyota

Half Day Sponsor: Kamloops Skin Solutions

Half Day Sponsor: Sun Peaks Resort

Social Media Sponsor: Petland Kamloops

Power Hour Sponsor: CP

Hourly Sponsors:

Abbott Wealth Management Inc.

Berwick on the Park

Dearborn Ford

HUB International

Kelson Group

KPMG LLP

No Limits Fitness

RBC Royal Bank

RE/MAX Real Estate Kamloops

Summit Eyecare Centre

Tirecraft Kamloops

Valley First, a Division of First West Credit Union

Other Thank Yous

Orenda Films

Radio NL 610 AM

Telus Business

On March 2nd, 2023, tune in to Radio NL 610 AM and listen to remarkable stories of resilience, compassion, and care from patients and staff. All proceeds raised through Royal Inland Hospital Foundation’s 9th Annual Radiothon will directly support healthcare in our region and the wonderful people involved. Donate today!

Andrii Lobanov fires up the crowd at a rally on Feb. 26, 2022, two days after Russian troops invaded Ukraine. The rally was organized on Columbia Street downtown to show support for Ukraine as the country endured the invasion. Smaller rallies have continued in the city in the year since the invasion began. Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a lengthy speech in Moscow on Tuesday, Feb. 21, blaming the West for starting the war and offering no words to indicate Russia’s goal of conquering Ukraine will change any time soon.

AFTER A YEAR, NEARLY 200 NEW NEIGHBOURS

refugees are female.

Nearly 200 Ukrainians fleeing war have made the Kamloops area their new home since fighting began in the European country.

One year ago this week, on Feb. 24, 2022, Russia launched a fullscale invasion of Ukraine. In the year since, Ukraine has managed to push back against the Russian offensive, but the fighting is ongoing, predominantly in the country’s east.

As of last week, Kamloops

Immigrant Services (KIS) has seen 176 Ukrainians resettle here via the Canadian-Ukrainian Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program.

That number includes 46 families and individuals, consisting of 117 adults, 21 teens and 38 children. About 60 per cent of the

The statistics appear well above the organization’s initial estimate of 15 families arriving in the first two years after the Russian invasion.

Asked how many people and for how long Ukrainian refugees can be accommodated in Kamloops as the war carries on, Saejin Chang, settlement team lead at KIS, said it is difficult to determine.

“Our heart is with them, so we will continue to support them,” Chang said. “Doesn’t matter how many, we will do it.”

On average, about four people arrive in the Kamloops area from Ukraine each week, Chang said.

Chang said all Ukrainian refugees have been matched with temporary, permanent or homestay housing, but finding long-term options, due to a lack of supply in town, has proven difficult.

She said the majority of adults have found work, but noted there are Ukrainian refugees struggling to pay rent.

“The housing price is really

high, the rent price is really high,” Chang said.

She said about 80 per cent of adult Ukrainian refugees have found work in Kamloops to date, noting KIS employment counsellors help them write resumes and cover letters. KIS also offers free English classes, as those without jobs don’t tend to know the language.

Paolo Bigit, KIS Ukrainian humanitarian and diversity coordinator, told KTW the agency has reached out to about 75 homeowners in the Kamloops area this past year about hosting Ukrainian refugees. About half took on a family, with those who could not citing myriad reasons, such as rising inflation.

Kamloops Search and Rescue manager Alan Hobler, who is not affiliated with KIS, hosted four Ukrainian families this past year and continues to do so as a fifth family is set to arrive in March.

Hobler said many refugees don’t speak English or have vehicles, so it is taking longer to

find jobs than initially realized by those he has hosted. Hobler said he has also heard some have found it difficult to find host families in Kamloops.

Chang noted financial issues — high cost of living and rent — among the most pressing for Ukrainian refugees here.

Kamloops, however, appears to be an attractive place to resettle.

Chang said clients who have arrived have told her they were hearing about Kamloops as a place with supports and a strong Ukrainian community. Last year, Chang said, most who came to the Kamloops area did so due to familial connections, but that trend has switched and Kamloops is seeing more refugees who have no prior connections to the area.

“It changed around late last year,” Chang said. “They simply choose Kamloops.”

KIS has a number of classes and services for Ukrainian refugees, such as monthly potlucks, snowshoeing and skiing trips, workshops

to help navigate government agencies, female empowerment groups and childcare activities.

It also works in collaboration with various other agencies, such as Refugees and Friends Together (RAFT), which assists with groceries and transit, the ASK Wellness Society, which provides rent subsidies and the Kamloops Food Bank and the Salvation Army food hamper program, both of which most Ukrainian refugees have utilized.

To date, about eight million refugees have been recorded as arriving in neighbouring European countries, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

As far as the numbers in Canada, the country implemented a system to allow Ukrainians to bypass the traditional refugee system and come to the country as temporary residents under CUAET.

As of Feb. 7, Canada has approved 64 per cent of the nearly 840,000 applications received since last March.

MICHAEL POTESTIO/ KTW FILE PHOTO

MICHAEL POTESTIO STAFF REPORTER michael@kamloopsthisweek.com

A transformative year due to war

MICHAEL POTESTIO STAFF REPORTER michael@kamloopsthisweek.com

It has been a difficult year for Ukrainians who have rallied in Kamloops in support of their homeland.

One year ago this week, on Feb. 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Two days later, a large rally was held in Kamloops in support of Ukraine, a demonstration that included many Ukrainian international students with family back home with whom they were keeping in constant contact, concerned for their safety as the fighting intensified.

Andrii Lobanov, who turned 23 last week, could be found leading that first rally on Columbia Street with a bullhorn.

The business student at Thompson Rivers University called Kamloops home for five years, and moved to Vancouver last spring after graduation.

Catching up with KTW, Lobanov he isn’t as concerned for his family’s safety as he was at the start of the war because, after a year, the fighting has become

more predictable.

He said he continues to stay in touch with family members every couple of days, primarily via text message.

“We’re always connected in this sort of times,” Lobanov said.

Yuliia Voloshchenko, 26, who has been working in Kamloops since graduating from TRU in 2020, said the past year watching from afar as war rages in her homeland is something she wouldn’t wish on anyone.

“It has been like hell on earth,” Voloshchenko said, noting her experience is nothing compared to those witnessing the fighting within Ukraine.

Over the past year, Voloshchenko has been helping to organize rallies for Kamloops Stand with Ukraine, a group of volunteers that organized via social media in an effort to raise awareness of the war effort and plan fundraisers and local events to support refugees.

Voloshchenko said the rallies have been an avenue to express frustration about the war.

“It has been difficult, especially the fact you don’t really know when and if you will be able to

go back and see your home city,” Voloshchenko said.

Lobanov has a six-year-old sister, mother, father and three grandparents in the town of Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, located in southern Ukraine, near Odessa.

He said his family remains safe in their hometown, where they are currently far from the frontlines.

“But there are air raid sirens and this actually happens quite a lot,” Lobanov said, noting his family has had to hide in bunkers from time to time, though his sister was still able to attend school last year.

“The war definitely leaves a mark even on people who live far from the frontline,” Lobanov said.

Voloshchenko and her family are from Kharkiv — a city in the northwest of the country that has been bombed. When the war began, Voloshchenko called her parents, waking them in the early morning to tell them war had begun and to head to a bomb shelter.

She said her parents, 15-yearold brother and grandparents fled to Germany six weeks into the fighting.

Voloshchenko said she visited her family in Germany last

City hall may be swarmed by hundreds of paper cranes this Friday (Feb. 24) to mark the one-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine.

Kamloops Stand with Ukraine — a collection of volunteers raising awareness of the war and supporting refugees — has been gathering outside city hall all year. On Friday, the group will gather at 3:30 p.m.

The group hopes to make 365 paper cranes,

year and brought her mother to Canada for Christmas.

“Just to distract a little bit from everything that was going on,” Voloshchenko said, adding she hopes to visit her family again in a few months.

She said she is hoping to bring her family over to Canada via at some point.

Voloshchenko said she is saddened her family has to live a “different life,” learning a new language and trying to adjust to a new country, adding her parents lost their jobs in international shipping due to the war.

Lobanov said he worries about when he may be able to return home, having not been able to visit his family or bring them to Canada.

However, he is confident the conflict will have one outcome.

“It’s not the first war we’ve had in human history and, like every war, it ends in peace. I’m sure this war will end in peace, as well,” Lobanov said.

As of Jan. 30, there have been a recorded 18,817 civilian casualties, including 7,155 deaths, according to statistics from the United Nations.

storks and/or nightingales to put on display, signifying each day since Russia invaded the country. It is also a symbol of solidarity with the people of Ukraine, according to Oleksandr Kondrashov, a social work professor at Thompson Rivers University and main organizer of the group. Go online to kamloopsthisweek.com to read more about the event and how you can help.

LOCAL NEWS

Under the new law, man released with drugs in hand

A man who was arrested for striking cars along Battle Street downtown was sent packing with his drugs in hand in what appears to be an early example of a new pilot program for B.C. in action in Kamloops.

According to the RCMP, police responded to a report of a man who was yelling and kicking parked vehicles along Battle Street downtown at about 8:15 a.m. on Feb. 12.

Police found a man, who appeared to be under the influence of drugs, and arrested him for mischief. He was taken to the nearby RCMP detachment cells at Battle Street and Sixth Avenue.

A small amount of meth was found on the man, which was returned to him by officers, who released him with a Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions resource card. No charges are being considered at this time.

As of Jan. 31, under the new provincial pilot program for B.C., police are not arresting adults with 2.5 grams or less of many hard drugs — nor are officers seizing the drugs. Instead, police have been instructed to offer information on available health and social supports, as well as local treatment and recovery options. The pilot program runs from Jan. 31, 2023, to Jan. 31, 2026.

Health Canada has granted

B.C. an exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to decriminalize possession of opioids such as heroin, morphine and fentanyl, as well as crack and powder cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy).

While possession is, for now, decriminalized, the drugs remain illegal.

Government and health officials hope the exemption will get more people into treatment and diminish the stigma around drug use. Whether it results in fewer overdose deaths remains to be seen.

In B.C., more than 10,000

people have died from overdoses since the province declared a public health emergency in April 2016. In the Feb. 12 case, the man was arrested for mischief, not possession.

Of note, drug possession in any amount will continue to be a criminal offence on elementary and secondary school grounds and at licensed childcare facilities.

Nor does the decriminalization of possession apply to those ages 17 and under. Youths found in possession of any amount of illegal drugs are subject to the federal Youth Criminal Justice Act, in which they are offered alternatives to criminal charges in some cases.

Woman’s injury spurs police watchdog probe in Kamloops

KAMLOOPS THISWEEK

The Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIOBC) is investigating an incident in Kamloops in which a woman sustained serious injuries.

The IIOBC, which is the province’s police watchdog, said information it received from Kamloops RCMP stated that officers responded to a home on McGill Road in Sahali at about 11:35 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, after receiving a call about a disturbance.

According to information given to the IIOBC by the Kamloops RCMP,

when officers arrived at the McGill Road residence, they found a woman nearby who was reported to have been involved in the disturbance.

The IIOBC said the woman was arrested and placed in a Kamloops RCMP cell at the downtown Battle Street detachment.

According to the IIOBC, on the morning of Sunday, Feb. 5, the woman complained of an injury.

“She was released and transported to a local hospital, where it was determined that she had suffered a serious injury,” the IIOBC stated in a release.

The IIOBC has begun an investigation to what role, if any, police may have played in that injury.

The IIOBC is asking anybody with relevant information or video footage in connection with the incident to call 1-855-446-8477 toll-free or use the contact form on the iiobc.ca website.

The IIOBC is the independent civilian oversight agency of the police in British Columbia that investigates all officer-related incidents that result in harm or death, regardless of whether there are allegations of wrongdoing.

KAMLOOPS THISWEEK

Of note, drug possession in any amount will continue to be a criminal offence on elementary and secondary school grounds and at licensed childcare facilities. Nor does the decriminalization of possession apply to those ages 17 and under.

Negligent, but officer did not commit offence

INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATIONS OFFICE OF BC PROBE INTO JUNE 2022 DEATH

KAMLOOPS THISWEEK

B.C.’s police watchdog has found a Kamloops Mountie to have been negligent in connection with the death of a man.

However, the Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIOBC) found there wasn’t enough evidence as to when the man died to determine if the officer’s failure to intervene did or did not contribute to the death.

According to the IIOBC, at about 5:30 p.m. on June 28, 2022, a member of the public saw two men sitting near the transit exchange on Sydney Avenue, behind Northills Centre, who appeared to be under the influence of drugs.

The witness didn’t approach the men, but went to a police officer he spotted refuelling a vehicle at the nearby Petro-Canada gas station. There, the witness advised the officer that the two men should be checked on.

The witness said the officer assured him he would check on the men, but when the officer left the gas station, he turned in the opposite direction and drove away. GPS data downloaded from the officer’s vehicle confirmed he was stopped at the gas station at about 5:30 p.m., then left the area.

One of the men was subsequently found dead at that location just before 7 p.m. by another member of the public, who called 911 and attempted to provide firstaid, according to the IIOBC report.

Paramedics attempted for about 30 minutes to revive the man before he was officially declared deceased as a result of fentanyl toxicity.

The witness who had tried rendering first-aid would later tell the IIOBC that he felt the man had been deceased for some time when he was discovered.

Video clips from passing buses show that about 30 minutes before the officer was notified at the gas station, the man had been slumped over on the sidewalk beside a tree and was not “significantly changing his position” until he was found dead, according to the IIOBC report.

Two or three other individuals were sitting or moving around near the man, but no one appeared to be taking any notice of him, the report stated.

The IIOBC’s investigation determined that as there was no eyewitness or expert medical evidence to assist in determining when the man died, or at what time medical intervention might have saved his life, there is no way to know whether the police officer’s failure to follow up contributed to the man’s death.

“While it can be said that [the officer] should have followed up on [the eyewitness] report, I do not consider that there are reasonable grounds to believe that an officer may have committed an offence under any enactment and therefore the matter will not be referred to Crown counsel for consid-

eration of charges,” IIOBC chief civilian director Ronald McDonald said in his report.

However, McDonald did add this: “There is no doubt that, in general, a police officer has a duty to safeguard the lives and safety of citizens when it is reasonably within his ability to do so. At a time when it is public knowledge that high numbers of drug users are dying from ingesting toxic narcotics such as fentanyl, one would expect that officers would be particularly heedful of any report that an individual nearby may be suffering from a drug overdose.

“In this case, the nature of [the eyewitness’s] occupation meant that he worked in the area of the bus loop on a regular basis, and the evidence is that the location is commonly frequented by users of illicit drugs.

“That being so, the fact that [the eyewitness] was expressing concern specifically about [the overdose victim] and his companion should have caused [the officer] to register the concern as significant and worthy of investigation. It has to be concluded that there was a measure of negligence in his failure to do so.”

The IIOBC is the independent civilian oversight agency of the police in British Columbia.

It investigates all officerrelated incidents that result in serious harm or death, to determine what role, if any, police actions or inactions played, regardless of whether there are allegations of wrongdoing.

Mon-Sun 10am—6pm

905 NotreDame Dr. 250.828.0810 petlandkamloops.ca

Firefighter, cycling needs raised at budget meeting

MICHAEL POTESTIO STAFF REPORTER michael@kamloopsthisweek.com

About 110 residents attended the city’s first public budget meeting on McArthur Island on Feb. 15, more than half of whom were Kamloops Fire Rescue firefighters and Kamloops Cycling Coalition supporters — each of whom have million-dollar proposals on the table.

The Kamloops Cycling Coalition is asking the city to better fund active transportation infrastructure and has proposed the city use $750,000 from its Community Climate Action Plan in 2023, with annual $1 million contributions after that, in order to accelerate (from 20 years to 10 years) the creation of cycling infrastructure identified in the Kamloops Transportation Master Plan.

City of Kamloops

N O T I C E O F D I S P O S I T I O N

Pursuant to Sections 26(3) and 94 of the Community Charter, S.B.C. 2003, Ch. 26, the City of K amloops (the “City ”) is disposing of an interest in land by way of an easement over a 120.9 m2 par t of Mission Flats Road adjacent to those proper ties at 1880/1890 Mission Flats Road and 2005 Mission Flats Road, and which par t of road is legally described as:

That Par t of Road Dedicated on Plan 4156 District Lot 249 KDYD shown on Plan EPP122749 (the “Easement ”).

The City will grant the Easement to the adjacent landowners, Inland Pacific Industries Ltd and DKP Pulp ULC (Kruger Inc.) for the beneficial use of the lessee, Arrow Transpor tations Systems Inc., for the purpose of conveying wood chips over the Easement between the lands, and in consideration of $10,000 plus the City ’s costs associated with granting the Easement

For more information, please contact David W Freeman, RI(BC ), Assistant Development, Engineering, and Sustainability Director/Real Estate Manager, at 250-828-3548.

Coalition member Deb Alore, who said she counted about 40 of the group’s supporters in attendance, told KTW they are hopeful the request will be added to the budget. She said the request is “more than reasonable” and feels it has much community support.

“People want to be healthy. They want to be safe. I can’t think of a downside for the request for active transportation acceleration,” she said, noting the group would like the focus to be on gaps in the infrastructure.

Kamloops Fire Rescue is asking for more than $1 million annually in operating costs to hire 10 firefighters in order to make whole the Westsyde firehall, which now has two full-time employees, complemented by paid oncall volunteers.

The added full-time firefighters would ensure the legally required standard team of four is stationed to respond to fires around the clock at the firehall on Porterfield Road.

Currently, when that station’s two-person crew responds to a call, they must wait on available backup — the closest station

being on Tranquille Road in Brocklehurst — before attacking a fire.

Kamloops Fire Rescue

Chief Ken Uzeloc told council’s committee of the whole last week that he has a waiting list of candidates who could immediately fill the positions.

Kris Krutop, president of Kamloops’ firefighters union IAFF Local 913, said more firefighters in Westsyde is something that has been called for since the 1980s, but noted population trends led to other neighbourhoods, such as Aberdeen, being addressed first.

“So Westsyde got put on the shelf for a little while,” Krutop said.

IAFF Local 913 vice president Josh Booy said more firefighters in Westsyde is “long overdue” and needed, in order to provide the area with the same service level in place elsewhere in the city. Booy said there were about 25 firefighters in attendance.

Senior Sheila Park, a downtown resident in attendance for the meeting, said she supports the fire department’s request, noting firefighters can be overworked and should have added support if needed.

Mayor Reid HamerJackson noted the positive atmosphere of the night, saying he didn’t hear people complain about this year’s proposed five per cent property tax increase, but did take notice of the firefighters and the number of people advocating for the cycling community.

Coun. Stephen Karpuk told KTW he recognizes the city isn’t doing enough for firefighters and cyclists in Kamloops.

“We’re a city of 100,000 and with that comes costs,” Karpuk said. “We still have to meet those future needs at some point.”

Coun. Bill Sarai said he heard from about 15 people, noting the firefighter request is a “must-have.”

“A lot of people are realizing now Westsyde’s not getting the proper protection

it should. Westsyde residents probably aren’t even aware of that,” he said, noting a twoperson crew isn’t sufficient, especially in an area with many older homes.

Sarai also noted support for the Kamloops Cycling Coalition was strong, lauding it for its grassroots beginnings that has gained momentum over time. He said council needs to put money aside and find the right infrastructure for cyclists.

“We need to make it safer for them to ride their bikes,” Sarai said.

BUDGET NOTES:

City staff had a board for attendees to place suggestions for budget considerations outside of what is being currently proposed.

A smattering of some 20 posted notes contained:

• a call to add flowers in the 300-block of Battle Street;

• a request for more firefighters in Dallas and Barnhartvale;

• a request that the search bar of the city’s website be more user-friendly;

• a request to add removal of windrows and piles of snow specifically, around loading zones, libraries and alley entrances, to snow-clearing work, along with snow-clearing of bike routes;

• a request for better wheelchair accessibility in parks;

• a request for added bus runs;

• a call for safer bike lanes;

• a request to redesign Pemberton Terrace in Sahali;

• a reminder of the need for medical walk-in clinics;

• a call for better communication of infrastructure projects;

• a request for the replacement of the deck coating on the multi-use path on Overlanders Bridge.

Residents who could not attend the Feb. 15 meeting can add their thoughts on the budget by going online to letstalk.kamloops.ca/budget2023.

Deadline to comment is March 2.

COUNCIL WILL NEXT REVIEW BUDGET ON MARCH 7

Turpel-Lafond’s honorary degree under review

SEAN BRADY STAFF REPORTER sbrady@kamloopsthisweek.com

Thompson Rivers University is considering whether it should revoke the honorary degree given to Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond in 2009.

Turpel-Lafond, the former representative for children and youth in B.C., is the subject of recent controversy over her claimed Indigenous heritage.

She was given an honorary doctor of laws degree by TRU in 2009. At the time, the university said TurpelLafond “broke new ground for Aboriginal women in this country” when she became the “first tenured law professor of Aboriginal heritage in Canada.”

In October 2022, a report by the CBC called Turpel-Lafond’s

Indigenous heritage into question, alleging her claims of Cree ancestry, her claim of treaty Indian status, the community in which she said she was raised and her stated academic accomplishments were “inconsistent with publicly available documents.”

A newly formed group called the Indigenous Women’s Collective responded shortly after the article was published and called upon universities to rescind their honorary degrees.

That group is now calling on Canada’s Governor General to rescind Turpel-Lafond’s Order of Canada, which was awarded to her in 2021.

In an unattributed statement provided to KTW, a university spokesperson said the TRU senate’s awards and honours committee has begun considering whether or not it

will rescind the degree. The university contacted Turpel-Lafond to ask if she would like to address the committee and

a response from her legal counsel has been received by the university, according to the spokesperson.

“TRU will respect and follow our internal protocols regarding this process, which is outlined in our honorary degree policy,” the statement concludes.

That policy states an honorary degree can be revoked upon the recommendation of the awards and honours committee, the senate and the president “if TRU was unaware of the conduct at the time that the decision to award the honorary degree was made.”

On Feb. 10, the University of Regina senate voted to rescind the honorary degree conferred to TurpelLafond in 2003.

In a news release, that university cited “evidence that has emerged in the media with respect to Turpel-

Lafond’s claims of Indigenous heritage/ancestry” and “a number of other stated credentials and academic achievements [that] have shown to be untrue.”

“ … Her accomplishments are outweighed by the harm inflicted upon Indigenous academics, peoples and communities when non-Indigenous people misrepresent their Indigenous ancestry,” the release reads.

In December 2022, TRU president Brett Fairbairn said the university is taking steps to prevent Indigenous identity fraud at the school in response to media reports about Turpel-Lafond. He cited a report conducted by Jean Teillet, commissioned by the University of Saskatchewan, that recommended a vetting policy that includes consultation with Indigenous communities.

Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond , the former representative for children and youth in B.C., is the subject of recent controversy over her claimed Indigenous heritage.

UBC PHOTO

Halifax, Nova Scotia connects with the past

of those who made their way to Canada.

It was a dark and misty night, perfect for a journey into the haunted history of the Halifax Citadel.

With a flickering lantern in hand, I find myself warily shuffling down the historic fortress’s dimly lit passageways into its shadowy inner chambers, descending flagstone steps through dark tunnels to the subterranean, airless prison cells that once housed hapless prisoners.

All the while our guide, the black-cloaked and mysterious Mr. Adams, recounts chilling ghost stories and tales of the unexplained.

For whatever reason, I had thought this “Raise the Spirits” tour was a great way to spend an evening in Halifax — trundling around in the shadows of the ramparts at this National Historic Site, breathlessly anticipating whatever sinister apparition might lurk around each corner. The tour had begun rather well — the initial spirits being raised were both uplifting and calming.

After hiking up Citadel Hill to the star-shaped fortress sitting strategically atop, it becomes abundantly clear why this commanding hilltop location was chosen in 1749 for the Halifax Citadel to protect the city. I am met at the fortress gates by a Sergeant Andrew Crawley. Playing the part of a 78th Highlander from the period 186971, Crawley is handsomely dressed in his red doublet and kilt. He says the regiment was popular with Haligonians because they brought

colour and pageantry to the city. Our small group is led inside the soldier’s library and the spirits that greet us here are quite welcoming. On a paper place mat filled with tasting notes, four special Glencairn nosing glasses stand in a line.

Each is placed on the name of the spirit it contains: Noon Gun Gin, Fort George Genever, Daily Ration Rum, and Granite & Grain Whisky. The everyday life of a 19thcentury soldier included alcohol, from persuading the enlistment of new recruits, (I felt like signing up then and there), to fortifying one’s bravery in the field, (it turns out I

would need that shortly), alcohol has long played a major role in the Halifax Citadel’s story. We learn that in 1869, a daily alcohol ration was the high point for many soldiers and, with that in mind, the Halifax Citadel Society partnered with Compass Distillers to create these unique spirits, all of which are aged in oak barrels and stored on-site in the North Magazine at the Citadel.

Unfortunately, Mr. Adams doesn’t lead us to where the good spirits are stored, but rather into the Cavalier Building which housed the barracks back in the 1800s.

It is true that by the time we

leave the tasting for this second part of our spirited experience our own bravery has been fortified, if only temporarily. For though the spirits have heightened our confidence level, they may have also allowed for more furtive flights of the imagination.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Atlantic Canada’s biggest city, is full of wonderful and fascinating indoor and outdoor museums. The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is the place to learn about Canada’s immigrant history, with beautiful exhibits, first-person accounts, photos, artifacts, and interpretive displays detailing the experiences

Just as Pier 21 was a new start for the nearly one million immigrants to Canada between 1928 and 1971, a journey into your own family history can also begin here at the Scotiabank Family History Centre.

Also located on the waterfront, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is generally recognized as having the world’s finest collection of artifacts from the Titanic.

Halifax was the closest major port to the 1912 sinking, and therefore it was where the recovered bodies were brought along with many pieces of wreckage. These fragments, including a near perfectly preserved deckchair.

To make this museum visit even more poignant, head over to the Titanic Grave Site at Fairview Lawn Cemetery where 121 Titanic victims are buried.

In the middle of Halifax Harbour is Georges Island National Historic Site, a place the native Mi’kmaq called home for thousands of years. The island is now one of five sites that make up the Halifax Defence Complex, forts and batteries constructed to protect Halifax from attack.

Take a guided tour of the maze of brick tunnels built underground on the island beneath Fort Charlotte for the defense of the harbour. Though the labyrinth of passageways is a bit spooky, you will find no spirits here.

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

JAMIE ROSS SPECIAL TO KTW travelwriterstales.com

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Atlantic Canada’s biggest city, is full of wonderful and fascinating indoor and outdoor museums. Halifax Citadel is the perfect place to dig into the historic comings and goings of early Canadians.

TONY WEBSTER PHOTO/FLICKR

Kel-c Jules’ original design is featured on this year’s shirt for Pink Shirt Day at Lloyd George elementary. The design features a falcon flying with the sun, as well as other Indigenous imagery, including birch bark basket patterns and the c7es7ístkten (winter home) near the falcon’s heart.

Wear pink and take a stand against bullying

As in years past, thousands of Canadians are expected to wear pink on Wednesday. Feb. 22, to show their support for safe and inclusive schools, workplaces and communities. in 2007, Grade 12 students David Shepherd and Travis Price of Nova Scotia took matters into their own hands after a fellow Grade 9 student, Chuck McNeill, was bullied for wearing a pink polo shirt on the first day of school. Students began directing homophobic remarks at McNeill, which didn’t sit well with Shepherd or Price.

In an interview with the Canadian Museum

for Human Rights, Price explained that he and Shepherd came up with the idea for their schoolmates to wear pink shirts as a way of standing up for the bullied student.

He and Shepherd then went out and purchased 75 women’s tank tops and pink pre-wrap rolls to make headbands and wristbands.

Next, they contacted their school’s administration with their idea. The school warned the boys about possible fights that could break out and let them know that it was on them if expulsion occurred. Undeterred, Price and Shepherd posted on MSN Messenger, an online instant

messenger service, asking students to join them in wearing pink shirts.

More than 750 of the school’s 1,000 students went to school the next day wearing pink shirts.

Price, who had also been bullied, saw McNeill as a kid just like himself. As the older student, he was inspired to be a good leader and take a stand for younger students and others who experienced bullying. Little did Price and Shepherd know just how big the event would become.

Eventually, Pink Shirt Day was formed as an antibullying initiative. It takes place each year on the last Wednesday of February.

KAMLOOPS THISWEEK

SEAN BRADY/KTW

Police partner with others to create Safe Spaces

KAMLOOPS THISWEEK

The Kamloops RCMP is hoping to draw attention to all the colours of a rainbow during this year’s Pink Shirt Day.

On Wednesday, Feb. 22, as students stand united in pink, the Kamloops RCMP crime prevention team will launch its Safe Places program in schools across the region.

Safe Places is a pilot program that aims to engage local schools and businesses to promote and provide safety for the 2SLGBTQPIA+ community.

Displaying the Safe Places Rainbow Shield signifies that if someone is experiencing hate, they may enter the business or office and wait safely for police to arrive.

“Implementing the program in schools on Feb. 22, makes it that much more significant in raising awareness about the harm of bullying and the importance in taking steps to support each other,” said Cpl. Dana Napier of the Kamloops RCMP’s community police unit.

“We wanted to do something that captured the meaning of Pink Shirt Day — kindness, empathy, understanding — and link it to the symbolism of the Safe Places Rainbow Shield.”

The Safe Places Rainbow Shield will be placed on school office and counsellor doors to symbolize the space as somewhere students can go when they are being bullied and feel confident that their concerns, feelings and who they are as individuals will be

accepted and acknowledged.

Partners of the Safe Places program include the Kamloops Pride Society, Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, the downtown and North Shore business improvement associations and School District 73.

Vessy Mochikas (left), School District 73’s assistant superintendent of inclusive education, with Kamloops RCMP Cpl. Dana Napier of the detachment’s community police unit at a Safe Spaces location.

KAMLOOPS RCMP PHOTO

Scotties curlers talk dining, dancing, ice, crowds

When asked about host city and venue, outof-town Scotties

Tournament of Hearts curlers are likely to be polite.

Laurie St-Georges far exceeded the boundaries of courteous when speaking of the Kamloops experience thus far, the bubbly Team Quebec skip perhaps even more effervescent than

usual while talking to media after her team’s second victory of the tournament, a 9-5 win over Saskatchewan on a Family Day afternoon (Feb. 20).

“I wish I could actually live here,” St-Georges said. “I’m seeing Montreal now and I’m like, mmmm, wow, B.C., it’s so beautiful.”

The Kamloops Hearts marks St-Georges third consecutive trip to the national championship, but the 2023 iteration is the first to boast fans and the 25-yearold Laval product is jiving with the experience, as is her only

connection to the Tournament Capital.

“My boyfriend’s mom, her best friend is from here and she was in the stands,” said St-Georges, a first-time visitor to the River City. “She was the one dancing at one point on the big screen. I just looked at her and was like, oh yeah, it feels like home. It’s an amazing feeling.”

The 2022 and 2021 tournaments, in Thunder Bay and Calgary, respectively, were closed to fans due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“It feels so different with the

fans in the stands,” St-Georges said, noting she is also dealing with Scotties-level media attention for the first time. “Just to hear the fans saying, “Awww,” or, “Yayyy!” when you do a shot or not … you don’t even know, like, are they clapping because I did a shot? Or is it the other sheet? It’s just totally another game.”

St-Georges stopped short of saying the tournament feels more meaningful because butts are in seats, but noted she will always take the presence of human beings over fake crowd members.

“It’s just so nice, the momen-

tum, and when you do a great shot, just to be there and I’m watching the stands and it’s not like [cardboard cutouts] with my mom’s face on it,” St-Georges said. “It’s actually real people, you know. It feels amazing.”

The 2023 Scotties had drawn 19,508 fans after Draw 10, which wrapped up on Tuesday afternoon.

Draw 5 on Sunday is the largest gate thus far, with 2,475 spectators in Sandman Centre for the afternoon session.

Manitoba skip Jennifer Jones delivers in Scotties Tournament of Hearts action on Monday at Sandman Centre. When not curling, she may be found at Hello Toast, Mittz Kitchen or Twisted Steak.

ALLEN DOUGLAS/KTW

Skips, Edin weigh in on ice conditions

“The crowd’s great,” Manitoba skip Jennifer Jones said. “They’re super knowledgeable and they’re lively, which is what you want. You don’t want people who are quiet.”

Jones was not quite in a Laurie-St-Georges-I’m-movingto-Kamloops mood, but the 2014 Olympic champion did take a moment to rave about the Tournament Capital.

“I just love playing in British Columbia and Kamloops is spectacularly beautiful,” said Jones, who is aiming to win a recordbreaking seventh Hearts title. “It’s like a hidden treasure.”

Has she dined out?

“The food here is amazing and we’re all foodies and my daughters are foodies, too,” said Jones, who took a scenic drive to Vernon and expects her husband will whisk the kids off to Sun Peaks Resort before the tournament is over. “We went to Mittzy’s, I think it’s called? Mittz

Kitchen. I think we’re going to go to Twisted [Steak]. We went to a great breakfast at Hello Toast.”

Ontario skip Rachel Homan was not likely in the mood to offer Tourism Kamloops bulletinboard material following a lastrock loss to Jones on Monday, but she endured an interview.

“It’s been amazing,” Homan said. “The volunteers are super

friendly and welcoming. The town’s great. It’s nice to be in the mountains. It’s nice and mild out here. We’ve found some good local coffee shops and some awesome restaurants and we went on a little hike. We went to Five Bean and we went to Twisted Steak. It was a really good supper.”

Rain and mild temperatures have made life difficult on ice

crews, with humidity leading to moisture and frost on sheet surfaces.

Six-time men’s world curling champion Niklas Edin, who is coaching Clancy Grandy’s Team B.C. this week, offered his take on Sunday night.

“It’s really good,” Edin said. “Definitely a little bit of frost, as it should be. Raining all night and all day today made it a little bit trickier, but overall it’s really consistent, super good ice conditions, so nothing to complain about.”

Team Canada skip Kerri Einarson spoke of tricky ice conditions on Sunday and Monday.

“It’s a little patchy in some spots and quite frosty, with the rainy weather here in Vancouver and Kamloops, but we’ve been managing it and doing well,” Einarson said, noting her team ate at Earls on Sunday and plans to explore the city during a day off on Wednesday.

St-Georges: “We’re still kind of learning the ice and where to

put the broom for each other. Especially for me, there are some runs sometimes on the ice and it’s curling a hair less in some spots.”

Jones: “Ice has been great. It got a little bit straighter. It was curling a little bit more the first couple days, but it’s been great.”

IN THE STANDINGS

Scotties standings after Draw 10 action on Tuesday afternoon:

Pool A — Canada (Einarson) 5-0, Wild Card 1 (Lawes) 3-1, Nova Scotia (Black) 3-2, B.C. (Grandy) 3-2, Alberta (Skrlik) 2-2, Quebec (St-Georges) 2-2, Prince Edward Island (Birt) 1-3, Saskatchewan (Silvernagle) 1-4, Nunavut (MacPhail) 0-4.

Pool B — Northern Ontario (McCarville) 4-1, Manitoba (Jones) 4-1, Northwest Territories (Galusha) 3-2, Ontario (Homan) 3-2, New Brunswick (Kelly) 2-2, Newfoundland and Labrador (Curtis) 1-3, Yukon (Birnie) 1-3, Wild Card 2 (Scheidegger) 1-3, Wild Card 3 (Walter) 1-3.

Team Ontario second Emma Miskew gazes into the Kamloops crowd.

ALLEN DOUGLAS/KTW

SPORTS Kuefler, red-hot Blazers loving life on road

MARTY HASTINGS STAFF REPORTER sports@kamloopsthisweek.com

Thieves would have been smart to target Stettler, Alta., on Friday, Feb. 17, when Daylan Kuefler, one of the Alberta hamlet’s favourite sons, and his Kamloops Blazers were an hour outside of town in Red Deer, posting a 7-4 win over the Rebels.

“I think Kuefler had half of Stettler out watching,” said Kamloops Blazers’ head coach Shaun Clouston, whose club is riding a nine-game winning streak and is 3-0 on its road swing through the Central Division.

Kuefler will graduate from the WHL after the 2022-2023 campaign and this trip through Alberta and Saskatchewan, which continues on Wednesday with a game against the Broncos in Swift Current, marks the 20-year-old forward’s first chance to showcase his talent close to home at the Central Division stops.

The Blazers alternate road trips each season, rotating

between the East Division and Central Division, but COVID19 restrictions kept the club from playing outside of the B.C. Division and U.S. Division in 2020-2021 and 2021-2022.

Kuefler was 17 when Kamloops rolled through the East Division in 2019-2020, the Blazers’ most recent foray outside of the Pacific Northwest.

O N ’ T M I SS T H E S C OT T I E S TO U R N A M E N T O F H E A R TS

His fan club came out in force on Friday, with about 200 Kueflerites in Peavey Mart Centrium to watch the New York Islanders’ prospect tally a power play goal in the win over the Rebels (37-14-1-3), a performance that kickstarted his standout trip. “I got a little emotional coming out for warmup there,” Kuefler said. “All the little minor hockey

kids and family and friends, they all had signs on the glass and were all cheering when we came out.”

Shea Van Olm, Olen Zellweger, Harrison Brunicke, Kyle Masters and Kuefler are Albertans and Ashton Ferster, Logan Bairos and Dylan Ernst round out the Saskatchewan contingent on the Blazers’ roster.

Keufler notched a goal and an assist and picked up first-star honours in a 4-1 win over the Hitmen (24-24-5-2) on Sunday in Calgary and tallied two goals in a 7-3 triumph over the Oil Kings (8-43-3-0) on Monday in Edmonton.

“It might have a little bit to do with it, maybe getting a little extra jump knowing you know the people in the seats on a personal level,” Kuefler said. “I’m not sure, but it’s been going good for me and going good for the group.”

Clouston was asked if support from family and friends close to home adds inspiration for the Prairie players.

“It sure seems like it does,” he said. “This is back to normal for us old guys, but for the players, it’s a brand new experience for a lot of them. They hadn’t played at Rogers Place (18,500-seat home of the Edmonton Oilers).”

Victories are piling up, but Clouston noted the club has not been consistently in dominant form.

NHL Draft picks Caedan Bankier (left), Daylan Kuefler, Olen Zellweger and Logan Stankoven celebrate a goal earlier this month at Sandman Centre. Kamloops has won nine straight games and is 3-0 on its Central Division road swing.

ALLEN DOUGLAS/KTW

See DEMEK, A25

SPORTS

Demek makes debut

“During this stretch, it hasn’t always been easy,” Clouston said. “We’ve had some stretches of games where we’ve been dominant and stretches of games where we’ve had the game come at us. We’ve had to come from behind a couple of times. We’ve had to regain momentum after having a lead and giving it up. It hasn’t been everything all at once, necessarily, but it’s been enough most nights to get the job done.”

The Blazers added a new toy on Monday, when Jakub Demek — a 6-foot-4, 203-pound forward from Kosice, Slovakia — made his debut on the left wing and played on a line with centre Fraser Minten and right winger Connor Levis.

“First impressions were terrific — a big guy, skates well and made some nice plays,” said Clouston, who celebrated his 55th birthday on Tuesday. “He set his teammates up

for chances that just missed. The guys are extremely excited to see him in the lineup.”

Demek, who did not register a point on Monday, was traded to Kamloops from Edmonton on Nov. 14 and the Vegas Golden Knights’ prospect was hopeful to join the Blazers’ lineup in mid- to late January after recovering from shoulder surgery. The Golden Knights pushed back his return date by a month out of an abundance of caution.

“It was pretty hard to watch them from the stands every day,” Demek said. “Now, I’m finally back, so I’m excited. The shoulder feels very good. I didn’t feel any pain, but of course my legs are pretty

BEGINNER CLASSES NOW FORMING!

much out of game shape. It will take a couple of games to get back into game shape.”

The Blazers (3610-4-2 for 78 points) are second in Western Conference standings, six points back of the Seattle Thunderbirds (41-9-1-1 for 82 points) and one point ahead of the Portland Winterhawks (36-13-2-3 for

77 points).

Swift Current (25-25-1-2 for 53 points) will be up against a motivated import, a group of players relishing a road trip years in the making and a team rounding into form a few months before it is slated to host the Memorial Cup tournament.

Lethbridge (30-19-3-3 for 66 points) will play host to Kamloops

When?

on Friday. The Blazers will wrap the roadie with a tilt against the Tigers (23-22-8-1 for 55 points) on Saturday in Medicine Hat.

“It’s been as good as it’s been all year,” Kuefler said. “It’s fun right now. These road trips are fun, we’re enjoying each other, we’re enjoying playing the game and we’re having success doing that.”

RAUTER JOINS KLW

Thompson-Nicola Regional District NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Thursday, March 9th, 2023 at 1:30 PM

The Board of Directors of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District gives notice that it will hold a Public Hearing in the TNRD Boardroom, 4th Floor - 465 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC, to consider proposed South Thompson Valley & Pinantan OCP Amendment Bylaw 2767, 2022, Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2768, 2022, Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2798, 2023, and Temporary Use Permit TUP 65, Bylaw 2799, 2023

What are OCP Amendment Bylaw 2767, 2022 & Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2768, 2022?

These two Bylaws apply to 1585 Lance Road, a property in Pritchard, (PID: 030-292-522) It is proposed to be rezoned to the SH-1: Small Holdings Zone to enable continued farm/small-scale meat processing land uses and two detached dwellings. The property is currently zoned C-2: Service Commercial Zone and AF-1: Agricultural/Forestry

As a part of the process, an existing older manufactured home on the property is proposed to be allowed to temporarily remain for a term up to 3 years.

What is Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2798, 2023?

It will allow a small lakeshore portion of the land at 3962 Highway 97 Monte Lake, (PID: 013-367-706), to be rezoned from C-4: Recreational Commercial to LR-1: Lakeshore Residential Single Family Zone, to enable reconstruction of a principal single-family dwelling lost to a fire

What is Temporary Use Permit TUP 65, Bylaw 2799, 2023?

It will enable a long-term rental within an additional, existing, small singlefamily dwelling at 6952 Upper Louis-Creek Road in Whitecroft (PID: 002-940-736), shown shaded in the below right, for up to three years. The specific TUP conditions are stipulated on the proposed permit which forms part of Bylaw 2799

All persons who believe that their interest in property may be affected by the proposed Bylaws shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be heard at the Public Hearing Additionally, they may make written submissions on the matter of the Bylaws (via the options below) which must be received at our office prior to 4:30 p m on the 7th day of March 2023 The entire content of all submissions will be made public and form a part of the public record for this matter

How do I get more information?

A copy of the proposed Bylaws and all supporting information can be inspected from 8:30 a m to 4:30 p m , Monday to Friday (except statutory holidays) at our office, from February 20th, 2023 until 1:30 p m the day of the Hearing; or please contact us via any of the options below

JAKUB DEMEK

TSN broadcaster and Curling Canada Hall of Famer Vic Rauter will share thoughts on Kamloops and the Scotties Tournament of Hearts on Wednesday on Kamloops Last Week. Subscribe to KLW on YouTube and follow along through your favourite podcast provider.

WorkBC will help you find training, resources and financial support to advance your career.

Learn more at WorkBC.ca/FindYourPath.

Plus, get one-on-one job support at your local WorkBC Centre.

B.C. feels adopted by Kamloops crowd

Sarah Loken allowed herself a moment to drink in the atmosphere on Sunday (Feb. 19), with Thunderstruck by AC/DC booming through Sandman Centre prior to a Draw 5 tilt against Saskatchewan at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

“It means more than I can say,” said Loken, a 23-year-old White Rock resident who plays lead for Clancy Grandy’s Team B.C. rink, which also includes third Kayla MacMillan and second Lindsay Dubue.

“We worked so hard for this. It’s always an honour to represent your province and to have my first Scotties be in B.C. is just beyond words. Before this game, I was just looking around at all the lights and I was like, ‘This is pretty cool.’”

B.C., paced by a pair

of four-enders, was shaking hands with Team Saskatchewan after nine ends, the 11-6 victory securing a 2-1 record ahead of its Draw 7 matchup against Nova Scotia (Christina Black), which it dropped 8-2.

Team B.C. thumped Nunavut (Brigitte MacPhail) 12-4 on Tuesday morning to improve to 3-2 on the tournament and is slated to square off against Wild Card 1 (Kaitlyn Lawes) at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Loken is the only Team B.C. member from British Columbia. She is a Peace Arch Curling Club product and former Elgin Park Orca who now swims with three Ontarians.

Vice-skip MacMillan, 24, moved to B.C. from Ontario in 2017 to curl with Loken and study kinesiology at UBC, a post-secondary stint that has not yet reached its conclusion.

“Yup. It’s never-ending,”

MacMillan said with a laugh. “Last season, we were looking to bring someone in. Lindsay was available and we played in juniors in Ontario. I knew her well and we’ve always gotten along, so I asked and convinced her [to move to B.C.].”

MacMillan skipped a team that included lead Loken, second Dubue and third Jody Maskiewich to a silver-medal finish at the 2022 B.C. Scotties, dropping an 8-6 decision to MaryAnne Arsenault in the title tilt.

Grandy was contacted by MacMillan — a former coaching partner in Ontario — with a proposal, an invitation to move west and take over skip duties in time for the 2022-2023 campaign.

“I asked and she moved,” MacMillan said.

Asking nicely seems to work for Team B.C.

No t i c e o f Pu b l i c En g a g e m e n t Kamloops Area Transportation Strategy

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure invites your feedback on the development of the Kamloops Area Transportation Strategy

The ministry is reviewing the provincial transportation network in the K amloops area to better understand current conditions and future transpor tation needs and to develop a strategy to address them

The review is looking at all the ways to move people and goods in and through the region, including by walk ing, c ycling, transit and driving

Public input will help the ministry to evaluate potential shor t, medium and long-term oppor tunities in the region for the next five to 25 years

You can view posted information materials and submit feedback by completing a sur vey online at: gov.bc.ca/kamloopstranspor tationstrategy.

The sur vey will be open until March 5, 2023

Team B.C. skip Clancy Grandy makes her voice heard on the weekend in Scotties Tournament of Hearts action at Sandman Centre. B.C. is 3-2 heading into play on Wednesday.

ALLEN DOUGLAS/KTW

MARTY HASTINGS STAFF REPORTER sports@kamloopsthisweek.com

See EDIN, A27

Edin says cool heads prevailing

Six-time world champion and Olympic gold medallist Niklas Edin was at home in Sweden last month when Grandy — not long after vanquishing Team Brown of Kamloops 10-9 in an extra end in the B.C. Scotties final in Chilliwack — rang up to ask him to fly across the globe to coach her quartet in the Tournament Capital.

“Basically, they asked me, it was good timing and I said yes,” explained Edin, who is recovering from an injury and cannot train full-time with his men’s team, which will chase its fifth consecutive world title in April in Ottawa. “It’s a pretty simple story.”

Added MacMillan: “We asked nicely and he said yes. He realized how much fun we are, so that made it easy.”

Grandy had a brush with the national Scotties in 2021, when she was an alternate for Tracy Fleury’s Wild Card team that was skipped by Chelsea Carey. She

saw the ice in one end and that marks the entirety of Team B.C.’s experience on this big stage.

The 2023 event is the first true foray at the national women’s championship for the team, whose regular coach, Katie Witt, is sharing bench-boss duties with Edin.

“They are really calm and collected, all of them, already, so it’s a fairly easy job, I feel,” Edin said.

“Their head is in the right place. Just a comment here and there, make them focus hard on what’s

important right then and there. So far, they’re doing a great job.” There were butterflies during a 10-6 opening-draw victory over Prince Edward Island (Suzanne Birt) on Friday, a win that spurred a chant from Sandman Centre faithful — “Team B.C.! Team B.C.!”

“I had that moment, when I’m under the lights and it’s boiling hot and I’m like, ‘Oh, my gosh. This is too much.’ But it’s been really nice,” Dubue said. “It’s really cool to have the crowd cheering

for us. That’s something we’ve never experienced before.”

Three-time defending champion Kerri Einarson and her Team Canada rink dispatched B.C. 9-4 on Saturday.

“We’re off to a good start,” said Edin, who had favourable reviews for ice conditions through three days of the tournament. “Most things are working well. Just a bit of fine-tuning and get to that later stage of the event with some energy left.”

Dubue, a 23-year-old Ottawa

resident who is planning a move to the Vancouver area, has very little connection to B.C., having spent most of her time in the province in curling clubs.

Team Grandy is not Team Brown, which features three Kamloopsians — Corryn Brown, Erin Pincott and Samantha Fisher, part of the fabric of the local sports community — and B.C. born-and-bred Dezaray Hawes.

But Team Grandy is Team B.C. — and the River City crowd is rolling with it.

“I think we feel adopted,” Grandy said. “We feel like the crowd has taken us on as their own.”

LOKEN GOOD

Loken teamed with boyfriend Cody Tanaka of Richmond Curling Club to edge Taylor Reese-Hansen and Corey Chester of Victoria Curling Club 7-6 in the gold-medal game of the provincial mixed doubles championship earlier this month at McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre.

B.C. coaches Niklas Edin and Katie Witt alongside Clancy Grandy, Kayla MacMillan, Lindsay Dubue and Sarah Loken.

ALLEN DOUGLAS/KTW

Defending champ hopes players’ voices are heard

MARTY HASTINGS STAFF REPORTER

Two-time world men’s curling champion and Olympic silver medallist David Murdoch was earlier this month named high-performance director for Curling Canada.

Kerri Einarson, who is chasing a record-tying fourth consecutive national women’s curling title at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Kamloops, said on Monday that she is pleased with the organization’s decision to hire Murdoch.

“I was excited about it,” Einarson said. “Shocked. I did not think David would be coming here to be our director. I think the players should have more of a voice and should be able to give our opinions and be listened to and heard. Hopefully, that

Swan song for TRU volleyballers

happens going forward.”

Murdoch, from Scotland, replaces Gerry Peckham, who is retiring after 33 years with Curling Canada.

“Gerry’s contributions to our sport and our organization will continue to be a roadmap for us to follow,” Curling Canada CEO Katherine Henderson said in a press release.

“His leadership and vision put so many athletes and teams in a position to succeed and I know I speak on their behalf when I express our sincere gratitude for everything he did for curling in Canada.”

Murdoch, 44, is expected to move to Canada with his wife and three children after finishing duties as national and Olympic coach for British Curling. He has held that position since September 2018. His wife, Stephanie, is from Vancouver Island.

Graduating players Hayley McNaught, Erin Mutch, Abby Spratt and Siobhan Toal wrapped up their Canada West volleyball careers this past Saturday (Feb. 18) at the Tournament Capital Centre, with their TRU WolfPack falling 3-0 to the UBC Thunderbirds.

Einarson said she feels players will be open to change under Murdoch’s guidance.

“Look at Scotland,” she said. “They’re a pretty amazing team.”

Einarson noted she would like to see an alteration in scheduling for the Olympic trials.

“I would like to have it moved up sooner,” she said. “It would definitely make it easier for us to prepare for going to the Olympics.”

Olympic gold medallist Jennifer Jones, who is chasing a record-breaking seventh Hearts title this week in Kamloops, was asked about the hiring of Murdoch.

“To be honest, I haven’t even really given it too much thought yet,” she said. “We’ll figure that out when the season is over. I’ve known David for a long time. I’m sure he’s going to do a tremendous job.”

TRU finished the campaign with a record of 7-17, with five more victories than the 2021-2022 season, but not enough to reach the post-season.

UBC (18-6) earned the third seed and will host Manitoba (14-10) in Round 1 of the playoffs.

Spratt finished her U Sports career as the Pack’s

all-time leader in assists and service aces.

• Meanwhile, a pair of losses on the weekend to the UBC Thunderbirds ended post-season aspirations for the WolfPack volleyball men, who finished the Canada West men’s volleyball campaign with a record of 8-16.

STORM NEED A SURGE

Colton Schmidt lets a puck fly during a Sicamous Eagles’ power play in the Eagles’ 6-2 win over the hometown Kamloops Storm this past Saturday (Feb. 18) on McArthur Island. The Storm and Eagles are in the midst of a best-of-seven opening-round Kootenay International Junior Hockey League playoff series. Kamloops took Game 1 on Feb. 17 by a score of 6-3, followed by Sicamous’ 6-2 victory the next night. This past Monday, the series shifted to Sicamous, with the Eagles prevailing in the Family Day duel by a score of 5-2. The two teams tangled again in the Shuswap on Tuesday night (after KTW press deadline) in Game 4. Game 5 will be played on McArthur Island this Friday, with faceoff set for 7 p.m. Go online to kamloopsthisweek.com to find out whether the teams will enter Game 5 deadlocked at 2-2 or whether Sicamous holds a 3-1 lead.

ALLEN DOUGLAS/KTW

Team Canada skip Kerri Einarson (centre, in red) is chasing a record-tying fourth consecutive national women’s curling title at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Kamloops. The tourney wraps up this Sunday (Feb. 26) at Sandman Centre.

ALLEN DOUGLAS/KTW

Advertisements should be read on the first publication day We are not responsible for errors appearing beyond the first insertion

It is agreed by any Display or Classified Advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event that errors occur in the publishing of any advertising shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for the portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only and there will be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement

Wrought iron beds

$300 /each High Chair

$30 Cedar Hope chest

$400 Rocking chair $150 Oak dresser w/mirror

$475 250-372-8177

POWER OF ONE

Magnificent creation by John Banovich 43"hx50"W Brown wooden frame $500 fir m 250-578-7776

WE will pay you to exercise!

Deliver Kamloops This Week

Only 1 issue a week!

Call

for a route near you!

Antique china cabinet $600 250-376-4161

Antique Duncan Phyfe table extra leaf buffet hutch and 4 chairs Exec cond $600 778-2577155 Fuel tanks - 1-300 gal and 2-100gal on stands $300 250-672-9712 or 250-8199712 Diningroom table w/8chairs, c/w Buffet and Hutch Med Colour $800 250-374-8933

Garden shredder $150 Power washer 1300 psi $50 20 gal fish tank $10 4-wheel scooter new batter y and charger $900 250-554-4427

GC Annual Family Facilit y Pass for YMCA $500 250-376-6607

Exec desk dar k finish $200 Teak cor ner cabinet $100, Custom oak cabinet $200 250-851-7687

Moder n solid oak diningroom table with 6 chairs Great shape $695 250-851-1193

778-921-0023 For A Quote

PETER'S YARD SERVICE

It's time to pr une your fr uit trees Tree pr uning or removal Hedge tr imming Odd Jobs Licensed & Cer tified 250-572-0753

2 - P215 / 60 R 16 M&S $125 00

2 -P225 /

DoddsAUCTION AUC TION

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

INTERESTED? CALL 250-374-0462

By Helen Steiner Rice

The more you give, The more you get, The more you laugh, The less you fret, The more you do unselfishly,

THE ANGEL ON YOUR SHOULDER

By Jackie Huston Lena, Wisconsin

There’s an angel on your shoulder

Though you may not know she’s there, She watches over you day and night And keeps you in her care.

There’s an angel on your shoulder

Watching you learn and grow Keeping you safe from danger And nurturing your soul. She’ll be there through your triumphs

She’ll dance on clouds with pride, She’ll hold your hand through disappointments and fears, Standing faithfully by your side. In her lifetime this angel was strong and true, And stood up for what was right. In your life you’ll be faced with decisions and trials And she’ll shine down her guiding light. Life holds so much in store for you, So remember as you grow older, There are no heights you cannot reach ‘Cause there’s an angel on your shoulder. Bereavement

Carolynn Margaret Guild

Peacefully on February 11, 2023, surrounded by family members, Carolynn Margaret Guild, passed away in Kamloops, BC.

Beloved wife of the late Douglas Edward Guild, loving mother and mother-in-law of Laurie Bolten, Roberta and Mark Wax, Rod and Sherie Guild, and Dave and Amarie Guild.

Treasured, loving and generous grandmother of Hannah and Drew, Blair and Stephanie, Doug, and Madelynn and Olivia.

Carolynn was predeceased by her parents, David and Marion Tate, brother Bob, sister June, and brother-in-law Peter Chichak.

Devoted sister-in-law to Dorothy and Charlie, Gwen and Barry, and Jack and Harriet.

Thank you to the extraordinary care and devotion from Dr Wynne and the care team at Kamloops Seniors Village.

As a younger woman, Carolynn had an adventurous life with her husband Doug. They travelled the world, started a family in Peru and returned to Canada in 1966. Logan Lake and Kamloops are where Carolynn resided the longest.

Carolynn enjoyed being a homemaker, knitting for her children and grandchildren, reading suspense novels, and spending time with her best friend, Paulette Palmer She enjoyed long walks in any weather, quiet coffee days with friends, and celebrating everyone's birthday with her famous chocolate cake.

Carolynn was generous to all who asked, never wanting anything in return. In that spirit, a memorial donation to her favourite charity, the Canadian Red Cross, can be made if you wish in lieu of flowers.

Carolynn will be laid to rest with her husband, Doug, in Kamloops, BC. A gathering to celebrate her life will take place in the spring.

Debbie Cosgrove-Swan

July 18, 1954 - February 13, 2023

Debbie Cosgrove-Swan of Kamloops passed away on February 13, 2023 at 68 years of age joining her recently deceased husband Eric Swan.

She is survived by her daughter Katie Swan of Calgary, Alberta, sisters Brenda (Blaine) Tapp, Pat Cosgrove, and brother Rick (Cheryl) Cosgrove, and by her mother Mary Cosgrove.

She is predeceased by her father Michael Cosgrove.

Debbie was born and raised in Ontario and started her nursing career there. In 1991 Debbie made the move to Kamloops with her late husband Eric and daughter Katie. They made Kamloops their home where she has made a lasting impact on all of those who crossed her path. Debbie’s passion was nursing and travelling the world.

A Celebration of life will take place from 12:00pm to 3:00pm on Saturday, February 25, 2023, the Colombo Lodge - Cantina 814 Lorne Street, Kamloops.

Memorial donations may be made to Royal Inland Hospital Foundation.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at kamloops@cypressfuneral.ca

Mary McKnight

March 31, 1950 - January 19, 2023

Mary Catherine McKnight formerly Salem (née Dods) of Kamloops, BC, passed away on January 19, 2023, at 72 years of age. She is survived by Sharla Salem-Payne of Maidstone, SK and Natalie Salem (John Vowles) of Victoria, BC, grandchildren Asa Payne, Rylee Payne, Samantha Clarke, Dylan Vowles, Emily Vowles and Tatiana Salem-Vowles, great-grandchildren Jayden Dillon, Sophia Dillon, Luke Clarke and Averi Walker, her sister Barb (Larry) Anderson, nieces Sarah (Andrew) McDougall and Ginny Anderson.

She was predeceased by her parents George and Keytha (Bo) Dods.

Born as Audrey Laura Surgeoner, in Toronto, Ontario; Mary was adopted by a beautiful loving couple, George and Keytha Dods, on the day of her birth. She grew up in Orangeville, Ontario, and studied Graphic Arts at Sheridan College in Oakville. After moving to Vancouver, British Columbia in 1974, Mary devoted her life to helping others. She spent decades working in the ambulance field, volunteering her time as a firefighter, and spending the last 20+ years as a care aid - and she so deeply LOVED her job, often found chatting away or dancing in the common room with her patients. She loved music and played the piano her whole life. In her late 40s, she took up the fiddle and was so proud when she learned how to play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star She was remarkably creative and loved any activity artistically related: cooking, sewing, drawing, painting, macrame, crochet, pottery, sculpture, and ceramics - her talents were truly endless. She loved animals, and her dog Winston, was her absolute world. Mary was an extremely charismatic outgoing social butterfly - always up for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, a hot meal, or a minimum 1 hour phone call - never without a story to tell or a conversation to be had. Mary enjoyed a happy and fun life, living life to the fullest and loving every minute of it. She will be so greatly missed by everyone, friends, and family alike.

As she wished to be cremated, a memorial service will be held in Kamloops at an undetermined later date.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at kamloops@cypressfuneral.ca

In Memory of Morris George Doherty

October 10, 1956 - February 10, 2023

On February 10, 2023, Morris George Doherty of Kamloops, BC passed away peacefully with his family by his side. Morris is survived by his loving wife Jacquie, their daughter Kathleen (Cody Smith) and son Graham Doherty of Kamloops. His son Geoffrey Doherty of Windsor, Ontario. He also leaves his four cherished grandchildren Owen Doherty, Elyse, Emmett and Isla Smith.

Morris is also remembered by his brothers Gerry (Valerie) Doherty of Kingston, Ontario and Rufus Doherty of Ottawa, Ontario, his sisters Joan Doherty (John Leggett) of Ottawa, Ontario, Diana (Anthony) Davies of Carleton Place, Ontario, sister-in-law Maria Doherty of Almonte, Ontario. His brother and sister in-law Greg and Bonnie Laberge of Quesnel, BC, sister-in-law Michelle Cleven of Coalmont, BC, sister and brother in-law Colette and Stephen Smith of Calgary, Alberta, sister and brother in-law Yvonne and Glen Vincent of Canmore, Alberta, and 21 nieces and nephews.

Morris was predeceased by his son James, sister and brother in-law Judy and Glyn Delahaye, brother Don and brother-in-law Norman Cleven.

A Celebration of Morris’ life will be held on Friday, February 24, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in the Schoening Funeral Chapel with Pastor Steve Filyk officiating.

This Celebration will be webcast on Friday, February 24 starting at 10:50 am PST

It will be available to view, live or on replay at: https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/69325

With the following password: 341801005237

Condolences may be expressed at: www.schoeningfuneralservice.com

Mary Susannah Wynn Inkster

Lovingly remembered by her family, Mary passed away peacefully at the Pinegrove Seniors Residence, Kamloops on January 27, 2023 with family at her side.

Mary was born to Henry and Edith Killingley on January 25, 1929. Born in and living on a small farm in Salmon Arm, BC, she grew up with her parents and sister Elizabeth (Bess). They experienced a rural life style with milk cows, chickens and other poultry In summers, her father would transport, by wagon, a big camp tent, wood stove and all the camp necessities to the shore of Shuswap Lake near Canoe where they would spend the summer with their doting mother while their father worked the farm.

After graduating high school in Salmon Arm Mary, her sister and mother made a trip to England via rail across Canada and ocean liner to England to visit her parents family Upon returning she moved to Victoria in 1948 to study at a Provincial Normal School in Saanich, BC, a Dept. Of Education institute for teacher training.

After graduation in 1950 she commenced teaching school at Ferndale, BC, a community northeast of Prince George, BC. Active in the community functions, she would meet Raymond (Ray) C. Inkster and marry in 1952 and relocated to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, but resettled back to Ferndale in December and resumed community involvement. Ray owned a sawmill at Ferndale during the mid-1950s, during which time her three oldest children (Keith, Hank and Cathy) were born in Prince George.

In early 1960 Mary and Ray moved to the Shuswap Lake where her last two children, Susan and Bruce, were born in Salmon Arm, the place of her birth.

In 1964 they moved to Richmond and then in 1966 moved to Smithers for 4 years and in August 1969 moved to Barriere. During the sixties Mary and Ray’s families went on some memorable camping trips in the Interior with all their children. Mary and her family also enjoyed many camping and fishing trips on their own and with friends.

In 1975 they moved to Victoria where she lived until 2012. Mary and Ray enjoyed spending as much time as possible boating and fishing the waters of the Gulf and San Juan Islands. During this time they travelled to Hawaii and made 2 motor home trips to the Yukon and Alaska. Mary often spoke of the one trip when they travelled the Dempster Highway to Inuvik beyond the Arctic Circle. In 1984, she made another memorable trip to England, this time with her best friend Ann visiting family and friends.

After Ray passed in 2008 Mary stayed in the family home in Victoria with her Pomeranian's and then in 2012 moved to Kamloops to be close to her children. She resided at the RiverBend until 2019 when she moved to Pinegrove.

Predeceased by her parents, her sister Bess, daughter Catherine, husband Ray, son Bruce and granddaughter Catherine Mary is survived by her sons Keith (Liz), Hank, daughter Susan Ralph (David), grandsons Kale and Clayton and great granddaughter Ana and great grandson Hunter Many other extended family members: nieces and nephews are also left to remember Mary with love.

The family would like to thank all the staff of Pinegrove Senior Residence for their excellent care and compassion for Mary during her four years there.

A memorial will be held at a later date, to allow distant family members and friends to attend.

Theresa Marie Lapin

Theresa Marie Lapin was born in Vancouver on January 23, 1954, and passed away on January 5, 2023, in Port Alberni, after a lengthy battle with cancer She was the second of four daughters born to Jack and Yvonne Lapin of Barriere, who pre-deceased her

Survived by her son William Arentsen of Nanaimo, BC, her sisters Marlene (Eldon), Corinne (Brian) and Cathy (Joe) all of Kamloops, BC.

Theresa grew up and attended elementary and high school in Barriere, BC, graduating in June 1972. She attended Cariboo College’s first nursing program in Kamloops and graduated as an RN in July 1975. Theresa accepted a nursing position at West Coast General Hospital in Port Alberni in August 1975 where she continued her nursing career until retirement.

Theresa loved shopping for antiques especially glassware and books. She was a voracious reader and growing up always had a book nearby She loved cats and always had a couple in residence. She enjoyed gardening and travel and kept busy with her many friends, and the First Baptist Church. A memorial service will be held later in the spring at the First Baptist Church, Port Alberni.

We especially want to acknowledge the staff at Westhaven for the care and compassion they showed Theresa while she was a resident and during her illness. We can never thank them enough.

Theresa will be sadly missed by her loving family and many dear friends and colleagues.

In Loving Memory of Tom Romanchuk

1931 - 2023

Tom Romanchuk sadly left us on February 10, 2023, at the age of 91. He was predeceased by his wife Carole. He is survived by two sons and their spouses, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local food bank in memory of Tom.

Condolences may be sent to the family at DrakeCremation.com

A. If Mur ray want s his body bur ied in a cemeter y, it might make sense to pre -pay. Still, there are factors to consider before w r iting the cheque (I mean ‘sending the e - transfer ’ , almost no one w r ites cheques any more). Call us to discuss.

Lyle Andrew Shepard

Born July 7, 1954 Victoria, BC - Died February 11, 2023 Kamloops, BC

The family of Lyle Andrew Shepard sadly regret to announce his passing on February 11, 2023, at the age of 68 years, surrounded by loved ones. Lyle, our dearly beloved brother, brother-in-law, and uncle, passed away after a very brief but courageous battle with ALS.

Lyle is survived by his sisters, Coleen (William) Bostock and Karen Bell, sister-in-law Ruth Shepard, nieces and nephews Mikaela Shepard, Corey Shepard, Brendon Shepard, Shauna Young, Patty Bell, Chris (Diana) Bostock, Clayton Bostock, and Matt (Coranna) Bostock. He was also great-uncle to Cooper Bostock, Daisy Bostock, and Weston Bostock.

Lyle was predeceased by his father and mother, Edgar and Dorothy Shepard, and his brother Gary Shepard.

Lyle was the most generous, considerate, loving son, brother and uncle anyone could ever wish for He wouldn’t hesitate to drop everything to help a friend or family member As a sibling, he was always ready to lend a hand, or even just an ear, when it was needed. He took a genuine interest in his nieces and nephews and was everyone’s “favourite uncle”. Lyle was a kind-hearted man, a music lover, a dreamer with a restless spirit, and such an amazing drummer

Since his passing, we have been told so many times that he was, without a doubt, the best drummer in Kamloops. He lived for music, from the time he picked up a cornet at 8 years old, and then his first set of drumsticks as a young teen. He never looked back after acquiring his first set of drums. He played in England, the US, and Canada. His first serious gig was with the Great Canadian River Race in Naramata, starting when he was only 15 years old. Over the years he played with well-known bands like Paul Revere and the Raiders, the Jerry Doucette band, many other groups in the Vancouver area, as well as numerous Kamloops bands like Paisley Groove, of which he was a founding member He also played with locals such as Henry Small, The Intruders, and The Promise, to name a few Lyle had so many friends, especially within the music scene. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff at Ridgeview Lodge, Vernon Jubilee Hospital and Kelowna General Hospital for their kindness and care during Lyle’s brief illness.

Private service by request. Cremation arrangements in care of Kamloops Funeral Home.

Donations to ALS Society of BC, in Lyle’s name, if desired, would be greatly appreciated.

ALS Society of British Columbia, 12228-13351 Commerce Parkway, Richmond, BC V6V 2X7.

Evan John Monteith - 87 years old

Born New Westminster, B.C. May 24, 1935Passed away peacefully in his sleep. February 10, 2023 Kamloops, B.C. Evan lived in New Westminster and Burnaby, B.C for 75 years before moving to Kamloops, B.C. in 2010. Evan spent his working years in various sawmills but eventually retired after 35 years at MacMillan Bloedel Queensborough Division. Evan enjoyed his family, gardening, and building things.

Evan is survived by his wife of 54 years Lois Monteith, daughter Ledell, and daughter Evon (Jason), grandchildren Thomas and Sierra Sampson, Francis Kendall, Ethan, Jordin, and Julie Hardy Predeceased by his parents Lucy and Charles Monteith and his daughter Liza (2017).

Evan was always the first one to greet you. He was not famous in this world nor did any heroic deeds but he was friendly and one of a kind. Evan was a strong, hard working man who will be missed by all who knew him.

A small family gathering is planned in the near future.

Condolences can be sent to Obituary@DrakeCreamation.com

Deloris Peterson

September 3, 1939 - February 3, 2023

Deloris Peterson was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who lived a long and fulfilling life surrounded by her family and loved ones. She was married to her soulmate, Richard Peterson, for 65 years, and together they raised five children: Derrick (Margaret), Debra (Tom), Kate (Doug), Kristine (Wally), and Holly (Chris). Her legacy lives on through her eleven grandchildren and twenty-two greatgrandchildren. Deloris was also a cherished sister to Ruth Meyerink of Edmonton, Alberta and was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Mary Brandt, as well as her brother Rueben, sister Gloria, and grandson Jonathan. Her love and spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but she will forever be remembered as a kind, compassionate, and loving person who touched the lives of everyone she met.

Deloris Peterson was born on September 3, 1939, on a family farm in Wynyard, Saskatchewan. In 1953, at the age of 14, she met the love of her life during a visit to McBride. For three years, Deloris and Richard communicated through letters filled with friendship and a budding romance. When Deloris's family moved to McBride, she and Richard were finally able to marry and start their life together as husband and wife. Deloris and Richard soon started their family and settled in Louis Creek/Barriere, where they lived for the last fifty-six years. Her children have fond memories of Deloris's love notes in their lunches, picnics in the car, waking up to Harry Belafonte and Dr Hook, and being chased around the house with cod liver oil. They will miss her kisses the most, which she gave every night or every time she saw them and said goodbye.

Deloris was a quiet and demure woman with a gentle soul. Her passions in life included travelling, music, road trip picnics, thrift shopping, and spending time with her family Over the years, she discovered many talents, including cooking and baking. Her children were sent to school with the latest fashions, which she made on her Singer sewing machine. In her later years, she enjoyed morning drives with Richard and stopping in to visit the coffee crowd.

A celebration of her life will be announced later, once the flowers are in bloom. For those who miss Deloris, she will meet you "behind the moon." Please raise a cup in her honour

Shannon Lee (Kuzik) Ellis

Shannon Lee (Kuzi) Ellis, 53, of Ashcroft, BC, passed away unexpectedly on January 16, 2023.

Shannon was born on April 12 to Dennis and Luan (Bowes) Kuzik (Chilliwack) in Fort St. John, BC. Shannon is survived by her children, Jennifer (Kamloops) and Samuel (Edmonton) Ellis, her parents, brother, and many dear friends and family

Shannon was a passionate and talented educator connecting with, and impacting, the lives of her students and their families. She was known, loved, and respected throughout her community She has left a rich and lasting legacy of care.

Shannon loved her cats and enjoyed the ocean, travelling, and baking. She always had a pot of coffee on and was quick to make time for friends and family She loved to share stories of her students and daily happenings, but most of all, her children, who she was so incredibly proud of. She loved their courage and passions and was proud of the beautiful young adults they've grown to be. She will be deeply missed.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a semi-formal celebration of life, which will be held at the Cache Creek Community Hall at 1:00 pm on February 25, 2023, with a tea reception to follow A memory jar will be available for those wishing to share stories and memories.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Desert Sands Community School in Ashcroft, BC or the RBC fund set up to support her children, Jennifer and Samuel, at wjbtreimer@telus.net

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you are not alone. BC Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789 It's free and available 24 hours a day!

WIN A TRIP TO MEXICO!

Our Service Advisors are ready to help

Maintaining an inclusive, kind and informative environment in Dearborn’s service department was a paramount goal for general manager Justin Grover.

“We wanted to make sure it was a place that people trusted with their family’s business,” Grover said. “Everyone is someone’s daughter, son, mother or father and we treat our customers as we would want someone to treat our family.”

Dearborn’s culture has clearly made an impact on its customer base, with multiple positive reviews, including these kind words from Steve B.: “Dearborn Ford has a great service department. For the second time in a row, we were treated really good ” When asked if it’s the culture that makes the department so successful, Grover was quick to point to the people within Dearborn.

“Culture doesn’t exist without the right people in place,” he said. “We have a great team in the service department, from the service advisors to the technicians. It’s the right people that have the same values that make it such a special place ”

Service manager Kerry Wasilka echoed Grover ’s comments.

“We want to get people’s vehicles serviced quickly and efficiently and get them back on the road safely,” Wasilka said.

Added assistant service manager Tracy Greus: “We’re a finely tuned machine that values our customers.”

First impressions are important and visitors to Dearborn will experience the same warm and inviting feeling one encounters when walking into the home of a family member or friend Much of that is thanks to the service advisor team.

Miranda de Pfyffer, one of Dearborn’s service advisors, emphasized why that is important.

“When I was younger, I had to get a vehicle serviced elsewhere and the whole process was intimidating and awkward,” Pfyffer said.

“It’s those experiences that continue to motivate our team here to make sure our customers never feel that.”

It seems like Dearborn Ford is on to something as even the interviews done for this article were fun and efficient, with the occasional giggle in the background.

To experience the Dearborn difference yourself, call the service department today at 250-372-7101 or visit their handy service scheduler online at dearbornford.com/service/ and schedule your appointment today.

The “right people” on the Dearborn service advisor team just happen to be an all-female squad from left to right: Hailey, Gail, Christi, Darcell, Miranda and Tracy.

Next WCT play will sweep you off your feet

CURLING-RELATED COMEDY HURRY

HARD IS AT

SAGEBRUSH

THEATRE FROM FEB. 23 TO MARCH 4

Lovers of curling and theatre will have plenty to enjoy this week, with Western Canada Theatre’s latest production set to coincide with a major curling tournament in Kamloops.

Playwright Kristen Da Silva’s comedy Hurry Hard will premiere on Feb. 23, overlapping with the 2023 Scotties Tournament of Hearts national women’s curling championship, which is at Sandman Centre through Feb. 26.

The latest production by Western Canada Theatre features a host of local talent, including Kirk Smith, Terri Runnalls and Rem Murray, and other professional actors from elsewhere, including Toronto’s Timothy Mooney and Vancouver’s Yumi Ogawa.

The play follows a curling team that split up at the same time as Bill and Sandy’s marriage. Now, years later, the team finds itself in need of another member and Sandy quickly becomes the only option on the eve of the big regional bonspiel.

Director Catriona Leger said at its core, the play is really about love, but it’s also full of belly laughs.

“I really come at it from a place of love and, knowing that curling is such a revered sport, I think we’re very lucky that Kristen Da Silva has written some very clever words in and around curling that we get to play with,” Leger said.

Hurry Hard won the Stage West Award for best new comedy in 2019 and Leger is excited to stage it in Kamloops.

Director Leger is no stranger to

comedies, but most of them have been from the Bard. Hurry Hard, however, isn’t the Shakespeare she is used to, admitting its style is a bit of a departure for her.

“What’s great is the language is so accessible. We don’t have to translate from Shakespeare — but like Shakespeare, it’s got its own rhythm, its own pace,” she said.

Leger moved to Kamloops in 2019 and has been working as a theatre instructor at Thompson Rivers University ever since. Her career has spanned 25 years, directing, acting and teaching across Canada. Hurry Hard will Leger’s first big stage play in Kamloops.

“One thing I really love about this play is that everybody is funny,” she said. “Sometimes in comedy, the men are funny and the women are there as vehicles for the men to be funny, but here, I love that everyone is funny and human in their own right and that so much of the comedy just comes from identifiable human truths.”

Leger was quick to credit those who cast the play, as well as playwright Da Silva, but her own past work in physical comedy will also be apparent on the stage.

“It’s such a wonderful cast we’re working with and everyone is so uniquely funny ... You’ll see some farcical moves on the stage, as well, some physical hijinks,” she said.

Hurry Hard is on stage at Sagebrush Theatre from Thursday, Feb. 23, to Saturday March 4. Sagebrush Theatre is in the Sagebrush neighbourhood, adjacent to South Kamloops secondary, at Munro Street and Ninth Avenue.

For tickets and more information, go online to wctlive.ca/ hurryhard.

SEAN BRADY STAFF REPORTER sbrady@kamloopsthisweek.com

Rem Murray (as Johnny) and Yumi Ogawa (as Sandy) rehearse a scene for Hurry Hard, a Kristen Da Silva-penned play being directed by Catriona Leger of Kamloops. DAVE EAGLES/KTW

Kamloops kid on Feb. 26 Variety Telethon

Television viewers will get to meet seven-year-old Kamloops boy Daemon when he appears on the Variety Show of Hearts Telethon, airing on Global BC on Sunday, Feb. 26.

When he was two years old, Daemon was diagnosed with a speech sound disorder. Having a hard time pronouncing the sounds of certain letters, Daemon would get frustrated when people could not understand what he was saying.

It was his mother, Rebecca Johnson, who would be the one to help him be understood by others.

Rebecca’s journey to have her son receive the help he needed saw them undertake virtual therapy sessions during the pandemic, eventually finding a private practice in Kamloops that was seeing clients in person.

Rebecca said she soon noticed the impact speech and language therapy was having on Daemon.

“It was quite pricey. I didn’t know about Variety at the time,” Rebecca said. “I just had to take out a loan and bite the bullet to get an assessment done through them and start the ball rolling with the therapy.”

She reached out to Variety Club of BC to get her son the help needed.

“I found Variety, thank goodness I did,” Rebecca said.

It is the second year they have received a grant from Variety Club — helping them financially to maintain his therapy.

Rebecca said her son’s therapist, Kate, has been such a strong supporter for Daemon.

“His speech has come such a

long way,” Rebecca said. “His confidence has soared drastically. He’s been able to flourish in school. He’s reading at a top level in his class.”

Since then, Rebecca said there has been significant improvement in both Daemon’s communication skills and in his self-confidence.

“He’s like a little math wiz,” Rebecca said. “I don’t think any of that would have fallen into place without his speech improving.”

Rebecca said Daemon is a typical seven-year-old who loves Lego, building things and playing with patterns.

A recent visit to the Big Little Science Centre downtown was a hit with Daemon.

“He could’ve spent the whole day there. He just loves to learn,” Rebecca said. “A lot of the time, we are leaning with them as they grow up. As parents, we’re still growing and learning things every day, just like they are.”

Rebecca wants other parents with children who may have special needs to know they should not be hesitant to

reach out for support.

“What’s the harm in looking into getting them the support they need?” she asked.

“I’m so glad I came across Variety. Like anybody who I meet, if they would be in the same situation, I would 1,000 per cent recommend Variety to them because they have been just wonderful.”

ABOUT THE TELETHON

The Variety Show of Hearts

Telethon has been held since 1966. Each year, Variety BC partners with Global BC to showcase stories and introduce viewers to kids and families who have been helped by Variety. There is also a robust roster of entertainers.

Proceeds from the annual broadcast event have helped countless children with special needs. Donations can be made online at variety.bc.ca or by texting “KIDS” to 45678 to make an automatic $25 contribution.

The telethon runs from Feb. 23 to Feb. 26, with the televised portion set to air on Feb. 26 from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

DAVE EAGLES STAFF REPORTER dave_eagles@kamloopsthisweek.com

Tune in to Global BC on Sunday, Feb. 26, between 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. for the Variety Show of Hearts Telethon. There, you will meet myriad children who have been helped by Variety, including Kamloops resident Daemon.

VARIETY CHILDREN’S CHARITY PHOTO

Police to take Polar Plunge for Special O

Cultural Wall is unveiled at RIH

THE CREATION IN THE NEW TOWER BY CHRIS BOSE AND OTHER ARTISTS CELEBRATES UNIQUE INDIGENOUS CULTURES AND COMMUNITIES

The unveiling of the Cultural Wall is a culmination of a vision to celebrate and honour the unique Indigenous cultures and communities in the Thompson-CaribooShuswap region.

“When I was first hired to take on this project, I was nervous,” said Bose, a Secwépemc and Nlaka’pamux artist.

“But, as I met with members of each nation and researched what was important to them in terms of art and culture, I began to see that there are so many things that link us all. I am so proud of this final result, which represents the unique landmarks around Tk’emlúps and represents each of the nations in the region.”

The Cultural Wall is inside the Kruger Unifor Atrium in the new Phil and Jennie Gaglardi Tower. The Cultural Wall came together as a result of collaboration between Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, Two Rivers Métis

Society, Secwépemc Health Caucus, Métis Nation BC, Interior Health and the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation, which funded the project.

The mural is an artistic representation of the traditional and unceded territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, as well as guest nations to Secwépemc territory, including the Métis, Dãkelh Dene, Tsilhqot’in, Northern St’at’imc, Nlaka’pamux and Syilx, as well as Inuit People.

The mural was painted by many community members and features the rivers (Simpcwétkwe for the North Thompson, Secwépemcétkwe for the South Thompson) flowing through the traditional territory of Tkémlúps te Secwépemc.

The iconic scroll symbolizes the traditional territory, while the mountains are in the background. Turtles are representative of Turtle Nation and include the colourful Métis sash. The animals that make the area their home are also celebrated.

“It is my hope this mural shows us coming together and being one, as this art project brought many nations together and shows us how we are all connected,” Bose said. “We are all one. I hope you enjoy it.”

Interior Health noted that art has many medicinal and restorative benefits for patients, visitors and staff.

The health authority noted studies show that by improving and warming the hospital environment, art enhances the patient experience and speeds recovery. It has the power to ease anxiety, provide moments of enjoyment and offer a brief escape in high-stress situations.

“The RIH Foundation is extremely proud to work with the RIH Cultural Wall Committee and the artist Chris Bose to create a visual representation of how the many Nations welcome us to the hospital and remind us of the diverse cultures and ecosystems that make up this land,” RIH Foundation CEO Heidi Coleman said.

Kamloops peace officers will need more heart than hand warmers as they prepare for Wednesday’s Special Olympics British Columbia fundraiser — the Polar Plunge.

At 11 a.m. in Pioneer Park on Seventh Avenue, just east of downtown, members of the Kamloops RCMP, Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement, Community Service Officer Program, Natural Resources and other local supporters will brave the icy waters of the Thompson River to raise money for, and awareness of, Special Olympics BC.

This year marks the first time the plunge will be taken by Kamloops RCMP Cpl. David Tunbridge, who joked that he was tricked into agreeing to jump into the river.

“I thought I was signing up for a pizza party,” he quipped. “In all seriousness, though, it’s something I’ve watched my co-workers do for years and I’ve always appreciated and respected the commitment and dedication they’ve had for the Special Olympics. I’m happy to be the one to continue the tradition this year.”

Special Olympics BC works to enrich the lives of athletes with intellectual disabilities by providing sporting opportunities and competitions to help build and support their confidence, skills, and friendships.

Earlier this month, Kamloops played host to the 2023 Special Olympics BC Winter Games, which saw approximately 500 athletes complete from Feb. 2 to Feb. 4 in eight sports staged at venues throughout the city, in Sun Peaks and at Stake Lake.

KAMLOOPS THISWEEK

585118.43

778-471-7533

Heritage among the Tk’emlúpsemc

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD FOUND ON B7

Z:/NAVIGAPLAN/ADS/ CORKTW100/2023-02-22/ ADS/145441.PDF

City of Kamloops

145441 582791.43

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

From the Stacks 1/$10

Join the KMA's Archivist for a deep dive into some of the Archives' rarely seen treasures and to view behind the scenes in the Archives This season's program will feature a discussion about historical landscape photography and researching the KMA’s photograph collection along with a hands-on photograph colourizing activity! All supplies will be provided, but please wear painting-friendly clothing

Sat Mar 11

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Egg-static for Spring! 1/$53 his class will be an intro to international egg recipes Join our red seal chef and learn three eggciting egg dishes! Some supplies required Valleyview Secondary School

Fri Mar 17

6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

March Break at the KMA

This week, Feb. 20 to Feb. 26, is Heritage Week, celebrated by Heritage BC, a provincial organization dedicated to preserving our past. Heritage is a broad term that refers to the legacy of culture and nature passed down from one generation to the next. But heritage to most Western people refers to buildings, the legacy of European colonization.

On the Tk’emlúps reserve, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church is a reminder of the missionary project to Christianize Indigenous peoples. The present church dates from about 1867, when it replaced an earlier log structure on the same site. Over the years, it has been further altered and renovated. Recently, the church has received a new roof.

The Kamloops Indian Residential School, which began construction in 1923, is a prime example of government imposition over the lives of Indigenous peoples. Replacing the earlier wood frame Indian residential school — established in 1890, but destroyed by fire in 1923 — the building reflects the institutional nature of the residential school system.

Ages 9 – 12

Explore at the KMA with a different artifact each day of the March break This fascinating program will include an in-depth exploration of a museum artifact with related crafts and activities Can sign up for one or all four for $35

Tue Mar 21

9:45 AM - 11:00 AM 1/$10

Wed Mar 22 9:45 AM - 11:00 AM 1/$10

Thurs Mar 23

9:45 AM - 11:00 AM 1/$10

Fri Mar 24 9:45 AM - 11:00 AM 1/$10

We’re Hiring! Multi-Sport Coaches

Closing March 10

Seeking individuals with experiencing coaching, working, or volunteering with children, to coach children, ages 2 5 to 6 years old in activities that develop physical literacy Multiple positions available with a focus on soccer and t-ball Positions are parttime and substitute contract positions. Apply today:Kamloops.ca/careers

Kamloops.ca

Designed by Indian Affairs architect R.G. Orr and built of Kamloops brick with stone trim in a Collegiate Gothic style, the monolithic structure has an H-shape form. Originally, the boys’ wing on the west side and the girls’ wing on the east side, serving as dormitories, were detached. The middle block housed administrative offices and staff chambers. A central chapel conveys the importance of religious training. The building has a prominent spire, but is missing the cross. The school closed in 1977 and the buildings were turned over to the band.

The building was nominated by Tk’emlúps chief and council in 2019 for National Historic Site Designation by the federal government. It is one of only 15 or so remaining residential school sites in Canada with a building still standing.

But heritage within Tk’emlupsemc also includes natural and cultural features. Cultural landscapes or cucwtén’ may encompass many features. Within SecwepemcúÍecw, there are many such cultural landscapes. Mounts Paul and Peter on the Tk’emlúps reserve have traditional stories associated with those familiar peaks. Lt. Richard Mayne, exploring in 1859, stated that the slope of Mount Peter was called by the French-Canadian fur traders Roches des Femmes, where women harvested berries and moss.

The balancing rock, or hoodoo, east of Savona along Kamloops Lake, is such a natural and cultural feature. It has cultural significance as a boundary marker, one of several defining SecwepemcúÍecw (Secwépemc traditional territory), known as coyote rocks.

Battle Bluff, Quq’wellqín, on the north side of Kamloops Lake near Tranquille, also has cultural significance. Benjamin Baltzly, a photogra-

pher for the Notman Studio of Montreal undertaking survey work for the Geological Survey of Canada, visited Kamloops in 1871 and recounted what he learned about a “naval battle” on the lake that took place a century before. A patch of red ochre was made on the rock face, signifying the site. Other pictographs, or rock paintings, are also found in the Secwépemc territory.

Trails, or cucwéll exemplify cultural heritage. In 1910, then-premier John Oliver recounted that the Interior chiefs stated, “Good trails we had in plenty before the whites came.”

One trail used by the fur trade companies became known as the Hudson’s Bay Company Brigade Trail, which followed a route through SecwepemcúÍecw from Kamloops north to Fort Alexandria and beyond. Another route went south through the Okanagan. The HBC brigades consisted of hundreds of horses transporting furs from the Interior outbound and supplies inbound. Some sections of these trails are still extant and can be followed today.

Pípsell is an important sacred area within Tk’emlúpsemc. It is a gathering area for Secwépemc people that encompasses what is known as Jacko Lake, south of Kamloops.

In the Pípsell Declaration, the Secwépemc state that their “decision to preserve and sustain Pípsell is for the long-term benefit of all Canadians, ensuring the future enjoyment of this special place serves to further reconciliation.” One story, or spektekwle, The Trout Children, told by Charley Draney of Skeetchestn, connects Pípsell to important waterways and

ABOVE: Pípsell, south of the city, is a sacred area within Tk’emlúpsemc and includes Jacko Lake.

CAM VILLENEUVE PHOTO

LEFT: The Tk’emlups Powwow Arbour circa early 1990s.

COURTESY SECWÉPEMC MUSEUM AND HERITAGE PARK

sites throughout Secwepemcúl’ecw.

The Pípsell area is important for its biodiversity, home to 130 bird species, 90 different medicinal plants, 45 food plants and 39 animal species — 13 used as food sources. The waters of Pípsell are well known as trout habitat and feed into Peterson Creek and the Thompson River. It was also a significant hunting area, with a blind consisting of a rock wall, or stgi’w’menten, that is recorded by the BC Archaeological Branch.

The site became embroiled in the proposal by KGHM, a Polish corporation, to develop an open-pit gold and copper mine that would destroy 1,700 hectares of the Pípsell Cultural and Heritage Area. The project was rejected by the provincial government in 2017 and by the federal government in 2018.

Many cultural features have disappeared from the local landscape. Although Indigenous cultural heritage is protected by law under the Heritage Conservation Act, that alone does not preserve these important sites. Please respect heritage in all its forms, for future generations to appreciate.

But heritage does not need to be ancient.

Some examples of Indigenous heritage are modern, such as the special events facility, or Powwow Arbour, at Tk’emlúps, built in the early 1990s. Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park educator Jackie Jules noted the arbour includes Secwépemc symbols on the roof, signifying the c7ístkten (pithouses) and the season of rootdigging.

Ken Favrholdt is archivist of the Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park for Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc.

Outstanding sayings of Jesus from the cross

Jesus was subjected to extreme pressures while he was suffering on the cross.

There were seven sayings from the cross before he died. I would just like to look at three of those sayings.

The first I would like to consider is from Luke 23:34, in which Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

This is an amazing saying Jesus uttered at the beginning of his suffering on the cross. It may be that he said this while he was nailed to the cross.

It would nevertheless have been heard by all who were close enough to hear when he said it.

It is absolutely amazing that Jesus would utter this prayer request on behalf of those who were crucifying him on that day.

It shows his concern was for others’ needs, rather than his own.

Jesus was allowing those who were sinners to crucify him. They had no legitimate reason for him to be crucified.

He was on the cross on account

of our sins and this is what made it possible for him to utter “Father, forgive them.”

He was just beginning to suffer and it was his suffering that made it possible for us to be forgiven, as he cried.

It has been nearly 2,000 years since he uttered those words from the cross, but they are as effective now as they were then.

We all have many concerns and burdens in our lives, but the

greatest need we have is for God’s forgiveness. Paul in Acts 13:38 said, “Through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins.”

The next saying from the cross I want to consider is in Luke 23:43, where we read, “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

This was said to a thief and murderer who was crucified alongside Jesus. There were actually two thieves who committed murder, but only one found

forgiveness that day.

The Lord promised he would meet the repentant thief in Paradise that very day. These words from Jesus were the only hope the thief had that day.

Anyone who would respond to Jesus in faith as their saviour could lay hold of this promise. Consider this verse in John 5:24: “He that hears my word and believes on him that sent me, has everlasting life.”

The last saying I would like to look at is found in John 19:30.

Jesus said, “It is finished,” which

is one of the shortest strong of words of the Lord from the cross.

But it is a saying that is full of meaning for us. If he hadn’t been able to utter, “It is finished,” there would be no hope for us for eternity.

John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

This verse was said to a man who was a teacher in Israel, but like everyone else, he also needed to trust Jesus as his saviour.

When Jesus said, “It is finished,” he meant the work he was doing on the cross in suffering for our sins was finished — done.

John Eggers is an elder in the assembly that meets in Westsyde Gospel Hall in Kamloops. KTW welcomes submissions to its Faith page. Columns should be about 700 words in length and include a headshot of the author, along with a short bio on the writer. Email editor@kamloopsthisweek.com.

JOHN EGGERS You Gotta Have FAITH GETTY IMAGES

WEEKLY COMICS

WEEKLY HOROSCOPES

Oppor tunity awaits you, Aries You just need to know where to look to get the best deal Star t chasing after your hear t ’s desire because you could just get it this week

A financial windfall could be just over the horizon, Taurus Stay the course over the next several days and wait and see what falls into your lap You may be ver y surprised

People in your life want the best for you, Gemini Accept their suppor t and good wishes and use each as a guiding light when challenges arise

The stars are all but shouting that you need some self-care right now, Cancer Put aside all of the tasks you think you need to do and turn attention to tending to your own needs

Leo, your love interest seems like he or she is keeping something from you, but avoid drawing any conclusions A surprise may be in store for you

Virgo, take it slow may be the advice that is coming your way, but that might be hard right now Your time is in demand and many people are seeking your exper tise Take a breath

FEBRUARY 22, 2023 - FEBRUARY 28, 2023

You don’t have to travel too far to find happiness this week, Libra It ’s in all the small things around you No extraordinar y gestures are needed to make you smile

Scorpio, a potential love match could be on the horizon Approach this with caution, but don’t be afraid to share your thoughts and dreams with someone special

Be careful when sharing your deepest desires and secrets, Sagittarius There are many people you can trust, so make an effort to identify them before opening up

Capricorn, your dreams can take you far, but smar ts and action need to factor into the equation as well Star t fleshing out your plan and get moving

Your friends can be a great help when you need some relationship advice this week, Aquarius Seek their input and factor it into any decision you make

Pisces, if a friend or family member causes drama for you, don’t let it get in your way Offer to help but be ready for this person to seek their own path

ZITS by Jerry Scott & Jim Borgman

SHOE by Gary Brookins & Susie Macnelly

HAGAR THE HORRIBLE by Chris Browne

PARDON MY PLANET by Vic Lee

ARCTIC CIRCLE by Alex Hallatt

BABY BLUES by Rick Kirkman & Jerry Scott

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD

70 Time out in pre-K? 71 Change for the better 72

6 Big change in price or power

7 Classic record label

8 Lug around

9 [Yuck!]

10 Greeting that means, literally, ‘‘love’’

11 Crime-show spinoff, to fans

12 Skedaddle, with ‘‘it’’

13 Hall, home of the N C A A ’s Pirates

14 Many a Zoroastrian

15 Line at a karaoke bar

Heroes’’ colonel

in brief

Pile

papers

WORD SCRAMBLE

By Jeremy Newton