Kamloops This Week October 11, 2023

C I T Y PAG E

Oc tober 11, 2023

Stay Connec ted @CityofKamloops Kamloops.ca

CO U N C I L C A L E N DA R

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

Oc tober 17, 2023

1:30 pm - Regular Council Meeting

7:00 pm - Public Hearing

Oc tober 24, 2023

10:00 am - Committee of the Whole

2:00 pm - Build K amloops Council Select Committee

The complete 2023 Council Calendar is available online at:

Kamloops.ca/CouncilPor tal

CO U N C I L M E E T I N G R E C A P

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

N OT I C E TO M OTO R I S T S

Please use caution when driving in the vicinity and obey all traffic control personnel, signs, and devices in the following areas:

• Tranquille Gateway Improvements Project Tranquille Road from south of K amloops BC SPCA to Crestline Street

• Ord Road Water Main Connection Project Singh Street to 8th Street

• Battle Street Reconstruction 2nd Avenue to 3rd Avenue

• Hillside Drive Paving Project - Phase 1 McGill Road to Hillside Way

• Tranquille Streetscape Project Knox Street and Clapper ton Road

To stay up to date on road work projects, visit:

Kamloops.ca/Kammute

Repor t an issue: 250-828-3461

For after-hours emergencies, press 1.

Did you k now 42% of our household garbage is organic waste that can be composted? Curbside residential organic waste collection will help keep that waste out of the landfill and turn it into a useful, nutrient-rich resource.

Put your food waste, food-soiled paper, and yard waste in the organics car t To find more information, tips and resources, visit: Kamloops.ca/Organics

2024 DOG LICENCES ARE DUE JANUARY 1

Renewal notices have been sent out via mail and through email for owners who have registered their dog account on MyCity Any unpaid dog licence fees on the account for 2023 or previous years have been carried over to the 2024 invoice Any payment made after Januar y 1 will automatically have a late payment penalty of $32.50 applied to the account.

HOW TO PAY

• Pay for your licence online via credit card, Visa/Mastercard Debit, or Interac at: Kamloops.ca/PayOnline

• Pay in person at Community Ser vices at the Nor th Shore Community Policing O ffice (915 7th Street) or City Hall (7 Victoria Street West).

Residents are reminded that if a significant change in dog ownership occurs, such as rehoming or if the animal is deceased, the dog owner must contact Community Ser vices directly to have the animal removed from the database to be withdrawn from the licence renewal process This step is not available online

Full details are available at: Kamloops.ca/Dogs

The City of K amloops is excited to be hosting two new free Pride Swim events this weekend at Westsyde Pool Special measures will be taken to train staff, adjust change room signage, and create safe spaces for individuals to wear the swimwear of their choice and be accepted as they are

The goals are to allow par ticipants to have fun in a space that may not typically feel inviting for those who don’t conform to gender norms and to demonstrate to the community that we are inclusive of all people

• Ages 16+ Pride Swim Friday, October 13, 2023, 6:00 pm–9:00 pm

• Family Pride Swim Sunday, October 15, 2023, 1:00 pm–4:00 pm

Register today at: Kamloops.ca/PrideSwim

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.

TODAY’S FLYERS

Kamloops Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52 secretary Brenda Thomson (right) and president Daniel Martin are looking forward to meeting new people at their 425 Lansdowne St. location downtown.

WEATHER FORECAST

Oct. 11: Sunny 16/6 (hi/low)

Oct. 12: Sunny 18/6 (hi/low)

Oct. 13: Sunny 20/7 (hi/low)

Oct. 14: Sun/clouds 18/8 (hi/low)

Oct. 15: Cloudy 17/8 (hi/low)

ONLINE

www.kamloopsthisweek.com

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HOW TO REACH US:

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classifieds@kamloopsthisweek com publisher@kamloopsthisweek com editor@kamloopsthisweek com

Here’s how to help a great cause

Donate online at bcicf.ca/kamloopsthis-week-christmascheer-fund.

Donations can also be made online at kamloopsthisweek. com by clicking on the KTW Christmas Cheer Fund logo on the main page.

LEGION WANTS TO EXPAND REACH

DAVE EAGLES STAFF REPORTER dave_eagles@kamloopsthisweek.com

The Royal Canadian Legion is one of four non-profits being helped this year by the KTW Christmas Cheer Fund.

Like many non-profit organizations, the Kamloops branch is struggling to bring people back into their premises since re-opening after pandemic-related closures.

Although membership numbers remain steady, there have been fewer visitors to the Legion, downtown at 425 Lansdowne St. As a result, the organization struggles to pay its staff and meet expenses. Recently, the monthly rent increased dramatically.

Branch secretary Brenda Thomson said the Legion would like to expand its reach in the community by offering new programs, especially for

vulnerable seniors and veterans.

With the closure of the Seniors Information Centre in Brocklehurst, Thomson said the Legion would like to fill that gap.

“Our kitchen is small, but with an injection of funds to modernize, we could start offering low-cost lunches and dinners,” she said.

Thomson said opportunities are few for seniors in the city, as there aren’t many places for them to have a light lunch or dinner and socialize with peers, perhaps play a game of cards, crib, pool or darts.

From its earliest days, the primary mission of the Legion has been to provide support and services to veterans and their families. Each year, Legion members and volunteers run the Poppy Campaign and organize Remembrance Day services on Nov. 11.

“Remembrance Day is a unique day of the year because that’s when

people discover the Legion,” Thomson said, noting the public is welcome to drop in at any time to have a beverage and a bite to eat, talk with some veterans, play some pool and participate in meat draws.

“You can find a home here,” Thomson said. “You can find a safe place here.”

Last year, the Legion donated nearly $100,000 from its BC Gaming and the Poppy Fund. Thomson said all proceeds from the Poppy Campaign are used to support veterans and does not fund operating costs, such as rent for the building.

In 2026, the Kamloops Legion is hoping to celebrate its 100th anniversary. To ensure that happens, the venerable organization could use a little help from KTW readers.

For more information on the Legion, call 250-374-1742 or go online to kamloopslegion.com.

Donations can also be made in person at the Kamloops This Week office at 1365B Dalhousie Dr. in Southgate (just south of the Notre Dame Drive/Dalhousie Drive intersection). The office is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

THANK YOU, DONORS!

• Kamloops Last Week pickleball tourney: $425

• IG Wealth Management: $400

• BC Old Time Fiddlers’ Association: $100

• Anonymous: $50

• Franca Petrucci: $50

• Terry Lowe: $100

• Dianne Jackson: $50

• Cathy & Phil Holman: $100

• Edith Pletzer: $100

• Greg Harris: $50

• Ed & Dianne Barber: $200

Total: $1,625

DAVE EAGLES/KTW

BC Conservatives now active in Kamloops

One year before the next scheduled provincial election, the Conservative Party of BC has formed riding associations in the Kamloops–North Thompson and Kamloops Centre constituencies.

Miguel Romero is president of the Kamloops Centre Riding Association, with Glenn Aalderink serving as vice-president and Peter Mehrfert a director at large.

Aalderink was among healthcare workers fired for not getting the COVID-19 vaccine and he was among organizers of Freedom rallies in Kamloops during the pandemic mandates and restrictions. Aalderink told KTW in a November 2021 interview that he is not anti-vaccine, noting he has received others, but was concerned about the health effects of the COVID-19 vaccine, noting heart disease runs in his family.

The BC Conservatives have

called for reinstatement of those health-care workers who were dismissed due to not getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

In the riding of Kamloops–North Thompson, Richard Henderson is president, with Alan Forseth vice-president. Directors at large include Jeffery Dilley, Roger Wood, Teresa MacIsaac and Tim Blackburn. Mae Romero will be act as treasurer for both ridings. Forseth is back with the Conservatives after leaving the party twice in recent years.

The Conservative Party of BC has recognized 17 riding associations, with 70 more initiated. The party plans on running candidates in all 93 provincial ridings in the next election, slated to be held on Oct. 19, 2024.

Last month, Bruce Banman, a BC United MLA representing Abbotsford South, defected to the Conservatives, joining party leader John Rustad in the legislature and

BIG

bringing official party status to the group, which is now recognized as the fourth party in the legislature, alongside the governing New Democrats, BC United (formerly known as the BC Liberals) and the BC Green Party.

Official party status means the Conservatives now have an annual legislature budget of $400,000.

In August 2022, BC Liberal Leader Kevin Falcon tossed Rustad from the party’s caucus after Rustad refused to delete tweets he had reposted that questioned whether carbon dioxide emissions are contributing to climate change.

Rustad sat as an independent before joining the Conservatives in February of this year. A month later, he became leader.

The two Kamloops ridings are new and next year’s election will be the first with the new boundaries.

The Kamloops Centre riding

consists of Kamloops’ urban core and the surrounding neighbourhoods of Aberdeen, Thompson Rivers University, North Kamloops and Brocklehurst.

The riding’s southern, eastern and western boundaries follow the municipal borders of the City of Kamloops. Its northern boundary follows the CN Railway

The Kamloops-North Thompson riding include the suburban and rural areas around Kamloops, such as Batchelor Heights in the north end of Kamloops and Sahali in the south. It also includes the North Thompson communities of Barriere and Clearwater, along with the communities of Pritchard and Chase to the east of Kamloops.

The riding’s southern and western boundaries follow ThompsonNicola Regional District Electoral areas J and L. To the north, the riding is bounded by Wells Gray

Provincial Park. Its eastern boundary follows the Thompson-Nicola Regional District.

Areas to the west of the city that are currently in the Kamloops-South Thompson riding, including Cherry Creek, Tobiano and Savona, will be part of the Cariboo-Chilcotin riding in the next election.

The Commission recommends adjustments to the boundaries of 72 electoral districts and changes to 41 electoral district names based on the geographic, demographic and communication and transportation considerations set out in Electoral Boundaries Commission Act.

With the province’s 2021 population at five million people, the average population per riding, based on 93 ridings, is 53,722.

The population of Kamloops Centre is 60,681, while there are 60,586 people in the KamloopsNorth Thompson riding.

KAMLOOPS THISWEEK

BC United set to tackle voter ‘brand confusion’

MICHAEL POTESTIO STAFF REPORTER michael@kamloopsthisweek.com

The newly named BC United Party will have more than just an election to win a year from this month.

In September, Bruce Banman, a BC United MLA representing Abbotsford South, defected to the Conservatives, bringing official party status to the group, which is now recognized as the fourth party in the legislature.

Historically, BC United (formerly the BC Liberals) has been known as a coalition party consisting of both politically liberal- and conservative-leaning politicians and followers.

Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone told KTW there is now “a tremendous amount of brand confusion” between BC United and the BC Conservatives, noting his party will need to separate itself from the Conservatives in the minds of voters.

“We’ve got to do that work and make sure people know who we are, who are leader is and what we stand for,” Stone said.

He cited an Oct. 5 Leger poll that found if the election were held now, 42 per cent of voters would support the NDP 25 per cent would support the BC Conservatives, 19 per cent would support BC United and 10 per cent would support the BC Greens.

Stone pointed to additional statistics in that poll that showed 40 per cent of the respondents who chose the Conservatives were unaware the BC Liberals had changed their name. In total,

about two-thirds of respondents were aware of the BC Liberals’ name change and one-third were unaware.

“You take that 40 per cent of the 25 per cent and once people understand who we are and factor that in, the results of that poll would have had us at 30 per cent of the NDP’s 42,” Stone said, adding that is why the party’s impending brand advertising campaign is important.

“There’s still a lot of ground to make up to catch the NDP,” he said.

With a year until the next election, set for Oct. 189, 2024, Stone said they party needs to let voters know it is the official opposition, a centre-right party with experience governing.

Stone also noted a personal example of the brand confusion, recounting that some friends he spoke with recently in Vancouver congratulated him on his party’s name change to the Conservatives, which is incorrect.

“It’s a problem,” Stone admitted.

He said BC United will engage in a “significant advertising spend,” with he and Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar doing work on brand awareness advertising in the Kamloops area.

BC United Leader Kevin Falcon told KTW he is not concerned with the brand confusion. He said his party will have dealt with people not knowing what BC United is by the next election and feels the provincial Conservatives have been getting “a phony sense of support” from people confusing the party with Pierre Pollievre and the

federal Conservatives.

“That support’s not real. The vast majority of that support will end up back with BC United as it always has when we were BC Liberal,” Falcon said.

Meanwhile, BC United has confirmed Milobar and Stone will be running for re-election in the 2024 provincial election. Riding maps have been redrawn and the new ridings are Kamloops Centre and Kamloops-North Thompson. Milobar will be running in Kamloops Centre, while Stone steps into the new Kamloops- North Thompson riding.

Stone said his party overlaid the results of the 2020 provincial election with the redrawn boundaries, which showed both he and Milobar would have won that election — Milobar by a slightly larger margin than the 196-vote edge in the last election.

“That all being said, with the BC Conservatives in the mix, there’s a lot of variability and uncertainty around brand confusion and confusion with federal parties and the new boundaries, so Pete and I take nothing for granted,” Stone said. “We’re going to work triple as hard this time around to earn every vote.”

The incumbent Milobar outlasted NDP challenger Sadie Hunter in 2020, when he also faced BC Conservative candidate Dennis Giesbrecht.

Stone finished almost 5,000 votes ahead of NDP candidate Anna Thomas and more than 9,000 votes ahead of Green candidate Dan Hines. Stone did not face a BC Conservatibe candidate in Kamloops-South Thompson.

Thought you had an Estate related claim, then were told you didn’t?

Tip: Always find a second opinion

Canadian law is ever- evolving - it ’s based on decisions made by judges , plus the rules var y among provinces . Your claim may now b e supp or te d by a new judgment , or the initial denial of your claim may have been based on outdated information or the rules from another jurisdiction Our estate team prioritizes staying current so you receive the best available advice

If you have questions, we’re here to help.

Q: What makes Pivot R x different from a traditional pharmacy model? How do I set up a visit to find out if Pivot R x is right for me?

A : Thanks so much for asking We are excited to share that we are opening a second location in K amloops’ Nor th Shore ver y soon! Pivot Rx has been doing pharmacy differently in Vernon since 2020 and our team has been working over time to get the store in K amloops just right for you!

At Pivot Rx , the difference star ts when you walk in the door - really, you should see the bubble chandelier in the waiting room! We ensure that ever y patient has access to their pharmacist in one of our four mindfully-designed private consultation rooms. During your appointment we get to know you and your personal health goals. We take the time to simplif y and optimize your medication plan! Think of our team as your personal assistant for medications - coordinating care with your prescribers, care team and insurance providers, and reminding you when your nex t refills are due.

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Pivot Rx is a total care pharmacy whose ser vices include vaccinations, minor ailments consultations, and full medication reviews We also have local free prescription deliver y available We can’ t wait for you to see Pharmacy Made for You, K amloops!

SANA SHAHRAM, PhD, MPH Co -Owner & Communications Lead

TYSON McNEIL-HAY

OPINION

Another October war — or much more?

If you are wondering why Hamas launched its all-out assault on Israel on Oct. 7, I explained it in my last column: “The Arab world has basically abandoned the Palestinians to their fate, whatever that may be. Six Arab countries have established diplomatic ties with Israel and several more, including Saudi Arabia, are on the brink of doing so.

The attack is not “all-out” in the sense that Hamas expects to win, of course. It doesn’t even expect a seat at the negotiating table. But Hamas’ leaders desperately want to recover the de facto veto that Palestinians once had on the concessions other Arabs make to Israel — and this is the only way they might get it.

The “mighty vengeance” that Israel Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu promises to rain down on the Gaza Strip is exactly what Hamas actually wants, and the mightier the better. The whole point is to get the Israelis to send its soldiers in on the ground because that’s when the casualties start going up steeply.

Too many Israeli casualties was why Israel pulled its occupation troops out of the Gaza Strip in 2006 and took a chance on letting the Palestinians in Gaza govern themselves.

It didn’t work because Hamas took over (there was a vote once, a long time ago) and Gaza has

remained a thorn in Israel’s side.

Hamas doesn’t care if 10 Palestinians die for every Israeli in the conflict (which is what will happen because Israel’s weapons are vastly superior and the fighting will occur in densely populated civilian areas).

The dead Palestinians will all be martyrs and their deaths will freeze Israel’s peace initiatives with other Arab countries.

The commanders of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) understand all this, but the political leaders they must obey desperately need to wreak a “mighty vengeance” on Gaza.

As of Oct. 10, more than 1,000 Israelis have been killed — many of them civilians in their cars or in their homes — and the Israeli public expects and will accept nothing less than the

traditional 10-to-one kill ratio.

(It’s taboo to say that publicly, but everybody knows it’s true.)

As of Oct. 10, there have been an estimated 700 Palestinians killed by Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.

There is the problem of the hostages the Hamas gunmen brought back to the Gaza Strip (probably in the low dozens), but there’s no way the Israeli government will empty its jails of Palestinian prisoners to win their release.

Netanyahu is probably doomed politically anyway for letting the attack happen, but his public will not forgive a mass release of Arab prisoners.

So the IDF will go into the Gaza Strip in force despite the Israeli hostages, who will be murdered on video in a variety of ugly ways. Fouror five-thousand Palestinians will die, together with some hundreds of Israeli soldiers and Israeli peace talks

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Sean Brady

Michael Potestio

Special Projects Manager:

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office staff: Lorraine Dickinson Angela Wilson

Emery Rosalynn Bartella

with other Arab countries (but never with the Palestinians) will stop for a while.

That’s the happy ending.

The much unhappier, but still obscure, ending starts with the Palestinians on the occupied West Bank joining the fight.

They are more numerous than the Palestinians in Gaza (three million) and there has already been a low-level insurgency underway in the West Bank for several years, with deaths in the low hundreds.

If large numbers of young Palestinians in the West Bank join the militants, the IDF will be badly stretched to control both areas at the same time.

And that might — just might — tempt Hezbollah to take a hand in the game. Hezbollah is a powerful Lebanese militia that controls the southern border region of Lebanon with Israel. They are not Palestinians, but as Shia Muslims, they are closely

aligned with Iran and get lavish weapons supplies. They have an estimated 130,000 rockets of every kind and the last time they faced the Israelis, in 2006, they fought the IDF to a standstill.

Hezbollah’s leaders have their own fish to fry and they don’t want to join this war, but things can easily get out of hand in this region. There was a brief exchange of artillery fire between the IDF and Hezbollah on Oct. 8. If Hezbollah should be drawn into the war, too, we might all be in trouble.

It’s still true that Israel cannot lose this war as the local military balance is overwhelmingly in its favour.

But it could get hurt badly enough to panic if things go sideways for a while and the people in charge politically in Jerusalem will be looking for a decisive victory to rinse away their recent sins of omission. That makes them dangerous.

There are also extremists in Netanhyahu’s cabinet who would welcome a small war in the West Bank to let them do some ethnic cleansing, which in this situation is ultra-dangerous.

Everybody needs to proceed with the utmost caution in the coming days, but we know some won’t.

contained in this publication is protected by copyright. Reproduction is expressly prohibited by the rightsholder.

Rockets fired from Gaza are intercepted by the Israeli defence system Iron Dome on Oct. 8. WIKIMEDIA CREATIVE COMMONS PHOTO

LOVING CITY’S NEW ORGANICS PROGRAM

Editor:

I know there have been a lot of complaints  about the organics collection program, but I am very happy with its introduction in the city.

One complaint I hear is from those who already have composters in their yard, arguing they don’t need this collection.

I have a large vegetable garden and three composters, but there is plenty of garden waste that doesn’t break down readily, so we previously had to take that to the Cinnamon Ridge compost  facility. We now put it in the city compost bin.

Also, we have a ponderosa pine. Anyone who has one of these trees knows how much waste they produce. We used to take the endless supply of pine needles, cones and small branches to the compost facil-

SOD OFF AND HELP THE ENVIRONMENT

Editor:

Climate change is real and here to stay. We see evidence with unparalleled forest fires, flooding, droughts, tornadoes, hurricanes and other severe weather conditions occurring throughout the world.

In my childhood, I never heard the term “atmospheric river” and yet today it is a frequently used term.

grass has the added benefit of lowering water consumption and it helps reduce the damage of forest fires and fire suppression. The best benefits are that it is much less work and you save on your water bill.

Both my parents and I removed grass from our front yards this past spring. In total, we removed about 6,000 square feet of grass.

will reduce both water consumption and the need to build costly water infrastructure in the future.

The city could offer incentives in the form a tax break, a tax rebate, a flat rate or a something based on per square of removed turf. California offers a rebate of $3 per square foot of grass removed.

ity, but now they go into the city compost bin. And our grass clippings now go in the city compost bin.

Often, people who are unhappy about something new from the city are very vocal about their views, whereas those who think it works well are not so vocal.

I just want to let KTW readers and the city know there are many supporters of the organics program.

Nancy Killick Kamloops

TALK BACK Q&A:

I urge all Kamloops residents to assist in helping fight against climate change. Unfortunately, Kamloops is in a semi-desert climate to begin with and climate change will only make Kamloops get hotter.

One way people can combat climate change is by reducing or removing sod from their yards. Removing

WORK ON WALK

Editor:

I was worried about the street appeal of our house, but there is are so many display patterns to choose from to make your rock garden look very appealing. We are pleased with how ours turned out.

I would encourage city council to offer incentives to Kamloops residents to remove sod from their yards. This

A year ago, on Oct. 12, 2022, I was knocked over by a Nissan Rogue, downtown in the crosswalk at Seymour Street and Fourth Avenue.

A nurse passing by was the first respondent and I would like to thank this Good

WHAT’S YOUR TAKE?

Should I decide to run for political office in the future, fighting climate change would be one of my major campaign initiatives. This would include providing incentives to Kamloops residents to reduce their water-hungry grass areas and adding more drought-resistant plants.

Antonio Berardi Kamloops

Samaritan if she would contact KTW ICBC paid most of the costs of my rehabilitation. There should be advanced walk signals at many crossings, as is the case at Victoria Street and Second Avenue.

Jack Jones 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

Rookies recount first year as SD73 trustees

COLE HICKSON AND JO KANG WERE ELECTED TO THE BOARD A YEAR AGO THIS MONTH

SEAN BRADY STAFF REPORTER

sbrady@kamloopsthisweek.com

Kamloops’ two newest school trustees are reflecting on their first year on the board of education, still leaning on their youth to look for opportunities for district students.

Cole Hickson and Jo Kang were elected one year ago this Sunday, with each pledging to bring a youthful presence to the Kamloops-Thompson (School District 73) board of education.

Kang said he still feels fresh on the board and is still learning the role.

“It’s been very positive so far. The incumbent trustees on the board embraced us, took us under their wing. They have been so helpful, I can’t say enough good things,” Kang said.

Kang, 25, and Hickson, 27, joined a group with plenty of experience. Incumbent trustees make up the remainder of the nine-member board, which represents an area as large as Vancouver Island and encompasses nearly 17,000 students and 2,600 staff.

“There’s been nothing of scale in my past experience I could compare it to,” Hickson said, noting former board experience at Thompson Rivers University gave him some idea of the role before being elected on Oct. 15, 2022.

Hickson said he has been taking the time to learn about the needs of outlying communities around Kamloops, including Barriere, Clearwater, Tobiano, Chase and Savona, and how they differ from the city.

“This past year, I’ve really been taking it low and slow to understand how things are working and how I can be a part of this team in an effective capacity,” he said.

Recent work of the board includes public engagement on a number of changes to North Shore schools, including catchment changes and grade reconfigurations, the confirmation of a new school in Pineview Valley and the wrap-up of the expansion at Valleyview secondary.

Kang said he has been thankful

for the district’s superintendent, Rhonda Nixon, throughout the public engagement done by the district.

“She takes public input very seriously and just being a part of that has been awesome,” he said.

Hickson also praised the superintendent, noting Nixon has always been “on it” when it comes to any questions and concerns.

Despite the work done in the past year and the promise of a new school, the district still faces challenging space concerns, with several schools significantly over their intended capacities.

“That was kind of a big learning curve for me. I thought, as a board, you have the power and control over what happens in the school district, in terms of projects and

stuff, but you’re actually working very closely with the provincial government and that partnership is very key,” Kang said.

The Ministry of Education gave its nod to a new school in Pineview Valley this past February, but other needs, including new schools in Batchelor Heights, Aberdeen, Juniper Ridge and Sun Peaks remain unfulfilled by the province.

Kang said he learned “very fast” that his role as a trustee is limited in what he can push for.

“Unfortunately, the speed of things and the priorities of things that get dealt with by the provincial ministry, I learned early on, it’s frustrating,” he said. “Things come up in priorities, but it wasn’t as simple as I thought — that you get in and there’s a new school next year.”

The Kamloops-Thompson board of education was elected on Oct. 15, 2022. From left: Shelley Sim, Cara McKelvey, John O’Fee, Heather Grieve, Kathleen Karpuk, Diane Jules, Rhonda Kershaw, Jo Kang and Cole Hickson. TYLER MEADE PHOTOGRAPHY

Several replacement schools, new schools and expansions have been on the district’s wish list for years.

“We have a lot of needs in our community and a lot of them are becoming increasingly evident,” Hickson said, adding that the board has been “upping our game,” in how it approaches and provides information to government.

With a lot of work ahead and trustee terms that continue until October 2026, Hickson and Kang both said they will continue to use their youth and recent school experience to represent the interests of students.

“We’ve got about 10 years since we were students ourselves. I think that’s very helpful, to have a young perspective at this table,” Hickson said.

Kang said he regularly connects with current students on social media and out in the community. He sees his youth as a boon for representation.

“The student voice is also very important on the board of education and that’s kind of been an advantage, I guess, of being someone on the younger side on the board,” Kang said.

Sixth Avenue bike lane officially opens

SEAN BRADY STAFF REPORTER sbrady@kamloopsthisweek.com

It has been in use for the past couple of weeks, but Friday, Oct. 6, was the official opening of the city’s inaugural downtown protected bike lane.

The separated bike lane, which has room for cyclists travelling north and south, is on the east side of Sixth Avenue, between Columbia and Lansdowne streets.

The bike lane is the final leg of the city’s Summit-Downtown Active Transportation Connection Project that links nonvehicle commuters from Peterson Creek Park in Sahali to the Lansdowne Street transit exchange downtown via the Xget’tem’ Trail.

The separated bike lane along Sixth Avenue has necessitated some traffic flow and traffic light changes.

• Cyclists passing through Seymour Street and Victoria Street will now see

new, bike-specific traffic signals.

• Changes have been made to the lane configurations at intersections along Sixth Avenue as the road has been converted from four vehicle lanes to two vehicle lanes to accommodate the width of the bike lane and separation median.

• Cyclists using the

protected, two-way bicycle lane are required to yield to pedestrians crossing the bicycle lane from the sidewalk to the bus stops. A rectangular rapid flashing beacon and yellow urban braille have been installed to ensure the safe movement for people of all abilities.

• The traffic light at Sixth Avenue and Victoria Street

will operate differently to ensure better separation between cyclists and certain vehicle movements.

• New “No Right on Red” signs have been installed at Sixth Avenue and Columbia Street (westbound right turn) and Sixth Avenue and Victoria Street (westbound right turn).

The intersection at Lansdowne Street and Sixth

Avenue has been changed, converting the shared through-right lane into a right-turn only lane.

The Sixth Avenue bike lane is part of the city’s plan to create a continuous north-south bicycle route from Aberdeen to Westsyde as envisioned in the NorthSouth Kamloops Bicycle Corridor Project.

The Summit-Downtown

Connection Project received a $3.2 million federal contribution through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure program. Motorists are reminded that parking is not permitted in the bike lane. Designated on-street parking lanes are available along Sixth Avenue.

ABOVE: Kamloops Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson (left) and Coun, Nancy Bepple hold the ribbon as Deb Alore of the Kamloops Cycling Coalition rides through to officially open the Sixth Avenue separated bike lane in downtown Kamloops on Oct. 6; the separated bike lane, which has room for cyclists travelling north and south, is on the east side of Sixth Avenue, between Columbia and Lansdowne streets.

SEAN BRADY PHOTOS/KTW

City’s town hall schedule finalized

Valleyview and Dallas.

Kamloops City Hall has released the schedule of its upcoming neighbourhood town hall meetings, with the first such event to be held on Oct. 25.

The neighbourhood-byneighbourhood meetings are being held by council to gather opinions and concerns from residents on how council can best advance its strategic plan during this term.

Six in-person meetings will held are being held monthly, except for December, in October, November, January, February, March and April. All meetings will be held between 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. A virtual meeting for all residents will be held via Zoom on May 22, 2024, between 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., a link for which will be posted closer to the event date.

The schedule:

• Oct. 25: Southeast Neighbourhood in Barnhartvale at the Barnhartvale Community Hall, 7390 Barnhartvale Rd. The meeting is for residents of Juniper Ridge, Barnhartvale, Campbell Creek, Rose Hill,

• Nov, 23: North Neighbourhood in Westsyde at The Dunes at Kamloops Golf Course, 652 Dunes Dr. The meeting is for residents of Westsyde, Noble Creek, Rayleigh and Heffley Creek.

• Jan. 24: Southwest 2 Neighbourhood in meeting rooms C and D at the Tournament Capital Centre, 910 McGill Rd. The meeting is for residents of Upper Sahali, Lower Sahali, Southgate and Thompson Rivers University.

• Feb. 29: Core Neighbourhood in the Sandman Centre’s Kia Lounge, downtown at 300 Lorne St. The meeting is for residents of downtown, West End, Mission Flats, Sagebrush and North Kamloops.

• March 14: Northwest Neighbourhood on the North Shore in the Sports Centre Lounge in McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre, 1665 Island Parkway. The meeting is for residents of Batchelor Heights, Brocklehurst and Tranquille.

• April 25: Southwest 1

Neighbourhood in the Hal Rogers Centre in Upper Sahali’s Albert McGowan

Park, 2025 Summit Dr. The meeting is for residents of Pineview Valley, Aberdeen, Dufferin, Iron Mask and Knutsford.

• May 22: Virtual meeting via Zoom at an online link to be released later.

The meetings will have a hybrid format, which will begin with a presentation of council’s strategic plan, followed by residents taking in a cafe format in which they rotate between information tables, each pertaining to a priority of council’s strategic plan: safety and security, service excellence, livability and sustainability and economic health.

Residents will be invited to tell a city representative at each table what is working well, what can be done better and for what council should advocate.

An open mic session with city council will follow and facilitators at each table will report back key themes heard.

The format is designed to enable residents to voice their opinions, concerns and frustrations to council, participating in whatever manner feels most comfortable to them without intimidation.

KAMLOOPS THISWEEK

This past spring, Kamloops Mounties deemed as suspicious the circumstances surrounding the manner in which Gregory Hamilton’s body was discovered. Police said Hamilton was a transient resident in both Kamloops and 100 Mile House.

Homicide

ruled

out in discovery of body in dumpster

Police raid led to 3D-printed gun

KAMLOOPS

One of the weapons seized by Kamloops Mounties during a May 3 raid on a home in Batchelor Heights was a 3D printed firearm.

That revelation came at the Oct. 5 City of Kamloops safety and security select committee meeting as Kamloops RCMP Supt. Jeff Pelley presented second-quarter (April, May and June) police statistics.

On May 3, members of the detachment’s targeted enforcement unit executed a search warrant at a Stagecoach Drive home in Batchelor Heights and seized three kilograms of fentanyl, the drug connected to the vast majority of the more than 11,000 overdose deaths in B.C.

In addition to the fentanyl, police seized a kilogram of cocaine, 550 grams of methamphetamine, two tasers, tens

VISIT BRUINED

An oily bear was the source of a recent call to Clearwater RCMP. On Sept. 25, a restaurant owner called police with a mischief complaint after it appeared someone had dumped cooking oil around the building.

A Mountie asked the eatery owner how he disposed of cooking oil and learned it was

Now Booking

KAMLOOPS THISWEEK

Homicide has been ruled out in the investigation into the discovery of a man’s body in a garbage dumpster in Valleyview earlier this year.

The body of Gregory “Troy” Hamilton, who also went by the alias of Troy Hamilton and the nickname “Monster,” was found in a dumpster between two buildings in the 1900block of Curlew Drive on the night of April 20.

Kamloops RCMP Supt. Jeff Pelley, said the indignity to human remains investigation revealed the absence of murder in the death.

“That is not a homicide,” Pelley said.

At the time, Kamloops Mounties deemed as suspicious the circumstances surrounding the manner in which Hamilton’s body was discovered. Police said Hamilton was a transient resident in both Kamloops and 100 Mile House.

Police have not revealed cause of death.

of thousands of dollars in cash two vehicles and three firearms, one of which was a 3D printed weapon.

Pelley said a man arrested was the lead target of the trafficking investigation.

As of Oct. 5, no charges have yet been laid in connection with the May 3 raid.

“We’re working on remaining tasks to advance that and we will have more information with the public announce-

stored in a large bin outside — a bin that was missing its lid, courtesy of an earlier visit by a bear.

The officer then noticed a bear’s hind footprint in the oil and deduced that a bruin had fallen into the large bin of oil, then climbed out, smearing the oil all around the outside of the restaurant.

The restaurateur was advised to get the bin’s lid fixed as soon as possible.

ment once we move through the charge approval,” Pelley said.

At a press conference this past July, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit said legal 3D printers can be used to create 80 per cent of a firearm, with plenty of information on how to do so available online. The final 20 per cent of the firearm can be finished by adding parts that can be legally purchased.

BEST

RATES

THE BODY OF GREGORY

‘TROY’ HAMILTON, NICKNAMES ‘MONSTER,’ WAS FOUND ON APRIL 20

RCMP PHOTO

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Water restrictions end in Kamloops

The City of Kamloops has rescinded watering restrictions it enacted in August as a response to the unprecedented level 5 drought classification the city and region was under.

That drought classification now at level 4 — the six-level scale ranges in severity from zero (least severe) to five (most severe) — due to cooler temperatures and forecast precipitation, although the North and South Thompson River basins remain at historically low levels for this time of year.

All forms of water use are now permitted, including irrigation with sprinklers and automatic systems, vehicle and boat washing and pressure washing for any purpose.

City engineering manager

Deven Matkowski said the collective effort of the community allowed more than 500 million litres of water to remain in the river to support fish and the ecosystem.

Based on weekly usage reports provided by the city’s engineering division, water use remained well below the city-wide 25 per cent reduction target.

Restrictions end with Kamloops recording a season low volume of just under 100,000 cubic metres of water use during the week of Oct. 2.

At its peak this past summer, just prior to a plea from Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson for residents to reduce water use in mid-July, Kamloops was recording just under 500,000 cubic metres of water use during the week of July 10.

When water restrictions were introduced, the volume

fell week-over-week to just under 150,000 cubic metres before ticking back up to the 150,000 mark as of Sept. 18 before hitting the season low at the start of October.

The volume measurements from the city are based on the total amount of water drawn out of the South Thompson River to be treated at its water treatment plant east of Pioneer Park.

The system is automated and, if the reservoirs and pump systems across the city’s distribution are not calling for water, not as much is pulled out of the river.

The city’s water-treatment plant can produce 160,000 cubic metres of potable water per day.

The single-greatest daily amount was 138,000 cubic metres during the heat dome of June 2021.

KAMLOOPS THISWEEK

ONLINE Be a part of your community paper & comment online.

Debate resumes in a new-look B.C. legislature

MICHAEL POTESTIO STAFF REPORTER michael@kamloopsthisweek.com

There will be more questions to come and some time getting used to a new look in the B.C. legislature, according to one of Kamloops’ two opposition MLAs as sessions restart this fall.

Last week, for the first time since May, the legislature resumed sitting for three days ahead of the Thanksgiving long weekend. Next week it will begin sitting for a month straight.

Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone, who is house leader for BC United (formerly the BC Liberals), told KTW his party was particularly critical of two new pieces of legislation during question period last week.

Those are the proposed changes to the Emergency Program Act and new restrictions

on public drug use amidst the province’s three-year decriminalization pilot project.

“I think there will be some pretty intense debate when we’re back in session next week,” Stone said.

Changes to emergency laws, the first in three decades, are to incorporate the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, put more focus on reducing risk and increasing resilience and more onus on local governments and First Nations to assess risks and mitigate those risks.

Stone said BC United is arguing the proposed changes to the Emergency Program Act do not go far enough as there is no improvements to the disaster financial assistance program.

“There was a real opportunity here to improve that and that’s certainly not the case with

this legislation,” he said.

The drug-related legislation bans the use of illicit drugs within a six-metre radius from building entrances, six metres of a bus stop, 15 metres of playgrounds, spray and wading pools and skate parks and at parks, beaches and sports fields.

Stone said the legislation is “too little, too late” with the pilot project in its ninth month, noting there were no protections in place to shield children from potentially being exposed to drug use while out of school over the summer months.

“On the one hand, glad there’s protections now,” he said. “It just shouldn’t have taken this long.”

Stone said the fact the government is now acknowledging, through these protections, that they need to be in place, shows decriminalization has been a failure and the government should

end the program.

He also noted overdose deaths have continued to rise in B.C. this year.

Stone said question period is different now that there is a fourth political party sitting in the legislature — the Conservative Party of BC.

Stone said as a result, questions are now limited to 45 seconds as opposed to MLAs being allowed to take up to two minutes to pose queries to government.

Last month, Bruce Banman, a BC United MLA representing Abbotsford South, defected to the Conservatives, joining party leader John Rustad in the legislature and bringing official party status to the group, which is now recognized as the fourth party in the legislature, alongside the governing New Democrats, BC United and the BC Green Party.

SURF SANS

TURF DINNER

This white pelican at Cooney Bay snares a huge fish for dinner as envious winged friends look on.

ALLEN DOUGLAS/KTW

Indigenous Film Festival begins on Oct. 12

exclusive speaking panel with Indigenous creative personnel from around the province.

The second annual Stseptékwles re Sk’elép (Coyote Stories) Indigenous Film Festival takes place this week at the Paramount Theatre, downtown at Victoria Street and Fifth Avenue.

The festival, presented by the Kamloops Film Society, in partnership with Tk’emlups te Secwépemc, will run from Thursday, Oct. 12 through Saturday, Oct. 14.

The festival will screen six feature films and a free, family-friendly Indigenous short film package. The festival will also welcome a slate of guests to feature around the film selections.

The festival will open on Thursday with a red carpet screening of Bones of Crows, a compelling historic drama partially filmed in Kamloops. The film will be followed by an

Friday the 13th screenings will include Rhymes for Young Ghouls, a dark and gritty drama directed by the late Jeff Barnaby, whose works are celebrated for their bold and stylish takes in the Indigenous horror genre. Following that film will be Sgaaway K’uuna (Edge of the Knife), a psychological horror film set in the late 1800s and spoken entirely in the Haida language dialect.

Earlier on Friday, at 11 a.m., Indigenous and non-Indigenous students will have the opportunity to watch Inhabitants, a feature documentary that follows five Native American tribes across deserts, coastlines, forests and prairies as they restore their traditional land management practices.

Proud to be voted #1 for 2 consecutive years. Thank you to our clients and readers.

Teachers wishing to take their students to the film can email shay@thekfs.ca for more information.

The film festival will wrap on Saturday with the Indigenous Family Shorts program at 11 a.m., which will feature Indigenous storytellers presenting short works ranging from documentaries to animation.

The Indigenous Family Shorts are part of the Kamloops Film Society’s Free Family Flicks program, so tickets are free for everyone. Attendees are urged to book in advance to guarantee a seat.

Later on Saturday, sci-fi romance Stellar and drama-comedy Guitar Lessons will be screened. The closing party will feature comedian Conway Kootenay, who portrays Ernie in Guitar Lesson.

“I am honoured to welcome patrons from our region and beyond to the Paramount Theatre for highly entertaining and thoughtprovoking films and engaging special events, that will highlight Indigenous art in general and filmmaking more specifically,” Kamloops Film Society executive director Dušan Magdolen said.

DID YOU KNOW?

This year’s festival is guided by an allIndigenous film committee, Kamloops Film Society operations manager Radhika Tabrez and assisted by Tk’emlups artist and organizer, Shay Paul. Indigenous Film Festival committee members include Ashley Fontaine-Ost, Bobbi Sasaskamoose, Jason Mike and Laura Michel. For more information and to buy tickets, go online to thekfs.ca.

KAMLOOPS

World-renowned fiddler to play Kamloops

Legendary fiddler Calvin Vollrath will be in Kamloops on Tuesday, Oct. 17, playing at Our Lady of Perpetual Help school, at 635 Tranquille Rd. in North Kamloops.

Doors will open at 6 p.m., with the music set to begin at 6:30 p.m. Admission is by donation and the concert is presented by Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services.

Vollrath, from St. Paul, Alta., is one of the few European-

You tell library in survey

Canadian fiddle players playing professionally in the Métis style. He won the Grand North American Old Tyme Fiddle Championship in 1985 and 1998, was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Association in 2005 and has judged the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Competition. Vollrath has released 72 albums and has composed more than 800 tunes, many which are played in fiddle contests and dance halls across North America and Europe.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional Library (TNRL) is inviting residents to help shape the future hours of the two Kamloops libraries by taking part in a short survey.

The Kamloops Libraries Hours of Service Survey is open through

He was commissioned to compose five fiddle tunes for the opening ceremony at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games and has been recognized with several honours, including induction into the North American Fiddler’s Hall of Fame and the ‘Country Music Alberta Hall of Fame.

Vollrath is a self-taught musician who plays by ear and, while his roots are in Canadian fiddle music, he also embraces and excels in many other styles. At any one of his concerts, attendees might hear something from the

Beatles, Louis Armstrong, Tom Jones, Hank Williams, Stephan Grapelli and Bob Wills alongside Vollrath’s own compositions.

Touring with Vollrath is Jeremy Rusu, a talented blind musician from Brockville Ont., who will play piano, accordion and guitar.

“Jeremy has a special talent and I can’t wait to make music with him, as together I know we will entertain and wow audiences” Vollrath said.

For more information about Vollrath, go online to calvinvollrath.com.

at both Kamloops libraries:

• Kamloops Library: downtown at Victoria Street and Fifth Avenue;

Oct. 22. This survey gives respondents the opportunity to provide feedback on the hours of service

• North Kamloops Library: in Library Square at 693 Tranquille Rd. The survey can be accessed online at tnrl.libwizard.com/f/LibraryHours.

Residents can also complete the survey with a TNRL staff member

at their local library. Those who provide their feedback will be entered into a prize draw to win a $50 gift card to Indigo-Chapters. To view hours of operation for all Thompson-Nicola Regional Library locations and the mobile library schedule, go online to tnrl.ca/ locations.

CALVIN VOLLRATH

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE GAMING AT KAMCON

sions will fill many of the rooms.

The annual KamCon gaming convention is set to take over more space than ever at Thompson Rivers University from Friday, Oct. 13, through Sunday, Oct. 15.

The convention will feature table-top gaming, including board games and role-playing games, video games and trading card games, as well as dozens of vendors and opportunities to learn any game on offer.

“It’s pretty cool to see it grow,” said organizer Tyler Carpentier, who has been organizing the convention since its first iteration in 2018.

This year, the convention has taken over the entirety of the Campus Activity Centre building at Thompson Rivers University.

More than 30 vendors will line the convention hallways and rotunda and nearly 50 learn-to-play ses-

Following last year’s successful video game tournament, featuring Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, another will be held this year, as well as exhibition play of the recently released Street Fighter 6. Trading card game enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to play, trade and purchase cards from games like Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic the Gathering and Flesh and Blood.

On the table-top gaming front, Carpentier said with nearly 50 sessions planned, the variety of games is “mind bending” this year, including everything from fantasy to sci-fi like Star Trek and Star Wars, post-apocalyptic scenarios, Eldritch horrors and beyond.

“In the past, we’ve just had a board game area where people can play, but this year we’re focusing more on learn-to-play,” Carpentier said.

With beginner friendliness in mind, local game designer Rob Seib of Mindfruit Games has taken on heading up that area of the convention. Carpentier said the sessions will be “very beginner friendly,” with ready-made characters for role-playing sessions and easy explanations from experienced players.

“It’s specifically designed for people who have never played before to come out and try stuff,” he said.

Kids ages 12 and younger will have free admission to the convention if they are accompanied by a paid supervising adult.

“All about growing the gaming community and, of course, kids are the future of the gaming community. So, to get the kids out and try some new things, that’s really cool,” Carpentier said.

Tickets for the convention start at $40 for a day pass and are available online at kamloops conventions.ca.

Read 1,001 stories before Grade 1

same story a thousand times.”

This free Thompson-Nicola Regional Library program encourages parents and caregivers to read stories with their children

The Thompson-Nicola Regional Library (TNRL) has introduced 1001 Before Grade One, a new early literacy program that makes it easy and fun to build the habit of daily reading at home. The free program encourages parents and caregivers to read 1,001 stories with their children before they start Grade 1. As children’s author Mem Fox has said: “Children need to hear a thousand stories before they can begin to learn to read — or the

Melissa Miller, the TNRL’s early years coordinator, said children who are regularly read to at home grow up to have greater enjoyment and higher confidence in their reading and writing.

“As a result, children exposed to reading tend to be more successful in school and, ultimately, in life,” Miller said.

Parents and caregivers can pick up their 1001 Before Grade One package at any TNRL location. In Kamloops, libraries are located downtown at Victoria Street and Fifth Avenue and in North Kamloops at 683 Tranquille Rd.

To learn more, go online to tnrl.ca/1001.

KAMLOOPS THISWEEK

One of the highlights of the recent reunion of former Stanley Associates Engineering Ltd. (now known as Stantec) was a tour of the City of Kamloops’ intake and high lift station, which Stanley staff designed and construction supervised about a half-century ago.

Engineering a 50-year reunion

Employees of Stanley Associates Engineering Ltd. (now known as Stantec) held a 50-year reunion recently for staff who worked in Kamloops in the late 1960s and 1970s.

One of the highlights of the reunion was a tour of the City of Kamloops intake and high lift station, still operational facilities that were designed and construction supervised a little more than 50 years ago by Stanley staff.

The group also toured the city’s award-winning water

treatment plant that was designed by Stantec about 20 years ago.

Other projects undertaken by Stanley for the city in the 1970s include upgrade and expansion of sewage treatment, relocation of the North Kamloops sewage lagoons on McArthur Island to the south shore treatment facility, design and construction supervision of the southwest water system to service Upper Sahali and Aberdeen, servicing of North Kamloops with water from the new intake, including river crossing, the Second

Avenue booster station and new reservoir, design and construction supervision of new trunk sewers and pumping stations to the sewage treatment plant on the south shore, conversion of downtown streets to one-way routes; completion of the first transportation master plan and production of Kamplan which has been the guiding document for the development of Kamloops for the past half-century.

Stanley also undertook the design and construction supervision of much of Sahali for a private developer.

Karl and Joan Gengenbach

12, 1963

KAMLOOPS THISWEEK

Faith: Giving thanks with our collective minds

An oft-repeated Bible verse used to counsel parishioners in times of trials and perplexities in life is Romans 8:28: “And we know in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called to His purpose.”

Theoretically and theologically correct, it has been tested by believers even in times of extreme tension and stress. For example, the Christian Victory tells of a missionary who was seriously ill on a mission field overseas. One month, her cheque did not arrive and she was forced to live day after day on oatmeal and canned milk. During those long days of illness and meager diet, she began to wonder if the Lord was neglecting her.

After some 30 days on this restricted diet, her symptoms disappeared and she returned to good health. Not long after that, she received her cheque and was able to purchase regular food.

When her furlough rolled around, she told of her trial to an eager audience. At the close of the meeting, a kindly doctor asked about her ailment.

When he heard about the nature of her digestive malfunction, he said, “Well, if your cheque had arrived on time, you probably wouldn’t be talking to me today. Because of what happened, your life was spared. You didn’t know it then, but what’s usually prescribed for cases like yours is a 30-day oatmeal diet.”

The woman then realized how wonderfully God had cared for her in her time of need. The Bible enjoins upon believers to “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will …” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

As we begin the fall season, with

Thanksgiving just passed, it’s a good time to remind ourselves of the priority of praising God

Biblical praise should be central to our worship of God. Praising God we should do all the time, but it is far too easy to crank up praise in flesh. That’s something we should never desire to do.

Psalm 145 is literally a grocery list of reasons to praise God. It’s entitled a “psalm of praise.” Written by King David, it’s the only psalm specifically listed as a psalm of praise. While it is true that all the psalms lead us to praise God, this is the only psalm with this specific title. If we really understand who God is and who we are, we would spend every moment of every day offering up praise to our heavenly Father.

One of the most common ways to praise God is through our prayers. It is interesting that Jesus left us only one prayer as an example of how we are to pray. Several of his own prayers are recorded in the Bible, but only once did he say, “When you pray, pray like this.”

It is recorded for us in Matthew 6:9-13. It is referred to as the Lord’s Prayer, but a more accurate title would be the disciples’ prayer.

In fact, the first 10 words provide the biblical foundation to begin all prayers with a season of praise: “Our Father … hallowed be thy name.” The Greek word for hallow (aggiadzo) means “to revere or to sanctify.”

Since to sanctify means to set apart, our prayer time should include several moments at the very outset when God’s name is set apart strictly as the object of divine worship. During those moments, our sole purpose should be to bring glory to God with our words.

Praise is vocal adoration of God — and adoration is the act of rendering divine honour, esteem and love. Praise, then, is an essential aspect of prayer. Since adoration brings man into immediate direct contact with God, in the role of a servant to his master, or the created to the creator, it is foundational to all other kinds of prayer.

Praise is also an essential part of life because only praise puts God in His rightful position. In praising God, we declare His sovereignty, we recognize His nature and power. There is another key benefit of praise — its proper focus. It enables us to focus properly in prayer. Praise, by its very nature, is unselfish.

Praise decentralizes self. The worship and praise of God demands a shift in centre from self to God. One cannot praise God without relinquishing preoccupation with self. Praise, then, produces forgetfulness of one’s self and forgetfulness of self is a very healthy biblical principle.

Technically, to praise someone is the act of one’s esteem of a person for his virtues or accomplishments. It’s to pronounce that person worthy of honour. And when we say, “praise the Lord,” it should mean even more. Let mentally gather together all the facts we know of God and put those facts into words.

Let us estimate the worth of God, both in our daily prayers and in our worship services, devoid of mindless repetition, because God is so awesome and vain repetition is not a biblical concept.

Narayan Mitra is a volunteer chaplain at Thompson Rivers University, His email address is ryanmitra225@gmail.com. KTW welcomes Faith column submissions. Keep them to about 600 words and email them to editor@ kamloopsthisweek.com.

NARAYAN MITRA You Gotta Have FAITH

Popes and angels abound in glorious Avignon

taxes on merchandise.

Massive, weathered ramparts still encircle Avignon. Fondly nicknamed “Paris of southern France,” dynamic summer drama, music and dance festivals maintain her claim to fame as a city of high European culture. Yet, it’s the legacies of popes and angels that excite history buffs like us.

Leaving Place de l’Horloge in the heart of old town, we admire city hall’s medieval clock tower and ornate opera house and continue into the huge nearby square. Here, Cathédrale Notre-Dame-des-Dom’s golden Virgin Mary soars above elaborate angelic marble statuary. Inside, artworks include Pope John XXII’s carved mausoleum, a 14thcentury masterpiece. Europe’s largest gothic palace awaits next door.

Entering the Palais des Papes through mighty portals, we wind through hallways with vaulted ceilings, huge treasury rooms and an immense kitchen tower. Illustrated exhibits explain how Avignon became the influential capital of Christianity between 1309 and 1377.

Then, this vast fortified palace protected and pampered seven consecutive popes until the papacy officially returned to Rome.

A maze of bare rooms reflects sumptuous living. Original enameled tiles cover the meditation alcove floor. Lively frescoes of hunting scenes surround a bedchamber.

Compelling paintings of Christ remain in a small chapel. From dining hall windows, we picture the once-extensive vegetable gardens and papal menagerie filling arched courtyards below. And from the ramparts, sweeping views of a restored archbishop’s palace. Across the square, Le Petit Palais features superb Renaissance Italian art.

Threading our way along cobbled streets to other shaded plazas, we discover venerable cathedrals displaying further resplendent art-

istry. Refurbished mansions serve as fine art museums. Lingering in open-air bistros, we sample buttery croissants thick with local cheeses, sip pungent lattes and contemplate the extravagances of those bygone days.

Avignon’s most celebrated monument once spanned the mighty Rhone River. First introduced to St. Benezet’s Bridge (a.k.a. Pont d’Avignon) when my French class belted out Sur le Pont d’Avignon at high school graduation, I later taught this popular children’s song to my own French classes. Without ever considering its momentous history, we’d all merrily sing, “Sur le pont d’Avignon, l’on y danse, l’on y danse!”

We gaze over Avignon from the spot King Louis XIV had gushed, “It’s the most beautiful place in all my kingdom.” We fully appreciate his passion for this city.

We pause at the two-story chapel perched on this first of four surviving bridge arches. Above, tiny 13th-century Chapelle Saint Nicholas, devoted patron saint of Rhone bargemen. Below, 12th-century Chapelle Saint Benezet honours the shepherd-saint, inspired by holy voices to build le pont at Avignon.

According to legend, heavenly angels guided the young shepherd to Avignon. Though his proposal first elicited ridicule, he convinced wealthy supporters of the divine will by lifting a huge boulder, heaving it down at the designated site.

Sadly, Benezet never witnessed this miraculous project’s completion in 1185.

Originally 947 metres long, four metres wide and with 22 wooden arches, this strategically placed bridge attracted travellers and merchants from far and wide during the Middle Ages. As the sole bridge between Lyon and the Mediterranean, both Avignon and the church prospered greatly from heavy tolls and

Reaching the farthest span, we survey Villeneuve-les-Avignon on the opposite riverbank, at one time the glittering sister city of cardinals. This charming medieval village boasts marvelous 14th-century structures of its own.

At mid-span, the narrator intones, “Constant repairs became extremely costly …”

The Order of Pontiff Brothers founded by Benezet maintained, restored and continuously rebuilt the bridge over its lifetime. Despite frequent replacements, rickety wooden sections became perilous. Reconstructed in stone during the 13th century, even those arches collapsed and, by the 17th century, most had washed away. Permanently destroyed by 1668’s catastrophic floods, no further repairs were ever made.

Now tamed by upstream hydroelectric dams, it’s difficult to visualize the raging waters that regularly wrecked this storied bridge.

Climbing steep steps to Rocherde-Dom gardens above the Popes’ Palace, we review Avignon’s past glory while watching visitors stream along the angel-inspired bridge, just like in days gone by.

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

CHRIS MILLIKAN SPECIAL TO KTW

View of St. Benezet/Pont d”Avignon Bridge from the Rocher de Dom gardens high above Palais des Papes.

CHRIS MILLIKAN PHOTO

TRU playoff hopes fading

trolled play in the first 20 minutes, won corners and created multiple scoring chances.

Emily Clark was too emotional to speak.

The Thompson Rivers University forward from Kamloops did not picture her final Canada West women’s soccer home game ending in defeat, a 1-0 loss to the UBC Okanagan Heat of Kelowna on Oct. 6 at Hillside Stadium that likely spells doom for WolfPack post-season aspirations.

Captain Ainsley

Grether spoke on behalf of graduating Clark and the downtrodden WolfPack (4-6-2).

“Losing soccer sucks, I’ll be honest,” said Grether, noting the Heat have improved in recent years. “But hey, you know what, I always talk into this phone and just keep saying how hopeful I am for the following weekend. One more weekend. We look forward to that now.”

The top five teams in Pacific Division standings at the end of the regular season will qualify for the playoffs.

TRU is in seventh place, four points behind the Fraser Valley Cascades (5-4-3) of Abbotsford and one point behind Mount Royal (4-53) of Calgary.

The league-leading UBC Thunderbirds (111) will host the Pack on Oct. 13. TRU will finish its regular season on Oct. 15 in Prince George against the UNBC Timberwolves (0-11-1).

“That one probably hurt,” said WolfPack head coach Mark Pennington, who in 2022 guided the team to its first Canada West Final Four appearance in program history.

“It was a game we had to win.”

Failure to finish and a brilliant moment from Heat midfielder Eleni Georgacacos sunk the home team on Friday.

The WolfPack con-

Clark, Grether and Esi Lufo — whose rocket header in the sixth minute rattled the crossbar — threatened but could not bulge the old onion bag, which was well-protected by Heat goalkeeper Talia Gagnon. She stopped all four shots that came her way.

The Kelowna club — 7-3-2 and third in league standings — registered two shots on goal, including the well-placed Georgacacos curler that hit the post and went in to give the Heat a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute.

“I thought we actually did enough to get something out of it,” Pennington said. “We just lacked a bit of quality in and around the net.”

Lufo had two closerange opportunities in the second half, one that was courageously blocked by a Heat defender and another that sailed wide in the 66th minute.

“Soccer is a funny game,” said Grether, who has a team-leading three goals in 11 games this

season. “You score a lot in some games and sometimes the soccer gods don’t like to turn in your favour.”

Clark — who was honoured during a pre-game ceremony — has scored six goals in her WolfPack career, including a program-record five gamewinning markers.

She nearly tied the contest in the 85th minute while in alone on the end of a long ball, but charging goalkeeper Gagnon foiled the effort and preempted the feel-good, hometown storyline.

“Clarky gives Clarky effort all the time,” Pennington said. “We love her for that and we’ll miss her.”

Substitute midfielder Hawan Abdissa teased the Hillside Stadium crowd with a shot that appeared labelled for the top corner, but Gagnon corralled the 91st-minute strike to ice the contest.

“The fact we’re contending for a playoff spot to the last weekend of the season is all we ask for from the program,” Pennington said. “We’ll keep going to the bitter end.”

Sophia Pol (left) of the UBC Okanagan Heat and Bridget Baird of the TRU WolfPack go head to head last weekend at Hillside Stadium. ALLEN DOUGLAS/KTW

EMILY CLARK

Blazers drop two, Minten to make NHL debut

Wenatchee Wild forward Easton Armstrong scored his hat-trick goal in overtime to lift his club to a 7-6 comeback victory over the Kamloops Blazers on Oct. 8 at Sandman Centre.

Conor Geekie, Miles Cooper, Graham Sward and Karter Prosofsky also scored for the Wild (3-4-1-0) in support of goaltender Daniel Hauser, who stopped 28 shots to pick up the victory between the pipes.

Connor Levis (2), Ashton Tait, Dylan Sydor, Bryce Minten and Andrew Thomson notched goals for the Blazers (1-2-2-0), whose netminder, Matthew Kieper, allowed seven goals on 36 shots in a losing effort. The goal was

the first of Tait’s WHL career.

Kamloops led 4-1 in the second period, but Wenatchee roared back and Geekie tied the game at 19:16 of the third period.

Both teams were 1-for-4 on the power play.

Kamloops, which fell 4-1 to the visiting Victoria Royals on Oct. 6, will travel to Spokane to square off against the Chiefs (2-3-0-0) on Wednesday, Oct. 11.

The Blazers will continue to play without 19-year-old forward Fraser Minten, who is expected to make his regular-season NHL debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday against the visiting Montreal Canadiens.

Toronto made a series of roster moves on Oct. 9 and opted to keep Minten with the big club. He was playing centre on the Leafs’ third line, with Matthew Knies at left wing and Calle Järnkrok at right wing, on Monday at practise.

“It means everything,” Minten told a scrum of reporters in Toronto. “It’s been a dream of mine for as long as I’ve been alive and playing hockey to be in a position like this. It means a lot.”

The Blazers’ forward from Vancouver can play a maximum of nine NHL games without triggering the first year of his entrylevel contract.

Kamloops Blazers’ forward Ashton Tait registered his first WHL goal on Oct. 8 at Sandman Centre. The Wenatchee Wild edged the Blazers 7-6 in overtime. ALLEN DOUGLAS/KTW

Titans’ boys racking up tournament titles

With another tournament victory, the South Kamloops Titans continue to stake their claim among the top senior boys’ high school volleyball clubs in Western Canada.

South Kamloops knocked off Medicine Hat

2-0 on Oct. 7 in the best-ofthree final at the 24-team David Pysyk Memorial Volleyball Tournament in Spruce Grove, Alta.

The Titans posted a 4-1

record in pool play, with victories over Strathcona Christian of Edmonton, Edmonton Christian, Western Canada of Calgary

and Trinity Valley of Dallas, Tex. South Kam vanquished Memorial of Stony Plain, Alta., and Ross Sheppard of Edmonton to reach

the title tilt. The Titans won gold last month at the 32-team UBC Senior Boys High School Volleyball Tournament in Vancouver.

Pack on post-season bubble

Ryan Lewis paced the TRU WolfPack with a hat trick in a 4-0 victory over the UBC Okanagan Heat of Kelowna in men’s Canada West soccer action on Oct. 7 at Hillside Stadium.

Patrick Izett also scored for TRU.

The WolfPack, who blanked the Heat 4-0 on Oct. 6 at Hillside Stadium, improved their hopes of qualifying for the playoffs with the wins over their rivals from the

Little Apple. TRU (5-6-1, .444 winning percentage) is fourth in Pacific Division standings, one spot ahead of UBC Okanagan (3-7, .300).

The top four

teams in the division will get into the post-season.

UBC Okanagan has two games in hand on TRU, which is slated to play UBC (10-0-2, .889) this Friday in Vancouver and Victoria (7-3-2, .639) on Saturday on Vancouver Island.

The WolfPack will wrap the season with a match against Grant MacEwan (2-6-1, .259) on Oct. 22 in Edmonton.

TITANS HOSTING PASS FOR THE CURE VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT

MARTY HASTINGS STAFF REPORTER sports@kamloopsthisweek.com

Charlotte Cecchini is among the South Kamloops Titans who will be promoting awareness for the fight against breast cancer and collecting donations this weekend at the Grade 8 girls’ Pass for the Cure volleyball tournament.

“It’s touched a lot of people,” Cecchini said. “We’re showing them that we care.”

The third annual event is slated to run on Friday, Oct. 13, and Saturday, Oct. 14, at South Kamloops secondary, with two Titans’ teams playing host to squads from Brock middle school, Valleyview secondary, St. Ann’s Academy and Westsyde secondary.

Titans’ teammates Ryann Riddle and Hailey

Duguid will be donning pink at the event, which is taking place during breast cancer awareness month.

“It’s a good cause and it’s a good way to show people that we

care,” Duguid said. Added Riddle: “I feel like not enough people know how many people are affected in their daily lives. It’s a hard thing to talk about for some peo-

ple. I’m excited to raise awareness.”

South Kam learning assistance and resource teacher Wai Ma is organizing the event and gauges its success by student and community participation.

“The players have such great influence on each other,” Ma said, noting the event has raised about $3,000 to date. “The raising of money for the BC Cancer Foundation is a bonus. It’s clear that the idea of wearing pink while playing volleyball is where the enthusiasm starts for the players, but it is the collaborative fun they have working together to build the event that is of great value.”

Gift baskets will be raffled off at the event, which is open to the public and will run from about 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

•

Ryann Riddle (left), Hailey Duguid and Charlotte Cecchini of the South Kamloops Titans will take part in the Grade 8 girls’ Pass for the Cure volleyball tournament this weekend at South Kamloops secondary.

ALLEN DOUGLAS/KTW

BRONCOS’ LAST STAND

UNDEFEATED ON GRIDIRON

Hudson Jones made an impact on offence, defence and special teams for the South Kamloops Titans in a 44-10 victory over the Salmon Arm Golds in senior B.C. Secondary Schools Football Association action on Oct. 6 in Vernon.

Jones caught two touchdown passes from quarterback Cole Rigler, snagged an interception and kicked a field goal in the AA/AAA Interior Conference matchup.

Adam Turner, Rigler and Charlie Peters had rushing touchdowns for the Titans.

On defence, Jayden de Boer returned an interception for a touchdown and recovered a fumble, and Thomas Nowicki snared one interception.

GOT A VAN OR A TRUCK?

Use it to earn CASH!

Kamloops This Week is looking for energetic individuals to join our team of Contract Drivers

This is a part-time, 1 night per week contract delivering newspapers to carriers, businesses and apartments. Applicants must have a suitable vehi (van or covered pickup) with all necessar insurance and a valid BC driver’s licen

Pay is based on a combination of hou worked, papers delivered and kilome driven. Most routes range between 2hours per run on regular deliveries, w extra pay during busy holiday periods!

City of Kamloops

Please submit your resume, description of your vehicle IN PERSON to: Circulation Manager

Kamloops This Week

1365 Dalhousie Drive

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Daxson Klimach recovered an onside kick. The Westsyde Blue Wave are atop conference standings with a record of 3-0 and six points.

Vernon (2-0), South Kam (2-0) and Clarence Fulton (2-1) have four points each, while Salmon Arm (0-3), Pleasant Valley of Armstrong (0-3) and Okanagan Mission (0-2) of Kelowna are winless on the campaign.

The Titans are scheduled to host Pleasant Valley on Friday, Oct. 13, a 4 p.m. start at Hillside Stadium.

That game will be followed by a tilt between Westsyde and Vernon, with game time slated for 7 p.m. at Hillside.

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

Card Making - All Occasions

Ages 13+ 3/$50

Learn the techniques behind making beautiful handmade cards with simple step by step instructions Sign up with a friend enjoy learning and creating cards in a relaxing atmosphere All supplies provided to make various cards

Norkam Secondary Mon Oct 23 - Nov 6 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Sound Bath Club 6/$105

Join Kate and the crystal singing bowls for the 6-week sound bath series! Each week the group will meet, connect with one another, experience a 60-minute sound bath, and have the option to share what comes up Weekly sound baths help release pain and tension, assist with sleep, make it easier to go with the flow and feel flexible, increase focus the benefits are endless! Can sign up for individual sessions (1/$20).

St Andrews on the Square Thur Oct 19 - Nov 23 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Smartphone Photography

Ready to take your smartphone photography to the next level! Bring your iPhone/Android/iPad/Tablet (mobile device with a camera) to this fun class and learn how to take spectacular photos During these three sessions we will explore techniques that will allow you to move from the taking a snapshot to making a photograph

Valleyview Community Hall

Sun Oct 22 - Nov 5 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm 3/$80 (iPhone 14)

Sa-Hali Secondary School Wed Oct 25 - Nov 8 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm 3/$80

Gardening with Native Plants 1/$20

There’s been much talk in recent years about gardening with native plants And for good reason By choosing plants that are naturally adapted to our region, a gardener can create an attractive, low-maintenance green space that entices birds, bees, and butterflies Thompson Shuswap Master Gardener, Megan Blackmore, will explore the how-tos of integrating native plants into the home landscape – how to identify plants that grow best, where to purchase plants, and how to plant and maintain native species

Tournament Capital Centre Wed Oct 18

to 8:00

Kamloops.ca

Teagan Norrish (right) and the Kamloops Broncos will wrap up their B.C. Football Conference season on Saturday, Oct. 14, at Hillside Stadium. Kamloops (1-8) will play host to the Prince George Kodiaks (2-7) at Hillside Stadium, with game time slated for 6 p.m. The Valley Huskers (7-2) of Chilliwack knocked off the Broncos 39-3 on Oct. 7 at Hillside Stadium.

ALLEN DOUGLAS/KTW

Dig It: The trails and tribulations of the trade

intercept the major trails.

“I found another trail.”

“Is it a game trail or do you think it might be a piece of the cultural trail we have been following?”

“Not sure yet, the trail bed is pretty obvious, but it seems to be wandering away from the direction we have been following.”

One of the jobs I find simultaneously both fun and frustrating is locating, following and recording First Nations cultural trails.

Previous Dig It articles by Phoebe Murphy and Matt Begg discussed the significance of the widespread network of trails extending across the landscape. Much like our modern roads, these trails acted as the communication arteries of the past. Like modern roads, we also tend to find clusters of archaeological sites in proximity to these communication corridors.

Anyone who spends time in the forest will have seen innumerable trails crisscrossing the landscape. This brings up a conundrum for those who are looking for old cultural trails.

How do we differentiate between a game trail and one used by humans? Unfortunately, most trails don’t have signposts to help us figure this out!

Ideally, if we are going into an area where we think we may come across cultural trails, the best practice is to do background research before starting fieldwork. Of course, sometimes we find the trails first and then must do the research retroactively.

In my experience, the single-

most useful source of information is held by community knowledge keepers. Talking with someone who has walked the land since childhood and listened to the stories from their elders is invaluable in forming a picture of how people travelled in the past. Maps produced by explorers and surveyors are another useful source of information. Though often zoomed out to a small scale, these maps can give us a good idea of where to look to try to

Some of these ancient cultural trails were repurposed in the mid1800s as fur brigade pack trails and widened so that heavily laden horses could pass.

What happens when we are on the ground and have to figure out whether the trail we are looking at is natural or cultural? Trails tend to fade over time if not used, so we are not often lucky enough to find a well-trodden one to follow.

The single-most defining feature of cultural trails is that they tend to be intentional. Humans travelling from A to B tend to take a reasonably direct route without a lot of aimless wandering in between. Animal trails, on the other hand, will often take a definite direction for a distance, then suddenly wander off in a seemingly haphazard direction. Making this task even harder is that animals will often use cultural trails for a bit, further muddling the puzzle for the hapless archaeologist.

Old cultural trails will often be more visible in constrained terrain such as narrow steep valleys, where people were forced to follow the only good route. When trails enter

easier ground, they sometimes disappear where the users were able to disperse and take multiple paths.

If one has an idea of where the trail is going, then it is often possible to pick it up farther ahead where the land starts to channel travel again. When a trail I am following peters out, I will move ahead to try to relocate it, In many cases, I can then follow it right back to where it disappeared.

Many cultural trails are now interwoven with modern-day roads. When I used to work in Hazelton as a forester and archaeologist, the joke was that the best way to find trails was to get a forester to lay out a logging road.

In the end, we have not changed that much. No matter if we are hauling a pack basket full of fish, leading a pack train of horses or driving a logging truck, the overriding question is: Where is the easiest route to my destination?

Clinton Coates is a Kamloops archeologist. Interested in more? Go online to republicofarchaeology.ca. Dig It is KTW’s regularly published column on the history beneath our feet in the Kamloops region.

Never Hang Holiday Lights Again

CLINTON COATES SPECIAL TO KTW

A George Dawson map from the late 1800s showing trails near Kamloops. Dawson was a geologist with the Geological Survey of Canada.

Shuswap, Okanagan wildfires costliest insured event in British Columbia history

This past summer’s wildfires in the Shuswap and the Okanagan have become the most costly insured event ever recorded in British Columbia — with $720 million in damages — and the 10th-costliest in Canada’s history, according to the Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc.

Damage from the fires surpassed the southern B.C. flooding of 2021, which created damages of $675 million.

Toronto-based Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. is a subsidiary of Zurich-based Perils AG and delivers detailed analytical and meteorological information on Canadian natural and human-made catastrophes.

“This year’s wildfire season has broken all records in terms of the amount of land burned and damage caused to homes and businesses in B.C.,” said Aaron Sutherland, vice-president of the Pacific and Western regions for the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

“Our hearts go out to every individual and family who has been impacted by these wild-

fires and to the firefighters who lost their lives helping to protect our communities. The wildfires’ impact is another tragic reminder of the risk B.C. residents face due to climate change and the increasing frequency of natural catastrophes.”

The Bush Creek East wildfire resulted in more than $240 million in insured damage between Aug. 18 and Sept. 25. The fire was sparked by lightning mid-July and burned in a relatively unpopulated area before it started spreading rapidly in early and midAugust. It merged with the Lower East Adams Lake and began racing through communities in North Shuswap, including Scotch Creek and Celista.

The fire did extensive damage to properties in communities north of Shuswap Lake. More than 270 structures are confirmed to have been destroyed. In addition, the fire caused extensive damage to public infrastructure, including damage to utility poles that resulted in power outages for thousands of customers.

Most of the Bush Creek East wildfire’s destruction occurred during its 20-kilometre run through the North Shuswap region on Aug. 18. Due to the fire’s rapid expansion, there was a dramatic increase in evacuation orders and alerts, with about 3,500 properties subject to evacuation orders in the Shuswap region.

The McDougall Creek wildfire resulted in more than $480 million in insured damage between Aug. 15 and Sept. 21.

The McDougall Creek, Clark Creek and Walroy Lake wildfires started in the central Okanagan Valley in mid-August. Due to hot, dry and windy conditions, the three fires spread quickly, prompting widespread evacuations on both sides of Okanagan Lake. Structural damage was reported in West Kelowna, Kelowna and Lake Country, with many properties completely destroyed.

In West Kelowna, officials confirmed 70 homes were destroyed

or damaged by the wildfires and 20 homes were lost in Westbank First Nation. In Kelowna, three homes and two outbuildings were destroyed, with a further three homes razed in Lake Country. In the areas of Traders Cove and Lake Okanagan Resort, an estimated 100 structures were destroyed. The Lake Okanagan Resort was also destroyed.

Combined, insured losses from the Bush Creek East fire in the Shuswap and the McDougall Creek blaze in the Kelowna/ West Kelowna area far exceed the cost of the last major wildfire in Okanagan Mountain Park near Kelowna in 2003. That fire 20 years ago resulted in $200 million in insured damage.

The most costly insured event in Canadian history remains the Fort McMurray wildfires of 2016, with carried with them a $4 billion insurance bill.

Sutherland said wildfire damage is covered by all standard home and business insurance policies, noting anyone who has been affected by the fires or has questions about their coverage should call their insurance representative.

TNRD HOSTING WILDFIRE PLANNING OPEN HOUSES

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District will be hosting a series of open houses in October to provide information on wildfire resiliency planning in the regional district’s 10 Electoral areas.

The TNRD has selected Forsite Consultants to create a community wildfire resiliency plan for each electoral area.

The objective of each open house will be to inform residents that a plan is being created and what each plan will do.

Other objectives of the open houses

will be to educate residents on the risk of wildfire to their homes and property and to seek insights from residents on the perceived wildfire risk in their area.

Each open house will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a presentation at 6:30 p.m. during each event. The open houses will be held between Oct. 10 and Oct. 30, with the schedule as follows:

• Wednesday, Oct. 11: Blue River Community Hall (Electoral Area B)

• Thursday, Oct. 12: Dutch Lake Community Centre (Electoral Area A)

• Monday, Oct. 16: Heffley Creek Community Hall (Electoral Area P)

• Tuesday, Oct. 17: Little Fort Community Hall (Electoral Area O)

• Wednesday, Oct. 18: 70 Mile Community Hall (Electoral Area E)

• Tuesday, Oct. 24: Lower Nicola Community Hall (Electoral areas M and N)

• Wednesday, Oct. 25: Ashcroft Hub (Electoral Area I)

• Monday, Oct. 30: Pritchard Community Hall (Electoral Area L)

Residents can ask questions in person or send related queries by email to tnrdcwrp@forsite.ca.

The community wildfire resiliency

plans will guide wildfire risk reduction work within each TNRD electoral area and support the seven disciplines of FireSmart to help communities address the threat of wildfire: education, emergency planning, vegetation management, legislation, development, interagency cooperation and crosstraining.

Community wildfire resiliency plans are required prior to applying for many grant-funding opportunities related to FireSmart activities.

For more information on FireSmarting your property, visit tnrd.ca/firesmart.

KAMLOOPS THISWEEK

A structure in the Scotch Creek area of the Shuswap that was destroyed by the Lower East Adams Lake wildfire, which in August merged with the Bush Creek East blaze.

SALMON ARM OBSERVER/PHOTO

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Ladera: Phase 1

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• Great starter or downsizer with 3 bedroom and 1 bathroom

• Easy highway access and close to downtown

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• Well maintained 2 bedroom 1 bathroom manufactured home in Brock Estates

• 1 dog or cat allowed with park approval

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• Immaculate 2 bedroom 1 bathroom modular home in Gateway Estates

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• Pets and rentals allowed with strata approval

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• 1 dog or 1 cat allowed with strata approval

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• Great family home and area with 2+2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms

• Originally 3 bedrooms up and could be converted back

• Tons of parking including RV parking and 24x27 wired double garage/shop

• Beautifully maintained 2+2 bedroom bareland strata in Crestview Heights

• Rancher style including main floor laundry and double garage

• 55+ complex

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• Many updates throughout including kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, and more

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• Great cul-de-sac location on very desirable street

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• Custom built 3+2 bedroom 3 bathroom home in

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W E E K LY C O M I C S

W E E K LY H O R O S C O P E S

ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, unless you are ready to take charge and spearhead an initiative for change you may have to simply go with the flow this week. Think on it

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21

Ideas for creative projects keep popping up in your mind Taurus It’s just a matter of figuring out which avenue you want to explore and then finding the time to make it happen

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21

Gemini some shake-ups at work may leave you wondering how secure things will be for you moving forward Start asking a few pointed questions

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22

Are you ready to take the plunge and make a big move in your career, Cancer? The stars are pointing you in that direction It could be just the change you are looking for

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23

In your mind you did something that was well within your rights, Leo Others who were affected by your actions may not view it in entirely the same way Revisit the situation

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, it is time to start making a solid plan for the future and not just day-by-day actions to squeak by You are one cog in a wheel that needs to move along smoothly

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, before you fire off an email or ask questions gather as much information as you can You want to be sure you have all of the facts before you start to dig a little deeper

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22

Your focus on finances has been intense of late, Scorpio While you have been doing your best to balance the budget, expenses seem to keep growing Try other options

SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, even though you have been instrumental in your involvement with a particular situation, there is nothing much more you can do this week Let it rest for now

OCTOBER 11, 2023 -

OCTOBER 17, 2023

CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan20

Capricorn, the way you are going about things is entirely in your best interest without much consideration for others This can be dangerous especially when you need a hand

AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, while you have been diligent with trying to get ahead at work, right now things are not falling into place Consider whether this may be the time to find someplace new

PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20

Keep all of your options open this week, Pisces Even if you do not have plans right now, something may pop up unexpectedly that is right what you need at the moment

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

ACROSS

1 Reaction to the 1950s culture of commercial consumerism

7 ‘‘We are not ’’

13 Chill dude

20 Path

21 Penultimate letter in the NATO alphabet

22 See 15-Down

23 We’ve rebranded! Now we sell tiny tongs!

25 Pumpkin, for one

26 River forming the Swiss/ Liechtenstein border

30 usual

84 & 86 We’ve rebranded!

Now we operate a testtaking facility/casino!

90 Hosp section

91 ‘ To have another language is to possess a second ’ : Charlemagne

92 Littlest teams

93 Org at the front of a phone book

94 Bygone autocrat

95 Fan setting

97 Farmer s hope, maybe

98 We’ve rebranded! Now we produce a ‘‘Beauty and the Beast’’themed podcast!

101 We ve rebranded! Now we sell only pens and pencils!

104 Like only some mushrooms

106 Short Instagram video

107 ‘‘Yikes!’’

108 8 5” x 14”

110 The Sixties, e g

111 Is revolting

113 What lions use to hunt

115 We ve rebranded! Now we sell candy to diplomats!

120 Literally ‘‘three teeth

121 ‘‘Beats me’’

45 Merit

48 Apt rhyme of ‘‘Achoo!’’

49 We’ve rebranded! Now we sell doughnuts and bagels!

52 We’ve rebranded! Now we help write breakup letters!

55 What a metronome sets

57 Sign for a speaker to wrap things up

58 Sudden burst of speed

60 Not strict

61 Product once marketed with dancing silhouettes 64 Contests 66 Yule ball?

68 We’ve rebranded! Now we do genealogy for the U S’s rich and famous!

122 Desert ‘I ’ land?

123 In a manner of speaking

124 Execrate

125 Certain employee of a game company or perfumery

DOWN

1 Amigo

2 Egg Prefix

3 Major export of Venezuela

4 Locale of tiny tunnels

5 One may be 5-4

6 Louis Braille when he invented Braille

7 All-vowel avowal

8 French house

9 Drops like flies?

10 Sport with clay disks

11 What’s always in poems?

12 Word with front or help

13 Weak excuse

14 Continuously

15 With 22-Across, world capital selected by Queen Victoria

16 PC-to-PC connection

17 Places where dough is made from rolls?

18 Singer/songwriter Mann

19 It’s human, it’s said

24 Marine creature whose name has four consecutive vowels

29 Some baseball stats

31 Streaming competitor

33 , Cheatem and Howe (classic fake law firm)

34 Starting point

36 Rapper who co-starred in 1991 s ‘ New Jack City’’

37 Float through the air

38 P

40 First plant on Earth, it s thought

44 ‘‘S N L’’ characters who coined the term ‘‘parental units’

46 Coogler who cowrote and directed Black Panther

47 On deck

49 ‘‘ That would stink ’

50 bean

51 In debt

52 Powerfully built

53 ‘‘Dance Myself to Sleep’’ singer on ‘‘Sesame Street ’ (watch the video on YouTube!)

54 Marvel-ous guy?

56 Cotton variety 59 Cristiano Ronaldo’s team: Abbr

62 University of Maine town 63 Scuba

65 Bud of baseball 67 Become liquidy

68 Whence the line O, how bitter a thing it is to look into happiness through another man’s eyes!’’

69 Place for a feather 70 Cuba, por ejemplo 71 Starbucks stack 72 Lead-in to space 77 Destination for migrating humpback whales 79 12 ounces often for a drink

81 What C or D might indicate 82 Dreaded words to a bluffer 83 Draw 85 Thicken, as cream 87 Multiple-choice option 88 Whisk-y business?

89 Language in which ‘ hello’’ is ‘‘sa bai dee’ said while pressing the palms together 92 Early word for a baby 94 Isn t steady

Director Orson 97 Not a southpaw

Rant

Puts down 100 See the sites? 101 Some bridge positions 102 Nostalgic style 103 Insurance company with a purple heart logo 105 Kind of card 109 Give but not as a gift 112 ‘‘Yeah?’’

114 Excitement

116 Berg baseball player turned spy

117 Took the

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

POWER

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

FEATURED ITEMS - 1976 Cat D8K Dozer w/Blade & Brush Blade, Clark Skidder Skid Steer Attachments (Mower Tiller Auger), 2004 Dodge 2500 Diesel, 2019 Travel Trailer New Small House Pergola, Restored Antique 4 Wheel Buggy & 3 Others

Equipment, Table Saw, Miter Saw, 18” Bandsaw, Wood Lathe, 20” Thickness Planers, Circular Saw, Jointer, Dust Collection Unit, Sanders, Track Saw, Sander w/Dust Exhaust Vac, Elec. Hand Tools, Plus More!! Mechanics Tools, Rolling Toolbox, 8 Chainsaws, Alaska Mill, Vintage Chainsaws, Primitive Tools, Garden Shredder, Air Compressors, Truck & Tractor Chains, Drill Press, Honda EU3000 Generator, Honda High Pressure Gas Water Pumps & Hose, Ladders/Steps, Bench & Angle Grinders, Sandblaster, Electric Fencer, Plus Much More!!

Huge Selection of Live Edge & Rough Cut Lumber

Antique Furniture & Collectables, Modern Furniture, 2-Person Sauna, Collectable Framed Wildlife Prints, New Handmade Furniture, Mtn Bikes, Wood Stove, Cedar Shakes, 12’ Alum. Boat, Outboard Motors, Plus More!!

NEW EQUIPMENT - 30” Portable Sawmill, 6,000# Car Lift, 3pt Hitch Chipper Shredder, Air Compressors, Generators, Pallet Scale, Large Toolboxes, ATV Jacks, Tire Changer & Balancer Metal Garages, Iron Gates, Skid Steer Grapple, Water Pumps, Shop Press, Hot Pressure Washer & More!!

* THESE ITEMS ONLY - (LOTS 706-750) - VIEWING - DODDS - VERNON *

Trek Madone 5, Project Ser ies 1, fully carbon, 56cm custom frame, like new Numerous accessor ies $2000/fir m For additional infor mation call 250-372-2080 anitamattdenys@ gmail com

WE will pay you to exercise!

Deliver Kamloops This Week

Only 1 issue a week!

Call 250-374-0462 for a route near you!

28 Vintage sugar shakers - $300/obo Tel pioneer collector plates $100/obo 250-523-9495

Do you have an item for sale under $750?

Did you know that you can place your item in our classifieds for one week for FREE?

About 80 Elvis Record Albums - Good var iet y $850/all 250-318-0170

BBQ w/side bur ner $75 Patio Table 4/chairs $75 Sofa-bed $100 Make offer 250-554-1599

Bobby Orr's (4444) Collectors Lithograph (40"x32") $350 1-250545-2755 (Ver non)

Distress sale of 1700 different

Call our Classified Depar tment for details!

250-371-4949

EARN EXTRA $$$

KTW requires door to door substitute carriers for all areas in the cit y Vehicle is an asset Call 250-374-0462

Massive and rare Mountain Car ibou Antlers wor ld class #16 in the wor ld $200 250-5798864

Matching Rocker Recliner new in Januar y 2023, taupe in colour, asking $850 obo 250-376-2320

Moving Sale - Everything

Must Go - Hshld items, misc furniture, 6pc Bedroom set like new $500 Small radial alarm saw $50 250-3748285

Powered wheelchair (Shopr ide, SpyderXL) 2 yrs old Like new $1,500 250-573-4579

Satellite phone Model Iridium 9505A handset w/attachments $1300 250374-0650

Diningroom table w/8chairs, c/w Buffet and Hutch Med Colour $800 250-374-8933

Antique Duncan Phyfe table, extra leaf, buffet, hutch and 4 chairs Exec cond $600 778-2577155 90 pcs of Royal Memorabilia Plates, cups etc $850/obo 250-5795437

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

Animals sold as "purebred stock" must be registrable in compliance with the Canadian Pedigree Act.

2006 Yamaha Star Exec cond $5500/obo 250851-1115

Dallas Immaculate 14x70

Pr ivate proper t y, 4 appl's, N/S, N/P Ideal for retired person $1200/mo inclds util 250-319-8685

Single tenant seeking cat fr iendly, safe and secure home for November 1 Nor th Kamloops or r ural setting preferred Can provide references, income ver ification, pet deposit 672-833-2363

GT

All

2007 Max Lite travel trailer with bunks and fully equipped

1998 Dodge 2500 Truck 4x4 C/W summer/ winters 172,354kms $9,000 250-523-9774 2018 Ford Focus Titanium comes with all equipment to be towed behind a motorhome, 6 yr / 100,000 km extended warrant y, has SELF PARKING, 42,000 km, like new condition$21,900 778-808-9453 2012 GMC Van 10 passenger V-8, auto $10,500 250-376-4163 2018 GMC Z71 SLT Crewcab 4X4 fully equipped Excellent condition Black with black leather 140,000 kms $37,300 250-319-8784 Gardener 30 years exper ience Garden clean-ups and pr uning 250-312-3986 RENTED 3 Lines - 12 Weeks Add an extra line to your ad for $10 Must be pre-paid Scheduled for 4 weeks at a time Private parties only - no businesses Some Restrictions Apply $5300 Plus Tax 1365 DALHOUSIE DR 250-371-4949 RUN TILL RUN UNTIL SOLD ONLY $35 00 (plus Tax) for 3 lines each additional line $10 00 (250) 371-4949 *some restr ictions apply call for details 2007 Bayliner 185 3litre Merc engine Alpha 2 leg Great on fuel Excellent condition Great family boat Swim platfor m Conver tible Top Rod holders jackets, skis and safet y gear $18,500/OBO 250-682-7933 WE will pay you to exercise! Deliver Kamloops This Week Only 1 issue a week! Call 250-374-0462 for a route near you! Starcraft 17ft skiboat with evinr ude 110hp V-4 motor $4800 250-374-9677 1998 24ft GM Motorhome 177,000kms. $17,500.00. 250-372-5033 1998/99 VW Rialta 22ft dash-cabin air 140,000mi $25,000 778-220-7383 1999 28 5ft Citation Supreme, Good shape $15,000 778-257-0061 2004 Triple E 28ft 5th Wheel Ser viced and winterized $12,000 250579-8864 2008 Chevy Trailblazer 4wd Exec cond $7,000 250-374-3827 Houses For Rent Motorcycles Tires RVs / Campers / Trailers Manufactured/Mobile Homes for Rent Wanted to Rent Collectibles & Classic Cars Trucks & Vans Domestic Cars Suites for Rent Suites for Rent Boats RVs / Campers / Trailers Sports Utilities & 4x4’s KamloopsThisWeek.com THERE’S MORE ONLINE Be a part of your community paper & comment online. Your Community Newspaper call to place your ad 604.630.3300 Call to advertise 250.371.4949 Call to advertise 250.371.4949 kamloopsthisweek.com • Fall Clean Up • Tree Pruning • Hedge Trimming • Snow Removal Call 778-921-0023 For A Quote Lawn & Garden Lawn & Garden PAPER ROUTES AVAILABLE GET YOUR STEPS IN AND GET PAID 250-374-7467 circulation@kamloopsthisweek.com AGRESSION ANIMAL BEHAVIOR COMMUNITY COMPASSION CRATE DECLAW DISEASED ETHICS FOSTER GENETIC GROOM HOARDING HUMANE OUTCOME PROTECT RESPONSIBLE RIGHTS SHELTER TESTING TRAINING VACCINATION VETERINARIAN WELFARE

NOTICE OF SMALL CLAIMS ACTION TO: The Defendant, FRANCESCA MELISSA BARTUCCI

RDM LAWYERS LLP has filed a Notice of Claim No. ABBP-C-24849, in the Abbotsford Registry, Provincial Cour t of British Columbia, relating to a debt owing for outstanding legal fees by you

Your whereabouts being unknown, the Small Claims Cour t ordered service upon you by this adver tisement. If you wish to defend or counterclaim, the steps you must take are set out on a Reply form A copy of the Notice of Claim and Reply will be mailed to you upon a request addressed to the Registrar, Provincial Cour t, 32375 Veterans Way, Abbotsford, British Columbia, V2T 0K1

If you do not file a Reply in the said Registry within thir ty (30) days of the date of publication of this adver tisement, then you will not be entitled to fur ther notice and the Claimant may proceed and the relief claimed may be given in your absence

BigSteelBox Corp

6290 50 St NE Canoe, BC, Claims a PPSA Lien Against Mer tsch, Deborah Kamloops, BC, For arrears of container rent amounting to $1,001 28 plus any additional costs of storage that accrue If not paid in full, the contents of the storage container filled with: a motor, BBQ, push mower, mattresses and box spring, and other miscellaneous items will be sold online auction via Ibid4Storage.com on October 15, 2023.

WAREHOUSE LIEN AC T ANNOUNCEMENT

VALLEYVIEW

LIEN AC T ANNOUNCEMENT

nd v dua s or Compan es l sted below

Take notice that Don’s Auto Tow ng Ltd 671 Athabasca St W Kam oops, BC cla ms a l en pursuant to the WAREHOUSE LIEN ACT [RSBC 1996] and amendment thereto on the vehicles listed below

I the amount owed is not pa d before October 15 2023 the veh cles w l be sold to recover the amount owed plus the cost o sale

MITTERER, CHANTELLE

TINA-LOR

VIN 1GNLC2E01DR149857

2013 Chevy Tahoe

$7,478 49

WAREHOUSE LIEN AC T ANNOUNCEMENT

nd v dua s or Compan es l sted below

Take notice that Don’s Auto Tow ng Ltd 671 Athabasca St W Kam oops, BC cla ms a l en pursuant to the WAREHOUSE LIEN ACT [RSBC 1996] and amendment thereto on the vehicles listed below

I the amount owed is not pa d before October 15 2023 the veh cles w l be sold to recover the amount owed plus the cost o sale

CODY RAYMOND FENDELET

Crt -75 p

MT DUFFERIN/ PINEVIEW VALLEY

Rte 580 – 1300-1466 Pacific Way Pra rie Rose Dr Rockcress Dr -83 p Rte 582 – 1540-1670 H ls de Dr 1500-1625 Mt Duffer n Ave W ndward Pl -38 p

Rte 584 – 1752-1855 H ls de Dr -26 p

Rte 586 – Mt Duffer n Cres Park Way P ateau P -26 p

Rte 587 – Sunshine Crt &

de) –53 p LOWER SAHALI/SAHALI

Rte 400 – 383 W Co umbia St -21 p Rte 401 – 250-395 405-425

Pemberton Terr –81 p

Rte 403 – 405-482 Greenstone Dr Tod Cres -28 p

Rte 404 – Chapperon Dr 108-395 Greenstone Dr Pyram d Crt -54 p

Rte 405 – Anv Cres 98-279

Bestwick Dr Bestwick Crt E Bestwick

Crt W Morr sey P -51 p

Rte 411 – 206-384 Arrowstone Dr Houses Eagle Pl G bra tar Crt & Wynd -45 p

Rte 449 – Azure Pl –43 p

Rte 451 – Od n Crt Wh tesh e d

Cres Wh tesh eld P -39 p

Rte 452 – 1430-1469 Springh ll Dr -64 p

Rte 453 – 1575-1580 Spr nghil Dr -73 p Rte 454 – Crosby Rd Humphrey Rd Spr ngfield P 1600-1799 Springh l Dr -34 p

Rte 454 – Crosby Rd Humphrey Rd Springfie d Pl 1600-1799

Rte 505 – 2005-2141 Sifton Ave -51 p Rte 508 – 700-810 Hugh A an Dr -49 p Rte 510 – 372-586 Aberdeen Dr 402-455 Laur er Dr -36 p Rte 511 – Drummond Crt -50 p Rte 513 – Braemar Way 556-696 Laur er Dr 2214-2296 Van Horne Dr -36 p Rte 516 – Garymede Crt 2204-2263

Garymede Dr G lmour P -38 p Rte 517 – 2267-2299 Garymede Dr Greenock Crt & Pl 32 p

Rte 519 – Regent Cres & Pl -52 p

Rte 520 – 805-841 Dunrob n Dr 2301-2384 Whitburn Cres -61 p

Rte 522 – 604-747 Dunrob n Dr Dunrob n Pl -65 p

Rte 523 – 2300-2398 Abbeyglen Way 750-794 Dunrobin Dr -78 p

Rte 525 – Farr ngton Crt, Greybriar

Crt 2132-2196 Van Horne Dr -66 p

Rte 526 – 2015-2069

Van Horne Dr -69 p

Rte 527 – Hunter P

Hunt e gh Cres -25 p

Rte 528 – 1115-1180 Howe Rd 1115-1185 Hugh A len Dr -47 p

Rte 529 – 1555 Howe Rd -89 p

Rte 530 – Benta Dr Edinburgh Blvd & Crt Ta bot P 2688-2689

W lowbrae Dr -61 p

Rte 532 – Harrison P & Way

1181-1290 Howe Rd -38 p

Rte 537 – 1221 Hugh A an Dr -26

Rte 538 – Ta bot Dr W llowbrae Crt & Pl, 2592-2672 Wil owbrae Dr -51 p

Rte 538 – Talbot Dr W owbrae Crt & Pl 2592-2672 Wil owbrae Dr -51 p

Rte 540 – Galbra th Dr Raeburn Dr 2600-2698 Telford Dr Te ford Pl -59 p

Rte 542 – Coal Hi P Crosshil Dr Dunbar Dr -57 p

Rte 544 – 2070-2130 Van Horne Dr Holyrood C rc & Pl -23 p

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

•

•

DRIVERS NEEDED

Contact TasteFull Excursions Inc (Gordon) at 778.586.0586 or gordon@tastefullexcursions.ca

•

• Coast-to-coast

•

Cates Ford Soll & Epp is a very busy full-service law firm in downtown Kamloops. We are seeking an experienced candidate to work as a full-time legal assistant in our collegial office.

The duties for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Dealing with initial queries from client and third par ties

• Processing client intake forms

• Conducting conflict searches

• Conducting BC Online searches

• Preparing correspondence

• Drafting, formatting, filing and coordinating service of cour t documents

• Setting trials, discoveries and other cour t dates and preparing and filing the necessary documents

• Preparing lists of documents

• Maintaining a bring forward system to ensure follow up and the receipt of requested materials and documents

• General administrative duties such as daily filing, file organization, opening files, closing files and preparation of accounts

Qualifications:

• Completion of a legal assistant program

• At least one year experience working in a law firm

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook and Canlii

• Excellent organizational skills

• Excellent multi-tasking skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Detail oriented

• Ability to prioritize and work with minimal supervision

• Experience with BC Online is an asset, but not required

• Experience with EsiLaw is an asset, but not required

• Experience in family law is an asset, but not required

Salary will be commensurate with experience. Please email a copy of your résumé, cover letter and references to hmccar thy@cfselaw.ca

Margrét Benediktsdóttir

It is with great sadness that the Long family from Iceland announces the passing of Margrét ‘amma ástín’ Benediktsdóttir (dressmaker) born on the 17th of December 1951.

Margrét passed away in her home in Hafnarfjörður, Iceland on Monday the 2nd of October 2023 surrounded by her close family

Her funeral will be held on Wednesday the 11th of October in Iceland in the church Hafnarfjarðakirkja, hosted by the funeral service ‘Frímann & Hálfdán Útfaraþjónusta’.

Sincerely, her daughter Birna Long, her son-in-law Einar Hagalín, her granddaughters Lilja Íris and Perla Ósk Long and her great-granddaughter Úrsúley Thelma Long.

October

by Charles L. Mashburn

Two years have passed by, but

Ask DRAKE

Drake Smith, MSW Funeral Director

Every Wednesday in KTW!

Q. Double Disposition?

A. Laws in BC say that a deceased body must be “disposed of” (what a horrendous word!) and it can happen in one of two ways: burial or cremation. If it’s buried, the law considers “disposal” complete. If it’s disposed of by cremation, it has to be disposed of again once it becomes ashes That second disposal can be complicated!

Drake Cremation & Funeral Services

210 Lansdowne • 425 Tranquille Rd. 250-377-8225 • DrakeCremation.com AFFORDABLE & NO BLACK SUITS

THE ANGEL ON YOUR SHOULDER

By Jackie Huston Lena, Wisconsin

There’s an angel on your shoulder

In Loving Memory of Marjorie Rae Cowles (née Sherrard)

1953 - 2023

On July 24, 2023 after a lengthy illness our mom gained her wings to join her parents Jean and Frank Sherrard and sister Susan Nykolyshyn.

Left to cherish her memories is her soulmate Rick Cook, daughters Wanda Cowles (Stan Evoy), Wendy Cowles (Gary Stephens).

Grandchildren Brandon Stephens (Ashley Foster), Carson Evoy, Trent Stephens and Tyler Evoy

Her brothers Brian (Lill) Sherrard, David (Heather) Sherrard, and Gregory (Debbie) Sherrard. Special friend, Dorothy Cook

For those that wish to attend, a graveside service will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023 at Hillside Cemetery at 1:00pm followed by a gathering at Alchemy from 2-4pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation at the Kamloops Wildlife Park or a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be expressed at schoeningfuneralservice.com

Fond memories linger every day, Remembrance keeps them near.

Mildred Ruth Dalgleish

1928 - 2023

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Mildred Dalgleish of Kamloops, BC, on October 5th, 2023, at 94 years of age.

Audrey Patricia Alberts (née Judson)

March 18, 1931 - September 27, 2023

It is with a heavy heart that the family of Audrey Alberts share the news of her recent passing. She will be greatly missed by daughter Vicki of Regina; son Brad (Therese) of Kamloops; daughter Allison of Vancouver; son-in-law Doug of Kamloops; and grandchildren Naomi, Ryan, Mac and Will, and greatgrandchildren Zander and Nick all of Kamloops along with her ‘sisters of the heart’: Ruth, June and Sylvia.

Audrey, the beloved wife of the late, Doug Alberts, was predeceased by her parents, Harold and Ida Judson; her brothers Roy (Marg) and Vern (Button); her baby sister, JudyLynn (Dave); her daughter, Shelley; and her dear sisters-inlaw, Gayl and ‘Bun’ (Ally).

Audrey was born in Saskatoon, SK, but relocated with her family to BC as a young girl. She showed a great interest in progressive living, embracing a healthy lifestyle that placed her on the leading edge of many of current day practices. Audrey enjoyed the company of her family and friends and her ‘Wednesdays with Naomi’—her special one-on-one time with her only granddaughter. It was a time they spent just as ‘girl friends’ sharing a laugh, confidences and a bowl of soup.

Her family would like to thank the many neighbours and people who loved, supported and assisted Audrey over the past years and, specifically so, during the last few years since her husband’s passing. A special thanks goes to the staff of Overlander Extended Care who cared for our mother during recent years and became near and dear to her heart and to the nursing and care staff at Royal Inland Hospital who cared for her with dignity, respect and a touch of humour when she and the family need It most.

A cremation will take place and in honour of Audrey’s wishes there will be no service.

Watching you learn and grow

She is survived by her children Don (Norma) of Kamloops, Twyla (Dan) of Kamloops, Bob (Donna) of Savona, Monty (Kathy) of Pritchard, and Rick (Laura) of Kamloops, 16 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Mildred was predeceased by her husband Jack Dalgleish, her parents Edward and Amy, 8 siblings, and her grandchildren Jody and Lisa.

Mildred worked at Tranquille School for many years before retirement. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kamloops, as well as volunteer for the Royal Inland Hospital Thrift Seller in Kamloops for many years.

A Funeral Service for Mildred will take place on Saturday, October 14th, 2023, at 11:00am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kamloops, BC.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cypressfuneral.ca

Austin Charles Hammond

March 6, 2003 - September 21, 2023

It is with overwhelming sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved son Austin. He was a treasured member of his immediate and extended family and leaves all of us with cherished memories and broken hearts.

He was a strong and gifted athlete, a hard worker, a creative thinker, he had big dreams for his life, and most of all he cared deeply for those less fortunate than him. He will be profoundly missed by all who were blessed to know him.

Please join us in celebrating Austin’s life on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 1:00 pm, Kamloops Alliance Church. Those who wish to bring a photo or written memory for the family are welcome to do so.

Condolences may be sent to the family at DrakeCremation.com

Fortunato Vetere

1927 - 2023

Fortunato Vetere, 95, of Kamloops, BC passed away on October 04, 2023 at Trinity Hospice with his family by his side, four days shy of his 96th birthday, which would have been on Sunday, October 8th.

Fortunato was born in Grimaldi, Cosenza, Italy, on October 08, 1927, the son of Giuseppe and Giuseppina Vetere. Fortunato moved to Canada in 1951 and began his career with the CNR. On December 16, 1961 he married Carmela and they started their family with a daughter Giuseppina (Josie) Fischer followed by yet another daughter Lucia (Lucy) Vetere, and finally a son Giuseppe Peppe (Joe) Vetere.

Fortunato's greatest joy was his family and gathering with all of us. He enjoyed gardening and especially tending to his flowers. He took great pride whenever someone would arrive at the house in need of a tool, pipe or any of the treasures in his back yard or garage. He loved when his backyard was referred to as (Sanford and Son).

Fortunato is predeceased by his wife, Carmela Vetere in 2013.

Remaining to cherish Fortunato's memory are his children, Josie Fischer, Lucy Vetere and Joe (Kari) Vetere, grandchildren Noah Fischer, Daine Kozak, Thomas Durr, Hannah Vetere, sister Nina Jacoy (Joe Jacoy), and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family in Canada and Italy and beyond.

Prayers will held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Wednesday, October 11th at 7:00 pm. Funeral will be held on Thursday, October 12th at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

All arrangements can be directed to Schoening's Funeral Home.

Condolences to the Vetere family may be expressed at www.schoeningfuneralservice.com

Celebration of Life for Jim and Darlene Handschuh

Celebration of Life for Jim and Darlene will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Westsyde Fellowship Church, 2833 Westsyde Road, Kamloops.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kamloops Humane Society

Celebration of Life for Donald Bogie

Celebrate the lives of loved ones with your stories, photographs and tributes

A Celebration of Life for Don Bogie will be held at Kamloops Curling Centre, 700 Victoria Street, Kamloops on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 from 2:00 - 4:00pm.

Donna Louise Ardron

October 23, 1946 - October 1, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Donna Louise Ardron on October 1, 2023.

Donna was born in Victoria, BC on October 23, 1946, her father's career as an engineer had them moving often while growing up attending schools in BC, AB, Washington and Oregon.

Donna met Barry at a CBC Christmas party in Vancouver in December 1964 and were married in April 1965. Over the next 4 years they welcomed their 2 daughters Kim and Tracy The family eventually planted roots in Maple Ridge, BC. Donna worked for the Maple Ridge School Board for 28 years in many capacities but mostly enjoyed working with students with special needs. Donna was a very hands on mom, always there for her girls and very involved in all their activities.

One by one the family ended up in Kamloops, where Donna enjoyed her retirement years doting on her grandchildren. Attending their school events, dance recitals, soccer and baseball games, always cheering from the sidelines, she enjoyed organizing fun activities and adventures while they were growing up. Donna loved to keep busy, always lending a hand, volunteering or on a committee. She also loved to shop so she decided to work a few hours a week at The Bay, she made good use of that staff discount!

Donna made friends wherever she went, the more the merrier was one of her sayings.

We are so thankful that the whole family was all together just a few weeks ago, celebrating, laughing, dancing and on another adventure together Mom was so proud of her family and so happy

Left to mourn this amazing woman is her loving husband of 58 years Barry, her daughters Kim (Clayton) of San Antonio, TX, Tracy (Lance) of Kamloops, BC. Her pride and joy her grandchildren Kiara (Manny), Nick (Maddey), Brianna (Mac) and her precious great-granddaughter Blaire. Sister Bonnie (Jeff) and nephews on Vancouver Island, BC along with so many wonderful friends and family that are also feeling this immense loss. Donna was predeceased by her parents Lloyd and Marjorie, brother Wayne and son-in-law Randy

Donna's plans for the next year were sadly cut short, but we will honour her zest of life by living our lives to the fullest. We will miss the long chats, cups of tea, love of games, good natured competitiveness, fabulous cooking, especially her famous salads, but mostly her kindness, sense of humour and love of laughing.

A celebration of life will be held in the Spring along with the planting of a memorial tree and plaque.

Forever in our hearts as you take your heavenly journey, we will love you forever

Celebration of Life for Stephanie Filipic

Celebration of Life for Stephanie Filipic will be held at OLPH Parish (635 Tranquille Road) on Monday, October 16, 2023 at 11:00 am.

Love’s greatest gift is remembrance

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

Dilbag Singh Sangha

The family of Dilbag Singh Sangha regretfully announce his lengthy and valiant fight against Bulbar-Onset ALS (bALS), came to an end on October 5th at home, with his family by his side.

Born May 14, 1948 in Langeri Punjab, India to parents Naranjan Singh and Pritam Kaur Sangha, he immigrated to Canada in 1962. At the age of 14 he began working side by side with his father in the sawmill industry In 1970, he began his career with Tolko Industries (formerly Balco Industries) where he worked for 42 years before retiring in 2013.

He was an avid jogger, and could be regularly found doing laps around McArthur Island Park, and then in his later years walking the Rivers Trail up and down Schubert drive. His other pastime was cars. In particular, Chevrolets. Over the years he owned so many, we can’t count them all. At one point, he had eight vehicles (there were only three licensed drivers in the house). He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who asked. He was a dedicated member of the Kamloops Sikh Cultural Society and he donated monetarily and countless hours to his community. Once he retired, he established a new found love for housework and spending quality time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed learning about new technology and communicating on social media with his grandkids and old friends.

Those were his hobbies; his one true love was family and family time. His love and guidance will be missed by all. He is survived by his loving wife of 54+ years, Surinder, who went to extreme lengths to make him as comfortable as possible at home, his four children Jackie (Tom) Hughes, Paul (Carrie-Anne) Sangha, Goma (David) Ghag, Nicky (Rajan) Maddh, along with grandchildren Gemma Hughes, Serena Ghag, Maanas and Noor Maddh, and Jayda and Jett Sangha.

The family would like to thank Dr Kreiger and Marife at GF Strong in Vancouver, Dr ’s Asim, Emery, Kramer, and Ottem here in Kamloops, Sandeep at Close to Home Care, and caregivers Aisha and Ella.

We would also like to thank, Community Care North Shore, Kamloops Wound Care Clinic, Canadian Red Cross, and most importantly the ALS Society of BC.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, October 14 at 11:00 am at The Coast Hotel, 1250 Rogers Way, Ball Room A, Prayers to follow at the Sikh Temple, 700 Cambridge Crescent.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking instead to consider a donation to the ALS Society of BC, in hopes of one day finding a cure for this cruel and vicious disease.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.schoeningfuneralservice.com

Geraldine M. (Jerry) Sharpe

March 22, 1937 - September 22, 2023

It is with profound sadness that we are saying good bye to our Mom, Jerry Sharpe, after a very brief illness. Her circle of life was completed on the morning of September 22, 2023 with her daughters at her side.

Mom was born in Trail, BC Grandma and Grandpa moved many places before settling in North Vancouver After growing up there when it was still bush, she became the North Van. High School president! Jerry then transitioned into the quintessential 1950's wife (Although she did omit the word 'obey' from her marriage vows).

Despite never enjoying leaving her beloved North Van, Mom embraced the move to Kamloops and the rural life that ensued. Soon a large garden, fruit trees, cows, pigs, chickens, lambs and herds of hungry goat kids filled her time. The log home Jer and Dave built was her pride and joy and filling it with antiques provided many a road trip to an auction, antique stores or vintage emporiums!

A great cook, Jerry's buns and pies were legendary - enough to make her daughters suspicious that was the real enticement for their husbands! Her favourite start to her pastry recipe was “ first you get a pig...”

Jerry was active until the end of her life. After moving from Barhartvale and hand mowing of the hilly lawns she continued to attend exercise classes at the Y twice a week. The women at Dancersize and later PBS became treasured friends through the years.

Mom enjoyed travelling. Highlights included Greece, Italy, Paris, with Diana and Sue, a bus trip down the Baja with Sandy and her last trip with Dad, a train trip across Canada. Whenever she returned home and everything was fine on the homestead they all became great trips!

Jerry was predeceased by her husband of 62 years Dave, in 2019, and her oldest daughter Sandra Brisson, in 2008.

She is survived by daughters Diana (Ken) Hauser and Sue Sharpe (Gary Dempsey), her beloved grandson (and eater of many a meat sandwich) David (Sage) and she was thrilled to be a Jer-Ma to her great-grandchildren Leikhen and Pyrrha. She also leaves behind her brothers Bob Hawk (Heather) and Ted Hawk (Susan) and her cousin Lenore – who shares her birthday- several cousins, nieces and nephews. Mom also had her lifelong friends of over 75 years who who will miss her dearly!

We will be hosting a tea to her memory on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Desert Gardens Centre , 540 Seymour Street, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.

If friends wish, donations in Jerry's memory can be made to the Kamloops YWYMCA, The Salvation Army, Christmas Amalgamated or Covenant House in Vancouver, BC.

Don’t MissOut!! Mark your calendar!

Dear Kamloops Customer: A TOTAL LIQUIDATION of all our excess inventory is to begin IMMEDIATELY.

Famous top brands like LaZBoy, Palliser, Signature by Ashley, Decorest, Serta, Beautyrest and many more!

We are about to LIQUIDATE our entire overstock of quality furniture including recliners, chairs, sofas, sectionals, loveseats, dining room suites, bedroom suites, barstools, ottomans, occasional tables, entertainment units, rugs, decorative art, lamps, accessories and much more.

ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING MUST

Yours truly, Alvin and

GO!

We’re sending this special invitation to come to the store on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19 through Sunday, October 22

We want you to have the FIRST OPPORTUNITY to save on everything before many items are sold out. Only those who receive this invitation have been notified, however, you may bring a friend or relative as your guest. We want you and your family to be the FIRST TO KNOW. For best selection we urge you to ARRIVE EARLY. We will be closed Thursday morning to prepare. The store will open at NOON SHARP. The entire staff will be working hard tagging and discounting absolutely everything in preparation for the opening, but if you find anything that hasn’t already been marked down we’ll extend a SPECIAL DISCOUNT to you and your guests provided you have your invitation. We sincerely hope you’ll benefit from this massive liquidation.

the La-Z-Boy Team

P.S.: We look forward to seeing all f iends old and new, at the sale openi and remember, BRING