April 30 by Merritt Herald

ROCKIN’ RIVER FEST CANCELLED / PAGE 2

DANCERS GRADUATE ONLINE /PAGE 11

Nicola Valley’s News Voice Since 1905

MERRITT HERALD THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS • www.merrittherald.com

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INSIDE... Merritt residents gathered, through social distancing, wearing red at Trinity United Church on Friday to commemorate those lost in the Nova Scotia mass shooting. /PAGE 10

FLOOD PREPPING The TNRD has made sandbags available to the public at several locations, preparing for flooding due to rising waters.

/PAGE 3

NICOLA FARMING

RED TO

REMEMBER

The Herald’s ongoing series on agriculture puts another local farm, Petit Creek Lavender, in the spotlight.

/PAGE 5 COMMUNITY HELP B.C. Premier John Horgan recently announced new measures to help rural and Indigenous communities.

/PAGE 6

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT The Merritt Herald will be starting a limited print edition starting May 7, 2020. The paper will be available for pick-up at local stores, drop boxes and seniors homes throughout the community. See page 12 for a list of where you can pick up the paper. The Herald appreciates our advertisers and the people who have generously donated to getting the paper back up to a printed copy. We are hoping this will be a permanent measure, but will depend on community support. Looks in next week’s paper for a full list of people who have donated to ensure that print stays alive.

If you would like to support the Herald go to www.merrittherald.com and click on the support your local media button

2 • THURSDAY,

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April 30, 2020

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Rockin’ River Commercial rent assistance incoming Fest cancelled Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Jake Courtepatte MERRITT HERALD

The 2020 Rockin’ River Music Festival has been officially cancelled, due to the ongoing pandemic. Management made the announcement on Facebook on Friday afternoon. “We are reaching out to you to announce that the Rockin’ River Music Fest will not be able take place this summer, in accordance

with the latest government guidelines,” they announced. “We are shifting our focus to bringing you the best show ever in 2021 for our usual BC Day long weekend on July 29th - August 1st, 2021. Together, we will make it one to remember!” Two options have been given for those who bought tickets: a full refund, or to save your ticket for next year. Keith Urban was to headline the event.

monthly rent by a minimum of 75%. The tenant would then only be responsible for covering 25% of rent, the landlord would cover another 25% and the federal-provincial governments would share the remaining 50% of cost. With CECRA, BC businesses will receive over $300 million in government relief, with BC contributing an estimated $80 million. “While thousands of small businesses have closed their doors to help keep people safe and healthy, this has not stopped the bills

Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance will be providing monthly rent reductions of at least 75% to small businesses in BC. The reduction in rents for small businesses affected by Covid-19 will come in the form of forgivable loans which will cover 50% of rent payments for eligible small business tenants for the months of April, May and June. Loans will be entirely forgiven if the landlord reduces

from coming in,” said Carole James, Minister of Finance. “(It’s) a welcome next step that will help thousands of commercial property owners and tenants in British Columbia. This is not just about providing relief for people today, it’s also about planning for our future and making sure that businesses and local economies are ready to be part of BC’s economic recovery.” The program will launch in mid-May.

Merritt Hearing Clinic A division of Carolyn Palaga Audiology Ser vices Ltd.

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Missing Merritt men found safe

Two men reported missing from the Merritt area were located alive and well one day later. 14-year-old Santiago Gutierrez and 56-year-old Allan Gallinger had reportedly left Merritt to head into the backcountry to cut a load of firewood in the Iron Mountain area. When they did not return as planned, RCMP released a statement stating they had reason to believe the pair may have headed up Aberdeen Rd towards the Chataway Lakes area. According to an updated release from the Merritt RCMP detachment, the Black 2019 Ford Superduty they were travelling in became stuck and forced the pair to stay out overnight. “The missing persons… became stuck on a Forest Service Road in the Spius Creek area. They spent the night in the vehicle and were located walking out this morning,” reads the updated news release on April 26. The BC Government routinely issues safety tips and guidelines for those venturing into the backcountry at any time of year. These include: - Never travel alone. - Planning ahead is a must. Before heading outdoors, leave a trip plan with family or friends and stick to that plan. For a printable copy of a trip plan, visit: www.adventuresmart.ca/tripplanning/ planning.html. - Be prepared for the elements with the essentials such as extra water, layers of clothing, a shelter and something to start a fire with for warmth overnight: www.adventuresmart.ca/land/surviveessentials.htm - Carry a signaling device (such as a whistle) so that searchers can find you even if they can’t see you, as well as communication and navigation devices like a fully charged cell phone, compass and/or GPS unit. - Don’t venture out of bounds or off marked

Carolyn Palaga, MSc, Aud (C)

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RCMP FILES Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

How’s your hearing? Ask an Audiologist.

• COVID-19 federal programs? • Old Age Security? • Guaranteed Income Supplement?

trails. - Be aware of how far you’ve gone and when you need to turn back to avoid hiking in the dark. Be aware of the time for sunset, and always carry a flashlight, just in case. - If you become lost, don’t keep moving. Stay put and wait for help. Don’t presume by moving downhill that you will get back on track, as this can lead you into dangerous terrain.

or any other federal government issues. CALL: 1.800.665.8711 EMAIL: Dan.Albas.C1D@parl.gc.ca WEB: DanAlbas.com

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THURSDAY, April 30, 2020 • 3

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

For all your landscaping needs call the professionals at

Have a story tip? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing newsroom@merrittherald.com

Auxiliary stepping up during crisis Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

The Nicola Valley Healthcare Auxiliary is continuing to look for new ways to support the community amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Recently, Auxiliary members put their heads together – from a distance – to brainstorm ways they could give back to Merrittonians despite the thrift store currently being closed and interactions between members and the community being at a minimum. Healthcare Auxiliary President Jacquie Hall spoke to the Herald about the various ways they decided to reach out and offer assistance. “We were searching out what we could do for the community,” said Hall. “Even though the thrift shop is closed, we still want to help the community in this crisis that we have with Covid-19. So, we contacted the food bank, the soup kitchen and the Seventh Day Adventists that provide bagged lunches for those in need. And the food bank was the one that said they needed some assistance right now, so the membership decided that we should give them at least $2000 and that would hold them over until they got any government money. The government was funding food banks across the country but at that point in time they were increasing their numbers of recipients, and no increase in their funding.” The Nicola Valley Food Bank, which has reportedly been struggling with a decline in donations while at the same time serving a larger number of people facing

the staff at Gillis House was very willing to assist them in communicating with their families with the iPads. So, we went ahead and purchased seven of them and delivered them to Gillis House, and the tlcpond1@telus.net recreation coordinator Candice 250-378-4166 is going to facilitate the lending of those to the residents with the assistance of the staff.” Although the dollar figure set by the Auxiliary members provided enough for seven iPads, they are willing to purchase more in Opinion ---------------------- 6-7 the future if staff and residents at Gillis House request them. Hall Sports ------------------------- 11 also explained that it was difficult to locate the seven that were pur- Classifieds --------------- 13-14 chased, due to many stores being sold out. iPad sales have risen with more children staying home from school and needing new technology to stay connected to their teachers and peers and to access online learning applications. Hall was finally able to contact Apple directly to purchase the seven iPads. “We’re hoping that this will work out to be a positive thing for the residents so that they can communicate by Facetime which at least gives them a picture of someone rather than just a phone call,” said Hall. The Auxiliary membership is optimistic that while things have changed and become, in some ways, more difficult than they were before for both the food bank and Gillis House, the Auxiliary’s donations can continue to make a positive impact within the community. “The thing is we’re closed, yes The BC government is workthe thrift store is closed, but still we ing to open more safe and shelter want to support the community in spaces for women and children any way that we can during this who are currently experiencing trying time for everyone,” Hall domestic violence during the pansaid. demic.

INSIDE

Online

Moe Tudor of Gillis House enjoys an iPad donated so that seniors can still interact with the outside world. Photo submitted

food insecurity, received the $2000 cheque on the instruction to reach out to the Auxiliary again at any time if they needed further funding. “We hoped that that $2000 would hold them over until they got that funding from the federal government,” Hall explained. “They will contact us if they need more funding, and the same with the soup kitchen and Seventh Day Adventist church.” The membership then turned their attention to Gillis House, where they had made donations in the past. Knowing that the Covid19 pandemic has forced care homes into a state of lockdown and that residents must be feeling particularly lonely and isolated,

Sandbags now available for possible flooding

the Auxiliary decided to try and alleviate some of those issues for residents. “We wondered what we could do for the residents in Gillis House, and we came up with the idea that maybe the best thing they could do would be to be able to communicate with their families, because of course some of them had no communication and the government had ruled that no visitors were allowed to go into Gillis House,” explained Hall. “So all these people that were used to having visitors, like family members or friends were not able to do that, so we thought the iPads would be the best way for them to communicate by Facetime or even a phone call to their family. And

Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

With many communities around BC facing a state of emergency due to rising floodwaters, the TNRD is being proactive and putting out sand

and sandbags for residents in several locations within the district, including the Lower Nicola Community Hall, at 2383 Aberdeen Rd. The TNRD issued a statement on their social media advising, “Property owners are responsible for

filling and placing any sandbags they use and are responsible for disposing of them afterwards.” Those picking up sand and/or sandbags are also asked to adhere to guidelines around physical distancing, remaining at least

this week merrittherald.com

SAFE SPACES

six feet from others. PreparedBC has an extensive flood preparedness guide which provides information to those who may experience flooding, including how to build sandbag walls, which you can find on their website.

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REMOTE CAMPS Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry issued new orders regarding industrial camps which sets guidelines for prevention, control and inspection protocols for both workers and employers.

Search ‘ESSENTIAL SERVICES’

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THURSDAY, April 44 •• THURSDAY, April 23, 30, 2020 2020

All City Council Meetings will now be held online with live streaming links available at www.merritt.ca and on the City of Merritt social media channels. Public input questions/ information can be submitted prior to the Council meetings to communications@merritt.ca Regular Council Meeting - May 12 - 7 pm Regular Council Meeting - May 26 - 7 pm

HYDRANT MAINTENANCE NOTICE The City of Merritt Public Works Department would like to notify residents in the below area the hydrant maintenance program is in progress. This program will be in effect for the next few weeks.

Please note residents may experience water discoloration due to water mains and hydrants being repaired and flushed. Residents are encouraged to run taps until the water becomes clear. For more information contact info@merritt.ca or call 250-378-4224.

THEME THIS WEEK: STAYING CONNECTED TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY

The City of Merritt invites community members to submit inspiring photos around the weekly theme. Community members are invited to send in photos to info@merritt.ca with the subject “Merritt Photo Contest” and share a few words about each of your photos. Weekly deadline is Sunday at 11:59 PM.

The City of Merritt reserves rights to use submitted photos for marketing and promotional purposes.

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THURSDAY, April 30, 2020 • 5

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS LOCAL FARMING

LOCAL AGRICULTURE: Petit Creek Lavender offers up a variety of goods and services The Herald looks at Petit Creek Lavender in an ongoing series on local farming. Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

For Judy-Sue Suzuki of Petit Creek Lavender, farming has been her life’s work. Growing up in the Nicola Valley, Suzuki and her family always lived on acreages and raised vegetables and animals for themselves. “We raised a lot of our own food,” Suzuki said. “On many of our dinner tables we had our own homegrown meat, our own butter, fresh milk, and all the vegetables came from our garden. I really did not know then how it would stay with me then, but my roots are deeply planted in home farming.” Suzuki continues to raise a multitude of animals and crops on her farm, which provide for her and her family as well as producing food and fibre for others. “Our garden can produce enough vegetables to supply us through the winter,” said Suzuki.

“We grow potatoes, onions, garlic, corn, beets, turnips, squash, pumpkins, a variety of melons, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, herbs and so much more produce. We have fruit trees of cherries, apples, apricots, and plum. We grow grapes, raspberries and strawberries. Our summer is a full time chore every single day of watering, weeding and harvesting.” While there are many animals on the farm, Suzuki notes that they primarily raise sheep. “We are a sheep farm, we sell live and harvest the wool for fibre,” Suzuki explained. “We raise Angora rabbits for fibre that is combed out about every three months. And an alpaca that is sheared for incredibly warm fibre. There is spinning, weaving and felting all from our own fibre.” Suzuki also raises goats, after getting her first one at an auction for five dollars when she was fourteen years old. “My life has never been the same since, I have been hooked on the crazy, badly behaved things since,” Suzuki joked.

“My whole life is either fencing them in or fencing them out. We have some amazing goats that produce nearly eight cups of milk in one milking.” When Suzuki was a teenager, she also raised a steer for 4H. To train him to lead and be on his best behaviour in any environment, Suzuki would lead him along the highway with a battery powered radio playing at top volume. This somewhat unconventional way of doing things has served Suzuki well in a lifestyle where there are many ups and downs and one must be willing to adapt to changing situations and environments quickly. Ten years ago, in addition to the sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits, alpaca, chickens, quail, turkeys, ducks and geese and all of the fruit and vegetables already being produced, Suzuki discovered a new passion in the form of lavender plants, which have become her best known crop. “In 2010 I put in our first lavender for no reason other than the love of the herb/plant,” Suzuki explained.

“It produces an incredible flower. The fragrance of true lavender is incredible. The lavender plant is soothing, aromatic, nostalgic, romantic, and healing. The foliage, flowers and stems can all be used in product.” From Petit Creek Lavender farm, Suzuki offers flowers, oils, wreaths, bath products, and even lavender for culinary uses. She also makes wedding bouquets and boutonnières. There are also rose petals to be harvested from more than 300 rose bushes, with more being added this year. Suzuki has spent the past 31 years on her current farm with her mother and father, husband and six children, and is happy to have been able to pass down much of what she believes is important. “Farming and gardening is just a way of life,” Suzuki said. “It is so important to teach our children this, that farming and gardening is hard work and that it can be fun, full-time and that the reward is plentiful. Hard work, never ending work, but oh so good. I would not change it for anything.”

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OPEN FOR VIRTUAL SERVICES! Due to the evolving situation with COVID-19, WorkBC Merritt has transitioned to providing services virtually. We are still providing the full range of WorkBC services and supports.

Looking forCAN work?HELP Wecan can help. WE . help. Looking for work? We • Resumes & Cover Letters • Resumes & Cover Letters • Current Job Postings • Current Job Postings • Career Planning • Career Planning • 1 on 1 Employment Work• 1 on 1 Employment Workshops shops • Career Assessments • Career Assessments

• Skills Training • Skills Training • Work Clothing & Gear • Work Clothing & Gear • Government Funding • Government Funding • Disability Supports • Disability Supports • Self Employment • Self Employment Programs Programs

WorkBCoffers offersFREE FREEPROGRAMS PROGRAMSAND AND SERVICES, SERVICES, WorkBC WorkBC offers FREE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES, the use of our Self-Serve Resource Centre and and one-on-one assistance with an Employment Advisor. the use of our Self-Serve Resource Centre and one-on-one assistance with an Employment Advisor. one-on-one assistance with an Employment Advisor. Contact uscall TODAY! For more information, please 250-378-5151, drop by ForTel: more250-378-5151 information, please call 250-378-5151, drop by • Email: info@merrittesc.ca our office at 2099 Quilchena Avenue or visit us online at our office at 2099 Quilchena Avenue or visit us online at www.workbccentre-merritt.ca Centre-Merritt@WorkBC.ca Centre-Merritt@WorkBC.ca @workbcmerritt on Facebook & Twitter

6 • THURSDAY,

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April 30, 2020

VIEWPOINT GOVERNMENT

Helping remote areas COVID19 continues to be the biggest challenge of our time. Every day, it reminds us JOHN HORGAN how impor- VIEW FROM tant it is to PARLIAMENT have reliable access to health care services. For people living in rural, remote and Indigenous communities, regular access to health care isn’t always easy, even at the best of times. When you or a family member gets sick, you sometimes have to travel for hours to get the care you need. This comes with additional costs, which add more stress and anxiety when you are already dealing with a health emergency. Our government has been working with rural, remote and Indigenous communities for the last three years to deliver better, faster health care services, and we’ve been making progress. COVID-19 is adding pressure to an already overburdened health care system. That’s why we’re stepping in with new transportation options – including planes, helicopters and 55 new ground ambulances – to get people from their home communities to the health care they need at a moment’s notice. If you are sick, we are committed to getting you to the care you need, when you need it. We will also be providing selfisolation accommodations close to hospitals, faster and culturally safe COVID-19 testing methods, increased mental health supports, and improved virtual health care through our Virtual Doctor of the Day program that connects First Nations members in remote communities to a doctor or nurse practitioner See ‘EXTRA’ Page 7 through

Publisher Theresa Arnold publisher@ merrittherald.com

Pandemic making big changes to climate People who look for silver linings (aka optimists) think that Covid-19 might be the inflection point where we start getting serious about our relationship with the planet. GWYNNE DYER There’s no direct link THE WORLD between coronavirus STAGE and climate change, but if a tiny virus can bring our whole bustling civilization to a halt, then how vulnerable will we be to a disordered environment driven by out-of-control gl obal heating? We are being taught humility and perspective. Even better, some of the things we urgently needed to do are now happening without our help. People are learning to work from home, air travel has been closed down, the oil industry is collapsing. Etc., etc. By contrast, the pessimists (who often refer to themselves as realists) believe that crises don’t make people behave better. The Great Depression led to the Second World War, 9/11 led to wars all over the Middle East, the Crash of 2008 led to ‘austerity’, slow growth, mount-

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MERRITT HERALD 2090 G

ing popular anger and the rise of populist regimes across the world. Don’t expect any better from this crisis. Last year saw an unprecedented upsurge in public concern about climate change – Australian wildfires, record floods all over the place, Extinction Rebellion, Greta Thunberg – but all that has now been pushed aside by the coronavirus. Global heating and its associated disasters will kill far more people in the long run, but Covid-19 is killing them now. There’s no time for climate this year, and last year’s climate momentum will not automatically return when the virus is under control. Momentum takes time to build, and we are running out of time. There is no magical deliverance on the way, and on balance the current health emergency is setting back the cause of climate sanity, not advancing it. Nevertheless, we can take some comfort from the fact that behavioural moulds are being broken all over the place, and several generations are learning together that disruptive changes can be accepted by most people. A small example from my own trade: this column has appeared in newspapers all over the world for decades, but the online onslaught has eaten deeply into the revenue base of the press everywhere.

Editor Jake Courtepatte newsroom@ merrittherald.com

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

Copyright subsists in all display advertising in this edition of the Merritt Herald. Permission to reproduce in any form, must be obtained in writing from the publisher. .

Almost all have downsized, and that hit my own income hard. My solution was to do more speaking engagements, which involved more time away from my real job and a lot more travel. No show, no dough, so I did it – but then came coronavirus, social distancing and a temporary halt to air travel. End of that solution. What to do next? So I put my talks on video and offered them to the usual suspects – universities, schools, libraries, conference organisers – saying I could do a live Q&A session afterwards on some web hosting site for the widely distributed audience. They would never have accepted that arrangement two months ago. Now there is no alternative, so we’re back in business. Some of this business will go back to the old model when normal service is restored, but I suspect quite a lot of it will not. This is happening all across the business world, and will mean permanent, significant change: more working from home, less commuting, more teleconferencing, less travel. And lower greenhouse gas emissions. Another positive change coming out of this emergency is that we are finally beginning to take a chunk out of our biggest problem: our heavy dependence See ‘CLIMATE’ Page 7 on oil. Coal, the

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Morgan Hampton reporter@ merrittherald.com

Office manager Ken Couture classifieds@ merrittherald.com

FAX (250) 378-6818 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada. Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada

This Merritt Herald 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 contact newsroom@merrittherald.com or call (250) 378-4241. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at www.mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

THURSDAY, April 30, 2020 • 7

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OPINION LETTERS

to the editor Apartment visits a big issue Editor: I am writing this letter because of a big concern of security during this pandemic of COVID-19. I live in the complex apartment at 2151 Granite Ave., managed by ASK Wellness Society. There has been different people coming in the same apartment over and over again when we’ve been told a month ago that we should not receive visitors during this epidemic. My big concern is that these people do not follow the protocol to keep distances. We know that COVID-19 kills mostly old and sick

people, so we don’t need younger people coming in and out at different times of the day or night. This situation has been going on for all the time I have lived here, nearly four years, but now it is a different matter during this epidemic. If you ask me if I reported this to ASK Wellness, yes I did, only to be told that there is not much they can do about it. So that’s why I am writing this letter, I also believe the RCMP should investigate. It’s a big concern, the threat that could be to the sick and old people in this building. Joseph Doucet

Climate changes during global restructuring From Page 6 dirtiest of the fossil fuels, has been declining fast as an energy source for years in most places, but oil, the second-worst fossil fuel, just kept going up. In January the world was pumping and burning 100 million barrels

of oil a day. Demand this month has fallen to 70 million bpd, and while some of it will return when the coronavirus is contained, it will probably never see 100 million again. The inexorable decline of oil has begun.

Extra relief for rural communities From Page 6

video conferencing. Every community has its own specific needs. Our work with local leaders will help deliver these new supports to communities in a way that fits with their pandemic response plans and gets people the care they need. When we get to the other side of the pandemic, these supports will be adapted to address long-standing issues and inequalities that rural, remote and Indigenous communities face in accessing

health care services. These are not band-aid solutions – they will help stop the spread of COVID-19 now and support better health outcomes for the future. By continuing to work with communities, regional health authorities and First Nations, we will get through this challenging time stronger than ever, and with more people getting the health care they need and deserve – no matter where they live.

From the Herald archives: April, 2010

Pandemic raises philosophical questions Editor: We are told that about 85% of the deaths from Covid 19 are elderly people or younger people who have unfortunate pre-conditions. In Canada and the US about 16% of the population is over 65. Only 7% is over 75. 100 years ago, life expectancy in the US was 54 years. It has risen to 79 years due largely to advances in sanitation, health care and pharmaceuticals. It would likely be higher except for environmental toxins, poor diets and other preventable factors. The current pandemic raises serious philosophical questions

about the wisdom of destroying the livelihoods and aspirations of 85% of the population in order to add a couple more years to the lives of the other 15%. These question have to be considered in the context of other related global issues. We send thousands of young people to war, amass nuclear weapons that can kill us all many times over and do nothing to mitigate climate change that we know will be as devastating as the Covid-19 pandemic. In my 75 years no serious action has been taken on any of these issues. We need to start. Doug Taylor

Outlining changes in tax filing

Normally, at this time of year, I would be referencing the April 30 deadline to file your personal income tax. Instead I will be outlining the changes that have been made to the income tax filing deadline. As part of the federal DAN ALBAS government COVID-19 VIEW FROM response effort, the filTHE HILL ing deadline has been extended to individuals to June 1st of 2020. This change applies to all Canadians who file an individual tax return with the Canadian Revenue Agency. If you owe taxes for the 2019 taxation year the payment deadline has also been extended to September 1st of 2020. For self-employed individuals the filing deadline remains unchanged at June 15, of 2020. It should also be pointed out that if you are expecting an income tax refund or to qualify for other benefits, such as the GST/HST credit or the Canada Child Benefit, the earlier you can file your return the less likely you are to encounter a delay in receiving these benefits. There is also now more information available for the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program. This program details indicate that It offers “forgivable loans to eligible commercial property owners so that they can reduce the rent owed by their impacted small business tenants by at least 75% for the months of April, May and June, 2020.” At the moment to qualify a commercial property owner (landlord) must meet the following criteria: own property that generates rental revenue from commercial real property located in Canada. the rental property in question must have a

mortgage secured by the commercial real property, occupied by one or more small business tenants. The landlord must have entered or will enter into a rent reduction agreement for the period of April, May, and June 2020, that will reduce impacted small business tenant’s rent by at least 75%. The rent reduction agreement with your tenants must include a moratorium on eviction for the period of April, May and June 2020. And finally a commercial landlord must have declared rental income on their tax return (personal or corporate) for tax years 2018 and/or 2019. The initial feedback I have heard from commercial landlords has not been positive. Landlords who do not have a mortgage cannot, at the present time, apply for this program. Another common complaint is that the program forces a landlord to undertake a loan with no guarantees or recourse if a tenant defaults. If anything by agreeing to a non-eviction clause for three months, a landlord could be faced with even higher costs from participating in this program. From the angle of a small business tenant, if the landlord does not qualify for this program or refuses to apply because of the poorly designed terms, they will receive no assistance whatsoever. In my view, this program fails to achieve the intended goals to help small and mid-sized business with a meaningful rent reduction and I am hopeful that the federal government will make further changes to fine tune this program. My question this week: Do you agree? I can be reached at Dan.Albas@parl.gc.ca or call toll free 1-800-665-8711. Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for the riding of Central Okanagan Similkameen Nicola. This riding includes the communities of Kelowna (specific boundaries), West Kelowna, Peachland, Summerland, Keremeos, Princeton, Merritt and Logan Lake.

NATURE CLUB BORN Those interested in wildlife and nature can now join the Nicola Naturalist Society. The inaugural public meeting was held at NVIT on Monday and brought in over thirty eager nature enthusiasts. Coordinator Alan Burger, who has previously been a director for the Victoria Natural History Society and the nature club in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, plans to make the society an official club under the Societies Act of British Columbia by the fall. A naturalist society “would be a useful thing to have in Merritt, and obviously has a lot of interest,” he said. The Naturalist Society plans to promote interest in the community for wildlife, nature, and local ecosystems. They would like to study and protect flora and fauna habits while promoting wildlife education and stewardship, especially in the local youth.

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

88 ••THURSDAY, April 30,30, 2020 THURSDAY, April 2020

CENTURY 21 Moving Real Estate

www.merrittherald.com www.merrittherald.com

#102, 2840 Voght Street, Box 236 Merritt, B.C. V1K 1B8

Doug Beech (Owner) 378-7392

BC LTD.

250-378-6166 |1-877-841-2100

movingrealestate.c21.ca

1814 GRANITE AVE

3023 HILTON DRIVE

471 WOODWARD AVE

1676 GREIG ST

3027 HILTON DRIVE

Fabulous home in the downtown area, perfect for a large family. Has Mill Creek cabinets, huge family room, 2 F/P’s, 5 baths, 6 bedrms & inlaw suite. Double garage + single garage in back.

Under construction, this new quality built 1438 sq.ft. rancher in a great neighbourhood has 3 bedrms, 2 baths, large open concept, Quartz kitchen counter with center island & a 2 car garage. GST applies.

Private Lower Nicola property, nicely landscaped with creek running through front of property. 1 bedrm up & 1 down, open concept kitchen with all appliances & huge master bedrm with ensuite. Woodstove in full bsmt. Large workshop 22x50.

#3165

#3178

#3126

Nicely finished 5 bedrm, 3 bath home with open design kitchen/living room. Recent reno’s include flooring, paint, kitchen cabinets refinished with new counters & bathrms. Huge fenced yard, lots of parking.

Beautiful 3 bedroom rancher, move in ready with quick possession possible. Has open concept design with huge living, dining and kitchen area that opens to large covered deck in fenced backyard. High ceilings, crown moldings & all appliances included.

$569,000

$469,900

$475,000

#3169

$529,900

#3177

$464,900

2985 CLAPPERTON AVE.

1967 SAGE PLACE

#210, 2514 SPRING BANK

3001 HILTON DRIVE

#108, 2514 SPRING BANK AVE

Beautifully renovated 5 bedrm, 3 bath home on large corner lot with fenced back yard & fruit trees. Includes 2 bedrm ground level suite. Enjoy the enclosed sunroom year round. Lots of parking.

Spectacular sunset views from this executive 5 bedrm home. Beautiful rancher with walkout bsmt. Open floor plan with Brazkian HW floors, ceramic tile & carpet on main. Mill Creek cabinets and S/S appliances. Large deck in back.

New 2 storey townhouse in Nicola Bluffs with great views. Open concept kitchen with Quartz countertops, vinyl plank floors, gas F/P 3 bedrms up, 4 baths and full bsmt. Has $4,000 appliance package & central A/C. Under construction.

Beautiful 3 bedrm, 3 bath rancher with office/ den, and a fully bsmt. Features 9 ft ceilings, open floor plan with large newly renovated kitchen with island, laundry on the main & 5 pce spa-like ensuite. Bsmt has 2 bedrm inlaw suite. Lots of RV parking in fenced yard.

Beautiful 2 bedrm, 2 bath detached home with large garage. Master bedrm with W/I closet & ensuite with 6 ft soaker tub. Open concept layout, kitchen has island & pantry. Double sided F/P. New Home Warranty.

#3179

#3171

#3142

$479,000

#3164

$579,900

#3172

$414,900+GST

$569,900

$394,500

2770 PEREGRINE WAY

2760 PEREGRINE WAY

2749 PEREGRINE WAY

2651 COUTLEE ST

2338B COLDWATER AVENUE

Spacious new home with open concept floor plan, spectacular views & high quality finishing. 2 bedrms up, master on the main & 2 more down, 4 baths & full unfin. Bsmt. New Home Warranty. Double garage

New executive family home on the Bench with views. 3 bedrms, 2 baths, designer kitchen with quartz counters, gas F/P in living room, 5 pce ensuite & a full unfinished basement. GST applies

New custom executive home with fantastic views. 3 bedrms on the main with open concept floor plan. Master has 4 pce ensuite & W/I closet. Large private deck in back off the family room.

Large home with 3 bedroom up, large kitchen with oak cabinets & large family rm. Main floor has 2 bedrm suite. Newer roof & HW boiler. Nice fenced yard with garden space. Double garage.

Very clean and comfortable 3 bedroom half duplex in good area. 2 bedrooms up, recently painted and has newer flooring in most rooms. 1 bedrm down, large rec.room and 3 pce bath. Private fenced backyard. Close to amenities

#3174

#3175

#3176

#3170

#3159

$739,9000 + GST

$739,900 3011 HILTON DR

2175 MAMETTE AVE

$639,900+ GST

1937 MERRITT AVE

$449,900

2152 MERRITT AVENUE

$249,900

4420 IRON MOUNTAIN RD

SOL

FULL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OR TENANT PLACEMENT ONLY FULL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OR TENANT PLACEMENT ONLY

Nice 3 bedrm home in good neighbourhood. Home has many updates of roof, siding, bathrms, paint, U/G sprinklers deck & more. Nicely landscaped, inground pool, RV parking. Quick possession possible.

This 3 bedroom, 2 bath rancher in quiet neighbourhood is great for retirees or first time buyers. Open concept kitchen, dining & living room with gas F/P, kitchen has large island. Fenced yard with covered back deck.

Great rental investment property, starter home or for retiree. Close to amenities. Fenced yard with garage. 2 bedrooms up plus basement with secondary living quarters. New furnace & HW tank. Tenanted.

3 bedroom bungalow in good area with

1 acre with large rancher of 1600 sq.ft. with full bsmt partially finished,. 3 bedrms

#3156

#3155

#3161

workshop. Great for first time buyer or retirees.

baths, huge rec.rm. Huge covered deck & a workshop.

#3163

$375,000

$389,900

bright open fl oor plan. 2 bedrms up and on the main, 1 down & another potential. We can assist youLarge in renting your 1 down. lot with room for investment. garden, We can assist you in renting your investment. Open design kitchen with oak cabinets, 3 has detached 2 car garage and attached

$239,900

Grandview Heights

$329,900

#3166

$419,900

250-315-0000 250-315-0000

www.merrittpropertymanagement.ca www.merrittpropertymanagement.ca Licensed Property Managers Licensed Property Managers DeannaDeanna Rick Rick

DEANNA

Licensed Property Manager

RESIDENTIAL VIEW LOTS Prices Starting at $104,000 + GST Fully serviced residential lots with fantastic views of the Nicola Valley and surrounding mountains. Choose your lot, bring your plans & start building your future! Close to #2894 shopping.

RICK

Licensed Property Manager

FULL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OR TENANT PLACEMENT ONLY We can assist you in renting your investment 250-315-1000 www.propertymanagement.ca

www.century21.ca/movingrealestate • 378-6166 • www.century21.ca/

THURSDAY,April April 30, THURSDAY, 30, 2020 2020 •• 99

www.merrittherald.com www.merrittherald.com

Don Gossoo, Managing Broker

Karen Yakimchuk 315-3076

Brad Yakimchuk

Jared Thomas 778-694-6804

Melonie Ivanic 778-803-6554

Personal Real Estate Corporation

315-3043

1425 MILLER ROAD

200 VEALE ROAD

396 WILD ROSE DR

6685 MONCK PARK

1653 LINDLEY CREEK RD

This 4 bedroom custom rancher with walkout bsmt is in exclusive Miller Estates on private fenced 10.87 acre property with fantastic views and setup for horses with hay storage & loafing shed. 3 car garage.

11 acres with drilled well, fenced with good potential and fantastic views. Easy access, located off Coldwater Rd just 10 minutes south of Merritt. Great place to build your dream home.

Enjoy the great outdoors on this 1 acre lot in a great community on Iron Mountain, only 10 mins. From Merritt, 1 hr to Kelowna & 2 hrs from coast. Have your own country estate or hobby farm.

1 acre lake view property featuring stunning panoramic views of Nicola Lake. Perfect recreational property or a year round residence. Nicola Lake offers year round activities.

7874 sq.ft. lot in a growing newer subdivision and the natural slope of the land will allow for a rancher style home in front with a walkout basement. Great views

#3160

#3147

#3152

#3158

#3138

$739,000

#34, 1749 MENZIES ST

$285,000

2725 PEREGRINE WAY

$139,900

$159,900

$64,999

3551 VOGHT STREET

6433 MONCK PARK RD

1898 BLAIR ST

Lot 22, located in growing subdivision with amazing views of the Nicola Valley. Close to amenities. The perfect place to build your dream home.

1.5 acre C-4 lot in great area with good exposure just off freeway and located on Merritt’s motel row. Perfect place for hotel, motel, car wash, garden center & more. Call for zoning permitted uses.

This 1 acre lot with 180 degree view of Nicola Lake is perfect to build your dream home or recreational retreat. Lake access through the boat launch only minutes away. Services available

Fully fenced commercial property of approx. 30,000 sq.ft. with 2 titles. Seller is motivated & will consider carrying mortgage or a joint venture in a building complex

#3105

#3157

#3069

#3137

SOL

This 3 bedrm townhouse in great condition has a larger yard being an end unit. Main floor has bright open design, laundry & 2 pce powder room. 3 bedrms up plus office/play room. Double garage.

#3173

$259,900

$75,000

$495,000

$165,000

$439,000

6449 MONCK PARK RD

2800 PEREGRINE WAY

6348 MONCK PARK ROAD

923 MIDDAY VALLEY ROAD

2845 NEILSON ST

Build your dream home in one of Merritt areas finest development, Nicola Lakeshore Estates. Water & sewer hookups available. Close to water access. This lake is known for fishing, water skiing & more.

This Lot 7 has 6674 sq.ft. with spectacular views. This is a growing development of custom homes. Water and sewer at property line. Bring your plans.

1 acre waterfront lot on Nicola Lake. Build your dream home or vacation getaway . Land has gentle slope to waterfront. Great location for many water sports and close to Monck Park Provincial Park. Water & sewer to lot line.

Approx. 291 acres with great potential for many different projects. Current plans are for a 2 acre estate lot development with city boundaries. Has fantastic views with city services available.

15.9 acre RV Park zoning bordering the Coldwater River. Hookups in place & future set of plans for expansion available. Has city services. Has small rental home with long term tenants.

#3074

#3108

#3071

#2956

#3090

$159,900

$115,000

LOT A, MIDDAY VALLEY RD

1101 MIDDAY VALLEY RD

122 acres with multiple zoning of C4, C6, and R1. Buyer should contact the City of Merritt to request suitable zoning for match their project needs. Call for more details.

10 acre development site with CD-1 zoning. Will have city water and sewer (not connected yet). Bring your ideas and call for more details.

#2957

#2958

$1,584,000

$699,000

MIDDAY VALLEY ROAD

Approximately 5 acre parcel, north facing, with fantastic views. City services, not currently connected. Zoned R-9 High Density Residential. Great opportunity. Call for details.

#2962

$300,000

$3,990,000

$1,650,000.

LOT 1, HOUSTON ST

1132 MIDDAY VALLEY RD

Approximately 4 acre residential development property. Zoned R1. Bring your ideas and call for more details.

Two 10 acre parcels in the City limits with separate titles. Zoned M1. Located on truck route and easy access to highway. Great place to start your business.

#2959

#3080

$230,000

$2,000,000

MOVING OUT OF THE BIG CITY?

Spius Creek Estates

Located Off Petit Creek Road

Prices starting at $224,000 Country living at its best! Approx. 10 acres lots located 15 minutest west of Merritt in the beautiful Sunshine Valley. These properties have stunning views of the valley. Great area for horseback riding, biking, hiking and more. Call for full details. GST applies.

$425,000

Merritt is a great community to raise your family, have a hobby farm, grow your business, retire or have a recreational property to escape to. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and ranch land, our unlimited recreational activities offers something for everyone to enjoy - fishing, ATV, horseback riding, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing & much more. Let us help you find the right property that fits YOU!

Give us a call 250-378-6166

#3145

a/movingrealestate • 378-6166 • www.century21.ca/movingrealestate

10 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

April 30, 2020

United Church joins vigil for Nova Scotia

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Lower Nicola Eco-Depot Operations Update Effective immediately, all regularly accepted waste and recyclables (including yard waste) will once again be allowed at the Lower Nicola site.

Left: Trinity United Church Reverend Elaine Diggle reads out the names of those slain in the Nova Scotia mass shooting. Centre: Merritt detachment officer Nick Maciejewski honours a moment of silence during the ceremony. Right: A family pays their respects while maintaining their distance. JAKE COURTEPATTE/Merritt Herald

Residents gathered outside Trinity United Church to pay their respects to the victims of the Nova Scotia mass shooting. Jake Courtepatte MERRITT HERALD

A virtual vigil for the minimum 22 lives lost in a Nova Scotia mass shooting went out Friday across the country, including at Merritt’s United Church. The National Police Federation (NPF), in partnership with the RCMP, asked Canadians to stop what they were doing at 2 p.m., and while wearing red, remember those that were killed in the shooting last week. CTV will later this evening broadcast the vigils around the country. Merritt residents gathered outside the church to pay their own respects. Rev. Elaine Diggle read out the names, and occupations, of each of the victims, while the church’s bell was tolled after each name.

“Today, as all days, we stand on holy ground as God’s creations. We join in loving tribute to acknowledge and recall those whose lives were tragically cut short last weekend.” Around forty people, most donned in red, showed up to line the streets and sidewalks around the church- all the while maintaining their social distancing. “All were loved and cherished,” said Rev. Diggle. “Some who died were men and women in the prime years of their lives. Some had already retired. One a teenager, another an unborn child. All whose lives ended far too soon. (It) was the ending place of dreams dreamed, loving partnerships shared, useful work enjoyed, and family time savoured.” The countrywide vigil serves as a ‘funeral’ of sorts for the fallen, since in these trying times, they will not be held traditionally. It is the first time in history there will be no regimental funeral for an RCMP officer who lost their life in the line of duty.

We thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as you may be required to wait in line to access the site. To help reduce wait times and keep staff and the public safe, please adhere to the following procedures: • Ensure materials are pre-sorted and easy to unload • Only visit disposal facilities when necessary • Follow all directions of site attendants • Bring full loads to avoid multiple trips • Minimize your time on site

tnrd.ca

250-377-2596 recycleright@tnrd.ca MH Ad Apr 2020.indd 1

2020-04-23 8:52:32 AM

THURSDAY, April 30, 2020 • 11

www.merrittherald.com

SPORTS

Have a sports story tip? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing newsroom@merrittherald.com

Local dancers graduating via video conferencing All Love to Dance performers who submitted their work digitally will be progressing to the next level. Vanessa Van Rensburg CONTRIBUTOR

The four walls seldom absorb music at the moment, except of course, when teachers Lizette or Vanessa are busy with Zoom classes or choreography for the 2020 Love To Dance Medal Tests. To date, they have received 98 entries in five dance genres. Ballet, Jazz, Spanish, Folk and Interpretive Dance. But let’s backtrack just a bit. Between March 27 - April 24, 2020, some of the LTD Spanish dancers submitted their annual exam dance assignments via video to be evaluated. Their exams were scheduled for April 20, but were sadly cancelled, immediately challenging them to adapt and rise to the challenge, of the then new and foreign concept, of virtual dance exams. The amount of assignments which

had to be submitted varied, ranging from four assignments to ten, depending on the level. Dancers submitted one to three dance assignments per week via video, in their formal exam attire, presenting their work as they would have in an exam setting. All dancers who participated successfully completed their exams and will be progressing to the next level. Junior Beginner Level: Sofia Mcculloch - Silver Pre-Level 1: Danika Fader - Gold Kate van Rensburg - Gold Katie Belle Turmel - Silver Sedona MacDonald - Silver Level 2: Bradley Turmel - Silver Heaven Sargent - Bronze Kinley Stewart - Gold Mikayla Manke - Silver Level 5: Dani Kuzio - Silver Danica Guichon - Gold Megan Voigt- Double Gold Miranda Cavaliere - Double Gold.

Love to Dancers show off their costumes used during Zoom classes during the current pandemic. Photos submitted

JUNIOR HOCKEY

Cents extend early bird through end of May Jared Thomas CONTRIBUTOR

The Merritt Centennials are announcing that the Early Bird Deadline for season tickets is being extended to May 31st effective immediately. The Deadline was set to expire on April 30th, but due to the Covid-19 crisis, the Cents want to ensure that season ticket holders can renew their seats at the discounted rate. Business Operations Manager Jared Thomas says that despite having tickets available online this season, not all fans are able to take advantage.

“We know that some of our fan base may not be able to navigate the online purchasing procedure. We are extending the deadline until fans will get a chance to purchase tickets at the Marketing Office. If restrictions don’t relax by May 31st, we’d look into extending the deadline once more.” The Cents would like to thank all the fans for their patience and support during this time. Current season ticket holders do have their tickets on hold. Please reach out to Jared at 378-3604 or email info@merrittcentennials.com to renew your tickets. All you need to complete the process is an email address and a credit card number.

Blazers make first round draft selection Marty Hastings KAMLOOPS THIS WEEK

The Kamloops Blazers picked once in Round 1, 19th overall, and selected Kaden Hammell, a sixfoot, 166-pound D-man from Langley. “I definitely want to be part of a team that can, hopefully, make some good runs in the playoffs and get as far as we can,” Hammell said. “I’m a player that will do anything I can to win, so I’ll try my hardest to get the boys on the same route as that.” Hammell played last season for West Vancouver in the bantam prep Canadian Sport School Hockey League, racking up 12 goals and 41 points in 29 games. “He plays on his toes, he likes to attack and makes things happen with the puck,” Blazers’ director of player personnel Robbie Sandland said. “He’s got a lot of edge to him, as well. He’s not easy to play against.” Zach Hodder, manager of player development for the WHL, said Hammell reminds him of Shea Theodore, noting he is a big, lanky rearguard who plays with an offensive mindset, but needs to improve in the defensive zone. Western Elite Hockey Prospects [WEHP] rated

Hammell ninth overall in its pre-draft rankings. “To figure out where other teams had him, it’s not easy for me to say that,” Sandland said. “I know where we had him and he was very high on our list. We’re ecstatic to get him.” The Blazers picked 27th overall in Round 2 on Wednesday and chose Grayden Slipec, a 5-foot-9, 155-pound forward from Surrey. Slipec had 30 goals and 73 points last season playing alongside Hammell for West Vancouver in the CSSHL. “He’s a dynamic forward, a dual threat with the puck in the offensive zone,” Sandland said. “Can make plays at speed. Dangerous off the rush. Really fun player to watch. We are thrilled to get him.” WEHP, which pegged Slipec seventh overall in pre-draft rankings, tweeted he may have slipped because he might not be fully committed to playing in the WHL. Sandland said both of his club’s top two picks, Hammell and Slipec, have options outside the WHL. “We’re very confident we’re going to get both Kaden and Grayden into a Blazer uniform,” Sandland said. “Our philosophy is we believe in our program and we take the best player available.

12 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

April 30, 2020

COMMUNITY BOARD Do you want to list your event? Let us know by emailing: publisher@merrittherald.com Deadline for submissions is noon on Friday prior to publication.

CONTAIN-IT STORAGE

Contents are insurable

■

Approved mini-storage

■

On-site rentals

■

Secured

■

Sale of New and Used storage containers

1750 1 17 7 Hill Street ■ Phone: 250-315-3000

CANCELLED Meeting for the Merritt Chapter Vintage Car Club of Canada until further notice.

CANCELLED Jam Session at Merritt Senior Center cancelled until further notice.

CANCELLED FIERCE Merritt LGBTQ2+ has cancelled meetings until further notice.

POSTPONED Junior Native Hockey Tournament March 21-23.

CANCELLED church services for Trinity United Church until further notice.

CANCELLED church services for Crossroads Community Church until further notice.

POSTPONED April’s start-up for Merritt Youth Soccer has been postponed until further notice.

CANCELLED church services for the Trinity United Church until further notice.

POSTPONED April’s start-up for Merritt Minor Softball has been postponed until further notice.

POSTPONED Coldwater Transition House Elders Lunch

CANCELLED Nicola Naturalist Society monthly meetings at NVIT have been cancelled. CLOSED All City of Merritt park playgrounds are closed to the public. CANCELLED Church service at the Free Evangelical Church until further nnotice.

POSTPONED Merritt Minor Hockey Association has postponed all games effective immediately. CANCELLED Merritt Girl Guides in person meetings until further notice. CLOSED Nicola Meadows will be closed to visitors until further notice. POSTPONED All face-to-face

teaching at NVIT is until further notice. POSTPONED Merritt Seniors Bingo (Tuesdays) CANCELLED all potlucks, luncheons and activities at the Merritt Senior Centre have cancelled until further notice.

NO EVENTS For the remainder of the semester at the NVIT gym. CLOSED Royal Canadian Legion until further notice.

CANCELLED Home Based Business Market April 26. CANCELLED Friday night bingo for Nicola Valley Food Bank held at the Elks Hall until further notice. CANCELLED Wednesday afternoon bingo at the Elks Hall has been until further notice.

POSTPONED MSS Drive Thru Breakfast fundraiser for April 2 has been to a later date.

Thunder Lacrosse is suspending all BCLA sanctioned activities. CANCELLED Open Mic Nights at Kekuli Cafe until further notice. POSTPONED The Living With Loss Support Group has postponed their Monday afternoon meetings until further notice.

SUSPENDED All programming with SCHSS has been until further notice.

Thurs. Mar. 14

Cloudy Mix of w/Showers Sun & Clouds High 15˚C High: 9C Low: 6C Low: 1˚C

Fri. May 1

Fri. Mar. 15

MainlyPeriods Cloudy Cloudy High: 17˚C High: 10C Low: 4C 2˚C Low:

Sat. May 2

Sat. Mar. 16

Chance ofClouds Showers Variable High: 17˚C High: 8C Low: 4C 3˚C Low:

Sun. May 3

Sun. Mar. 17

MainlySnow Sunny Wet

High: 12˚C High: 6C Low: 2C Low: 1˚C

• Save-on-Foods • Extra Foods • Walmart • Pharmasave • Black’s Pharmacy • Johnny’s on the Rez • Courtesy Corner • Coldwater Road Drop Box • Bob’s Mini Mart • Miss Vicki’s Petals & Plants Flower Shop • Coldwater Cold Beer, Wine & Liquor Store • Home Hardware • Drop Boxes in Lower Nicola

MORE LOCATIONS MAY BECOME AVAILABLE

THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WELCOME YOU Crossroads Community Church

CLOSED Merritt Mom’s and Families until further notice and will not be accepting clothes at this time. CLOSED Nicola Valley Museum and Archives until further notice. CLOSED Merritt City Hall, until further notice.

Merritt Baptist Church

2499 Coutlee Ave. (Corner of Coutlee and Orme) • 250-378-2464 Service Time/ Sunday School: Sunday 10:00 a.m.

Merritt Lutheran Fellowship

in St. Michael's Anglican Hall • 250-378-9899 Service Time: 3rd Sunday each month 1:00 p.m.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Corner of Jackson & Blair • 250-378-2919 • Mass Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2451 Spring Bank Ave • 250-378-5603 Worship Service Sunday -10 am • Sunday School -11:10 am

St. Michael’s Anglican Church

1990 Chapman St. • 250-378-3772 Service Times: 2nd and 4th Sundays only - 10:00 a.m.

Trinity United Church

Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735 Service Time/ Sunday School (K - Gr. 4) - 10 am

Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave. (The Cadet Hall) Sunday Service Time: 4:30 pm • 250-280-1268

Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church 1950 Maxwell St. • 250-378-9502 Service Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m.

SUSPENDING NIcola Valley

7 Day Weather Forecast Merritt, - Thursday, April 14 30 - Wednesday, Wednesday, May 6, 2020 7 Day Weather Forecast forfor Merritt, BCBC - Thursday, March March 20, 2013 Thurs. April 30

NEWSPAPER DROP-OFF LOCATIONS

2990 Voght St. • 250-378-2911• Service Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m.

CLOSED Merritt Thrift Shop is closed until further notice and will not accept donations at this time. CLOSED City Of Merritt recreational facilities including Merritt Civic Centre, Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre, Nicola Valley Memorial

Arena, TNRD Merritt Library, Nicola Valley Courthouse Art Gallery and the Visitor Centre at Baillie House.

Mon. May 4

Mon. Mar. 18

Tues. May 5

Tue. Mar. 19

Wed. May 6

Wed. Mar. 20

Stain Glass by

Almerina Rizzardo

• • • • Mix of Sun &Clouds Clouds Variable High: 13 ˚C High: 6C Low: 0C Low: 1˚C

Mainly Sunny SnowRain Showers High: 12˚C High: 7C Low: -1C Low: 1˚C

Light MainlySnow Sunny High: High: 14˚C 7C Low: 0C Low: 2˚C

STAIN GLASS SUN CATCHERS NIGHT LIGHTS PICTURE FRAMES

Available at Creative Company 2074 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, BC Monday - Saturday Ph: 250-378-0813

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CLASSIFIEDS

THURSDAY, April 30, 2020 • 13

Deadline for placing a classified ad is 5 p.m. on Monday. To place an ad please call 250-378-4241 or email: sales2@merrittherald.com Obituaries

Obituaries

John Fast

Obituaries

WILLIE OSCAR HANCE GABRIEL

May 12, 1928 - Apr. 20, 2020 On Monday, April 20, 2020 John Fast passed away at the age of 91, with his loving wife of 70 years, Martha by his side. Born in Laird, Saskatchewan, May 12, 1928. He was raised in Chilliwack B.C., left home at the age of 16 to settle in the Nicola Valley, where he worked as a cowboy on a few of the local ranches for a couple of years, married the love of his life, Martha in June of 1949, then it was to the local sawmills, where he remained for the remainder of his working life, retiring from the Weyerhauser mill as a Sawmill Foreman. Survived by his wife Martha, two sons Peter (Mary), grandsons Chris and Kevin (Michelle), great grandchildren Peter and Sadie all of Campbell River. John (Deb) of Washington USA, granddaughter Tressa, great grandchildren Julia and Conner of Red Deer, Alberta., and brother Edward (Marion) of Kelowna B.C. The family wishes to express their gratitude towards all of the caregivers and staff at Coquihalla/Gillis House.

James Mountford Sept 11, 1945 - April 21, 2020

Mr. James Mountford passed away suddenly in Merritt BC on April 21st 2020 at 74 years of age. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Pearl, son Gordon (Jodie) and daughter Tanya. He will be sadly missed by his 4 granddaughters, grandson, numerous nieces, nephews as well as extended family members and close cousins who reside in Ontario. Also a very special lady in Creston that he called mom. He is predeceased by his mother, father and sister. Jim spent his working career in mining which took him to many parts of the world. He was always ready to take on a new project. He enjoyed his time at Bridge Lake with his boat and all the ﬁshing. He never stopped trying for the Big One that always seemed to get away. He was known for his great sense of humour and was always there to help family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Should friends desire donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Missing You We don’t know why you had to go But we know that we will miss you so With your happy smile, and your sense of fun We can’t take it in, that you are gone. You brought joy to every life you touched And you are missed, so very much. But a beautiful soul lives on forever And memories of you we will always treasure Now your spirit, has been set free, To be with your God for eternity Enfolded in love, as you soar on high But for a while, we must say goodbye. So rest in peace, free from all pain Till we meet in heaven, united again.

May the Sunshine of Comfort Dispel the Clouds of despair

Obituaries

Kennith Jack Wood Feb. 15, 1931 - April 17, 2020

Willie Oscar Hance Gabriel passed away suddenly at the Nicola Valley General Hospital on April, 16, 2020. He is predeceased by his grandmother Louisa Hance Gabriel, grandfathers Willie Logan and Jimmie Major, his biological mother Mary Logan, his uncles Bill Harris Hance Gabriel and Jackie Major, two siblings: Robert Rodgers and Roy Rodgers and his wife Carol Hance. Willie has one surviving sister, Linda Hance Gabriel Epps and several other siblings in California: Ruby Rodgers, Will Rodgers, Ronnie Rodgers and Joann Rodgers. Willie had three sons and two stepdaughters, sons are: Joe Woodriff, Nathan Woodriff (mother Kathy?) and Willie Hance Jr. (mother Carol?). He also had numerous nephews, nieces, grandchildren, cousins and friends. Willie was born in Merritt in 1944, removed for his community when he was 16 and relocated to California and eventually was placed in foster home care. It is ironic that Willie was returned to the Lower Nicola Indian Band between 2009-2010 because he was homeless and a burden to social institutions in Modesto, California. He had a difﬁcult life, was homeless in California, suffered from chronic back injury pain, and struggled with alcoholism. Despite his circumstances, he was always quick to laugh and joke with community members. Willie used to talk about being ‘sweet’ because he had worked at a Hershey Chocolate Factory. Willie also worked as a custodian, security guard and short order cook. He liked to cook, his favorite dish was beans and rice. His favorite pastime was looking at western movies and listening to country and western music, he was also an excellent beader. He was proud of the cane that he beaded. As a young man, Willie danced the hoop dance with an American Indian dance group in California. Due to the Coronavirus, funeral service and burial service will not be held at Lower Nicola Indian Band Cemetery. A heart-felt thanks to Irene Howe, Community Nurse; Chief Stuart Jackson of the Lower Nicola Indian Band; to the many elders who said prayers; to many community members who provided tele-support. A very special thank you to Merritt Funeral Chapel and the nurses at Nicola Valley General Hospital and to Dr. Fenrich who were there when Willie made his transition. Willie is now with the creator and ancestors. Please do not hold on to your grief because he is now free.

I’M FREE – Unknown Author (edited and abbreviated) Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I’m following the path the Creator laid for me. I took his hand when I heard his call, I turned my back and left it all. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, Creator wanted me now, HE SET ME FREE!

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The trout in Nimpo Lake had reason to celebrate. No longer would they have to worry about Ken’s annual relentless pursuit of them. Born in Cranbrook and lived in Lumberton until the family moved to New Westminster. After graduating from Duke of Connaught High, he became a telegraph operator for CPR. Then started a long career for B.C. Tel in Burns Lake where he met and married Colleen Zielke in 1954 (Sadly Colleen passed in 2001). They had two children Beth and Brett. Ken’s work moved him to Mission, Riondel, Invermere and then Cranbrook. A baseball/ basketball enthusiast, he volunteered as a Little League coach as well a basketball ref. He continued to play slow pitch in the Old Timers League in Arizona where he wintered in his retirement years. In Invermere he became an Alderman and was an instigator on having the arena built. This is where he became an avid jogger and a later granted a stretch for the Olympic Torch Relay for the ‘88 Calgary Olympics. At this time he also became a Mason and later a Shriner. He loved participating in the parades on the drum line and especially on the bikes. A great outdoors-man. Organic gardener, hunter and fisherman that evolved into becoming a Big Game Guide and fishing guide on the Banksland Surveyor. In his later years he lived in Penticton and remarried a high school friend, Dian Mathesion. They eventually moved to Merritt. Ken passed away peacefully in the Nicola Valley Hospital surrounded by family members. He leaves behind daughter Elizabeth Portman (Simon) Aldergrove, son Brett Wood (Colleen Schwab) Whistler, grandson Ian Kassian (Chantelle) and great grandson Lincoln Kassian, Surrey. His light hearted approach to life will be missed by his friends and family. The Rainbows of Nimpo Lake will not longer have to listen to him singing his favorite song while fishing “Cover of the Rolling Stone”, by ironically Dr. Hook and the Medicine show. Donations can be made in his memory to www.bcshriners.com

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disorders, with mental than those becomes the statement says. Review Board assent and B.C. gets royal In 2011, the born escorted visits . ing, it s the Schoen the Port r-old Cordon law. bill that remind boards granted community from and five-yea worked where “This is a review old Max, into the psychiatric facility ion Galt have n provincial all Clarke and courts and matter. In fact, it is of victims Coquitlam held. That permiss Minister Stephe Rob we – the families– have been asking with Prime that victimsa reminder that victims he was being after opposition from y General e lly be Attorne Canada , crimina an Heritag across more than will hopefully soon was revoked who said she was found not than Harper and Canadi on the bill By it D for: people get better supports - Nicholson matter — statement says. Clarke’s family, Moore THE HERAL d.com the the transfer merrittheral responsible ly in place; the commu Minister Jamesyears. They say the law,” also addresses imballiving nearby. newsroom@ request to five protecThe bill surrounding are current Schoenborn’sfacility in Selkirk, for nearly bring victims’ rights rs of a womanby receives the legislation ed tric Family membe nity as a whole [s]; and the famichanges will with those of people ances in the not criminally responby the B.C. to a psychia were murder are ible. [it] deserve 2008 no legal Man. was approved more time balance found but has is in get whose children ry, tions respons into those there lly finally in Merritt g that in Februa Not the famitheir father in support of the lies of victims a statement released found not crimina its second readsible, includinnotify members of r Review Board out. Clarke’s to The bill passedof Commons late speaking upResponsible Reform to heal,” reads her cousin, Stacy obligation if a high-risk offendeand yet to be carriedmove as well, saying weband House to s that area. 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