December 1 - 2022

RCMP continues to investigate shootings

The Merritt RCMP continue to investigate a series of shootings and police incidents that took place over the span of a week, beginning on November 15 and culminating with the early morning arrest of Merritt fugitive Ronald Karlson on November 23.

While progress has been made on the ensuing investigations, local police tell the Herald that investigations will likely take months to complete.

“There’s been lots of progress, but I think the biggest thing is to under stand that these investigations take a lot of time,” said Acting Detachment Commander Sgt. Josh Roda.

“It could take months, probably, and thousands of man hours. We’re at a stage now where we’re still processing evidence, and that evidence processing takes a long time. We submit stuff to forensic labs, and later we get results, so it’s just going to be a long process now with these investigations.”

A number of shootings took place in the Nicola Valley in the early morning of November 15, with Merritt RCMP responding to numerous calls in the Merritt, Coldwater IR, and Mamette Lake Road areas. Over 100 shots were fired during the incidents, with no inju

ries reported.

The RCMP confirmed in a press release later in the week that officers attended a scene on the morning of Friday, November 18 for a possible shots-fired complaint in the 2100 block of Priest Avenue. This led to more com plaints in the afternoon, and an hourslong standoff on Nicola Avenue, result ing in the arrest of three on charges of hostage taking with a firearm, and entering a dwelling house without lawful excuse.

On Sunday, November 20, Merritt RCMP and members of the Emergency Response Team (ERT) executed a search warrant in the 2600 block of Granite Avenue in relation to Friday’s kidnapping case. The following day, Merritt RCMP officers and emergency response teams closed down the 2100 block of Quilchena Avenue to execute a number of arrests. No new charges were announced. On November 23, at approximately 1:30 a.m, Merritt front line officers responded to reports of a suspicious person around the areas of Priest Avenue and Voght Street. After the suspect fled police and barricaded himself in a home in the area for hours, police were able to draw the man, later identified as Ronald Karlson, out of the house and take him into custody.

“There’s very likely a connec tion between them, I won’t draw that

with evidence at this point, but we’re definitely looking at that,” said Roda, speaking to the series of police inci dents.

While RCMP are responsible for the investigation and evidence-gathering aspect of law enforcement, hot-button issues such as conditional releases and the laying of charges are out of police’s hands.

PANTHERS VOLLEYBALL

Willow Johnny plays in the setter position this year and is a huge benefit to the team with her serves, while Kirith Sekhon plays in the middle position on the starting lineup. Both will be playing in the senior girls AA volleyball hosted here, in Merritt from December 1-3.

‘PANTHERS’ The Merritt Fire and Rescue Department responded to a house fire in the Diamondvale area on Wednesday, November 23, with crews battling the blaze into the early morn ing hours.

“Our job as the police is just to gather evidence, so we gather as much evidence as we can and we present that evidence to the Crown,” explained

Story continues on Page 5

RCMP and Gang Enforcement Unit members closed off Quilchena Avenue on November 21 as a part of ongoing investigations into multiple police incidents the prior week. Marius Auer/Herald

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Ronald Karlson. Photo/RCMP

Bhangu trial update

Bhangu trial update

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The court trial of former Merritt City Councillor and 2022 may oral candidate, Mike Bhangu, began today at the Merritt Law Courts. Bhangu was charged with uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm follow ing an alleged inci dent at his private residence on June 29, 2021.

The court trial of former Merritt City Councillor and 2022 may oral candidate, Mike Bhangu, began today at the Merritt Law Courts. Bhangu was charged with uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm follow ing an alleged inci dent at his private residence on June 29, 2021.

From Page 3

From Page 3

Roda.

Roda.

“It’s Crown Counsel’s job after that to decide what charges they’re gonna lay, and whether they choose to try and hold somebody or release them on bail. The courts play a big role, and judges and the law as well, because the Crown and the courts are bound by the laws that come from our federal govern ment.”

“It’s Crown Counsel’s job after that to decide what charges they’re gonna lay, and whether they choose to try and hold somebody or release them on bail. The courts play a big role, and judges and the law as well, because the Crown and the courts are bound by the laws that come from our federal govern ment.”

Roda added

Roda added

Judge Phillips of Kamloops presided over court, where Crown and defence outlined their argu ments. It is alleged that Bhangu threat ened the proprietor of a local moving service after the individual was called by Bhangu’s ex-partner to assist her in moving out of the former coun cillor’s residence.

Judge Phillips of Kamloops presided over court, where Crown and defence outlined their argu ments. It is alleged that Bhangu threat ened the proprietor of a local moving service after the individual was called by Bhangu’s ex-partner to assist her in moving out of the former coun cillor’s residence.

Bhangu alleged

Bhangu alleged

that the individual was not there in his capacity as a mover when the incident itself took place.

that the individual was not there in his capacity as a mover when the incident itself took place.

Crown argued that Bhangu threatened the individual’s life, while defence called the reliability of the Crown’s witnesses into question. The Crown and defence each called on two witnesses during the full day’s pro ceedings. Bhangu has called the alle gations untrue in the past, and main

Crown argued that Bhangu threatened the individual’s life, while defence called the reliability of the Crown’s witnesses into question. The Crown and defence each called on two witnesses during the full day’s pro ceedings. Bhangu has called the alle gations untrue in the past, and main

tained that position when testifying in court.

tained that position when testifying in court.

The public will have to wait a bit longer still for an outcome on Bhangu’s case, as Judge Phillips reserved his deci sion for a later date, adding that he expects this date to come in January. The date will be set in a hearing to take place on Friday, December 2, 2022.

TIME PHARMACY ASSISTANT

The public will have to wait a bit longer still for an outcome on Bhangu’s case, as Judge Phillips reserved his deci sion for a later date, adding that he expects this date to come in January. The date will be set in a hearing to take place on Friday, December 2, 2022.

More to come.

More to come.

PLEASE SUBMIT RESUME

that local officers are also frustrated with the lack of prosecution of repeat and dan gerous offenders, citing the rigid legislation that binds Canada’s legal systems.

The fed eral government recently passed Bill C-5, eliminat ing specific man datory minimum penalties and for greater use of con ditional sentences, which can be simi lar to house arrest.

The bill, spon sored by Attorney General David Lametti, became

that local officers are also frustrated with the lack of prosecution of repeat and dan gerous offenders, citing the rigid legislation that binds Canada’s legal systems. The fed eral government recently passed Bill C-5, eliminat ing specific man datory minimum penalties and for greater use of con ditional sentences, which can be simi lar to house arrest. The bill, spon sored by Attorney General David Lametti, became

law on November 17, and is targeted at fighting system ic racism in the country’s criminal justice system.

law on November 17, and is targeted at fighting system ic racism in the country’s criminal justice system.

“We want to see these people locked up, and they deserve to be,” said Roda.

“We want to see these people locked up, and they deserve to be,” said Roda.

“The punish ment has to fit the crime, and currently in our justice system, that’s not the case. With the govern ment taking mini mum mandatory sentences, that’s really dishearten ing, especially for a community that just went through

“The punish ment has to fit the crime, and currently in our justice system, that’s not the case. With the govern ment taking mini mum mandatory sentences, that’s really dishearten ing, especially for a community that just went through

five shootings with all known offend ers that we believe were involved, and these people just keep getting released.”

five shootings with all known offend ers that we believe were involved, and these people just keep getting released.”

Roda told the Herald that members of the Merritt RCMP are burnt out, and grateful for the outside resources they were able to call upon for sup port during the ongoing police incidents in the community. He remains hopeful that the increased police action is now over.

Roda told the Herald that members of the Merritt RCMP are burnt out, and grateful for the outside resources they were able to call upon for sup port during the ongoing police incidents in the community. He remains hopeful that the increased police action is now over.

A decision on Mike Bhangu’s trial for charges of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm is expected in January 2023. Marius Auer/Herald

A decision on Mike Bhangu’s trial for charges of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm is expected in January 2023. Marius Auer/Herald

‘Tis the season for empathy

On the drive to work this morning, while listening to Serial Killers by Parcast like a normal, well adjusted human being, I had a moment to pause and reflect. I thought about all the events of the previous months, from police incidents and court proceedings, to elections. Covering these ongoing events and seeing their direct and, especially this week, nerve wracking impact on our community has made me realize what’s most important for our collective future: empathy.

Empathy is defined as the ability to understand or feel what another person is experiencing from within their frame of reference. We’ve all heard the term “putting yourself in someone else’s shoes.” These times we find ourselves in are ones of vulnerability and challenge. The past number of years have seen fallout from a pandemic and its health and social challenges, an overall increase in social disorder, and a rise in divisive politics. This has had tremendous, and often negative, impacts on how we interact with each other.

We, as Merrittonians, are better than that. We lend a helping hand in times of need, we support each other, and we rise above the noise to focus on the positive. During your next interaction with someone, whether it be positive or negative, ask yourself this: “how can I make this a net positive?”

Even negative interactions can have positive outcomes, especially when we listen, learn, and acknowledge the emotions of others. It is possible to empathize without agreeing, this I promise you.

MARIUS AUER HERALD REPORTER

OPINION

LETTERS to the editor A successful ‘Country Christmas Week’

Editor,

I just wanted to express my heartfelt appreciation to all those volunteers who made last week’s Merritt Country Christmas celebrations possible. From the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree to the Dance Society’s performances, to the Community Concert, to the Parade, to the Craft Fair and myriad other activities, it was wonderful. It was emotional. It was a time for folks to connect, to feel a sense of community. All the events were well attended and showed just how much our community needs opportunities to relax, to celebrate, to heal. A friend wrote to me regarding the Community Concert, “ I was alternating between tears and laughter… I spent the entire evening being so proud of my community, and feeling the hope, the optimism and the love that was so entrenched in every word, every song, every performance. Last night was such an icon for our moving forward. Events like last night just don’t ‘happen’ - the hard work, the love of music and people was so prominent. It was absolutely perfect.” That about sums up how folks felt about the entire week. We are a resilient people. We never give up. We are stronger together. Last week proved we can move forward. We need each other. Be kind. Stay hopeful.

Kurt Christopherson, Merritt, B.C.

Auer: ‘Keeping traditions alive while navigating new realities’

traditions clashing with new realities, and it made me think of how we navigate those challenges.

into play and can help.

Do you remember when we didn’t know so much?

AUER LIFE NORTH OF 50

The past few weeks brought a lot of excitement to Merritt, some of it much welcome and some of it a troubling sign of the times. After two turbulent years marked by pandemic-related cancellations and historic flooding, the Christmas Parade made a comeback - in a week that saw unprecedented police presence in our little town. Such a perfect example of old

First off, let me say that I don’t believe we have to accept police raids and bullets flying as our new reality. We have to continue advocating for a safe community; however, there are so many things that need our advocacy: health care, education, and public safety to name a few. Just because we refuse to accept something as a new reality doesn’t mean it won’t keep happening; but we can choose how we deal with it, and maybe that’s where old traditions come

When we didn’t have all the information we could possibly want - but probably can’t process - at our fingertips? We relied on watching the news on TV and reading the newspaper. And we trusted that our public institutions and officials would take care of it. And now? Public trust is at an all-time low and coupled with unlimited access to information from the internet, this has created a perfect storm of distrust meets misinformation that keeps spiraling out of control. I

don’t know about you, but I find it exhausting. We demand to be updated about everything that’s going on all the time, up-to-theminute coverage as events unfold, whether we can process the information or not. Why

is that? Why do we feel entitled and even demand to be updated? All the information overload we experience on a daily basis is blurring the lines and is feeding the mistrust to a point where we can’t even trust ourselves anymore - because

if we don’t get what we want we just make stuff up. That’s where traditions like the Christmas Parade come in. They remind us that we don’t need to know every detail. That we can show up, knowing there will be lights and

floats and smiling faces, and we can leave everything else to the fantastic organizers and volunteers. It works out every time and Santa always shows up, whether you celebrate Christmas or not. Sometimes you just have to believe.

From the Herald archives: December, 1971 MAN DIES FROM BEATING Harry Joseph McTague, 64, died following a beating in downtown Merritt last Friday night according to a RCMP report. McTague, from Cranbrook and employed by Lornex Mines died in the Nicola Valley General Hospital on Saturday, November 27, 1971, sustaining injuries from an attack by one or two unknown men between 10:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Friday.

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

THURSDAY, date, 2022 A7 www.merrittherald.com Two week SPECIAL EAT IN OR TAKE OUT Star ting December 1 14, 2022 HOURS: Monday to Friday: 11 am to 5 pm 250-378-6292 2052 Quilchena Ave. BUTTER CHICKEN • SAMOSAS • FRESH FISH & CHIPS HOT SOUPS, FRESH SALADS, COLD SANDWICHES AVAILABBLE! 1399 Bacon Cheeseburger with fries & Gravy Only..... + tax Club House with fries and gravy Only..... 1399 + tax 1Piece Fish & Chipswith Coleslaw & Gravy Only..... + tax 1399

Olympic Villas addresses rent pricing

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

A new Merritt apartment building that looks to open its doors in the coming days has had its fair share of controversy before receiving final occupancy for the building.

Olympic Villas, located on Walters Street, is a fourstorey apartment featuring a number of unit types and amenities, and was built utiliz ing BC Housing’s “HousingHub’’ program. The HousingHub program was cre ated in 2018 and works with com munities, non-profit organizations, and private-sector devel opers to increase the supply of rental housing and own ership options for middle-income residents. The pre vious Merritt City Council questioned the affordability of the units, before ultimately passing the application for development without any of the initially proposed affordable housing units included.

The provincial

funding of the project also faced criticism in the BC Legislature. Online response to the building, especially the cost of rent, has been mainly frus trated. Executives with Olympic Villas told the Herald that their view on the response is positive, citing the building’s design.

“The public has been very, very positive about it,” said Irfan Sonawala, director with Olympic Villas Inc. “The class of the building, you wouldn’t even find in Vancouver.”

Rent at Olympic Villas ranges from $1,020 for a stu dio to $2,380 for a three-bedroom apartment.

Sonowala said that while he originally hoped to include 19 units at below market-value rent, but was unable to reach an agreement on pricing or hous ing density with the City.

The Province of BC provided Olympic Villas Inc approximately $16.6 million in low-interest

financing via the HousingHub pro gram, which will be paid back with interest by the company. The new building boasts 75 units at a rent that Sonowala says is reasonable, all things considered.

“The rent in Kamloops in a six year old build ing is still higher than ours,” added Sonowala.

“The cost of construction has increased tremen dously in the past two years, especially with COVID, sup ply chain shortages, labour issues, and all sorts of stuff. What we have done and provided is way cheaper.”

The application and construction process has been a long one for Olympic Villas, ini tially kicking off in 2019. Three years later, the building is just days away from final occupancy.

Sonowala said the building rent takes into consideration a number of delays and supply chain shortages, along with the building’s high quality of design and con struction.

Ultimately, it

comes down to ensuring the build ing is financially sustainable, said Sonowala. He hopes to create a community hub at the building, and attract “higher class and professional people” to the Nicola Valley.

“Housing rep resents the qual ity of life, which determines the level of satisfaction and happiness in our lives,” added Sonawala.

“We have built with amenities and construction qual ity to create such happy memories beyond essential housing. This build ing is targeted to attract professionals and entrepreneurs who play a key role in the growth of smaller towns to economical hubs. We are appreciative of the HousingHub program that goes beyond essential affordable housing to quality housing at market rents that make such remote development pos sible.”

For more infor mation on provin cially funded hous ing projects, visit www.bchousing. org/homes-for-BC.

Olympic Villas has been in the making since 2019, and is expected to receive final occupancy later this week. Marius Auer/Herald

Update on Luck’s petition to challenge recent elections

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Former City Councillor and 2022 mayoral can didate, Tony Luck, filed a petition to the Supreme Court of British Columbia seek ing that the City of Merritt’s 2022 local election be declared invalid in an attempt to chal lenge the City’s allegedly unfair and improper elec tion processes.

Luck filed his petition to the Supreme Court on the last day chal lenges to the elec tion were accepted, November 17, which is 30 days following the dec laration of official results. In his peti tion, Luck alleges

a number of improper practices and procedures took place in the City of Merritt’s election process.

The petition is filed between Luck and the City, along with Chief Elections Officer Greg Lowis.

Lowis con firmed that the city is aware of the fil ing, and that while they are seeking legal counsel, they are confident in the validity of the election. Luck said he does not seek to overturn the election results in his favour, but is contesting the han dling of election processes.

“After listening

to many residents and voters in regards to anoma lies they saw and experienced, our team decided it was important to petition the courts for a ruling about the conduct, irregularities and validity of the vot ing and counting process,” said a statement from Luck.

“In no way, are these proceedings about the results of the election. We will be reserving any further com ment about this matter until after the courts have rendered their decision.”

Luck’s Supreme Court petition alleges a number of improper prac tices undertaken by

election officials. Among the com plaints was the improper sealing of ballot boxes, ballot numbers being recorded alongside voters’ names, a discrep ancy between the number of bal lots handed out and the number counted, and that the ballots weren’t bound, against best practices. Luck also alleges that not all voters were asked to sign declarations of address, adding

that his scrutineer’s daughter only ver bally confirmed hers despite pre senting identifica tions without an address on it.

The court filing also alleges a num ber of improper practices once voting had closed, including lax secu rity in the council chambers. Luck said that there was no confirmation of authority to be present in the counting area, the door to which he

said was left open throughout the count. Luck also said the floor by the counter’s feet was cluttered with personal items. As a result of his find ings, Luck looks to have the election invalidated. The City has 21 days to respond to the proceedings started by Luck against them.

The Herald will continue to bring you in-depth cov erage of this ongo ing case.

The Country Christmas Committee made up of Carrie Ware, Jack Polmans, Kurt Christopherson, Linda Baird, Angela Duhy, Joe Nemeth, Her man Nel, Jean Acason, Mae Ketter, Roger White and Marilyn Christensen would like to Thank Our Sponsors: City of Merritt, Lee’s Music, Nicola Valley Arts Council, Carrie Ware & Company Inc, Q101, Merritt Herald, Merritt Printing, Crime Stoppers, Community Futures NV, Trinity United Church, Bar S Ventures Special Thanks goes out to the City of Merritt staff, the supporters and participants and all those volunteers who helped make the 2022 Merritt Country Christmas a great success.

Tony Luck served as a Merritt City Councillor from 2018-2022, followed by an unsuccessful bid for Mayor this year in an election he now looks to have declared invalid. Photo/Herald

File

Shackan Indian Band to conduct hearing for the removal of Chief Lampreau

on reserve, and will be mailed to all Shackan vot ers who ordinarily reside off reserve for whom the band has a mail ing address.”

The application required a $200 deposit, along with the support of 15 percent of Shackan’s 123 person voter base. Both thresholds were met after payment was made, and 31 members signed Joe’s petition. The hearing date has been set for December 12 at 2PM. It will take place at the Comfort Inn on Dewolf Way.

For more infor mation, visit www. shackan.ca.

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Shackan Indian Band has received an appli cation from its membership seek ing the removal of Chief Arnold Lampereau, citing the Chief alleg edly violating his oath of office. The application, pre sented by former Shackan Chief Percy Joe, will go to arbitration on December 12, 2022.

Joe’s applica tion was ini tially presented at a meeting two months ago, where, in addition to the application for his removal, Lampreau and his partner, Community Wellness Manager and Membership Clerk Lenora Starr, were tempo rarily suspended.

The suspen sions, put in place over a concern for the security of band documents, were reversed by council after they found their Election Code did not allow for the suspension of elected officials, and a concern over already low levels of staffing at the band office.

Shackan Band is currently without a permanent band administrator.

“Notice is hereby given that an application has been received to remove Chief Arnold Lampreau in accordance with section 23 of the Shackan Custom Elections Code,” reads a band release.

“The applica tion states that

Chief Arnold Lampreau has violated sections I through X of the Chief and Council Oath of Office and for this reason should be removed from office.”

The Herald has reached out to Lampreau for comment.

Shackan Band staff declined to comment on the matter.

Shackan Band has chosen elec tion consultant Ron Laufer as their limited inter im band admin istrator to carry out procedural tasks associated with the removal application, while Huu-ay-aht First Nations Tribunal Chair John Rich has been tapped as the case’s arbi trator. Both par ties named in the application, Joe and Lampreau, will have a chance

to present witness es and evidence for and against the removal of the Chief, before the arbitrator asks questions of participants. A decision on Lampreau’s removal is expect ed within weeks.

“Notice is here by given that the arbitrator has set a date, time, and place for a hearing of the application to remove Chief Arnold Lampreau in accordance with section 23 of the Shackan Custom Election Code,” said a release on the band’s website.

“Within 21 days of the hear ing, the arbitra tor’s reasoned decision one the application shall be posted at the Band Administration Building, on the website, and in a few other locations

•

Chief Arnold Lampreau, at the podium in this file photo, took over the reins from outgoing Chief Jordan Joe after taking his oath of office on March 31, 2021. Marius Auer/Herald

POLICE FILES RCMP Responds to Highway 5 closure

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

On November 23, 2022 the Merritt RCMP arrested three individuals in an operation that closed Coquihalla BC Highway #5 for several hours.

Two men and one woman were arrested after a checkstop initiated at Highway #5.

At approximately 12:15 RCMP officers from BC Highway Patrol, working alongside members the Uniform Gang Enforcement Team and Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC (CFSEUBC) located a stolen black Dodge Ram pickup traveling on the Coquihalla near the Coquihalla Summit.

The vehicle fled from the traffic stop and proceeded down a side road. After getting stuck, three occupants ran from the vehicle, with reports of one in possession of a firearm.

Nearby worksite construction workers in close proximity to the last known sighting of the suspects were evacuated.

“Out of an abundance of caution the highway was closed for several hours while we searched the area for these suspects,” said Sergeant Josh Roda, A/Detachment Commander of Merritt RCMP.

“Without knowing their identities or their intentions, and reports indicating they were armed, we felt it was best to keep all members of the public from the scene.”

Frontline members from the Merritt RCMP Detachment along with SouthEast District Emergency Response Team responded immediately to the area and began searching for the suspects. One woman was located and arrested shortly after, but two male suspects remained at large.

At approximately 6:00 p.m. the two remaining men were located and arrested without incident. They have been transported to the Merritt RCMP Detachment.

Through investigation it has been confirmed that the black Dodge Ram 2500 was stolen out of Coquitlam and the license plate attached to the vehicle was stolen out of Langley.

“We are aware of the online speculation on the identities of these suspects. Although we are in the preliminary stages of this investigation, there is no indication that these suspects are related to any recent high-profile events in the lower mainland, or Merritt,” Roda added.

The BC Highway Patrol along with the Merritt RCMP want to thank the following partners who were instrumental in this investigation;

• The commercial truck drivers who located the stolen vehicle and relayed this information to the RCMP immediately.

• The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure who quickly assisted in shutting down the Coquihalla Highway recognizing the threat being faced by those travelling on it

• The Trans Mountain Expansion employees and staff who quickly followed directions in order to remain safe

• The public who were inconvenienced by the highway shut down

The Merritt RCMP is asking any witnesses with dash-camera video or were near the area of Juliet Bridge, just south of Merritt near the Coquihalla summit between 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on November 23 to please call the Merritt RCMP at 250-378-4262.

The COMMUNIT Y OF BROOKMERE would like to express their HEARTFELT THANKS and APPRECIATION to all that helped a ssist in PUT TING BROOKMERE BACK TOGETHER AF TER THE DEVASTATION AND DESTRUC TION OF THE NOVEMBER 15TH 202 1 FLOOD.

• The Emergenc y Operations through the TNRD for their devotion and continued ef for t s to provide us with the help we needed

• Pebble Creek Contrac ting for the use of the machiner y to stop the water from running through town

• Dan and Frankie Dispirito for winterizing so many neighbours homes during the frigid conditions with no power

• Ed Kuit and Shawn Lingenfelter for temporarily fixing our in town roads and moving load af ter load of gravel and debris.

• Tom Agar with MOTI for giving us safe pa ssage through the back mountain Brookmere Road while they were diligently working on repairing our main Coldwater Road for safe travel

• MOTI for supplying the permanent resident s of Brookmere with Coquihalla highway pa sses

• BC Hydro for getting our power up and running a s quickly a s they could following the road repairs.

• Team Rubicon for their intense labor and hard work to help clean out and de muck ba sement s and crawl spaces.

• TNRD for the free curbside pick up, garbage bags and gyprock bags, al so providing a second pick up in Brookmere along with removing debris

• The Yarrow Food Hub for drinking water, cleaning supplies, rakes, and shovel s.

• The Mennonite Christian Disa ster Relief Group along with help from Dennis Canuel for their long hours of intense labor They raked and scrapped so many yards and Shawn Lingenfelter who hauled away many loads of debris

• Ed Saunders with Transpro and Matt Selzler with Tibar for the ef for t s they put for th to permanently fix our in town roads

• Yellowhead Road and Bridge for the many hours of excavator and operator

• Gala x y Pla stic s Ltd. for the fittings and IPEX Inc., for all the pipe

• All our neighbors helping neighbors through this continual emotional roller coa ster

Hopefully we have not missed anyone.

Brookmere ha s come a long way since November 15th, 202 1 and without all these people’s donations of machiner y, supplies, time, hard work, dedication, and sheer devotion, we would not have made it this far Simply amazing. You all helped bring Brookmere back to beautiful .

Thank You all, from the Community of Brookmere Rebuilding Brookmere One Day One Step at a Time!

Screenshot of the stolen black Dodge truck used by the three apprehended suspects. Photo/ RCMP

RULES & REGULATIONS

1. This year for Passport to Christmas, with a minimum purchase of $20 you will receive one entry form from the store clerk, up to 20 entry forms ($400) per purchase. The entry form must have a MH stamp or the business stamp, or entry will be invalid. 2. Be sure to bring a pen so you can fill in the entry then, or you can bring your entry back at a later date. 3. Boxes will be provided at the stores to drop off your entry. 4. All prizes awarded in Gift Certificates. 1st Place: $900 2nd Place: $400, 3rd Place: $200. Winners will be drawn from all completed entry forms received by Dec. 21, 2022 at NOON. Prizes must be accepted as awarded, no cash value. 5. There is no limit to the total number of entries. 6. The winners must be 19 years of age or older. 7. Double entries if you purchase a food bank donation from one of the local participating businesses. 8. Final draw to be made December 22, 2022.

Brought to you by the Merritt Herald and participating businesses

Animal

Bank to open a new branch in Merritt

ing donate food and water in col laboration with Kamloops’ Four Paws Food Bank during last year’s flooding event. The Animal Food Bank is now seeking a team of volunteers to get operations in Merritt up and running.

social media man agement. For more information on how to volunteer, please send a mes sage to the Animal Food Bank’s official Facebook page https://www.face

book.com/animal foodbankcanada or email nicole@ani malfoodbank.org.

Nicole Frey is the founder of Animal Food Bank.

What started as a passion project has now turned into a big operation, span ning across three provinces. In their effort to further expand their servic es, the Animal Food Bank now looks to begin operations in Merritt.

The Animal Food Bank is a non-profit organi zation that serves food and pet sup plies to people’s faithful compan ions.

“This became a thing, all because I wanted to feed a homeless guy’s dog,” she recalled. “I didn’t want him to worry about where the next pet food will be coming from.”

Originally

from Winnipeg, Frey always had a passion for pets, involving herself with a dog rescue during her time there. She wanted to still work with animals in some capacity after mov ing to Kelowna but had no idea what exactly she wanted to do until one fate ful encounter in 2019.

“I was in down town Kelowna at the end of 2019 when I came across a homeless gentle man with a pet dog named Odin,” she recalled. “I went home and I kept wondering how does this guy feed his dog? I found out on Google that there were no pet food banks in Kelowna so I told my husband we need to start one.”

With the help of her husband, Frey started the Animal Food Bank. Since it’s establishment, nearly 6000 deliver ies of pet food and supplies were made to pet owners need ing some assistance.

“We are a nonprofit volunteer ran organization,” she described. “We pro vide pet supplies as well as veterinary supplies, if we have funding for it, to pets of the home less and low income families.”

The organiza tion’s services span across B.C., Alberta, and Manitoba, with about 100 volun teers spread across the provinces. To access their services, pet own ers can submit a request form found at their website.

The request will be received by the cor responding branch to be reviewed by the branch manag er. Once approved, volunteer drivers will deliver supplies to the pet in need.

“It’s a needed service,” said Frey. “We fill a gap that most people aren’t even aware of. Our organization aims to keep those loved and happy pets out

of those shelters.”

She notes that there has been a massive surrender of family pets going on throughout the country after the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Animal Food Bank looks to prevent this from happening to as much communi ties as they can.

“We do about 100-125 deliveries a month right now in the Okanagan, from Armstrong all the way out to Osoyoos, so it makes sense to expand both east and west.”

The Animal Food Bank has a strong working rela tionship with Petvalu in Kelowna. Frey spoke with their district man ager and found a new opportunity to expand.

“She was men tioning that they were looking for an organization to support in Merritt,” she explained. “I told her that we’ve been contemplating on expanding out to Merritt and now may be a really good time to do it.”

Frey noted that the non-profit has history serving Merritt, help

“We already have pet store sup port with Pet-Valu, we would just need volunteers and a place to sort inven tory, which usu ally starts out as a volunteer’s garage. Once we have those we can start operations.”

Frey said vol unteers will assist in donation pickups, deliveries, fundraising, event organization, and

Animal Food Bank volunteers organizing a delivery for pets in the Tulameen area. Photo/Animal Food Bank

Izaiah Reyes

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

A

with the Merritt RCMP

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Merritt Herald sat down with Sgt. Josh Roda, the Merritt RCMP’s act ing detachment commander, to discuss the start of our month-long campaign against impaired driving. Arrive alive this

holiday season, plan ahead for a ride home, call a taxi, and leave your vehicle at home.

According to MADD’s 2021 report, Provincial Short-Term Alcohol and Drug-Related Suspensions &

Federal Impaired Driving Charges, a total of 25,632 charges and license suspension related to impaired driving were laid in B.C. in 2019. It’s important to know your limit, and make a plan to get home safely.

Q: What are some of the dan gers of impaired driving?

A: “If anybody has ever been impaired, your reflexes are slow er and you don’t make good deci sions. Alcohol just affects our bodies in a way that, when we put ourselves behind the wheel of a vehicle that weighs thousands

and thousands of pounds, it’s not a good thing.”

Q: What are some of the legal consequences of impaired driving?

A: “You can be charged under the Criminal Code of Canada, or you can be charged through

an Immediate Roadside Prohibition under the Province of BC. There’s dif ferent penalties, whereas you can

From Page 18

lose your license for 3 days and your vehicle for 3 days. You can lose your license for 30 or 90 days, the penalties

range greatly.”

Q: How prev alent is the issue of impaired driving in the Nicola Valley?

A: “Impaired

driving is preva lent anywhere, unfortunately. It’s amazing that, with all the mes saging as long as I’ve been alive about impaired driving being bad, people are still doing it. We do still see people drinking and then getting behind the wheel of a vehicle. It’s dangerous.”

Q: What’s a step Merrittonians can take to miti gate their risk of impaired driv ing?

A: “If you’re planning to go out for dinner and you’re drink ing, sometimes it’s best just to leave your vehi cle at home and catch a ride or even take a taxi. Then you don’t have the option to drive after wards. “

For more information and resources on impaired driving, including possible repercussions, visit www.icbc.com/ road-safety/.

The RCMP recommends people to catch a ride with a friend of taxi when planning a night out drinking. Photo/ MetroCreative

The B.C. Interior Community Foundation (BCICF) announced that they will be receiving $400,000 in government funding to help support charities, non-profits and Indigenous Governing Bodies.

On Tuesday, November 22, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould, announced that Community Foundations of Canada, Canadian Red Cross, and United Way Centraide Canada have been selected to distribute funding to help a broad and diverse range of charities, non-profits and Indigenous Governing Bodies adapt and modernize, so they can support pandemic recovery in communities across Canada.

“The Government supports a more inclusive model of economic growth that creates opportunities for everyone in Canada as the long-term recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic continues,” said Gould.

“The Community Services Recovery Fund will strengthen the ability of charities and non-profits to deliver services and resources where they will have the most impact. Because of the National Funders’ strong connections with local organizations, they will ensure funding is distributed efficiently to organizations that provide services to communities in need across Canada.”

The Community Services Recovery

Fund is a one-time investment of $400 million that will help charities, non-profits and Indigenous Governing Bodies to acquire the tools they need to adapt and modernize so they can better support pandemic recovery in communities across Canada.

Out of the $400 million funding, BCICF will be receiving roughly $400,000 for use within their jurisdiction.

“Charities and non-profits are at the forefront of addressing communities’ needs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many of them are struggling to recover and adapt their services to the changing needs of the Thompson, Nicola and South Cariboo region,” said Kathy Humphreys, president of the BC Interior Community Foundation.

“Through the Community Services Recovery Fund, BC Interior Community Foundation will be able to give organizations the support they need to serve our community.”

Funding from the Community Services Recovery Fund will enable charities, non-profits and Indigenous Governing Bodies to invest in their own organizational capacity to: adapt the way they deliver services to support the needs of their staff and volunteers; buy equipment such as computers and software; create new ways of working, such as developing new fundraising approaches; provide support for staff and volunteers, such as staff training, supports for mental health and wellbeing; and develop plans to receive funding from diverse sources.

“The money that is close to $400,000, which we will be receiving to distribute in our region is going to be available communities that we serve which includes Merritt,” Humphreys noted.

“Once the applications are available online, anybody within our eligibility criteria are invited to apply.”

Since the early phases of the pandemic, charities, non-profits and Indigenous Governing Bodies have struggled with increased demand for their services, reduced revenues, declines in charitable giving due to the rising cost of living, and a greater need to make use of digital tools as part of adapting and modernizing their operations.

As a result of the investments provided by the Community Services Recovery Fund, charities, non-profits and Indigenous Governing Bodies will be better equipped to improve the efficacy, accessibility, and sustainability of the community services that they provide. The application process is will launch on January 6, 2023.

For more information visit www.communityservicesrecoveryfund.ca.

Warm Donations

On Monday, November 21, Ska-LuLa Workshop received $700 from Save-On Foods for their 2022 Firewood

Sale. The annual sale is a collaboration between the retailer and nonprofit where half of the proceeds go back to Ska-LuLa while the other

half goes to the B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation. “It’s the best one we’ve had,” said Phyllis Brewer of SkaLu-La. “The fire ban didn’t come until later in the year so we had

lots of firewood sales.”

This year Children’s Hospital also received $700 from sales of the fire wood, which began in the spring of this year.

Phyllis ‘Rusty’ Brewer receives cheque from Save-On Foods on behalf of Ska-Lu-La Workshop. Izaiah Reyes/Herald

The BCICF acts as a community donor, funding scholarships, charities, local initiatives, and other community projects and programs.

Photo/BCICF

Izaiah Reyes

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Izaiah Reyes

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Highlights from Merritt Country Christmas Week

REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Merritt

Country Christmas Week made its glorious return last week, filled with its usual festivities for the whole family. The events kicked off once again on November 21, and ran through to November 27.

Along with the community tree lighting, Civic Centre craft fair, live music, and dance recitals, jolly old Saint Nick made an appearance at a

number of events. The week started off a bit rocky with the ongoing RCMP incidents, which saw Monday’s tree lighting ceremony postponed by a day before fes tivities fully kicked off. Wednesday and Thursday saw the Elements Dance Recital and Community Concert, respec tively, both events well attended and received by the community. The Canadian Country Music Hall of

Honour hosted a live music night at their Quilchena Avenue building on Saturday fea

enough volunteers just really reduced the stress. The lineup worked really well, every

in the parade was cheering and cheerful, and just glad to have the parade back.”

parade, photo opportunities with Santa were held at Merritt Civic Centre. The Civic Centre also hosted a craft fair on Friday and Saturday, featuring a number of local and visiting arti sans. On Sunday, Saint Nick served up pancakes and other breakfast staples during the Knights of Columbus and Grad Class of 2023 Breakfast with Santa. The funds raised by the breakfast went to support the gradu ating class. Santa hit the aquatic centre for a Splash Down with Santa

tions in place at the time, with the following year’s comeback plans squashed by the flooding event on November 15, 2021. Organizers were thrilled to be back this year.

“I heard every thing went very well with all of the other events,” added Ware.

“I’m glad that we were able to move the tree event to Tuesday and that we didn’t have something

planned that day already, with everything that was going on the day before. It was a great week, all the events went with very little hassle, and there were no problems with the parade.”

For more information on Country Christmas Week, visit the Committee’s Facebook page at www.facebook. com/country christmas.

turing a number of local artists.

The iconic Santa parade also made its return among fanfare and cel ebration.

“It went amaz ingly well, this is the first Friday after a parade that I haven’t felt like pulling my hair out,” said Country Christmas Week President Carrie Ware with a laugh.

“Having

one found their spots. Everyone

Following Friday night’s

event featuring crafts and activi ties, before jetting back to the North Pole to prepare for his big day.

All the Country Christmas Week events this year were well attend ed, well received, and did not disap point after a two year hiatus. The 2020 Country Christmas Week was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic restric

Marius Auer

The Light-Up Parade is a staple of Country Christmas Week, and over 40 floats registered for its triumphant return last Friday. Marius Auer/Herald

‘Elements’ dance recital. Izaiah Reyes/Herald

Country Christmas Craft Fair. Izaiah Reyes/Herald

Photos with Santa at the Craft Fair. Izaiah Reyes/Herald

Thursday Country Christmas Concert. Izaiah Reyes/Herald

Live music at the Hall of Honour. Izaiah Reyes/Herald

SPORTS

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

Cents update roster through a couple of recent trades

20-year-old defenceman Tyler Bates from the Calgary Canucks.

Representatives of the Merritt Centennials say the trades are beneficial to all parties involved, including hometown player Chase Cooke, who has spent his entire BCHL career with the Centennials.

to the 80 plus games of Junior A hockey already under his belt. Toneff said he’s confident in Bates’ skating abilities and instincts, and hopes the additional 20-year old player on the team will bring stability and leadership.

The Cents won half of their games this week end, following a week with a flurry of roster moves.

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Merritt Centennials had a busy week, winning one of two home games after a week of trades. The trades saw Cents defenseman Chase Cooke and Carter Patterson head to the SJHL’s Broncos and AJHL’s Bulldogs, respec tively, in two separate roster moves. The third move was the Cents’ acquisition of

“Carter is a player with a year and a half left of junior hockey, he needs to play more to achieve his goals, and we felt we are doing him right in finding him a new opportunity in Blackfalds,” said Centennials Head Coach and General Manager Curtis Toneff.

“Over the past week, Chase and I had multiple conversations about what he wants to do for the remainder of his junior career, and in the end, Chase felt the desire to experience something new. Chase will be a great addition for Humboldt, and wish him all the best there.”

Toneff describes new arrival Tyler Bates as a “mobile puck-moving two-way defenceman” that has “a lot to prove.”

Coach added that Bates is chomping at the bit to get playing again, eager to add

The Cents hit the ice for the first time this week on Friday, November 25, against the visiting Langley Rivermen. The Rivermen are currently tied for last place in the BCHL’s Coastal Conference, hold ing the same 14 points as the Cowichan Valley Capitals. The Rivermen opened up scoring on a power play 8:02 into the first period, following an interference penalty against the Cents. Team Captain Davide Patella, assisted by Jaxson Murray, answered back with a Cents equal izer just 35 seconds later. The following two periods were less than ideal for the Centennials, with six penalties against them and four goals allowed through out. The Cents took a 5-1 loss to the Rivermen.

Despite Friday’s loss, the Cents came out on top over the Salmon

Panthers Volleyball: Dave Finch

As the 2022 volley ball season is set to end with the provincials in Merritt on December 1-3, Senior Girls Volleyball Coach Dave Finch reflects proudly on the season.

Finch became a coach when he moved to Merritt over two decades ago,

in hopes of becoming involved with the community. Originally, Finch was a teacher at Coquihalla Middle School and sought to become an active member of the school community. After coaching different sports throughout the years, Finch has found his passion for coach ing with the Senior Girls Volleyball team. After coaching volleyball for the past two years, Finch is especially excit ed about this season.

“This team is a lot of fun, and for the most part doesn’t give me too much grief. They listen, and give one hundred percent on the court, and these habits have made for an awesome year,” Finch responded.

This is Finch’s first team to play at provincials and he is hoping the team will be able to take home a top ten fin ish. As a coach, Finch focuses less on yelling and more on getting the basics of the sport down, and growing as a team.

Finch is looking forward to coaching next season but is also looking forward to finding more coaches who are just as invested as he is in coaching this awe some sport. For next year, Finch hopes to continue working on his coaching skills while working with the next group of volleyball players in more practices, games, and the odd tournament as well.

Arm Silverbacks in a 4-3 overtime vic tory. Forward Diego Johnson, assisted by Michael Shara, opened the scoring up for the Centennials just 1:48 into the first period with a goal against Silverbacks starting goalie, Carter Richardson. Walker Erickson cemented the Cents lead with another goal just 3 minutes later, assisted by Jackson Krill. The Silverbacks rallied back to sink two goals before the end of the first period, making it a 2-2 game. The second period saw no scoring, with just a few minor penalties. Five minutes into the third period, CJ Foley for the Silverbacks scored against Johnny Hicks. The Cents once again tied the game 10 minutes later, bringing the game to overtime. Jackson Krill, a Cents forward and BCHL All Star, scored the game winning goal for the Cents just 2:40 into overtime. A hard fought win for Merritt’s hockey team.

The Cents are currently 6-13-3 for the season, putting their win percentage at 0.341, and making them last place in the league’s Interior Conference.

Photo/Marius Auer

Sr. Girls Volleyball Coach Dave Finch. Izaiah Reyes/Herald

MAYA STARRS MSS

Herald Junior Reporters

Panthers compete at the Okanagan Championships

Volleyball Coach Dave Finch.

MAYA STARRS MSS

The Merritt Secondary School (MSS) girls senior vol leyball team has been practicing twice a week all year. On the weekend of November 18, the team competed in the Okanagan qualifiers in Vernon, B.C. The girls had to compete with some of the best teams in the Okanagan region, includ ing Kalamalka Secondary School and Kelowna Christian School.

The Panthers managed to take away the win from the weekend beating Princess Margaret Secondary School in two sets.

“The team played well and were competitive. I am confident now that we are getting healthy we will be competi tive at provincials.” said Senior Girls

When captain Kendra Marklund was asked if she was excited about the upcoming provincials she responded, “our team is very excited to have this opportunity in our home town. After competing in multiple games at the Okanagan Championships and seeing what our competition is like, we are all rested up and ready to work as a team to end our season in the best way pos sible!”

On December 1 to 3 the Merritt will be hosting Senior Girls AA Volleyball Provincials. Teams from all over BC will come to Merritt to compete and gain new experiences that will last a lifetime. There is a $10 entry fee for a weekend pass to all provincial games, children under 12 years old are free. Games will be at MSS, Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT), and the old Coquihalla Middle School (CMS) gyms throughout the weekend. Come support the Panthers as they compete against the best in BC!

Brooklynn Snee (#11) back sets to #9, Kirith Sekhon. Rae Bassett/Herald

Merritt Curling Club recieves cheque outside their arena. Marius Auer/Herald

Representatives of HUB International Insurance Merritt presented a cheque for $6000 to the

Merritt Curling Club on November 28, on behalf of Wawanesa Insurance. HUB Assistant Manager

Angela Duhy and Senior Insurance Advisor Adam Etchart are pic tured with Curling Club President Susan Newton and member Jerry

Sanders. The club said the funds will be used as a part of ongoing building upgrades, which include a new roof and new siding.

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Recognizing floats from the Country Christmas Parade

Marius

Auer

REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The LightUp Parade is a staple of Country Christmas Week, and over 40 floats registered for its tri umphant return last Friday. As part of the program floats were recognized for the following cat egories:

Valley Rodeo Association & Grasslands 4H Club

Government Agency: Ministry of Forests, Lands & Natural Resources Best Small

Business: Vicky’s Petal and Plants

Best Large Business: Reliable Towing

The Merritt Country Christmas Parade took place on Friday, November 25. Izaiah Reyes/ Herald

Best overall: Norgaards Ready Mix Most original: Carrie Ware & Company Most Enthusiastic: Merritt Fire Department and Santa

Best Lights: City of Merritt Best Community Club: Nicola

Best Service Club/Not for Profit: Royal Canadian Legion Best youth group/ team/ organization or school: Tumbleweed Play School Society Best

1750 Hill Street

THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WEL COME YOU

Crossroads Community Church 2990 Voght St. • 250-378-2911

Service Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m.

Merritt Baptist Church 2499 Coutlee Avenue (at Omre)

Sunday ser vice 10 am, Phone (250)378-2464

Merritt Lutheran Fellowship in St. Michael's Anglican Hall • 250-378-9899

Service Time: 3rd Sunday each month 1:00 p.m.

Sacred Hear t Catholic Church Corner of Jackson & Blair • 250-378-2919

Mass Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m.

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 ever y Sunday 10 am

Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave. (The Cadet Hall)

Sunday Service Time: 4:00 pm • 250-280-1268

Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church

1950 Maxwell St. • 250-378-9502

Service Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m.

September 29, 1929 November 24, 2022

Bob Irving passed away peacefully on November 24, 2022, in Kelowna, BC at the age of 93 years

He will be missed by his wife of 60 years, Sylvia; sons Alan (Joan) and Brett (Carol); daughters Sharon Goodwin and Rosanne Mancari; grandchildren Alisha, Nikki, and Michael; three great grandchildren; and his brother Jim and family

Bob was born and spent most of his life in Merritt, BC, moving to Kelowna in 2004. He enjoyed wintering in Palm Springs for 30+ years He loved hunting, fishing, taking scenic drives throughout the valley and going on casino bus trips

Each year, he planted flowers and vegetables with Sylvia, and admired his thriving tomato plants Watching boxing, reading (especially westerns) and the morning crosswords were other activities he enjoyed.

Bob was a loving husband, had a great sense of humour, and made friends wherever he went Always entertaining, Bob was known for telling stories, jokes and singing when gathered with family and friends

Bob will be dearly missed.

A family service will be held at a later date

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to your local food bank, hospital or library

Condolences, photos, or memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com

John Douglas Firman

December 31, 1957- December 23, 2021

John Douglas Firman passed away on December 23, 2021 at the age of 64. He is survived by hi loving mother Dorothy, brother Terrance and sis Debra (Patrick) He is predeceased by his father John Firman and his son Scott Bradley Firman.

Those who knew Johnny will remember him for his unique energized personality, sweet smile and loyal love of good friends and family John was a dedicated business man in Merritt for over 38 years In 1975, he started helping after school in his father ’s auto parts store Mer Van Sales and assumed ownership in 1993 after the passing of John Sr Johnny will be remembered for his love of fast cars the SS, the Zapper, the Grand National to name a few And who can forget the rumble of the orange speedboat roaring up Nicola Lake and later the Scarab. Inheriting his dad’s love of jeeps Johnny kept with family tradition. May he Rest In Peace forever joined with his father John Sr and son Scott A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date with family and friends

Ramie Lee Harrison

September 26, 1970 November 25, 2022

Ramie Harrison sadly passed away peacefully with her family by her side after her tough battle with cancer She was raised in Port Coquitlam, BC before making her move to Merritt, BC in 2001.

Everyone who knew Ramie would all say she was a nice, warm hearted person who always lit up the room with her infectious smile. Ramie was born with Spina Bifida, but that never stopped her from conquering any challenges that came her way

Ramie is survived by her mother Diane, father Bradley and brother Aaron Harrison (Jo-Anne) nieces Parker and Ava, her spouse Don Chenier, her three children Braydon, Jaycee (Dakota), Jordyn (Colin), Grandson Hayden, and all of her aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, we ask to kindly make a donation to the Crossroads Hospice Society in Port Moody, BC.

Gone but never forgotten.

Computer