January 28 - 2021

Nicola Valley’s News Voice Since 1905

MERRITT HERALD THIS WEEK

THURSDAY, January 28, 2021 •

TWO YEARS

Ben Tyner’s family still searches for answers two years after his disappearance.

themerrittherald •

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VACCINES

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Some Florentine residents were unable to get the first round of COVID vaccines.

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FREE

REZONING

Council heard from public on a possible new development on Lindley Creek.

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ART ATTACK: Nicola Valley Arts Gallery Director Jano Howarth shows off some of the pieces created for the first gallery of 2021, given the moniker “Street Art!”

Street Art! Merritt Funeral Chapel Celebrating each life like no other

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THURSDAY, January 28, 2021 • 3

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MISSING MYSTERY

Tyner family renews plea two years on Criminality is assumed, but still no answers as to the disappearance of Ben Tyner.

Opinion --------------------- 6-7 Sports ----------------------- 15 Weather -------------------- 16 Classifieds ---------- 17-18

Online

Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER It has been two years since cowboy Ben Tyner disappeared.

The cowboy, who hailed from Wyoming, was working as manager of the Nicola Ranch when he was last seen on Jan. 26, 2019.

Two days later his horse was found on Swakum Mountain, with its rider nowhere to be seen.

“Ben’s rider-less horse, discovered on a logging road off Highway 97 near Winnie Flats, prompted a large-scale search effort, which spanned multiple days and involved countless police and search and rescue resources,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, spokesman for the BC RCMP in the Southeast District.

“Merritt RCMP was supported early on in its investigation by the BC RCMP Southeast District Major Crime Unit, who maintains conduct of the still ongoing investigation into Ben Tyner’s disappearance.

Today, Ben’s parents continue to suffer with the unexplained loss of their son. Desperate to find answers to the questions they’ve been asking for years, Jennifer and Richard Tyner renew their plea for tips.”

Tyner’s family released a video to Youtube asking anyone with information to come forward.

“Ben’s disappearance has dramatically affected us,” said Ben’s father, Richard Tyner.

INSIDE THE HERALD

merrittherald.com Ben Tyner’s family is shown in a new video with a plea for tips as to his disappearance. Screenshot/Youtube

“The last two years have been filled with horrendous heartache, continued hope and many, many prayers.

Ben is constantly in our daily lives, through tending his horses and cattle and having his dog, Sioux, trail beside us. The working pens on the ranch are called ‘Ben’s pens’ because he built them. His friends stay in touch with us through phone calls and visits. Two scholarships have been started in his name.”

Richard Tyner commented on his son’s horsemanship, and the positive qualities he possessed as a person.

“Originally from Florida, we brought Ben and his brother to Wyoming at a young age. Ben has been around horses, dogs and cattle since he was born.

He excelled at horsemanship and was very skilled in leather making and whip making. But, Ben was not just a cowboy. He was a voracious reader. He loved to experience new places and cultures. He spent time in Florida, Texas, New Mexico, Nevada, Montana and Idaho. A year was spent importing cattle into Russia. He traveled to Australia to visit friends in 2018.

“A team player, Ben was always willing to do what it took to get the job done. He was there to lend a hand whenever someone needed help. He is always going to be a gentle giant with an incredible bear hug that made you feel needed, wanted and so loved.

To have to live with Ben’s loss is the most painful, excruciating experience ever,” continued Richard, becoming visibly emotional and fighting back tears.

“The loss we feel is immeasurable. On this second anniversary of Ben’s disappearance, we continue to have unanswered questions. We are constantly praying that someone who knows something will come forward because Ben still needs to be found. We know that many local people have continued the search for Ben and for that we are extremely grateful. If anyone knows anything, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please inform the Major Crimes Unit in Kelowna as soon as possible. As always, your prayers and good wishes truly help us make it through each and every day.”

Courtesy Corner

RCMP did not have any new information to share with the public, but stated that the investigation remains open.

“The investigation into the disappearance of Ben Tyner continues to be diligently led by the RCMP Southeast District Major Crime Unit,” said O’Donaghey.

“To date, numerous investigational avenues have been explored, and in order to protect the ongoing investigation police are unable to share those findings publicly at this time. However, based on those findings, major crime investigators have reason to believe that criminality was involved in Ben Tyner’s disappearance, and is the victim of a homicide.

“The Tyner family is offering a private reward in the amount of $15,000 for information that leads to the location of their beloved son Ben, and to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for his death. The monetary reward is offered and will be managed solely by the Tyner family, not the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.”

TOURISM SKILLS

The Thompson-Okanagan Tourism Assocation is partnering with the University of Victoria to provide a new Tourism Skills Training program.

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MINING GOALS Nicola Mining has announced their exploration objectives for the year 2021 at the New Craigmont Copper Project site, to be carried out in two different phases.

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BELLS RINGING

View more photos (see pg. 14) of the historic Murray Church installing its new bell, just over two years from the day it was burned down in a case of arson.

Search ‘MURRAY’

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4 • THURSDAY, July 30, 2020 4 • THURSDAY, January 28, 2021

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4 • THURSDAY, June 13, 2019

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City of Merritt

CITY

to meet with Mayor Brown every YOU’RE INVITED! Wednesday 10:00 to meetfrom with Mayor Brownam everyto 1:00 pm

COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE City Meetings have resumed residents are All Council City Council Meetings will nowin-person be held and online with live Regular Council Meeting June 11, 2019 strongly links encouraged toat watch online via www.merritt.ca streaming available www.merritt.ca and on the City

of Merritt social media channels.

Public input questions/ Council - June 25, 2019 January 29Regular - Committee ofMeeting the Whole (Budget) - 12:30 PM information can be submitted prior to the Council Regular Council Meeting - July99,- 2019 Regular Council Meeting - Febuary 7:00 PM meetings to communications@merritt.ca Regular Council Meeting - July 23, 2019 Committee of the Whole Meeting Plan Regular Council Meeting - Official AugustCommunity 4 - 7 pm February 16 - Draft Policy Development 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Regular Council Meeting - August 18 - 7 pm

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

PUBLIC NOTICE

Position: The City of Merritt is inviting applications for the position of CASUAL LIFEGUARD/ INSTRUCTOR I.

PUBLIC TUESDAY 4th, For complete HEARING details, visit Cityon of Merritt website atAugust www.merritt.ca

2020 at 7:00PM

in the Mayor’s Office at City Hall (second floor), 2185 Voght Street

Wednesday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

In-person areHall currently phone in the Mayor’s meetings Office at City (secondpaused, floor), but 2185 Voghtand Street. video calls are encouraged to discuss issues and opportunities.

Interested citizens are welcome to stop by, say250-378-8634 hello and discuss Booking an appointment ahead of time is required by calling

issues and opportunities for the City, its residents and businesses.

If you would like to schedule a particular time to meet with the Mayor please contact Corporate Services at 250-378-8614

PLEASE A NOTICE OF PUBLIC CITY HALL NOTE COVID-19 HOURS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY City Hall will HEARING be reopened with SCHEDULED FOR Position: The limited City of Merritt is inviting applications for the position of PUBLIC WORKS SEASONAL hours.

AUGUST 4, 2020 AT 7:00 PM IS ON PAGE 5 LABOURER. City Hall will be open to the public For complete of Merritt website at www.merritt.ca from details, 10:00 visit am City to noon.

Current resumes reflecting applicants’ knowledge, skills and abilities relevant to the position; detailing educationisand qualifications, andthat proof of andwill licenses be accepted prior to Notice hereby given a required Publiceducation Hearing be will held on Tuesday 4:00 p.m.

Friday, July 12, 2019 by: August 4th, 2020 in the Council Chambers at Merritt City Hall, located at 2185 Voght Street, Merritt, BC with respect to the following proposed Carole Fraser, Deputy Clerk/Human Resources Manager PO Box 189, 2185 Voght Street, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Or by email: cfraser@merritt.ca Zoning Bylaw 2284, 2020.

Although thereflecting Merrittapplicants’ City Hallknowledge, is Current resumes skills and abilities relevant to the position; detailing education and qualifications, and proof oftorequired education and licenses will be accepted prior to open, residents are encouraged 4:00 p.m.

Monday, via July phone 08, 2019orby:email. send inquires

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be Acontacted. copy of the proposed the Bylaw and other relevant documents may be viewed during normal business hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on Thursday Date Posted: Monday, June 17, 2019 July 23rd to Tuesday August 4th, 2020 at City Hall, 2185 Voght Street, Merritt Posting Expires: Friday, July 12, 2019 BC, or online at www.merritt.ca

online-payment-options We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

Anyone who wishes to address the above Bylaw will be given the opportunity at the Public Hearing to be heard in person, by a representative, WHAT: Summer Nights Market or by written submission, onMerritt all matters contained in the proposed Bylaw.

WHEN: every Friday June 28th to August 30th 5:00pm to 10:00pm If you are unable to attend the Public Hearing, written submission must be WHERE: 2000-2100 Block Quilchena Avenue received NO LATER THAN 12:00PM THURSDAY, JULY 30th, 2020, to ensure their availability to Council at the Public Hearing.

Payments can be made online Carole Fraser, Deputy Clerk/Human Resources Manager POatBox 189, 2185 Voght Street, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Or by email: cfraser@merritt.ca www.merritt.ca/city-services/

Date Posted: Friday, June 21, 2019 Posting Expires: Monday, July 08, 2019

WHAT: MSS GRAD WALK WHEN: June 20, 2019 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm WHERE: Merritt Senior Secondary High School to Nicola Valley Memorial Arena

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

Written submission can be provided by any of the following methods: Don McArthur, Planning & Development Services Manager dmcarthur@merritt.ca PO Box 189, 2185 Voght Street, Merritt, BC, V1K 1B8 All submissions must include your name and street address. No letter, report or representation from the public will be received by Council after the conclusion of the Public Hearing. All written submissions are public information pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. For more information, please contact the Planning & Development Services Manager at 250-378-8620 or at dmcarthur@merritt. ca

WHAT: MSS GRAD CAR PARADE WHEN: June 21, 2019 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm WHERE: Merritt Rotary Park (2000 Block of Voght Street) to Merritt Civic Centre (1950 Mamette Avenue) NOTE: Parking will be reserved at Rotary Park and the Church from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm on June 22, 2019

WATERING RESTRICTIONS

6:00AM - 8:00AM and 7:00PM - 10:00PM

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Community Policing Office Reopens As of Monday, July 27th, 2020 the City of Merritt Community Policing Office (CPO) will reopen to the public. The Community Policing Office will be open by appointment only for bike registrations, crime prevention information, and program inquiries.

Tourism Merritt

VISIT MERRITT ToConnect book an appointment phone thewebsite 250-378-3955 orTOURISM email with us on our new tourism and social media.cpo@merritt.ca.

FOR MORE TO SEE AND DO

www.tourismmerritt.com • #ExploreMerritt For more information on the CPO programs and services please visit Including safe visiting advice and local services www.merritt.ca/community-policing

www.tourismmerritt.ca

VISIT TOURISM MERRITT VISIT TOURISM MERRITT FOR MORE TO SEE AND DO

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THURSDAY, January 28, 2021 • 5

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

COVID VACCINE

First round of vaccines reach some Florentine residents, not others Scheduling and expiration dates plagued Merritt’s first shipment of vaccines.

Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM With a batch of COVID-19 vaccines hitting the Merritt area last week for the first time, immunization clinics were quick to be held at the Nicola Valley Hospital.

Among those first to have the opportunity to receive the vaccine were supposed to be the residents of The Florentine Retirement and Assisted Living Facility, though scheduling issues plagued the first round.

“We provided IHA (Interior Health Authority) with a list of all of our residents, as well as contractors and subcontractors who regularly interface with our site,” said Frank Rizzardo, President of The Florentine, in a phone interview.

The list was able to provide IHA with a planning number of sorts, which was then transferred over to the hospital staff.

From there, residents were then able to contact the hospital to schedule an inoculation time.

“On their website, I believe, it would show the number of spots available for each of those times,” said Rizzardo, who added that some Florentine residents were successful in booking the time slot that they requested, while others were not.

“Sometimes, unfortunately, people don’t adhere to the process. We had a couple of our people show up, and there were 30 people waiting, and only 13 inoculations were available. That will eventually get worked through, that is a process that is an administra-

Rizzardo is confident that the program will be accelerated once more vaccination shipments reach Merritt, and if/when another vaccine is

approved.

Canada is on track to receive around 6-million vaccines by the end of March.

tion process.

“I expect that if somebody showed up, and there would be a gap, with only a short time left in validity or functionality of the vaccine, that they have already thought it out that it could be wasted, they are not going to waste it. They will inoculate anybody that is there.”

According to a report from Health Early French Immersion Canada, the refrigerated shelf life of the Pfizer vaccine is five days, while for the Moderna vaccine it is 30 days.

While Rizzardo can confirm with certainty that both residents and staff from The Florentine have received the Information Session: vaccinations, a number or a percentage is unavailable at this early stage.

When: Wednesday, February 3, 2021 “There are a few factors, we have to Time: 6:30 p.m. get clearances from all of our employWhere: via Zoom ees and staff to take it...it’s not manParents wishing to attend the session please email CVschool@365.sd58.bc.ca datory, but it is recommended. Same for the link. with the residents, if there is a resident where the doctor might say that they French Immersion Kindergarten Registration: are compromised if they take it, that Monday,Kindergarten February 8 to Friday,Registration: February 19, 2021 FrenchWhen: Immersion there might be underlying conditions Where: Register online at www.sd58.bc.ca that might be affected by being vacWhen: How Monday, 8 to Friday, February 19, 2021 cinated.” doesFebruary registration take place?

An email response from an Interior Where: Register online at www.sd58.bc.ca Registration for Kindergarten French Immersion will take place earlier than Health Media Relations representaneighborhood school registration. This will allow for equitable access and tive said that clinics will continue in betterregistration planning. Collettville is a school of choice with limited Merritt when more vaccine becomes How does takeif Elementary place?a lottery registration and as a result, needed, will take place to determine available. registration. Please visit our website www.sd58.bc.ca for a complete overview As with all communities, we are Registra7on forprocess.

Kindergarten French Immersion will take place earlier than of the starting with priority groups identineighborhood school registra7on. This will allow for equitable access and beBer fied provincially,” read the response.

For more information or if you have questions please contact Collettville “This is focused on our most vulnerplanning.Elementary ColleBville Elementary is a school of choice withPrincipal, limited registra7on an School at 250-378-2230 or email the Acting Ms. Becky able population, which is our seniors Puterbough at bputerbough@365.sd58.bc.ca as a result, if needed, a loBery will take place to determine registra7on. Please in long-term care and assisted living, visit our website www.sd58.bc.ca for you a complete overview of the process.

Thank and Welcome along with staff and physicians workto ing in those facilities.

School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen).

“As vaccine availability increases IH For more informa7on or if you have ques7ons please contact ColleBville will continue to expand into other priSuccess for ALL Learners Today and Tomorrow Elementary School at 250-378-2230 or email~the Ac7ng Principal, Ms. Becky ority groups.”

Early French Registration Immersion Kindergarten Information 2021

Kindergarten Registration Information 2021

Puterbough at bputerbough@365.sd58.bc.ca

REGISTERED PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICES MERRITT! Thank youIN and Welcome to Call 250-376-1141 for appointment

NORTH KAMLOOPS PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC Manual Therapy • Exercise Therapy • Post-Surgical or Post-Fracture Rehabilitation • Sports Injuries • Dry Needling • Home Exercise Programs

Email: nkamloopsphysio@gmail.com • www.northkamloopsphysiotherapy.com

6 • THURSDAY, January 28, 2021

GOVERNMENT

Losing Keystone XL a failure of diplomacy Newly swornin United States President Joe Biden has signed an executive order rescinding the construction permit for the DAN ALBAS Keystone XL pipeline.

VIEW FROM The loss of THE HILL the Keystone XL pipeline has a significant impact for Canada, in particular Alberta, in terms of job losses and billions lost from corporate income taxes, carbon taxes as well as royalty payments.

The loss of the Keystone XL pipeline will also mean that US based refineries will have to increase importing crude oil from countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq, countries that have much weaker environmental and labour standards than here in Canada.

A potential increase of shipments of oil by rail between Canada and the United States is also a likely outcome with the loss of the Keystone XL pipeline.

For these reasons, the Keystone XL pipeline has been long supported by the Conservative Party both when in government and now in opposition.

It has also been long supported by Prime Minister Trudeau.

In fact, during his time in opposition, Justin Trudeau was clear that “one of the big things the Prime Minister needs to get right is getting our resources to market.”

Mr. Trudeau also stated that if a US President veto’s Keystone XL “the Prime Minister has not fulfilled that responsibility.”

Justin Trudeau was clear that if the Keystone XL pipeline is blocked by the United States that the “Prime Minister take personal responsibility for this diplomatic failure”.

By Mr. Trudeau’s own words this potential Keystone XL pipeline failure is one that he must now take full responsibility for.

Publisher Theresa Arnold publisher@merrittherald.com 250-378-4241

MERRITT HERALD

VIEWPOINT

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STUDENTS AND TEACHERS: SEND US YOUR ART FOR A CHANCE TO BE FEATURED EACH WEEK! (HAILEY VERMIERE, GRADE 9, MERRITT SECONDARY.) SUBMISSIONS ARE PRINTED ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS.

Teachers disappointed, says Federation prez From BC Teacher’s Federation President Teri Mooring.

Our collective duty during the COVID-19 pandemic must always be about keeping people safe and saving lives. Making sure our elders are not put at risk or die because of COVID19 needs to be our top priority.

BC teachers, like many others, will be disappointed to see there is no prioritization for the frontline workers who have kept our schools, public services, and economy open. There had

Editor Jake Courtepatte newsroom@merrittherald.com 250-378-4241

been hope in prior announcements that such prioritization would be possible.

However, the vaccine supply limit is beyond our control and those among us who are most vulnerable of death and serious illness must be vaccinated first.

Hopefully more vaccines are approved and this immunization strategy will be appropriately adjusted and accelerated.

There is no denying that teachers are stressed, anxious, and even afraid.

We do not have the layers of protection in our schools that exist in other envi-

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Morgan Hampton reporter@merrittherald.com 250-378-4241

ronments.

If teachers are not prioritized for a vaccine, this government must take immediate action to improve safety measures in our schools. We must have a mandatory mask mandate, we must have better physical distancing measures, and we must have ventilation upgrades for our classrooms. Schools need the same safety measures as every single other workplace. This government and school districts must do more.

Sales Representative Office Administrator Ken Couture kcouture@aberdeenpublishing.com 250-378-4241 Making Advertising Work For You.

2090 Granite Ave., PO Box 9, Merritt, B.C. Phone (250) 378-4241 Fax (250) 378-6818

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. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.

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.

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LETTERS

THURSDAY, January 28, 2021 • 7

OPINION

Speak up You can comment on any story you read @ merrittherald.com

to the editor

From the Herald archives: January, 2010

New development: 5A an accident waiting to happen who really pays?

Editor:

I have been following the discussion regarding truck traffic on Hwy. 5A and after much consideration have decided to share my own experience with truck traffic on that highway. I am now retired but have held a class 1 license for many years and have logged many hours behind the wheel of heavy trucks. Hwy. 5A is my preferred route when travelling between Merritt and Kamloops. A few weeks ago I was on 5A and considering whether to write a letter, in response to a newspaper article, to tell of how in the recent past I have been forced to take evasive action three times to avoid a head on collision with B-trains coming at me in my lane. Twice it was a truck going too fast to make the corner without coming into my lane. Once it was meeting two trucks side by side coming over the crest of a hill, far beyond the broken line which would permit a legal pass. At the very moment I was wondering whether to write about my experience a loaded B-train going too fast for the existing road conditions lost control in icy

conditions and came across the highway into my lane directly in front of me, and if I had not run into the snow bank on my side of the road I likely would not be here writing this letter. I have shared my experience with others who travel that highway and have found I’m not the only one with a story like that. I wonder how many others are out there with similar stories.

Perhaps those who sit on the Regional District Board should not just be asking how many accidents have happened on that highway, but how many times has the driving public been put at serious risk and forced to take evasive action because of truck traffic on 5A. Mine is the story of just one driver, who would be glad to see that highway closed to heavy commercial truck traffic with the obvious exception of ranchers and loggers. This is not to fault the majority of truck drivers who operate on our highways safely. In addition the question has been raised whether that highway was ever designed for the loads that are hauled today.

Rae Robinson Merritt

(RE: Pro-developer or pro-constituent? Jan. 21 edition) Editor: I agree with the letter by Steve Rose.

He has fully outlined the need for new developments to complement the current OCP; and I too find it implausible to juxtapose multi-family, multi-storey high rises in the proposed locations now before our Council. Multi-family should be downtown where pedestrian facilities exist.

But I am very concerned about something else; and my concern is promulgated by the abject absence of information from the City of Merritt. To wit; Just what population does Council want Merritt to be? Why? What is the rationale for this?

I.e. do we have elements in our City that are not yet cost-effective---that will be resolved by the target population? Which ones?

In celebration of what would have been Elvis Presley’s 75th birthday this year, the Merritt BC Elvis Presley Fan Club organized a big fundraiser event at Cactus Annie’s at the Desert Inn. Dolly Jackson, president of the club, said the show was a great success.

There were three Elvis tribute artists singing for the packed house, backed by the bands Appaloosa and the Uptown Horns.

And; because we have all experienced severe water rationing, I want to know just what new wells and reservoirs and main water lines will be needed to serve these proposals? Who will pay for these; when, and how? Or do we have to share the minimal water we now have with these new developments!

And what sewer infrastructure will be needed; at what cost; and who pays? And schools; and fire halls, and policing, etc. etc.

Surely our Council must already have these answers; so tell us, now, please.

And if they don’t, then I submit that they should not even entertain consideration of such major subdivisions, until they do have ALL the information---and share it with us, as public knowledge, on the City website. Please.

Darch Oborne Merritt

Still ‘America First’ under new presidency Editor: Joe Biden may be just as bad as Donald Trump for Canada when it comes to implementing America First measures, including tariffs, jobs and industrial resources.

We’ve endured it long before Trump’s presidency, with Republican and Democratic party administrations.

For example, their tariffs on imports of our softwood lumber, regardless of the consistent independent (including international) trade-board rulings in

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Maybe we’re expected to get used to it, somewhat like the child stuck with the school bully whose concept of his/ her fair share will always be three quarters of the pie.

The Merritt Herald welcomes your letters, on any subject, addressed to the editor.

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Letters may be edited for length, taste and clarity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less. Email letters to: newsroom@ merrittherald. com.

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

HOUSING CRISIS

Supply not meeting demand in Merritt home market Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER It is no secret that housing in BC has become increasingly unaffordable.

According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, British Columbia is the most expensive province as far as average house prices go, with Vancouver being the most expensive city in Canada.

The CD Howe Institute, a non-profit policy research organization, recently released a report which highlights several issues driving the high cost of housing within the province. They cited an increased demand without an increased supply, but also found that restrictive regulation was responsible for the bulk of excess cost in housing.

Ideally, in a well-functioning housing market, the price of a home would be close to that of the cost to construct; this cost would include labour, materials, and the time it takes to build.

“In any competitive market without barriers to entry, regardless of the product being sold, the overall market price should equal its marginal cost of production,” states the report.

“If prices persistently exceed this construction cost, it is often due to barriers that inhibit new construction. These barriers often stem from excessive regulation.”

The CD Howe Institute delved into the exact cost of this excessive regulation in greater detail, finding that homebuyers were on the hook for more than half a million dollars as a result of housing restrictions in the city of Vancouver. “…homebuyers in the eight most restrictive cities paid an extra $229,000 per new house between 2017 and 2016,” reads the report.

“In Vancouver, the cost of housing restrictions is by far the largest in Canada, at $600,000 for the average new house.”

That number is now estimated to be closer to $644,000. When you consider that the average house in Vancouver costs $1,092,000, that amounts to more than half of the sale price.

Not only do these restrictions affect the cost of new construction, they also, in turn, affect the cost of existing homes. Further studies have indicated that the regulatory burden in Vancouver is nearly equivalent to those of Manhattan, New York.

For a time, municipalities outside of

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Vancouver were not drastically affected by the increased cost of housing in the city itself, but that has changed in recent years as the rest of the province suffers the shockwaves of exorbitant housing costs in the Lower Mainland.

Kelowna is now another of the province’s most expensive cities, with the report turning up similarities between added cost there and in Vancouver.

Restriction cost per square foot in Kelowna is $120, in Vancouver it is $322.

Restriction cost as a percentage of cost in Kelowna is 27%, in Vancouver it is 50%.

The average new, single-family house price in Kelowna is $775,000, in Vancouver it is $1,298,000.

Increase in cost per new house in Kelowna is $207,000, in Vancouver it is $644,000.

Merritt, a town of just over 7,000 people, is located between the highly desired real estate markets of the Lower Mainland and the Okanagan, with Vancouver three hours to the southwest and Kelowna one and a half hours to the southeast.

Housing prices in the community have skyrocketed in recent years, increasing in some cases by more than 200%.

As an example, a selection of three homes sold in Merritt in 2004: House 1) $145,000 House 2) $45,500 House 3) $150,000 Those same houses were once again listed for sale in 2020: House 1) $529,000 House 2) $189,900 House 3) $499,900

See ‘DEVELOPMENT’ Page 9

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Registration for Kindergarten French Immersion will take place earlier than neighborhood school registration. This will allow for equitable access and better planning. Collettville Elementary is a school of choice with limited registration and as a result, if needed, a lottery will take place to determine registration. Please visit our website www.sd58.bc.ca for a complete overview Registra7on forprocess.

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neighborhood school registra7on. This will allow for equitable access and beBer For more information or if you have questions please contact Collettville planning.Elementary ColleBville Elementary is a school of choice withPrincipal, limited registra7on and School at 250-378-2230 or email the Acting Ms. Becky Puterbough at bputerbough@365.sd58.bc.ca as a result, if needed, a loBery will take place to determine registra7on. Please visit our website www.sd58.bc.ca for you a complete overview of the process.

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Development a hot topic as Merritt population grows From Page 8 After adjusting for inflation using the Bank of Canada inflation calculator, the cost of these houses has risen by 279.86%, 320.16% and 255.65%, respectively.

Part of the reason for this increase in cost is due to the fact that Merritt has not added a significant number of new homes to its neighbourhoods in several years, limiting the supply as the demand continues to increase.

According to a Housing Needs Report by the City of Merritt, Merritt’s population grew 3% overall between 2006 and 2016, with a 9% growth projected from 2016 to 2025 (about 1% per year).

Household totals grew nearly 10%, from 2,975 in 2006 to 3,260 by 2016. It is estimated that Merritt may possibly reach 3,840 households by 2025.

As such, development has become a hot topic in the community, with as many as four potential developments being pro-

THURSDAY, January 28, 2021 • 9

posed to the council, and construction of a new four-storey apartment building on Walters St. now well underway.

However, realtor Tony Luck, who serves on the Merritt City Council after moving to the Nicola Valley from Mission where he also served as a councillor, believes the regulatory burden placed on development is as much an issue in small towns like Merritt as it is in major cities.

“I think it’s relevant,” said Luck.

“What’s going on down there (Vancouver) cascades into all of the province. I think it’s important here. It’s an important piece that we need to address.

Some of the problems like supply are huge. Government regulation is huge, what government does to create anything but affordability for housing, fees, taxes, land use, land use restrictions, all those kinds of things. That happens here as much as it does in the Lower Mainland, it’s a little more common in the Lower Mainland but there are some systemic things that have

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Luck made reference to a Gyourko and Malloy report which indicated, “increas-

‘‘

“Government is the biggest impediment to affordability and accessibility of housing.”

— Tony Luck, Merritt Realtor

ing the strictness of building regulations increases housing prices by limiting the

growth in housing supply”, in some cases by as much as 22%.

This same report looked at housing markets in the US and Europe, and discovered this to be true across the board.

It was determined that cities in England could cut housing costs by roughly 25% if the most restrictive region changed its policies to align with those of the least restrictive region. American cities with more regulations surrounding housing created a ‘bubble’ and had higher volatility in house prices.

“Government is the biggest impediment to affordability and accessibility of housing,” said Luck.

And Luck believes that is not just in the matter of overbearing regulation, but also a lack of available land due to the fact that 94% of BC is held by the province as Crown Land, with another 1% held federally.

See ‘LACK’ Page 12 21014MM3

10 • THURSDAY, January 28, 2021

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Lack of Merritt housing affordability mirrors province From Page 9 “I think the thing that’s impeding housing affordability in Merritt is the same thing that’s impeding housing affordability all over the province,” said Luck.

“In 1955 when I was born, we had a million people in the province.

At that time, those million people were fighting over less than 5% of the province to build homes on. If we jump ahead 65 years, the population of British Columbia now is over 5 million, so now 5 million people are competing for the

same amount of property available for private ownership.”

“There are a lot of people who want to say supply has nothing to do with pricing, well that’s just absolute garbage,” Luck continued.

“If supply is low, demand is high, prices are up. It’s been proven so many times. So, in BC we have a land shortage for housing development.

And in Merritt now, we have a land shortage to build affordable housing.

Look at the issues we’re up against in Merritt.

One, we have a lot of slope land, unstable land.

www.merrittherald.com

And we have a huge floodplain in Merritt which eliminates a bunch of property, there are a couple of natural restrictions that are causing us to have only so much land. We are very limited with the amount of land here in Merritt available for housing.”

Despite predictions by CMHC, BC Assessment and some of the biggest banks and financial institutions, home prices have continued to increase, even during the COVID19 pandemic.

This is a trend that Luck doesn’t believe will change unless there is a

drastic overhaul of BC’s systems of housing regulation and restrictions.

Merritt may be poised to benefit from a development boom, but for those looking to put a roof over their heads, the price tag of that boom may just be more than they can bear.

“We do a lot of things to restrict housing through fees, legislation and things like that,” concluded Luck.

“We’re not the only community dealing with this, we’re just seeing it now because people have recognized Merritt as a nice place to come to.”

POLICE FILES Man wanted on outstanding impaired warrant Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER Merritt RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Jesse Joseph Cyr, a 30-year-old man with an outstanding arrest warrant stemming from an incident which took place near Merritt on Jun. 19, 2011.

Cyr is charged with: - Count 1, Impaired driving causing bodily harm; - Count 2, Causing an

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accident resulting in bodily harm; - Count 3, Dangerous driving causing bodily harm.

Cyr is currently believed to be living in the Lower Mainland.

If you have any information regarding Cyr’s whereabouts, please contact the police detachment of your jurisdiction or call the Merritt RCMP at 250 – 378 – 4262.

www.merrittherald.com

THURSDAY, January 28, 2021 • 13

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

GROWING MERRITT

Council hears from public on Lindley Creek plans A virtual Public Hearing was held Tuesday night in which Merrittonians were given the opportunity to have their thoughts heard on the proposed development on Lindley Creek Rd. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the public was not able to attend the hearing in person, but were given the option to send letters of opposition or support, which were then read aloud by staff for council and the public to consider.

Over the course of the one-hour hearing, staff read numerous letters which indicated an overwhelming opposition to the project.

Issues cited were a lack of infrastructure in Collettville, such as sidewalks and proper ditches and storm drains, as well as increased traffic and loss of Collettville’s character.

“This property used to be rangeland, then bought and converted into residential low density,” read one letter.

“Now, a developer after purchasing wants to change the neighbourhood to high density. This is not acceptable to the history of Collettville.

The purchaser of the… property in question must have understood the current designation and if they did not like the designation, they should not have purchased it, and the developer should not proceed down this road.”

Mention was made that Collettville had been promised sidewalks, among other amenities, when they joined Merritt more than two decades ago. These have never materialized, and the suggestion was that the City should fulfill its promises to Collettville residents before moving land by designation out of the neighbourhood in order to begin a new project.

“As we all know Collettville joined Merritt out of the TNRD in the mid-1990s, when we joined Merritt we were promised the moon,” read a submitted letter.

Following the Public Hearing, Mayor and Council

debated both the OCP Amendment Bylaw and the Zoning Amendment Bylaw, which would see the parcel redesignated as ‘South Merritt’ from Collettville, and change the zoning from Low Density Residential (R2), Medium Density Residential (R7) and Future Development (FD) to Medium Density Residential (R7), Mobile Home Park (R5) and Park & Cemetery (P1).

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STABBING

/PAGE 3

A stabbing at Rocky Pines sent one man into emergency surgery at Royal Inland Hospital.

/PAGE 5

FREE

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Councillor Kurt Christopherson spoke in support of the change, reassuring people that Collettville would still maintain its character.

“Changing the sectors isn’t going to change the character of Collettville,” said Christopherson.

Third Reading and Adoption of the Zoning Amendment were also carried with only Councillor Mike Bhangu opposed.

THANK YOU! THIS WEEK

Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

NOW OPEN

RISING FROM THE ASHES: Work is moving fast on rebuilding the historic Murray Church, after the church’s committee reached it’s fundraising goal two years after it was burned to the ground by arson. STORY /PAGE 10

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Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri.: 10:00am - 3:00pm • Wednesday 1:00pm - 6:00pm / 2113 Granite Ave., Merritt, BC

On-call 24 Hrs. a day: 250-378-2141 or 1-800-668-3379 • www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com

Speciaalnk You Th to all the businesses who have continued to support us throughout these difficult times.

Please remember to support local shopping.

Supporting local helps everyone thrive.

LIST OF DONORS • Karen Szabo • Corinne Pitt • Maureen Lisle • Mark Remming • Charles Pimms • Jurgen Lutter • Beth Guthro • Betty Stone • Brian Wuensche • Gertrude Leslie * Mary Anderson • Haley Rutherford • Community Futures Nicola Valley • Anne Wray • Kristyna Murphy

• Linda Brown• In memory of Walter Evans, Love Callie, Zach & Maria • Janet Hohner • Joanne Woods • Stephanie Troughton • Chris de Haan • Miss Vicki’s Petals & Plants • Clemens Kummerlaender • Ho Ka Fai Simon • Gillian Rose • Mike Hilton • Callie

Langlois-Torgerson • Alex Doll • Jana Rosenberg • Bill and Tina Mikita • Joyce Crosina • Elizabeth Perdok-Waboose • Janet Hohner • Amy & Bradley Courtepatte • Naga Shunmugam • Carolyn Wainwright • Steve & Pat Gontar • Elizabeth Nel • Evan Walsh • Charmaine Staley

• Hans Treis • Carmen Fairley • Terence Grams • James A Clark • Sheila Butler • Matthew Starr • Stacey Krajci • Elizabeth Nel • Peter Spencer • Rod & Sharon Courtepatte • Mary Macgregor • Ross Horrocks • Sarah Sandusky • Emily Wessel • Marise Sasges

• Jeanette & Mike Matthias • Terrence Neilson • Lavinia Wilson • Dara Hill • Jurgen Lutter • Ellen Nast • Ka Fai Simon Ho • M.Cooper BCYR Fundraising Coordinator • Brent Campbell • Scentman • Anne Wray • Shirley Dumma • Ben Klassen

• Margaret Carlson • Alice Murray • James Murdoch • Cole Wagner • Gayle Munz • Barinder Chauhan • Joan Negrin • Betty Ann Mcdonnell • Ted Lund • Extra Foods • Gordon Swan • Diane Quinn • Plus a few generous anonymous donors

If you would like to donate, please go to support.merrittherald.com or drop by the office at 2090 Granite Avenue

14 • THURSDAY, January 28, 2021

Painter captures Merritt’s beauty in book Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER Local painter Jean Kiegerl has put together a book of her paintings showcasing the beauty of Merritt and the countryside that surrounds it.

“It’s a book of paintings that I’ve done over the last 30 years,” explained Kiegerl, whose first book was created at that time three decades ago.

“I originally made one for my sister, kind of as a joke, because back then I was just kind of amazed that the pictures turned out. My first book was called ‘Jean’s Secret Talent Exposed’ and it looked so good that I printed a few more copies for my family and one for me.”

Kiegerl was featured last year at a show at the Nicola Valley Arts Gallery called ‘Art for the Love of It’, in which her work was displayed alongside stained glass from Twin Willows Glass. It was heading into this show that Kiegerl thought her original book of art could be dusted off and brought out for others to see.

“When I had the show in October, I thought that would be a place to show it off,” said Kiegerl.

“But then I realized it was out of date, so I updated it and then somebody actually wanted to buy one, which totally surprised me.”

Kiegerl asked her new customer what it was about the book that she liked, and the woman told her that she loved the local aspect, and how many places she recognized. Feeling that the woman had made an excellent point, Kiegerl went to work creating a book that featured nearly all paintings of Merritt and the Nicola Valley.

“I focused this one on local pictures, rather than my travel photos and my personal story, so that it was more about painting in the Nicola Valley and in Merritt,” said Kiegerl, who has always been inspired by the beauty of the area.

“It’s a beautiful part of the world. It has so many different landscapes and so many different lights, sunrises and sunsets and light on different sides of the hills, it’s just beautiful.”

The book features paintings from several mediums, as Kiegerl has enjoyed experimenting and changing up her technique over the years.

“I do black and white sketches and sometimes I add water colour to them,” said Kiegerl.

“Sometimes I do just straight pencil and watercolour and erase the pencil.

Sometimes the pencil enhances it and sometimes it’s just in the way, but it can be erased. And then nobody knows if you painted outside of the lines,” she joked.

After embracing acrylics for a while, Kiegerl finally got “brave enough” and made the leap to oil painting, something she had wanted to do for quite some time.

“It’s a real challenge but it’s a beautiful medium, and it has been for 500 years,” said Kiegerl.

“All of the old medieval paintings are crackled, and that’s a quality of the oil paint. Over time it will crackle, and if you don’t handle it correctly it will crackle much sooner, like within a couple years. And it will crackle and fall off if you don’t do things properly. One of the interesting things is that with the really old oil paintings, is that because they are crackled, they can carbon date the dust in the cracks and know whether or not it’s a fake. Museums do that if people are trying to sell them a newly found Leonardo DaVinci, it might be newly painted as well,” Kiegerl laughed.

At this time, Kiegerl’s latest book ‘Just a Local Artist’, is available on order by prepay only through the artist.

If you would like to view the book or more of Kiegerl’s work, as well as the work of other talented Nicola Valley artists, you are encouraged to head down to the Nicola Valley Arts Gallery on Voght St. A copy of ‘Just a Local Artist’ is also available at the Merritt Library.

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

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The new bell at the rebuilt Murray Church was installed Wednesday morning, marking a monumentous step in the historic site’s return to glory. Morgan Hampton/Herald

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SPORTS

THURSDAY, January 28, 2021 • 15

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

STELLAR STUDENT

Merritt native recognized by Rotary Story provided by the Rotary Club of Penticton.

The Rotary Club of Penticton Sunrise is pleased to recognize Manjot (Manny) Panghli, an immensely gifted, hard-working and compassionate Grade 12 student athlete at Penticton Secondary School, as Rotary Student of the Month for January.

Panghli, who is 16 years old, is the younger of two children in a close-knit, community-minded family. Well coached at home in core life skills conducive to selffulfillment and career success, he has harnessed his inquisitivefuelled intellect, grit and highoctane energy to excel in hockey and scholastics while undertaking impactful charitable activities.

Panghli epitomizes the elite student athlete. Highly motivated, self-disciplined and driven, he eagerly embraces the pursuit of excellence, both in the classroom at Pen High and in the well-structured training environment at the Okanagan Hockey Academy.

Panghli spent his childhood in Merritt and moved to Kamloops in June 2018 before relocating to Penticton this past September to enrol in the OHA. Unlike many hockey greats, including Wayne Gretzky, who began skating at age two, Panghli did not start playing hockey until age eight,

becoming a goalie at age ten.

Panghli has played competitive (rep level) hockey since grade seven. Last season, he enjoyed a banner year, backstopping the Thompson Blazers U-16 AAA team to a 12-4 record, while garnering the team’s MVP award for his strong play and quiet leadership qualities.

Blazers’ coach Crosby Dorais said, “Manny has matured into an accomplished, personable and well-rounded young man with excellent leadership and interpersonal skills.”

Currently, Panghli is affiliated with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the BCHL. Last month he was added to the protected list of the Spokane Chiefs, opening the door for him to advance to Major Junior A (Tier 1 level) next year.

OHA U-17 Prep Team Coach Robert Dirk said, “Manny’s development has been incredible in his four months here, enabling him to become one of the most promising goalies in the program.

Mature and genuine, he is an avid student who listens carefully to instructions and focuses on the finer elements that separate the premier players from the rest.”

Panghli’s fervent desire to excel extends to the classroom.

Last year, he carried a demanding load of ten in-school and online courses, including English 10 and 11, Pre-calculus 11 and

Local clubs approved for sporting grants

12, Bio 11 and Chem 11, recording an average grade of 93%.

This fall session at Pen High, he achieved an average grade of 92% in six courses, providing him with sufficient credits to graduate early.

Panghli’s favourite subjects are English and History, as they afford him “an opportunity to gain insight into different cultures and traditions.”

Manny Panghli was recently named a student of the month in Penticton. Photo submitted

Pen High English teacher Wayne Kuechle said, “Manny is one of the most amazing young people I have met in my 26 years of teaching. My job is to instill confidence, compassion, and knowledge and yet I feel – in teaching Manny – that I too have

Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@ MERRITTHERALD. COM A pair of local sporting organizations are receiving some much needed funds.

The Nicola Valley Rodeo Association and the Merritt Curling Club are both recipients of BC’s $1.5-million Local

been enriched. He has such a genuine passion, fuelled by a big heart, that he transforms into action to make an impactful difference.”

Pen High History teacher Russell Reid said, “In class, Manny is always actively engaged, asking probing questions in order to fully understand the subject material. He ‘speaks softly but carries a big stick’that is, while he is reserved, his actions, empathy and insight hold great weight.”

Dave Nackoney, OHA counsellor at Pen High, said he is “a quiet leader who earns respect through his ability and actions.

Manny has a bright future in hockey. But hockey is really only part of who Manny is. He is dedicated to his family and very sincere and considerate to others.

Very few people have the vision to see the needs of others like Manny does. He is, in fact, one of the kindest and caring young men I have ever met during my 30 years in education.”

Panghli’s humanitarian work began while attending Merritt Central Elementary School when he noticed that some fellow students were coming to school on an empty stomach. This led him and his older sister, Simren, to enlist local businesses to support the school-based breakfast program. A second food drive

Sport Relief Fund.

“Coaches, volunteers and board members have worked around the clock to ensure people can keep active and gain the physical and mental benefits of sport during the pandemic,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.

“We heard their

challenges to meet financial pressures with current health orders in place and are proud to provide this additional support so our communities can continue to offer sport in a safe way.”

As per NVRA representative Gert Leslie, the rodeo association received $2,500.

Leslie said that the

was undertaken in December 2017 with them raising $1,000, a donation sufficient to cover two months of nutritious breakfasts. Last June, in response to COVID-19, Manny himself collected 166 pounds of food items for the Kamloops Food Bank.

Last month, he personally obtained a #RisingYouth community service grant for $750 from TakingITGlobal, a Torontobased charity NGO, in support of the local Salvation Army Food Bank.

Panghli is quick to credit Simren, his enduring role model, and her intrinsic altruism for igniting his burning passion for helping others.

During quiet moments, Panghli enjoys reading history and cooking tandoori chicken and other scrumptious traditional Punjabi dishes for family and friends.

Where Panghli goes from here – possibly to make the Spokane Chiefs’ roster or to enrol in BSc studies at Thompson Rivers University -- is anyone’s guess.

But one prediction seems certain.

Given his unquenchable thirst for knowledge, grit, strong work ethic and humble, caring demeanour, he seems destined to enjoy a prolific and rewarding career while enriching the lives of many others along the way.

grant will be used to mainly offset general expenses, like routine maintenance and insurance.

She added that without having a rodeo last September, the grant is “a very welcome gift to help make it through the coming year.”

Eligible expenses include

insurance, administrative costs, rent, storage costs, equipment essential to providing sports programs and COVID-19 related supplies, such as cleaning products, signage and personal protective equipment.

The amount received by the Merritt Curling Club is not yet known.

16 • THURSDAY, January 28, 2021

www.merrittherald.com

BUSINESS FEATURE

Do you want to nominate a business? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing reporter@merrittherald.com.

Kruse N’ Style has been a staple of Merritt’s hair and beauty industry for more than three decades, with owner Cindy Kruse opening up shop 33 years ago, first operating out of a storefront she split with her father.

“When I started the salon, the new Merritt store was purchased by my father, it’s where Quilchena Cannabis is now… he cut the building in half and I built my salon.”

There was also an apartment in the back of the building where Kruse lived, making the salon her full-time home and business for several years.

Kruse N’ Style operated out of this original location for 23 and a half years before moving into the storefront that the salon now occupies at 1990

Quilchena Ave. Before this, Kruse had moved away to live and work in Kamloops, where she pursued her hairdressing career.

“I think that I wanted to do it even when I was very young, like when you’re doing Barbie doll hair,” said Kruse.

However, Kruse found that she didn’t enjoy life in the city as much as she’d thought, and it didn’t take long until she decided that a move back to the Nicola Valley was in order.

“I’d been born and raised here, and I used to come home every weekend and cut hair in my parents’ basement, so I had a large clientele already in Merritt,” explained Kruse.

“It just kind of made sense to give it

a whirl and go into business.”

It was at this time that Kruse took up space in the other half of her father’s shop.

However, she was still facing a bit of a conundrum. What should she name her new business?

Although she gave it considerable thought, she was stumped and couldn’t come up with a name that she liked.

“I didn’t know what to name the salon, I really struggled to name the salon,” said Kruse.

She reached out to the community she planned to serve and asked what they thought her business should be called.

“I put a contest in the Merritt Herald for a $50 gift certificate.”

After sifting through the various submissions, ‘Kruse

N’ Style’ emerged as a top contender, and became the official name of Cindy’s salon, with Wendy Taylor winning the contest and the $50 gift certificate.

Now, Kruse credits the success of the salon to the consistent, quality service that clients receive from both herself and her staff, some of whom have been there since the salon first opened its doors.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic made things difficult for salons, Kruse has said that since reopening there have been no issues and that her clients have been supportive and cooperative.

“Even through COVID we have survived quite well because we have such a loyal clientele,” said Kruse.

“I have incred-

ible staff, Jeanine has been here since day one, Darcy came one year later, Sherry’s been here for nine years, Maureen’s been here for four years.

It’s not often you get a group of girls like this.”

The staff are so popular that Kruse N’ Style has been voted ‘Best Hair Salon’ in the Herald’s People’s Choice Awards two years in a row.

As for COVID19 safety precautions, everything is sanitized on a regular basis. The front door remains locked with clients being let in at their appointment time. Hand sanitizer is presented at the front door, and customers are given a fresh mask to put on.

Once in that chair, the list of services is nearly endless, as there is a wide variety of expertise amongst the staff.

“Each of us have a unique quality and we complement each other,” said Kruse.

“And a lot of times when a client is phoning and they’re looking for something or describing something specific we’re able to know each other well enough that we can steer the client in that direction.”

Although there were no doubt opportunities along the way for Kruse to move her business to a bigger centre, she is glad she made the decision to stay in Merritt.

“I like living in a small town, I like a simple life,” said Kruse.

“It beats living in such a busy city, you get to know your clients on a personal level. Here when you walk into the grocery store or if you walk into the pharmacy or Fields, you recognize faces, you know people.”

Scattered Flurries High -1˚C Low: -7˚C

Fri. Jan. 29

Mix of Sun & Clouds High: 1˚C Low: -3˚C

Sat. Jan. 30

A Few Flurries High: 0˚C Low: -4˚C

Sun. Jan. 31

Mon. Feb. 1

Tues. Feb. 2

Approved mini-storage ■ On-site rentals ■ Secured ■ Sale of New & Used storage containers ■

1750 Hill Street ■ Phone: 250-315-3000

THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WELCOME YOU Crossroads Community Church

2990 Voght St. • 250-378-2911• Service Time: Sundays 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.

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 2nd & 4th Sundays/ Sunday School (K-Gr. 4) - 10 am

Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave. (The Cadet Hall) Sunday Service Time: 3:30 pm • 250-280-1268

Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church 1950 Maxwell St. • 250-378-9502 Service Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

7 Day Weather Forecast for Merritt, BC - Thursday, Jan. 28 - Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021 Thurs. Jan. 28

CONTAIN-IT STORAGE

Wed. Feb. 3

Stain Glass by

Almerina Rizzardo

• • • • A Few Flurries High: 1˚C Low: -3˚C

A Few Flurries High:1˚C Low: -1˚C

Mix of Sun & Clouds High: 2˚C Low: -4˚C

Mix of Sun & Clouds High: -1˚C Low: -5˚C

STAIN GLASS SUN CATCHERS NIGHT LIGHTS PICTURE FRAMES

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

THURSDAY, January 28, 2021 • 17

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CLASSIFIEDS

Deadline for placing a classified ad is 5 p.m. on Monday.

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Obituaries

Merritt Funeral Chapel A Division of Service Corporation International (Canada) ULC

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Thank You

Thank You

Thank You!

The Jager family would like to thank everyone who attended, bringing everything from food, to flowers, gifts, and donations.

Also to the drummers, singers, those who prayed, those who performed the smudging, the ambulance service, and anyone else we missed as there are too many to mention.

Special Events

Obituaries

Obituaries

Obituaries

Special Events

PLEASE PLEASE RECYCLE RECYCLE THIS THIS NEWSPAPER. NEWSPAPER.

For Sale - Misc INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008. Built with concrete posts. Barns, shops, riding arenas, machine sheds and more. Adam.s@integritybuilt.com 1-250-351-5374 www.intergritybuild.com

Wanted Cash for gold and silver! Also buying coin collections, old money, old jewelry Contact Todd 1250-864-3521.

Legal / Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE Jamie Gordon Payment for your storage is now overdue

Payment is required before February 4th, 2021 After this date your contents will be disposed.

Contain It Storage.

Employment

Employment

NICOLA VALLEY SHELTER AND SUPPORT SOCIETY Is seeking a full time

Thomas Nelson Haws

SOCIAL WORKER/ CASE MANAGER

April 13, 1930- January 17, 2021

REGULAR OFFICE HOURS On Call 24 Hours A Day

GET RESULTS! Reach almost 2 million people in 95 papers for only $395/week for a 25-word text ad, or $995/week for a formatted display ad bccommunitynews.com/ advertise

Obituaries

The biggest range has gained a cowboy. Thomas Haws (Cowboy) passed away peacefully with his family at his side at the age of 90.

Tom was predeceased by sisters Lynn and Ruth, brothers George and Eddy, and son Shane. He is survived by sisters Peggy, Debbie, Dee and Donna, brothers Dick and Don. Survived also by his children Tom, Daryl, Cosette, Sandy, Heidi and Jody. Cherished grandchildren Westyn, Justin, Tharon, Breanna, Alex, Riley and Kegan, and rst great granddaughter Aria.

Tom left his imprint on many places and people. Born near Prince George, BC in Salmon Valley, the oldest sibling to his rst, and later blended family. His family would soon reside at Island Cache in Prince George, before moving to the Kamloops area.

One of his rst jobs was working on the tugboats in Vancouver with his brother George, but found city slicker life not for him. He spent many years on some of the largest working cattle ranches in BC including Cherry Creek, Guichon, Stump Lake, Douglas Lake and Quilchena. ‘Tommie’ as he was known on the ranches, had countless adventures with his cowboy family in the cow camps, never missing a rodeo to participate in bronc riding and calf roping. The Cariboo region called him back in the 60’s, as a hunting guide near Bowron Lake with the Cushman family.

Summers spent driving the stagecoach in Barkerville with his eldest son at his side. Tom would blend his small family with another and gain more kids to love- and love he did! Eventually relocating to Louis Creek with his family, he resumed logging and horse logging.

Though never far from a saddle; teaching his kids how to ride, team-roping with buddies, and judging rodeos.

After retirement, Tom returned to Bowron Lake as a hunting/ pack trip guide with the next generation of Cushman’s. Summers in Barkerville, spent driving the mail wagon (often lled with the giggles of kids as they hitched a ride with their favorite cowboy).

He would return to the North Thompson to live out his days with family and his faithful border collies.

An avid mountain man, he would take his family on overnight backpacking trips into the high country, teaching respect for all things wild and beautiful and how to tread lightly in nature.

Pastimes were foraging pine mushrooms, hiking, or simply entertaining with his fun-loving antics. Tom was a self-taught artist, carver and leatherworker; many proudly display his canvasses, carvings and his well-travelled homemade saddle. Kids and horses gravitated to Tom, unable to resist his kind and patient demeanor. He loved wholeheartedly, reciprocated by all he crossed paths with. The world will miss his gentle touch and radiant smile. The family would like to thank Kamloops Seniors Village for their compassionate care extended to Tom. A gathering for Tom will be announced at a later date.

Condolences may be sent to the family at DrakeCremation.com Tel: 250-377-8225

Thanks for wearing a mask, for everyone!

The Merritt Cold Weather and Temporary Covid expansion shelter is a supportive and inclusive shelter meeting people where they are at.

Our team offers a 24-hour service providing accommodations, meals and support services for the homeless and those at risk.

Our ideal candidate will be reliable, flexible, ethical, non judgemental, empathetic and culturally sensitive with the education and experience to meet our clients where they are at in order to identify and meet their goals. The case manager will report directly to the Board of directors.

The case manager will be responsible for • Initial assessment of all shelter residents • Development and implementation of service plans for all shelter residents.

• Supervision of support staff involved in case plan implementation • Debriefing of staff following any critical incidents • Ensuring society policy is adhered to and enforced fairly during all staff interactions with clients • Reviewing all incident reports, Investigation of incidents and instigating dispute resolution where appropriate • Reports as required by Board and funders Required qualifications • BSW or post secondary degree in related field plus • 2-5 years experience serving clients with mental health and substance use or MH/ substance use training • Understanding of the causes and effects of poverty • Excellent communication skills • Conflict resolution training /experience • Trauma informed practice training / experience • Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team • VAT training, understanding of Housing First principles and practices and Team leadership experience are assets Full time position with flexibility required.

Compensation negotiable and dependent on education and experience We invite qualified applicants to forward a cover letter and resume to nvsssboard@outlook.com Initial selection of applicants will begin on February 5th 2021 at 9.00 am but position will remain open until suitable applicant is found.

Call to advertise at: 250-378-4241 TODAY'S PUZZLE ANSWERS

18 • THURSDAY, January 28, 2021 Employment

Employment

Bamboo Panda Restaurant (previous Tropico Spice Restaurant) IS LOOKING FOR

Scw’exmx Tribal Council (STC)

#202-2090 COUTLEE AVENUE P.O. BOX 188, MERRITT, BC V1K 1B8 Phone (250) 378-4235 Fax (250) 378-9119 e-mail: administration@scwexmxtribal.org

ACCOUNTING CLERK Scw’exmx Tribal Council is inviting applications for the Position of Accounting clerk.

Position Summary: Reporting to the Finance Manager, the Accounting clerk performs a variety of Finance-related duties.

As a member of the Finance team, the individual is responsible for general ď€ nancial duties, and functions to support the tribal council as required.

Performing a variety of ď€ nance-related duties, including but not limited to: Bi-weekly full cycle Payroll, Accounts Payable and Xyntax data entry.

Essential Skills: • Completion of Grade 12 supplemented by a certiď€ cate or diploma in accounting, with knowledge of fund accounting. • Two years proven experience in accounting/ bookkeeping • Payroll certiď€ cation or minimum 2 years proven Payroll experience • Strong computer literacy skills including Microsoft Ofď€ ce programs • Pervious experience using Xyntax considered an asset • Excellent organizational and time management skills • Able to prioritize work and meet deadlines based on changing needs of a fast-paced organization. • Familiarity of Nlaka’pamux and Syilx culture will be an asset • Criminal Record Check will be required Position Term: Part time Deadline for Applications: February 12, 2020 at 4 pm Submit Resumes to: Noreen Cross, Finance Manager Scw’exmx Tribal Council PO Box 188 Merritt BC V1K 1B8 • Fax (250) 378-4235 Email: ncross@scwexmxtribal.org

THERE’S MORE ONLINE KamloopsThisWeek.com merrittherald.com

Employment

Be a part of your community paper & comment online.

COOK

Salary: $34,000.00 $38,000.00/Annually Full Time, Permanent Start Date: ASAP Job Description: preparation of all dishes for lunch and dinner for a busy restaurant, must have min. 2 years experience in any food, professional cook certiď€ cate an asset.

How to Apply Drop off resume in person to 1953 Nicola Avenue, Merritt Ask for Felix Huang or Email: tropicofh@ gmail.com

Attention

Inventors!

Ideas wanted!

Call Davison today!

1.800.218.2909 or visit us at

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VICTIM SERVICES CASE WORKER (FULL TIME 35 HRS/WEEK)

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PRODUCTION WORKERS

• Good wages • Steady day shift • Students welcome to apply • No experience necessary • Will train

TRUCK DRIVERS WITH CLASS 1 Local steady work

LICENCED SECURITY GUARDS CERTIFIED FORKLIFT OPERATORS CARPENTERS Please submit resume in person to 1195 Houston Street, Merritt B.C. 250-378-6161

Nicola Valley Women In Action has an opening for a full time Victim Service Caseworker with Merritt RCMP Victim Services.

The successful candidate should have post-secondary education in social work, criminal justice or a related ď€ eld OR a minimum of one (1) years’ experience working with victims of crime or trauma; an extensive knowledge of victim issues, social services and community resources; as well as a sound understanding of the criminal justice system. Must achieve and maintain RCMP Reliability Security Clearance; possess a valid BC driver’s license and have access to their own vehicle for business use.

This is a regular, full-time position (35 hours/ week) with a wage between $24.00 - $27.00 per hour, as well as beneď€ ts.

Please submit your resume and cover letter to nvwomeninaction@gmail.com Applications will be accepted until 3pm February 5th, 2021.

We thank all interested applicants, but only short listed candidates will be contacted.

SUDOKU

Employment

FULL & PART TIME WAITRESSES WANTED No phone calls please Please drop off resume to: 2052 Quilchena, Avenue, Merritt, B.C.

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a Sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.

PUZZLE ANSWERS ON SEPARATE PAGE

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Employment

www.merrittherald.com

ACROSS

1. Gather a harvest 5. Federal Republic of Germany 8. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!

11. “The Little Mermaid�

13. The common gibbon 14. Volcanic island in Fiji 15. Mother of Perseus 16. Egg cells 17. Teams’best pitchers 18. Credit associations 20.Advance 21. Hair styling products 22. Benign tumors

25.Arriving early 30. Called it a career 31. __ Paulo, city 32.Avoid with trickery 33. Easter egg 38. Veterans battleground 41. Lack of success 43. Thing that causes disgust 45. Deep, continuing sound 47.Ancient kingdom near Dead Sea 49.You might put it in a fire 50. Partner to “oohed�

55.Actor Idris 56. Slippery 57. Plant of the bean family 59. One point north of northeast 60. Patti Hearst’s captors 61. Places to hang clothes 62. Midwife 63. Of she 64. S. Korean statesman

24. Nearsightedness 25. Indicates before 26. Increase motor speed 27. When you hope to get there 28. Indicates position 29. Where rockers perform 34. Substitute 35. __ juris: of one’s own right 36. Earliest form of modern human in Europe: __-magnon 37. Adult female bird 39. Do away with 40. Lens 41. Flattened appendage 42. Post or pillar in Greek temple

44. A medieval citizen of Hungary 45. Spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation 46. Abba __, Israeli politician 47. Sew 48. Evergreen trees and shrubs having oily one-seeded fruits 51. Swiss river 52. Grayish-white 53. A way to illustrate 54. College basketball superpower 58. Midway between south and southeast

DOWN 1. Cool!

2. Amounts of time 3. Aboriginal people of Japan 4. Popular veggies 5. Wedding accessory 6. Deep, narrow gorges 7. Dry cereal 8. Competitions that require speed 9. Cain and __ 10. Snake sound 12. Type of amino acid (abbr.)

14. Pattern of notes in Indian music 19. Satisfy

THURSDAY, January 28, 2021 • 19

Y o u r Local Business Directory ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE MECHANIC

LICENSED CANNABIS

HERE FOR YOU!

FRANK’S MECHANICAL SERVICE

Quilchena Cannabis Co.

OLD OR NEW WE HAVE WARRANTY APPROVED MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONS FOR EVERYONE

Quilchena Canna Company @DanAlbas

DanAlbas4COSN

Toll Free: 1-800-665-8711 www.danalbas.com

MU

• Tune Ups • Brakes • Exhaust • Suspension • Lube/Oil •Radiator Service • Shocks & Struts • Air Conditioning Service

DENTIST

PLUMBING & HEATING

g n i t a e H & g n i b m Nicola Plu Fully Qualied Tradesmen in..

Plumbing, Heating, Bonded Gas Fitters.

Service Work & Furnace Service.

Custom Sheet Metal Atlas RV Parts & Repairs

PHONE: 250-378-4943

2064 Coutlee Ave., Merritt, BC

19+

Call 250-378-5 420 Unit B-1937 Quilchena Ave., Merritt BC

250-378-1322

2026 Mamette Avenue

S T BE

NEW PATIENTS & WALK-INS WELCOME

GENERAL DENTISTS & SPECIALIST ORTHODONTISTS AVAILABLE Call

250-378-4888 to book your appointment.

2731 Forksdale Avenue, V1K 1R9

www.dentistryatmerritt.ca

R. Dutt-DMD Dr. J. Sarao-DMD, Dr. S. Malhotra-DDS, Dr.

HOURS

Tuesday: 9 am - 6 pm Wednesday - Thursday: 9 am - 5 pm Friday and Saturday: 9 am - 4 pm

INVESTMENT STRATEGIES CLEANING SERVICES

OVAL ATE ASBESTOS REM CERTIFIED IN MODER

TREE SERVICE

THROUGH A COMPLETE

FINANCIAL PLAN

JIM POTTER

MERRITT TREE SERVICE

Cashflow and Insurance Planning Portfolio Management Tax and Estate Planning

• Fully insured, certified faller • WSBC covered • Dangerous tree assessment

Contact Kyle for your plan today!

ING CARPET CLEATN OU CLEANING – UPHOLSTERY & TILE & GR FLOOD & JANITORIAL SERVICraES tion.com

Cell Phone: 250-879-6306 • Office: 250-372-2955 Ext. 259 e-mail: Kyle.schell@ig.ca • Website: http://advisor.investorsgroup.com/en/kyle_schell

➤Schedule your FREE Estimate

CALL JIM at 250-378-4212

gandresto

www.tbmcleanin

Solutions for your tree problems!

09 TF: 1-877-612-09

ADVERTISING

21, 2021 • 27 THURSDAY, January

GET YOUR BUSINESS NOTICED!

ory Y ou r Local Business Direct

y to A brighter da make a move

ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE

OLD OR NEW WE HAVE FOR EVERYONE MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONS BC. I have relocated to Merritt, Investmen•ts.Tune Ups and I am pleased to announce • Brakes • Exhaust of experience in Insurance visit me at• Suspension • Lube/Oil I bring with me 18 years to meeting you, please • Shocks & Struts I am really looking forward •Radiator Service Service • Air Conditioning 1988 Quilchena Avenue.

250-378-1322 to for Life. r day 2026 Mamette Avenue hte Let’s talk about Money ® * A brig CPCA

PRIME ADVERTISING LOCATION! Leslee Lucy CFP

e make a mov INVESTMENT/INSURANCE

This is a full colour business card size space on a 1, 3, 6 month or more contract.

Quilchena y Canna Compan

@DanAlbas

DanAlbas4COSN

-8711 Toll Free: 1-800-665 www.danalbas.com

under the sun

IF YOUR READING THIS, THEN YOU KNOW IT WORKS!

®

CPCA

sun by Sun Life Financial

Mutual funds distributed

Investment Services (Canada)

GENERAL ONTISTS AVAILABLE HOURS pm SPECIALIST ORTHOD -6 Tuesday: 9 am

Ave.,

to book your

2731 Forksdale

itt.ca www.dentistryatmerr, Dr. R. Dutt-DMD

ation For more inform contact Ken at:

4241 250-378-ublishing .com

CLARITY COMFORT, IDENCE AND CONF LETE A COMP THROUGH

REMOVAL

L PLAN

FINANCIA

250-378-9410

Insurance Planning Cashflow and ent Portfolio Managem Planning Tax and Estate

plan today! for your Contact Kyle

CARPET CLEANING UPHOLSTERY & TILE & GROUT CLEANING – FLOOD & JANITORIAL SERVICES

www.tbmcleaningandrestoration.com

Wednesday - Thursday: 9 am - 5 pm Friday and Saturday: 9 am - 4 pm

Dr. S. Malhotra-DDS

TEGIES INVESTMENT STRA

CLEANING SERVICES BOOK TODAY!

appointment.

250-378-4888 Avenue, V1K 1R9

Dr. J. Sarao-DMD,

CERTIFIED IN MODERATE ASBESTOS

kcouture@aberdeenp

DENTIST

Call

-4943 PHONE: 250-378Merritt, BC

2064 Coutlee

s!

Advertising work in our Place your ad ctory!

Business Dire

420

S WELCOME NEW PATIENTS & WALK-IN DENTISTS &

Inc.

ADVERTISING ALD MERRITT HER

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19+

Call 250-378-5 a Ave., Merritt BC Unit B-1937 Quilchen

g & He ati ola Pl um bin

the Services (Canada) Inc. Life’s brighter under group of companies.

by Sun Life Financial Investment of the Sun Life Financial Mutual funds distributed of Canada is a member 2017.

Sun Life Assurance Company Company of Canada, © Sun Life Assurance

Be sure to give me a call if you want to reserve your advertisement in this spot.

Ask for ken or TheresA• 250-378-4241

*

3499 Voght Street P.O. Box 639 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8

Nic

ST

NG PLUMBING & HEATI ng

Plumbing, Heating, Furnace Service.

Service Work & Custom Sheet Metal Repairs Atlas RV Parts &

Life’s brighter Leslee Lucy CFP Services (Canada) Inc. of companies.

by Sun Life Financial Investment Tel: 250-574-4730 the Sun Life Financial group Mutual funds distributed of Canada is a member of leslee.lucy@sunlife.com Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2017. www.sunlife.ca/leslee.lucy © Sun Life Assurance Company

bis Co.

Quilchena Canna

Tel: 250-574-4730 leslee.lucy@sunlife.com cy www.sunlife.ca/leslee.lu Merritt, BC. I have relocated to Investments.

3499 Voght Street talk about Let’sand I am pleased to announce in Insurance at years of experience me Life for visit n in..

Money I bring with me 18 you, please P.O. Box 639 forward to meeting Fully Qualied Tradesme I am really looking Bonded Gas Fitters.

Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 1988 Quilchena Avenue.for Life.

Let’s talk about Money

LICENSED CANNABIS

HERE FOR YOU!

MECHANIC

ICAL SERVICE FRANK’S MECHAN WARRANTY APPROVED

MU

BOOK TODAY!

250-378-9410

COMFORT, CLARITY AND CONFIDENCE

e-mail:

Ext. 259 hell • Office: 250-372-2955 om/en/kyle_sc nvestorsgroup.c Cell Phone: 250-879-6306 http://advisor.i ca • Website: Kyle.schell@ig.

TF: 1-877-612-0909

TREE SERVICE JIM POTTER

E MERRITT TREE SERVIC faller • Fully insured, certified • WSBC covered assessmen t • Dangerous tree

FREE Estimate ➤Schedule your

at 250-378-4212

CALL JIM tree problems!

Solutions for your

ADVERTISING

nding Are you expa t base? your clien

way an accessible Looking for to find you? for people ” page

Directory “Local Business Colour!

Herald’s Always Full JOIN theEvery nt Thursday, 1 month committmeweek. *with minimum each 5330 readers Reach over -4241 or

250-378 .com Theresa at Contact r@merrittherald Email: publishe

20 • THURSDAY, January 28, 2021

24 0N% CING

FINA

UP TO

OAC

www.merrittherald.com

COVI D IN PL PROTOCO SAFE ACE FOR ALS S EXPE HOPPING RIEN CE

JANUARY

CLEARANCE Making room for 2021 models

DON’T MISS OUT

HOUR SALE OVER 3 DAYS THURS, JAN. 28th - SATURDAY, JAN. 30th

70%

OFF STOREWIDE

SHOP LOCAL, SUPPORT LOCAL, PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE! BUY IT TODAY TAKE IT HOME TODAY Closed Thursday, Dec. 31- to prepare for this huge event!

STATUS CARDS ACCEPTED

2025 Coutlee Avenue, Merritt Phone: 250-378-2332

& Appliances Ltd.

HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 9 am - 6 pm, Sat.: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm Sundays: Closed