CANDLELIGHT VIGIL PLANNED FOR FRASER /PAGE 8
TKAC RETURNS FROM WORLD JUNIORS /PAGE 15
Nicola Valley’s News Voice Since 1905
MERRITT HERALD THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2020 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS • www.merrittherald.com
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FATAL AVALANCHE One man is dead following an avalanche during a snowmobiling incident near Cabin Lake and Prospect Creek.
/PAGE 3 PROPERTY VALUES
NEW YEAR, NEW CENTS The Cents have already made a handful of roster moves since the calendar changed over, in an attempt to start anew in the New Year. STORY /PAGE 8
BC Assessment has released the 2020 results for property owners across the Thompson Okanagan Region.
/PAGE 5 FOREST ECONOMY The President of Forest Products Association of Canada gives his take on the state of BC’s forest industry after 2019.
/PAGE 7 1618 FIR ROAD 2 yr old custom rancher with spectacular view, vaulted ceilings, open concept kitchen/nook & great room. Fully fin. basement with large family room & storage. Fenced back yard with garden area & shed. Quick possession.
MLS#153957
$549,900
Moving Real Estate BC Ltd. www.century21.ca/brad.yakimchuk
250-378-6166
Brad Yakimchuk 250-315-3043 Personal Real Estate Corporation
2 • THURSDAY,
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January 9, 2020
250.378.6941 Brenda Thompson 250-315-8377
#112-1700 Garcia Street Box 2257 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8
brenda@merritthomes.ca
Valerie Kynoch 250-280-0994 vkynoch@icloud.com
Janis Post
PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION
250-315-3672 janis@janispost.com
Melody Simon 250-315-8539
melodyproperty2@gmail.com
Karen Bonneteau
PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION
250-315-5178 kbonneteau@telus.net
Ray Thompson 250-315-3377 ray@merritthomes.ca
Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results - Contact us for a complete list of listings.
2102 Blair Street - FOR LEASE
71-2776 Clapperton Avenue
206-2295 Blair Street
24-1749 Menzies Street
2881 Cranna Crescent
MLS#154770 $13.50 3 Bay Shop for lease in prime downtown location. 0.4 acre corner lot consisting of 3 titles, highway accessible. 3 Bay shop is 3,164 square feet in size on city water and sewer. C-3 zoning.
MLS#153911 $124,000 Enjoy over 1400 sq ft of living space in this bright spacious home featuring a lovely gas fireplace in the main room, two large bedrooms, master with ensuite and soaker tub, central air conditioning and more.
MLS#153551 $130,000 Updated and renovated 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment in the Sandpiper Complex. This apartment has new flooring, paint, hot water tank - Jan 2019, repaired window sills and new blinds in the bedrooms.
MLS#154499 $244,900 3BR 2BA unit in popular Sun Valley Court. Open concept main floor w/large front entrance and laundry room off the garage. All three bedrooms are on the second level. Large master bedroom with ensuite.
MLS#154716 $279,900 Large lot with a detached shop/garage! Great 2, possibly 3 BR, 2 BA manufactured home on a .26 acre lot. Lovely upgrades with a large addition, great curb appeal, private yard and loads of potential in the interior.
1-1717 Granite Avenue
1200 Government Avenue
374 Gray Avenue
1775 Blair Street
206-2514 Spring Bank Avenue
MLS#153672 $294,900 Bright open concept 2-3 bdrm, 3 bath adult townhouse in excellent location near downtown core. The main floor has it all - kitchen, living room with electric fireplace, den, laundry, master bedroom with ensuite.
MLS#154680 $325,000 Large lot with a detached shop/garage! Great 2, possibly 3 BR, 2 BA manufactured home on a .26 acre lot. Lovely upgrades with a large addition, great curb appeal, private yard and loads of potential in the interior.
MLS#150186 $349,000 Spacious 4 BR family home on quiet street in Lower Nicola. 3 BR and laundry on the main floor with gallery style kitchen and bright living room. Double garage and detached cinder block shop!
MLS#154482 $388,000 Nice family home only minutes walking distance to the downtown core. Three bedrooms up and three down, plus a detached shop w/power. Recent updates include furnace, hot water tank, and more.
MLS#153353 $389,900 Spacious new construction 3 BR 4 BA townhome with a beautiful blend of contemporary and modern finishes. Full 2-5-10 year new home warranty, attached 2-car garage and much more!
1887 Nicola Avenue
2337 Reid Place
5033 Lauder Road
2465 Paige Street
2830 Scott Place
MLS# 154580 $419,000 Very nice, move-in ready 3 BR 3 BA rancher within walking distance to downtown Merritt. Attached 2-car garage, detached shop, UG sprinklers, built-in vac, lane access and RV parking, and much more.
MLS#152641 $424,000 Very nice 3 BR 3 BA family home with a 16 X 32 inground pool located on a large lot on a quiet desired street in the Merritt bench area. New roof 2013 and windows 2014, updated kitchen.
MLS#153316 $449,900 Lovely 3 bedroom 2 bathroom cedar cottage on an excellent 2-acre view lot at Glimpse Lake. This beautiful cottage is turn-key, could be used year-round. Many upgrades over the year, new paint and metal roof.
MLS#149981 $450,000 Very nice 4 BR, 2 BA family home on .42 acre in Lower Nicola, just minutes from downtown Merritt. New furnace, new hot water tank, new gas fireplace insert, and more.
MLS#154502 $459,000 5 bedroom 3 bath warm and inviting family home. Bright roomy kitchen with new stainless steel appliances, versatile island, and planning center. Gas fireplace in living room. Several updates recently done.
5993 Beech Road
1555 Chestnut Avenue
3026 Miller Court
1511 Bann Street
2102 Blair Street
MLS#154120 $479,000 A little piece of heaven in the country. This 4 BR, 3 BA family home is about 15 min. from Merritt, and situated on 1.97 acres, with horse shelter, paddock and double garage. Must see!
MLS#153550 $484,000 3 BR, 2.5 bath open concept luxury home with 10’ ceilings, contemporary design. Full 2-5-10 home warranty, double garage, and countless high-end features like quartz countertops
MLS#154497 $499,000 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom rancher with many extras, located in a nice subdivision with all newer construction. Central air-conditioning, built-in vac, attached 2 car garage, privacy fenced backyard with patio and more.
MLS#153370 $539,000 Beautiful 4 BR 3 BA custom-built home on large lot (.31 acre) with a 3-bay garage (wired) and lots of room for all your toys and RV. Solid hardwood floors, large windows, central vac, central a/c, and more!
MLS#153982 $599,000 3 Bay Shop for sale in prime downtown location. 0.4 acre corner lot consisting of 3 titles, highway accessible. 3 Bay shop is 3,164 square feet in size on city water and sewer. C-3 zoning.
1741 Sunflower Avenue
3580 Fox Farm Road
1925 2nd Avenue
2748 Sunshine Valley Road
6557 Monck Park Road
MLS# 154294 $639,900 Beautiful new custom-built basement entry, 2 level home w/many extras for you & your family. This home features 4 bedrooms (possible 5), master w/walk-in closet plus 2 full additional bathrooms. And much more!
MLS#154788 $649,900 Panoramic views from this 3 BR, 3 BA home on 10 scenic acres near Merritt. Electric furnace & wood stove heat, new metal roof 2013, fenced pasture area & shelter for horses, 32’ x 32’ x 16h detached shop.
MLS#154542 $689,000 Riverfront oasis in the city! 3 bed 3 bath home located on a beautiful 30,000 sq ft park-like lot. Go on a virtual 3D tour and see this fantastic listing with all the amazing features including the stunning master bath.
MLS#153773 $825,000 14-acre dream property with numerous outbuildings and animal shelters. Immaculate and bright, 4 BR plus an office, country kitchen, spacious dining room, and so much mor
MLS#153296 $1,100,000 Indulge yourself with 3800 sqft of high end living as you enjoy a panoramic view of Nicola Lake. 3 BR 4 BA home with dream kitchen and countless features, plus a full RV pad, 2-car garage, and lake-view hot tub.
THURSDAY, January 9, 2020 • 3
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS Have a story tip? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing newsroom@merrittherald.com
BACKCOUNTRY TRAGEDY
One dead after fatal avalanche A Merritt man fell victim to an avalanche while snowmobling near Cabin Lake. Jake Courtepatte THE MERRITT HERALD
One man is dead after an avalanche near Merritt on January 4. Merritt RCMP spokesman Jesse O’Donaghey said the avalanche was triggered near Cabin Lake and Prospect Creek, where searchers found the victim after two men were snowmobiling in the backcountry and one could not locate the other trapped by the slide. “The victim was located by searchers, but sadly he did not survive,” said
O’Donaghey in a statement. “The BC Coroners Service has been notified and is now investigating the man’s sudden death.” Merritt RCMP say they received a report of an avalanche around 12:40p.m. on Jan. 4. Initial reports indicated one person was trapped and in need of urgent care. The victim’s identity will not be released. Cabin Lake is approximately 60 kilometres southwest of Merritt. RCMP continue to encourage the public to closely monitor the Avalanche Canada website for current conditions, danger ratings in their area, and use extra caution when travelling in the back country. According to the web-
The first license has been approved to bring Cannabis retail to the City of Merritt. The proposed ‘My Buddies’ shop was granted its license last week, almost six months after an application to open the business was approved by town council. Owner Jeffrey Thompson said it was his previous experience in the business that may have helped him secure the city’s first license, though
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One man is dead following an avalanche while snowmobiling in the area of Cabin Lake and Propsect Creek, about 60 kilometres southwest of Merritt. FILE PHOTO/Herald
site, avalanche warnings remain ‘considerably high’ for the Thompson-Nicola District, indicating a likely potential for natural avalanches, and a very high likelihood for humantriggered events. Avalanche Canada’s
Mike Conlan said to always make sure to carry the right equipment when heading to the backcountry. Wednesday, Jan. 8 saw the entire portion of the Coquihalla Highway between Hope and Merritt
shut down for four hours to perform avalanche control work by the province. Working by helicopter, the goal of the crews was to remove weak layers of snow and ice and reduce the depth of the snowpack, according to officials.
CARING SPIRIT Pastor Narayan Mitra of the Merritt Baptist Church looks at how to take care of both your physical and spiritial self in the New Year through faith.
Search ‘FAITH’
Cannabis shop receives first license Jake Courtepatte THE MERRITT HERALD
Opinion ---------------------- 6-7 Sports -------------------- 14-15 Classifieds --------------- 17-18
this week
LOCAL RETAIL
‘My Buddies’ is the first shop in Merritt with a license.
INSIDE
three more shops also received approval in the summer of 2019. “I’m not sure of who the other groups are that have applied, but I already have three shops open in BC, which might have helped me get through the due diligence process quicker,” said Thompson. “I was also very organized with the information I had to provide the province and The City of Merritt. Thompson has his sights set on opening up shop at 3320 River Ranch Road, the site of the former Nicola Valley Dollar Mart. He hopes to have the process fully completed before the spring. “Our next step is to complete the build out for the location and get final
NEW DOCTOR Residents waiting for a new permanent physician to join Logan Lake Primary Health Care in March will have a visiting physician throughout January and February.
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POWER USAGE The old Dollar Mart at 3320 River Ranch Road is the site of the future My Buddies shop. FILE PHOTO/Herald
inspection from the province. I anticipate completing all this by the middle of February, but you never know what obstacles could come up.”
Thompson said he plans on running a “community-oriented” shop and has a goal to be involved as much as possible with other local businesses
around town. “I can’t wait to show what kind of am atmosphere and vibe we can bring to Cannabis retail in Merritt.”
New research from BC Hydro finds British Columbians feel overwhelmed by the amount of electronics and other items accumulated over the holidays.
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 2020 8 am to 2:15 pm (last weigh in)
Entry Fees: $15 /person (Juniors aged 16 & under are FREE) Hot Dogs will be available plus FREE Hot Chocolate and Coffee •Fresh water fishing regulations •Derby date is subject to safe ice conditions •All participation is at your own risk •Be a conservationist: Leave no trash or firewood on the ice or lake shore
For more info call Paul at 250-378-4904, B.J. Moore 250-280-0304 or visit our website: www.nvfishandgameclub.ca
Tickets available at: Ponderosa, Gun Fishin and at the event.
4 • THURSDAY, THURSDAY, January January 9, 9, 2020 2020
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Fitness Programs E DE UIID GU Y G TY VIIT TIIV CT AC A
Merritt
To prevent program
n 2018 Autum2020 Winter
cancellations, please register in advance.
The Winter Activity Guide is available for pickup at all City of Merritt Facilities or online at www.merritt.ca
1
50 nt r e 2 5 0 . 315 .10 M e rri t t C ivi c C e
Facilities of Recreation & by the Department Brought to you
Lunch Time Yoga . 14+ yrs Monday/Wednesday/Friday . January – March 12:15 - 1:00 pm . $5 drop in What a great way to get a quick boost to make it thru the long afternoon! (no class on stat holidays) Instructed by Trish Davey Vinyasa Yoga . 14+ yrs Mondays, January 6 – March 2 . 8 wks 5:30 – 6:30 pm . $72 Vinyasa is a creative, flowing yoga experience. Based on the Sun Salutation, we move and stretch the whole body, while exploring the integration of mind, body and spirit. Suitable for all fitness levels. (no class Feb 17) Minimum 6! Instructed by Trish Davey Yin Yoga . 14+ yrs Mondays, January 6 – March 2 . 8 wks 7:00 – 8:00 pm . $72 Physically and mentally, Yin Yoga is a completely different system of yoga. Practiced mostly seated, we hold the poses for 3 to 8 minutes. Targeting the hard tissue of body, rather than the muscles, we can greatly increase flexibility and mobility, improving the health of the connective tissue. As we hold the poses, the body becomes uncomfortable and the mind wanders. As we learn to manage this stress on our mats, we can strengthen our ability to manage our daily stresses. (no class Feb 17). Minimum 6! Instructed by Trish Davey Flow Yoga . 14+ yrs Wednesdays, January 16 – March 5 . 8 wks 5:30 – 6:30 pm . $72 A fluid moving yoga class designed to increase your strength, stamina, and flexibility. Enjoy the benefits of yoga and a great workout while creating a better relationship with your body and your mind! (no class Oct. 16) Minimum 6! Instructed by Trish Davey
Full Body Fitness Tuesdays, January 14 – March 3 . 8 wks 6:15 – 7:00 am . $40 A Cardio and strength class that explores various disciplines to keep your body constantly adapting to new demands for optimal fitness growth. Class is levelled, beginners welcome. Minimum 6! Instructed by Krista Minar Dance Fit . 14+ yrs Wednesdays, January 15 – March 4 . 10 wks 6:45 – 7:45 pm . $72 Bust a move, shake your tail-feathers and drop it like it’s hot! 1 hour of heart-pumping, foot-popping tunes from the last century; there is plenty of room to bring in your own flavor, let loose and really enjoy movement as your body allows. Beginners welcome! Minimum 10! Instructed by Krista Minar Abs & Arms . 14+ yrs Thursdays, January 16 – March 5 . 7 wks 6:15 – 7:00 am . $40 Core exercises train the muscles in your pelvis, lower back, hips and abdomen to work in harmony combined with upper body strengthening. This leads to better balance and stability. In fact, most sports and other physical activities depend on stable core muscles. Minimum 6! Instructed by Krista Minar Meditation Wednesdays January 15, February 19 & March 18 6:45 – 7:45 pm . FREE Explore a new chapter with Ros from the Library! She’s bringing her meditation to the Civic Center, so take some time to relax, look inward, and learn simple ways to meditate. In partnership with the Thompson Nicola Regional Library Instructed by Ros Duclos
Snow Angel Program
16 w w w. m e rri t t .c a
Older than 16? Care to help out?
YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS Are you between the age of 14-24 living in the Nicola Valley? Are you seeking leadership experience? The City of Merritt Youth Advisory Committee is seeking seven youth members for a new opportunity to be involved in the community. The City of Merritt Youth Advisory Committee members will: · Keep Council informed about important matters affecting youth; · Act as a positive advocate for youth and youth initiatives; · Proactively consider policies, strategies, and proposals which the Deadline to apply: Committee believes could improve the lives of youth in Merritt; until positions · Actively seek input from youth on important matters and matters are filled delegated to the Committee by Council; Fill out your application at www.merritt.ca or pick it up at CityHall.
W in t e r • 2 0 2 0
Become a snow angel!
We have received many requests from elderly and/or people with disability who struggle to clear their driveway during the snow season. Make a difference in your community and become a snow angel. All Snow Angel volunteers will be entered in to a draw to win one of two gi� baskets worth approximately $250 each and will be invited to a City of Merri� Volunteer Apprecia�on event to be held in 2020.
THURSDAY, January 9, 2020 • 5
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS PROPERTY ASSESSMENT
Merritt home values increase nine percent Jake Courtepatte THE MERRITT HERALD
The value of a residential property in Merritt increased by an average of nine percent in 2019, according to BC Assessment. The province has released the Thompson Okanagan Region’s 2020 property assessment notices and found that the average single-family home in Merritt increased from $266,000 to $289,000 between July of 2018 and July of 2019. The numbers stay consistent with that of the 2018 assessments ($243,100-266,100, or nine percent), which in itself was a moderate jump from a six percent increase in 2017. “People living in the regions hardest hit by sky-high property-value increases are seeing a moderating trend in housing prices,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “For the second year in a row, we see only modest changes in the value of both single-family and strata homes in most regions. “This is a positive sign that our government’s efforts to make housing more affordable for more British Columbians are having a real impact. For too long, the previous government sat back
How’s your hearing? Ask an Audiologist.
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Call Monday - Friday
315-9688
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EVERYONE WELCOME
If you would like to be part of the Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo on Labour Day weekend, or the many other events at the Nicola Valley Rodeo Association arena, please come out to our AGM.
Merritt saw a nine percent increase in assessed value in 2019. Information courtesy of BC Assessment
and watched housing prices climb well out of the reach of average people. Younger generations were shut out of the market and many abandoned hope to ever own a home or felt forced to leave the province to start a family. “We are encouraged by signs that property values are continuing to stabilize, giving more certainty for those investing in multi-family buildings, more stability for current homeowners and improved opportunity for those entering the market. Robinson said the moderate increase should allow more young adults to have the opportunity to join the real estate market in 2020. Okanagan area
Deputy Assessor Tracy Wall said the consistent numbers were to be expected for the Thompson Okanagan. “Throughout the Thompson, the majority of homeowners can expect an increase in value compared to last year. Comparing July 2018 and July 2019, home values have risen consistently for most of Kamloops and the Thompson with a few communities seeing increases slightly higher than others, especially in Clinton, Lillooet, Ashcroft and Lytton.” The Village of Clinton saw the highest increase at 25 percent, while Spallumcheen saw the most significant drop at five percent. 43 of the top 50 highest-valued residen-
tial properties in B.C. were in the Vancouver area in 2019, topped out by the home of Lululemon co-founder Chip Wilson at just under a $65 million value. The most expensive Thompson Okanagan residential property was listed at just over $10 million in the North MissionCrawford neighbourhood of Kelowna. More information about the assessment can be found at bcassessment.ca, including self-service access to a free, online property assessment search service that allows anyone to search, check and compare 2020 property assessments for anywhere in the province. You can create an account to check a
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property’s 10-year value history, store/access favourites, and monitor neighbourhood sales. Wall said those looking to dispute the assessment, have until Jan. 31 to submit a Notice of Complaint for an independent review by a Property Assessment Review Panel.
annual general MEETING
January 23, 2020 • 6:30pm Thursday | Merritt Civic Centre • 1950 Mamette Ave
Changes to the constitution and bylaws will be reviewed and voted on at the meeting. For details call Mary at 250.828.1871
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6 • THURSDAY,
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January 9, 2020
VIEWPOINT EDITORIAL So long to MSP Alex Hemingway POLICY ANALYST
It’s a brand-new year and BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP) premiums are no more. That’s great news because MSP premiums were a very unfair tax (or ‘regressive’ as we economists like to say). In its first budget (in 2018), the current provincial government announced it would phase out MSP premiums by 2020, and it has made several other changes to personal taxes (including adjustments to income tax, PST, tobacco and the carbon tax). We crunched the numbers to find out how these changes impact households at different income levels. We found that only BC’s richest are paying higher tax rates, while the vast majority of households are seeing their effective tax rates fall. For the bottom 90 percent of households, total provincial taxes fall from an average of 9.1 percent of income in 2016 to 7.9 percent in 2020. In contrast, for the most affluent one percent of households, the effective tax rate rises over the same period from 9.6 percent to 10.5 percent. The tax reduction for the majority of households is almost entirely a result of the elimination of MSP premiums. MSP was a particularly unfair tax, because whether you make $45,000 or $450,000, you paid the same flat dollar amount ($900 per year per adult back in 2017), though those with very low incomes got assistance. Under this system, the rich paid a much smaller share of their income in MSP than modest and middle-income earners. The top one percent of households will also benefit from not having to pay MSP premiums anymore. But they pay more under the new income tax bracket of 16.8 percent on income over $153,900. This is good news for tax fairness in BC. In contrast, tax cuts made by the previous government between 2000 and 2016 benefited the top one percent far more than middle and modest-income households, while MSP premiums more than doubled. Eliminating an unfair tax like MSP is important, but it costs $2.7 billion in lost See ‘MSP’ Page 7 provincial
ALBAS: Ministers must step to the plate on bureaucratic issues In the spirit of the holiday season, I have decided to share a tale of two different Cabinet Ministers from my time as a Member of Parliament, DAN ALBAS representing the View from the concerns of local citizens here in the HILL riding. In my first year as a Member of Parliament, a man who was a citizen from another country, and had a permit to live and work in Canada, decided to take a weekend trip to visit the United States, a common activity for those who live near the border. Upon return to the Canadian border, the man in question experienced an unfortunate incident where he was ordered to be removed from Canada within seven days. The removal order was based on claims that the man was not legally in Canada to
Publisher Theresa Arnold publisher@ merrittherald.com
begin with. This occurred despite legal documents the man possessed that clearly indicated this was not the case. It was evident that a mistake had been made but the wheels of Ottawa bureaucracy turn very slowly. This issue in question was brought to my attention by a local MLA who reached out and advocated on behalf of the man, requesting he be allowed to stay according to the terms of his original admissibility documents. Fortunately, the Minister of Immigration (at the time) was willing to hear the details of the case and ultimately corrected the error and restored faith in the fairness of our administrative process. I respect this Minister, who is no longer an MP, to this day for demonstrating the leadership necessary to right a wrong that could have easily been buried behind bureaucracy. On a different note, more recently I was approached by a small business owner from the Okanagan. This small business owner has been successfully importing goods for resale worldwide for
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close to two decades. Over that time frame, this business now employs over a dozen people full time and has invested significantly in a local Okanagan community. Recently, and without warning, a federal agency refused entry to a shipment of goods destined for this small business. These were the same goods imported to Canada for close to 20 years without incident. To add insult to injury, no specific reasons have been provided to the small business to justify what was clearly an arbitrary decision made by this agency. These unaccountable bureaucrats have refused to assist in any meaningful way to produce a solution or even a course of action to resolve whatever issue is ultimately at play. They have stated that the products are not in compliance, yet will not offer any forward guidance as to which rules are being broken or how they can be brought into compliance, citing that it is the job of the small business and not the department See ‘MINISTERS’ Page 7 in question.
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FAX (250) 378-6818
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This Merritt Herald is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact newsroom@merrittherald.com or call (250) 378-4241. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at www.mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.
THURSDAY, January 9, 2020 • 7
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OPINION Future bright for Canada’s forest industry Derek Nighbor CONTRIBUTOR
For forestry workers and communities, 2019 was a challenging year. Market headwinds, cost pressures, combined with the devastating fallout of pest and fire outbreaks has put thousands out of work. Forestry communities across British Columbia have been hit especially hard, and our industry has been working hard to support the families and communities impacted. At the same time and as we enter a new decade, Canadians are seized with the need to take real action to address the impacts of our changing climate, in a way that protects family-supporting jobs in communities that need them. Currently, our sector is working on a number of priorities that top the list of the Trudeau government’s agenda. These include fighting climate change,
reducing our reliance on single-use plastics, strengthening opportunities for middle class families, and advancing smart conservation. In each of these areas, Canadian forestry and our forest products sector are uniquely able to make a real difference. The climate change fighting power of forests and forest products is known the world over. Natural Resources Canada’s State of the Forests Report (2018) confirms that sustainably harvesting trees to turn them into longlived carbon-storing wood products, and replanting younger seedlings, provides a carbon sink of 20 million tons. Trees don’t live forever. Across Canada’s boreal forest, they only live for 80-100 years, at which time they are susceptible to pests, fire, or simply falling over. Healthy, young, regenerating forests pull more carbon per unit area than almost any other type
of land cover. On the products side, using wood in building construction to replace more carbon-intensive and environmentally harmful products like cement can help green our cities and towns. We can also take wood waste leftover at our sawmills and turn that into traditional and new products that people want and need, from toilet paper, to bio-adhesives, to biofuels. This wood waste can also be used to make more sustainable packaging materials, as Canada develops a plan to reduce the use of single-use plastics. The ability to maximize utilization – or use every part of the tree - is just one of forestry’s contributions to the circular economy. This brings us to job creation and sustained prosperity for the middle class. Today, Canada’s forest products sector contributes more than $73 billion to our economy and
This attitude stands diametrically opposed to the Government’s rhetoric of encouraging small businesses to expand and export. From my perspective, this is the type of situation that gives Government bureaucracy a bad name. I took this issue directly to the Minister in question who sadly has sided with the department and will not offer any useful assistance. This small business owner faces the poten-
tial of losing a significant amount of money that was invested in the inventory that was paid for prior to shipping. There was a solution here. Considering the same goods have entered Canada for close to two decades, this shipment could have been released with a directive that it would be the final shipment unless whatever corrective action deemed necessary is identified and undertaken. In the absence of that, the local small business suffers.
I will not be identifying either Minister referenced in my report today, but share this with you to ask one simple question. To what degree of importance do you believe a Cabinet Minister has a duty to be accountable to the citizens of Canada they serve? I would like to wish you all a healthy and prosperous New Year in 2020. I can be reached at Dan.Albas@parl.gc.ca or call toll free 1-800665-8711.
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Derek Nighbor (right) recognizes VP of Corporate Development at Conifex Timber at the 2019 FPAC Awards of Excellence. BEN RONALD/Contributor
we employ more than 230,000 in over 600 communities. The transformation of the forest sector and breakthrough innovations are delivering significant economic opportunities for prosperity and family-supporting jobs. Wages and benefits in the forest sector are among the highest and most competitive in the country. It’s also worth noting that about 70% of Indigenous commu-
nities are situated in or near forested areas, and that the forest products industry is one of the largest employers of Indigenous people in Canada. Canada’s forests and our careful management of this precious and renewable resource are a beacon for the rest of the world. Let’s make 2020 the year that we collectively embrace our natural advantage and use the
power of Canada’s forestry workers to fight climate change, advance smart conservation, better leverage the green power of Canadian wood products, and ensure prosperity for hard working Canadian families. Derek Nighbor is President and CEO of the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC).
Ministers must be held accountable MSP a ‘particularly unfair tax’ to BC From Page 6
Speak up
From Page 6 revenue annually. It’s important to replace that revenue because there’s a huge backlog of social and environmental investments needed in this province. To address the loss of revenue from MSP, the government introduced the Employer Health Tax (EHT), which is charged as a share of payroll for large and medium-sized employers. This is a positive move in terms of tax fairness—but the EHT covers only $1.9 billion of the $2.7
billion in MSP revenue we’re losing annually. Overall, provincial government spending has declined dramatically as a share of our GDP over the past two decades. The current government’s tax changes and investments in public programs have ended this downward trend, but not reversed it. In fact, if we dedicated the same share of our GDP to public spending today as we did in 2000, we’d have over $7 billion more available each year to invest in urgent social
and environmental priorities. The good news is that we are an incredibly wealthy province and there are many opportunities to make further improvements to tax fairness while also shoring up BC’s capacity to make the public investments we need. So, good riddance to the MSP. Let’s celebrate this major improvement to our tax system and get down to work on the next steps. Alex Hemingway is an economist and public finance analyst at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives BC Office.
Has the recent winter weather ruined your travel plans?
PREVIOUS QUESTION Are you shopping local this year?
YES: 58% NO: 42%
LETTERS POLICY The Merritt Herald welcomes your letters, on any subject, addressed to the editor. Letters must be signed and include the writer’s name, address and phone number for verification purposes. Letters may be edited for length, taste and clarity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less. Email letters to: newsroom@ merrittherald. com.
John Isaac
250-378-1586
Johnisaac@telus.net
www.realestatemerritt.com
Ph: 250-378-6181 F: 250-378-6184
www.royallepage.ca/merritt 3499 Voght Street, Merritt, BC
M E R R I T T
2101 BLACKWELL: Just like new 3 bedroom 3 bath two story home with garage, new roof, flooring, paint plus bathrooms and custom kitchen.
$385,000
3663 DEWOLF : Opportunity to run your own business, established chicken franchise, Good sized lot with drive through window. Business only sale.
2731 EAGLE CRES: Larger lot than most located on cul-de-sac street in preferred bench location on high side of street, many new home in area and great views.
#214 OPAL LOGAN LAKE: Well kept 1 Bdrm with a great view of the valley mountains. Galley kitchen, with tile back splash and good amount of cupboard space.
$550,000
$99,000
$74,000
8 • THURSDAY,
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January 9, 2020
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Auxiliary hands out awards for service Morgan Hampton CONTRIBUTOR
Several members of the Nicola Valley Healthcare Auxiliary were recently presented with awards as a thank-you for their commendable service, both to the Auxiliary and the community. Del Lawrence received an award for 30 years of dedicated service to the Auxiliary. Since 1988, Lawrence has held many varied positions within the Auxiliary, including treasurer, secretary, vice president, presi-
dent and convenor. She has also been active in the community as a volunteer for other organizations and initiatives, including the Hospital Foundation Board, Patricia Rebecca Lodge, Senior Citizens Centre, Canadian Cancer Society, Red Cross and more. Her passionate dedication led to her being presented with a Service Award. Myrna Jones and Joan Harkies were both recipients of Life Memberships of the BC Association of Healthcare Auxiliaries, which sets out the necessary criteria for the nomination and presentation of awards to members for exemplary service. Both are still active volunteers at the thrift store, serving for 42 and 47 years, respectively. Jones has been organizing the weekly
window display for 35 years, while Harkies has been cleaning and repairing jewelry for the annual jewelry sale, in addition to their numerous other volunteer tasks. including conferences and events, volunteering at the hospital, and various leadership roles on the executive board. Pauline Mott, the new first vice president, was recognized for stepping into the role and going above and beyond what was necessary to her position. Auxiliary President Jacquie Hall, who has been an active volunteer for 35 years, praises the women for the work they have done and is pleased the nominations put forth were accepted. However, she notes that as these ladies get older and leave their
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Candlelight vigil planned for Fraser Morgan Hampton CONTRIBUTOR
A candlelight vigil has been planned for the Merritt community Friday to remember Kelly Fraser. The 26-year old Inuk singer-songwriter passed away in Winnipeg, on December 24th, 2019. According to a statement released by her family, Fraser had struggled with PTSD and cyberbullying for many years, before ultimately taking her own life on Christmas Eve. Fraser was born in Igloolik, Nunavut and attended Nunavut Sivuniksavut in Ottawa before completing an indigenous studies program at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology. She had hoped to further her studies through a Nunavut based law program and eventually
(L-R): Del Lawrence, Myrna Jones, Pauline Mott, and Joan Harkies were all recognized at the Nicola Valley Auxiliary’s Christmas awards banquet. JACQUIE HALL/Submitted
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Juno-nominated Kelly Fraser took her own life on Christmas Eve, 2019. Kelly Fraser/ HitMakerz
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become a lawyer. Fraser’s music combined the English language and Inuktitut. Her second album, Sedna, was nominated for Indigenous Music Album of the Year at the 2018 Juno Awards. Fraser will be remembered as an artist, and as an advocate for Inuit
culture, language and traditions. The Jan. 10 vigil will start at 6p.m. at Spirit Square, with permission from Fraser’s family. Those in attendance are welcome to bring drums, music makers, and candles.
MERRITT: 1690 Voght Street 250-378-4432
WE VALUE YOUR PROPERTY AS MUCH AS YOU DO. If you’re among BC’s approximately 2 million property owners, you should receive your 2020 property assessment in the mail early in January. If you haven’t, call us toll-free at 1-866-valueBC. Access and compare property assessment information using our free assessment search service at bcassessment.ca. The 2020 assessments are based on market value as of July 1, 2019.
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER.
If you have questions or want more information, contact us at 1-866-valueBC or online at bcassessment.ca. The deadline to file an appeal for your assessment is January 31, 2020.
For more property information and assessment highlights, visit
bcassessment.ca We Value BC
THURSDAY, January 9, 2020 • 9
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Volunteers recognized Merritt’s 105-year old man still as sharp as a tack From Page 8 positions at the shop, there will be a void that there are simply not enough volunteers to fill. “We need some new blood to assist us because any organization, any society cannot run without an executive and volunteers, so that’s a scary thought. I’ve been on the executive almost the entire 35 years I’ve been here. It’s time for some new peo-
ple to come in. It’s time for someone else to step up with new ideas.” Hall urges people to join the Auxiliary as a way to give back, but also as a fun way to spend a few afternoons a week. “If you’re a newly retired person and you’re looking for something that’s really fulfilling, because what we give back to the community is so fulfilling, come volunteer.”
Jake Courtepatte THE MERRITT HERALD
Mohinder Dulai’s grandson claims the patriarch is still the sharpest in the family, at 105 years old, having just celebrated Jan. 1. “More than any of us,” said Amrit Randhawa, from the family home in Merritt, right next to Dulai’s. “He never went to school, but he’s still smarter than anybody, even now.”
“He remembers things from 1947,” said Amrit’s mother, Daljit. Dulai’s story begins as a boy in India, married to his wife Udhan at just 13 years old, moving in together at the age of 18. It was a fruitful marriage that resulted in a total of 12 children, with Udhan living a long life as well, passing away in 2015. Dulai began as a farmer in India before moving to Merritt in the early 1990s, a move
sponsored by a couple of family members to bring the whole family to Canada. He continued farming well into his late ages, giving up the practice around 2000, and only to take care of his granddaughter. Both Daljit and Amrit describe Dulai as always being a tall, fit man. And despite his advanced age, Daljit said the centenarian’s wit is still quick.
Mohinder Dulai, bottom centre, with his family. Daljit Randhawa/ Submitted
“He said to us, for his 105th birthday, we’re cutting cake, and he said to us,’ cut off
my 100, I’m just five years old now.’ He’s always joking around, he’s just so funny.”
Community theatre takes a step towards construction Preliminary plans have been submitted to the lawyers of SaveOn Foods. Morgan Hampton CONTRIBUTOR
The Nicola Valley Community Theatre Society has taken another step towards construction of the proposed theatre. Rich Hodson, one of the society directors, explains that there were encumbrances on the theatre property that were put in place by Manulife Real Estate and Save-On Foods that had to be dealt with before the project could go any further. “There are encumbrances on the property that are more or less in favour of Save-On Foods and Manulife. You can’t sell something food related, or be a distributor of food that would compete with Save-On Foods, you have to have so many parking spots, you have to leave an open line of sight for the Save-On Foods signs to be visible. Just common-sense kind of things,” said Hodson. “As far as we know we’ve met our requirements for those encumbrances, but the City will review them all before they issue a development permit.” Preliminary plans were presented to the lawyers for Save-On Foods, who have given
their verbal approval, in principle. Hodson believes lawyers for Manulife are currently reviewing the plans and does not expect any difficulties in receiving their approval as well. Hodson notes that the Theatre Society is waiting to hear if they will be awarded a grant from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program before they approach the City for a development permit. The Program helps share costs between Federal, Provincial and Local governments and has earmarked $3.917 billion over ten years for BC. The Theatre Society applied for a $2.4-million grant in January of 2019 and hopes to find out this month if they will be able to add that funding to the $1.2 million that has already been raised. Hodson believes the theatre will be a great asset to the community, once in operation. “The benefit is that it would give an outlet for young people and provide jobs for young people. And instead of people travelling to Kamloops on winter roads they’ll be able to stay at home. The biggest of these theatres will have a stage for local performances, for music and arts. For the schools to use, dance recitals, music recitals, things like that. It’s going to be a smaller scale performing arts centre.”
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10 • THURSDAY, January 9, 2020, 2019
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CENTURY 21 Moving Real Estate
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#102, 2840 Voght Street, Box 236 Merritt, B.C. V1K 1B8
250-378-6166 |1-877-841-2100
Don Gossoo, Managing Broker
Doug Beech (Owner) 378-7392
BC LTD.
www.century21.ca/movingrealestate
THURSDAY, January 9, 2020 • 11
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Karen Yakimchuk 315-3076
Brad Yakimchuk
Jared Thomas 778-694-6804
Melonie Ivanic 778-803-6554
Personal Real Estate Corporation
315-3043
2985 CLAPPERTON AVE.
1476 DUNCAN ST
3011 HILTON DR
#101, 2514 SPRING BANK AVE
1618 FIR ROAD
2651 COUTLEE ST
6965 OLD NICOLA TRAIL
396 WILD ROSE DR
6953 OLD NICOLA TRAIL
MERRITT DRY CLEANING
Beautifully renovated 5 bedrm, 3 bath home on large corner lot with fenced back yard & fruit trees. Includes 2 bedrm ground level suite. Enjoy the enclosed sunroom year round. Lots of parking.
Affordable 3 bedroom half duplex in good area, close to school. Has newer flooring on the main. Fenced yard with new deck in back yard. Has upgraded windows & new paint. Includes appliances.
This 3 bedroom, 2 bath rancher in quiet neighbourhood is great for retirees or first time buyers. Open concept kitchen, dining & living room with gas F/P, kitchen has large island. Fenced yard with covered back deck.
Great 4 bedrm, 3 bath rancher with full walkout basement in Nicola Bluffs strata development. 9 ft ceilings on the main, bright kitchen, open concept great room & dining room. Views from the deck.
2 yr old custom rancher with vaulted ceilings, open concept kitchen/nook & great room. Fully fin. basement with large family room & storage. Fenced back yard with garden area & shed. Quick possession.
Large home with 3 bedroom up, large kitchen with oak cabinets & large family rm. Main floor has 2 bedrm suite. Newer roof & HW boiler. Nice fenced yard with garden space. Double garage.
Waterfront lot of 0.83 acres on Nicola Lake at Quilchena on the Lake development. Build your dream home in this exclusive neighbourhood. Lake is great for all outdoor water & rec. activities
Enjoy the great outdoors on this 1 acre lot in a great community on Iron Mountain, only 10 mins. From Merritt, 1 hr to Kelowna & 2 hrs from coast. Have your own country estate or hobby farm.
This 1.6 acres waterfront lot on Nicola Lake in Quilchena on the Lake development, is just 2.5 hrs from Lower Mainland and 15 minutes from Merritt. Great fishing & outdoor water recreation activities. Water & sewer not connected.
Well maintained & established business, a turnkey operation. 3200 sq.ft. building, good parking, comes with all equipment. Numerous building & equipment upgrades. Room for growth
#3140
#3143
#3132
#3152
#3130
#3046
#3142
$479,000
#3150
$209,900
#3155
$399,900
#3139
$419,900
$549,900
$449,900
#107, 1401 NICOLA AVE.
1653 LINDLEY CREEK RD
1602 POPE PLACE
1838 DOUGLAS STREET
471 WOODWARD AVE
2175 MAMETTE AVE
Two bedroom mobile in Eldorado Mobile Home Park overlooking golf course and is a riverfront property. Very good condition, new hot water tank and new roof to be installed. Has an attached workshop & covered deck. Pad rent $403 per month
The perfect lot to build your dream home. This lot is in a growing new subdivision & the natural slope of the land will allow for a rancher style home in the front with a walkout basement. Great views
Location! Location! This newer 2 bedroom house has an open concept that’s great for first time buyers, retirees or investors. Master bedrm has large 5 pce ensuite. Yard is fenced with underground sprinklers.
This 3 bedrm, 1.5 bath end unit home is a must see. Has many updates including siding, roof, windows & doors. Large finished rec.rm in bsmt. Fresh paint throughout. Has large fully fenced yard with fruit trees and private deck
Private Lower Nicola property, nicely landscaped with creek running through front of property. 1 bedrm up & 1 down, open concept kitchen with all appliances & huge master bedrm with ensuite. Woodstove in full bsmt. Large workshop 22x50.
Nice 3 bedrm home in good neighbourhood. Home has many updates of roof, siding, bathrms, paint, U/G sprinklers deck & more. Nicely landscaped, inground pool, RV parking. Quick possession possible.
#3154
#3144
#3126
#3156
#3133
$75,000
#3138
$64,999
$335,000
2770 PEREGRINE WAY
2760 PEREGRINE WAY
2749 PEREGRINE WAY
Spacious new home with open concept floor plan, spectacular views & high quality finishing. 2 bedrms up, master on the main & 2 more down, 4 baths & full unfin. Bsmt. New Home Warranty. Double garage
New executive family home on the Bench with views. 3 bedrms, 2 baths, designer kitchen with quartz counters, gas F/P in living room, 5 pce ensuite & a full unfinished basement. GST applies
New custom executive home with fantastic views. 3 bedrms on the main with open concept floor plan. Master has 4 pce ensuite & W/I closet. Large private deck in back off the family room.
#3118
#3117
#3116
$739,9000 + GST
$739,900
$639,900+ GST
$219,500
Call us for a Market Evaluation on your home.
$475,000
#7, 1401 NICOLA AVE.
1992 two bedroom mobile with 24 x 12 addition. Addition contains mudroom and an enclosed deck. Has carport, small garden area and storage shed plus area enclosed for pet. Pad rent $404 per month.
#3135
$87,900
BUYING IN THE WINTER CAN BE A SMART MOVE!
$375,000
$415,000
MIDDAY VALLEY ROAD
Approximately 5 acre parcel, north facing, with fantastic views. City services, not currently connected. Zoned R-9 High Density Residential. Great opportunity. Call for details.
#2962
$300,000
$139,900
Check out our website for full details on our listings.
$409,900
$499,000
6433 MONCK PARK RD
1898 BLAIR ST
This 1 acre lot with 180 degree view of Nicola Lake is perfect to build your dream home or recreational retreat. Lake access through the boat launch only minutes away. Services available
Fully fenced commercial property of approx. 30,000 sq.ft. with 2 titles. Seller is motivated & will consider carrying mortgage or a joint venture in a building complex
#3069
#3137
$165,000
$439,000
6449 MONCK PARK RD
2800 PEREGRINE WAY
6348 MONCK PARK ROAD
923 MIDDAY VALLEY ROAD
2845 NEILSON ST
Build your dream home in one of Merritt areas finest development, Nicola Lakeshore Estates. Water & sewer hookups available. Close to water access. This lake is known for fishing, water skiing & more.
This Lot 7 has 6674 sq.ft. with spectacular views. This is a growing development of custom homes. Water and sewer at property line. Bring your plans.
1 acre waterfront lot on Nicola Lake. Build your dream home or vacation getaway . Land has gentle slope to waterfront. Great location for many water sports and close to Monck Park Provincial Park. Water & sewer to lot line.
Approx. 291 acres with great potential for many different projects. Current plans are for a 2 acre estate lot development with city boundaries. Has fantastic views with city services available.
15.9 acre RV Park zoning bordering the Coldwater River. Hookups in place & future set of plans for expansion available. Has city services. Has small rental home with long term tenants.
#3074
#3108
#3071
#2956
#3090
$159,900
$115,000
$450,000
$000,000
$1,650,000.
LOT A, MIDDAY VALLEY RD
1101 MIDDAY VALLEY RD
6685 MONCK PARK RD
LOT 1, HOUSTON ST
1132 MIDDAY VALLEY RD
122 acres with multiple zoning of C4, C6, and R1. Buyer should contact the City of Merritt to request suitable zoning for match their project needs. Call for more details.
10 acre development site with CD-1 zoning. Will have city water and sewer (not connected yet). Bring your ideas and call for more details.
Great 1 acre lakeview lot with stunning panoramic views of Nicola Lake. The perfect place to build your country retreat, in neighbourhood of high end custom homes. Enjoy fishing, swimming & boating
Approximately 4 acre residential development property. Zoned R1. Bring your ideas and call for more details.
Two 10 acre parcels in the City limits with separate titles. Zoned M1. Located on truck route and easy access to highway. Great place to start your business.
#2957
#2958
#2971
#2959
#3080
There are fewer Buyers to compete with, usually prices are lower than during peak season, and it allows you to see how the home will hold up to the weather. If you’re thinking of buying, give us a call. We can help you find the home to fit your family!
Grandview Heights
RESIDENTIAL VIEW LOTS Prices Starting at $104,000 + GST Fully serviced residential lots with fantastic views of the Nicola Valley and surrounding mountains. Choose your lot, bring your plans & start building your future! Close to #2894 shopping.
$1,584,000
$750,000
$162,900
$230,000
$2,000,000
Happy New Year!! We look forward to serving you in
Spius Creek Estates
Located Off Petit Creek Road
Prices starting at $224,000 Country living at its best! Approx. 10 acres lots located 15 minutest west of Merritt in the beautiful Sunshine Valley. These properties have stunning views of the valley. Great area for horseback riding, biking, hiking and more. Call for full details. GST applies.
#3145
www.century21.ca/movingrealestate • 378-6166 • www.century21.ca/movingrealestate • 378-6166 • www.century21.ca/movingrealestate
12 • THURSDAY,
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January 9, 2020
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS ALZHEIMER’S MONTH
Merritt residents break silence on Alzheimer stigma Heather Inglish shares her mother’s story for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Ben Rawluk CONTRIBUTOR
Merritt residents living with dementia are going public for a third consecutive year in an effort to change hearts and minds and tackle the ongoing discrimination they experience in their day-to-day lives. Heather Inglis was surprised when she realized her mother Gloria might be living with dementia. “She was managing it and covering up her memory issues very well,” said Inglis. “It wasn’t until October 2012, when we went on a
cruise together, that I noticed the degree of her forgetfulness. “Because we were sharing a small stateroom, I saw firsthand lapses in her memory. There was one night when we were going to go to a formal dinner – Mom said she didn’t want to go, but then completely forgot about that conversation and half an hour later got dressed up. When I expressed surprise that she’d changed her mind, she had no idea what I was talking about. I knew then that the time had come to talk to our doctor.” When Gloria was first diagnosed, Heather and Gloria were still living in the Lower Mainland and Heather connected with Alzheimer Society of BC to learn about the journey that lay ahead. As Heather was planning on moving to Ashcroft, they discussed options of living arrangements for Gloria who ultimately decided to move to Ashcroft as well. “I was lucky that there was a support group for caregivers in Ashcroft, and for a while I was taking Mom to a support group for people living with dementia in Kamloops.” While people have been very supportive, Gloria struggled with sharing her diagnosis. “My mother felt a lot of stigma
about the disease, and so we held off telling the extended family for a few years. Eventually things had changed enough that when I was going to visit family in the States, I realized I wasn’t going to be able to have honest conversations about my life without talking about what was happening with Mom. We talked and eventually she gave me her blessing to tell her brothers and my cousins.” When Heather did talk to her family, they didn’t totally understand what the diagnosis meant. “ That’s been one of my biggest frustrations as a caregiver, actually. People don’t understand the disease.” Gloria now resides in long-term care for people living with dementia in Merritt, and both her daughters spend time with her regularly. Heather and Gloria are some of many Canadians who are courageously stepping forward with their personal stories in the Alzheimer Society’s nation-wide campaign, ‘I live with dementia. Let me help you understand,’ launching Monday, January 6 as part of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Spurred by alarming research indicating that one in four Canadians would feel ashamed or embarrassed if they had demen-
Heather Inglis, right, and her mother Gloria, a Merritt resident with Alzheimers. BEN RAWLUK/ Submitted
tia, the campaign gives a voice to Canadians living with dementia who are frustrated by the constant assumptions and misinformation associated with the disease. “Unless you have experienced it firsthand, it can be difficult to appreciate the damage stigma can do to individuals and families facing dementia,” says Tara Hildebrand, Support and Education Coordinator for the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s Central Interior resource centre. “Too often, negative feelings, attitudes and stereotypes surround-
ing dementia dissuade people from seeking help and discourage others from lending their support. By providing a platform for Canadians to share their stories, we can cultivate empathy and compassion and help break down the stigma so that Canadians living with dementia can live a full life.” Since the launch of the campaign in 2018, more than 65 Canadians have become spokespeople in the campaign, aimed at taking a stand against the stigma associated with the disease.
Important Community Notice
You may have heard that LifeLabs recently experienced a cyber-attack involving unauthorized access to some of its computer systems with customer information that could include name, address, email, login, passwords, date of birth, health care number and lab test results. In British Columbia, LifeLabs serves customers in our service centres, but also on behalf of Health Authorities, hospitals, medical clinics, and private and public lab providers. As such, your information may have been potentially affected by the LifeLabs cyber-attack even if you have never visited a LifeLabs service centre. Steps you can take to safeguard your information: Any individual who is concerned about this incident can receive one free year of cyber security protection services that include dark web monitoring and identity theft insurance. • For more information about how to activate these services or to learn more, please visit: customernotice.lifelabs.com or call our dedicated customer care line at: 1-888-918-0467 • As a best practice, customers who are registered users for LifeLabs’ online services should change their passwords regularly so they are strong, complex and unique. We are sorry that this happened. As we manage through this issue, we remain focused on the best interests of our customers. You entrust us with important health information, and we take that responsibility very seriously.
THURSDAY, January 9, 2020 • 13
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January 9, 2020
SPORTS
Have a sports story tip? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing newsroom@merrittherald.com
JUNIOR HOCKEY
Cents striving for stronger second half The Centennials are selling off assets, but still hoping for more wins. Jake Courtepatte THE MERRITT HERALD
Tanner Marshall continued to shine between the pipes for the Merritt Centennials over the weekend, but his efforts came up short in a pair of losses to his old squad. The Trail Smoke Eaters came to town Friday night in front of a home crowd of over 600 at the Nicola Valley Arena, the first Cents game of the new decade. Yet it was not a case of “New Year, new me” for the Cents, who dropped their third game in a row, this time by a score of 6-3. The first frame kicked off with a promising start for the newest Centennial, affiliate Brett Mero, who scored on his first BCHL shot just over three minutes in. Christian Buono continued his torrid pace just over seven minutes later, capitalizing on his sixth goal in the last four games to put the home team up by a two-piece. Trail scored the only goal of the second period, though the third was where the defensive breakdown began, with Merritt allowing 18 shots on Marshall that resulted in five goals. Ben Ward scored on an early third period
two-on-one for the Cents, their only goal of the frame, in an eventual 6-3 loss. Despite going 0-6 on the powerplay, Cents Head Coach Derek Sweet-Coulter liked what he saw from his team’s efforts. “I thought our powerplay looked really good tonight, but we couldn’t convert, and we gave them one too many opportunities. Overall, we played well, we just need that extra push instead of pulling back.” In Trail the following night for the second half of a back-to-back, Marshall was turned on his head once again in facing a whopping 22 shots in the opening period, though was only beaten once by Trail’s Carson Briere. At the other end of the rink, Chase Nameth capitalized on his fifth of the year, while yet another young talent in Evan Benwell found the back of the net for his first goal in a Cents uniform. Continuing to pour on the shots in the second, Trail beat Marshall twice to take their first lead of the game, before adding another pair in the third for a 5-2 final. Despite taking the loss, Marshall was honoured for his stellar goaltending in being named the game’s third star after a 47-save performance. Sweet-Coulter ackonwledged his starting goaltender for another
Merritt’s Wyatt Marlow (left) throws a hit on Trail’s Michael Colella in the Centennials’ 5-2 loss to the Smoke Eaters on the road at Cominco Arena on Saturday, Jan. 4. Garrett James/Contributed
stellar performance, keeping the Smoke Eaters to just two goals over a whopping ten powerplay opportunities. “Top marks to our penalty kill and Tanner Marshall,” said SweetCoulter after the game. “...But giving the Smoke Eaters ten chances isn’t a recipe for success.” Meanwhile, Saturday also marked the first major move for the Cents in 2020, sending Joey Berkopec to the Coquitlam Express in exchange for future considerations, immediately vaulting the top defenseman’s championship chances to among the
Merritt Centennials
WEST KELOWNA WARRIORS vs Friday, Jan. 10 - 7 pm EAGLES vs SURREY Friday, Jan. 25 - 7 pm
highest in the BCHL. Berkopec leaves the Cents after three years in the Merritt organization. “It has been an incredible journey not only on the ice but off it as well,” Berkopec said in an open letter to the Merritt community. “I’d like to take this time to thank everyone for making Merritt feel like home...I will never forget my time here. Thank you for everything.” Cents Head Coach Derek Sweet-Coulter added: “We thank Joey for all his hard work with the Centennials for the last three years and we wish him all the
best as he moves on to his next chapter with Coquitlam.” On Tuesday, the Cents saw another one of their own heading to greener pastures, when Matt Osadick was sent to the Smoke Eaters for future considerations. Osadick was acquired from the Swan Valley Stampeders of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League in the offseason for a trio of assets including keeper Vincent Duplessis and forward Frazer Dodd, after a stellar season in scoring 63 points in 45 games. He posted eight points in 35 games with the Cents this season.
“Matt is a great person who was a tremendous citizen in the community of Merritt,” said Sweet-Coulter. “I want to thank him for all his hard work on and off the ice this season.” Coquitlam is one of just two teams in the BCHL to have clinched a playoff spot heading into the final six weeks of the regular season, while the Cents are locked in a battle with the division rival West Kelowna Warriors for the league’s final playoff spot. Merritt’s record of 10-26-1-3 has the Cents currently sitting three points up on the Warriors in the Interior
division, though West Kelowna holds a game in hand. The two will do battle in a crucial matchup on Friday, Jan. 10 to kick off the final home-and-home series of the season between the squads, with Merritt holding the upper hand in winning three of four meetings thus far. Puck drop is set for 7p.m. at the Nicola Valley Arena, before the Cents travel to the Kelowna barn on Saturday for a 6p.m. start. The game on Jan. 7 against the Smoke Eaters was postponed due to weather conditions.
This Friday join Merritt Fire & Rescue in the 1st Intermission for some Fire Safety Trivia
ICE BREAKER IS BACK Saturday Feb. 8th at the Civic Center Doors at 5pm, Dinner at 6:30
Guest Speaker: Former Canuck Enforcer GINO ODJICK Music & Karaoke with Bobby Garcia and The Coquihalla Coyotes. FOR TICKETS DROP BY 2001C VOGHT ST, OR CALL JARED AT 250-378-3604
THURSDAY, January 9, 2020 • 15
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS WORLD JUNIORS
“Amazing feeling,” says Tkac after World Juniors experience The talented forward even got a chance to suit up against Canada. Jake Courtepatte THE MERRITT HERALD
The magic of the World Junior Hockey Championship was certainly not lost on Daniel Tkac. The 19-year old Merritt Centennial forward relished in his time with Team Slovakia, the most prominent stage he had ever had the opportunity to skate onto. “The experience was amazing,” Tkac told the Herald while still across the pond posttournament. “It’s not often you get to get an opportunity like that to play against the best players in the world at that age.” When asked about
his readiness to compete at such an elite skill level, Tkac said it was something he was already prepared for: after all, he led the Cents with 23 points before departing to Team Slovakia’s camp in the Czech Republic in early December, and still remains third on the team in scoring, despite missing the vast majority of the month’s games. That scoring touch was evident right from game one of the world tournament, when he potted the gamewinning goal for Team Slovakia over Team Kazakhstan in the dying seconds of the third period. He called the moment “an amazing feeling,” though was quick to turn the recognition over to his teammate. “First of all, it was an amazing pass,” said
Tkac, about a nice feed from the side of the net by teammate Michal Mrazik. “But yes, it was unbelievable to score that kind of goal with just two minutes left. “I’ve never heard an arena of 5,000 fans get loud like that before.” Tkac and Team Slovakia were bounced from the tournament in the Jan. 2 quarterfinal against Team Canada, where the Canadians took it to them by a score of 6-1. The win against Kazakhstan would turn out to be the only pair of points for Tkac and Slovakia, though he added a helper in a loss against Team Finland for his second point of the tournament. He also picked up four penalty minutes in the tournament, and finished at a minus-four through five games, an impressive feat considering Slovakia finished
LOCAL HOCKEY
Daniel Tkac picked up a goal and an assist while suiting up for Team Slovakia in the recent IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship. JARED THOMAS/Submitted
minus-19 as a team. An eighth-place finish guarantees Slovakia a spot in next year’s rendition of the tournament. “The atmosphere was great, even though
we didn’t win too many games,” said Tkac. “The team was always positive and motivated each other, and the fans helped out a lot during that time.” As for the present,
it’s back to the BCHL for the Cents’ first ever World Junior player where it will be business as usual. “Yeah, for sure it will be nice to get back with the guys and make
something happen with the team…and looking forward to playoffs.”
REC LEAGUE
Hometown Cooke’in: Centennials Vipers maintain control of rec league ink local defenseman to contract standings heading into season’s New Year
Jared Thomas CONTRIBUTOR
The Merritt Centennials announced today that they have signed defenseman Chase Cooke (03) of the KIJHL’s Princeton Posse for the remainder of the season. A Merritt local, Cooke is no stranger to the team and fans. He’s suited up for 5 games this year as an affiliate, and has been a part of Cents training camps for the last two seasons. As a rookie with Chase Cooke has officially been signed by his hometown the Posse this season, Centennials. Jared Thomas/Submitted Cooke has put up 6 goals and 15 assists in “Chase is a great ment this season and 29 games. He registered character who is combeyond.” his first BCHL point, mitted to getting better The Centennials an assist, against the every day and serving would like to welcome Trail Smoke Eaters last his community off the Cooke and his family Friday. ice as well. He will be officially to the team Head Coach and a big part of the culfold. GM Derek Sweetture we are building Fans will get their Coulter says that Cooke here in Merrit. We are sixth chance to see is the kind of player extremely happy to add Cooke this Friday they want in this orgahim and are excited against the West nization. to see his developKelowna Warriors.
Mike Sahota CONTRIBUTOR
The shortened month of December was much closer in rec league action. There were a couple of one-goal games, as well as a couple that were decided in a shootout. In a goaltending dual, the Lagers defeated the Maniacs in a 10-9 shootout for their second win of the year. A week later, the Lagers fell short in a hard-fought battle against
the defending champion in a 6-5 shootout loss. Things are finally looking up for the Lagers. Santa must have heard their wish. The Maniacs held their position in third place also going 1-2-1, similar to the Lagers. No major surprises with the hardworking Maniac team. The Champs and the Jagerbombs split their two games. There were no changes
in the standings after December, with the Vipers holding onto top spot after the third month of action. PC Optimum player of the month: Jesse Pierce On behalf of the Rec hockey league, I would like to wish everyone all the best in the NEW YEAR and fellow players a safe rest of the season!
16 • THURSDAY, January 9, 2020
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COMMUNITY BOARD
CONTAIN-IT STORAGE
Do you want to list your event? Let us know by emailing: publisher@merrittherald.com Deadline for submissions is noon on Friday prior to publication.
FREE DANCE CLASSES
Unsure of which dance style/s you and your child would like best? Come try them out - Ballet, Spanish Flamenco, modern jazz, Latin Line dance. Up to four free, try-it out dance classes for new dance students, age 2 - 82 years. To book a spot in an age appropriate class, phone 250-936-9011 or e-mail LTDAdance@gmail. com. Must get in before the end of January.
CHILLI SUNDAY
Nicola Nordic Ski club is hosting their free community chili Sunday January 12 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at parking lot 2 (P2) on Kane Valley Road (approx 4 km) on Kane Valley Road. Bring enough chili to add to the communal pot, bring a bowl and utensils, the club will have buns and hot drinks and the fires going! There will be a beginner lesson at 1 p.m. Come join the fire, meet new folks and enjoy Kane Valley. Skiing is free this day only. Come out and play! nicolanordic.ca
UNDERSTANDING BATS
Nicola Naturalist Society: “Bat Inventory in the Nicola Valley” with Paul Mozin (Nicola Watershed Stewardship and Fisheries Authority). Come and learn about bats - misunderstood but important to our local ecosystem. The surveys being done in our area are to identify the local bat species and track their abundance. Thursday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m. at NVIT Lecture Theatre. All welcome.
FILM
Nicola Valley Film Society presents “Wild Rose” (in English; PG rating) on Monday, Jan.
20 at 7 p.m. at the NVIT lecture theatre. For more information phone 250378-5190.
NICOLA VALLEY QUILTERS’ GUILD
Regular guild meetings are held on the first and third Thursdays of the month at 6:30 p.m.d in the Civic Centre. New members are always welcome! For more information contact Debra at 250-280-4086. The next “Stash Buster” retreat weekends will be January 17, 18, 19 and March 6, 7, 8. Register at the Civic Centre.
MERRITT DRUM CONNECTION
Please check out Merritt Drum Connection on Facebook for Tuesday evening dates for music circles and drum lessons. For registration and to borrow a drum phone 250-318-0963 . We start 6:30 p.m. at NVCAC Courthouse. Drop ins welcome!
RED CROSS
The Red Cross Equipment Loan depot is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. untll Noon. Please bring a completed Referral Form from your health care provider to the hospital if you need medical equipment.
SHRINERS
Shriners meet every fourth Wednesday of the month. For more information call 250-3782004.
PENSION BREAKFAST
Conayt Friendship Society Pension Day breakfast will be held on every Pension Day from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. at 2164 Quilchena Ave. Everyone is invited. Elders eat at no charge. For more information call 250-378-5107. Volunteer servers and cooks are welcome.
OLD TIME FIDDLERS
The group is actively seeking new members, all instruments welcome but an interest in and appreciation of old-time country music is desirable. The group partakes in two major outings: the Harmon Lake camp-out along with the famous Old Time Fiddlers auction and Christmas party. The goal will be to have monthly music jam sessions. Call 250-2807385 for more info.
MASONS
Masons meet every 4th Monday of the month.
IMMIGRANT SERVICES NOW IN MERRITT
Born outside of Canada? We can help! Kamloops Immigrant Services is a non-profit agency now offering services in Merritt. We assist all newcomers, including naturalized Canadian citizens, with a variety of services to help you get established in your community. All our services are free of charge for eligible clients. Contact us for additional information at 1-866-672-0855 or e-mail liza@kcris.ca / min@kcris.ca.
NAVY LEAGUE OF CANADA
Join the Navy League every Wednesday evening from 6 - 9 p.m. for our parade. We are located at 1755 Coldwater Ave. Jumpstart does cover the cost of our fees and no child is turned away due to finances. For more information call 250280-6944.
NICOLA VALLEY EXPLORERS
The Nicola Valley Explorers Society’s primary aims are to promote hiking cycling, snowshoeing, crosscountry skiing and other non-motorized trail use in the Nicola Valley. The group aims to assist in
the development and maintenance of recreational trails. Membership is open to anyone interested in non-motorized outdoor recreation in the Nicola Valley. For more information please contact Terry at 250-3785190.
ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION Hours are 1
Thurs. Jan. 9
Cloudy A mix ofw/Showers sun and cloud High -2˚C High: 9C Low: 6C Low: -6˚C
Fri. Jan. 10
Fri. Mar. 15
CloudyFlurries Periods High: -1˚C High: 10C Low: -7˚C Low: 4C
Sat. Jan. 11
Sat. Mar. 16
A mix of sunClouds and cloud Variable High: 0˚C High: 8C Low: 4C -8˚C Low:
Sun. Jan. 12
Sun. Mar. 17
A FewSnow Flurries Wet
High: 6C -4˚C High: Low: 2C Low: -21˚C
Approved mini-storage
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On-site rentals
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Secured
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Sale of New and Used storage containers
1750 1 17 7 Hill Street ■ Phone: 250-315-3000
VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF CANADA
Invites all persons interested in restoring and enjoying vintage vehicles to join us at our monthly meeting held at the Anglican Church Hall, 1990 Chapman Street, at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month. Vintage
car ownership is not required. Call Ted Lund at 250-378-4195 for more information.
ELKS BINGO
Every Wednesday. Doors open at 11 a.m. and games start at 1 p.m.
FAMILY HISTORY
Anyone wanting to research their family trees may contact Al Thompson at 250-2129868. We will open the family history centre by appointment only.
p.m to ? Tuesday through Saturday . Come join us Saturdays for our meat draw. Guests always welcome and will be signed in by a member.
COURTHOUSE ARTS GALLERY
Join us Thursday to Saturday from 12 - 6 p.m. See our current art show or join us for our Friday workshops, different arts and artists, from tea and talk to mosaics, drawing, etc. For what’s new this week at the gallery and the Nicola Valley Arts Council check our website nicolavalleyartscouncil.com, or call 250-378-6515 or 250315-3437.
MERRITT PICKLEBALL CLUB
Play Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 11:30 a.m. at CMS gym., Tuesday 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., at the Merritt Civic Centre and Thursday 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the CMS gym. Come for fun and exercise, drop-ins welcome. Demo paddles and instruction available. For more information, please contact Gary 250280-0105 or Ayton 250378-5691.
ALANON
meetings are held every Monday from 7-8 p.m. at the United Church hall, 1899 Quilchena Ave.
THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WELCOME YOU Crossroads Community Church
2990 Voght St. • 250-378-2911• Service Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m.
Merritt Baptist Church
2499 Coutlee Ave. (Corner of Coutlee and Orme) • 250-378-2464 Service Time/ Sunday School: Sunday 10:00 a.m.
Merritt Lutheran Fellowship
in St. Michael's Anglican Hall • 250-378-9899 Service Time: 3rd Sunday each month 1:00 p.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Corner of Jackson & Blair • 250-378-2919 • Mass Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2451 Spring Bank Ave • 250-378-5603 Worship Service Sunday -10 am • Sunday School -11:10 am
St. Michael’s Anglican Church
1990 Chapman St. • 250-378-3772 Service Times: 2nd and 4th Sundays only - 10:00 a.m.
Trinity United Church
Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735 Service Time/ Sunday School (K - Gr. 4) - 10 am
Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave. (The Cadet Hall) Sunday Service Time: 4:30 pm • 250-280-1268
Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church 1950 Maxwell St. • 250-378-9502 Service Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m.
THE MERRITT CHAPTER OF THE
7 Day Weather Forecast Merritt, - Thursday, Jan. 14 9 - -Wednesday, 15, 2019 7 Day Weather Forecast for for Merritt, BCBC - Thursday, March Wednesday,Jan. March 20, 2013 Thurs. Mar. 14
Contents are insurable
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Mon. Jan. 13
Mon. Mar. 18
Tues. Jan. 14
Tue. Mar. 19
Wed. Jan. 15
Wed. Mar. 20
Stain Glass by
Almerina Rizzardo
• • • • AVariable mix of sun Clouds and cloud High: -15 ˚C High: 6C Low: 0C Low: --28˚C
Scattered Showers Flurries SnowRain High -15˚C High: 7C Low: -1C Low: -29˚C
Light SnowBreaks Cloudy w/Sunny High: High: -15˚C 7C Low: 0C Low: -22˚C
STAIN GLASS SUN CATCHERS NIGHT LIGHTS PICTURE FRAMES
Available at Creative Company 2074 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, BC Monday - Saturday Ph: 250-378-0813
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CLASSIFIEDS
THURSDAY, January 9, 2020 • 17
Deadline for placing a classified ad is 5 p.m. on Monday. To place an ad please call 250-378-4241 or email: sales2@merrittherald.com Basement Suites
General Employment
1 Bedroom Furnished Basement Suite. N/S, N/P’s. Utilities Included. $650/Mth. Avail. February. Ref’s. Required (250) 315 - 0019
SANDMAN INNS RURAL BC recruiting management couples, both full - time and part - time roles available. Ask us about our great employee perks and accommodation. Apply innsco_bc@Sandman.ca
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Attention
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LUMBER SHIPPER Aspen Planers is seeking a full-time Lumber Shipper for the Merritt office. This position requires a self-motivated, analytical, team player that works independently and is able to multi task in a fast paced manufacturing environment. Excellent communications skills coupled with strong organizational, problem solving and computer skills are crucial to success in this position. Duties include: Shipping lumber and co-coordinating trucks and rail to numerous yards and customers. Keeping accurate inventory at all yards. Preparing border documents, communicating with various rail lines.
inventing.davison.com/BC
Free inventor’s guide!
We thank all applicants who express any interest; however only those selected for interview will be contacted.
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
NEW TO YOU VALUE ADDED LUMBER REMANUFACTURING PLANT
PRODUCTION WORKERS
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
Legal/Public Notices
General Employment
If this describes you, please forward your resume in confidence to: shereesimon@apgroup.ca or fax to 250-315-4237 by January 15, 2020
For Sale - Misc
STEEL BUILDING SALE ... “REALLY BIG SALE IS BACK - EXTRA WINTER DISCOUNT ON NOW!” 20 x 21 $5,929 25 x 25 $6,498 28 x 31 $7,995 32 x 33 $9,994 35 x 33 $12,224 One End Wall Included. Pioneer Steel 1-855-2127036 www.pioneersteel.ca
General Employment
GOOD WAGES STEADY DAY SHIFT
Your Junk is someone’s Jackpot
STUDENTS WELCOME TO APPLY NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY WILL TRAIN. Please submit resume in person to 1195 Houston Street, Merritt B.C.
250-378-6161
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ACROSS
1. Beer ingredient 5. Popular FOX TV show 11. Recurring from time to time 14. Criticized severely 15. Musician 18. German urban center 19. Quenched 21. Human gene 23. Indian music 24. Accumulate 28. One who graduated
DOWN
Share your event with the community KamloopsThisWeek.com merrittherald.com /events
1. Belong to he 2. One time only 3. Parent-teacher groups 4. Puts in place 5. Editing 6. In the course of 7. Helps injured people (abbr.) 8. OJ trial judge 9. Resist authority (slang) 10. Formerly alkenols 12. “Cheers” actress Perlman 13. Jewelled headdress 16. Viking Age poet 17. Vanuatu island 20. Wish harm upon
29. Atomic #109 30. Semitic fertility god 32. Sportscaster Patrick 33. Child’s dining accessory 35. Payment (abbr.) 36. Guitarist’s tool 39. Dabbling ducks 41. Commercial 42. Style someone’s hair 44. Biu-Mandara language
46. Actress Spelling 47. Large hole in the ground 49. One-masted sailboats 52. Tropical Asian plant 56. Concurs 58. Latin term for charity 60. The number below the line in a fraction 62. Reddish browns 63. This (Spanish)
22. Unit of length 25. Blood type 26. Drain 27. Do-gooders 29. Advanced degree 31. Business designation 34. Chinese-American actress Ling 36. Performs on stage 37. Slang for money 38. Large Russian pie 40. The Mount Rushmore State 43. Narrow inlet 45. News organization (abbr.)
48. Scarlett’s home 50. Micturates 51. Monetary unit 53. Any customary observance or practice 54. Sons of Poseidon 55. Facilitates grocery shopping 57. Standard operating procedure 58. Former OSS 59. Midway between south and southeast 61. The Wolverine State
TODAY'S PUZZLE ANSWERS
18 • THURSDAY,
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January 9, 2020
Birthday
Birthday
Birthday
Mohinder Dulai
Happy 105th Birthday Papa!
Love from your daughters, son and grand children. In Memoriam
In Memoriam
In loving memory
In Memoriam
FINN
Sept. 27, 1998 - Jan. 6, 2020
My Best friend and companion dog succumbed to cancer January 6, 2020. I will miss him very much. He did so much for me, 365 days , 24/7. I would like to thank Ann Fleming & all the people that worked with him at the Merritt veterinary clinic. He loved everybody and a special thanks to Pam Jarvis and her family, my brother and sister helped me a lot. Finn wanted me to tell everybody that he loved you all.
Finn I will love you forever, but never forgotten!
In Loving Memory
Charlie Baxter
4 Years Today. Lovingly Remembered
Days will pass and turn into years But we will forever remember you with silent tears Love Teresa, Brian, Ramona, Kevin, Yvette, Jasmine, Justin, Jade, Victoria, James and Charles. Obituaries
You Want It We’ve Got It Find Whatever You’re Looking for in the Classifieds.
Obituaries
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250-378-2141 or 1-800-668-3379 MERRITT & DISTRICT HOSPICE SOCIETY Listening, openness and love will give you the words to make most of your precious time with a dying person.
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Obituaries
Robert Robert Arnold Arnold Geier Geier Jr. Jr. Oct. 4, 2020 Oct. 5, 5, 1965-Jan. 1965-Jan. 4, 2020
Bobby Bobby grew grew up up in in the the Collettville neighborhood Collettville neighborhood of of Merritt Merritt giving giving him him the the foundation foundation for for some some of of the the most most colorful colorful and and entertaining entertaining stories stories that that some some people people would would ever ever hear. From the Bobby beginning loved family hear. From the beginning Bobby loved his his family and dearly and and would would stand stand up up to to anyone, anyone, and friends friends dearly no he cared cared no matter matter how how big, big, to to protect protect those those he for. He He was was a a lover lover of of fun, fun, good good music, music, cars, cars, and and for. would jump on anything with a kill switch. Hard jump on anything with a kill switch. Hard would work and and incredible incredible work work ethics ethics were were ingrained ingrained work deeply into into Bobby’s Bobby’s character. character. After After he he fi finished deeply nished an entry entry level level trades trades course, course, he he discovered discovered his his an love to build and even spent that summer roofing. to build and even spent that summer roofi love ng. But, ever ever practical, practical, he he wanted wanted to to be able to to fix But, be able fix his his many vehicles himself and so got himself a job and many vehicles himself and so got himself a job and apprenticeship at at Dearborn Dearborn Ford. Ford. Bob Bob soon soon met met apprenticeship his fi wife Lisa and quickly embraced the family first Lisa and quickly embraced the family his rst wife life, marrying marrying Lisa Lisa and and welcoming welcoming her her son son Kevin Kevin life, into his his life life as as his his own. own. Bob Bob and and Lisa Lisa welcomed welcomed their their into baby girl Megan shortly after. As a young family baby girl Megan shortly after. As a young family they living and and working working in in Merritt Merritt as as they spent spent the the years years living well as as several several years years in and Sparwood Sparwood well in the the Fernie Fernie and communities Bob developed developed friendships friendships communities where where Bob that and with with whom whom he he would would that he he truly truly cherished cherished and stay connected with until the end. In 2008 Bobby stay connected with until the end. In 2008 Bobby met another met the the love love of of his his life, life, Yvonne, Yvonne, and and began began another phase phase in in his his life life with with her her and and his his beloved beloved new new puppy puppy Rocky. Rocky. They They would would share share a a full full life life together together spending spending as as much much time time with with friends friends and and family family as as possible. He received his most precious possible. He received his most precious gift gift ever ever with with the the arrival arrival of of his his granddaughter granddaughter Charlie. Charlie. In In 2011 2011 he he accomplished accomplished his his life life long long dream dream of of opening opening his his own own mechanic mechanic shop shop and and has has been been successfully successfully operating operating that that as as a a family family business business for for the last 9 years. Bobby strived everyday the last 9 years. Bobby strived everyday to to live live life life to to the the fullest fullest doing doing everything everything that that he he loved. loved. He He died died doing doing exactly exactly that. that. Bob Bob was was predeceased predeceased by by his his brother brother Mike Mike Geier, Geier, sister sister Stephonie Stephonie and and her her husband husband Terry Terry Williams, Williams, and and by by his his father father Bob Bob Geier Geier Sr. Sr. Survived Survived by by his his loving loving wife wife Yvonne, Yvonne, his his mother mother Vivian, Vivian, sister sister Missy Missy (Chris), (Chris), brother brother Dan Dan (Vicki), (Vicki), son son Kevin, Kevin, daughter daughter Megan Megan (Clinton), (Clinton), granddaughter granddaughter Charlie, Charlie, and and his his dearly dearly loved loved nephews nephews and and nieces. nieces. A special thank A special thank you you to to the the Nicola Nicola Valley Valley Search Search & & Rescue Rescue and and to to Bobby’s Bobby’s forever forever sledding sledding buddy, buddy, Paul Paul Mihura. Mihura. A A Celebration Celebration of of Life Life will will be be held held on on January January 18 18 at at the the Crossroads Crossroads Church Church at at 2pm, 2pm, reception to to follow at the the Lower Lower Nicola Nicola Hall. Hall. In In lieu lieu reception follow at of fl flowers, donations may may be be made made to to the the Ronald Ronald of owers, donations McDonald House. House. McDonald
Ken (Knud) Hansen Mar. 10, 1922 - Dec. 23, 2019
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Mr. Ken (Knud) Hansen passed away in Merritt, B.C. on December 23, 2019 at the age of 97 years. He is lovingly remembered by his daughter Jean (John) Lauder of Quilchena, B.C., grandsons Adam, Erik and Ian (Paulina), as well as many nephews and nieces including Lene Hansen, who travelled from Denmark to visit him many times. He is predeceased by Tove, his wife of 32 years and 1 sister and 5 brothers in Denmark. Ken felt very fortunate to live in Canada and enjoyed woodworking, fifishing, shing, playing bridge and playing golf. He was a handyman and even at 95 he changed his car’s tires from winters to summers himself. He was a gentle soul; he loved animals, was a good father and a wonderful grandfather. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Van der Merwe and staff, Curt Thoms and staff of Black’s Pharmacy and the staff of the Florentine. Should friends desire, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Obituaries
Obituaries
Jack Sutherland Oct. 9, 1943 - Dec. 21, 2019 John Richard Sutherland, “Jack”, passed away peacefully with his family at his side in Merritt, BC., on Saturday, December 21, 2019, following a very brief battle with cancer. Jack touched the hearts of everyone he met with his charisma and sense of humour, there was always a joke for him to tell or a funny story from his past to share. Oh how we will miss those stories. His greatest loves were first and foremost his family, then his friends and finally his truck! He also enjoyed boating and cooking for his family, although sometimes, each ended up with disastrous results. Jack was a highly respected man in the mining industry, where he worked in all parts of North America and Central America. His life long career earned him such respect, he was invited to Asia and South Africa to consult on mining operations as they valued his knowledge. Long after retirement, he was often asked for his opinion by mining colleagues, on how to solve a problem they were having. Mining was a passion and he loved his job! We are so grateful for the time we had with him, we shall miss his wisdom, his patience, his compassion and most of all, his beautiful sense of humour. Jack is survived by his wife, Elaine, his daughter Carla (Terry), granddaughter Jessie (Rainer), his two great granddaughters, Sloane and Livia, (lovingly referred to as gloom and doom) and his little dog, Amber. He is also survived by his sister Faye (Dave) Atikokan, Ont., brother Don (Lynn) Winnipeg, Man., his nephews (great nephews) and niece (great nieces), as well as numerous friends and relatives. He is pre-deceased by his father, Duncan and his mother, Minn. A special thank you to Gillis House, for all their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the BC. Cancer Society or Gillis House. There will be no service by request. A small, private family gathering will be held in Cypress River, Manitoba, where Jack will be returned to the very spot he was brought into this world.
TURMEL, Robert Arthur July 27, 1943 – Jan. 1, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Turmel on January 1st, 2020, at the age of 76. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 56 years, Sydney, Brothers Roger and John, Sister Jeannette(Marv), Daughters Eva and Leona(Perry), Son Paul, and Granddaughters Kristina, Jessica and Katie. Also lovingly remembered by Brother-inlaws Stuart(Margaret) and Dennis(Sandy), and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Robert was born in St. Paul, Alberta, on July 27th, 1943 to Leon and Eva Turmel. His family moved to Merritt, BC in 1951, where Robert spent his school years. It is here that he met and married the love of his life, Sydney, in 1963. Robert spent the majority of his career working as an accountant in the forest industry. He loved to play a round of golf with his buddies, or throw a line in the water and wait for the fish to bite. He was a proud, private man who loved his family immensely. Funeral Mass for Robert will be held at 11am, Saturday, January 11th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Merritt. Graveside service will follow, as well as a luncheon in the church hall.
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