BASS COAST PHOTOS
MAKING A SPLASH
Did you miss this past weekend’s music festival? We’ve got you covered / Page 11
XploreSportz making waves with kids, with archery, diving and more / Page 9
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TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2015 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS
POWER POLE COLLISION LEADS TO GRASS FIRE, POWER OUTAGE
Vehicle found unoccupied at the scene, and the RCMP is investigating. Michael Potestio reports. Submitted photo
Firefighters had to stand by and watch a grass fire burn for more than an hour Saturday morning as they waited for BC Hydro to deenergize downed power lines. At about 5 a.m. that morning, firefighters from both the Merritt Fire Rescue Department (MFRD) and Ministry of Forests responded to a call of a grass fire about 5 kilometres south of Merritt off of Coldwater Road. MFRD Fire Chief Dave Tomkinson told the Herald that a pickup truck left the road and sheered off an electrical pole, causing a fire in the surrounding grasses.
See ‘Second fire found’ Page 5
Shopping Local Matters
Delays on Houston due to repaving this week Michael Potestio THE MERRITT HERALD
Drivers can expect delays along Houston Street this week as the City of Merritt is having the section of the road between Nicola Avenue and Priest Avenue repaved. The project is taking place between July 13 and 18, and alternating lanes
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of traffic will be allowed through. Public works department superintendent Darrell Finnigan said the reason the work is being done is because the ashphalt is beginning to rut. Before that impacts the base of the road beneath, the city is replacing it.
Weekend storm sparks new wildfires Michael Potestio THE MERRITT HERALD
A thunderstorm that tracked through the Kamloops Fire Centre Friday resulted in 18 new lightning-caused wildfires across the region. By the time weekend was up, 12 more wildfires sparked totalling 30 new fires burning in the Kamloops Fire Centre (KFC), and all but two of them were lightning caused. There are currently 50 active fires in the KFC. The BC Wildfire Service anticipates more fires will be discovered from recent thunderstorms, and is asking for the public to report any wildfires by calling *5555 on your cellular phone or toll-free at 1-800-663-5555. Thunderstorms with varying amounts of rain are in the forecast for the next few days, but a return to warm and dry conditions is expected. Most of the 30 new fires were under a hectare in size. The largest one sparked in the Merritt Fire Zone about 20 kilometres south of Princeton off the Smith Creek Forest Service Road and is still active. The fire grew to 24 hectares in size and 13 firefighters responded to it. Airtankers attempted to action the fire but were unable to as a result of poor weather. It remains the same size as of the Herald’s press deadline on Monday. The other lightning-caused fires include a 7.2 hectare fire near Hat Creek Ranch, north of Cache Creek a five hectare wildfire burning near Chuwanten Mountain, east of Manning Park, which are now in mop up stages. The Kamloops Fire Centre has responded to 221 wildfires burning a total of 3,614 hectares since April 1. Of these incidents, 84 were human caused, making up about 40 per cent of the wildfires seen this year. The fire danger rating is still “moderate to high” across most of the fire centre.
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Draught rating level three issued for Nicola Valley A serious drought level and low streamflow advisory haves been issued for the Nicola Valley and other parts of the Southern Interior by the provincial government in response to dry conditions. The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources announced a Level 3 drought rating for the Nicola, Similkameen, South Thompson, Okanagan-Kettle and Skagit areas. Low stream flow advisories are currently in place for the southern Nicola area, western Similkameen and Vancouver Island. A Level 3 drought rating is the second highest of its kind and calls for voluntary 20 per cent reductions in water use from municipal, agricultural and industrial users. The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources anticipates the regions under a Level 3 rating will have serious water supply shortages in 2015. Ministry staff could upgrade the drought rating to Level 4 if the weather continues to negatively effect stream flows and water supply. In the case of a Level 4 drought rating, provincial water managers may exercise their authority to temporarily suspend short-term water permits or industrial water licenses in affected watersheds. Environment Canada is forecasting warm temperatures and over the next week with less than 10 millimeters of rain falling in the NicolaSimilkameen area over that time. The Coldwater
River at Merritt is currently recording a flow that is six per cent of its median flow and is lower than the recorded minimum for this time. In Brookmere, the Coldwater River is recording a flow that is 10 per cent of its median flow and less than the recorded minimum average. The Tulameen River at Princeton is also recording a flow that is 10 per cent of its median flow and below average. Streamflows are expected to continue decreasing through mid-July. The Nicola and Similkameen areas have both experienced warmer-than-usual temperatures and below-average precipitation in June and early July. This combined with minor runoff from an early and record low snowpack
has contributed to low stream flows in the Coldwater, Tulameen and Coquihalla rivers. Snowpack is the main source of water flow to the Coldwater River. Additionally, a ban on fishing in streams and rivers in the Southern Okanagan has been put in place due to warm temperatures and low stream flows. Beginning July 15, all streams and rivers in the Similkameen drainage, the Kettle and West Kettle rivers and tributary rivers in these areas will be closed to anglers until September 15. The angling ban is meant to protect fish stocks when they are vulnerable to low flows and high water temperatures. This one covers most of the Southern Okanagan. Lake fishing isn’t affected by this order.
MERN150714_A
MEDICINE ON THE MOVE (Top right) The Mobile Medical Unit as seen from the outside, parked at the Nicola Valley Hospital. (Inside) Some of the features people were able to peruse inside the medical unit. In the middle is a medical dummy on a gurney. Michael Potestio/Herald
PO Box 98 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8
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“Breaking the Chain of Abuse”
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inside vehicles overnight. 2 Lock vehicles when exiting, make it a habit. 3 If leaving valuables in a vehicle; hide from sight. 4 Park in a well lit area. 5 Report any thefts, damage or suspicious persons to police
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS Find the Herald online www.merrittherald.com Merritt Herald @MerrittHerald
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REMEMBER WHEN? From the Herald archives: July, 1997
MILL GOES UP IN SMOKE
GIVING BACK (Left to right) Interior Savings employee Cynthia Gullason, Food Bank driver Nick Tolerton, Food Bank general manager Marlene Fenton, and Interior Savings Employee Tami Desimone. The credit union made a donation to the Food Bank on behalf of staff and clients, organized through the Interior Savings Credit Union Community Committee as a part of their ongoing community initiative. They received a total of 121 pounds of food, and $50. David Dyck/Herald
RCMP warn of telephone scammers posing as Canada Revenue Agency Police have not heard of any Merrittonians falling for it. Anyone who gets a call from someone claiming to be with the CRA should confirm caller’s authenticity Michael Potestio THE MERRITT HERALD
Another phone scam has been making the rounds in Merritt. Merritt RCMP have been inundated with reports of people receiving a call from someone claiming to be with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The way the scam works can vary, but essentially the caller informs the victim they owe back taxes or other fees and threatens to have the person arrested if a payment isn’t made. To avoid the repercussions, the person is told they must must transfer the owed funds into a specific account. RCMP Const. Tracy Dunsmore said that so far RCMP have not heard of anyone in Merritt
who has fallen victim to this scam, but for the past month have received daily reports from people who have been confronted by it. The CRA will not call and ask people to do something like this and people who receive this call should simply hang up on the scammer and report the call to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. “You’re not going to just transfer money into some random account,” Dunsmore said of dealing with the CRA. “That’s not how Revenue Canada works.” On its website, the Canada Revenue Agency noted an increase in phone scams of this nature, dating back to June. It warns these calls are fraudulent and could result in identity and financial theft. There have been recent telephone scams involving a caller threatening taxpayers or using
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aggressive and forceful language to scare them into paying fictitious debt to the CRA, the government organization states on its website. “Victims receive a phone call from a person claiming to work for the CRA and saying that taxes are owed. The caller requests immediate payment by credit card or convinces the victims to purchase a prepaid credit card and to call back immediately with the information. The taxpayer is often threatened with court charges, jail or deportation,” the website states. To confirm the authenticity of a CRA phone number, call the CRA using 1-800-959-5525 for business-related calls or 1-800-959-8281 for individual concerns. “These phone scams have been going around for years and they just come up with a new angle every time,” Dunsmore said.
Millions of dollars worth of lumber and equipment went up in smoke Saturday when the Tolko mill burned to the ground. But Forest Renewal B.C. is providing mill workers a small ray of hope. Alec Tully of FRBC said Monday his office was exploring what funding could be provided to help alleviate the financial difficulties the company now faces. He explained an FRBC immediate response fund could possibly be utilized for the situation. It is monyes classified under the Forest Community Economic Development Program which is an FRBC investment tool used for working with forest communities. “Does a fire apply to this situation? That’s what we don’t know and what we’re exploring,” he said. FOr hours Saturday afternoon, a Kamloops air tanker group and fire crews worked to contain the fire.
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4 • TUESDAY, July 14, 2015
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You’re Invited! to meet with Mayor Menard on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., in the Mayor’s Office at City Hall (second floor), 2185 Voght Street. Interested citizens are welcome to stop by, say hello and discuss issues and opportunities for the City, its residents and businesses.
If you would like to schedule a particular time to meet with the Mayor at a Drop-In session please call reception at City Hall 250-378-4224.
RCMP release community policing report June 2015 Community policing month end report June 2015 Asset Development Committee This committee follows the Search Institutes “40 Developmental Assets” model that shows that the more assets that youth posess, the less likely they are to engage in high risk behaviour. A teacher-led “We Care Crew” is running at Merritt Secondary School during the school year. The group is focusing on team building initiatives and social justice events and programs. The team is planning an Internet safety presentation involving school staff and students for the fall regarding online luring and safety. Smart Step Youth Association The group reconvened in May and started recruitment for the 2015 program. Smart Step kicked off the year assisting the Kidz Tri It! Triathlon with volunteering at the event and planning has started for the Paint Our City Clean Session. Funding continues to be a challenge for this valuable group of youth who focus on making positive contributions and youth mentorship throughout the summer months. The youth attended
the July 1 activities to face paint and help with the games in the park afternoon activities. The piano painted in 2014 has again been set up in Spirit Square for the summer where it continues to be played daily by passersby. Child and Youth Committee This inter-agency collborative group that endeavours to improve the well-being of youth in our community by sharing information, promoting programs and developing skills sets based on professional expertise and experience. Members of this committee include: School District 58, Interior Community Services, MCFD, Nicola Family Therapy, Interior Health, Pacific Sport, MYFRS, the Pheonix Centre, and Conayt Friendship Society. The committee is looking forward to promoting local youth programs, opportunities and services through social media, websites and print materials. Community Policing Office The CPO continues to advertise in the media for community volunteers to get involved in one of or more of our many groups to support education and development of a safer community for all. Opportunities exist
in groups like Smart Step, Block Watch, Foot Patrols, Speed Watch, Crime Stoppers, Bright Red Book Shelf (Literacy Merritt), Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society, Asset Development, BIg Brothers and Sisters, and other collaborative programs. The CPO has been invited to participate in the second Canoe Journey for the Nicola Valley with the Merritt First Nations Policing Section (RCMP). The goal is “to help build better community relationships with the RCMP and surrounding aboriginal communities, the various organizations and the youth. “Another goal is to bring education to the aboriginal youth regarding the importance of water safety.” This summer event on Nicola Lake is in its early planning stages but will be open to youth aged 12 to 18. A new co-ordinator has been hired for the Community Policing Office and will begin work the week of July 20, 2015. We welcome Heather Broman who will bring her expertise from working with youth and the RCMP in the Victims Services role for the past few years. Heather is very knowledgeable about crime in the community due to her previous position and will bring new ideas and perspective to her new role.
Next council meeting: Tuesday, July 14, 2015 Council agendas and minutes at www.merritt.ca
Crime Stoppers Merritt and Nicola Valley The program continues to receive tips and some have resulted in payouts. For 2015, the society is focused on fundraising, director recruitment, and increasing the profile of the program in the community. Speed Watch The program is up and running for the summer with deployments planned weekly throughout the city and on highways focusing on speed and the new cell watch program regarding drivers using hard held devices. Literacy Merritt and Nicola Valley Society The Bright Red Bookshelf continues to be successful. The CPO has hundreds of books that are cleaned and labeled and then sent out to one of the 30 book shelves in the community. We currently have plans in place to repair and add safer shelving in July. We are purging books in disrepair and most have plans in place to repair and add safer shelving in July. We are purging books in disrepair and most have been organized by genre as well. We continue to receive lots of book donations from the community to pass on.
HELP KEEP MERRITT’S BOULEVARDS AND LANES CLEAN As spring wanes and summer arrives many of us are aware of the unusual amount of precipitation that has fallen on our City. With this rain and warmer weather comes plant growth and it does not require a lot of searching to find out-of-control grass and weeds in empty lots, alleys and boulevards. We all want Merritt and the neighborhoods we call home to look the best that they can be. A frequent question to the City bylaw department is “Who is responsible for maintenance of boulevards and lanes?” The short answer is the adjacent property owner. Just as with winter snow, the adjacent property owner is responsible for shoveling the sidewalk in front of their home, so during the rest of the year the adjacent property owner is responsible for keeping the boulevard and lane abutting their property in a neat and tidy condition. As a property owner you are responsible for the vegetative growth outside your property lines to the curb and if there is an alley you are responsible to the centre of that alley that abuts your property. We may all even want to consider some of our neighbours who for very good reasons may not be as able. With this in mind Merritt’s Nuisance Abatement Bylaw provides for minimum property standards within City limits. This Bylaw allows the City to regulate and in some cases hire outside contractors to complete any work that is not done by the property owners. Unless we all do our individual part to maintain our neighbourhoods it could simply not be done. One of the pleasures of living in a smaller community like ours is that the little extra that we contribute can translate to a huge difference that will positively reflect on the City of Merritt as somewhere great to live.
City of Merritt ★ 2185 Voght Street, Box 189 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 ★ Phone: 250-378-4224
TUESDAY, July 14, 2015 • 5
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Second fire found en route to first The truck was engulfed in flames, but unoccupied. The fire posed no immediate danger to nearby structures or the Bass Coast music festival. From Page 1
TICKLING THE IVORIES The Smart Step youth program set up a colourful piano in Spirit Square recently. It was painted in 2014. David Dyck/Herald
Energized power lines lay atop the vehicle and over a barbed-wire fence, preventing firefighters from extinguishing the flames. “We couldn’t jump the fence, we couldn’t go near the vehicle,” Tomkinson said. He said firefighters were expecting a more aggressive burn given the dry fuels around it, but the fire burned slowly. “We were really lucky that we didn’t experience the fire behaviour that we thought we might when we first arrived,” Tomkinson said. BC Hydro remotely de-energize the power lines allowing firefighters to attack the blaze, which they contained to about 200 metres by 100 metres in size. The contingency plan was to attack the fire from the other side, which would have required a trek through the forest. The motor vehicle incident also caused a power outage to some 2,000 customers in the area. The
outage lasted until about 10:30 a.m. Firefighters made patrols on Sunday and confirmed the fire was completely extinguished. The flames were near some structures, but none were immediately threatened by the flames. The Bass Coast music festival was being held in the area at the time, but was not threatened by flames either. The truck was completely consumed by the flames, but was found unoccupied. MFRD has no information regarding the person who was driving this truck, but the RCMP is investigating the cause, Tomkinson said. While on route to this fire, MFRD came upon a small four metre by four metre grass fire at the intersection of Nicola Avenue and Coldwater Road that was near residential houses. Firefighters extinguished these flames before responding to the grass fire the truck caused. Tomkinson said nearby residents reported hearing a loud bang, a sound they attributed to fireworks.
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6 • TUESDAY, July 14, 2015
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HERALD OPINION The B.C. LNG industry is real VICTORIA – The B.C. legislature is back in session this week, a rare summer sitting to approve a TOM FLETCHER 25-year proj- B.C. ect agree- VIEWS ment for the first large-scale liquefied natural gas project in northern B.C. Finance Minister Mike de Jong released the lengthy legal agreement prior to the debate, saying this step should remove any doubt that an international investment group led by Petronas of Malaysia intends to go ahead. With billions invested in upstream resources and buyers waiting at home, the Pacific Northwest LNG group includes Chinese state corporation Sinopec, Indian Oil Corp., Japan Petroleum Exploration Corp. and Petroleum Brunei. The most contentious issue is the government’s intention to protect the investors from “discriminatory” tax and regulations for the life of the project. The government insists these sorts of long-term cost certainty agreements are commonplace, and don’t affect provincial and federal taxes or environmental regulations unless they single out LNG operations. Future governments can raise corporate tax rates, carbon tax or enter into a cap and trade system. Ottawa can scrap capital cost allowances that were recently extended to LNG producers, which is significant because Liberal leader Justin Trudeau has indicated he would get rid of what he calls subsidies to fossil fuels. Both the province and Ottawa allow capital cost write-offs against corporate tax, to attract investment. B.C. attracted a lot of gas drilling rigs from Alberta with tax breaks for deep drilling.
See ‘All aboard’ Page 7
Publisher Theresa Arnold publisher@ merrittherald.com
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Health Canada responds to court ruling
DAN ALBAS View from the HILL In early June the Supreme Court of Canada rendered a judgement with respect to how medical marijuana may be consumed. A brief summary of
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this ruling is that the Supreme Court decided that medical marijuana, including extracts and derivatives, could be consumed in a variety of different methods beyond the previously defined means of being dried. In essence, this ruling opens the door for oral ingestion that does not require “smoking” and allows marijuana laced baked goods, pills and other methods. Also included are cannabis oils along with both dried and now fresh
marijuana buds and leaves. As a result of this ruling, Health Canada this week has responded to the Supreme Court decision by announcing a section 56 exemption that will allow licensed producers to produce and sell cannabis oil and fresh marijuana buds and leaves in addition to dried marijuana. It should also be noted that the current regulations related to doctors in authorizing marijuana for medical
Editor David Dyck newsroom@ merrittherald.com
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use does not change as a result of this week’s Health Canada changes. The new exemption, in place immediately, will continue to require licensed producers to ship in a safe and secure manner, with child-resistant packaging. From a technical standpoint the THC content in Cannabis oils cannot exceed 30mg per ml. A label will also be required to disclose the THC content of the supplied product.
Sports writer Ian Webster sports@ merrittherald.com
There are also a number of administrative and transaction related requirements that will continue to apply. There are currently 25 licensed producers in various regions across the country. Health Canada also reminds all Canadians that medical marijuana is not an approved drug or medicine in Canada and has not gone through the necessary rigorous scientific trials for efficacy or safety.
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Copyright subsists in all display advertising in this edition of the Merritt Herald. Permission to reproduce in any form, must be obtained in writing from the publisher. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.
This Merritt Herald is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org
TUESDAY, July 14, 2015 • 7
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YOUR OPINION Greek’s problems are Greek’s responsibility From Page 6 Recently I have received a few questions regarding the ongoing financial crises in Greece. As many citizens are likely aware, Greece has voted against the European Union’s loan extension requirements. This is a serious situation as one in four Greeks are unemployed and the country cannot pay its bills as the banking system is in near collapse. The question I have been asked is did Canada have money loaned to Greece as part of a bailout package. The answer is no, as our government declined to loan money to Greece, a decision made by our Prime Minister. That choice was criticized by the leader of the official opposition, who supported loaning Canadian tax dollars for the Greek bail out. While the current Greek financial crisis remains a serious concern, it is also important to recognize the importance of all governments to live within their means. While not widely reported, late last week the Ontario government had its credit rating downgraded — that in turn can lead
to increased interest on borrowing costs that can be problematic for a government not running a balanced budget. Fortunately, closer to home the B.C. provincial government has worked aggressively to ensure that B.C.’s well respected credit rating remains unchanged. On the same theme, the federal government has also maintained its AAA credit rating, which is important to ensure that more funds can be spent in areas such as infrastructure as opposed to paying higher levels of interest. As parliament is not in session, I am continuing my office’s fourth annual summer listening tour where I formally and informally meet with various constituents and organizations throughout our area. Previous tours have resulted in a number of items for me to take forward that were well received in Ottawa. If you would like to schedule a meeting please contact me via email at Dan.Albas@ parl.gc.ca or call toll free at 1-800-6658711. Concerns, questions and suggestions are always welcome. Dan Albas is the Member of Parliament for Okanagan-Coquihalla
No more killing bear cubs Editor: The following is a copy of the letter we have sent to Mary Polak, Minister of Environment: We are writing with regard to the issue of Conservation officer Bryce Casavant being suspended without pay for saving the lives of two bear cubs in Port Hardy, B.C. We are ashamed at how wildlife issues are “managed”in this province. We have witnessed too many deaths of wildlife at the hands of conservation officers who are acting in accordance with the policies set out by our provincial government. We want you to know that this ongoing slaughter is not missed or ignored by us or many other residents of this province. It is entirely anthropocentric, inhumane and short-sighted to believe that we have the right to exterminate other animals in the name of convenience and economy. Every year hundreds of healthy bears, bear cubs, coyotes, coyote pups, cougars, wolves and so on are killed in our province by this government. We have spoken personally and at length with many conservation officers and have heard all of the justifications and rationales. We are tired of hearing how these animals are a threat to human safety. It is we humans that are the biggest threat. Here in Kamloops a few years
ago two rescued bear cubs were taken to our wildlife park and were slaughtered upon their arrival, in accordance with government policy. Minutes after their extermination, the Northern Lights Wildlife Shelter called to say they had heard of the bear cub rescue and were ready and willing to send someone down to pick up the cubs and transport them to the wildlife shelter. We also know, having spoken to operators of the wildlife shelters in B.C., that many of them receive government funding and that even they are therefore obligated to tow your unethical line. We want you to know that we are two citizens of this province who are outraged at your policies and practices. We are disappointed that you would condone the slaughter of these two cubs and the castigation of officer Casavant. Officer Casavant should be commended for his forward-thinking, progressive, compassionate refusal to carry out your anthropocentric policies. We salute officer Casavant for his courage to stand up for what is right and we believe he should not only be immediately reinstated to his job, with back pay, but that you should promote him to be your consultant and advisor on the humane, sane and compassionate treatment and stewardship of our wildlife brethren. Sandi Mikuse and Claudette Laffey Advocates for Urban Wildlife Kamloops, BC
All aboard the LNG train From Page 6 The B.C. government invited comparisons with Western Australia LNG producers, and NDP researchers did just that. They noted that Australia’s Gorgon and North West Shelf LNG projects have written provisions that local employment and local suppliers will get preference. Those are absent in B.C., along with apprenticeship guarantees for LNG. “There was hard bargaining by the companies, and certainly the premier went into this negotiation in a very weak position, having to deliver on her extravagant and grandiose promises from the election,” NDP critic Bruce Ralston said. “The companies did well. Whether the citizens of British Columbia did well is certainly an open question.” Green Party MLA Andrew
CREDIT
Weaver painted himself into a corner, having spent the last two years dismissing the B.C. LNG industry as a fantasy that will never come to pass, strictly on economic grounds. He has since branded the Petronas deal, a template for any future projects, a “generational sellout.” Another big player with gas well investments in northeast B.C. is Shell, with a proposal for Kitimat. Its prospects have improved since it took over British Gas Group, which had its own LNG intentions here. Another group led by Altagas remains on track to ship LNG from its Douglas Channel site before the end of the decade. It’s important to remember that without LNG exports, B.C.’s natural gas industry will shrink rapidly after 50 years of increasingly significant revenues from sales to the U.S. Leaving aside all the political positioning around
the province’s largest private investment to date, if this doesn’t go ahead we will all feel the effects. De Jong had a blunt response when asked what the province gets in return for all its guarantees of low tax environment: “Their money.” At peak construction, Pacific Northwest LNG will need as many as 4,500 workers, with 500 or more operations jobs depending on how far it expands. The finance ministry forecasts that once Pacific Northwest LNG is up and running, it represents $9 billion in revenues to the province over 10 years, including gas royalties and taxes. That’s more than taxpayers can expect from the entire forest industry. Tom Fletcher is legislature reporter and columnist for Black Press. Twitter: @ tomfletcherbc Email: tfletcher@blackpress.ca
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HERALD QUESTION OF THE WEEK To vote, go online to merrittherald.com
Was officer Casavant right to spare the lives of the bear cubs in Port Hardy?
PREVIOUS QUESTION Does Canada need more war memorials? YES: 69% NO: 31%
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.
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2101 Quilchena Ave, Merritt 250-378-0331 Find us on Facebook @ Lynda’s Cafe
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1 Prize: 2 General All Weekend Passes to Rockin’ River MusicFest and a Prize Pack. 2nd Prize: 2 General All Weekend Passes to Rockin’ River MusicFest. Draw date 5:00pm July 28, 2015! Multiple entries acceptable.
st
ENTER YOUR BALLOTS AT THESE PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! Phone:
1922 VOGHT ST, MERRITT 250.378.9686
2032 Quilchena Ave.,
Ph: 250-378-5714
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Winners will be notified by phone. Please provide current contact information. Enter by 12:00 noon, July 28, 2015. Some restrictions apply. Family of Merritt Herald staff not eligible. For more info contact the Merritt Herald 2090 Granite Avenue, Merritt BC 250-378-4241.
Name: Address: City:
Rockin’ River Musicfest
Rockin’ River Musicfest
WIN FREE TICKETS TO
8 • TUESDAY, July 14, 2015 www.merrittherald.com
TUESDAY, July 14, 2015 • 9
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HERALD SPORTS Have a sports story tip? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing sports@merrittherald.com
Kids
XploreSportZ and much more
Field Hockey
Archery A veteran of XploreSportZ camps, Triana Clarke (left) tries her hand at archery. Expert instruction is provided by BJ Moore and other volunteers from the local Nicola Valley Fish & Game Club. The club’s archery division meets weekly and offers instruction for both youth and adults. Ian Webster/Herald
Riley dalla Vecchia (right) and other campers negotiate a set of cones with their field hockey sticks and balls. The sesssion was taught by Carly Kristanovich, a former member of the UVic women’s field hockey team and a teacher at Diamond Vale Elementary School this past year. Ian Webster/Herald
Firefighter Training The XploreSportz youngsters got to take the fitness test that is part of becoming a fire fighter. Instruction was provided by Merritt Fire Dept. trainees Chris Harris (far left) and Eric Pichler (far right) and regular fireman Carl Johnston (back row, far right). The test included hauling fire hoses, raising ladders, using a sledgehammer, and the dragging of a simulated unconscious victim to safety. A photo essay of the children completing the entire fitness test will be published in a future edition of the Herald. Ian Webster/Herald
Disc Golf
Pickleball
Disc golf sees players toss a Frisbee around a course, trying to get the lowest score possible. Above, Owen Bateson executes a tee shot. Instruction was provided by Trish Rainville who plays the game at the disc course in Logan Lake. Ian Webster/Herald
Instructor Brian Dafoe watches as Madison Fluery completes a serve of the pickleball. The sport is currently being offered at the Bench tennis courts on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Ian Webster/Herald
Diving Sarah Parno (above) executes a terrific dive under the watchful eye of Riptech Diving Club instructor Ashton Atkinson from Kamloops. (Below) Yoga instructor Lindsey Fehr (far right) leads the XploreSportZ group in a session of stretching. Ian webster/Herald
Free Time Jocey King enjoys the free pool time at the Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre that culminated four of the five days of the XploreSportz camp from July 6 to 10. On the Friday, the children took in a movie at the Civic Centre. Ian Webster/Herald
Yoga One-day and week-long XploreSportZ camps are run throughout the year by the Merritt branch of PacifSport Interior, located at the Civic Centre and run by co-ordinator Josée Warren. Registrations are being taken now for the next camp which goes from Aug. 17 to 21. Activities on tap include ultimate Frisbee, wheelchair sports, archery, pickleball and more.
Indoor Golf Hannah Glueck practises her golf swing using a device very similar to a rhythmic gymnastics ribbon. The Merritt branch of PacificSport has purchased an entire teaching kit for introducing youngsters to the game. Ian Webster/Herald
10 • TUESDAY, July 14, 2015
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INDEX IN BRIEF
Family Announcements Community Announcements Employment Business Services Pets & Livestock Merchandise For Sale Real Estate Rentals Automotive Legals
Announcements
Employment
Merchandise for Sale
Real Estate
Employment
Employment
Information
Help Wanted
Garage Sales
Houses For Sale
Help Wanted
Help Wanted
CANADA BENEFIT Group Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888511-2250 or www.canadabeneďŹ t.ca/free-assessment.
OUR GLASS Shop, located on Vancouver Island, seeking qualiďŹ ed glazier or 2nd year apprentice. Competitive wage based on experience/beneďŹ t package. Please respond to: ourglass@telus.net
4 Bdrm, 2.5 Bath’s $245,000 includes GST. 1890 Sage Street. (604)576-0338
DON’T OVERPAY! Website: rtmihomes.com “Your Smart Housing Solution� Canada’s Largest provider of manufactured housing. Text or call (844-334-2960). In stock 16’/20’/22’ Homes on Sale Now!
Hotel, Restaurant, Food Services
Unreserved Auction. Sat. July 25th. 11am. 546 Fort St., Hope BC. Estate and moving sale.99 Ford F150, New kids quad, 500 Suzuki 4x4, 350 Yamaha 4x4, Trailors, Motorcycles, Vintage TS250 Suzuki, CT90 Honda’s, Outboards, Boat, Shop Tool & Equipment, Household & Collectibles. Too much to list, No buyers fee, Cash sale. Phone: (604) 869 - 2678
)HWFK D 'RJ )URP WKH 6KHOWHU
bcclassiÀeds.com reserves the right to revise, edit, classify or reject any advertisement and to retain any answers directed to the bcclassiÀed.com Box Replay Service and to repay the customer the sum paid for the advertisement and box rental.
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COPYRIGHT
Copyright and/or properties subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of bcclassiÀed.com. Permission to reproduce wholly or in part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.
4HE "#30#! CARES FOR THOUSANDS OF ORPHANED ABAN DONED AND ABUSED DOGS EACH YEAR )F YOU CAN GIVE A HOMELESS DOG A SECOND CHANCE AT HAPPINESS PLEASE VISIT YOUR LOCAL SHELTER TODAY
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Ph: 378-4241 Fax: 378-6818 Advertising: sales@merrittherald.com Publisher: publisher@merrittherald.com Editorial: newsroom@merrittherald.com Production: production@merrittherald.com www.merrittherald.com 2090 Granite Avenue, P.O. Box 9, Merritt, B.C.
MEDICAL Transcriptionists are in huge demand! Train with Canada’s top Medical Transcription school. Learn from home and work from home. Call today! 1-800-4661535 www.canscribe.com or info@canscribe.com
Financial Services GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com TAX FREE MONEY is available, if you are a homeowner, today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mortgage money is available right now. Rates start at Prime. Equity counts. We don’t rely on credit, age or income. Call Anytime 1-800-639-2274 or 604-430-1498. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca
Community Newspapers We’re at the heart of things™ Heavy Duty Machinery
Mobile Homes & Pads 3 bdrm 2 bath double wide trailer in L.N. Newly reno, 1/2 acre, quiet spot $975 plus damage deposit. Available Today. Call 250-378-4166
Modular Homes Available immediately 1 - 2 bedroom trailer, washer/dryer, fridge/stove, gas/hydro included. New laminate ooring, clean and quiet. Small pets possible. Family neighborhood close to town, schools, bus route. $850.00/month. (250)378 - 0887
WHERE DO YOU TURN
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A-CHEAP, LOWEST PRICES STEEL SHIPPING Dry Storage Containers Used 20’40’45’53’ and insulated containers all sizes in stock. 40’ containers as low as $2,200DMG. Huge freezers. Experienced wood carvers needed, full time. Ph Toll free 24 hours 1-866-528-7108 or 1778-298-3192 8am-5pm. Delivery BC and AB www.rtccontainer.com
The link to your community
Education/Trade Schools
Education/Trade Schools
YOUR NEWSPAPER:
7040490
Home Improvements FULL SERVICE plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, reliable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. 1800-573-2928.
Career Opportunities MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-7683362 to start training for your work-at-home career today!
Looking for food handlers for the Rockin River Music Fest Merritt. July 28th to Aug. 02. Email to edenconcessions@ hotmail.com
Please send resumes to admin@arnicacontracting.com
TRADE JOURNEYMAN HEAVY DUTY MECHANIC Merritt Emcon Services Inc. is seeking applications, from qualiÀed individuals who are interested in Àlling the above noted Auxiliary position. The position is that of a Trade Journeyman Heavy Duty Mechanic, preferably with experience repairing and maintaining highway maintenance equipment. This position requires a skilled and experienced mechanic; one who is safetyconscious, production oriented and self-motivated. Some shift work and Àeld work is required, duties and responsibilities are in accordance with established TJ Mechanic classiÀcation specs, and the successful applicant will be required to supply their own trade related hand tools. Applicants must have the following qualiÀcations and experience as a minimum. • Trade Journeyman CertiÀcation in Heavy Duty Mechanics (BC TQ CertiÀcate). • BC Driver’s License, minimum Class 3 with air endorsement. • Preferrably Grade 12 education. • CVIP CertiÀcation an asset. • Knowledge and experience in Preventative Maintenance Programs. • Good knowledge of trade related worksite safety. • Proven work experience on industry related heavy duty equipment such as gravel trucks, plow trucks, winter maintenance attachments, loaders, graders, sweepers, mowers, backhoes, etc. • Prefer individual who has up-to-date technical knowledge via trade related courses and/ or training updates since achieving their TQ certiÀcation.
QualiÀed individuals are invited to submit their resume outlining qualiÀcations, experience and references to:
WWW.PAINTSPECIAL.COM
Emcon Services Inc., #105 – 1121 McFarlane Way, Merritt, B.C. V1K 1B9 E-mail: tsmyth@emconservices.ca
250-318-2303
3 Rooms For $299 (Ceiling & Trim extra) Price incls. Cloverdale Premium Quality Paint. NO PAYMENT, until job is completed!
In Memoriam
EXCAVATOR OPERATOR.
Must have a minimum of 5 yrs experience in civil and forestry applications. Preference will be giving to those with Ground Disturbance Ticket. Must have a clean driving abstract. Class 1 driving licence an asset.
Wage as per CLAC Collective Agreement
Painting & Decorating
2 Coats Any Colour HIP OR knee replacement? Arthritic Conditions/COPD? Restrictions in Walking/Dressing? Disability Tax Credit $2,000 Tax Credit $20,000 Refund. Apply Today For Assistance: 1-844-453-5372.
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RETIREMENT home in Osoyoos seeks Food Service Manager. Must have Red Seal. Apply: jobs@balticproperties.ca
Rentals
Arnica Contracting Inc. is seeking a part-time
Auto Financing Need a Vehicle?
In Memoriam
Call the
In Memoriam
Gerharda (Oma) Velt The Velt Family would like to invite all who knew and loved Oma to join us in a celebration of hher life.
Celebration of Life Baillie House 25th, 2015 July 25th 1pm-3pm Refreshments will be served
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TUESDAY, July 14, 2015 • 11
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
THE RETURN OF
BASS COAST The Bass Coast music and art festival was back for its third installment in Merritt. The three-day 19-and over event features electronic music, from around the world captivating dance performances and art installations. The festival was capped at 3,000 people who filled the old Merritt mountainfest grounds from July 10 through 13 this year.
Photos by David Dyck and Michael Potestio
12 • TUESDAY, July 14, 2015
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