March 17 - 2022 by Merritt Herald

Nicola Valley’s News Voice Since 1905

MERRITT HERALD THIS WEEK

THURSDAY, March 17, 2022 •

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BUDGET NEEDS

GATEWAY 286

The Groundbreaking ceremony for the much anticipated Gateway 286 project took place on March 15, 2022 —

Councilor Tony Luck says all that is left is to get funding to begin Merritt’s recovery postflood. —

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FEDERAL MINISTER VISITS MERRITT

Bill Blair, Federal Minister of Emergency Preparedness visited Merritt on Sunday, March 13, to meet with Mayor Brown and the locals who have been seeking government aid. STORY /PAGE 5

Merritt Funeral Chapel Celebrating each life like no other

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2 • THURSDAY, March 17, 2022

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Welcome to Waterside Trail – a new bare land waterfront strata community in the beautiful Nicola Lakeshore Estates. Enjoy stunning panoramic views of Nicola Lake, one of BC’s premiere locations. You will enjoy year-round recreation w/ easy access to crown land, beaches, private dock & all the watersports you can imagine.

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MLS#164852

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$389,000

Investors, first time buyers take note! Lots of potential to bring your own ideas to this 2 bedroom 1 bathroom home. The roof is approximately 5 years old, furnace approximately 4 years old and hot water tank replaced 2 years ago. Unfinished basement to create your own area with the laundry downstairs. Fully fenced yard and alley access, with lots of room for gardening and storage!

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Very nice 2 bed, 1 bath home located in a cul-de-sac on a quiet street, within walking distance to downtown Merritt amenities. The home has a galley kitchen w/ lots of cabinets & open to your dining area & front entry, sliding glass doors lead to your very private patio & great fenced backyard.

Looking for the perfect private acreage to build your dream home? Look no further – this spectacular acreage with over 10 acres is all usable and has excellent driveway access in place. There is a year-round spring on the property and a well, it is completely fenced with stunning views of the bluffs spanning over the river.

2840 Cranna Crescent

2131 Taylor Place

NEW

SOLD Each office is independently owned and operated

MLS#166140

$629,000

MLS#165618

1732 Granite Avenue

3039 Hilton Drive

NEW MLS#165764

$689,000

Very nice 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom family home located on a double lot in a great location, with an inground pool and private yard. The home features vaulted ceilings in the living room, open to the family room, kitchen with lots of cabinets and eating island and dining room, lots of bright windows, master bedroom offers sliding glass doors to your entertaining patio with in-ground pool and beautiful mature landscaping.

1776 Juniper Drive

MLS#166147

5816 Beech Road

SOLD $749,900

Stunning home in one of the best locations in town. This immaculate rancher has been beautifully crafted and finished. Gorgeous hardwood floors, deep crown moldings and 10’ high ceilings lead you into the open concept kitchen, dining, living room area where you enjoy the granite counters, custom millwork and gas fireplace. LED lighting throughout and a brand-new reverse osmosis water system.

6441 Jagpal Way

NEW MLS#166027

$659,000

Beautiful family home on a quiet cul-de-sac. This home has 6 bedrooms and 3.5 baths total, featuring a 2 bedroom 1 bathroom legal suite with separate entrance on the main floor. There has been lots of updates throughout such as some new flooring, new kitchen counter tops, newer appliances, hot water tank and roof around 6 years old.

Very nice 6 bed, 3 bath family home located on a quiet street w/ large 22’ X 39’ attached garage. The main level features updated kitchen w/ lots of cabinets, center island w/ eating bar, granite countertops, updated appliances & open to your dining & living room. There are three bedrooms on the main level as well w/ 4 pc bath.

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$765,000

2151 Munro Crescent

NEW MLS#166214

3350 Panorama Place

NEW $787,500

Looking for that perfect property! Check out this charming 3 bdrm (could be 4) 2 bath home on over 2 acres! The property is completely fenced, private and all usable. The home has a large garage, plenty of room for vehicles, ATVs, and a huge south facing deck to enjoy the mountain views! You will enjoy the bright open concept living, dining and kitchen areas with large patio doors and windows. There is a separate workshop/storage shed with its own power panel.

This home was built with quality in mind. Custom built home features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, gorgeous oak flooring throughout, solid hemlock interior doors and trim, custom kitchen, formal living room and family room with custom marble fireplace mantle not to mention the other 2 timeless gas fireplace stoves.

2209 Harris Road

4520 Eight Mile Road

MLS#166035

$789,000

Nice 2 Storey–5 bed home w/finished bsmt located on a quiet cul-de-sac, in desired bench location. The home features 3 levels w/upper level offering 4 bed, 4pc bath as well as 5pc ensuite beautifully renovated, updated w/separate soaker tub, shower & 2 sinks. Basement is finished w/a bedroom, large games/rec. room, large office/den & 2 pc bath.

2760 Petit Creek Road

NEW $829,000

Well Established residential neighborhood. Thoughtful landscaping on this .34+ private property has transformed this PANORAMIC VIEW LOT into an outdoor oasis. Great spacious level fenced yard for all your entertaining and family needs. One owner home with over 3600 sq ft 4 bedroom 3.5 bath custom built exceptional home.

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$989,000

BREATHTAKING VIEWS of beautiful Nicola Lake! Your retreat within just 2-3 hours of the Lower Mainland. Come away to this lovely 4 bedroom, 3 bath home with a 2 car 20’ x 30’ garage/shop. Time to indulge yourself: bright kitchen with warm dark maple cabinets, granite countertop island and heated floors. Garden doors lead out to upper BBQ deck overlooking the lake. Great room featuring a cozy wood fireplace and oak hardwood flooring.

MLS#166212

$1,375,000

Beautiful 3500 sq ft home on 2.34 acres bordering the Nicola River. This home boasts quality throughout. Carefully constructed w/ every detail in mind starting w/home constructed on a knoll - foundation being reinforced cement poured into Styrofoam forms & treated w/ waterproof application & sealed w/ film, Low E Argon Gas windows, heat pump/propane furnace/electric heat.

MLS#165641

$1,390,000

Spectacular custom home on 20 acres with a year-round creek! This stunning property is very private and only 12 minutes from Merritt just off the coveted Mamit Lake Road. Wrap around deck and over 2600 square feet on the main floor with high vaulted ceilings, open concept d/r, l/r and kitchen with a gorgeous wood burning fireplace. Quartz counters and a large island.

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$3,250,000

Sprawling 2700 sq ft Rancher Home on 119 +/- acres of level hay land. Home has been completely updated including new addition in 2016. Enjoy comfortable living while working/living the ranching lifestyle. House features large country kitchen and dining room, 4 large bedrooms, blaze king wood stove, 2 living areas and large deck with hot tub to enjoy the peacefulness of the night sky. Owners have constructed a 5400 sq ft open barn with attached 1000 sq ft finished/heated workshop .

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THURSDAY, March 17, 2022 • 3

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Luck: “We need money to get this thing done.”

Councilor Tony Luck believes the City of Merritt has done all the requirements needed to access funding. Photo/Tony Luck

Morgan Hampton REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM Merritt was devastated by floods in Nov. 2021, when the Coldwater River spilled its banks following an atmospheric river event, displacing residents, affecting hundreds of homes and causing millions of dollars’ worth of damage. Hundreds of residents remain displaced, and while the City is working to repair infrastructure and return people to their homes, Councillor Tony Luck said that much of the work is now dependent on government funding. “When this all started, the federal and provincial governments came out and said we’ve got your back, we’re going to make sure you’ve got the funding you need to rebuild and rebuild better, and that was great, we liked to hear that,” said Luck. “As the waters receded and we started bringing people back to the community, we started asking what was that going to look like?” Both the federal and provincial government laid out the criteria required to be eligible for funding, which included such items as putting a disaster recovery manager in place to assess the situation and make recommendations. This was accomplished by the City bringing in Greg Solecki to fill the Recovery Manager role,

and having a dedicated flood recovery team of ten people, in addition to the support staff for citizens. “Staff went to work, once we got the Recovery Manager in place and were able to bring staff back in and resume the regular work of the City, we were able to start looking at all that needed doing, the water treatment and sewer treatment plant… we’ve had all that done and submitted to the provincial government for probably somewhere around two months now,” said Luck. “We’ve done all the due diligence we need to. And it’s a very substantial number, and we have all the work completed to be able to do that. They know what all our needs are for diking, for housing, for building back resilience in the community, they’ve had that for two months now. We’ve been constantly on the phone trying to talk to the provincial government and work through it.” While Luck says he is confident that the funding will come through, he understands the frustrations of the citizens who are still in limbo, frustrations he and the City sympathize with. “We’re a little frustrated, we’d just like to see the provincial government move a little bit quicker on trying to get some of that funding out,” said Luck. “We’ve got some fantastic ideas, particularly for housing, but we just need to make sure we’ve got that commitment from the provincial government. I think they’re going to come through with the money, but it’s just very slow because they’re dealing with Lytton, and Princeton, and Abbotsford, and here.” Some within the community have expressed the idea that perhaps the City of Merritt is in over its head dealing with such a large and unprecedented event, but Luck assures that staff have gone above and beyond to ensure that all the necessary i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed. “We are ahead of the curve on getting our requests in, as a matter of fact we’ve been working with some of the other municipalities to help them get some of their requests in, because we’ve built a bit of an expertise around this,” said Luck, who noted that the City of Abbotsford has reached out with questions regarding the application

process. “I know people in the community are frustrated, they don’t see many things happening, but we’re at the point now where it’s money,” explained Luck. “We need money to get this thing done. And I don’t think I have to emphasize too strongly that the City just does not have the kind of money that we need to rebuild.” As an example, the Middlesboro Bridge, which collapsed during the flooding and is now set to be removed, has an estimated replacement cost of roughly $8 million. Between inflation, supply chain disruptions and an ongoing labour shortage, Luck said that, “the numbers are astronomical… we know that the City doesn’t have the capacity to do that ourselves.” Luck also stresses that the City doesn’t want a band-aid solution, or to repair and rebuild in a way that maintains or recreates the same vulnerabilities that became evident in Nov. 2021. “We want to build back better, we have to, we can’t just build back the way it used to be and hope that we don’t get another flood,” said Luck, with diking a top subject raised by both residents and the City. “It’s no surprise to anybody, there were at least four reports done in BC on the diking situation around the province and the reports basically said our diking system is in need of work and badly in need of repair, and it wasn’t adequate to deal with major flooding or weather events.” With so many residents still unable to return home, or having no homes to return to, housing is also a top priority. “That’s a big part of this, we really need to get some housing taken care of in our community,” said Luck, who made reference to the many people still temporarily housed out of town or in local hotels. “That hurts us in a number of ways. We struggle with tourism because all of our hotels are filled up with workers and people that are displaced from their homes, our RV parks are damaged, so the longer we put that off the the longer it’s going to take to come back and be viable again. And then you’ve got people that

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

WEATHER Mar. 17: Cloudy 1°/10°C Mar. 18: Cloudy 1°/10°C Mar. 19: 60% Rain 0°/9°C Mar. 20: Cloudy -2°/8°C Mar. 21: 40% Snow 1°/11°C Mar. 22: 40% Rain 4°/13°C

Online merrittherald.com

WINTER TIRES

Although spring is just around the corner, drivers must still keep in mind that winter tire and chain requirements are still in effect.

Search ‘WINTER’

MANDATES LIFTED The BC government will be taking progressive steps to remove restrictions starting today with the removal of their face coverings order.

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LOCAL PROJECTS WE’VE HELPED FUND

is a charitable society dedicated, through fund raising, to the enhancement of healthcare in the Nicola Valley since 1984.

INSIDE THE HERALD

♥ Hospital Emergency Equipment: Renovation and Expansion Project ♥ The Berta Fraser Centre at Gillis House ♥ Adult Day Care Bus ♥ Merritt Hospice Society All money raised/donated stays in our Nicola Valley.

IF YOU’D LIKE TO DONATE Donations can be done on-line at nvhcef.com, through

250-315-1832 or by mail to Box 1423, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8

4 • THURSDAY, March 17, 2022

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City Council Meetings have resumed in-person and residents are strongly encouraged to watch online via www.merritt.ca Tuesday, March 22 - Regular Council Meeting - 6 pm

FRAUD AWARENESS MONTH March is Fraud Awareness Month. Second most costly scam is romance scam ($64.6 million). Phone 250-378-3955 if you have questions related to scams, fraud, internet safety.

Application Deadline: April 8th

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Lifeguard Instructor II (Full-time), Communications and Engagement Manager, Housing and Support Coordinator (Term), Lifeguard Instructor 1 (Casual), Lifeguard Instructor 1 (Part-time), Summer Student, Seasonal Outside Worker (Labourer), Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator 1, Deputy Corporate Officer/Executive Assistant (Term), RCMP Clerk (Casual). For more information visit: www.merritt.ca

For more information contact Merritt Civic Centre at 250-315-1050 or email: jenn.dougherty@merritt.ca

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THURSDAY, March 17, 2022 • 5

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Federal Minister visits flood affected locals Minister Blair visited and was shown three locations that were devistated by the flood, one of which was the house of local, Rochelle Rupert. Izaiah Reyes/ Herald

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@ MERRITTHERALD. COM On Sunday, March 13, the Federal Minister of Emergency Preparedness, Bill Blair, paid a visit to Merritt to meet with the City Council and visit some of the individuals who were affected by the November 2021 floods. “I think the most important reason for coming here into Merritt was to come out into the community and actually meet Canadians who’ve been impacted by these floods,” said Blair. The Minister arrived at City Hall around 1:30 PM and met up with members of the City Council and with Mayor Linda Brown.

“One of the things I’ve heard from the Mayor very clearly today is that we have to make sure that we can move some of that money as quickly as possible because of the uncertainty,” said Blair. After the meeting, the Minister was taken on a tour around some properties to show the damage caused by the flood, one of which was Rochelle Rupert’s property. “Being able to come and speak with this young woman, for us, it gives an urgency to the work that we’re doing together,” said Blair. “To give them those answers and provide that reassurance.” Blair explained that there is relief

funding allocated towards the towns affected by the calamities like Merritt in the form of the Provincial Disaster Financial Assistance Program. “Although we’ve given a very substantial amount of funding to help the people of BC recover from these floods,” Blair remarked. “We also, in listening to these stories, understand the urgency of moving as quickly as we possibly can.” After the flood, local residents started to question why there was very little warning as many people were alerted about the flood late at night in the form of door to door warnings. Blair acknowledged this and said he is working

with Emergency Management BC to build a more “robust” public alert system. “One of the things we have learned was the importance of making sure that there was a good public alerting system. It’s a very important part of the mandate that the Prime Minister has actually given me.” The Minister’s visit has been something that the local government was calling for as soon as the recovery process of the city began. After the visit, Mayor Brown is optimistic that it would help speed up the process to get the people help. “It’s an amazing start,” said Brown. “I think one of the biggest things is the

Johnny’s on the Rez

willingness to be collaborative in what we do look at and the Minister has come here to determine what is our greatest need which is our people.” Prior to visiting Merritt, Minister Blair also visited Abbotsford and saw the repairs done to reopen the Coquihalla Highway then headed back to

Ottawa the following night. “I’ve heard her (Brown) very

clearly and I’ll take that message back with me to Ottawa and in my

conversations with the BC government.”

Nicola Valley Community Theatre Society Annual General Meeting Wednesday, March 23, 2022 - 10:00 AM Merritt Civic Centre

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VIEWPOINT

EDITORIAL

Cool and Retro Recently, I have made it a point to explore Merritt one place at a time. I started this past weekend and I was really amazed at the IZAIAH REYES shop I walked HERALD into. EDITOR The Merritt Movie Experts is a gem. I initially thought it would just be a shop that sells movies, much like the electronics section at Walmart. Surprisingly, it is an actual movie rental shop where you could get a variety of movies both old and new. Located on Voght Street, right next to Spirit Square, I kept passing by this shop during my commute to work. What drew me to it was their movie posters of The Suicide Squad and Godzilla vs Kong, the latter being a favorite of mine. I was in awe when I saw the inside of the shop, I thought these types of stores went extinct a long time ago. I mentioned this to lady at the counter and she replied, “If we had a dollar for everytime we heard that, we would already be rich.” It felt so surreal, like a blast from the past. As a kid I used to love renting out movies every thursday at the shop we had back in the Philippines. When I moved to Canada, I loved renting out movies from the Red Box, unfortunately they were taken out in 2015. I looked up at the wall and The Movie Experts had a list of their release schedule featuring the latest movies to come out on Blu-ray. Now compare this to the shelf on my left that was filled with VHS tapes! That’s right, apparently there is still a market for these artifacts. Though I didn’t end up renting a movie, I consider my visit time well spent because I had the chance to talk movies with the attendant, I saw titles I didn’t know about, and I was able to see something my friends back in Calgary can’t anymore.

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

MERRITT HERALD

Julie Nicholls, Grade 6 Students, parents, and teachers: submit your student art to newsroom@merrittherald.com for a chance to be featured each week! Submissions are printed on a first come, first serve basis.

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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.

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THURSDAY, March 17, 2022 • 7

OPINION

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

RED DRESS WALK IN LOWER NICOLA

From the Herald archives: March, 1995

GAS LEAK FORCES EVACUATION

Dozens of people met up on Tuesday, March 15 to walk and raise awareness for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) Izaiah Reyes/Herald

LETTERS to the editor

Rockin’ River back on

LETTERS POLICY

Editor, We are incredibly grateful and excited to be able to announce our new lineup for this summers festival. It feels amazing to get back to a place where some normalcy seems possible. This year’s lineup is by far our most diverse with Tim McGraw, Hardy, Billy Currington and Darius Rucker headlining each night. I am confident that we are going to have a wonderful show and I can’t wait to spend the long weekend with 10s of thousands of my fellow music lovers on the banks of the Coldwater river listening to some of the best music anywhere on the planet. See you all there! The Rockin’ River was last held in 2019 with both 2020 and 2021 being cancelled. Photo/(Herald File Photo)

Kenny Hess Founder, Rockin’ River Music Festival

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M E R R I T T

The Merritt Fire Department evacuated 12 families living in the 2600 block of Granite Ave. after a strong smell of gas was detected from Tirecraft. The families were asked to wait for the fire department to locate the source of the leak which took an hour. After locating the source, the families were able to go home as according to the Fire Department Chief, Rich Finley, natural gas dissipates quickly.

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

8 • THURSDAY, March 17, 2022

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Groundbreaking at Gateway 286

FRIENDS & Neighbours DONATIONS FROM BURNABY

The 13th Burnaby Scouts handed out their donations on Saturday, March 12. The scouts exceeded their expectations by handing out 170 total care packages. Izaiah Reyes/Herald

Gateway 286 has been a project some have lobbied for dating back as early as 1990s Morgan Hampton/ Herald

Morgan Hampton REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM Representatives of five local First Nations bands, Mayor Linda Brown and council, MLA Jackie Tegart and various industry partners were on hand at the former BC Visitor’s Centre near Hamilton Hill for a groundbreaking ceremony heralding the beginning of development with the Gateway 286 project. Gateway 286 is the culmination of nearly three decades of work and planning, and an unprecedented collaboration between the provincial, federal and municipal governments along with the Coldwater, Nooaitch, Shackan, Upper Nicola and Lower Nicola Indian Bands, collectively represented as Spayum Holdings. Those present braved fierce winds, with Stu Jackson, Chief of Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB), even quipping, “I think after I’m done here I’m going to go fly a kite, the wind is fitting.” Despite the weather, the gathered crowd was cheerful and optimistic about the future of the project, which, despite the groundbreaking on March 15, was already well underway. LNIB Councillor Bill Bose offered a prayer for the project, “that it will benefit our people and all people in the Nicola Valley,” and three indigenous drummers played traditional songs. The first phase of the development will include more than 30,000 square feet of commercial retail and services including a gas station, convenience store, food and coffee establishments, washrooms for the public and a central plaza. Also planned are a large parking area that can accommodate RVs and tow-behind trailers, as well as vehicles of Godey Creek recreation area users. Sustainability and efficient use of resources is top of mind for project planners and designers, with rainwater run off

used wherever possible, alongside drought resistant landscaping. A water feature using only collected and controlled rain water will grace the site, but will at times be naturally dry, such as during the hot summer months. Metered service connections will also encourage efficient use of resources. At this time, the project also aims to be home to the largest electric car charging station in western Canada. Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart addressed the crowd, noting that she has been involved with the project since her election in 2013, and that she has spoken to individuals who have been lobbying for Gateway 286 since the 1990’s. “To see that dream become a reality today, congratulations to everyone who had a piece of this,” said Tegart. “The leadership from our First Nation bands, the commitment to the region, the partnerships that mean so much to all of us, and what it means to the people of this valley. Congratulations.” Mayor Brown, also joking about the tremendous wind, expressed her happiness at seeing the project get underway. “I am so proud to be a representative of the City, to be able to come and join in on these festivities, but also, this entire partnership,” said Brown. “It is truly a first for the City to have something of this magnitude for us. It is pleasing and it is an honour to be a part of this, this has got to be a first in our history to be involved in this kind of event.” Renee Merrifield, MLA for KelownaMission and also CEO of Troika Developments, a major partner in the Gateway 286 project, spoke about the difficulties the Nicola Valley has faced in the last two years. “Hopefully this is that drop in the bucket that says it’s a new day and it’s a new way forward, and it creates the excitement that we are thinking about and feeling.”

Vigil for Ukraine

Dozens of people showed up at Cross Roads Community Church on Sunday, March 13 to offer their prayers to the victim of the Russian invasion. Izaiah Reyes/Herald

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

MSS proposes partnership with NVIT for trades program The Merritt Secondary School have proposed changes to their trades program. In the March 9 meeting of School District 58, MSS Principal, Leroy Slanzi proposed a partnership with NVIT to help fast track students in their trades program. “We thought that waiting till Grade 12 to start that wasn’t necessary if we had an opportunity to work with NVIT.” As it stands, students must The trades program at MSS has complete most of their graduation existed for many years under the requirements before heading into guise of different names. File Photo/ either the Youth Train In Trades Michael Potestio or the Youth Work In Trades. Izaiah Reyes The Youth Train in Trades will NEWSROOM@ teach the foundational skills and MERRITTHERALD.COM theory to students while the Youth Work in Trades will have them put in a minimum of 900 hours of work experience working with a certified trades person. Both go towards completing a student’s Red Seal Journeyman Ticket. “We have more trades classes than we do Biology, Chemistry, and Physics,” said Slanzi. “We’re essentially turning into a majority trades school.” David Andersen is one of the people in charge of transitions at MSS and he works with NVIT to help kids with their move to post-secondary education. “This initiative kind of grew out of an already existing partnership with NVIT,” Andersen said. “We’re looking for ways to strengthen ties in those two institutions.” In order to fast track the trades program, MSS proposed that students at Grade 11 take Youth Train in Trades at NVIT in preparation for Youth Work In Trades which they would take in Grade 12. “The idea behind that is they are much more employable with a school year worth of experience under their belt rather than asking an employer to hire somebody with no skills,” said Andersen. While most of these students’ time would be dedicated to trades, MSS proposed that they will have a teacher to teach the students core subjects. “We need to make sure that our kids are meeting the Ministry requirements,” said Slanzi. The proposed updates will implement a dual credit system wherein the credits earned from the trades program will go towards both their certification and graduation from MSS. “We certainly have students, by the end of Grade 10, have indicated and are pretty serious about pursuing a trades path,” said Andersen. “ These are the students we are targeting with this program.” Youth Work in Trades currently has 6 students in the program while Youth Train in Trades have 15 kids registered. MSS hopes to implement these updates with the program at the start of next school year.

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 58 (NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN) BUDGET PLANNING PROCESS – 2022/2023 ANNUAL BUDGET Tuesday, April 7, 2022:

A public budget presentation will be made to interested stakeholders via a zoom video conference call. Representatives from schools’ Parent Advisory Council (PAC), District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC), teacher and support staff Unions, Principals, and members of the public are invited to attend this meeting to review provincial funding, District projections for enrolment and funding, as well as provide more specific information regarding the District’s annual budget. Stakeholder groups and members of the public are welcome to outline their priorities to the Audit & Finance Committee. The meeting will commence at 17:00. The purpose is to discuss priorities and listen to concerns in order to help set the framework for the 2022/2023 annual budget.

Monday, April 25, 2022:

Audit & Finance Committee to meet at noon to study a draft summary which will be presented to Board on May 11, 2022.

Tuesday, May 11, 2022:

A draft summary prepared by the Superintendent and the Secretary Treasurer to be presented to the Board for discussion.

Wednesday, June 8, 2022:

Budget bylaw to be presented at the Regular Board Meeting. Subject to feedback, the budget for the 2022/2023 year will be adopted at this meeting

PLEASE NOTE:

Representatives from stakeholder groups or members of the public will also have the opportunity to make a presentation to the Audit & Finance Committee in private if they so desire. Individuals or groups interested in making such a presentation should contact the Secretary Treasurer at vchan@365.sd58.bc.ca by April 22, 2022 to arrange a meeting, supported by a written submission.

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THURSDAY, March 17, 2022 • 11

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

MSS and DVES ready for students after spring break

Students will report back to their respective buildings after spring break. Photo/(Herald File Photo)

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@ MERRITTHERALD.COM In School District 58’s March 9 board meeting, Assistant Superintendent, Jamil Aziz gave an update regarding the return of students to their schools after the November floods. “We are pleased to announce that

Merritt Secondary School (MSS) and Diamond Vale Elementary School (DVES) students will be able to report and return to their buildings, fully repaired and replenished, after spring break” Aziz said. Students from MSS were split up into three locations; the MSS gym and shop. NVIT, and the Coquihalla Middle School. DVES students were relocated

to the Nicola Canford Elementary School, Merritt Bench Elementary School, and Collettville Elementary School. Although the rebuilding process for two of the three schools damaged by the floods are complete, Merritt Central Elementary School (CES) was not as fortunate. “There’s a whole lot of work to be done to remediate the grounds

and the land out there at Central Elementary School, because it was so close to the flood waters that came through.” Aziz explained that due to the proximity of CES to the river, their building was hit hard the most, with the fields having 3-4 foot gouges and debris of glass spread throughout. “We’re going to have to really bring in some experts and do some work to make sure that the fields are ready,” Aziz said, describing the CES rebuilding progress. “Even if we had the school ready before the end of June, kids wouldn’t be able to go.” Currently, CES students have occupied Cross Roads Community Church, Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church, and the Coquihalla Middle School where they will be staying from April to June. With the youth in mind, the Board’s goal is to have CES ready at the beginning of the new school year in September. Aziz noted, “I think just the ability to rebuild a sense of community and engagement, kind of seeing friends and peers inside one site would be a really exciting prospect.”

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Merritt councilor looks for government disaster relief From Page 3 are getting fired from their jobs because they’re not showing up. Well, if they’re in Kelowna and having to drive they can’t do that. It’s really important that we get our citizens back into homes. They want to be back here.” While all projects currently

hinge on government funding, Luck understands that it’s no simple task for the province to undertake either. “I understand they’re challenged with some of this, there’s no question about it, but I think they’re just trying to figure out how they’re going to fund

this, the proper allocations,” said Luck. “It’s hard when we have citizens here living in hotels and out of suitcases to understand that. But, I want them to know we’re working very, very hard. Sean Smith, our CAO is on the phone every day following up, seeing where

we’re at, it’s just taking a little bit longer than we were hoping.” In a recent visit, Bill Blair, Federal Minister of Emergency Preparedness has seen first hand the damage these floods caused and now understands the urgency needed for funding to come.

Schoenborn granted extended leave sional disorder. Booker, Crown scribed drugs, he is “Over the entire lawyer, describes not allowed possession period of time in Schoenborn’s prior of any weapons and hospital, he has never leaves as a “good first he is not allowed to involved himself in start” but contends contact relatives of his the contraband trade that it was not enough victims. or subculture in the evidence for the board The review board Schoenborn was granted hospital, which is very to decide in favour of granted the hospital extended leave per extended leaves. discretion to allow Hospital Directors orders common and quite a problem on some The overnight Schoenborn staffon March 11, 2022. Photo/(Herald File Photo) units,” said Dr. Robert community leaves will supported leave in Lacroix, attendcome with restrictions. 2015 and eventually Izaiah Reyes ing psychiatrist for Schoenborn is not discretion to allow NEWSROOM@ Schoenborn. allowed to consume unescorted leaves in MERRITTHERALD.COM Michelle alcohol or unpre2020. The BC review board has granted Allan Schoenborn extended community leaves as announced View your feature best friend @ www.angelsanimalrescue.ca on Friday, March 11. The 54-yearold may now leave the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital in To make an appointment Coquitlam, BC unesto meet your new best friend corted, up to 28 days Phone/text: (250) 378-5223 as per order by the (250) 574-1316 email: aarsrescue@gmail.com hospital director. The panel explains, “we are satisfied that the plan put “Breaking the forward by the direcChain of Abuse” tor is well thought Donations can be to made to The Angel’s Animal Rescue out and, if propSociety by cheque, etransfer or PayPal. erly implemented, will We are a Registered Charity - 847488269RR0001. adequately manage the risk to the comThis feature brought to you by... munity occasioned by visit leaves.” ◆ Jewelry ◆◆ Gifts Native ◆ Jewelry Gifts NativeArt Art Schoenborn was ◆ Glasses ◆ ◆ Contacts ◆ Glasses Contacts convicted for killing Jeanine JeanineGustafson Gustafson his three children back Optician/Contact Lens Fitter/ABO/NCLE Optician/Contact Lens Fitter/ABO/NCLE in April 2008 but has visionquestoptical@gmail.com visionquestoptical@gmail.com not been charged due to findings that he was Vision 250-378-2022 Phone: 250-378-2022 Vision Q Quest Optical & Gifts Phone: Q Quest Optical & Gifts 2001 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, Authentic Art Gallery 2001 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, BCBC Authentic NativeNative Art Gallery suffering from a delu-

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“We, in listening to these stories, understand the urgency of moving as quickly as we possibly can,” Blair said. “We don’t want to allow process to hold us back from the right outcome.” Once the cheques are written, Luck said that the citizens

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SPORTS

THURSDAY, March 17, 2022 • 15

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

NVSC shines in Kelowna Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM able to enter in The Nicola two competitions Valley Skate Club this season. One of (NVSC) has been which took place a very successin Kamloops last ful organization November just days producing awardremoved from the winning young athletes who take to devastating floods and the other took the ice. place on March 4 On average, and 5 in Kelowna. members compete “With everyin six tournathing that went on ments per season. this past year, I’m However, due to COVID-19 restric- super proud of the kids because tions and the they were still able November floods, to continue trainNVSC was only

ing and still do a lot of our assessments at home,” said Diana Lorenz, Professional Coach for NVSC. “It was really great to be able to push through.” Skaters still received recognition in Kelowna with Abby Thoms placing 14th in Star 5 13 and over level, Jayda Starrs placing 7th in Stars 4 U13 level, Kate VanRensburg getting silver assessment in her Star

NVSC SHOWCASE

3 FreeSkate and Avery Starrs getting silver assessment in her Stars 2 FreeSkate . After competition these STARSkate soloists were able to join the STARSkate group, PreCan/ CanSkaters, Jr. Academy, Jr. STAR skaters in a showcase held at NVMA this past Saturday, March 12. “We were just able to do a showcase this year but next year we will

be back to planning our big, big, show!” With the season coming to an end, Coach Lorenz looks forward to entering more competitions and hosting a big carnival ice show next season. NVSC’s STARSkate soloists entered in Super Series STARSkate in Kelowna , which is one of the annual competitions the club joins. Photo/NVSC

Rivers FC introduces new team Evaluations for River FC and FC II has been updated due to the large number of athletes interested in joining. Photo/ Rivers FC

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@ MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Nicola Valley Skate Club hosted its showcase on Saturday, March 12 for students in CanSkate and members of the StarSkate Academy. Izaiah Reyes/ Herald

The Rivers Football Club in Kamloops recently announced the formation of River FC II, an additional team set to compete in the Pacific

Coast Soccer League in the summer. “The establishment of Rivers FC II creates a smooth pathway, so the better players in the region can transition from ThompsonOkanagan FC –– the interior’s top youth level club, and one of eight founding member clubs of the BC Soccer Premier League––to Rivers FC II, and to the semi-pro Rivers FC and other high levels of competition,” says Rivers FC GM Keith Liddiard. “I think this is what League1 BC is all about… a conveyor belt for developing players!” Victor Lizzi, President of Excel

Industries Limited, has been an avid supporter of local soccer and has been backing Rivers FC for many years. Now the company is the primary sponsor for Rivers FC II. The PCSL’s season runs from May to August concurrently with League1 BC where Rivers FC will be playing. The 2022 season of the PCSL will have Rivers FC II playing against Khalsa Sporting Club, Mid-Isle Mariners, Okanagan FC, Penticton Soccer Club, Surrey United Soccer Club, Tigers FC, Victoria Highlanders, Victoria United, and Westcastle International.

There will be evaluation sessions at Warner Rentals Hillside Stadium for players interested in joining Rivers FC League1 BC men’s and women’s teams, or Rivers FC II. The Rivers FC and FC II will have sessions on Saturday, March 19, from 7 pm to 8:30 pm for the women’s team and 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM for the men’s team. Sunday, the tryouts will continue with the women’s session from 6 PM to 7:30 PM while the men’s evaluations will be from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM Please visit www. riversfc.com to register ahead of time.

Merritt MARCH 18 - WEST KELOWNA WARRIORS: 7:00 P.M. Centennials vs AT THE NICOLA VALLEY MEMORIAL ARENA! FOR TICKETS DROP BY 2001C VOGHT ST, OR CALL THE OFFICE AT 250-378-3604

16 • THURSDAY, March 17, 2022

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BUSINESS FEATURE

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

Family daycare moves downtown Morgan Hampton REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM After more than twelve years on the NVIT campus, Helew’u’ Child Care Society has moved into their new location on the corner of Blair St. and Nicola Ave. Helew’u’, which had operated since 2009 out of the space at NVIT that will now become the Conayt Aboriginal Head Start, was informed in 2021 that their contract would not be automatically renewed as the space was going to be put up for a Request for Proposal. Because the Society wasn’t certain that their bid for the space would be successful, they began to look for a new space. “Closing our doors was a last resort option as our families relied on our centre to care for their children so they could work or go to school,” said Nicho Willson, manager of the Helew’u’ Child Care Centre. On May 31, 2021 Helew’u’ were informed that their bid was successful and they had secured the spot at NVIT, but they had also signed a lease at the second location on Blair St. “We quickly changed our plans and thought, Merritt needs another centre, we’ll run two,” said Willson. “We’ll keep the top one and we’ll start an after school program and run a multi-age program downtown.” However, contract negotiations with NVIT later proved unsuccessful, and the Society moved from their space on the campus to their newly secured downtown location. Although they are a non-profit organization, Helew’u’ had a small reserve of funds set aside, and they applied for an emergency grant from the Ministry of Children and Family Development to renovate the space, which had previously been a car dealership that had been shuttered for more than 20 years. “The Society had support and generous contributions from the community, businesses, parents, individual people and has managed to create a beautiful space,” said Willson. The interior, which formerly featured a showroom, three offices and a washroom, is now child-ready with two classrooms, a nap room, a kitchen, an office and three washrooms. “There’s been a lot of personal hours put in reno-

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vating, and it’s worth it,” said Willson. “Because my kids are happy and they’re still here. Their parents aren’t trying to find different spots for them.” In the space at NVIT, the Society was able to care for 28 children aged 0-5, however, given the smaller size of the new space, only 26 children can be accommodated. The Centre opened on March 3, but there is still work to be done. The outdoor play area is still under construction, and some fine tuning of the interior space is still required. This will be challenging as the costs of the renovations skyrocketed well beyond what was budgeted, and flooding and a lack of contractor availability has hampered the project. “The Society has struggled with the requirements set out by the City and building standards, we’ve hit a couple roadblocks in that sense,” said Willson. “Our licensing requirements, and major cost overruns, but the need for daycare spaces in our community and the families that rely on the daycare has kept us moving forward, that’s why we kept pushing forward, so our families still had spots and future families have spots.” The staff and families of Helew’u’, which means ‘baby eagle’ and was inspired by the Merritt NVIT campus, which is known as ‘Eagles’ Perch’, look forward with excitement to welcoming children to the new space and a new beginning. “Helew’u’ Child Care Society would like to thank NVIT for allowing the Society to run a daycare in their space for the last twelve and a half years,” Willson concluded.

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

Sunday service (indoors), 10 am. Phone (250)378-2464 for more info and for prayer support.

Merritt Lutheran Fellowship

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

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

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

St. Michael’s Anglican Church

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

Trinity United Church

Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735 Service Time every Sunday - 10 am

Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave. (The Cadet Hall) Sunday Service Time: 4:00 pm • 250-280-1268

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

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CLASSIFIEDS

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Employment

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 58 (NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN)

Employment

CASUAL LIBRARY ASSISTANT AT THE MERRITT LIBRARY

SUMMER STUDENT WORKER

The Thompson-Nicola Regional Library is seeking a casual Library Assistant who creates a welcoming environment and a superb library experience for all. Candidates with a strong customer service orientation and a keen attention to detail are encouraged to apply.

School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen) is accepting applications for Maintenance Summer Students for the Merritt area.

Duties include providing technology assistance, library programming, and supporting patrons through reference and readers’ advisory.

This position will provide assistance in normal maintenance tasks including maintaining playgrounds, playing fields, and school district sites. A valid driver’s license is required.

The position is subject to the provisions of the Collective Agreement with the BC Government and Service Employees’ Union, Local 705. The Library Assistant is a grid 9, which pays $24.32 per hour plus 18.2% in lieu of beneﬁts. There may be additional casual hours available as a Library Assistant or a Page, which is a Grid 3 position that pays $17.02 per hour plus 18.2% in lieu of beneﬁts.

It is preferable that students were enrolled full-time in High School/College in 2021/2022, however, the successful applicant MUST be returning to full-time College/University or Trades School for the 2022/2023 sessions. College/University proof of acceptance is mandatory. Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at www.sd58.bc.ca, click on Jobs, Support Positions, and Current Job Opportunities (Job Code 3202448) complete with cover letter and resume outlining relevant background and work experience and 3 references. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

LIBRARY ASSISTANT AT THE MERRITT LIBRARY The Thompson-Nicola Regional Library is seeking a temporary part-time Library Assistant who creates a welcoming environment and a superb library experience for all. Candidates with a strong customer service orientation and a keen attention to detail are encouraged to apply. Duties include providing technology assistance, library programming, and supporting patrons through reference and readers’ advisory. The position is 28 hours per week and is subject to the provisions of the Collective Agreement with the BC Government and Service Employees’ Union, Local 705. Evening and Saturday availability is required. The Library Assistant is a grid 9, which pays $24.32 per hour plus 18.2% in lieu of beneﬁts. There may be additional casual hours available as a Library Assistant or a Page, which is a Grid 3 position that pays $17.02 per hour plus 18.2% in lieu of beneﬁts.

PAPER

ROUTES GET YOUR STEPS IN AND GET PAID

250-374-7467 250.378.4241 or email circulation@kamloopsthisweek.com circulation@merrittherald.com

Complete details of the position and required qualiﬁcations are available on the Thompson-Nicola Regional Library website: tnrl.ca/jobs. This posting is open until ﬁlled.

Deliver newspapers and start to . . .

EARN EXTRA TRA CASH

• A ﬂexible schedule • A great way to lose weight and get into shape • A great way to supplement your income • Great ﬁrst job - excellent opportunity to teach children the life skills for success

Consider being a carrier for the Merritt Herald. You will earn extra money delivering an award winning community newspaper once a week to the homes in your neighbourhood.

If anyone in your family is interested in being a paper carrier, call Ken at 250-378-4241

Complete details of the position and required qualiﬁcations are available on the Thompson-Nicola Regional Library website: tnrl.ca/jobs.

AVAILABLE

Celebrate the lives of loved ones with your stories, photographs and tributes

Employment

Puzzle answers on separate page

Announcements

SUDOKU

18 • THURSDAY, March 17, 2022 Employment

www.merrittherald.com

Employment

Nooaitch Indian Band 2954 Shackelly Road

Ph: 250-378-6141

JOB OPPORTUNITY: SOCIAL WORKER COMMUNITY SERVICE: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Employment

Catch your next job in our employment section.

Nooaitch Indian Band Social Worker is responsible for program delivery to individuals, families and groups. Programs include but not limited to Child Welfare, Social Assistance and Drug & Alcohol referrals. The Social Worker assists the management team in the planning and development of programs and services focussed on the health, security and well-being of community members. The Social Worker is also responsible for program reports to related funding agencies as required. Reporting directly to the Band Administrator, the Band Social Worker maintains working relationships with other members of the management team with regard to community support services for Nooaitch members and provides Chief and Council with periodic updates on social development activities and services on an as-needed basis. External relationships are maintained with Ministry of Children and Families, Scw’exexmc Child & Family Services, all other relevant social service agencies and institutions and community members. MAJOR DUTIES: PLANNING • Participates planning at the staff and community levels as needed and assists in the planning for the development of community resources and services, including well-being programs, cultural gathering, etc. PROGRAM DELIVERY Social Assistance • Income support for community members who t the program criteria • Homemaker services for qualied Elders and persons with disabilities Child Welfare • Liaises with Ministry of Children & Families and other Bands regarding any child (ren) who may be at risk. • Keeps abreast of new changes in the Family, Child and Community Services Act. • Assists and Supports families within the scope of funded programs and services of Nooaitch Indian Band General • Provides intervention counseling and then refers clients to the appropriate services. COVID-19 • Due to COVID-19 the incumbent will need to rely on whatever public heath measures are applicable in order to maintain a safe working environment. He/she will have to be at least double vaccinated against COVID-19.

HOW TO APPLY: Forward your resume and cover letter to: bandmanager@nooaitchband.ca Phone: 250-378-6141 Extension 107 Application deadline: Posting open until position lled. Thank you for your interest, however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

is looking for

CLASS 1 DRIVERS. Experience is an asset but not a necessity, we will train. The position is running dump truck and pulling gravel trailers. This is a full-time but seasonal position, offering work for about 8 months of the year starting around April. Good Wages and beneﬁts. Please provide a Drivers Abstract with your resume. If interested, please contact Chris Grund at 250-315-5309 To advertise in Classifieds call:

250-378-4241

Employment

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 58 (NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN)

CARPENTER School District No. 58 is accepting applications for a Carpenter. Salary and benefits will be in accordance with the C.U.P.E. Local 847 Collective Agreement. The successful applicant must have the following: • Grade 12 or equivalent • Completion of a recognized apprenticeship and at least six months experience in the trade; • Competency in the use and care of tools and equipment common to the trade; • Class 5 B.C. driver’s licence. • Qualified Tradesperson (B.C. T.Q., Inter-Provincial T.Q., or Red Seal) Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at www.sd58.bc.ca, click on Jobs, Support Positions, and Current Job Opportunities (Job Code 3197285) complete with cover letter and resume outlining relevant background and work experience and three (3) professional references. Please include all relevant certifications during the application process.

To advertise in To advertise in Employment Employment call 604-630-3300 Call 250-378-4241

You Want It We’ve Got It Find Whatever You’re Looking for in the Classiﬁeds.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING, ABILITIES AND SKILLS: • A Bachelor’s degree in Social work combined with at least two years’ experience in the eld of social work and counseling. In the absence of a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, a minimum two year diploma in Social Work and substantial experience in the social work and counseling elds is required. • Knowledge and understanding of First Nations communities, culture and issues are essential. • Knowledge of funding sources. • Knowledge of other related agencies in this eld and the services they provide. • Knowledge of Xyntax nancial management software (On-the job training is possible.) EMPLOYMENT AND REMUNERATION: • Full-time with a 3 month probationary period with the possibility of conversion to permanent employee status. Wage is based on the level of training and experience. • Comprehensive Benets package includes: Group Pension Plan and Extended Health Benet package introduced after the 3 month probationary period.

Employment

For further information please contact Darrell Finnigan – Operations Manager at 250.315.1113. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Is looking to ﬁll a

LABOURER POSITION Experience is an asset but not a necessity, we will train. The position is for a yardman, running fork-lifts, pick-up and occasionally loader. Applicant must have a valid Class 5 License. This is a full-time but seasonal position, offering work for about 8 months of the year starting around April. Good Wages and beneﬁts. Please provide a Drivers Abstract with your resume. If interested, please contact Chris Grund at 250-315-5309

MERRITT HERALD Our award-winning community newspaper located in the beautiful ThompsonOkanagan is seeking an reporter.

Check Out Our Website: vancourier.com merrittherald.com http://classiﬁed.van.net

To advertise call

250-378-4241

TODAY'S PUZZLE ANSWERS

The successful applicant will work with the editor to produce weekly content for both print and online. The successful candidate will be community-oriented and have a serious interest in current events — locally, regionally, provincially, nationally and globally. Qualiﬁcations: This job requires someone who is willing to work as part of a dynamic team committed to bringing Merritt both timely and informative news related to this area. The ideal candidate should be interested in covering a variety of beats including sports, entertainment, news and community events. Digital photography skills are a must as are page layout, strong writing abilities based on the CP style guide and skills in InDesign and Photoshop for Macs. The ability to work as part of a team is also an asset as is a knack for working under tight deadlines. Preferences will be given to people with post-secondary journalism schooling or the equivalent in experience. Perhaps the most important requirement is that the applicant must be friendly, communicative, and outgoing, ready to become part of the community. Applicants must have their own transportation. Please send your resume to: Theresa Arnold - Publisher email: publisher@merrittherald.com Merritt Herald - 2090 Granite Ave. P.O. Box 9, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 merrittherald.com

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THURSDAY, March 17, 2022 • 19

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ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE

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FOR ALL YOUR PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING & BOOKKEEPING NEEDS COME SEE

Carrie Ware, BSc, CPA, CA • www.carriewa

re.ca 1964 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Tel: (250) 378-2215 • reception@ca rrieware.ca

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AWARD Chorrit Me icetAWA HerRD ald

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create specific Bookkeeping: We et the individual accounting to me t. needs of each clien ion: We pride rat pa Pre tax e om Inc our clients ing vid pro ourselves in services at with professional tax e. rat e tiv a very competi the corner. Tax season is around

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Voted Best Accountant/ Bookkeeper for 3 Consecutive Years

building. of the Royal Lepage Entrance at the front

rritt, BC 3499 Voght Street, Me 46 • Fax: 250-378-5257 -94 78 0-3 25 : ne ho Telep

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IN: Fitters.

custom sheet metal.

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email: nicplumb@telus.net 2064 Coutlee Ave.

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rvicesgroup.com sales@integralse rvicesgroup.com www.integralse : Integral Services Gro Client : Magazine Ads Location : 300x250px Document : December 16th, 202 Date

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HOURS OF OPERATION Friday: 9 am - 6 pm & Saturday: 9 am - 5 pm

20 • THURSDAY, March 17, 2022

www.merrittherald.com

email: rlpmerit@telus.net

SERVING MERRITT & AREA FOR 40 YEARS!

Helping you is what we do.™

3499 Voght Street, Merritt BC, V1K 1C6

250-378-6181

Owner/Broker

www.royallepage.ca

Visit: www.royallepage.ca/merritt email: rlpmerit@telus.net for a complete list of current listing.

Managing Broker

CLAUDETTE EDENOSTE Ph: 250-280-0689

JOHN ISAAC Ph: 250-378-1586

claudetteedenoste@ royallepage.ca

johnisaac@telus.net

JENNIFER KIGHTLEY Ph: 250-315-3256 jenniferkightley@ royallepage.ca

TONY LUCK

DENISE DESILETS

Ph: 604-217-5825 tjluck@royallepage.ca

Ph: 250-315-8395 denisedesilets@ royallepage.ca

FRED SINGER

Ph: 250-318-8392 fred.singer@royallepage.ca

3225 PETIT CREEK ROAD

LOOKING TO SELL? Call one of our agents to see what your home is worth. 35-1749 MENZIES STREET $485,000

1925 COUTLEE AVENUE $199,000

L SO

2961 MCLEAN AVENUE

$998,900

$699,900

E RIC P W

This 2007 Chalet style home is situated on 5.63 acres of land with stunning mountain views. The fenced yard is complete with u/g sprinklers, plug and septic for RV in driveway and detached shop with attached carport. Check out you tube video. 165779

Near new home on cul-de-sac with large back yard. Good natural light in main living space that has open floor plan for living ar-ea. Three bedrooms with full bath up as well as 3 piece ensuite in master.166055

6881 OLD NICOLA TRAIL

2550 COLDWATER AVENUE

$2,288,888

This well maintained end unit strata in Sun Valley Court won’t last long. This three bedroom unit is clean in move ready, with open concept kitchen, living room and dining room. 165668

1887 NICOLA AVENUE

$579,000

L SO

A great holding property with tremendous development potential in downtown Merritt. The C-6 zoning bylaw allows up to six stories of commercial and residential mix.165962

1619 MILLER ROAD $1,125,000

KEVIN DUNN

Ph: 250-525-0073 1kevindunn@ protonmail.com

D W L E O SN This beautiful, custom built luxury home sits on .95 acres and is situated on the east side of Nicola Lake. With more than 4200 sqft of living space and a 659 sqft garage, this home comes with luxury finishes and option for suite. 165739

$599,000

This immaculately kept home is a must see! The home was built in 2009 with many recent updates. The home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on the main floor with a 220 sqft loft area. The main living space is open and bright. 165964

Royal LePage Property Management For all rental inquiries, please contact

Lovingly cared for 3 bed, 2.5 bath rancher with full finished basement . Laundry is conveniently locat-ed on the main (Dryer 2018/Washer 2022) with access to the double garage. Detached 24 x 14 wired, insulated shop off lane and RV parking.. 165919

9.91 acres on Miller Estates. The home & shop sit away from the road and up in elevation giving you lots of privacy. There are 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on the main floor.165965

Kevin Dunn or Crystal Chandler.

Rental Applications are available at the office.

Phone: 250-378-1996 Email: proplepage@gmail.com

March 17 - 2022

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