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MERRITT HERALD THIS WEEK
THURSDAY, March 18, 2021 •
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FREE
LAKE ACCESS
RCMP REPORT
SCHOLARSHIPS
The BC Court of Appeal has overturned public access to Minnie and Stoney Lakes.
RCMP say a man was recently arrested in connection with a ‘keying’ of vehicles crime.
A pair of Merritt brothers are reuniting on the same lacrosse team next NCAA season.
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REMEMBERING
THE LOST
PAINT CANADA RED: Merrittonians marched through the streets last weekend to bring awareness to the issue of murdered and missing Indigenous peoples. STORY/PG.18-19
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MLS# 160804 $195,000 Great opportunity, freehold, no strata, no fees, no restrictions. 3 bed townhouse w/ some newer upgrades including roof, hot water tank, high eff. furnace, and electrical upgrade.
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THURSDAY, March 18, 2021 • 3
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PUBLIC VS PRIVATE
Public access to Minnie and Stoney Lakes overturned The Fish and Game Club has spent over $160,000 in the ongoing battle.
Serving Merritt with Excellence for over 28 yrs tlcpond1@telus.net
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INSIDE THE HERALD
Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER The British Columbia Court of Appeal has overturned a previous BC Supreme Court ruling that granted the public access to Minnie and Stoney lakes, located southeast of Merritt. The Douglas Lake Cattle Company (DLCC) and the Nicola Valley Fish and Game Club (NVFGC) have been embroiled in a lengthy legal battle regarding public access to the two lakes, which has been contested for nearly a decade. The NVFGC regards Minnie and Stoney lakes as public property, which should be freely accessible to anglers and daytrippers. DLCC, now owned by American billionaire Stan Kroenke, owner of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment and husband of Walmart fortune heiress Ann Walton Kroenke, disagreed. This disagreement has led the two factions through court battles which some have compared to the famed conflict of David versus Goliath. “We’ve been embroiled in a lawsuit for approximately ten
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An entrance to the Douglas Lake Cattle Company property with a private sign is shown in this Herald file photo.
years now,” explained Rick McGowan, a NVFGC director and chairman of the club’s access committee. “We had a court ruling two years ago regarding Minnie and Stoney Lake on the Douglas Lake property. In that 20-day trial, Justice Groves ruled in our favour and we won access to the lakes and fishability, and he ruled that the fish were public, that the roads were public and all these sorts of things.” At that time in 2018, the NVFGC was also awarded special costs, which would allow for the club’s lawyer to be paid as opposed to working pro bono. According to the BC Courts website: “Special costs may be awarded by the court to address the conduct of the parties. Special costs are intended to ‘resemble
closely’ the reasonable fees charged by a lawyer to his or her own client.” Douglas Lake appealed this ruling, going to the BC Court of Appeal. “We went to court of appeal, that was approximately a year ago, and the court of appeal ruling came down a week ago and ruled completely against the first judge’s ruling on everything,” said McGowan, with the exception of still allowing access to Minnie Lake, albeit lesser access than what had previously been granted. McGowan also takes issue with the process of the court, and the fact that the determining decision was made, he claims, by just one judge. “There were three appellant judges and two of them did noth-
ing,” said McGowan. “One guy wrote the whole ruling, which is 25 to 30 pages, and he actually used Douglas Lake’s lawyer’s reasons for appealing word for word in his ruling, so it kind of smells.” The NVFGC is no longer entitled to special costs as a result of this ruling, and has been ordered to pay Douglas Lake’s legal costs for the appeal, which the club has been told are estimated to be around $25,000 to $30,000. “We’ve spent over $160,000 to date and we’ve got approximately a couple hundred thousand dollars of bills unbilled by our lawyer, who’s been doing it for free, subject to us winning the special costs which have now been eliminated,” said McGowan. “So, our financial future right now is
unknown, other than we don’t have the money to pay those kinds of bills.” McGowan estimates that the total cost of the ongoing legal battle, factoring in the province, DLCC and NVFGC, is around $1.5 million in total. Having now had their hopes dashed by BC’s highest court, the NVFGC decided at a meeting of the executive held on March 14 to take their plea to the highest court in the country. “We’ve decided to pursue the case to the Supreme Court of Appeal of Canada,” said McGowan. “The bottom line, the huge issue, is that the judge ruled that if the landowner acquires a water license and raises the water over
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4 • THURSDAY, June 13, 2019
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City of Merritt
CITY
to meet with Mayor Brown every YOU’RE INVITED! Wednesday 10:00 to meetfrom with Mayor Brownam everyto 1:00 pm
COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE City Meetings have resumed residents are All Council City Council Meetings will nowin-person be held and online with live Regular Council Meeting June 11, 2019 strongly encouraged to watch online via www.merritt.ca streaming links available at www.merritt.ca and on the City
of Merritt social channels. Public questions/ Regular Council MeetingMeeting - Juneinput 25, 2019 March 23 - media Regular Council - 6:00 PM information can be submitted prior to the Council March 29Regular - Age-Friendly Accessibility Counciland Meeting - July 9, Committee 2019 meetings toMeeting communications@merritt.ca - 2:00 PM Regular Council Meeting - July 23, 2019 Regular Council Meeting - August 4 - 7 pm
Regular CouncilPROGRAM Meeting - August 18 - 7 pm NEW PET LICENCING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AS OF FEBRUARY 15 Position: The City of Merritt is inviting applications for the position of CASUAL
PUBLIC NOTICE
INSTRUCTOR I. is moving to a new Pet Licencing program. The City of Merritt
LIFEGUARD/
PUBLIC TUESDAY 4th, 2020 at 7:00PM For complete HEARING details, visit Cityon of Merritt website atAugust www.merritt.ca
page
in Council the Mayor’s Office at floor), 2185 VoghtStreet Street In Chambers atCity CityHall Hall (second (First Floor), 2185 Voght
Wednesday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
These appointments are available in-person, but phone and In-person meetings areHall currently paused, phone in the Mayor’s Office at City (second floor), but 2185 Voghtand Street. video calls calls are are encouraged encouraged to to discuss discuss issues issues and and opportunities. opportunities. video
Interested citizens are welcome to stop by, say250-378-8634 hello and discuss Booking an appointment ahead of time is required by calling
issues and opportunities for the City, its residents and businesses.
If you would like to schedule a particular time to meet with the Mayor please contact Corporate Services at 250-378-8614
THE CITY OF MERRITT NEEDS REPORT PLEASE NOTE A HOUSING NOTICE OF PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY IS NOW AVAILABLE HEARING SCHEDULED FOR
Position: The City of Merritt is inviting applications for the position of PUBLIC WORKS SEASONAL LABOURER.
AUGUST 4, 2020 AT 7:00 PM IS ON PAGE 5
This system will be ready in January, so the pet licencing deadline hasCurrent been extended to February 28, 2021. resumes reflecting applicants’ knowledge, skills and abilities relevant to the position; detailing The new Docupet system will allow you to by mail or by phone. education and qualifications, and proof of required education andwill licenses will be accepted prior to Notice is hereby given that a register Publiconline, Hearing be held on Tuesday In addition, the newJuly tags will be by: permanent tags with a choice of our standard municipal tag or 4:00 p.m. Friday, 12, 2019 August 4th, 2020 in the Council Chambers at Merritt City Hall, located choose from hundreds of designer tags for your dog. at 2185 Voght Street, with the following proposed Carole Deputy Clerk/Human Resources Manager We will beFraser, mailing/emailing all Merritt, current PetBC Owners arespect letter with to a registration code and will PO Box 189, 2185 Voght Street, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Or by email: cfraser@merritt.ca 2284, beZoning sendingBylaw out updates via2020. the City of Merritt social media channels.
For complete details, visit City of Merritt website at www.merritt.ca
We info thankis all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be More available at www.merritt.docupet.com
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Acontacted. copy of the proposed the Bylaw and other relevant documents may be viewed during normal business hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on Thursday Date Posted: Monday, June 17, 2019 July 23rd to Tuesday August 4th, 2020 at City Hall, 2185 Voght Street, Merritt Posting Expires: Friday, July 12, 2019 VIRTUAL TOWN HALL MEETING - MARCH 18 AT 6 PM BC, or online at www.merritt.ca
Mayor Brown and Council would like to invite all interested community members to join the Anyone who wishes to address the above Bylaw will be given the Virtual Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, March 18th at 6:00 pm to discuss Merritt’s growth opportunity at the Public Hearing to be heard in person, by a representative, and development. Summer Nights Market Details be available onWHAT: the City of Merritt website and social channels on how or bywill written submission, onMerritt all matters contained in media the proposed Bylaw. WHEN: every Friday Junevirtual 28th to August 30th 5:00pm to 10:00pm residents can access this upcoming meeting. If you are unable to attend the Public Hearing, written submission must be
Current resumes reflecting applicants’ knowledge, skills and abilities relevant to the position; detailing education and qualifications, and proof of required education and licenses will be accepted prior to 4:00 p.m. Monday, July 08, 2019 by: Carole Fraser, Deputy Clerk/Human Resources Manager PO Box 189, 2185 Voght Street, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Or by email: cfraser@merritt.ca
Date Posted: Friday, June 21, 2019 Posting Expires: Monday, July 08, 2019
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE
WHERE: 2000-2100 Block Quilchena Avenue received NO LATER THAN 12:00PM THURSDAY, JULY 30th, 2020, to ensure their availability to Council at the Public Hearing.
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE WHAT: MSS GRAD WALK WHEN: June 20, 2019 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm WHERE: Merritt Senior Secondary High School to Nicola Valley Memorial Arena
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE
Written submission can be provided by any of the following methods: Don McArthur, Planning & Development Services Manager dmcarthur@merritt.ca PO Box 189, 2185 Voght Street, Merritt, BC, V1K 1B8 All submissions must include your name and street address. No letter, report or representation from the public will be received by Council after the conclusion of the Public Hearing. All written submissions are public information pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. For more information, please contact the Planning & Development Services Manager at 250-378-8620 or at dmcarthur@merritt. ca
WHAT: MSS GRAD CAR PARADE WHEN: June 21, 2019 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm WHERE: Merritt Rotary Park (2000 Block of Voght Street) to Merritt Civic Centre (1950 Mamette Avenue) NOTE: Parking will be reserved at Rotary Park and the Church from The City of Merritt recently 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Junepartnered 22, 2019 with the ThompsonNicola Regional District and M’akola Development Services to study housing needs in the community and to develop a Housing Needs Report.
WATERING RESTRICTIONS
6:00AM - 8:00AM and 7:00PM 10:00PM Community - members are
encouraged to view the Housing EVEN ADDRESSES Needs Report and learn more at www.merritt.ca/hnr. Mon/Wed/Fri ODD ADDRESSES Tues/Thurs/Sat Community Policing Office Reopens AUTOMATIC A Notice for a Public Hearing Scheduled for MarchSPRINKLERS: 23, 2021 at 6:00 PM As of Monday, July 27th, 2020 the City of Merritt Community Policing Office your respective (CPO) will reopen to the public. The Community Policing Office will be open is on Page 8 and additional Cityon information is located on paydays 9 by appointment only for bike registrations, crime prevention information, midnight to 4:00 AM and program inquiries. Tourism Merritt VISIT MERRITT *NO SPRINKLING SUNDAYS � ToConnect book an appointment phone thewebsite 250-378-3955 orTOURISM email with us on our new tourism and social media.cpo@merritt.ca. TOURISM FOR MORE TO SEE AND DO www.tourismmerritt.com • #ExploreMerritt TH For more information on the CPO programs and services please visit Effective May 1ST to September T 30T
www.merritt.ca/community-policing
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VISIT TOURISM MERRITT VISIT TOURISM MERRITT FOR MORE TO SEE AND DO
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Fish and Game Club to take case to Supreme Court From Page 3 his private property, that property and the water above it is private, so you can’t get to the public part of a public lake, which is bizarre. And that affects thousands and thousands of lakes in British Columbia and Canada, which is really serious,” McGowan continued. “It’s not a good thing for the people of British Columbia and future generations… it’s basically just a terrible ruling, it’s for the very rich and not taking into concern provincial laws and legis-
THURSDAY, March 18, 2021 • 5
lation and/ or the people of British Columbia and future generations. It’s basically taking public property and giving it for free to rich people.” While there is no guarantee that the Fish and Game Club will win this time around, McGowan believes that the current ruling contravenes provincial legislation and laws and hopes that the country’s highest court will also view it this way. “We have to be optimistic that the laws for the people of Canada apply, but it appears that judges can make rulings
that are totally bizarre and against all rules, laws and regulations, so to tell you the truth I don’t know,” said McGowan. “But we’re going to at least try. The people of BC are concerned; can we win if a judge can rule against the law? That’s unknown.” McGowan himself has given thousands of hours in what he calls a “full time effort”, and he is thankful for the support he and the NVFGC have received. Only a few hours before the interview with the Herald $1,350 was donated to the club for their ongoing
costs. “We want to thank all the people that are contributing morally and financially, we couldn’t do it without their support,” said McGowan. “The government’s Ministries are supposed to look after the lakes and roads and stuff for the people of BC, but clearly they’re not. So, we’re trying, but I don’t know if we’re going to win it. This is a huge effort, and it’s not going to go away either. People are not going to stand for private people taking public places.”
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Council votes to create scholarships Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER Council voted unanimously to establish two scholarships for School District 58 students that would be awarded by the City. “It’s something that I’ve been asking for for a few years, I think this is one way we can support our community,” said Mayor Linda Brown, who initially proposed the idea. The scholarships would provide $1,000 each to
two students, ideally selected by the School District. “My idea would be that it would be the school district that picks out the student and provides that information for them.” The Mayor noted that during her time at City Hall, including as a Councillor, she was surprised to find that several community organizations provided scholarships to worthy students within the Nicola Valley, but that the city was not one of them. Councillor Kurt Christopherson
expressed similar surprise. “Having been in education for most of my life I strongly support it, but I was a little amazed at one of your statements that the City has never had a scholarship?” queried Christopherson. “They may have had one prior to our time, but not since I’ve been on council,” the Mayor affirmed. “It’s high time we did then,” said Councillor Christopherson. The two scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis.
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VIEWPOINT
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GOVERNMENT TEGART: disparities in the workplace a problem As more British Columbians are vaccinated every day, communities are anticipating that our province is beginning to JACKIE TEGART turn the corVIEW FROM ner in the fight LEGISLATURE against COVID. Although we are not out of the woods yet, now is the time to look forward to our recovery, recognize who has been hit hardest, and figure out what we can do to make up those disparities. It’s not just our communities that need support, but our businesses too. Merritt and the surrounding region is blessed with a wide array of small and independentlyowned businesses, many of which have been severely impacted by the pandemic. We need to ensure they have ample time and opportunity to access the supports they need, which is why I was so glad our Official Opposition managed to hold government to account until they extended the Small and Medium-Sized Business Grant deadline to August 31st after they initially planned to close it on March 31st. This pandemic has shed light on and heightened many of the inequities that still exist in our society, most notably the many challenges that women in our province and around the world still face. Many of our most female-dominated industries have been thrust onto the frontlines of the pandemic, including health care and social assistance (82.4 per cent women), education (69.3 per cent), and food and hospitality (58.5 per cent). Women have also experienced more job loss than men throughout the pandemic. We need to re-evaluate the conditions that are creating these disparities and gender gaps and build the necessary supports to address them, so our province can not only recover from the pandemic, but provide greater opportunities for all.
Publisher Theresa Arnold publisher@merrittherald.com 250-378-4241
MERRITT HERALD
Ryland Sheldon , MSS Students and teachers: submit your 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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LETTERS
THURSDAY Date, 2021 • 7
OPINION
Speak up You can comment on any story you read @ merrittherald.com
to the editor
Canadian economic downfall could have been worse Re: MP Dan Albas March 4 report Editor, For Dan Albas and the Conservatives, whatever the Liberals do, it’s either too much or not enough. This time he darkened a true fact to insinuate a job badly done, by claiming that despite government spending records amounts of money during the pandemic, statistics show Canada’s economy shrunk 5.4% last year.
Albas did not offer his readers any context. In the early days of the pandemic and economic lockdown there were public announcements by the World Bank that because of the uncertainty coming from the pandemic and the significant financial risk to the economy from the lockdown, the global economy would contract by 9% in 2020. The World Bank reports that “most countries will face recessions in 2020” and that “the COVID-19 recession was the fastest, steepest downgrades in growth among all the
global recessions measured since 1990.” So I would like to remind Mr. Albas and the Conservatives that the copious amounts of financial aid given directly to many Canadians and businesses by the Liberals has in fact helped the whole economy against a predicted economic shrinkage that could’ve been twice as bad. - Give credit where credit is due. Jon Peter Christoff
Welcoming migrant farm workers to Thompson-Nicola Editor, Each year hundreds of migrant farm workers travel from their home country to work on farms in the Thompson-Nicola. These essential workers are important members of our local food system but also of our community. As a new growing season begins, I ask your readers to think about how we can welcome these workers as they arrive and begin growing the food that sustains us all. Migrant farm workers come from several different countries including Mexico, Guatemala and Jamaica. They are usually employed under an employer-specific work permit that lasts from a number of months up to two years. During this time, they pay Canadian taxes, EI and CPP while filling a labour shortage that has been identified by
The challenges that workers face are often structural, but any meaningful change will require a collective shift in our community as well. As those of us who live on this land with permanent immigration status, we need to include these voices in our community planning, our local food movements and our thinking about what justice looks like in the Thompson-Nicola. So, as we move into spring, let’s have a conversation as a community about how we can honor the work that these workers do. Let’s talk about how we can stand together while they are here and let’s find ways to connect so that we can all grow together.
the federal government though a Labour Market Impact Assessment. While migrant farm workers are in Canada, they cannot bring their family and face a number of unique challenges. From isolation, to difficulty accessing services, to a lack of recourse in situations of abuse; there are many changes needed in the federal programs under which they work. Furthermore, COVID-19 has had a particularly devastating impact on workers across the country who often live in communal bunk-houses and face many barriers when it comes to accessing healthcare. Within this context, many farm workers and advocates are pushing for change. Permanent status upon arrival in Canada, freedom of mobility between employers and workplace rights on par with Canadians, are at the forefront in calls for something better.
Mitch Ward
Property sales and the case of Provincial vs. Municipal Editor, There is no question “Merritt” properties are for sale with huge profits to be made. That’s ok but I believe some properties should never be on the market. Too many times later issues have arisen and homeowners then demand “the City” do something! Ex:
-Homes on clay cliffs- above rivers that undercut or rain that causes slides and property loss. -Homes on the flood plain suffering property damage and loss from flooding. The Provincial Govt. has jurisdiction over rivers and floodplain with rules for setbacks etc. Municipal Governments frequently pressure or resist the rules in favor of develop-
ment when demand is high. It’s my opinion that the City needs to protect our natural resources, such as water at all cost and resist development demands. Ginny Prowal
From the Herald archives: March, 1967
CHAMBER CONSIDERS SMELTER The Chamber Industrial Committee is studying a report on the requirements for a smelter. “A smelter for a mine with a 30,000 tons per day output would cost in the region of $6 million,” said Chairman Bill Kraus “We felt that water requirements might be excessive but, in fact, they are negligible. A smelter of this size would use about 235 gallons a minute.” Mr. Kraus said the only real obstacle was the fluctuating world copper market itself.
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 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.
John Isaac
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Johnisaac@telus.net
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2499 PRIEST: Four bay 3,856 square foot shop with 600 amp service, gas heaters, office area and loads of room to work and store equipment. Each bay has good sized doors and $425,000 60 amp service .
8 • THURSDAY, March 18, 2021
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PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING on TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2021 at 6:00PM Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 with respect to the below proposed Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments. Due to COVID-19, the hearing will be livestreamed on the City of Merritt website (www.merritt.ca). Written or electronic submissions can be made by prior to March 22nd at 12:00 pm.
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
SUBJECT PROPERTY: LOT 3 DISTRICT LOT 121 KAMLOOPS DIVISION YALE DISTRICT PLAN KAP58641, 2640 Spring Bank Ave.
Submissions must be received NO LATER THAN 12:00PM MONDAY, MARCH 22nd, 2021, to ensure their availability to Council at the Public Hearing. Written submission can be provided by any of the following methods: Email: planning@merritt.ca In Person: City Hall, 2185 Voght Street, Monday to Friday from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm March 1st to March 22nd Mail: PO Box 189, 2185 Voght Street, Merritt, BC, V1K 1B8 Subject Line: For Inclusion in Public Hearing Agenda Attn: Don McArthur, Planning & Development Services Manager Electronic submission can be provided by any of the following methods: Save the video or audio recording to a USB drive and drop it off at City Hall, 2185 Voght Street, Merritt BC, from March 1st to March 22nd, 2021 between the hours of 10:00 am – 12:00 pm; or Upload a video to your YouTube channel or other public video sharing site and email the link for that submission to planning@ merritt.ca; or Send a direct message in written, video, or audio form to the City of Merritt Facebook account (www.facebook.com/ CityofMerritt) that clearly states it is for inclusion at the 2640 Spring Bank Ave Public Hearing on March 23rd, 2021; or
Official Community Plan: The Official Community Plan Land Use Designation Map for North Nicola is amended to change the parcel legally described as Lot 3 District Lot 121 Kamloops Division Yale District Plan KAP58641, PID: 023-698-454 (2640 Spring Bank Avenue) from “Future Development” to “Residential”. Zoning Bylaw: That the Official Zoning Map, being Schedule “A” of the City of Merritt Zoning Bylaw No. 2284, 2020, is amended by changing the zoning designation of the parcel legally described as Lot 3 District Lot 121 Kamloops Division Yale District Plan KAP58641, PID: 023-698-454 (2640 Spring Bank Avenue) from “Institutional and Public Use (P2)” to “High Density Residential (R8)”.
Telephone City Hall at 250-378-8615 and leave a voicemail that clearly states it is a submission for inclusion at the 2640 Spring Bank Ave Public Hearing on March 23rd, 2021. Please note that electronic submissions may result in personal data being stored outside of Canada, and not being subject to Canadian laws on data protection, privacy, and access. If you do not wish to risk this, please make a written submission. All electronic submissions will be acknowledged. If you do not receive an acknowledgement of a submission, please contact City Hall to arrange for re-submission, or an alternative method.
A copy of the proposed Bylaw amendments may be viewed Monday to Friday during the hours of 10:00am to 12:00pm from March 11th to March 23rd, 2021 at City Hall, 2185 Voght Street, Merritt BC, or online at any time at www.merritt.ca
All submissions must include your name and street address. No letter, video, report, or representation from the public will be received by Council after the conclusion of the Public Hearing. All submissions are public information pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. For more information, please contact the Planning & Development Services Manager at 250-378-8615 or dmcarthur@merritt.ca
Anyone who wishes to address the above Bylaw will be given the opportunity by written or electronic submissions on all matters contained in the proposed Bylaw amendments.
This Notice is published in accordance with Section 466 of the Local Government Act. Note: this is the second of two consecutive Public Notices.
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
TNRD spending to be audited The audit is expected to cost between $50,000$75,000.
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER. 2021 SPRING ACTIVITY GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE
Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER At the regular Board of Directors Meeting of Mar. 11, the TNRD board voted to authorize an independent third-party review and audit that will investigate the exorbitant expenses of the board which have recently come into the spotlight, most notably those of former CAO Sukh Gill. “Questions have been raised about whether some past transactions and expenses at the TNRD should have been incurred at all and whether or not they were appropriate,” reads a report from the board. “The TNRD wishes to continue doing business in a way that is cost efficient with appropriate oversight measures and safeguards in place to ensure this happens, and be more account-
THURSDAY, March 18, 2021 • 9
able and transparent to the public. With this is mind, a more detailed level financial audit is being proposed as an important step in examining past expenditures and current practices and policies, leading to improvements for these outcomes.” The audit, which was first suggested by TNRD Chair Ken Gillis when he addressed the public regarding the lavish expenses via Zoom on Mar. 1, will be forensic in nature. Corporate Officer Deanna Campbell explained that a forensic audit is more detailed and more thorough than a regular audit, and would examine approval methods, policies and processes currently in place. The end result will provide
recommendations for preventing a reoccurrence of the illegitimate expenses Gill charged over a five-year period from 2015 – 2020. Director Singh, a Kamloops City councillor, credited Jessica Wallace, a reporter for Kamloops This Week, with her extensive investigating and the compiling of records she had done regarding Gill’s expenses, and questioned what further information would be gained by an audit. Current TNRD CAO Scott Hildebrand, echoed staff and board sentiments by saying that an audit was needed in order to look at the expenses in more depth. “Given the awareness and the media exposure
ROAD SWEEPING & LINE PAINTING PROGRAM The City of Merritt Road Sweeping Program will commence full-time starting Monday, March 15th. Citizens can expect to see the road sweeper out in mid-March, however, the temperatures are required to be above zero degrees for the sweeper to work due to the sweeper utilizing water. This program will continue for approximately one month to prepare for the line painting contractor to complete all of the street line painting throughout the City of Merritt. Residents can expect to see the line painters mobilizing throughout Merritt in May. The line painting project is scheduled for a completion date of May 31st. A reminder for drivers to obey all traffic signage warning that the sweeper and line painters are in the area and to slow down when approaching equipment and workers. The City of Merritt thanks community members for their patience during this time. For more information contact the City of Merritt by phone: (250) 378-4224 or e-mail: info@merritt.ca
that we’ve had in recent weeks, I feel that it needs to go to a third party for judgement versus the newspaper article,” said Hildebrand. “I think we need to go deeper.” Director Mel Rothenburger went one step further by suggesting that, in the name of accountability and transparency, staff should prepare a quarterly or monthly report regarding staff and director expenses, as opposed to the annual report. The audit itself is expected to cost between $50,000 to $75,000. Director Santo Talarico, Mayor of Cache Creek, was the only board member to vote in opposition to the audit.
The City of Merritt would like to invite Nicola Valley residents to view the 2021 Spring Activity Guide to help maintain active lifestyles while keeping safe. The Spring Activity Guide will be updated as new information and programs are available. If you are aware of content that would be useful to add to the guide, please contact our Communications Department. This Recreation Activity Guide is brought to you by the City of Merritt Recreation Department. www.merritt.ca/2021-spring-activity-guide-nowavailable For more information contact: Will George Communications Manager City of Merritt City Hall: 250-378-8619 Email: communications@merritt.ca
10 • THURSDAY, March 18, 2021
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REGIONAL RELIEF & RECOVERY FUND
To date Community Futures Nicola Valley has disbursed approximately $800,000 in funding to support local businesses. - is the RRRF right for you?
A M E:
N I L D
A E D
H C R
What is the RRRF? To assist in relief and recovery efforts for small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, Community Futures offices have been tasked with disbursing the Regional Relief & Recovery Fund. This funding provides up to $40,000 for businesses who are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. CFNV has assisted close to 30 local businesses with funding to aid during the COVID-19 pandemic.
N O O
N 1 02
2 , 31
RRRF FAST FACTS: Available to all businesses who experienced a revenue decline in 2020 and have not taken CEBA or Emergency Loan Program through Aboriginal Financial Institutions Up to $60,000 disbursed as loan, no payments or interest until December 31, 2022 Those who are already clients of the original $40,000 RRRF loan can now apply for the additional $20,000
25% forgivable of first $40,000 if
Recently additional support for the RRRF
75% is paid by December 31, 2022
initiative was provided, allowing CFNV to
50% forgivable of additional $20,000
continue providing funding to new
if 50% is paid by December 31, 2022
businesses, as well as expanding the
Unpaid balances as of January 1,
amount of funding available to existing
2023 will convert to a regular loan,
businesses - however, this program ends
due December 31, 2025
March 31, 2021 - so apply now if you wish
For more information, contact
to receive RRRF assistance.
Manuel Olguin at manuel@cfdcnv.com or 250.378.3923
THURSDAY, March 18, 2021 • 11
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
FRIENDS & Neighbours
POLICE FILES
Library to eliminate overdue fines
Merritt RCMP release weekly crime report Merritt Sgt. Josh Roda provides info on what the detachment has dealt with over the past week. Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@ MERRITTHERALD.COM MISCHIEF TO VEHICLES ON THE RISE With the number of cases of mischief to vehicles on the rise this week, one man has been arrested in connection to
one of the incidents. Multiple vehicles parked on Quilchena and Coldwater were allegedly ‘keyed’ over the past week. The police investigation is being finalized and will be submitted to the BC Prosecution Service for a charge assessment. The suspect is set to appear before the courts first on July 20, 2021. Merritt RCMP are encouraging Merrittonians to take crime prevention measures at their homes by making sure they have sufficient lighting at night, and to consider installing video surveillance cameras.
MERRITT MAN CHARGED FOR ALLEGEDLY BREACHING RELEASE ORDER On March 11, 2021, Cody Cartie was charged with breaching his release order for an incident in Merritt that occurred on March 9, 2021. He was remanded and is scheduled to appear in Merritt Court next on March 16, 2021. Cartie’s Release Order stemmed from an assault that occurred in Merritt on January 24, 2021.
Melody Simon
Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER The TNRD board voted at their regular board meeting of Mar. 11 to eliminate overdue fines for libraries within the TNRD system. “The question of their purpose, their value, their impact – is a hot topic in libraries across BC,” reads the report. Although the fines were intended to encourage patrons to return materials on time, evidence suggests that they are not effective and that libraries that eliminated fines for overdue items did not see a change in the amount or frequency of overdue items. Instead of fines, the library uses a system of email reminders, billing for unreturned items, or blocking access to additional materials after a set period of time. “There is a growing international trend among libraries to eliminate overdue fines in response to studies showing that fines are a barrier to usage and
disproportionately impact children and other vulnerable populations,” the report states. “Mistakes and circumstances once resulting in overdue fines will no longer mean low-income individuals and families lose access to library resources. Patrons will be more likely to use the library if they do not fear incurring fines. It is within our reach to eliminate overdue fines and achieve a profound and transformative impact on access to library services, with a nominal impact to our budget.” Revenue from fines dropped by 21% between 2017 and 2019. Over the past four years, fine revenues have dropped a staggering 75%, likely due in part to the TNRL’s fine free practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Other BC libraries such as those in Whistler, Smithers, Powell River, Burnaby, and Sechelt have already eliminated some or all of their fines. The board voted unanimously to eliminate overdue fines for the TNRL system.
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12 • THURSDAY, March 18, 2021
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Increase coming to income assistance, senior’s supplement Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER The province has announced an increase to income assistance and disability assistance, as well as the senior’s supplement. More than 300,000 British Columbians will benefit from the income and disability assistance increase of $175 per month, the largest permanent increase since the program was introduced. “This past year has been challenging for everyone, and especially so
for those British Columbians already relying on assistance to make ends meet,” said Nicholas Simons, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “Now that we are seeing signs of some economic recovery from COVID-19, it’s essential we provide the stability of a permanent rate increase for people and families, including 49,000 children who live in poverty.” For the first time since the senior’s supplement was introduced in 1987, there will be an increase of $50
per recipient, raising the maximum rate for a single person from $49.30 to $99.30 per month, supporting about 80,000 seniors across the province. People who live in special care facilities and receive income assistance will have their comforts allowance increased by $20 to $115 per month. The comfort allowance allows people to buy basic personal items and was last increased in 2005. “This increase – the largest that people on income assistance and disability assistance
have seen – is a critical piece in working toward the fulfilment of our province’s poverty reduction goals,” said Doug King, executive director, Together Against Poverty Society. “The permanent nature of the increase is critical in allowing those on income assistance and disability assistance to be able to rely on this support in the long term.” The increases will be automatically applied, and are estimated to cost the province about $400 million per year moving forward.
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Merritt to join TNRD’s Reward doubled for info on Ben Tyner Invasive Plant Service Tyner went missing in January of 2019.
Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@ MERRITTHERALD. COM
An invasive plant, known as knapweed, is shown growing in this file photo.
Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER On Feb. 23, 2021 Jamie Vieira, Manager of Environmental Services for the TNRD, made a presentation to council regarding the Regional District’s Invasive Plant Service, at which time Merritt was given the opportunity to join. Council deliberated on the matter at the regular council meeting of March 9. The program offers longterm invasive plant management programs within municipal boundaries, as well as support for municipal staff managing invasive plants on public land. It will also provide financial assistance for residents managing invasive plants on private property. Councillor Adam Etchart voiced his support, referring to the extensive damage invasive plants had done, not only in BC but in communities around the world, as highlighted by the report given by Vieira. “It’s a great opportunity for us to get involved and make sure that we have prevention, because I know in a lot of areas in the Lower Mainland, from what Mr. Vieira said, once it starts it’s hard to control,” said Etchart. “I feel that we need to get in this right away to make sure that we don’t have a larger problem with some of these weeds that can cause issues to infrastructure.” Councillor Tony Luck was also in agreement of the importance of eradicating invasive
species in the Nicola Valley. “This is one of the plagues of our valley, these invasive weeds,” said Luck. “This is a great program; we definitely need to be a part of this, especially as an agricultural valley.” He also hoped attention could one day be expanded to include invasive aquatic species and fish. Education and awareness is also a main focus of the program, something Mayor Linda Brown highlighted the importance of with a humorous story she shared with staff and council regarding someone on the TNRD Invasive Plant Committee. “He watched this presentation, we all did, and all of a sudden he said, ‘I just planted that!” said Brown. “It was the Asian bamboo, and he said, ‘Somebody gave it to me as a gift and I planted it in my back yard because it looked so nice!’ Anyway,” Brown said with a chuckle, “it’s now no longer in his backyard.” The initial cost for Merritt to join the Invasive Plant Service would be $20,000 which would need to be incorporated into the 2022 budget. Future costs would be a maximum annual contribution percentage of 4.5% in relation to the total program budget. “It’s a small expense compared to the great damage that could be caused,” said Etchart. The motion that council authorize the City of Merritt to participate in the TNRD Invasive Plant Service was passed unanimously.
The reward for information on the disappearance of a missing Merritt cowboy has been doubled. John Liu, the owner of Nicola Ranch where Ben Tyner worked before going missing, has matched the Tyner family’s reward of $15,000 to bring the total to $30,000.
“We are extremely grateful to John for matching our funds,” said the Tyner family in a social media post. “We are still in weekly contact with RCMP and feel that real progress is being made.” Tyner was reported missing on January 28, 2019, when loggers found his riderless horse along a logging road just off Highway 97. The Tyners renewed their public plea for information on the two-year anniversary of his disappearance this past January in a video. The RCMP of the Southeast
District said at the time that they continue to suspect that there was foul play in the case. “The investigation into the disappearance of Ben Tyner continues to be diligently led by the RCMP Southeast District Major Crime Unit,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey,
spokesman for the BC RCMP in the Southeast District. “To date, numerous investigational avenues have been explored, and in order to protect the ongoing investigation police are unable to share those findings publicly at this time. However, based on those findings,
major crime investigators have reason to believe that criminality was involved in Ben Tyner’s disappearance, and is the victim of a homicide.” Tyner was just around two months into his move to Merritt when he disappeared, having moved from Wyoming.
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 58 (NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN) BUDGET PLANNING PROCESS – 2021/2022 ANNUAL BUDGET Tuesday, April 6, 2021:
A public budget presentation will be made to interested stakeholders via a zoom video conference call. Representatives from school Parent Advisory Council’s (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 enrollment 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 5:30 p.m. The purpose will be to discuss priorities and listen to concerns in order to help set the framework for the 2021/2022 annual budget.
Monday, April 19, 2021:
Audit & Finance Committee to meet in Merritt at 12:15 p.m. to go over a draft summary to be presented to Board on May 12, 2021.
Tuesday, April 20, 2021:
A draft summary prepared by the Superintendent and the Secretary Treasurer to be presented to the Board for discussion in Merritt at 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 12, 2021:
Budget bylaw to be presented at the Regular Board Meeting. Subject to feedback, the budget for the 2021/2022 year will be adopted at either this meeting or the June 9, 2021 board 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 (250) 315-1105 to arrange a meeting. The presentation should be supported by a written submission, which should be provided to the Secretary Treasurer in advance.
14 • THURSDAY, March 18, 2021
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
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Province to pay for cleanup of Exit 286 A chat with the Prime Minister at a recent convention got the ball rolling. Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER The BC Visitor Centre located just outside of Merritt at the junction of Hwy 5 and Hwy 97C, informally called ‘Exit 286’, closed in 2018. Since that time, there have been numerous complaints from tourists and Merrittonians alike as travellers continue to use the area as a bathroom and a place to illegally dump garbage. Mayor and council brought the issue up at the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention, expressing their dismay at the “disgusting” condition of the grounds, which are highly visible to anyone travelling to or past Merritt. At long last, it seemed the province heard these concerns loud and clear. “This is actually the direct result of council’s lobbying at UBCM,” said City CAO Sean Smith. “When you spoke to Minister (John) Horgan and were able to convey to him the concern that citizens are having,
The old visitor centre at Exit 286 closed down in 2018, and has since seen numerous complaints about its cleanliness.
and the dumping and the garbage that has been happening up at 286 for some time.” “I think that the terminology that the minister caught onto was when we called it an open latrine,” Mayor Linda Brown added.
As such, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) has offered to enter into an agreement with the City of Merritt which will see them cover clean-up costs incurred by the city at the site up until March 2021, costs that Merritt taxpayers
had been unfairly on the hook for. The agreement allows for up to $30,000, but Smith said less than that will likely need to be paid out. “It’ll be less than $20,000 that’s paid, but directly back to the taxpayers,” Smith explained. One more cleaning will also be provided for, which will be scheduled with a contractor for some time before the end of this month, at which point Mayor Brown hopes that the new owner will take over cleanup responsibilities. “There’s a good network that’s actually trying to make this problem go away,” Smith concluded. “I will still say there are some challenges jurisdictionally in terms of where funding is going to come from, but what I can confidently say is that we are going to clean the area up. We’ll pay for it and we’re going to find some way to make sure the province holds their promise… we will find a solution on that because that’s what’s right in this scenario. It’s not Merritt citizens that are creating that mess.” The motion to enter into the agreement with the MOTI was carried with no one opposed.
THURSDAY, March 18, 2021 • 15
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2663 QUILCHENA AVENUE
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$439,900
Great family home features 3 bedrms, 1 bath, built-in wine rack in the kitchen and a sliding barn door on master bedrm. Enjoy sitting in the sun room overlooking the deck & nicely landscaped yard. Has shop in back.
Build your dream home on this view lot. All services underground. New homes being built in this very desirable area on the Bench. South facing sunny slope. 9763 sq.ft. lot. Building scheme on all lots.
15.9 acre RV Park zoning bordering the Coldwater River. Hookups in place & future set of plans for expansion available. Has city services. Has small rental home with long term tenants.
#3241
#3255
#3090
$299,500
$145,000
$1,650,000.
1561 MILLER ROAD
2288 BURGESS AVE
1863 MENZIES STREET
Spectacular 76 acre property in Miller Estates with fantastic panoramic views of the river and valley below. Has Cooperative water system & power at lot line. GST applies.
A rare waterfront lot of 0.94 acres waiting for development with over 50 metres of river frontage, not subdividable. In neighbourhood of high end custom homes. Call for more details.
3 bedrm townhouse with newer roof in 2016. Kitchen, laundry & living room on main floor. Kitchen has access to fenced back yard. Spacious master bedroom plus 2 other bedrooms up & 4 pce bath. Extra parking in back. Quick possession.
#3240
#3235
#3243
D
SOL Spacious new home with open concept floor plan, spectacular views & high quality finishing. 2 bedrms up, master on the main & 2 more down, 4 baths & full unfin. Bsmt. New Home Warranty. Double garage
New executive family home on the Bench with views. 3 bedrms, 2 baths, designer kitchen with quartz counters, gas F/P in living room, 5 pce ensuite & a full unfinished basement. GST applies
#3250
#3249
$739,9000 + GST
6433 MONCK PARK ROAD
$739,900
2859 PEREGRINE WAY
D
Well maintained strata end unit with larger yard & gazebo. Main floor has 2 pce powder room, open concept kitchen/living room & nook. Included appliances. Has gas F/P skylights & BI vac. 3 bedrms up and 2 baths. Strata fees are $235 per mon.
#3244
$298,500
900 KANE VALLEY RD
D
$475,000
390 COYLE PLACE
2625 JACKSON AVENUE
5 bedrooms family home with 2 baths, upstairs has new floors installed, newer HW tank & boiler furnace. Large lot with tons of parking. Access to back yard from front. All appliances included
SOL
Build your lakeview dream home on this 1 acre lot overlooking Nicola Lake with views of the valley. Boat launch is just minutes sway. Great lake for swimming, boating, waterskiing & fishing. Just 2.5 hrs from Lower Mainland.
A 14,374 sq.ft. lot with great views of the Nicola Valley, with access from top & bottom of the lot. No requirement to build by any date. Development guideline and Disclosure available.
This 10.53 acre property is ready for your cabin getaway from the city. Power is at the paved road. Great recreational area to x-country skiing, fishing, hiking, biking. Has seasonal creek. Easy access from Coquihalla Hwy. at Exit 256
Riverfront property in nice Lower Nicola location on approx. 2 acres with great shop with 3 phase power supply. Comes with unfinished rancher of 1686 sq.ft. House is framed and with roof. Home plans available. Septic is installed.
#3181
#3254
#3231
#3208
$125,000
SELLERS – Inventory is getting low, NOW is the time to list! Call us for a FREE Market Evaluation.
$229,900
1926 QUILCHENA AVE
D
SOL
$165,000
$210,000
SOL
$279,900
$450,000
Lot 7, Petit Creek Road
Prices Starting at $104,000 + GST
Approx. 40 acres in Sunshine Valley, just 15 minutes west of Merritt. Excellent flat building site with view of the valley. Great area for horseback riding, hiking and more. Perfect property for your private estate
•
$495,000
RESIDENTIAL VIEW LOTS
$369,000 + GST
378-6166
#3238
D L SO
ONLY 1 LEFT!
•
$415,000
Grandview Heights
Spius Creek Estates
movingrealestate.c21.ca
#3242
Established & well maintained Dry Cleaning and Coin Laundry, a turnkey business. 3200 sq.ft. concrete block building with steel truss roof with possibility of expansion to include living quarters. Great opportunity for a good family business.
Fully serviced residential lots with fantastic views of the Nicola Valley and surrounding mountains. Choose your lot, bring your plans & start building your future! Close to shopping.
#3213
movingrealestate.c21.ca
16 • THURSDAY, March 18, 2021
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
New Active Transportation Plan completed City of Merritt staff said that the public provided good feedback on how the plan should be implemented. Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER The City of Merritt has released their new Active Transportation Plan (ATP), which will create more avenues for residents to get around using human-powered transportation such as cycling, walking, skateboarding, rollerblading, wheelchairs and more. Last year the Province provided the city with a $25,000 grant which was matched by the City of Merritt, to be used for the creation of an Active Transportation Plan. A Request for Proposals for the project was published on March 3, 2020. From the submitted proposals, staff selected Urban Systems to develop the plan. Community engagement followed via a series of surveys which helped Urban Systems and the City determine which projects should be included in the plan. Overall, 120 items are listed in the ATP implementation plan to be completed over the next ten years at a cost of roughly $33 million. “The benefits of active transportation are myriad,” said Planning and Development Manager Don McArthur. “From economic benefits like providing better access to shops downtown, health benefits of course from riding your bike or walking, the environmental benefits of reducing car emissions, societal, safety, community. Lots of things that we can look at and point to about why this is the way we should be moving as a community.” McArthur notes that the projects will be very dependent on grant funding, with high priority infrastructure projects alone estimated to cost approximately $12 million. In addition to the cost of construction, operating costs will increase as new infrastructure is implemented. For example, a protected bicycle lane would have a capital cost of $1 million, and cost approximately $60,000 per km to operate and maintain. A roadway adjacent multi-use trail, such as the one that runs along Voght St., would have a capital cost of $800,000 and year-round maintenance costs of $9,000 per km. The suggested projects have been broken down into short, medium, and long-term priorities. “Obviously we can’t do everything
all at once, so we have to look at what are the most important items,” said McArthur, who explained to council that there was a large amount of grant funding currently available, but that there was no way to know if that would be the case over the entire cost of the plan’s implementation. “The public was really great about providing good feedback on which
routes would be most desirable.” Grant applications have already been submitted for the West Merritt Active Transportation Path, and a Diamond Vale Neighbourhood Bikeway is currently being designed. Residents and stakeholders were consulted throughout the development of the plan, as was the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. The
plan will integrate with other city and regional plans, policies and initiatives and coordinate with transit and provincial projects. The motion that mayor and council receive the Active Transportation Plan was carried unanimously with no debate.
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YOUR CULTURE. YOUR COMMUNITY. YOUR FUTURE. Indigenous Environmental Career Training
VISIT ECO.CA/BEAHR FOR FULL DETAILS.
18 • THURSDAY, March 18, 2021
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Merritt marches in solidarity
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Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM Merrittonians banded together last Saturday to honour and bring awareness to family members and friends that never made it home. Around 150 people marched in solidarity to bring awareness to Indigenous people that have been murdered or went missing, as part of a nationwide event titled “Paint Canada Red.” “We are fighting to be heard, we are fighting to be seen, and mostly we are fighting for change,” said Merritt organizer Danielle Jack. The group marched along with an RCMP escort from Central Park to Home Hardware and back, singing and drumming along the way. More photos on pg. 19.
Be part of the MUSIC LEGEND!
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250-378-3903 2776 VOGHT STREET, MERRITT HOURS OF OPERATION Tuesday to Saturday
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
March for the missing and the murdered
THURSDAY, March 18, 2021 • 19
Adopt a Pet
View your feature best friend @ www.angelsanimalrescue.ca
To make an appointment to meet your new best friend Phone/text: (250) 378-5223 (250) 574-1316 email: aarsrescue@gmail.com
“Breaking the Chain of Abuse” Donations can be to made to The Angel’s Animal Rescue Society by cheque, etransfer or PayPal. We are a Registered Charity - 847488269RR0001.
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20 • THURSDAY, March 18, 2021
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SPORTS
Have a sports story tip? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing newsroom@merrittherald.com.
Merritt lacrosse brothers reunite in NCAA
Clinton and Connor Kaboni are back on the same team with NCAA scholarships. Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@ MERRITTHERALD.COM Things may look a little different in the sports world at the moment, but the future is bright for a pair of brothers in the National
Collegiate Athletic Association. Clinton Kaboni, 18, committed to Humboldt State University in California on a lacrosse scholarship shortly after the pandemic hit last year. Since then, he has been doing his classes from the family home in Merritt, training with his 17-year old brother Connor in the meantime. Connor committed to Humboldt State just a few weeks ago, reuniting the close brothers on the same team for the first time since 2018.
Though the brothers say that the appeal of living oceanside in California was certainly a draw, both agreed that the professionalism of the program was realy what attracted them to the team. “I’ve always been on underdog teams, and this is a really up-and-coming program,” said Clinton. “They went through a lot of coaches, but the coach right now is a really good guy. He knows what he’s talking about, he knows what he’s doing.” Clinton remarked
that he originally did not have plans to play collegiate lacrosse. But once COVID-19 hit, and he wasn’t able to play any sort of lacrosse, he once again caught the bug. “I realized I needed that in my life, I needed to play.” Neither brother has had a chance to physically visit the school. Connor added that the draw of once again playing with his brother was certainly one of his reasons to sign his letter of intent. The brothers last played together in the 2018
Left: Clinton Kaboni, left, and Connor Kaboni, right, with a fellow player at the BC Games. Right: Connor Kaboni, left, and Clinton Kaboni, right. Photos submitted
BC Summer Games, when they played on the Indigenous squad. “I really wanted to play with my brother again, because I haven’t played with him in a long time. It was just a perfect opportunity.” Despite not playing together for the past three years, the brothers, who both play the attack position, are confident that the chemistry is still there. Being only one year apart, the
two grew up in the same social circles, a connection that translates to the floor or the field. “We’ve always had the same friends, and grew up always on the same team,” said Clinton. “We’re really close...we’ve always really never been apart.” Connor said that he and his brother have been out practicing together almost every day during the pandemic, or in
the gym, one of the positives of Clinton currently doing his schooling from home in Merritt. Due to the pandemic, Clinton will have one more year of eligibility to play in the NCAA, lining him up with his brother. Humboldt State plays at the NCAA’s Division II level in the Western Collegiate Lacross League.
Shortened BCHL season approved to begin in April Teams will play within certain pods, though Merritt is not expected to be one of them.
Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@ MERRITTHERALD. COM The BCHL, and the Cents, are back. The Provincial Health Office
recently accepted the league’s proposal for a safe return to play under its COVID19 Safety Plan, and a shortened 2020-21 season was approved by the BCHL Board of Governors on
Friday. “After months and months of hard work behind the scenes by the league’s Returnto-Play Task Force, we are pleased to make the announcement today that the
BCHL will be back on the ice to play the 2020-21 season,” said BCHL Commissioner Chris Hebb. “This entire process has always been about our players and giving them the best chance to
get back to playing games and showcasing their skills, and we have accomplished that today.” The state of the BCHL season has been up in the air for months, after multiple post-
four teams will ponements and play each other in rescheduling of five different locaopening dates. tions throughout Though full BC. It is not yet details are yet to known if Merritt be known, the will be one of the league will operlocations, though ate similarly to its WHL counterparts TSN’s Farhan Lalji in a ‘pod’ system, where three to See ‘BCHL’ Page 21
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THURSDAY, March 18, 2021 • 21
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
BCHL return was ‘a long road’, says Chairman From Page 20 that Alberni Valley, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Penticton, and Vernon will be the host locations. “We want to thank the PHO, the Chief Medical Health Officers and regional public health staff for working with us on our proposal over the past few weeks and getting it to a point that both sides felt was safe,” said Chairman of the BCHL Board of Governors Graham Fraser. “We proved in our extended exhibition season in the fall that our COVID-19 Safety
Plan was effective after playing 89 games with zero transmissions, and we look forward to working within that system again.” “It’s been a long road for everyone involved with the league since we were shut down in November, but we are grateful that we get a chance to finish what we started and get our young athletes back on the ice.” Though the full schedule for each team, including the Merritt Centennials, is yet to be released, the condensed season is set to begin in the first week of
April. In terms of safety protocol, the BCHL has hired a Chief Medical Officer to oversee all COVID-19related procedures, including testing and quarantine periods. “At the end of the day, our league is all about getting players scholarships and moving them on to the next level to allow them to pursue their athletic and educational goals,” said BCHL Executive Director Steven Cocker. “With no games since November, it has been difficult for these players to get noticed by
college programs and, as a result, we’ve seen a significant effect on the number of college commitments in the league this year. With a shortened season now in place, we are thrilled to get our players back in the spotlight and give them the attention they deserve. Fans will still not be in the stands. The playoff structure is yet to be known. More information about the season will be coming in the next few weeks.
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22 • THURSDAY, March 18, 2021
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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.
For those looking to take their look up a notch, or have their makeup professionally done, look no further than the newly established Ky Artistry. Kylee Torgalson, the creative mind behind Ky Artistry, has turned her passion for makeup into a career after receiving professional training in lashes, beauty and special FX makeup. Always something of a hobby, Torgalson really got into makeup artistry when she was sidelined by a serious injury. “I’ve been doing makeup pretty much my entire life, but really got into it when I broke my knee a few years ago and had a lot of spare time on my hands,” explained Torgalson. “In May of 2018, I got the
opportunity to work alongside Ashley Dearden of Sinfully Sugar’d and learn lashes. In January of 2020 I went to John Casablancas Institute (JCI) located in Vancouver BC to get my diploma for Makeup Artistry, and when I was there, I got my certification for lashes to be able to do them on my own.” JCI is Canada’s leading fashion, hair, makeup and beauty school. Torgalson received her Makeup Artistry diploma there in December 2020. As a born and raised Merrittonian, Torgalson decided to come back to the Nicola Valley and provide her newly certified services in her hometown. “Growing up in Merritt my entire life, I absolutely love the
atmosphere in our little town,” said Torgalson. “I also have a majority of my family here, and Ashley at Sinfully Sugar’d was kind enough to offer me a space to branch out my business in town which was amazing. Ky Artistry is simply me being lucky enough to be able to do what I love for work. I started Ky Artistry to be able to offer makeup and lashes together or separate and I’m beyond excited to bring my services to Merritt,” Torgalson continued. “I love being able to help be a part of someone feeling their best!” Helping people feel beautiful and good about themselves is one of Torgalson’s favourite parts of her job. “My favourite
part about doing lashes and makeup for others is seeing the smile on their faces when the final look is revealed, I love making people feel beautiful.” Torgalson is available for special occasions, such as weddings and graduations, but also emphasizes that there is no reason to wait for a once-in-a-lifetime event to utilize her skills. She can also help you achieve a lovely ‘day look’, wow your partner for date night or help you look your best for an upcoming job interview. “I can also airbrush, which could include stencils or body painting,” said Torgalson. “And I do Special Effects as well, the fun scary stuff. Even if you aren’t fully sure on the look you’re going for, I urge anyone to contact
me, and we can work together to find something for the event of your choice.” When she’s not busy working, Torgalson likes to get out and enjoy the backcountry of the Nicola Valley and spend time with her fourlegged friend. “In the summer you’ll most likely find me out camping and, in the winter, you’ll find me snuggled up inside with a good book, blanket, and my big old baby of a dog,” said Torgalson. Torgalson continues to work out of Sinfully Sugar’d, practicing strict COVID safety protocols. “The community has been so supportive, it’s crazy in the best way possible,” said Torgalson. “COVID has sadly made it difficult for all of us
I think, but I definitely feel the love and support from everyone. I hope to see some new faves soon.” You can find examples of Kylee’s work on Facebook at Ky Artistry or on Instagram @kyartistry_interior Her hours are flexible, and she is always willing to try a new look for a client. She encourages you to reach out to her over social media or from her work space at Sinfully Sugar’d at 1922 Voght St.
CONTAIN-IT STORAGE Approved mini-storage ■ On-site rentals ■ Secured ■ Sale of New & Used storage containers ■
1750 Hill Street ■ Phone: 250-315-3000
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER.
THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WELCOME YOU Crossroads Community Church
2990 Voght St. • 250-378-2911• Service Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m.
Merritt Lutheran Fellowship
in St. Michael's Anglican Hall • 250-378-9899 Service Time: 3rd Sunday each month 1:00 p.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Corner of Jackson & Blair • 250-378-2919 Mass Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m.
St. Michael’s Anglican Church
1990 Chapman St. • 250-378-3772 Service Times: 2nd and 4th Sundays only - 10:00 a.m.
Trinity United Church
Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735 Service Time 2nd & 4th Sundays/ Sunday School (K-Gr. 4) - 10 am
Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave. (The Cadet Hall) Sunday Service Time: 3:30 pm • 250-280-1268
Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church 1950 Maxwell St. • 250-378-9502 Service Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Merritt Baptist Church
Sunday services temporarily suspended - for prayer and counselling call 250-378-2464
7 Day Weather Forecast for Merritt, BC - Thursday, March 18 - Wednesday, March 23, 2021 Thurs. March 18
Fri. March 19
Sat. March 20
Sun. March 21
Chance of Shower High 14˚C Low: 1˚C
Mix of Sun & Clouds High: 8˚C Low: 0˚C
Light Cloud High: 7˚C Low: 0˚C
Light Rain High: 6˚C Low: 0˚C
Mon. March 22
Cloudy w/Sunny Breaks High:7˚C Low: -2˚C
Tues. March 23
Mainly Sunny High: 6˚C Low: -1˚C
Wed. Jan. 20
Mix of Sun & Cloud High: 5˚C Low: 0˚C
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS HERE? Give us a call 250-378-4241
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Obituaries
MERRITT & DISTRICT HOSPICE SOCIETY ADVANCE CARE PLANNING is a choice that allows individuals to make health care decisions now, in case they cannot give consent for treatments offered in the future P: 250-280-1701
www.merritthospice.org Email: merritthospice@shaw.ca
Merritt Funeral Chapel
DivisionofofService ServiceCorporation CorporationInternational International(Canada) (Canada)ULC ULC AADivision
Celebrating each life like no other REGULAR OFFICE OFFICE HOURS HOURS REGULAR On Call Call On 24 Hours Hours A A Day Day 24
Obituaries
Obituaries
Twyla Denise Dalla Vecchia (Edwards) November 3 1963 - March 12, 2021 On March 12th, 2021 Twyla Denise Dalla Vecchia (Edwards) of Merritt, B.C., passed away at the age of 57. She is survived by her husband Cory Dalla Vecchia; daughter: Bonnie Davis (Kevin); grandchildren: Jeramey, Talleah, Gabrielle, Isaiah; great grandchildren: Linkin and many other family members. A viewing and final goodbyes will take place for immediate family members only.
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear.
Patrick William Albert Cox
To place your ad call 250-378-4241 or email sales2@merrittherald.com Obituaries
Obituaries
March 18, 1975 - March 10, 2021 It is with great sadness that the Family of Patrick William Albert Cox announce his sudden passing at the age of 46 in Merritt, B.C Patrick was born in Merritt, B.C. and grew up between Wainwright, Alberta and Merritt, B.C. He left school at an early age to become a truck driver and then a ranch worker, where he worked for Nicola Ranch and lived there for 13 years looking after the farming. He loved the ranch life and truly enjoyed the outdoors. He loved to travel around the country side, hunting, fishing, camping, Snowmobile, dirt biking and riding his beloved Harley Davidson. Patrick made many friends during his life and was always there to lend a hand to whoever needed it. Patrick was predeceased by his father Patrick Albert Gordon Cox, Survived by his Wife and soul mate Camella Lynn Cox. His Children: Shaniece Cox ( Damian), Dakota Cox (Violet), Shaylyn Cox (Zolton). Grandchildren: Savannah, Kinsley, Israel, Aria. Sister Tammy Strayer (Jamie), Mother and Step-father: Debbie & David Taylor, Grandfather: William Finnigan, Mother and Father-in-law Susan & Wayne Smith (Hope B.C.) Patrick also leaves Niece: Amy Miereau and Nephew: Eric Strayer. Numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, 2 Great Nieces, and 2 Great Nephews. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him and always remembered for his crazy sense of humor, expressions and story telling. See you on the other side Pat/Husband/Son/Grandson/Dad/Papa/Brother/Uncle/GreatUncle we love you!!!! A Celebration of Patrick’s life will be held at a later date, when gatherings will be permitted.
Mon., Tues., Tues., Thurs. Thurs. & & Fri.: Fri.: Mon., 10:00 a.m. a.m. -- 3:00 3:00 p.m. p.m. 10:00 Wednesday: 1:00 1:00 p.m. p.m. -- 6:00 6:00 p.m p.m Wednesday:
www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com 2113 Granite Granite Ave., Ave., Merritt, Merritt, BC BC 2113
or 1-800-668-3379 1-800-668-3379 250-378-2141 or
May the Sunshine of Comfort Dispel the Clouds of despair
Obituaries
Obituaries
Obituaries
Wanda Shirley McConnell O’Brien August 18, 1951 – March 11, 2021 The family is sad to announce the peaceful passing of Wanda McConnell O’Brien. Wanda fought a brave and courageous battle with cancer. Wanda was born in St. George, New Brunswick and later moved to Fredericton, NB where she met her soul mate Gerry. She and Gerry moved out west in the early 80’s and have resided in Merritt, BC for over 40 years. Wanda was well known in the community for Cascade Bookkeeping which she owned and operated for many years. After selling her business to Best, Reimer & Maclean she was employed by them until her retirement. She was a long standing member of the Nicola Valley Quilters Guild and enjoyed the friendships she made. Wanda and Gerry enjoyed camping, spending time with family and many road trips across North America. She is survived by her husband Gerry, her sister Adele (Bill), brothers Richard (Gwen) and Warren (Margo) and her nieces and nephews. Her children Nicole (Kevin), Julie (Dick), Brenda (Gordon), Melanie (Jason), Susan (Donald), Stacey (Brian). Her 13 grandchildren Alicia, Cory, Lyndsey, Danelle, Jesse, Meagan, Haley, Brent Junior, Samantha, Kyle, Brendan, Keegan and Landon and her great grandchildren Joseph, Kaylee, Rudi, Payton and Olivia. Home and family were very important to her. The family would like to thank the nurses at the Merritt & District Hospice Society, in particular Bethany, and In lieu of flowers request donations to be made to this society. Please note, there will be no formal service until after covid restrictions are lifted. Wanda will be forever missed by her family, friends and her faithful companions Molly, Bob and Riley.
General Employment
General Employment
General Employment
Summer Program Assistant Merritt Library The Region of BC’s Best
The Thompson-Nicola Regional Library (TNRL) is seeking a temporary part time Summer Program Assistant (Arts and Leisure Leader) for the Merritt Library. The Assistant will be responsible for planning, promoting, developing, and delivering summer programming to one or more of the following groups: preschool children, school-age children, teens, adults, or seniors. Duties include preparing and organizing materials used in summer programs, inspiring patrons to join summer programs through social media and other types of media outreach, and planning and developing programming for summer programs. The Assistant will also work to support the delivery of the programming they’ve planned, whether the programs are passive, take-home, virtual, or in person. The Assistant will build connections with community groups such as schools, daycares, preschools, day camps, and seniors’ groups. The position may require travel within Merritt or to communities outside of Merritt. This position pays $16.50 per hour with an additional 14% in lieu of benets. 21 hours per week. Complete details of the position and required qualications are available on the Thompson-Nicola Regional Library website www.tnrl.ca or http://bit.ly/SPAmerritt Deadline to apply is 16:00, March 22, 2021
24 • THURSDAY, March 18, 2021 General Employment
General Employment
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Scw’exmx Tribal Council (STC)
VALUE ADDED LUMBER REMANUFACTURING PLANT
PRODUCTION WORKERS
• Good wages • Steady day shift • Students welcome to apply • No experience necessary • Will train
TRUCK DRIVERS WITH CLASS 1 Local steady work
LICENCED SECURITY GUARDS CERTIFIED FORKLIFT OPERATORS CARPENTERS Please submit resume in person to 1195 Houston Street, Merritt B.C. 250-378-6161 SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 58 (NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN)
SUMMER STUDENT WORKERS School District No. 58 (NicolaSimilkameen) is accepting applications for Maintenance Summer Students. The position will provide assistance in the normal maintenance tasks involved with maintaining playgrounds, playing elds and school district sites. A valid driver’s license is required. It is preferable that students were enrolled full-time in High School/College in 2020/2021, however, MUST be returning full-time to College/University or Trades School for the 2021/2022 sessions. College/University proof of acceptance is mandatory. Submit applications in-person at the School Board Ofce in Merritt (1550 Chapman Street), by email, or on-line at www.sd58.bc.ca. Applications, including a detailed resume with a minimum of three references, will be accepted until March 26, 2021. Please forward to: Attention: Operations Manager School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen) P.O. Box 4100, 1550 Chapman St. Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 sblonde@365.sd58.bc.ca
#202-2090 COUTLEE AVENUE P.O. BOX 188, MERRITT, BC V1K 1B8 Phone (250) 378-4235 Fax (250) 378-9119 e-mail: director@scwexmxtribal.org
Internal/External Posting Employment Placement Specialist The Scw’exmx Tribal Council, also known as the STC, was formed as an effort of the Scw’exmx Chiefs to advance the issues of aboriginal rights. We are looking for an Employment Placement Specialist to work out of the Merritt STCofce and provide career/ employment counselling support to clients as well as promoting employment and training programs in a friendly, courteous and helpful manner. The Position: The Scw’exmx Tribal Council is looking for a dynamic individual for the position of Employment Counsellor. The Employment Placement Advisor will serve as an advocate and link for clients of the Indigenous Skills Employment and Training Program. This is a full-time term position starting on April 1, 2021 and ending on March 31, 2022. Relevant Knowledge and Abilities • Knowledge of business machine operations: fax, photocopier, computer and scanner; • Prepare training contract documents for approval; • Work with clients to develop return to work action plans and maintain; • Develop progress and continuous development strategies and goals for each participant; • Evaluates client eligibility for programs and services; • Demonstrate ability to multi-task, set priorities effectively under tight deadlines and problem solve; • Interviews clients and identies interests, skills, suitability and job readiness; • Experience in public speaking and group facilitation. Requirements and Qualications: • Minimum of diploma in social sciences discipline (education, social work) or career practitioner certication, with 2-3 years of experience or the equivalent combination of education and work experience; • Strong technical competency of computer skills and knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft applications, Outlook and database; • A valid BC Drivers’ license with a drivers’ abstract, reliable vehicle and willingness to travel on STC business are required; • Work experience with Aboriginal organizations; • Maintain condentiality on all client les and other relevant information; • Provide itinerant services to outlying regions on a regular basis. In accordance with the STC Human Resource Policy, the rst priority will be to hire qualied persons of Scw’exmx ancestry. Pursuant to the Aboriginal Employment Preferences Policy within the Canadian Human Rights Act, preference may be given to applicants of Aboriginal ancestry.
Only those applicants being interviewed will be contacted.
If you are interested in a career like this with a great organization, please submit your resume, cover letter, and references (saved as one Word document) referencing EmploymentPlacement Specialist in the email subject line to director@scwexmxtribal.org by noon March 31, 2021.
For further information, please call Darrell Finnigan at (250) 378-5161.
The Scw’exmx Tribal Council thanks all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
TODAY'S PUZZLE ANSWERS
General Employment
General Employment
General Employment
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 58 (NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN)
CUPE 847 POSITION
Youth Care Worker • Merritt, BC School District No. 58 invites applications for the position of Youth Care Worker in Merritt, BC. We are seeking an experienced individual to join the SD58 team to take on this important and challenging role. Duties will commence April 2, 2021. General Responsibilities Under the direction and supervision of the Principal or designate, the Youth Care Worker provides assistance to students who display vulnerabilities in social competencies and interpersonal relationships. The YCW will collaboratively work with staff in developing individual social and behavioural programs to assist students in reaching the goals outlined in the student’s Individual Education Plan, Behaviour Plan and when indicated, or Integrated Case Management Plan. • Report to the District Principal of Student Support Services and work under the direction of school Principals as a part of the Social Emotional Learning Team. • Work in collaboration with school staff and other agencies to foster and develop the individual student’s potential. • Encourage and assist students to have learning and coping skills that will enable them to perform more successfully in school and the community. • Support children and youth to achieve their goals using a strengthsbased approach. • Maintain liaison with teachers, counsellors, administrators, students and their families. • Assist in the development and implementation of specific academic/social interventions with students who present unique and challenging behaviors. • Provide guidance to students and their families. • Regularly participate meetings as required. • Regularly communicate with parents and community agencies under the direction of the administrator and School Based Team. • Participate as a member of a team to provide support to students with social, emotional, behavioural and mental health challenges. • Participate and contribute to regular staff meetings and professional development. • Assume additional responsibilities, which are site-specific. Qualifications Required • Demonstrated superior oral and written communication skills. • Ability to work cooperatively with family, community and school personnel • Demonstrated ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of an educational team. • Demonstrated ability to maintain highly organized records and detailed information on students and programs, as well as perform other clerical tasks of limited scope. • Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills. • Ability to follow school and community protocols. • Ability to maintain confidentiality. • Required to have completed a Child and Youth Care Degree or equivalent. • Minimum of 2 years supervised recent and relevant work-related experience with children and youth is preferred. • Proven ability working with at-risk school-aged children and youth as well as experience running groups with children and youth. • Employment is subject to a criminal record check. • Vehicle and driver’s license Applications Your application package must include a complete resume, including supporting documentation and a minimum of three (3) current references, with permission for the search committee to contact references and previous employers. Deadline for applications: 11:00 am (PST), April 2, 2021 Address applications to: Lindsey Henderson Manager of Human Resources School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen) Box 4100, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Email: sblonde@365.sd58.bc.ca
Looking for a New Career Direction? Discover a World of Possibilities in the Classifieds! Call604.630.3300 250-378-4721to toAdvertise advertise Call Call 250-378-4241 to advertise
THURSDAY, March 18, 2021 • 25
www.merrittherald.com General Employment
General Employment
General Employment
General Employment
www.nvit.ca
Request for Proposals
#202-2090 COUTLEE AVENUE P.O. BOX 188, MERRITT, BC V1K 1B8 Phone (250) 378-4235 Fax (250) 378-9119 e-mail: director@scwexmxtribal.org
NVIT Daycare Operation
Copies of the detailed request for proposal (RFP) can be obtained from BC Bid. The RFP includes a description of the services to be provided by respondents; the minimum content of the responses; and the factors to be used to evaluate the responses. NVIT is willing to accept proposal submissions from Indigenous Licensed Early Childhood Educators willing to work in partnership to develop an Indigenous Early Learning and Childcare centre. For more information about the requirements of the submission and for all other RFP queries related to this RFP should be submitted to Krystal Langager at klangager@nvit.ca Bidding closes Monday, April 19, 2021 at 10:00 am (Local Time). As an Indigenous centre for excellence, NVIT inspires learners to strengthen community. NVIT gives high priority to Indigenous candidates. All applicants should be experienced in working with Indigenous people.
Coldwater Indian Band School Job Posting ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Job Title • Receiving all staff, students, parents and community members in a welcoming manner • Office management skills • Experience working with confidential information • Effective verbal and written communication • Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity • Desire to increase capacity through professional development • Demonstrate good work ethic; punctual; respectful • Honest and trustworthy • Ability to work within a team and individually Working Conditions • The ability to have good multitasking and time management skills. • You may have irregular hours on special events. • Ability to work with technology and be familiar with computers and photocopiers.
General Employment
Scw’exmx Tribal Council (STC)
Nicola Valley Institute of Technology
The Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, located in Merritt, BC is seeking proposals from qualified non-profit Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care providers for the operations of NVIT’s on-site licensed child care facility located at 4155 Belshaw St. Merritt BC, V1K 1R1. The childcare space accommodates 12 full-time infants and toddlers and 16 full-time spaces for children aged 3-5 years old.
General Employment
Indigenous Skills Employment and Training Program Internal/External Position: Program Manager (Full-time Position) Reporting to: STC Executive Director The Indigenous Skills Employment and Training Program is seeking a Program Manager responsible for leading our new standalone agreement and promoting services to enhance employment and training in an area that is diverse in culture, communities, and geography. This position will require the Program Manager for our STC Ofce to have a clear understanding and the ability to build positive relations with the First Nations Communities of Shackan, Nooaitch, Lower Nicola, Coldwater, and Upper Nicola Bands and organizations and businesses within the city of Merritt as this is the area s/he will serve. Travel may be required. Position Prole: The Program Manager is responsible for coordinating the STC employment and training program and providing staff supervision and direction. S/he is required to operate the employment services program within an approved budget and is responsible for completing all the reporting requirements of the funders and the agency, including providing narrative reports of activities. The Program Manager is also responsible for the application of the STC Policy and any operational policies as they apply to the Indigenous Skills Employment and Training staff. The Program Manager is expected to manage the day-to-day affairs of the Indigenous Skills Employment and Training ofce and assist in the development and implementation of programs, budgets, and Accountability Resource Management System (ARMS). The Program Manager will be responsible for processing contracts.
SUDOKU
A full work description including qualications can be requested by contacting director@scwexmxtribal.org. Terms of Employment: Full-time Position beginning April 12, 2021 35 hours per week starting asap Monday to Friday – 8:30am – 4:30pm Location: Merritt BC. To Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter citing salary expectations. Mail: Attention: Executive Director, Scw’exmx Tribal Council, Box 188, Merritt, B.C. V1K 1B8 with the note “Condential”. Email: director@scwexmxtribal.org with the “Program Manager” in the subject line. Closing Date: ***March 31, 2021 In accordance with the STC Human Resource Policy, the Sudoku puzzles are formatted a 9x9to grid, broken nine 3x3 boxes. a Sudoku, the numbers 1 through preference will as be hire intopersons ofTo solve Indigenous Ancestry 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can pursuant to insection 41 ofwillthe BC Human Rights Code. Only figure out the order which the numbers appear by using the numeric clues already provided in thethose boxes. who qualify will be contacted. PUZZLE ANSWERS ON SEPARATE PAGE
Qualifications • General Administration and secretarial training • Valid Driver’s License • Preference to Native Language and experience working in First Nations Communities • Intermediate level ability with computer skills: Microsoft word, and excel.
General Employment
General Employment
Wanted: Experienced Diamond Drillers and Helpers for busy 2021 exploration season in Yukon. For consideration send resume, copy of First Aid, TDG, WHMIS certificates plus drivers abstract to Employment@kluanedrilling.ca
Bamboo Panda Restaurant (previous Tropico Spice Restaurant) IS LOOKING FOR COOK
Attention
Inventors! Ideas wanted! Call Davison today! 1.800.218.2909 or visit us at
inventing.davison.com/BC
Free inventor’s guide!
Share your event with the community KamloopsThisWeek.com merrittherald.com /events
Across
1. Frighten 2. Partner to corned beef 3. Parts 4. Agrees to a demand 5. Elected official 6. Navigator’s tool 7. Relating to heat 8. Attractive 9. Wealthy US merchant 13. Engine additive 14. A passage with access only at one end 17. Midway between northeast and east 18. Cool! 20. Brazilian NBAer 22. NW Pennsylvania city 27. Young dog 28. Mimic 29. Large truck 31. The NFL’s Newton 32. One and only
Rate of pay: As per set rate in school policy Closing: On-going until this position is filled. Only Short Listed Applicants will be contacted. Please send resume, cover letter, and 3 references in any of the three ways listed below. All applicants must comply with the Criminal Records Review Act and BC Drivers Abstract. Email: jantoine@coldwaterschool.ca Fax: 250-378-9212 Mall: Box 4600, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8
THERE’S MORE ONLINE Be a part of your community paper & comment online. KamloopsThisWeek.com merrittherald.com ACROSS
1. __ fi: popular genre 4. Curved shape
25. Wrestling icon Okerlund 26. Thailand’s former name
55. Small shoaling fish 56. Surrendered
Job Description: preparation of all dishes for lunch and dinner for a busy restaurant, must have min. 2 years experience in any food, professional cook certicate an asset. How to Apply Drop off resume in person to 1953 Nicola Avenue, Merritt Ask for Felix Huang or Email: tropicofh@ gmail.com
PUZZLE ANSWERS ON SEPARATE PAGE
1. __ fi: popular genre 4. Curved shape 7. Defunct airline 10. Beverage receptacle 11. Corporate bigwig 12. Belong to he 13. They cover cuts 15. Cost per mille 16. Walk into 19. Power-producing machine 21. Part of one’s character perceived by others 23. Emotionally appealed to 24. Protected 25. Wrestling icon Okerlund 26. Thailand’s former name 27. Muscle weaknesses 30. Chooses 34. American film studio 35. Expression of satisfaction
Down
Salary: $34,000.00 $38,000.00/Annually Full Time, Permanent Start Date: ASAP
36. Mythical winged horse 41. Ballplayers 45. Edible seaweed 46. Chinese politician 47. Tested for fertility 50. Glove worn with medieval armor 54. Basaltic lavas 55. Small shoaling fish 56. Surrendered 57. Taxi 59. Potato part 60. Female sheep 61. Trouble or difficulty 62. Put into service 63. Soviet Socialist Republic 64. 17th letter of Greek alphabet 65. Type of student
33. Diego, Francisco, Anselmo 37. Julie __, actress 38. More nourishing 39. Compound 40. A small carrier attached to the side of a motorcycle 41. Object of fear or alarm 42. __ Ladd, actor 43. Sacred place 44. A way to express enjoyment 47. Trigonometric function 48. A team’s best pitcher 49. Intersecting points 51. Roundishly shaped 52. Adam’s partner 53. God of battle (Scandinavian) 58. Human hormone
26 • THURSDAY, March 18, 2021 General Employment
General Employment
www.merrittherald.com General Employment
Legal/Public Notices
Legal/Public Notices
Full Time Payroll/Tax Clerk
✉
The Regional District Board of Directors will be receiving the Thompson-Nicola Regional District’s 2020 Audited Financial Statements at the Regular Meeting noted below.
finance@tnrd.ca
This full-time position is 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:00pm). The 2021 wage rate for this position as per CUPE Local 900 Collective Agreement is $34.76 per hour. Applications will be received by the undersigned until 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 for the position of Payroll/Tax Clerk.
While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.
Website
place
your
Legal/Public Notices
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Time:
1:30 PM
The financial statements and any reports to be presented at the meeting will be available for inspection at the TNRD Civic Building from Thursday March 18, 2021 to Wednesday March 24, 2021. Due to COVID-19 an appointment will be required to view the documents. To book a time to review the 2020 Audited Financial Statements contact Doug Rae, Director of Finance at 250 377 7050 or at finance@tnrd.ca.
www.tnrd.ca
To
When:
Where: Valley First Lounge, Sandman Centre 300 Lorne Street, Kamloops Meeting Link: https://www.tnrd.ca/regional-government/board-of-directors/
!
For further details on this position, please visit http://www. loganlake.ca/career-opportunities
Grow Your Business
Legal/Public Notices
2020 Audited Financial Statements
Minimum job qualications include: Completion of Grade12, Certied Canadian Payroll Designation, minimum of 2 years in a professional accounting program, minimum of 3 years related experience (preferably in a municipal setting), ability to produce procient and accurate work, working knowledge and skill in the use of ofce equipment.
Legal/Public Notices
Legal/Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Payroll/Tax Clerk performs a wide range of senior level accounting functions. The Payroll/Tax Clerk is responsible for complex payroll and benet processing, all aspects of municipal property taxes, nancial software administration, and provides reception coverage as required.
Colin Forsyth, Director of Finance District of Logan Lake PO Box 190, Logan Lake, BC V0K 1W0 Fax: 250.523.6678 • Email: cforsyth@loganlake.ca
Legal/Public Notices
ad
call
250-378-4241
Legal/Public Notices
or
Legal/Public Notices
This notice is to inform our customers Cheyenne Meyers and Gary Philbrook, that your vehicles and belongings in the aforementioned vehicles will be disposed of in 30 days from the date of this service notice.
sales2@merrittherald.com
Legal/Public Notices
Legal/Public Notices
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 58 (NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN)
If you make no reasonable effort to recover it, I may sell the property, retain all the proceeds and apply them toward any and all outstanding costs for having the vehicle abandoned.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION DISTRICT SURPLUS PROPERTY
Based upon this notice, you are hereby notied conducting a public notice. If you notify me in writing or in person on or before the date that you will be picking up your vehicle, you will have 5 days to claim your vehicle. Please understand this was our last resort we have made several attempts to contact you to no avail.
This is a reminder from School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen) that a public consultation meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 12, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the surplus properties identied below. The Board of Education will be considering the input provided by stakeholders prior to making a decision on the future of these properties including, but not limited to, a potential sale to community organizations, community agencies, local government and private interests. The Board of Education values the input of all stakeholders and is committed to the goal of nancially supporting learning across the district while recognizing potential opportunities for the greater community. We look forward to hearing from our stakeholders.
Callemail 604-630-3300 to place your ad sales2@merrittherald.com or call classifieds.nsnews.com 250-378-4241 to place your ad
Thank you Shawn Paterson, Owner - DCS Auto
SUDOKU
MERRITT SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE: 1550 Chapman Street, Merritt – PARCEL A, BLOCK 6, PLAN KAP838, DISTRICT LOT 125, KAMLOOPS DIVISION OF YALE LAND DISTRICT, OF LOT 1-7 FORMER BROOKMERE ELEMENTARY: 55975 Coldwater Road, Brookmere – PARCEL A, PLAN KAP7318B, DISTRICT LOT 659, YALE DIVISION OF YALE LAND DISTRICT (DD173502F) FORMER BROOKMERE TEACHERAGE: 860 Roundhouse Drive/860 Caboose Road, Brookmere – LOT 15, PLAN KAP6467 DISTRICT LOT 659, KAMLOOPS DIVISION OF YALE LAND DISTRICT VACANT LOT: 383 Merritt-Spences Bridge Hwy 8, Lower Nicola – LOT G, PLAN KAP1107, DISTRICT LOT 160, KAMLOOPS DIVISION OF YALE LAND DISTRICT, EXCEPT PLAN KAP70545 KENGARD LEARNING CENTRE: 2475 Merritt Avenue, Merritt – LOT 1, KAP18168, DISTRICT LOT 124, KAMLOOPS DIVISION OF YALE LAND DISTRICT, EXCEPT KAP 89885 FORMER PRINCETON SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE: 170 Vermilion Avenue, Princeton – LOT B, PLAN KAP33345, DISTRICT LOT 706, YALE DIVISION OF YALE LAND DISTRICT, EXCEPT PLAN M18345 RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY CENTRE: 148 Old Hedley Road, Princeton – LOT 1, PLAN KAP 25461, DISTRICT LOT 1297, YALE DIVISION OF YALE LAND DISTRICT If you wish to provide input in writing, please submit your comments no later than 4:00 pm on April 9, 2021, to the Secretary Treasurer in one of the following ways: • Email: bross@365.sd58.bc.ca; • Regular mail: PO Box 4100, Merritt, BC, V1K 1B8; and • In person: School Board Ofce, 1550 Chapman Street, Merritt The public consultation will take place via Zoom video conference call on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. Please contact Barbara Ross at sblonde@365.sd58.bc.ca for the link to participate in the meeting, prior to April 9, 2021 at 4:00 pm.
Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a Sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.
PUZZLE ANSWERS ON SEPARATE PAGE
IN THE L Y D L U N E I B T S T F T CLASSIFIEDS I I I
BUY T SELLIT FINDIT I
BUY T SELLIT FINDIT I
BUY T SELLIT FINDIT BUY SELL FIND I IT IT IT
THURSDAY, March 18, 2021 • 27
Local Business Directory DENTIST
PLUMBING & HEATING
ACCOUNTING SERVICES
g n i t a e H & g n i b Nicola Plum Fully Qualied Tradesmen in..
Entrance at the front of the Royal Lepage building.
GENERAL DENTISTS & SPECIALIST ORTHODONTISTS AVAILABLE
Plumbing, Heating, Bonded Gas Fitters. Service Work & Furnace Service. Custom Sheet Metal Atlas RV Parts & Repairs
Call
250-378-4888 to book your appointment.
HOURS
Tuesday: 9 am - 6 pm Wednesday - Thursday: 9 am - 5 pm Friday and Saturday: 9 am - 4 pm Dr. J. Sarao-DMD, Dr. S. Malhotra-DDS, Dr. R. Dutt-DMD
2731 Forksdale Avenue, V1K 1R9
www.dentistryatmerritt.ca
PHONE: 250-378-4943
www.cjrbookkeeping.com
NEW PATIENTS & WALK-INS WELCOME
2064 Coutlee Ave., Merritt, BC
Merritt
Heral
d 2020 Pe ople’s Choice AW ARD
SPECIALIZING IN: Bookkeeping: We create specific accounting to meet the individual needs of each client PEOP Income tax Preparation: We pride LE’S ourselves in providing our clients with profe ssional tax services at a very competitive rate. 2019-202 A oun0 Best Tax season is around the corner - we are taking on new personal tant/ tax clients Bocc o kkeeper s
3499 Voght Street, Merritt, BC Telephone: 250-378-9446 • Fax: 250-3 78-5257
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
CLEANING SERVICES
COMFORT, CLARITY AND CONFIDENCE
CERTIFIED IN MODERATE ASBESTOS REMOVAL
THROUGH A COMPLETE
BOOK TODAY!
FINANCIAL PLAN Cashflow and Insurance Planning Portfolio Management Tax and Estate Planning
FLOOD SERVICES
CARPET/UPHOLSTERY & TILE & GROUT CLEANING 250-378-9410
www.tbmcleaningandrestoration.com
ACCOUNTING SERVICES
FOR ALL YOUR PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING & BOOKKEEPING NEEDS COME SEE
Contact Kyle for your plan today!
1964 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Tel: (250) 378-2215 • reception@carrie ware.ca
JIM POTTER
MERRITT TREE SERVICE • Fully insured, certified faller • WSBC covered • Dangerous tree assessment ➤Schedule your FREE Estimate
Cell Phone: 250-879-6306 • Office: 250-372-2955 Ext. 259 e-mail: Kyle.schell@ig.ca • Website: http://advisor.investorsgroup.com/en/kyle_schell
MORTGAGE BROKER
Buying a home? Refinancing your home?
My Goal - to SAVE you money! Carrie Ware, BSc, CPA, CA • www.carrieware.ca
TREE SERVICE
Colleen Way
Your Merritt Mortgage Specialist
1.800.487.9035
colleenMway@gmail.com
ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE
ADVERTISING
HERE FOR YOU!
Are you expanding your client base?
CALL JIM at 250-378-4212
Solutions for your tree problems!
MECHANIC
RVICE FRANK’S MECHAWNARICRAANTLY SE APPROVED OLD OR NEW WE HAVE FOR EVERYONE MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONS • Tune Ups t • Brakes • Exhaus il /O be Lu • • Suspension • Shocks & Struts ia •Rad tor Service ng Service • Air Conditioni
250-378-1322
enue 2026 Mamette Av
LICENSED CANNABIS Quilchena Cannabis Co.
Looking for an accessible way for people to find you? JOIN the Herald’s “Local Business Directory” page Every Thursday, Always Full Colour! *with minimum 1 month committment Reach over 5330 readers each week.
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Call 250-378-5 420 Unit B-1937 Quilchena Ave., Merritt BC
28 • THURSDAY, March 18, 2021
www.merrittherald.com
MerrittMerritt Real Estate Services Ltd.Ltd. HELPING SERVING MERRITT & AREA FOR 40 YEARS! HELPINGYOU YOU IS IS WHAT WHAT WE WE DO! SERVING MERRITT & AREA FOR 40 YEARS! Real Estate Services Visit: www.royallepage.ca/merritt Looking to sell? Call one of our for a complete list of current listings agents to see what your home is worth. 3499 Voght St. Merritt BC • 250-378-6181 email: rlpmerit@telus.net 2455 BURGESS AVENUE
Personal Real Estate Corporation
$210,000 6469/6465 MONCK PARK ROAD
$1,595,000
ENJOY THE COUNTRY ATMOSPHERE RIGHT WITHIN THE CITY ON THIS .77 ACRE LOT located in a prestigious neighborhood on a quiet cul de sac. This lot is offers over 200 feet of river frontage and is located within walking distance to Central Park, churches and the downtown core.
BEAUTIFUL 4000 SQ. FT. CUSTOM HOME LOCATED IN NICOLA LAKESHORE ESTATES. Adjoining lot is included giving you an approx. 2 acre parcel. This quality built high-end home features a mill creek kitchen w/quartz counter tops, slate heated floors and more!
MLS# 157700
MLS#160726
DEBRA SCHINDLER: • 250-315-3548 •email: debbieschindler2@gmail.com
1330 PINE STREET
$1,100,000
5020 STEFFENS ROAD
$499,900
RARE 4.5 ACRE DEVELOPMENT PROPERTY ALONG THE RIVER IN TOWN AND JUST MINUTES FROM SHOPPING AND ALL AMENITIES. Currently Zoned R2 for multi family but possible rezone potential for higher density
PERFECT HOBBY FARM NESTLED ON 10.7 ACRES JUST 20 MINUTES FROM MERRITT & 40 minutes to Kamloops! This fully fenced property is set up for horses complete with hay storage for over 200 bales of hay, nice sized riding arena, fenced and cross fenced, electric horse waterer, 2 40’ containers
MLS# 160758
MLS# 160424
DENISE DESILETS: • 250-315-8395 •email: denisedesilets@royallepage.ca
2669 QUILCHENA AVENUE
D
L SO
$529,000 111 VEALE ROAD
WELL-BUILT HOME AND PERFECT FOR A FAMILY OR INVESTORS. Upstairs rented for $1,600.00 and downstairs rented for $950.00 Both pay own utilities. Nice sundeck, fenced backyard and double car garage.
D
L SO
$779,000
RETIRE IN STYLE ON THIS 9.88 ACREAGE AND HORSE PROPERTY JUST 4 MINUTES FROM MERRITT The home was built in 2020 and offers outstanding quality
MLS# 159378
MLS#160550 Owner/Broker
CLAUDETTE EDENOSTE: • 250-280-0689 •email: claudetteedenoste@royallepage.ca
355 LINDEN ROAD
$649,900 254 CALCITE DRIVE LOGAN LAKE
$519,000
TO BE BUILT. THIS 3 BEDROOM 2 BATH NEWLY DESIGNED HOME with a walk out basement in beautiful Logan Lake is set to begin construction. Open concept design with a large 11 X 8 deck out the back overlooking the Highland Valley. Master bedroom has a 5 piece ensuite
IMMACULATE CUSTOM BUILT EXECUTIVE HOME IN THE HIDDEN GEM OF LOGAN LAKE. Zero scaped front yard and low maintenance back yard, mud/laundry room leads into double garage. Bright walk out basement with full 9 foot ceilings
MLS# 160599
MLS# 160781
FREDERICK SINGER (LOGAN LAKE): • 250-318-8392 •email: fred.singer@royallepage.ca
1549 QUILCHENA AVENUE
$519,900 1326 PARCEL STREET
$369,000
BEAUTIFUL 3 BEDROOM FAMILY HOME WITH 2 BATHROOMS LOCATED ON A LARGE BEAUTIFUL LOT. This property has a mechanics dream garage 26 x 36 with a 9000 lb. hoist, 5 hp air compressor, 220 power, tons of storage, PLUS a 2 piece bathroom
QUIET SETTING, WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE TO DOWN TOWN Plenty of space to park your rv & a place for your toys and tools in the 1 car detached garage. This home is perfect for first time buyers, investors, or a growing family.
MLS#160595
MLS# 160865
JENNIFER KIGHTLEY: • 250-315-3256 •email: jenniferkightley@royallepage.ca
2499 PRIEST AVENUE
$425,000
207 – 2295 BLAIR STREET
$189,900 GOOD RENTAL PROPERTY WITH TENANT IN PLACE. GROUND FLOOR ENTRY WITH PATIO SPACE AT FRONT. Home shows real well and has had flooring as well as other upgrades. Laundry room has extra storage and its own hot water tank.
FOUR BAY 3,856 SQUARE FOOT SHOP WITH 600 AMP SERVICE, GAS HEATERS, OFFICE AREA and loads of room to work and store equipment. Each bay has good sized doors and 60 amp service. 45 foot C can at back stays with building.
MLS# #160818
MLS#160186
JOHN ISAAC: • 250-378-1586 •email: johnisaac@telus.net
3011 THORPE AVENUE
$375,000 4149 WALTERS STREET
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. THIS IS A GREAT SUBDIVISION DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY available in an area of established homes. Easy access to the Coquihalla Highway and downtown Merritt. Approximately 1.2 acres.
MLS# 157116
D
L SO
Managing Broker
$139,000
HURRY! THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO OWN THE LAST PRIME BUILDING LOT AVAILABLE IN A VERY DESIRABLE AREA OF MERRITT for you to build your custom home. one of those rare lots in Merritt that offers the opportunity for a walk out basement, nice views, close to all major amenities and easy access to the highway.
TONY LUCK: • 604-217-5825 •email: tjluck@royallepage.ca
MLS# 159001