Merritt Herald December 31, 2020

Nicola Valley’s News Voice Since 1905

MERRITT HERALD THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS • www.merrittherald.com

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2020

The year that was

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2 • THURSDAY,

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December 31, 2020

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THURSDAY, December 31, 2020 • 3

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

INSIDE

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

New billboards promote tourism Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

New highway signs promoting Merritt as a tourism destination have been installed at two prominent, high visibility locations.

One has been placed at the entrance to Merritt on the Coquihalla coming from Kamloops and another is near the approach to Merritt on the Okanagan Connector.

The billboards depict Merritt’s four seasons, and the many activities visitors can partake in during each of those seasons.

It is the hope of Tourism Nicola Valley that these signs will increase tourism visits to the City of Merritt and the Nicola Valley.

“Drive by traffic is huge in Merritt, so it’s advertising,” said Anoop Sekhon, President of Tourism Nicola Valley.

“It may not be imme-

diate, but we’re hoping that in the future, with the amount of drive by traffic we have in Merritt, somebody may plan their next holiday or weekend getaway here in Merritt. Whether it be mountain biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, whatever it maybe they might plan that here.”

The project was made possible in part due to financial support from the Rural Dividend Fund.

in Chambers at 6 p.m., however due to a resolution passed by council in accordance with Public Health Orders, the public will not be permitted to attend in person. The hearing will, however, be broadcast live.

Those who wish to submit their input will have two options: written submissions and technology-based submissions.

“Written submissions can always be made

to a public hearing, and they’re particularly encouraged at the moment,” said Director of Corporate Services, Greg Lowis.

“A written submission always has just as much weight as someone who speaks in person. We’ve extended the deadline for these until 5pm the day before the Hearing, which gives people more time to become aware of the Hearing, write their

Opinion ---------------------- 6-7 Sports -------------------- 20-22 Classifieds --------------- 25-26

City plans for virtual public hearing Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

A Public Hearing has been announced for the proposed development on Lindley Creek Rd. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the hearing will be held virtually, a first for the City of Merritt.

The hearing will be held on Jan. 12, 2021. Council will be

thoughts down, and get them in.”

Your submission can be written in physical form and delivered via the drop box on the side of City Hall, or mailed to: Merritt City Hall P.O. Box 189 V1K 1B8.

Emails may be submitted to planning@ merritt.ca.

“We’re welcoming anyone who wants to

submit video or audio recordings of their views, as a substitute to speaking in person,” added Lowis.

“And again, I’d emphasise that spoken representations always have the same weight as written representations, so if anyone isn’t comfortable about this, they are very welcome to write in instead. They can use the cameras or microphones on their

phones, tablets, webcams, etc. These can then be dropped off or mailed into City Hall on a USB stick, or uploaded to a person’s YouTube or other video site account and email us the link, or submitted to the City’s Facebook messenger account. Or they can telephone City Hall at 250-378-4224, and leave a voicemail for Greg Lowis or Don McArthur, clearly stating it is for the

Public Hearing on Jan. 12.”

If these options are not possible or satisfactory for those wishing to make a submission, they are welcome to contact Greg Lowis at City Hall and request additional help or information.

A video announcement containing this information will also be made available to Merrittonians in the new year.

The Herald’s top stories of 2020

With a tumultuous 2020 in the rearview mirror, the Herald ranks eight of the (mostly positive) moments that defined the past twelve months.

8. Party Parades save birthdays Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Our list begins with an innovative way to celebrate birthdays during the early days of the pandemic.

Merrittonian Deb Tancsa is organizing “Party Parades” to help anyone 16 years and younger celebrate their birthdays while maintaining social distancing.

Tancsa first heard of the idea from her sister, who took part in a parade in West Kelowna. Tancsa thought that this show of solidarity and celebration was exactly what

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Merritt needed in the tense time of the covid-19 outbreak.

“So, on Friday night I decided to create a Facebook group and hopefully gain the community’s interest,” Tancsa said.

“And wow, have I ever. 319 members as of Monday and lots of requests for Party Parades coming in.”

Tancsa hopes that the parades will make children feel as though their birthdays are still special, and that they can still be a day of joy and excitement, even in the time of a global pandemic.

“The whole idea is to practise social

distancing, but still help make a child’s birthday special,” Tancsa explained.

“They have had to cancel birthday parties and get-togethers, so we decorate our vehicles and bring a party parade by their house.”

The first two birthday party parades took place on March 29. Lisa Stager’s daughter Breanna James celebrated her sweet sixteen, and Lynn Aubin’s daughter Angélique turned three.

“My dad told me and my siblings to get ready,” James See ‘DRIVE-BY’ Page 9 said.

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4 • THURSDAY, December 17, 31, 2020 2020 THURSDAY, December

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NEW PET LICENCING PROGRAM STARTING IN 2021!

The City of Merritt is moving to a new Pet Licencing program.

This system will be ready in January, so the pet licencing deadline has been extended to February 28, 2021.

The new Docupet system will allow you to register online, by mail, by phone, or in person at City Hall.

In addition, the new tags will be permanent tags with a choice of our standard municipal tag or choose from hundreds of designer tags for your dog.

We will be mailing/emailing all current Pet Owners a letter with a registration code and will be sending out updates via the City of Merritt social media channels.

More info is available at www.docupet.com/ca

A Notice for a Public Hearing Scheduled for January 12, 2020, at 6:00 PM is on Page 8

presents

SCHEDULE OF 2021 REGULAR MEETINGS OF COUNCIL

WHEN? WHERE?

COST?

Schedule of 2021 Regular Meetings of Council for the City of Merritt to be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 2185 Voght Street, Merritt, B.C. commencing at 7:00 p.m., unless Council resolves to hold a meeting elsewhere or at a different time.

2021 Regular Meeting Schedule • January 12th & 26th • February 9th & 23rd • March 9th & 23rd • April 6th & 20th

• May 11th & 25th • June 8th & 22nd • July 20th • August 24th

• September 21st • October 12th & 26th • November 9th & 23rd • December 14th

POSTER HUNT Monday | December 21 to Friday | January 1 Posters are located all around Merritt

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prizes pr es be won on p riiiz r ze s tto ob ew o n More info at www.facebook.com/MerrittYouth

in coordination with

VISIT TOURISM MERRITT FOR MORE TO SEE AND DO Including safe visiting advice and local services www.tourismmerritt.ca

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THURSDAY, December 31, 2020 • 5

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS JUNE 25

7. Grads hit the streets

Wishing everyone a healthy & Safe New Year.

Looking forward to serving you in 2021

With this past June’s cancellation of the always-anticipated Merritt Secondary School graduation ceremony, the graduating class instead took to the streets for a massive parade of cars, and were met by what seemed like every Merrittonian in town along the way.

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December 31, 2020

VIEWPOINT EDITORIAL

So long, 2020 What a year.

For our annual ‘Year in Review’ edition, I feel like we could have just typed JAKE COURTEPATTE ‘COVID” HERALD on a series EDITOR of otherwise blank pages and it would have been justifiable.

Instead, we chose to take a more positive approach. While the coronavirus has certainly been what Time Magazine would call the ‘Person of the Year’, Merrittonians have seen plenty of positive stories over the past twelve months, whether related to COVID-19 or not.

I’d like to shed light here on some of our more positive stories that we weren’t able to fit in this week’s edition: Just weeks ago, we had an anonymous Christmas elf hiding presents around town. Remember the llama that ran astray in Collettville in November, before returning safely home? That was fun. Those walking the main streets on June 22 may have seen the ‘wheelchair gang’ ripping around on one of their usual group rides. A large group, mostly consisting of high school students, took to the streets around city hall in June as well in a show of solidarity for the Black Lives Matter movement. Darius Sam may have raised the most money for the Nicola Valley Food Bank this year, but he was certainly not the only one: a pair of silviculture companies raised close to $5,000 for the food bank.

Highland Valley Copper donated $15,000. Cheques also came in from the Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie campaign, WorkBC, the Comfort Inn, local families, and more.

So as we wave goodbye to 2020, bring it on, 2021. Let’s continue to shine some light on what is otherwise a dim and challenging time.

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

STUDENTS AND TEACHERS: SEND US YOUR ART FOR A CHANCE TO BE FEATURED EACH WEEK! (MARISKA WEKKING, GRADE 11.)

SUBMISSIONS ARE PRINTED ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS.

Brits now realizing cost of Brexit Blaming the victims is never a good look. As Britain finally leaves the European Union, 1,651 days after the Brexit referendum of 2016, we should try to remember GWYNNE DYER that 48% of the tur- THE WORLD keys didn’t vote for STAGE Christmas.

Brexit was not exactly a national act of self-harm; it was really an attack by the nostalgic and nationalist old on the young. 60% of British over-65s voted to leave the EU, but 61% of the under-35s voted to remain. Having had four years to think it over, most British now think it was a mistake – by a 48-39 majority, according to a YouGov poll in October.

Too late. Boris Johnson is prime minister and he dares not anger the English ultra-nationalists on the right of his own Conservative party.

After months of the amateur dramatics that accompany any Johnson decision, on Christmas Day the United Kingdom concluded a patheti-

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

MERRITT HERALD 2090 G

cally thin ‘free trade’ deal that reflects the real balance of power between the EU and the UK. It looks pretty good for manufactured goods and commodities, which make up 20% of Britain’s GDP: no tariffs, no quotas. But the EU sells far more stuff to the UK than the other way around: it has a $45 billion trade surplus in goods. Of course it made a deal on that.

By contrast there is no trade deal at all in services, which account for 80% of the UK economy and used to produce a $112 billion surplus for the UK. The UK is entirely vulnerable to whatever restrictions the EU may choose to apply to its banks, insurance companies and providers of other professional services.

Johnson will smear lipstick all over this pig of a deal and declare it a triumph. Those who want to believe it will do so, and the only early evidence of the huge defeat that it really is will be some delays at the ports as customs officers learn their new jobs. The real bill will come in later and almost invisibly, in lost trade, investment and opportunities.

The last official British government estimate was that fifteen years from now the British economy will be between 5% and 7% smaller than it would have been as an EU member (but

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

ranite Ave., PO Box 9, Merritt, B.C. Phone (250) 378-4241

Copyright subsists in all display advertising in this edition of the Merritt Herald. Permission to reproduce in any form, must be obtained in writing from the publisher. .

still a bit bigger than it is now).

That’s not the raw material for a counterrevolution – and besides, any projection about the economic situation in 2035 is really pure guesstimate. One Covid more or less could make just as much difference as Brexit.

All one can say is that the British economy will not “prosper mightily” outside the EU, as Johnson promised, but it won’t collapse either.

And then, in due course, the younger, pro-EU Brits will become the majority thanks to the magic of generational turnover. But until then, if Britain comes knocking at the EU’s door asking to be allowed back in, Brussels should say ‘no’.

What really happens on 31 December is that the European Union is finally freed to develop in the way that its other major members clearly want. The goal of ‘ever closer union’, anathema to English exceptionalists, is back on the agenda.

There is ambivalence in every member country about the idea of creating a semi-federal European super-state, but in a world where democracy and the rule of law are See ‘JOHNSON’ Page 7 under siege most Sales Representative Office Administrator Ken Couture kcouture@aberdeenpublishing.com 250-378-4241 Making Advertising Work For You.

Fax (250) 378-6818 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.

Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada

This Merritt Herald is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact newsroom@merrittherald.com or call (250) 378-4241.

If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at www.mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

THURSDAY, December 31, 2020 • 7

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OPINION

TEGART: A hopeful spirit for 2021 It is difficult to put into words the events that have unfolded throughout 2020 while serving as your MLA. This time last year, I would have never JACKIE TEGART anticipated what VIEW FROM was to come and LEGISLATURE the challenges we would face as a community, as a province, and as a global society. In this holiday

column, I hope to use this moment to reflect on the year as I have experienced it serving as your MLA. I feel truly blessed to be part of a community that, in the onset of the pandemic, exemplified what it means to come together and support one another as we saw not only our own community here in Merritt, but all of B.C. join in the spirit of collaboration to help flatten the curve and keep each other safe.

However, I was disappointed to see the NDP’s lack of preparedness and accountability regarding the budget as vital supports for businesses and families were delayed for months.

Despite this, there are still many things to be

From the Herald archives: Jan., 2010

PASSPORT TO XMAS DRAWN

hopeful for. The first of the vaccines have begun to arrive in Canada, and as they become more and more widely available, I have high hopes that by this time next year we will be able to enjoy the holidays with our friends and family in the way we are used to.

I would like to thank all my constituents for continuing to put their faith in me to serve as your voice in Victoria. As we get ready to close out the old and ring in the new, I would like to wish you all a very safe and happy holiday season and an amazing 2021.

MLA Jackie Tegart represents the electoral district of Fraser-Nicola as a member of the British Columbia Liberal Party.

Mayor Susan Roline attended the Merritt Herald on Jan. 4 to draw the winners of the 2009 Passport to Christmas Program.

Participants were given the opportunity to earn a stamp in a booklet for each $10 spent at participating businesses in Merritt.

Thirty stamps representing $300 in purchases were required to fill a booklet.

Last year the program indicated at least $1.5 million were spent through passport-stamped purchases, according to Herald publisher Etelka Gillespie.

The newspaper is the chief organizer eignty’. French President and marketer for the program, which Charles de Gaulle, who vetoed British memberencourages people to ship applications twice shop locally. in the 1960s, was right: This year, the England does not have a number could be as ‘European vocation’, and high as $3 million. it should not be allowed in.

The financial precedent that was set in July opens the door to a future EU that acts much more like a state. Even a common defence budget is The Merritt Herald now within reach – not something vital in military welcomes your letters, on any subject, addressed terms, but a European army would be a hugely to the editor.

Letters must be signed important symbol of and include the writer’s unity. name, address and phone The United States number for verification may be back soon, but purposes. the world could certainly Letters may be edited use a second powerful for length, taste and advocate for democracy clarity. Please keep and the rule of law. Brexit letters to 300 words may be giving us just or less. Email letthat by freeing the EU to ters to: move on, and we should newsroom@ be grateful. merrittherald. com.

eager to ALBAS: liquor monopolies Johnson appease British halt holiday gift giving Conservatives As Canadians experience a 2020 holiday season unlike any other, we are all feeling the collective impacts of travel restrictions.

For some, this was the first Christmas spent somewhere that is not your usual destination with your friends and family.

With so many different travel restrictions, many have turned to Canada Post or other couriers, not just to acquire goods, but also to send gifts to loved ones who are unable to come home.

For those of you in B.C. who may have attempted to ship a bottle of our amazing Okanagan wine or your favourite local craft beer or an artisan distilled spirit to friends or family in another province through Canada Post, you likely discovered your shipment was refused.

With so many restaurants running at reduced capacities and travel restrictions resulting in less local winery visits and sales, one of our key local industries, like many others, has been significantly impacted by

John Isaac

250-378-1586

Johnisaac@telus.net

www.realestatemerritt.com

Ph: 250-378-6181 F: 250-378-6184

www.royallepage.ca/merritt 3499 Voght Street, Merritt, BC

M E R R I T T

DAN ALBAS VIEW FROM THE HILL this pandemic.

Unlike some other industries who can take advantage of online sales to the rest of Canada, our local producers of wine, craft beers and spirits are shut out of major provinces, such as Quebec and Ontario solely because of provincial liquor monopolies and their restrictive policies.

For this reason, before Parliament adjourned, I introduced my latest private members, Bill C-260.

This bill, often referred to as the “Buy, Ship & Sip bill” would amend the Canada Post Act so that Canada Post can

bypass these repressive provincial monopolies.

Strong support from consumers as well as industry has been received thus far, but it is unclear if the government and other opposition parties will support the bill.

I will provide a further update on this once Parliament resumes.

Before I close this week’s report, I would like to sincerely wish everyone a Merry Christmas and joyous holiday season.

Particularly I would like to thank all front-line workers and also those in working in healthcare and seniors’ homes.

For all of our essential service workers this holiday season will mean considerable time away from their families serving the public.

Dan Albas is the MP for the riding of Central Okanagan Similkameen Nicola. This riding includes the communities of Kelowna (specific boundaries), West Kelowna, Peachland, Summerland, Keremeos, Princeton, Merritt and Logan Lake.

From Page 6 people can see the need to strengthen the European Union. Last July the EU’s leaders took a huge step in that direction: for the first time they agreed to borrow collectively on the financial markets.

France and Germany were all for it, and Italy and Spain needed the money to finance a trillion-euro aid programme to help them through the coronavirus crisis. Those four countries now contain more than half the EU’s population, and they outvoted the ‘frugal four’ (the Netherlands, Austria, Sweden and Denmark) that opposed taking on debt to support ‘feckless’ Mediterranean members.

If Britain had still been a member, it would have vetoed the measure because it infringed on the UK’s sacred ‘sover-

LETTERS POLICY

John Isaac and family would like to wish all a safe and Merry Christmas and an even better 2021

8www.merrittherald.com • THURSDAY, December 31, 2020

www.merrittherald.com THURSDAY, March 30, 2017 • 5

PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING on TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021 at 6:00PM Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 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 January 11 at 5:00 pm.

SUBJECT PROPERTY:

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Part1 SW Section 16 Township 91 Land District 25 Except Plan 707 B1194 B1245 B3015 H18324 & KAP50322, PID: 013-022-563 (Lindley Creek Road)

1/4 SECTION 16 SHOWN ON PLAN B1245 TOWNSHIP 91 KAMLOOPS DIVISION YALE DISTRICT EXCEPT COAL AND EGRESS AND REGRESS FOR WORKING GETTING AND CARRYING AWAY COAL AND ALSO EXCEPT Plan 12534 from the Collettville sector and add them to the South Merritt sector.

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 Part1 SW Section 16 Township 91 Land District 25 Except Plan 707 B1194 B1245 B3015 H18324 & KAP50322, PID: 013-022-563 (Lindley Creek Road) from “Low Density Residential (R2)”, “Medium Density Residential (R7)” and “Future Development (FD)” to “Medium Density Residential (R7)”, “Mobile Home Park (R5)” and “Park & Cemetery (P1)”.

A copy of the proposed Bylaw amendments may be viewed during the hours of 10:00am to 12:00pm from January 4 to January 12, 2021 at City Hall, 2185 Voght Street, Merritt BC, or online at any time at www.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. Submissions must be received NO LATER THAN 5:00PM MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 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 10:00 am – 12:00 pm 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:

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS: Official Community Plan: The Official Community Plan Land Use Designation Map for Collettville is amended to change the parcel legally described as Part1 SW Section 16 Township 91 Land District 25 Except Plan 707 B1194 B1245 B3015 H18324 & KAP50322, PID: 013-022-563 (Lindley Creek Road) from “Future Development” and “Parks, Schools & Open Spaces” to “Residential” and “Parks, Schools & Open Spaces”, and The Official Community Plan Land Use Designation Maps for Collettville and South Merritt and the Official Community Plan Sector Map are amended to remove the parcels legally described as Part1 SW Section 16 Township 91 Land District 25 Except Plan 707 B1194 B1245 B3015 H18324 & KAP50322, PID: 013-022-563 (Lindley Creek Road), Lot A Section 16 Township 91 Land District 25 Plan KAP92785, PID: 028-832-442 (1227 Midday Valley Road), Lot 1 Section 16 Township 91 Land District 25 Plan KAP76661, PID: 026-092-913 (Willow Avenue), Parcel A Section 16 Township 91 Land District 25 Plan KAP83592 BEING A CONSOLIDATION OF LOTS 1 2 & 3, PID: 028-128-672 (1295 Midday Valley Road), Lot 4 Plan KAP83592 Section 16 Township 91 Land District 25, PID: 027-029-646 (1287 Midday Valley Road), Lot 5 Section 16 Township 91 Land District 25 Plan KAP83592, PID: 027-029654 (1283 Midday Valley Road), Lot 6 Section 16 Township 91 Land District 25 Plan KAP83592, PID: 027-029-662 (1279 Midday Valley Road), Lot 7 Section 16 Township 91 Land District 25 Plan KAP83592, PID: 027-029-671 (1275 Midday Valley Road), Lot 8 Section 16 Township 91 Land District 25 Plan KAP83592, PID: 027-029-689 (1271 Midday Valley Road), Lot 9 Section 16 Township 91 Land District 25 Plan KAP83592, PID: 027-029-697 (1267 Midday Valley Road), Lot 10 Section 16 Township 91 Land District 25 Plan KAP83592, PID: 027029-701 (1263 Midday Valley Road), Lot 11 Section 16 Township 91 Land District 25 Plan KAP83592, PID: 027-029-719 (1259 Midday Valley Road), Lot 12 Section 16 Township 91 Land District 25 Plan KAP83592, PID: 027-029-727 (1255 Midday Valley Road), Parcel B (Plan B1194) OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 16 TOWNSHIP 91 KAMLOOPS DIVISION YALE DISTRICT EXCEPT COAL, and PART OF THE SOUTHWEST

Save the video or audio recording to a USB drive and drop it off at City Hall, 2185 Voght Street, Merritt BC, from January 4 to 11, 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 Public Hearing on January 12th 2021; or Telephone City Hall at 250-378-4224 and leave a voicemail that clearly states it is a submission for inclusion at the Public Hearing on January 12th, 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.

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 250-378-8620 or dmcarthur@merritt.ca This Notice is published in accordance with Section 466 of the Local Government Act. Note: this is the first of two consecutive Public Notices.

10 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

December 31, 2020

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THURSDAY, December 31, 2020 • 9

www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Drive-by celebrations From Page 3

“After that we went outside to go play. Then all of a sudden, we start hearing horns honking.

It was really heartwarming, I kind of cried.”

After the parade, Stager, who had planned a surprise party for her daughter that had to be postponed due to social distancing, drove her daughter through town and to Tim Horton’s for a celebratory donut.

“We drove around through

town and we put up a sign on the back of the truck saying, ‘Honk it’s my Sweet Sixteen’ and we just drove around through Merritt, and people were honking at us with the decorations on the car still,” explained Stager.

“Tim Hortons gave her a pink donut and then we went up to the viewpoint and we started hand drum singing, singing for Breanna and singing for Merritt to get through this coronavirus.”

Lynn Aubin was similarly touched to have her daughter’s

birthday celebrated.

“It’s wonderful to see how the community came together,” said Aubin.

“People decorated their cars with balloons, streamers and signs. Some people had noisemakers, honked or yelled Happy Birthday out the window. We all had an excellent time. Our family in BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan were able to watch the parade via Zoom video conference. It was great that everyone could join in.”

NOVEMBER 27

6. Tegart sworn back in as MLA Jackie Tegart eeked out a win over the NDP’s Aaron Sumexheltza in the fall election.

Jake Courtepatte MERRITT HERALD

Jackie Tegart is officially in her third term as the Fraser-Nicola MLA.

Nicola,” said Tegart.

“It has been an honour to advocate on behalf of my constituents since 2013, and I am excited to continue that important work.

The work begins today to hold the government to account and ensure investment in our communities.”

Tegart first bested the NDP’s Harry Lali in the 2013 election, besting Lali by around five-percent with just over 44-percent of the votes.

She once again

She was sworn back in along with all other Liberal members of legislature in a virtual meeting on Friday.

“I, Jackie Tegart, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, her heirs and successors according to law, so help me God,” said Tegart, giving the official oath.

“I am grateful to be returning to the Legislature to continue to represent my constituents in Fraser-

came out on top of Lali in the 2017 election, by a thin margin of just over threepercent.

Her top competitor in this October’s election was New Democrat Aaron Sumexheltza, who she beat by less than 300 votes.

Prior to her election, Tegart served three terms on the municipal council of Ashcroft, and was on the school board for 17 years.

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THURSDAY, December 31, 2020 • 11

www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS FEBRUARY 10

5. Plane crash victim recovering well at home An overnight crash at the Merritt Airport in February saw the victim extracted with the jaws of life.

home a few days ago and, you know, he was pretty seriously injured, and it’s going to take some time for him to recover, but he’s home and he is recovering,” said Robinson. “And he

was already talking about the possibility of getting another aircraft. He didn’t get frightened off.”

The victim landed nose-first just off the runway very early on the morning of the crash,

discovered hours later by local RCMP after a missing persons report was called in.

He was extracted from the aircraft, before being taken to Royal Inland Hospital in

going around that the pilot was the owner of the Coldwater Hotel, that is not true.”

As for the cause of the crash, the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) has not released any further

information beyond their initial assessment that the plane ran off the end of the runway.

They have further specified that the investigation is now closed.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

The pilot of a plane that was pulled from a crash at the Merritt Airport on Feb. 10 is now at home and continuing his recovery.

Rae Robinson, an acquaintance of the pilot and a newly appointed member of the City of Merritt’s Airport Advisory Committee, spoke to The Herald to assure the public that the pilot, a fairly new resident of Merritt, has been released from hospital and is now at home.

“I had a visit with him and his wife at their

Kamloops.

Robinson, an aviator himself, also wanted to clear up a rumour he had heard was circulating thrugh town following the crash.

“There was a rumour

Wishing all our customers the best of the season.

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Emergency crews are shown dismantling a crashed plane at the Merritt Airport earlier this year. JAKE COURTEPATTE/Herald

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12 • THURSDAY, December 31, 2020

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they don’t mix be safe this season,

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Call: 250-378-5877

THURSDAY, December 31, 2020 • 13

www.merrittherald.com

Don’t Drink and Drive

Plan ahead for a ride home!

PLEASE DON’T DRINK & DRIVE! Pre-plan your ride home!

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ANYfine the judge deems appropriate Too many people are arrested every holiday season after failing breathalyzer tests at police roadside checkpoints. Driving while intoxicated puts your own life in danger, but the worst thing is that it endangers the lives of other road users as well. Make sure that this festive time of year doesn’t end in tragedy for you or anyone else.

Christmas time often means one party after another with drinks galore.

When you accept an invitation, plan ahead of time how you’re going to get home. Members of the same family or group of friends can designate a driver, arrange to share a taxi at the end of the evening, or use a free or for-hire drive home service.

Even if your alcohol consumption is minimal you still ought to check that you’re still capable of driving safely. Use a personal breath alcohol tester to find out if you’re over the legal limit; they are on sale at most provincial liquor and wine stores.

It might be hard to remember this when under the influence, but a person’s behaviour and faculties are altered by alcohol. When blood alcohol content is over 0.5 g/l, a driver’s field of vision shrinks, distance perception changes, visual reaction times increase, there is more sensitivity to glare, and vigilance and resistance to fatigue are reduced. Perhaps the ultimate danger is that alcohol consumption results in a loss of inhibition, which causes drivers to under-evaluate dangers and break traffic laws.

The Conayt Friendship Society Alcohol and Drug Program is very concerned about DO NOT drink, drug and drive.

PLEASE BE SAFE this holiday season!

Don’t drink and drive!

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14 • THURSDAY, December 31, 2020

www.merrittherald.com

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2800 MCLEAN PLACE

#3233

$499,900

2770 PEREGRINE WAY

1561 MILLER ROAD

2380 NICOLA AVE.

2 bedroom mobile in Lower Nicola MHP. Home is very clean with new fridge & stove, 2013 HW tank, newer windows, has small insulated shop, cement driveway & open patio in front with covered patio in back. Quick possession

New two storey townhome with great views.

Open concept kitchen with Quartz countertops, vinyl plank floors, gas F/P, 3 bedrms, 4 baths, plus finished basement for rec.room & storage. New Home Warranty. GST applies.

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

Spectacular 76 acre property in Miller Estates, just 15 minutes from Merritt. Very private property that backs onto crown land with panoramic views.

Cooperative water system & power at lot line.

Former auto repair shop in a highly visible location. 3 bay shop with 1 bay with 12 ft door & hoist, other 2 have 10 ft doors. Has storage room & office with reception area. 2608 sq.ft. building with parking. Call for details.

#3229

#3230

#3231

#3223

#3197

D

D

SOL

New West Coast contemporary home with open design home with 10 ft ceilings, modern style kitchen with large island & S/S appliances, 3 bedrms, 3 baths with 5 pce ensuite, gas F/P in living rm. GST applies.

#3228

#3221 $209,900

#3207 $499,900

#3227 $115,000

1801 MENZIES ST

1801 QUILCHENA AVE

390 MARSHALL ROAD

6433 MONCK PARK ROAD

6427 MONCK PARK ROAD

3 bedroom half duplex with some newer flooring, roof and windows. Large kitchen with eating area and living room on main floor.

Nicely kept yard. Currently tenanted.

1288 sq.ft. rancher in good area of downtown.

Within walking distance to shopping & amenities. Has 3 bedrooms & 2 baths. Currently tenanted. 24 hrs notice

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.

#3224

#3226 $249,900

#3208 $450,000

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.

2749 PEREGRINE WAY

1809 MENZIES ST

#210, 2514 SPRING BANK

$65,900

$414,900+GST

2760 PEREGRINE WAY

$239,900

2985 CLAPPERTON AVE

#3181

$165,000

$439,900

FOR LEASE

1550 WALNUT AVENUE

1101 MIDDAY VALLEY RD

2845 NEILSON ST

Lake view 1 acre lot with 180 degree views of Nicola Lake. 2.5 hrs from the coast and just 20 minutes from Merritt. Boat launch just minutes away. Build your dream home or vacation getaway

Close to half acre lot with city utilities with a 46x28 shop with power and 2 pce bathroom. Shop has high ceiling clearance. Quiet location near end of no-thru street. Great place to have a home with your own shop! Call for more details

10 acre site with CD-1 zoning. Has City Service not yet connected. Lots of potential located near truck route. Bring your ideas.

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.

#3210

#3222

#2958

#3090

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

#3205

Beautifully renovated 5 bedrm 3 bath home on large corner lot with fully finished daylight ground level 2 bedrm suite. Home has enclosed sunroof ,large rec.room, central A/C, newer roof & 2 parking areas. Yard is beautifully manicured.

#3203

#3232 $610,000

$739,900

Build your dream home in one of Merritt areas finest development, Nicola Lakeshore Estates.

Water & sewer hookups available. Close to water access. This lake is known for fishing, water skiing & more.

#3204

#3225

#3074

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Grandview Heights

MIDDAY VALLEY ROAD

$699,000

$1,650,000.

923 MIDDAY VALLEY RD

LOT A, MIDDAY VALLEY RD

Approx 290 acres with great potential . Current plans are for a 2 acre development of estate lots within city boundaries. Fantastic valley views. Call for more details

Approx. 122 acres of multiple zonings.

C-4, C-6 and R-1. Call for more details on this acreage and bring your ideas

#2956

#2957

WEBSITE FOR

3 bedroom half duplex in good area with lane access. Has newer roof & some newer flooring.

Large kitchen with eating area and large living room. Some windows replaced. Currently tenanted

$239,900

$200,000

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New custom executive home with fantastic views. 3 bedrms on the main with open concept floor plan. Master has 4 pce ensuite & W/I closet. Large private deck in back off the family room.

$639,900+ GST

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6449 MONCK PARK RD

D

$279,900

D

SOL $739,9000 + GST

$414,900

SOL

New 2 storey townhouse in Nicola Bluffs with great views. Open concept kitchen with Quartz countertops, vinyl plank floors, gas F/P 3 bedrms up, 4 baths and full bsmt. Has $4,000 appliance package & central A/C.

#3206

315-3043

900 KANE VALLEY RD

3 bedroom, 3 level row house with 2 pce bath on main, 4 pce bath on upper level with bedrooms. Has newer HT want & furnace.

Close to elementary school. Good investment.

Tenanted

$429,000

Personal Real Estate Corporation

#209, 2514 SPRING BANK

SOL

Lovely mobile in quiet park with zeroscaped front yard & room for garden in back. In Great condition with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, galley kitchen with dining room with slider to small deck. Perfect for older couple or first time buyers

Karen Yakimchuk 315-3076

Brad Yakimchuk

Jared Thomas 778-694-6804

Melonie Ivanic 778-803-6554

Great 3 bedrm, 2 bath family home on a quiet street in central location. Lots of options for carport, shop or carriage house. Lots of storage. 2 wrap around decks overlooking large back yard.

D SOL 5 bedrm, 4 bath home, very clean with some upgrades. Private living & dining room , spacious kitchen that opens to family room.

Basement has big rec.rm, 2 bedrms & bathrm.

Large sundeck in fenced backyard, nicely landscaped. RV parking

13B, 254 HWY. 8

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This West Coast contemporary home features open design, 3 bedrms on main + 2 down, 4 baths, S/S appliances, vaulted ceilings and walkout bsmt.

Don Gossoo, Managing Broker

Doug Beech (Owner) 378-7392

BC LTD.

THURSDAY, December 31, 2020 • 15

www.merrittherald.com

MORE DETAILS ON THESE LISTINGS.

#2962

$159,900

2288 BURGESS AVE

200 VEALE ROAD

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.

11 acres with drilled well, fenced with good potential and fantastic views. Easy access, located off Coldwater Rd just 10 minutes south of Merritt. Great place to build your dream home.

#3195

#3147

$210,000

Approximately 5 acre parcel, north facing, with fantastic views. City services, not currently connected.

Zoned R-9 High Density Residential.

Great opportunity. Call for details.

$300,000

$3,990,000

$1,584,000

$285,000

Spius Creek Estates ONLY 3 LEFT!

RESIDENTIAL VIEW LOTS Prices Starting at $104,000 + GST Fully serviced residential lots with fantastic views of the Nicola Valley and surrounding mountains. Choose your lot, bring your plans & start building your future! Close to #3213 shopping.

Located Off Petit Creek Road

Prices starting at $279,000 Country living at its best! Approx. 10 acres lots located 15 minutest west of Merritt in the beautiful Sunshine Valley. These properties have stunning views of the valley. Great area for horseback riding, biking, hiking and more. Call for full details. GST applies.

#3145

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16 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

December 31, 2020

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS JUNE 4

4. Voght Street project officially begins Voght Street was a hot topic this year as it went under renovation.

Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

In March of this year the province announced that it had approved $12 million in funding available as grants from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF). Of this $12 million, Merritt was able to secure $750,000 for flood mitigation on the Voght St. corner which has seen serious flooding historically, and most recently during the spring freshets of 2017 and 2018.

The project, which will run from June to October and cover the section of Voght from Lions Memorial Park to Blackwell Ave., has now begun.

“Mobilization to site will start Tuesday, June 2 to June 4,” said

Charlie Henderson, Superintendent of Public Works.

“The project will commence as of June fifth and that will include survey and layout. Clearing and grubbing will start on the eight of June, erosion and sediment control will start June ninth.

Earthworks will also

commence on the ninth of June, so then once that starts common excavation

of road and subgrade preparation will start on the eleventh, river work including excavation and rip rap work will start on the twenty first of June and that will continue on right to October, so that will be ongoing throughout the project.”

As part of the project, utilities that service

Merritt and run under Voght St. will also begin to be replaced as Voght

is torn up and raised in order to mitigate future flood risk.

“So, this project includes a raise in elevation of up to 70cm and it will include new water lines, new sanitary lines, new storm drains, new flood protection. This will be continuous, we’ll obviously start with the deepest, the sanitary lines and then go to the water lines, then go to the storm.

Second Avenue is also included in this project.

They will get new sanitary mains, water mains, and roadwork as well.”

Voght St. is Merritt’s main thoroughfare and sees high volumes of daily traffic, as such, traffic management will be an integral part of the project.

“There will be a detour plus single lane alternating, we’re just working with the contractor right now to iron out the traffic management plan,” said Henderson.

“We are looking to detour from Grimmet up to Mountain, and then during the project there

will be single lane alternating as well, so we’re really trying to achieve as much through traffic as possible. Obviously, the truck route needs to be utilized for any heavy trucks, there’s a dedicated truck route through

Merritt.”

Henderson believes that while there will be minor delays to traffic throughout the summer months while the project is ongoing, the benefits to the City and residents will be worthwhile.

“The main thing is that we will minimize the risk of flooding by raising the road, as well as new infrastructure, new asphalt,” said Henderson.

The total cost of the project is budgeted at $3 million.

From all of us here at Norgaards Redi Mix, thank you to all of our clients and friends this past year.

We look forward to serving you in the New Year!

GET A

LOAD OF

THIS

Happy New Year The City of Merritt Council would like to wish everyone a safe and happy New Year! 2020 has been a challenging year globally, but our community has and will continue to push forward in the face of adversity. This year the City of Merritt engaged residents through many community-wide initiatives, scheduled to have a long-term effect on Nicola Valley’s growth for years to come. The City of Merritt would like to thank community members for sharing their input into recent projects, some of which include: • Official Community Plan • Active Transportation Plan • Crosswalk Safety Lights • North Bench Projects • Voght Street Construction Project The City of Merritt invites continued community involvement in these projects and other new initiatives in 2021.

For more info on current City projects and ways you can be involved, visit www.merritt.ca.

We Stand Strong Because We Stand Together.

From Mayor Linda A. Brown, Members of Council and City Staff

THURSDAY, December 31, 2020 • 17

www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS JANUARY 30

3. Coronavirus touches down in B.C. January of 2020 is when we first saw COVID-19 in the province.

Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

The Ministry of Health hosted a media conference in combination with the B.C. Centre for Disease Control in Vancouver Tuesday morning, to provide a briefing of protocols and emergency management response to the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

However, at the conference, Provincial Health Officer and Co-Chair of the provincial coordinating committee for the virus, Dr. Bonnie Henry informed media representatives that the public health lab had confirmed a case of 2019-nCoV in a B.C. citizen residing in the Vancouver area.

“The person is a male in his forties

and a resident in the Vancouver Coastal Health region,” said Henry. “He travels regularly to China for work, and was in Wuhan city on his most recent trip. He returned to Vancouver last week and had an onset of symptoms after his return.

“On Sunday, Jan. 26, he followed public health messaging, contacted a primary health-care provider to notify them that he had travelled to Wuhan city, was experiencing symptoms and would be coming for assessment and care,” Henry said.

“Following established protocols, the primarycare provider notified the Vancouver Coastal Health medical health officer and administered the diagnostic test.

The test came back positive on the night of Jan. 27. As of that morning, there had not been a case of the illness confirmed outside of Ontario in Canada.

As a matter of protocol, tests will also be

sent to the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg. Results are expected back within 48 hours, and from there the man will be deemed officially positive.

The man is the first confirmed case in British Columbia, and the third in Canada after a Toronto man and his wife tested positive for the illness.

Henry said that authorities in B.C. are being diligent in screening for the virus, and that the federal government will be expanding the area of concern beyond Wuhan City. Currently, anyone coming to B.C. who has travelled anywhere in China is being reported to public health and given a detailed assessment. Tests have been given to a small number of people out of what Henry calls “an abundance of caution”, and all but the one Vancouver case have been negative.

Minister of Health Adrian Dix has issued a statement assuring the

public that the risk to other British Columbians remains low.

“The risk of spread of this virus within British Columbia remains low at this time.

All necessary precautions are being taken to prevent the spread of infection. We have multiple systems in place to prepare for, detect and respond, in order to prevent the spread of serious infectious diseases in the province.

“It is not necessary for the general public to take special precautions beyond the usual measures recommended to prevent other common respiratory viruses during the winter period.

Regular handwashing, coughing or sneezing into your elbow sleeve, disposing of tissues appropriately and avoiding contact with sick people are important ways to prevent the spread of respiratory illness generally.”

The Vancouver man remains in isolation at his home and is

in regular contact with public health officials, who are also monitoring a small number of his close contacts. As he was not symptomatic on his return flight from China it is not believed that

those who were in contact with him are now at risk.

“This is a gentlemen who was well aware of what was going on in China and when he returned he went home

and he voluntarily selfisolated,” said Henry.

“So he had not travelled outside his home until he sought medical attention, and he did that with all the appropriate precautions.”

In business since 1967

A toast to the friends and customers who have made this year so special:

Thanks & Best Wishes!

1750 Hill Street, Merritt

250-378-4332

Happy New Year!

Wave goodbye to the old and embrace the new with hope, dreams, and ambition. Wishing everyone a Safe & Happy New Year full of happiness!

Your local RE/MAX Legacy Experts providing you with the highest level of care.

https://legacy.britishcolumbia.remax.ca/ #113-1700 Garcia Street Box 2257 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 250-378-6941

December 31, 2020

www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS OCTOBER 29

2. Ground broken for Murray Church Nearly two years after arson destroyed the historic site, fundraising helped break ground on the Murray Church in October.

19+

Thank You so much for supporting our small business in 2020.

We’re looking forward to serving you again in 2012.

HAPPY NEW YEAR from the staff at

Quilchena Cannabis Co.

Quilchena Canna Company

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

Jake Courtepatte MERRITT HERALD

The Murray Church rebuild is officially underway.

Ground was broken at the site on Highway 5A on Sunday, after around $170,000 was raised for the project.

The church was burned to the ground in a case of arson in January of 2019. Prior to that, it was the oldest site in the Nicola Valley, having originally been erected in 1867.

Dozens gathered with Reverend Elaine Diggle for the ceremony on Sunday.

Diggle said that the original goal to begin the rebuild was $180,000, though there has been so much donated in time and services that it was sufficient to begin.

A board meeting a few weeks ago gave the construction team the green light.

Initial work is set to begin next week on

ST BE

2021 MU

18 • THURSDAY,

420

Miss Vicki’s would like to thank everyone for their support in 2020 and look forward to seeing them again in 2021.

Happy New Year and best wishes for wonderful year ahead.

Church-goers helped officially break ground at the site of the Murray Church on Hwy. 5A in October.

JAKE COURTEPATTE/Herald

very early snow. I’ve replacing the foundation before the ground never seen it this early hardens, with work set before. But in a way to be finalized by next it’s wonderful...the first Christmas Eve service summer. we had here after 58 The early snowfall years, five years go, has not stopped the it was snowing, and project.

“It’s supposed to be it was wonderful.

People were coming eleven degrees above later this week,” said See ‘DONATIONS’ Page 19 Diggle. “This was a

2052B Quilchena Avenue

Happy New Year!

May the new year bring you peace, joy, and prosperity.

Wishing you good health and much happiness in the New Year!

MLA Jackie Tegart

Fraser Nicola 2–2152 Quilchena Ave., Merritt, BC 250 378-8831 Jackie.Tegart.MLA@leg.bc.ca

250-378-5575

Aspen Planers Ltd. www.aspenplaners.ca

THURSDAY, December 31, 2020 • 19

www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Donations help rebuild church

HAPPY NEW YEAR To our donors and customers we would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year. Thank you for all your support throughout this crazy year. We have had many hurdles to jump, new rules, and regulations.

Thank you so much. See you in 2021.

Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary.

1803 Voght St., Merritt, BC

Ph: 250-378-9100

THANK YOU FOR RECYCLING THIS NEWSPAPER. Reverend Elaine Diggle (right) oversaw the groundbreaking ceremony at the new Murray Church build. JAKE COURTEPATTE/Herald

From Page 18 and going. Country churches belong to every season, and snow is part of it.”

Reverend Diggle said that she felt a sense of relief that ground was able to be broken. With the ongoing pandemic, a

number of fundraisers were either pushed back or cancelled, putting an even larger burden on the project.

However, a passionate following came through with plenty of cash donations, once the dust settled at the beginning of COVID19.

“Suddenly things

• Gifts • Jewelry • Glasses

began to rumble up again. The spirit was moving.”

Diggle said that the “thermometer” sign outside of Trinity United Church, constantly updating the amount that had been raised for the rebuild of the Murray Church, was what kept residents reminded of

the goal.

“We even had people coming from out of town that were working to do a job,” said Diggle, reminiscing on a $5,000 donation from Clearview Demolition in June.

“That sort of started things moving again, in bigger jumps.”

• Contacts • Unique Gifts

Vision Quest Optical & Gifts Authentic Native Art Gallery

2001 Quilchena Ave., Merritt, BC

From all of us here at Stoyoma

Phone: 250-378-2022

We would like to thank all of our clients for your ongoing support throughout the year and look forward to serving all of your dental needs in 2021.

New Patients are always welcome

Ph: 250-378-5877 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 am-4:30 pm 2088 Quilchena Ave (Beside the Royal Bank)

20 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

December 31, 2020

SPORTS

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

JUNE 18

1.“You are a hero to us”: the Darius Sam story

Our top story of the year tells of a young Merrittonian who would stop at nothing to help the local food bank.

Jake Courtepatte MERRITT HERALD

About one month ago, an unknown teenager dropped by the Herald office.

He asked if the newspaper could help him gain some traction in trying to raise a goal of $1,000 for the Nicola Valley Food Bank, while vowing to run an ultramarathon.

“I think that would be huge,” he said.

This week, that same teenager hobbled into the Herald office on crutches, having made a monumentous impact on a small community and becoming a Merritt household name.

Darius Sam ended what was basically a 100-mile run on Sunday evening, having raised over $70,000 for the food bank of a town of a population of just over 7,000.

The original goal was commendable enough.

In the Herald’s original piece, we made mention that that if Sam reached his initial goal on his GoFundMe page in time, he would look at possibly raising the site’s goal to $5,000.

The $1,000 was hit, and surpassed, almost immediately. ‘Overnight’ does not do enough to shed light on how quickly Merrittonians were willing to donate to the cause.

The momentum continued, and grew exponentially, when word of the journey reached outside of town.

Donations have poured

in on a national level: for anyone curious, just look at the comments on the official GoFundMe page, with some donators voicing where they are giving their electronic gift from.

As of the time of writing this article, Sam’s GoFundMe page had reached just under $40,000. A local philanthropist told Darius following his run on Sunday evening that she would match donations up to $35,000, meaning the fundraiser had reached around $75,000.

That number does not even take into consideration any donations made in Sam’s name that went directly to the Food Bank, something Sam also encouraged people to do.

“It’s not something that was even in my mind, to get this far,” said Sam in an interview with the Herald on Monday.

The story begins a few months ago: Sam felt he was unfulfilled with a partying, drinking lifestyle, the kind of lifestyle that a 19-year old would often live.

It was shortly after that a chance encounter while passing the Food Bank inspired Sam to partake in such an incredible ordeal.

The Nicola Valley Food Bank, like other food banks across the country, has been hit particularly hard throughout the COVID19 pandemic.

Sam was looking to make an impact for the community in some way, but struggled to find a cause. It was in passing the Food Bank that he noticed a line of people waiting to get inside to help alleviate their own struggles.

So, like those looking for a meal, Sam waited in line outside for a chance to get in and speak with Derlanda Hewton, the Food Bank’s general manager.

Hewton said that she was surprised, but delighted, by the offer.

The two spoke following the run, with Hewton at the finish line to congratulate Sam, though Sam admits he barely remembers any of the conversations he had at the finish line.

Hewton, however, told the Herald she stood back while Sam celebrated with his family. When the timing was right, she went in for a hug.

“I said to him, ‘you thought you were going to get away from this, right?” joked Hewton.

“And I said to him, ‘you are a hero to us.”

With numbers not fully known as to how much has been donated directly to the Food Bank for the cause, Hewton has said those direct donations have been coming in “fast and furious,” often through the Food Bank’s website.

In an interview with the Herald, the appreciation can be heard in Hewton’s voice.

“I don’t think he understands, the scale of what he has done for the community, and for the Food Bank. He is just a pure inspiration.”

To put the astronomical total into perspective, Hewton compared the amount raised to a gaming grant that the Food Bank receives every year. The grant is worth $70,000, having previously been $60,000 prior to this year.

“That’s to help us get through our year,” said Hewton, who added that the grant is seen as a “huge cushion” for the Food Bank.

Sam’s run brought in plenty more.

It is well-known around town how much work Hewton and her team do to provide as much for the community as she can. This huge influx of cash means not having to worry for the rest of the year how

much product can actually be brought in.

“We’re going to have the money to bring in that product. We’re not going to be struggling, all year long, like we always do.”

COVID-19 has put an even larger burden on the Food Bank. Hewton said that as of her last known stats, over 5,000 people have been served this year, a grave number considering Merritt’s small population.

Hewton said that is about a 76-percent increase from the same time last year. Working with the school district, the Food Bank has been handing out between 95 and 100 hampers each week throughout the pandemic.

“A lot of these are families that have struggled all year long, but right now just aren’t comfortable coming into the Food Bank. And we want to change that, we want people to feel welcome.”

She, like many others who have been touched by this fundraiser, was often at a loss for words when speaking with the Herald. She admitted that she sort of practiced what she was going to say, knowing the media would be reaching out to her, but said “no words come to mind” that can sum up the lasting impact of such a cause.

“I say the same thing over and over again, what an inspiration he is, and what a good heart he has.”

Another person meeting Sam at the finish line was Hilda Rose.

The Rose family used to own Quilchena Ranch, and Hilda’s late husband, Guy, had recently passed.

So in his honour, Rose decided to up the ante immensely in the cause: matching all donations up to a total of $35,000, which was easily surpassed.

Rose told Hewton this was one of the most positive, best stories she had ever heard coming out of the Nicola Valley.

Now let’s go back to the starting point: the Nicola Lake rest point dock, the same place Sam was met by Hewton, Rose, family and friends over one day later.

Sam’s training had gone well leading up to Saturday: in 28 days, he had ran 393 miles. He called it a grind. Though the amount of training had given him stress fractures in his shins, something he said he tried to ignore.

“I didn’t tell anybody about it after, my mom especially. She would have freaked out.”

Approaching Nicola Lake that morning, Sam said that he felt that he was mentally prepared.

He had been mentally preparing for as long as he had been physically preparing.

Plenty of family, friends, and well-wishers were also there to help ease his mind before starting the journey.

“There was so many people there. I didn’t even know all of them.”

However, as she often does, Mother Nature decided not to play nice.

It rained for the vast majority of Sam’s run, forcing him to have to change clothes numerous

times.

“I was soaked,” said Sam. “I kept having to change socks. It rained on me throughout the whole night.”

The term ‘no rest for the weary’ certainly applies here: Sam continued to run throughout the downpouring night, estimating that he probably went about 38 hours without any sleep.

The only rest would be a quick couple of minutes here and there for ingestion or hydration. Pickle juice, in all its salty wonders, played a large role.

Only a select few people travelled with Sam throughout the night.

But during the day, the support along the run was often reminiscent of that received by Terry Fox: supporters running beside him, a line of cars trailing behind.

One video made the rounds on social media of a complete stranger who came from Kamloops to run alongside.

Some just ran beside him in support, others were helpful in different ways. There was a large level of support in what Sam called “repairing” his feet, making sure that his most prized assets were kept in good condition.

Though despite all those looking to help him maintain his body,

such a large endeavour is never one the human body can fully prepare for. Sam said he threw up three times.

The most major roadblock came late in the run: Sam collapsed with around 20 miles to go.

He was almost at Courtesy Corner. The need to go to the bathroom came on incredibly quick and powerfully, and upon going, he saw blood.

He came out of the bathroom and fell to the ground.

He was immediately taken to hospital by friends. Though laying in the hospital bed, he was determined to not let that be the end of what had been a months-long journey.

So, despite the recommendations from doctors, he voluntarily checked himself out some time later and was back at it.

“They ran heart tests, and said it would take an hour or two for an IV. I wasn’t going to wait.”

He was aware that the group was still running while he was in the hospital. He knew he needed to finish with that group.

Despite being barely able to walk, and of course going against his mother’s recommenda-

See ‘SAM’ Page 21

THURSDAY, December 31, 2020 • 21

www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

May the year ahead be as good to you as you’ve been to us!

Sam overcomes adversity for charity From Page 20 tions, he joined back up with the group around one kilometre out from the finish line.

“She knew she couldn’t stop me. She knows me.

“I had to finish what I started.”

Sam figures he ended up running about 101 or 102 miles in total: a happy ending to a story that could have quickly turned into tragedy.

Sam’s story has reached all corners of national media. Global News was on scene to broadcast.

B.C. Premier John Horgan even voiced his support in a tweet on Monday, saying “Way to

go Darius! This Merritt teen’s commitment and perseverance is inspiring.”

As for any future endeavours, Sam described what he did as “an addiction.” And does not put off any chances of any other philanthropic acts he might do in the future.

“It’s just the feeling.

The dopamine from the whole experience.

Not just raising money, but the run itself. It’s definitely a possibility... this isn’t it for me. I’ve definitely got a lot more in the tank.”

A different Sam walked into the Herald office this week than originally came in about one month ago. There was a kid in top shape

who just wanted a little help getting the word out there that he wanted to raise a few bucks for the Food Bank. This Monday, a broken, bat-

tered and bruised man walked in on crutches, having created a national sensation and had a lifealtering effect on a local business.

CONTAIN-IT STORAGE

1750 Hill Street

Ph: 250-315-3000

OCTOBER 15

PHOTOS: Logger Sports The Loggers Sports Show went off without a hitch this year despite the pandemic, hosting guests in a ‘drive-in’ fashion. The shows that spanned all weekend in October hosted up to twenty carloads at a

time. Events included in the show were hot saw, log rolling, spar tree climbing, axe throwing, crosscut sawing, and plenty of laughs with the Laughing Logger.

MORE PHOTOS PG. 22

Nicola Valley Custom Lumber Ltd.

would like to wish a

HAPPY NEW YEARS:

to our staff, suppliers and the community!

Best wishes to our domestic and overseas customers.

ALL THE BEST IN 2021 Parm Sahota/President/Founder (2005)

22 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

December 31, 2020

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Logger Sports hosts drive-in show

Happy New Year to the best customers we know, hands down!

Thank you for your patronage throughout this most challenging year and we’re looking forward to serving you in 2021 HOURS: 8 am ‘til 9 pm, 7 days a week

Railyard Mall (Garcia St.)

We would like to wish everyone a

Happy & Prosperous New Year

from all of us at Nicola Valley Radiator

We look forward to serving you in the New Year!

No heat?

Try Flushing BEFORE REPLACING

2775 Marian Avenue, Merritt, B.C.

250-378-1366

250-378-5564

During the Holiday Season more than ever, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible. And in this spirit we sincerely say Thank You and Best Wishes for the holiday season and a Happy New Year!

From all of us at Dentistry@Merritt

NEW PATIENTS & WALK-INS WELCOME!

DENTISTRY @ MERRITT 2731 Forksdale Ave., Merritt 250-378-4888

THURSDAY, December 31, 2020 • 23

www.merrittherald.com

Christmas is different this year, make it different for the planet too.

e e r T s a m t s i r h C h O ” … e e r T s a m t s i r Oh Ch you can be recycledro. ught to your

n be b ca ed ov m re on ti ra co e d Real trees with

on after Ch ti ta S r e sf n ra T r o t o p e local Eco-D

All TNRD sites are closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Years Day.

tnrd.ca/holiday | 250-377-2596

ristmas.

24 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

December 31, 2020

COMMUNITY BOARD

The Merritt Herald is changing up the way we do the community board.

With all events being cancelled throughout the area we thought it would be nice to feature some local businesses. If you would like to nominate a business to be featured please email: publisher@merrittherald.com We want to help all businesses survive this pandemic.

CONTAIN-IT STORAGE

Contents are insurable

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1750 1 17 7 Hill Street ■ Phone: 250-315-3000

Business Feature

This week the Herald will be taking a look, not at a business, but a local organization that has helped establish and support businesses within the community.

Community Futures Nicola Valley (CFNV) is part of a national economic development program that has been supporting community economic development and small businesses for more than 30 years, since 1986.

Currently, CFNV consists of Manuel Olguin, Business Development Officer; Mae Ketter, Community Economic Development Coordinator; Fran Delaney, Financial Coordinator; and Joe Nemeth, Administrative Assistant. There is also a volunteer Board of Directors consisting of eight members, and two members at large that provide extensive knowledge and experience of the local economy.

That knowledge and experience helps CFNV

to provide businesses with many different avenues of support, so that they can become successful in the Nicola Valley.

“We provide a variety of different support services, including business loans, training and coaching, and access to expert resources to people wanting to start, expand, or sell a business, and to owners of small- and mediumsized businesses in the community,” said Manuel Olguin.

“We assist in business retention and keep in the pulse of what is happening to our local businesses in order that we can help in any way possible. We also work in partnership with other business lenders, educational institutions, not-for-profits and community governments to grow and diversify our local economy. We provide support for notfor-profit organizations involved in tourism, arts and culture while supporting community

vitality.”

CFNV also works with other local partners, including First Nations communities, the City of Merritt, the Merritt and District Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Nicola Valley on joint projects that help local small businesses.

“Community Futures is an alternate source of business funding offering financing to businesses for start-up, expansion or business purchase,” said Olguin.

“Term financing up to five years to a maximum of $150,000 is available to qualified applicants. This funding is available to applicants who are looking to start, purchase or already own a business in the Nicola Valley.

Also, individuals, businesses or organizations who require funding for start-up costs, working capital purposes, capital acquisitions, expansion or purchase of an existing business.

“Residents, busi-

nesses or organizations of the Nicola Valley who are unable to access funding from traditional sources, can apply for funding.

Community Futures works in partnership with traditional lenders in order to meet the borrowers full lending requirements.”

Funding ranges from general loans; a youth loan fund for applicants between the ages of 18 to 29; a community business loan for businesses in the forestry sector, aquaculture, manufacturing, tourism, developing clean or renewable energy, developing innovative technology or using technology in an innovative manner, and beginning or expanding the export of goods or services from BC; there is also a fund for entrepreneurs with disabilities for business owners who are managing ongoing disability or health issues.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on businesses around the world, with the businesses of Merritt being no exception. CFNV has stepped up to assist with the relief and recovery efforts offered by various levels of government.

“Community Futures offices have been tasked with disbursing the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund,” explained Olguin.

“This funding provides up to $40,000 for businesses who are suffering due to this pandemic. As of today, CFNV has disbursed over $600,000 to assist

18 small businesses in the Nicola Valley since May of this year.

Funding is still available.

Our office is also part of a Regional Community Futures, and TOTA Taskforce, which will implement projects, access needed resources, and share best practices to revitalize, support, and grow the tourism sector, during the pandemic and beyond.

“Helping the tourism industry recover and become more resilient for the long term is imperative. This will assist our local tourism businesses with the ongoing exchange and discussion of best practices relating to the development of sustainable communities and destinations.”

Thurs. Mar. 14

Cloudy w/Showers Mix of Sun & Clouds High: 9C High 3˚C Low: 6C Low: -1˚C

Fri. Jan. 1 Fri. Mar. 15

Light Periods Rain Cloudy High: 4˚C High: 10C Low: 4C Low: 1˚C

Sat. Jan. 2 Sat. Mar. 16

RainClouds Variable High: High: 5˚C 8C Low: 4C Low: 2˚C

Sun. Jan. 3 Sun. Mar. 17

Snow AWet Few Showers High: High: 2˚C 6C Low: 2C Low: -2˚C

Mon. Jan. 4 Mon. Mar. 18

Tues. Jan. 5

Tue. Mar. 19

Crossroads Community Church

2990 Voght St. • 250-378-2911• Service Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m.

Merritt Baptist Church

2499 Coutlee Ave. (Corner of Coutlee and Orme) • 250-378-2464 Service Time: 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.

Wed. Jan. 6 Wed. Mar. 20

Stain Glass by

Almerina Rizzardo

• • • • Variable FlurriesClouds High: High:-2˚C 6C Low: 0C Low: -4˚C

SnowRain Showers Scattered Flurries High: -1˚C High: 7C Low: -1C Low: -4˚C

the Community, many of which are delivered during Small Business Week held annually in October. In the 2019-20 fiscal year, CFNV and partners delivered 22 different projects fitting this description, reaching a total of 634 participants across the Nicola Valley.”

For those looking to start a business here in Merritt, or for those who have a business idea but aren’t sure how to start, need assistance or funding outside of the conventional parameters, CFNV should be their first stop.

They can be reached in the office at 2181 Quilchena Ave., by phone at 250-378-3923 or via the contact form on their website.

THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WELCOME YOU

77Day March - Wednesday, March6,20, 2013 DayWeather WeatherForecast Forecastfor for Merritt, Merritt, BC - Thursday, Dec. 3114 - Wednesday, January 2021 Thurs. Dec. 31

CFNV has also played an important role in Merritt’s part of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in which entrepreneurs immigrate to a BC community with the intention of starting a business.

“CFNV has been the lead organization or community partner in events such as the Annual notfor-profit Community Engagement Fair, BC Provincial Nominee Pilot Program, Merritt Youth Entrepreneur Program, Blade Sign Project, Winter Window Walk amongst others,” said Olguin.

“One of the core services offered by CFNV is the trainings, seminars and workshops that are provided to

Light Snow Snow High: -1˚C High: 7C Low: 0C Low: -5˚C

STAIN GLASS SUN CATCHERS NIGHT LIGHTS PICTURE FRAMES

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

THURSDAY, December 31, 2020 • 25

www.merrittherald.com

CLASSIFIEDS Deadline for placing a classified ad is 5 p.m. on Monday. To place an ad please call 250-378-4241 or email: sales2@merrittherald.com Announcements

For Sale - Misc

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Wanted Cash for gold and silver! Also buying coin collections, old money, old jewelry Contact Todd 1-250-864-3521. classifieds.vancourier.com

PAPER ROUTES

AVAILABLE

Legal / Public Notices

Legal / Public Notices

Legal / Public Notices

MINING LEASE APPLICATION

The following mineral claim, located approximately 45km southeast of Merritt, is subject to the mining lease application: • Title Number 1079787 • Mineral Titles Map Number 092H089 Posted at the Chief Gold Commissioner’s ofďŹ ce in Vancouver, British Columbia, this 16th day of December, 2020.

Please recycle this newspaper.

merittherald.com

Obituaries

Obituaries

TODAY'S PUZZLE ANSWERS

THE BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT #58 (NICOLA - SIMILKAMEEN)

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE AGENT EOI #: 002 Issue Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2020 Closing Date/Time: Wednesday, January 6, 2021 2:00pm (paciď€ c time) Location for Proposal Submission: 1550 Chapman Street PO Box 4100 Merritt BC V1K 1B8 Attention: Sarah Blonde For Proposal Package, please contact Sarah Blonde at 250-315-1100 sblonde@365.sd58.bc.ca

Obituaries

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

Celebrating each life like no other On Call 24 Hours A Day

Tenders

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 58 (NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN)

Take notice that Elk Gold Mining Corporation, 1080 – 789 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 1H2, client number 254235, has applied to the Chief Gold Commissioner for the Province of British Columbia, for a mining lease of minerals identiďŹ ed by the mineral claim listed below. The mineral claim will be surveyed by a, BCLS, whose ďŹ eld notes and plans will be approved by the Surveyor General.

CALL 250-378-4241 250-374-7467

Tenders

REGULAR OFFICE HOURS Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Fri.: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 1:00 p.m. p m - 6:00 p.m pm

MERRITT & DISTRICT HOSPICE SOCIETY Every death creates a special pain unique to each survivor.

www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com 2113 Granite Ave.,, Merritt,, BC

250-378-2141 or 1-800-668-3379

Obituaries

P: 250-280-1701

www.merritthospice.org Email: merritthospice@shaw.ca

26 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

December 31, 2020

General Employment

General Employment

General Employment

SUDOKU

General Employment

School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen) Attention

RELIEF BUS DRIVERS School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen) is accepting applications for relief bus driver positions for both the Merritt and Princeton areas.

Inventors!

Ideas wanted!

Call Davison today!

1.800.218.2909 or visit us at

Relief bus driver positions are on-call positions.

inventing.davison.com/BC

Successful applicants will be required to have a Class 2 with air or higher driver’s license and must provide a current driver’s abstract.

Applicants are also required to have a minimum Grade 10 education.

Free inventor’s guide!

Please apply online at www.sd58.bc.ca (Job Code # 2384201) or in-person by leaving a detailed resume with a minimum of three references at the School Board OďŹƒce. Please forward to: Attention: Lindsey Henderson Manager of Human Resources School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen) P.O. Box 4100, 1550 Chapman Street, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Fax: (250) 378-6263 sblonde@365.sd58.bc.ca

Catch your next job in our employment section.

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

PUZZLE ANSWERS ON SEPARATE PAGE

For further information, contact Mr. Darrell Finnigan at (250) 315-1113 Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 58 (NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN)

NOON HOUR SUPERVISOR School District No. 58 is accepting applications for regular and casual Noon Hour Supervisors at Collettville Elementary School. The position will be 5 days per week, with the number of hours per school day to be discussed. Previous experience dealing with students would be an asset.

If interested, please send your resume along with three references to Sarah Blonde at sblonde@365.sd58.bc.ca or on-line at www. sd58.bc.ca, click on Jobs, Support Positions, and Current Job Opportunities (Job Code 133684). Please include the name of the school you are interested in applying to.

Conayt Friendship Society COMMUNITY OUTREACH WORKER Objectives Conayt Friendship Society is looking for a Community Outreach Worker to provide supports to Urban Indigenous community members during COVID 19 Pandemic.

The Outreach Team will be responsible for; planning, prepping and delivery of food, connect individuals to support resources, providing basic living necessities and handing out cups of warm coffee.

This is a term position to March 31, 2021 with the possibility of extension dependent on funding availability.

The team will work 18 hours per week, Thursday to Saturday.

This position will report directly to Executive Director.

Credentials & Experience • Familiarity with Community Resources • Food-safe • First Aid • Experience working with harm reduction settings • Strong organization and leadership skills • Community kitchen and food sustainability experience Rate of pay will be between $18.00 – $20.00 per hour depending on education and experience.

Special Requirements - Able to clear a Criminal Record Check and a driver’s license free of encumbrances.

Interested applicants, please submit a cover letter & resume to: Attention: Executive Director, Conayt Friendship Society, PO Box 1989, 2164 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Email to executiveassistant@conayt.com or fax to 778-661-1019.

Deadline: Resumes will be reviewed on January 5, 2021 As per Section 16 of the Federal Charter of Human Rights Act, preference will be given to applicants of Aboriginal Ancestry. **All resumes will be carefully reviewed, however, only those applicants invited to an interview will be contacted.

merrittherald.com • merrittherald.com

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 Please submit resume in person to 1195 Houston Street, Merritt B.C. 250-378-6161 Special Events

Special Events

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER.

Volunteering

We can’t do it without you The BC SPCA cares for thousands of orphaned, abandoned and abused animals each year.

Volunteers are urgently needed to care for animals and assist with BC SPCA events.

If you can help, please contact your local shelter today.

SPEAKING FOR ANIMALS SPEAKI

spca.bc.ca/volunteer

ACROSS

1. Home of the Cowboys 7. “Hawaii Five-O� actor McBride 10. Most aged 12. Fitted with a shoe 13. Courteously 14. They form over cuts 15. WesternAlaskan river 16.Aggressive men 17. Farm animal 18.Young woman (French)

DOWN

1. Chinese mountain range 2. Romanian city 3. Fishermen cast it 4. Shelter from wind 5. Sign language 6. Pigpen 7. Make sore 8. Flat metal shelves 9. Forms that say who you are 10. Cigar lovers’necessity 11. Popular cooking ingredient 12. Skin covering the head 14. Unshakable

19. Sixth month of Hebrew calendar 21. Short cry 22. State capital 27. Rural delivery 28. “Twilight Zone� creator 33. Gigabyte 34. Flammable hydrocarbon 36. Supervises flying 37.An actor who plays a principal role 38. Furnace for pottery

39. Fall back 40.Afrikaans word for language 41. Chinese city 44. Fleshy 45. Inventor 48. Taxis 49.Acitizen of Spain 50. Important age for aging workers (abbr.)

51. Body part

17. Exclamation meaning “Finally!�

18. One of the wise men’s gifts 20. Take away from 23. In accordance with the law 24. Nicole Kidman’s husband 25. NY Giants legend 26. Utilize 29. Beloved Hollywood alien 30. Unwell 31. More destitute 32. Grinded together

35. Sun up in New York 36. Italian-made cars 38. Most sacred site in Islam 40. Rip apart

direction 42. Freshwater mussel genus 43. “__ the Man� Musical 44. One thousand cubic feet (abbr.)

45. West coast time zone 46. Mimic 47. You can get one in summer

Looking for a New Career Direction?

Discover a World of Possibilities in the Classifieds!

Call604.630.3300 250-378-4721totoAdvertise advertise Call

THURSDAY, December December 31, 24, 2020 2020 •• 27 39 THURSDAY,

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Yo u r

Local Business Directory

ter day to a move

HERE FOR YOU!

Toll Free: 1-800-665-8711 o Merritt, BC. N DanAlbas4COS rance and@DanAlbas Investments. www.danalbas.com please visit me at

FRANK’S MECHANICAL SERVICE

LICENSED CANNABIS

OLD OR NEW WE HAVE WARRANTY APPROVED MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONS FOR EVERYONE • Tune Ups • Brakes • Exhaust • Suspension • Lube/Oil •Radiator Service • Shocks & Struts • Air Conditioning Service

2026 Mamette Avenue

Quilchena Cannabis Co. Quilchena Canna Company

250-378-1322

MU

ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE

MECHANIC

S T BE

19+

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

A brighter day to make a move INVESTMENT/INSURANCE

PLUMBING & HEATING

g n i t a e H & g n i b Nicola Plum

eased to announce I have relocated to Merritt, BC. with me 18 years of experience in Insurance Investments.

Let’sand talk about ally looking forward to meeting you, please visit me at Money for Life uilchena Avenue. lk about Money for Life.

Leslee Lucy* CFP® CPCA oup of companies.

COMMERCIAL CLEANING

Fully Qualied Tradesmen in..

Plumbing, Heating, Bonded Gas Fitters.

Service Work & Furnace Service.

Custom Sheet Metal Atlas RV Parts & Repairs

Tel: 250-574-4730 leslee.lucy@sunlife.com www.sunlife.ca/leslee.lucy 3499 Voght Street P.O. Box 639 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8

SPOTLESS RESULTS

Office Buildings | Specialty Residential ion High Touch Touch-Ups | Post Construct Hoarding Services and Industrial

PHONE: 250-378-4943

2064 Coutlee Ave., Merritt, BC

www.coldcreekclean.com

info@coldcreekclean.com •

250-525-0262

Mutual the funds distributed ighter under sun by Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc.

distributed by Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. ance Company of Canada is a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies. surance Company of Canada, 2017.

DENTIST

ADVERTISING MERRITT HERALD

CERTIFIED IN MODERATE ASBESTOS REMOVAL

NEW PATIENTS & WALK-INS WELCOME

GENERAL DENTISTS & SPECIALIST ORTHODONTISTS AVAILABLE

Advertising works!

Place your ad in our Business Directory!

For more information contact Ken at:

250-378-4241 g.com

kcouture@aberdeenpublishin

CLEANING SERVICES

Call

250-378-4888 to book your appointment.

2731 Forksdale Avenue, V1K 1R9

www.dentistryatmerritt.ca

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

HOURS

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

INVESTMENT STRATEGIES Y COMFORT, CLARIT E NC IDE NF CO AND E LET MP CO A GH THROU

FINANCIAL PL AN Cashflow and Insurance Planning Portfolio Management Tax and Estate Planning

today!

Contact Kyle for your plan

BOOK TODAY!

250-378-9410

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

www.tbmcleaningandrestoration.com TF: 1-877-612-0909

TREE SERVICE JIM POTTER

MERRITT TREE SERVICE • Fully insured, certified faller • WSBC covered • Dangerous tree assessment ➤Schedule your FREE Estimate

2-2955 Ext. 259 Cell Phone: 250-879-6306 • Office: 250-37 dvisor.investorsgroup.com/en/kyle_schell e-mail: Kyle.schell@ig.ca • Website: http://a

CALL JIM at 250-378-4212

Solutions for your tree problems!

28 • THURSDAY,

www.merrittherald.com

December 31, 2020

City Furniture’s Annual

New Years Day

6 HOUR BLITZ

ONE DAY • ONE BIG EVENT • ONCE A YEAR st JANUARY 1 • 11 AM TO 5 PM All 202 and flo 0 Models or mo dels MUST G

O!

0N% CING

FINA

OAC

COVI D IN PL PROTOCO SAFE ACE FOR ALS SH EXPE OPPING RIEN CE

STOREWIDE SAVINGS Up To

70% Off

Closed Tuesday, Dec. 31 to prepare for this huge event!

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

STATUS CARDS ACCEPTED

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

& Appliances Ltd.

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