Nicola River watershed may hit Drought Level 4 soon.
Dance in the Park is back to Rotary Park for its third year.
DANCE IN THE PARK /PAGE 19
High gas prices frustrate Nicola Valley residents, leaving a significant impact on the community.
Culminating data from GasBuddy reveals the average price for regular gas in Merritt, as of Aug. 13, is 178.3 cents per litre.
According to GlobalPetrolPrices, the average cost for octane-95 gasoline in British Columbia, between May 6, 2024 to Aug. 5, 2024, was $1.97 per litre.
Currently, the national average for gas is 162.5 cents per litre with the most expensive gas found in the Northwest Territories at 182.9 cents per litre and Manitoba having the cheapest gas at 150.8 cents per litre.
“This gouging and carbon tax has caused so many issues,” said Merritt resident Sefora Blindu.
“My family travels a lot for appointments for my son who has a rare epilepsy condition, it makes it so hard as we own a diesel truck… we end up waiting to fuel in another town when possible.”
“Not everyone can or wants to change over to (electric vehicles) so we shouldn’t have to be punished for it,” said Blindu.
Despite Merritt historically being known for having cheaper gas. Culminating data from GasBuddy reveals that, as of Aug. 13, Kamloops has an average 167.8 cents per litre, Hope has an average of 164.4.
Merritt sits only only 4.9 cents short of the Vancouver’s average of 184.7 cents per litre, according to
Ycharts
Whilst the cost of gas has not majorly affected Johnny On The Rez’s customers coming in and out, assistant manager Tasha Canadian says that the cost of gas has affected their supply chain. “Even for ordering stuff for the store, I’ve noticed that there has been maybe $1 or $2 added on per item now, so it’s kind of ‘do I want to bring us in?’” said Canadian, estimating an increase of 20 per cent cost to bring in items into the store.
“I think it probably has to do with just the cost of everything,” said Canadian. “It’s either you buy food or you get gas, because it is so expensive for everything.”
According to the Province’s consumer price index (CPI), as of June 2024, the cost for fuel has increased by 5.8 per cent from June 2023. Aside from gas, shelter has increased by 6.9 per cent, food by 3.3 per cent, and health and personal care by three per cent.
“As of June 2024, the 12-month average price index for all-items in British Columbia was $153.3 a 3.0 per cent increase when compared to the previous 12-month average,” reads the CPI. Energy had an average price index of 214.5 (-2.1 per cent) while the average food price index climbed to $180.1 (+4.6 per cent).”
“Driving is a non-negotiable for those with custody obligations,” said Merritt resident Shannon Wailing. “The fuel prices as well as the grocery prices have been crippling at best.”
Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com
Merritt Otters swimmers excelled at Regionals. Page 18. Photo/Merritt Otters Swim Club
NDP Member of Legislative Assembly candidate Francyne Joe sat down with the Herald to talk about priorities and campaign.
Francyne Joe grew up in Merritt with her grandparents owning a ranch on the Lower Nicola Indian Band and attending high school in Kamloops.
“I have a vision as to what the Nicola Valley used to be and what I’d like it to become again, I think I’m bringing an Indigenous perspective, but I’m also a rancher at heart,” said Joe. So I understand some of the issues affecting us, I’ve got the contacts and I don’t mind reaching out to people.”
I might not know the answers, but I bet I know somebody who knows better than me, and I don’t mind reaching out for help.
Joe believes that the Fraser-Nicola riding needs to come together to address issues.
“I think that’s what we need to do in this riding is: work together, address the economic situations, the healthcare situations, the housing situations,” said Joe. “Together, we’re going to come up with some sort of solution that we can present to Victoria to say, ‘look, this is what we want, they’ll help us move forward with this.’”
Prior to her MLA candidacy, Joe was the president of the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) between 2016 and 2019, partnerships manager for the National Association of Friendship Centres, and currently works as the human resources team leader at First Nations’ Emergency Services Society of B.C. (FNESS).
Familiar with Ottawa, during her time as president of the NWAC, Joe worked directly with families and interest groups. “We don’t step in and take charge, we try
to work with the groups themselves to see what are your needs, what are your ideas, and we advocate at the Capitol,” said Joe.
“I think communication is the biggest part that I bring, because I know how to hear people and can get the conversation started and get the support,” said Joe.
As an MLA candidate, Joe’s main priorities are housing, healthcare, and jobs.
With homes needing to be rebuilt after the flood and people moving in from coastal communities, Joe wants to prioritize housing for local residents.
“We need to have a priority for housing situations to be built for our seniors and for our youth, but be considerate that we still have to have commercial proper-
ties available to provide services, such as massage therapy or counseling,” said Joe.
Joe believes that thinking outside the box could be a solution for the housing crisis.
Regarding healthcare, Joe believes that whilst money and funding is important, communities like Merritt should come together to foster a better community.
“Especially after COVID, we lost a lot of health care personnel, so we need
to, I think, work on developing Merritt to be that friendly, helpful community that I remember, and that other people are drawn to,” said Joe. “It shouldn’t be always just about the money; I think if we can provide not just a regular standard of living, but a real community standard of living, that would be attractive to healthcare workers to come into the Central Interior.”
After three terms in office, Joe faces incumbent MLA Jackie Tegart from BC United as well as BC Conservatives’ candidate Tony Luck. “I’ll do better and that I want to be communicating with the community,” said Joe, hoping to have town hall meetings on at least a quarterly basis and engage with Chamber of Commerce, municipal and tribal governments, academic institutions, and industry.
“Trying to address every individual’s concern hasn’t been easy, but I think (the NDP is) moving forward, whereas the other two parties, their record in the past has been a lot of cutbacks and layoffs, and in terminations,” said Joe. “That’s not what we need right now, we need to see a stronger economy, we need to see a good plan as to what’s going to happen in the next few years, and we need to make sure that everybody’s being heard.”
“I don’t feel that collaborative approach is really a part of the package that the United nor the Conservatives have been doing in the past, so I don’t understand why they would change that behavior for the future,” said Joe.
As October 19 comes closer each day, Joe is looking to take a leave from FNESS within the next two weeks and beginning her campaign. “We will have our first fundraiser in Agassiz on August 10 and start meeting with the citizens in that area, and I’m really looking forward to the Labour Day rodeo in Merritt, I always love going to that,” said Joe.
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Cluster of seven new fires sparked near Merritt
A total of seven new wildfires were burning north of Merritt.
All the fires were listed at under one hectare in size and they are believe to have been sparked by lightning in the past 24 hours.
The closest to Merritt is located east of the Highway 8 and Highway 97C junction in the Skakum Ridge area.
Crews made progress on Aug. 12, on a series of spot fires discovered south of Merritt on Sunday. The only one still listed, near Salem Creek, east of Highway 5, is now under control.
According to the BC Wildfire Service, three of those fires were believed to have been caused by lightning, while one is suspected to have been caused by human activity.
Police watchdog gets new chief civilian director
A new person is in charge of B.C.’s police watchdog.
B.C.’s Attorney General Niki Sharma has appointed Jessica Berglund as the new chief of civilian director of B.C.’s Independent Investigations Office (IIO).
Berglund steps in after the retirement of Ronald J. MacDonald earlier this year after being in the role for seven years.
The IIO is a civilian-led police-oversight agency responsible for investigating incidents of death or serious harm that may have been the result of actions or inactions of police officers, whether on or off duty.
Most recently, Berglund worked as a director of occupational health and safety investi-
gations at WorkSafeBC. She joined the organization back in 2003, where she held various legal and senior-management positions over the 21 years.
Bergund was born in Merritt, where she grew up on her family’s cattle ranch in the Nicola Valley. Later on, her family moved to the Okanagan.
She received her bachelor of arts in French and Asian studies from the University of Victoria. Bergund also studied at Beijing Normal University before returning to Victoria to attend law school.
She was called to the bar in 1998 and practised civil litigation at Guild Yule LLP in Vancouver until 2002. Bergund currently lives in Richmond with her husband and son.
andageswelcome. In-house tournaments andsocials to attend.
Play outside:May- October
Play inside:October -April
Formoreinformationplease contactPaulWillmsat250-315-5042, StephenHolbrookat 778-709-0363,orNeilBlack at 778-661-0956.
Cindy White CASTANET
Seven new wildfires were discovered late Monday (Aug. 12) near Merritt. Photo/BC Wildfire Service
Laísa Condé newsroom@merrittherald.com
Photo/Khalid Hawe
250-378-4241
ALBAS: Local news still blocked
I have always strongly believed in accountability. One reason I first ran for city council was my frustration with our local city hall creating requirements that raised costs for small
businesses making minor renovations. Despite numerous calls to City Hall, there was no accountability, as no one would return these calls to explain or justify the policy.
I maintain a 24/7, year-round answering service and make every effort to return calls at times convenient for citizens. I strongly believe that citizens deserve to be heard and that elected officials must be accountable.
One concern I’ve been hearing lately is that some citizens find themselves cut off from various federal benefit programs such as the Guaranteed Income Supplement or Canada Child Benefit.
In many of these situations, the cause is often that personal income tax returns for 2023 have either not yet been filed or were filed late. As both of these programs are means tested, someone dependent on either program could see their benefits stopped if they have not sub-
mitted their tax return so that the government knows how much income they had in the previous year, regardless of their immediate needs. This can be a challenging situation when you depend on this funding to help pay rent or put food on the table. While there can be a number of scenarios where even when someone has done their taxes, they may discover they are receiving a lower or no benefit, due to for example being out of country for six months or more.
If you or someone you know is in this situation, please do not hesitate to call my office at the toll-free number below and we will try to assist however we can. Often, this involves identifying how the specific issue arose and outlining any options a constituent might have.
Another local concern I am hearing is the ongoing frustration with the aftereffects of the Liberal Government implementing Bill C-18.
Robert Moretti
DAN ALBAS VIEW FROM THE HILL
OPINION
Bill C-18, known as “an act respecting online communications platforms that make news content available to people in Canada,” requires online companies like Facebook (Meta) to pay eligible Canadian media organizations whenever a link to their online content is shared on the social media platform.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, was always clear they would not be financially penalized for users sharing specific news content on their platform. As a result, news link sharing has been banned on the platform.
This is a timely topic locally due to the recent forest fire activity caused by thunderstorms earlier this week. Many families and friends are blocked from sharing important information about the wildfire activity on the online media platform.
This also negatively impacts independent local media. Many local news organizations depended on Facebook to share their news content online. Facebook was highly effective at this and available to them as a free service.
With the loss of free access, many of these companies rely on their own websites and have reported a significant drop in viewer numbers, which typi-
cally translates into a loss of advertising revenue.
The Trudeau Liberal government was warned this would happen, ignored the warnings, and after one year of the ongoing news link sharing ban, still refuses to amend the legislation to restore news link sharing, which would help independent local media.
If you raise this issue with the Prime Minister (as the Official Opposition has multiple times in question period), you will be accused of rallying “around the web giants, regurgitating their arguments and rushing to help American billionaires attack local news.”
To date, every local news organization I have heard from has made it clear that Bill C-18 has done far more harm to local news. It resulted in the loss of the ability to freely distribute local news content in many areas online.
My questions for you this week: Do you believe Bill C-18 has helped or harmed our local news industry? Why or why not?
I can be reached at Dan.Albas@parl.gc.ca or call toll-free at 1-800-6658711.
Harris: How murals boost Merritt’s cultural vibe
NV ARTS COUNCIL
ART AT HEART:
BROOKLYN HARRIS
Murals are capable of expressing historical and cultural identity, build a feeling of community, beautify urban areas, bring attention to social issues, and spark wonder and creativity. In that respect, they are an effective means of enhancing the vibrancy, interest, and overall
significance of cities as places to visit, or call home. That’s why art is an important part of my life and I love contributing to the arts scene in Merritt and the Nicola Valley with the Arts Council.
From the Herald archives: August, 1912
SERIOUS WINDSTORM
Considerable damage was done by a young cyclone which struck the town at about a quarter to six yesterday evening. Trees were uprooted, shacks overturned and fences blown down while the indignation of sundry roosters when the wind lifted them off their feet was intense.
A local rancher states that the wind blew through a knot-hole in the pantry door with such violence that it shelled a bowl of green peas he had there, but there is no occasion to swallow his storey.
LETTERS
The Merritt Herald welcomes your letters, on any subject, addressed to the editor. Letters may be edited for length, taste and clarity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less. Email letters to: newsroom@ merrittherald. com.
Drought alert: Nicola River watershed may hit Level 4 soon
Laísa Condé newsroom@merrittherald.com
Merritt residents are urged to adopt water conservation measures as Nicola River watershed may soon reach a new drought level.
The Nke’e?xép (Drought) Management Committee released a report that stated that “based on forecasted weather conditions, we expect we may soon enter Drought level 4.”
Since July 24, the Nicola River watershed has been elevated to Provincial Level 3 drought. Under a Level 4 drought, the provincial government states that adverse impacts on people, fish or ecosystems are “likely.”
“We encourage you to employ every measure practicable to conserve water, make your water use more efficient, and minimize the volume you are diverting from groundwater and surface water sources for irrigation, industrial use, or for any other purposes,” the report reads.
A few ideas on efficient water use for irrigation include fixing leaks in the irrigation system, building up soil and alternating crops when irrigation water is limited.
For day to day activities, users should consider taking shorter showers, turn off the faucet while washing dishes and brushing their teeth, and sweep their driveway instead of pressure washing.
“As fellow residents of the Nicola Valley, members of the Nk’e?xép Management Committee understand the impacts of drought on our watershed and our community,” Patrick Farmer, assistant water manager at Cascades Natural Resource District, said in the release.
“By working together proactively to conserve water, we can all help to protect aquatic life, support agriculture producers, and safeguard the future health of the Nicola River watershed.”
Nicola River watershed may hit Drought Level 4 soon, which adverse impacts on people, fish or ecosystems are likely to happen. Photo/Healthy Watersheds Initiative
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Bigfoot fever hits Nicola Valley
Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com
The Nicola Valley Bigfoot Conference brought in enthusiasts from across Canada and the United States.
Hosted by Nicola Valley Bigfoot Podcast Sheldon Quewezance, the conference brought together researchers, field investigators, journalists, Indigenous knowledge keepers and a university professor.
Conference attendee Jennifer Sutherland is excited to come back next year. “This was a fantastic day,” said Sutherland. “What a great lineup of such knowledgeable speakers and thank you to the gentlemen who sang us very warm welcoming songs.”
One of the notable speakers that the Herald got a chance to sit down with was Idaho State University professor of anatomy and anthropology Jeffrey Meldrum, teaching human gross anatomy in the allied health professions and researching the evolution of human bipedalism.”
“(My research) is simply trying to understand the adaptations, the emergence, the timing and pattern of the emergence of the
adaptations that we have for walking on two feet,” said Meldrum.
Professor Meldrum has been with Idaho State University since 1993.
Meldrum first gained interest on sasquatch as a child after seeing Roger Patterson’s Northern California bigfoot footage but did not fully become invested in the topic until his career in academia had already begun, evaluating fresh 15 inch footprints near Walla Walla, Washington State.
“It was an exceptional case of these inexplicable, otherwise 15 inch footprints, and clear in the mud, very fresh,” said professor Meldrum. “Being an expert in the anatomy associated with bipedalism, especially the feet and knowing tracks of humans, modern humans, as well as fossil examples of hominin footprints and non-human primates.
Meldrum is conducting collaborative laboratory and field research across North America, China and Russia.
“I was in a really good position to evaluate these, and the hook was set,” said Meldrum. “Now, some 28 years later, I have
See HOMINOIDS Page 10
9AM TO 10
Hominoids walking among us
From Page 9
well over 300 footprint casts in my laboratory that are attributed not only to sasquatch, but to other potential relict hominoids, branches of this very bushy family tree that we are a part of, that we’re becoming more aware of the diversity.”
“Relict is preferred in biological usage, that describes a population or a species that was once more extensive, more widespread, that is now very restricted in distribution in numbers,” said Meldrum. “Hominoid means human-shaped, or hominoid is also the shorthand for a member of the superfamily hominoidea.”
Meldrum believes that one of the obstacles in relict hominoid research is the 1950s and 1960s paradigm ecological concept of “one niche, one species.” Meldrum makes reference to Thomas Kun’s The Structure of Scientific Revolutions where Kuhn coined the term ‘paradigm shift.’
“I think we’re witnessing that, that the old idea, what was called the Single Species Hypothesis that we were the only ones, has passed away,” said Meldrum. “The influence of that generation persists; and the upcom-
ing generation that may have more interest, more curiosity about this question, have to kind of bide their time until the gatekeepers have literally passed away and cleared the field for a more objective consideration of a fascinating scientific question.”
Despite skeptics and backlash from colleagues, Meldrum believes that relic hominid research has a bright future.
“I think this is gaining traction that young academics are curious. They’re interested. They’re not indoctrinated by the dogma that there can be only one hominin species on the planet at a time,” said Meldrum. “They recognize the growing hominin fossil record and its diversity, the growing ape fossil record.”
“We now recognize more than 60 species of extinct ape that once lived on this planet,” said the professor. “Even our apes of today, the gorillas, the chips, the orangutans - are themselves relict hominids, in that they were once much more widespread and greater in numbers and are tremendously reduced.”
See LOOKING Page 12
BC TimberSales Kamloops
INVITAT ION TO CO MMEN T– FORES TO PE RATIONSMAP
Make sure youragentisa REALTOR®.REALTORS®arebound by astrictCodeofEthics basedonprofessionalism, consumerprotection,and thegoldenrule. 12 3 4 5 6 7
TheBCTSTKA ForestOperationsMapis available forpublic review andcomment online at: fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects
TheBCTSTKA ForestOperationsMapisalsoavailableforin-personreviewand commentbyappointment Monday to Fridayfrom8a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at:
BC Timber Sales Kamloops 1265Dalhousie Drive Kamloops,B.C.,V2C5Z5 Telephone:250371-6500
Commentswillbeacceptedfrom August15 –September14,2024. Comments maybesubmitteddirectlythrough fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects,emailed to TKAreferrals@gov.bc.ca,deliveredinperson to theaddressabove during businesshours,ormailed to theaddressabove to the attentionofthe Planning Department.
If youhavequestionsor requireassistance, pleaseemail TKAreferrals@gov.bc.ca
Bigfoot enthusiasts at the Nicola Valley Bigfoot Conference. Photo/Kenneth Wong
CanadaEnergy Regulator Notice of publichearingGH-001-2024 WestcoastEnergyInc.
Application fortheSunriseExpansionProgram
TheCanadaEnergy Regulator(CER)hasreceivedan applicationfrom Westcoast EnergyInc. (Westcoast) for approval to constructandoperatetheSunriseExpansion Program(Project)pursuanttosections182,214,97, and 226 of the CanadianEnergy Regulator Act (CER Act).This Projectinvolvesbuildingapproximately137 kilometres (km) of 42-inchdiameternaturalgas pipelinein11pipeline looping segmentsinBritishColumbia, extending southwest fromChetwynd to theCanada-UnitedStatesborder nearSumas.TheProjectalsoinvolvesworkatexisting compressorstationsand ameter station,aswellasthe construction of approximately34km of powerlines. Westcoastalsoseeksvarious exemptionsundertheCER Actandthe CanadianEnergy RegulatorOnshorePipeline Regulations,andfurther seeksanorder affirmingthat theProject’s costswillbeincludedintheT-Southcostof serviceand tolledon arolled-inbasis. Westcoastintends to startconstructionasearlyasthe secondquarter of 2026,subject to receiving regulatoryapproval.Itstarget in-servicedate is 1November2028
Hearingparticipation
TheCommission of theCERis currentlyassessing whether Westcoast’sapplicationiscomplete,having regardtocomments receivedonthisissue.Itwillhold a hearing fortheProjectiftheapplication isfoundtobe complete,suchthatitcanproceedtoassessment. Those participatinginanyhearing candosoinone of twoways:
•A commenter maysharetheirviewswiththe Commissionin aletterofcomment. They cannotbe askedquestionsabouttheirletter of comment,nor can they askquestionsabout Westcoast’sorintervenors’ writtenevidenceorprovideargument. Commenters are noteligible forparticipantfunding.
•An intervenor may, among otherthings,filewritten evidence, askquestionsabout Westcoast’sand otherintervenors’evidence,andprovideargumentin accordancewith ahearingtimeline.Anintervenorthat fileswrittenevidencemustanswerany questionsasked abouttheirevidence. Intervenorsmaybeeligible for participantfunding(learnmoreat http://www.cer-rec. gc.ca/pfp).
Thosewanting to beintervenorsmustregisterandbe confirmedasintervenorsbytheCommission.Commenters maysignup to benotified by emailwhenthecommenting periodopens. Registrationsandsignupsmustbedone throughtheCER’sonline Participation Portalfound at http://www.cer-rec.gc.ca/participate Registrationandsign-upopportunitieswillbe available from 1August2024until 29 August2024 Needhelp?
La Régiedel’énergieduCanada areçuunedemande de Westcoast EnergyInc.(« Westcoast»),déposéeaux termesdesarticles182,214,97et226dela Loisurla Régie canadiennedel’énergie («LRCE»),visantlaconstruction et l’exploitationduprojetd’agrandissementSunrise («projet »).Ceprojetprévoitlaconstructiond’ungazoduc d’unelongueurapproximativede137 kilomètres(«km») et d’undiamètrede42poucescomprenant 11tronçonsde doublementpipelinierentrelesud-ouestdeChetwynd et la frontièrecanado-américaineprèsdeSumas,enColombieBritannique.Leprojetcomprendégalementdestravaux aux stationsdecompression existantes et àune station decomptage,ainsiquelaconstructiond’environ34kmde lignesdetransportd’électricité.
Westcoast demandeégalementdiverses exemptionsen vertudelaLRCE et du RèglementdelaRégiecanadiennede l’énergiesurlespipelinesterrestres,ainsiqu’uneordonnance confirmant quelescoûtsliésauprojetserontinclusdans lecoûtdu servicesurle réseau TSud et quelesdroits seront intégrés. Westcoast al’intentiondecommencerla constructionaudeuxièmetrimestrede2026, sous réserve del’obtentiondel’approbation réglementaire. Lamiseen serviceestprévuepourle 1er novembre2028.
Participation àl’audience
La Commissiondela Régiedel’énergieduCanada évalue actuellementsilademandede Westcoastest complète, comptetenudescommentaires reçussurcettequestion. Elletiendrauneaudience relativeauprojetsilademande estjugéecomplète,afindepouvoirprocéder àl’examen. Les personnesquiparticipentàuneaudiencepeuventlefairede l’unedesdeux façonssuivantes
•L’auteurd’unelettredecommentaires peuttransmettre unelettre àlaCommissionpourluifaire connaîtreson opinionsurleprojet. Aucunequestionnepeutlui être poséeausujet ducontenude sa lettre,pasplusqu’ilne peutlui-mêmeenposersurlapreuveécrite de Westcoast et desintervenantsouprésenterdeplaidoirie.Lesauteurs d’unelettre decommentairesne sont pasadmissibles à l’aidefinancièreauxparticipants.
•L’intervenant peut, entreautres,déposerunepreuve écrite, poserdesquestionssur cellede Westcoast oud’autresintervenantsetprésenteruneplaidoirie, conformémentaucalendrierdel’audience. S’ildéposeluimêmeunepreuveécrite,ildoitalors répondreauxquestions quipourraient lui être posées àcesujet.Lesintervenants pourraientêtreadmissibles àl’aidefinancièreaux participants(pourensavoirplus,consultez le https://www cer-rec.gc.ca/fr/demandes-audiences/participer-audience/ aide-financiere-participants/index.html).
Lespersonnesquisouhaitentparticiper àtitred’intervenant doivents’inscrire,et laCommissiondoitconfirmerleur statut.Lesauteursd’unelettre decommentairespeuvent s’inscrirepour être avisésparcourrieldudébutdela périodede sollicitationdecommentaires.Lesinscriptions doiventsefaire àpartirduportaildeparticipationenligne dela Régie,àl’adresse http://www.cer-rec.gc.ca/participer Il sera possiblede s’inscriredu 1er au 29 août 2024 Besoind’aide?
Existing compressor station Stationdecompression existante
Proposednewcompression Nouvellecompressionproposée City/Town Ville
Mapis forillustrativepurposesonlyandnottoscale.Projectdesignis underdevelopmentandconfiguration of pipelineloops,compressor units,additionalcompressorstationmodifications,andpowerlinesare subject to change
FordetailedProjectmapping,pleaserefer to: enbridge.com/sunrise La carteestàtitre d’illustration seulementetn’est pasàl’échelle. La conceptionduprojetest encoursdedéveloppementetlaconfiguration desbouclesdepipeline,desunitésdecompresseurs,desmodifications supplémentairesdes stationsdecompresseursetdeslignesélectriques estsusceptibledechanger
“We’re looking for the moving needle in a haystack”
From Page 10
With improvements to technology such as drones, light detection and ranging (LiDAR), and environmental DNA, Meldrum believes that academia is close to a breakthrough in relict hominoid research. “Environmental DNA (allows) us to collect DNA samples with the net cast much more broadly in a given geographical area, as we look at the traces of DNA that are left by all of the occupants of a region,” said Meldrum.
Despite improvements in technology, Meldrum acknowledges the difficulty in this research due to manpower, financing, and the elusive nature of relict hominids. “We’re looking for the moving needle in a haystack, so it’ll still remain a challenge,” said Meldrum. “Even if science were to acknowledge tomorrow that ‘okay, you’re right, based on this evidence, we acknowledge that Sasquatch exists,’ it’s not suddenly, then going to become easy to study these animals in the field, because they are that they exhibit the characteristics of those species that have been notoriously difficult to study.”
“The speakers were on point all day long, the people definitely enjoyed them as did I,” said Quewezance. “I will probably move the conference away from Merritt for the foreseeable future as attendance was lacking this year despite the high caliber speakers.”
“Other than lower than expected numbers of attendees, it was definitely amazing,” said Quewezance.
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•O ne Mixeduse Development; OneD rive Thru Development; and Onecommercialdevelopment at 3940 Cr aw ford.
•O ne Mixeduse Development at 4079 Airpor tRoad.
PROP OS ED CHANGE S: Bylaw2372 proposes to amendthe OCPlanduse designation for394 0CrawfordAve and 4079 Airpor tRdfrom“ ServiceCommercial”to“GeneralCommercialand Mixed Use” to allowa mixed-usedevelopment with aresidentialcomponent
TheCit yofMerrittwillbeholdinga Public Hearingfor Official Communit y Plan AmendmentBylaw No.2372, 2024,and Zoning AmendmentBylaw No.2373, 2024 to allow:
Bylaw2373proposestoamend theCit y’sZoningBylaw by changing thezoningdesignationfor 3940 Cr aw ford Aveand 4079 Airpor tRd from “Ser vice Commercial (C 3)”to“Regional Commercial (C 7)”toallow amixed-use developmentwitharesidentialcomponent
PROVIDEINPUT: Inputiswelcomedatthe Public HearingonTuesday, August 27,2024at6:0 0pm. Speakinper sonby signingup at thehearing , or by providinga written submission to theCorporate Officerat info@merritt.ca priortonoonAugus t23, 2024,orbymailtothe Corpor ateO fficer,Cit yofMerritt, PO Box189,Merritt, BC V1K1B8 , to be received before theconclusionofthehearing.
Please note that Councilwillnot receivefur ther submissionsfromthe public concerning this applic ation after theconclusionofthe public hearing. It is theresponsibility of thesubmittertoensurethatmaterials arereceivedprior to theclose of thepublichearing
MORE INFO RMATION: Acopyofthe proposedBylawamendment smay be viewed TuesdaytoFriday8:0 0amto12: 00 pm and1:15pmto5:45pmat City Hall,2185Voght Street ,MerrittBC, until August 27,2024, oronline at anytime at www.merritt.ca
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Prize package includes: gift cards, gift baskets etc.
your way through downtown Merritt
The Merritt Herald and participating merchants are proud to introduce an exciting new contest designed to boost foot traffic and engagement in downtown Merritt: the “Stamp Your Way Through Downtown Merritt” contest! This fun and interactive initiative invites both residents and visitors to explore and support local businesses. It’s a great way to get to know your community and discover what these local businesses have to offer.
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:
• This double-sided page is your entry form. Forms will be available in every paper from July 25 until August 22, 2024.
• Visit each participating merchant and have them stamp over their business contact info on the opposite side of this page.
• Once completed, drop off your entry at the Merritt Herald office located at #201-1951 Garcia Street, or at any of the participating merchants.
• The contest runs from July 25 to noon on August 29, 2024.
• The winner will be drawn at 3 pm on August 29, 2024.
DROP OFF THIS DOUBLE SIDED PAGE WITH STAMPS & THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION TO WIN
Name: ___________________
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Local bread and pastry sensation
Condé newsroom@merrittherald.com
Fresh artisan breads, focaccias and pastries are just some of the products that Merrittonians don’t seem to get enough of.
Local bakery Petit Creek Bakery has established roots in Merritt for the past couple of years and is thriving.
Scott LeSage, owner of Petit Creek Bakery, got into the world of cooking five years ago, when he became a red seal chef.
“I used to cook back in the day, and then I kind of took a little hiatus and wanted to get back into cooking, so I just started baking bread at the Farmers’ Market and people seemed to quite enjoy it,” he said.
His inspiration for adventuring himself in the baking world started after working in restaurants in the Okanagan and seeing the workflow of the pastry chefs he met along the way.
“We’d be in the heat of the fire and super hot and super stressed out and the pastry chefs would come in a little later and they’d have their own little spot in the kitchen. Then (they’d have) lots of time to prep everything and everything they’d make would be art pieces compared to just putting steaks and potatoes and vegetables on the place,” LeSage said.
“They would do intricate designs and have lots of time to do it, and not too much stress. I was always super jealous of what they’re doing and always kind of really wanted to get into it.”
LeSage decided to officially create his own bakery called Petit Creek Bakery, which sells artisan breads,
meat pies, pastries and frozen meals.
He said his passion for the baking lifestyle is what motivates him to keep baking every day.
“I don’t think I could really think of myself doing anything else,” LeSage said. “I love being my own boss, I love the hours, (to) get up early when it’s cool outside and finish at a pretty reasonable time in the day.”
His focaccias, breads and pastries are products that people don’t seem to get enough of.
“I’ll do 60 to 70 loaves for a market and they’ll be sold out by 10 a.m. I can’t keep it in stock,” LeSage said. “Then I do lots of pastries and I’ll supply Valley Graze, this new restaurant, every Wednesday. I’ll do different pastries there and they sell in like a few hours. They can’t keep them in stock either.”
LeSage hopes his business continues to expand around Merritt and leave a legacy behind.
“I’m hoping to get some of my products, like the sausage rolls and meat pies available at grocery stores and =gas stations around town. That would be my overall goal,” he said. “Right now we’re at the Local Butcher and Valley Graze, which is good. I want to just keep expanding in that sense.”
“I hope that people remember. If I ever do move or anything, I just want people to be like ‘oh man, do you remember Petit Creek Bakery’s breads? That was so good.’ Just leave a mark on people.”
You can find LeSage and his tasty creations at the Nicola Valley Farmers’ Market, Valley Graze Box and The Local Butcher.
Photo/Scott LeSage/Petit Creek Bakery
Laísa
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Coffee and connections
Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com
Better at Home hosted the third summer Community Coffee event at the library.
A program hosted by Interior Community Services (ICS), the Better at Home program offers an umbrella of services aimed to assist seniors, over 65 years old, in their independence by providing non-medical support services.
A provincial initiative, Better at Home and its finances are managed through United Way BC. “What United Way looks for in communities who are approved to have a Better at Home program is a nonprofit organization to host,” said program coordinator Judy Myram.
In Merritt, Better at Home provides low to no cost light housekeeping, grocery shopping, good morning calls, and friendly visits.
“The whole thing about social isolation, it really is a thing for seniors,” said Myram. “Being able to provide these coffees is a way to decrease that a little bit, where they can come out and socialize or play some cards.”
“There’s been a lot of isolation over the past years and still continuing on; a lot of the seniors that I speak with, they live alone, if they can’t get out, they’re that much more isolated,” said Myram. “Some are able to get out a little bit, but if they don’t have a place to go where they can connect, or maybe they just don’t have the extra bit of funds to go for coffee.”
“This social meal program allows them that chance to come and have some snacks and a time to socialize, meet new individuals,” said Myram.
Wednesday’s (Aug. 7) Community Coffee has been the most successful one, says Myram, with turnout doubling from the previous event on July 16.
“I received a fair bit of positive feedback, and thanks and appreciation,” said Myram. “It was just really great to have some new individuals out that were just inquiring about it and learning the purpose behind it, as well as connect for future connections and resource provisions.”
Myram recalls a few elderly women reconnecting at the event. “There were a few ladies there that haven’t been able to get together for coffee in quite some time,” said Myram. “It just gave them a place and an opportunity to do that at no cost”
Myram also highlights the importance of volunteering for community initiatives like Community Coffee.
“Added bonus at the end, there was a lady that had come into the library and was kind of asking about (the event) and could be a potential volunteer, she seemed interested in volunteering,” said Myram. “I’m definitely looking to hopefully garner some volunteers in time to develop some further program pieces, so yeah, it was a great event I’d say.”
The last Community Coffee of the summer will be at the library on Tuesday, Aug. 20, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.
Community Coffee will return in September through December. “We have the space at the library booked on the first and third Thursday each of those months for a coffee to take place from about 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. so they will be carrying on in the fall.
Myram is hoping to get guest speakers or workshops for future Community Coffee events. “I’m working on getting some guest speakers or individuals that have offered to do painting or crafts, to teach a skill,” said Myram.
Myram also hopes to do more special events for Community Coffee. “I’m hoping to also do something a little more special in October and December, and have maybe like a bit of a Thanksgiving lunch-in possibly as as a bit of a bigger Community Coffee.
2024 -2025 Back 2Schoo l REGISTRATION
ELEMENTARYSTUDENTREGISTRATION
For “NEW” Elementaryschoolstudents,pleaseregisteryourchildatthe neighbourhoodschoolinyourcatchmentareafromMondaytoFriday, August26toAugust30,2024.Schoolswillbeopenfrom9:00- 11:30a.m. and 1:00 -2:30p.m. Pleasecallaheadtomakeanappointment.
The Merritt Centennials have signed two promising players eager to make an impact this upcoming season.
The latest two additions of the Merritt Centennials, Joel Schmidt and Kael Kozicki, talked to the Herald about their hockey journey and some of their expectations of this new chapter.
Joel Schmidt recalls when he first started playing hockey.
“I grew up in Chilliwack and I’ve held a hockey stick since I was two years old,” Schmidt said. “I’ve been playing hockey ever since.”
During the 2023-24 season, Schmidt played for the Chilliwack Chiefs U18 A1. Throughout his time with the team, the forward scored 20 goals and had 16 assists.
But now, Schmidt is ready to take the next step on his hockey journey as he commits to the Cents in the 2024/2025 season.
He said it was a dream coming true, as he found out that the Centennials wanted him in the team.
“I didn’t really know what to think. I was just so excited, because I put in so much work over the years, and this is my dream, to make a junior hockey team,” Schmidt added.
Schmidt also shared how playing for the Cents will differ from his previous hockey experiences.
“I think it will skyrocket my development, because I can be on the ice every day and I have teammates that want to put in the work just as much as me,” he said.
He shares what being part of the Centennials means to him personally.
“I just really want ot be part of a team that actually wants to win and have the same goals as me,” Schmidt said.
“I really like being part of a good community.”
As his excitement grows to move to Merritt, Schmidt sends a message to
“Merritt can expect a player who is smart and creative. Someone who is willing to give it their all and a great teammate on and off the ice,” Schmidt said.
“I’m looking forward to the atmosphere of a small town, since it’s very similar to my hometown, where the fans can really get behind me and I have a good connection with them.”
Like his teammate, Kael Kozicki is just as passionate when it comes to hockey.
“I started playing hockey when I was about seven and I really fell in love with the sport through my cousin,” Kozicki said. “I grew up watching him play and just kind of thought that I should try the sport. I just fell in love with it after that.”
During the 2022-23 and 2023-24 season, Kozicki played for the Calgary Northstars Hockey Association Black U18 AA. Throughout his time with the team, the forward scored 11 goals and had 22 assists.
Kozicki also shares his excitement when he heard that he made it into the Centennials.
“After my ice time at the showcase, I was getting dressed and I opened my phone up and saw a text from Brad. I got really excited to see the Centennials pop up and I couldn’t wait to meet him,” he said.
He also shared what it means to him personally to be part of the Cents.
“It’s a huge accomplishment of mine, because it’s the highest level of hockey I’ve played and to get noticed, that’s always been a dream of mine,” he said. “I’m just really excited to have the opportunity and showcase what I have to offer.”
As for fans in Merritt, Kozicki said they can expect an exciting player that is fun to watch.
“I’m very excited for this opportunity and I’m going to make the best out of it.”
Laísa Condé newsroom@merrittherald.com
Joel Schmidt (top) and Kael Kozicki (bottom) are the newest addition to the Merritt Centennials. Photos/ Merritt Centennials
Merritt Otters make waves: head to provincials
Condé newsroom@merrittherald.com
Merritt swimmers have excelled at their last competition.
In total, 16 kids represented the Merritt Otters Swim Club at the Regional Meet held at Brocklehurst Pool in Kamloops on Aug. 3 and 4.
According to Gurpreet Chahal, treasurer of the club, the kids put in a lot of hard work and had lots of personal best times and many final swims.
The club had three swimmers who qualified for the Provincial Swim Meet that will be held at UBC on
Aug. 16, 17 and 18.
The results for the Regional Swim Meet are:
- Ellize Lajarca – Div. 1 girls, 1st 50 Free, 2nd 100 IM, 50 Back and 100 Free;
Merritt Otters Swim Club, with coach Ashleigh (on the left) and coach Bianca (on the right) at their annual AGM and awards ceremony. Photo/Merritt Otters Swim Club
Bounce, dance and play at Merritt’s Dance in the Park
programs and activities here, because there’s a lotmore than appears on the surface,” Henriksen said.
With the last days of summer just around the corner, there’s still a chance for Merrittonians to enjoy it up to the very last second.
On Aug. 24, Merrittonians are invited to join in for a fun day at Rotary Park. The third ‘Dance in the Park’ event is set to happen from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
“I really enjoyed the event last year and I’m really pleased that we’re getting to do it again,” Kia Henriksen, one of the organizers of the event, said.
“We’re celebrating the town and all that it has to offer.”
This year, Henriksen and Susan Doncaster have more help as Literacy Merritt & Nicola Valley Society and the Nicola Valley Arts Council got involved with the event.
Participants of the Dance in the Park can expect a full day of fun, with Taekwondo demonstrations, bouncy castle, local vendors, and a few performances.
“If anyone wants to come in and be a part of it, we would be happy to have them join us,” Henriksen said. “I know that last year, the water fight was a highlight for a lot of kids, so we’re gonna make that bigger and better.”
She also highlighted the significance of having this event during the summer.
“I really hope that it is a space for everyone to connect and to explore all the different
“I would love it to continue to be a day where people can just come out and have fun, enjoy the music and hopefully see some performances or demonstrations by different groups.”
Henriksen said that the event has even more significance after the last few years, when Merritt was affected by COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires and the 2021 flood.
“The idea is basically to celebrate the resilency of this community during all of the adversity it’s faced,” she said. “To bring different groups and organizations together, because I think that, sometimes, people don’t realize how much there is in Merritt, how much this town has to offer.”
She hopes that the Dance in the Park event is here to stay.
“I just hope that it becomes a fun tradition. We’re gonna just keep trying to build it. I know last year there was a few things that people walked away really enjoying, so we’re gonna try and bring all of those back,” Henriksen added.
“I just hope everyone comes down and enjoys it ... I just hope it can be a fun day for everyone to just hang out and check out what we have in this town and dance, and listen to some music.”
Henriksen added that they are still taking in vendors for the event. Those who wish to set their tables at the event should contact Kia Henriksen at 780-573-0861.
THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WELCOME YOU
Crossroads Community Church
2990 Voght St. • 250-378-2911
Service Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m.
Merritt Baptist Church 2499 Coutlee Avenue (at Orme) Sunday service 10 am, Phone (250)378-2464
Merritt Lutheran Fellowship in St. Michael's Anglican Hall • 250-378-9899
Service Time: 3rd Sunday each month 1:00 p.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church Corner of Jackson & Blair • 250-378-2919
Mass Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m.
St. Michael’s Anglican Church
1990 Chapman St. • 250-378-3772
Service Times: 2nd and 4th Sundays only - 10:00 a.m.
Trinity United Church
Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735
Service Time every Sunday - 10 am
Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave. (The Cadet Hall) Sunday Service Time: 4:00 pm • 250-280-1268
Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church
1950 Maxwell St. • 250-378-9502
Service Times: Sunday 10 am
Laísa Condé newsroom@merrittherald.com
Merritt’s Dance in the Park is back for its third year on Aug. 24, at Rotary Park. Photo/Love to Dance Academy
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