Merritt Herald August 1, 2024 by Merritt Herald

Floodprojectsreachkey milestones

Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com

TheCityofMerrittiscelebratingmajormilestonesinfloodmitigationandrecovery.

ThePublicWorksProtection Dikeisscheduledtobefinished bythecomingSeptember30and Middlesbororeplacementbridge isscheduledtobefinishedby December2024.

OnMonday,July29,Cityof Merrittmayorandcouncil,flood mitigationteam,andvariousmedia outletsgatheredbytheconstructionsitestocelebratethesymbolic reconnectionofbothbanksofthe ColdwaterRiverassteelgirders wereaeriallyinstalledbyacrane fortheMiddlesboroBridgereplacementandgroundbreakingofthe PublicWorksProtectionDike.

“Thisstartstomendthescar thatwe’vehadinthisvalley,where wecannowconnectbothendsof thecommunity,”saidMayorMike Goetz.“It’sareallyimportantday forustoday,becausethisistheone reminderthatletsusknowexactly whathappenedhere.”

“We’vegotalongwaytogo, butthisisgoingtoreallytakethe moraleofthiscommunitybackup again,”Goetzadded.

Thenewbridgeisbuilttowithstandupto490cubicmetresof waterpersecond,ensuringitwill withstandwhattheProvincecallsa ‘one-in-200yearflood.’Theoriginalbridgewasdesignedtohandle 150cubicmetres,farlessthanthe 320cubicmetrepersecond2021 flood.

“Wefeelthatin100yearsfrom now,peoplewillbequitehappyit tooktheextrayearandahalftofinishfundraisingforamoremodern structure,”saidDirectorofFlood RecoveryandMitigationSean Strang.

ThePublicWorksProtection Dikewillraisethecurrentground bythreemetres RunningfivekilometresacrosstheColdwaterRiver, thedikewillalsoactasafourmetre widewalkingpath.

Whereverpossible,theproject willalsocontainsetbackdikesinthe eventofaone-in-20yearflooding event.Setbackdikesallowtheriver torunitsnaturalcourseandprevent erosionforthedikestructureitself.

Theregionalhealthauthoritysat downwiththeHeraldtotalk about theongoing ER closures.

Toensurefloodresilience,the bridgeisconstructedoutofsteel insteadofconcrete,andfoundedon 50metredeepsteelpiles,anchoring theabutmenttothesoil Thenew MiddlesboroBridgeisalsobuilt approximately1.45metreshigher thanthepreviousbridge,increasingflowcapacityfortheColdwater River.

“(ThePublicWorksYard)isone ofthefewsectionsthatwe’reputting forwardasawatersidediking,alot oftheremainingsessionsupstream aregoingtobesetbackdikes,”said Strang.“(Setbackdikes)aremuch moreenvironmentallyconscious, andactuallyacheaperwayofbuildingdikes,cheaperonmaintenance andcheaperoninitialbuilding.”

Fundingforbothprojectswere fundedbytheB.C.government with$9.6milliongoingintothenew MiddlesboroBridgeand$2.6milliongoingtowardsthedike.

InteriorHealth addressesERclosuresandstaff shortage

In2024,theNicola Valley Hospitalemergencyroomhassufferedeighttemporary closures.Photo/Heraldfile.

Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com

Interior Health Authorityexecutive director andclinicaloperations KarenCooperrecentlyspoke withthe Herald regardinghospitalclosures.

Cooper callsthe staffshortages andemergency room closures acrisis. “Weare shortofbothnursing andphysiciansaswellasour allied health professionals, across really alljurisdictions,” said Cooper.

In2023, theNicolaValleyhospitalexperienced 20 emergencyroom closures.Thisyear, betweenJanuary 1and July 30,2024, therehavebeen eight in Merritt.

Forthe Nicola Valley Hospital,Coopersaysthingshavegottenbetter from anursing staffing perspective. “The managerand director of that operationhavejustmoved mountainstorecruit andretain,”saidCooper.

When an emergencyroomclosure happens, Cooper describesthe rest ofthe building as “businessasusual,” with acutecarebeds, physio lab, andx-ray remaininginoperation.The 911emergency health services also remain active,however patients will be rushed to RoyalInlandHospital in Kamloops insteadofthe Nicola Valley Hospital.

Oftentimes,the Ministry of Health receives notice of emergencyroom closures only threeoffourhours in advance. “Weworkand exhaustevery possible abilitytomitigate(aclosure from happening),” said Cooper. “We’ve mitigatedI wouldsay about95per cent of our closureriskby

doingitthatway.”

“Thatmay land as very shortnoticetothe community,”saidCooper. “It’sdonewithintention,weoften endupsolving thesesometimes at the 11th hour.”

Cooper addressesMerritt MayorMikeGoetz’s claims of receivinga week’s advancenoticeofERclosures, stating“Mike (Goetz)may be getting insiderinformation of thepotential risksfor closure, butthe actual decision to closeneeds to needstowaituntil that 11th hour becauseasI say, we oftenfinda solution,” said Cooper.“We’regetting very good at that.”

“There’s forecastingand then there’sthe reality,”saidCooper. “We don’twanttoeverhit thereality button untilitisour reality.”

Cooper attributes therecentincreaseinclosurestothe summertime. “It canbehardertopickupthose locumortemporary staff, giventhat summer tendstobewhenfolks protecttheir weekends andtheir time to getout andenjoy oursummeractivities,”saidCooper.

AccordingtoCooper, theshortages startedwiththe COVID-19 pandemicwithmanystaff moving on from healthcare andmuchofthe aging workforceretiring. “What we’reseeinginthe next generation is aworkforcethathas alot of choice,” said Cooper.“We’reseeingmoreturnover andchurn in roles, as people sample andtry outpositions untiltheyfind theonesthatfit forthem.”

“Weknowwhenthere’s so much choice,sometimes thetipping point is thosefinancial incentives,sothat’swhat’shappening at theprovincial level,”saidCooper.

As of April2024, theMinistryofHealthimplemented an additional $2,000 perquarter,upto$8,000per year with an additional $20,000 signingbonus forpeoplelooking to work in ruraland remote communities.“Anyone who’slooking forworkinMerritt or anywhere within Interior Health is welcometoapply,weabsolutelyhaveroomfor them,” said Cooper.

Outsideoffinancial incentives,Cooperbelievesthatthe solution to thestaffingshortages is to make healthcare appealingagain.“It really didbecomesopubliclyknown howexhaustingthe work is,” said Cooper. “We’ve notedthatinthe seatsinour schools, we didnot even fill allthe nursingseats at TRUinKamloopsthisyearnor the(radiationtherapy) seats, we’venever seen that priortothispastyear.”

To help with staffrecruitment,InteriorHealthoffersnew graduates immediatepositions as well as subsidizingstudent loans. “Ifour economy changesand it becomesmoredifficult to getwork, healthcare is always hiring.”

NICOLA VALLEYNEWS

Pilot,passengerdeadafter plane crash

TimPetruk CASTANET

Two people are dead after a small airplane crashed Sunday near Merritt.

According to police, first responders were called to a site two kilometres north of the Merritt Airport at about 7 p.m. on Sunday for a report of a crash.

“Upon arrival, emergency crews located the crash site, where they identified both the pilot and passenger deceased,” RCMP Cpl. James Grandy said in a news release.

Police described the plane as “a two-seat homebuilt amphibious aircraft.”

Grandy said Mounties are working with the Transportation Safety Board and the BC Coroners Service.

Anyone with information about the crash can call police at 250-378-4262.

Giddyup,rodeoparadekicks offsoon

LaísaCondé newsroom@merrittherald.com

Get the dust off your cowboy boots and hats as the iconic Nicola Valley Rodeo Parade returns to downtown Merritt.

The parade will kick off on Friday, Aug. 30, at 6:30 p.m. For those who still wish to participate and sign up their floats, there is still time as organizers are still accepting applications.

Thanks to the efforts of Jacqueline Whitecross and a group of volunteers from Tourism Nicola Valley and Nicola Valley Crime Stoppers, the iconic rodeo parade is back for another year.

“The parade has been going on for many, many years. With COVID, it kind of got lost in the dust and when COVID was over, nobody wanted to take over it,” she said “I just decided that we can’t have a rodeo without a parade.”

The rodeo parade will follow the same route as the annual Country Christmas parade, with floats lining up on Canford Avenue The parade will start by Coldwater Avenue and Cleasby Street, turning left onto Chapman and following the bend, then up Coutlee Avenue and back down parallel Quilchena Avenue.

The proceeds from the floats’ entry fee will go towards the local 4H Club The parade will follow a western theme, featuring local families in agriculture leading the parade The Martindale family will serve as parade marshals once again.

She highlighted the importance of the rodeo parade to the community.

“When we have the rodeo parade, it’s obviously for the rodeo, which is important for our community. It brings a lot of people here,” Whitecross said.

“It also promotes the community, promotes the businesses, and just makes people

happy,” she added. “I always say the little ones, the children and also the seniors, because I think that’s important, you know? They’re there and they can have some fun.”

As the rodeo parade kicks off for the 64th Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo weekend, Whitecross shares her excitement.

“The more people the better!” she said “Friday night, after the parade, you can go down to the rodeo grounds and get started They’re having music down there.

“When you come down, you’ll notice a big difference We have a brand new building for our entrance, where people come to get their tickets and we’re pretty excited about it, it looks pretty great.”

Whitecross recognized the efforts being made by the Nicola Valley Rodeo Association members, such as Peter Spencer and Mary MacGregor.

For more information on the Nicola Valley Rodeo Parade, including volunteer opportunities, call Whitecross at 250936-8585.

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Editor LaísaCondé newsroom@merrittherald.com

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AUER: Losingitin trafficisn’tworththe stress

Vehicular peace has been restoredinour household since the completionof the Voght Street project. We can go up the hill again without fighting inthe car. It was a challenging time, and I had to take a lotof sharpbreaths and say“calm down” and “no,

we’re not going to do that” during the construction. We generally agreedon how inconsiderate some people are, but not so much on what to do aboutit. People had things to do andplaces to be, and somecreative driving practices were observed; I could see my husband’s blood pressure rising Ithink what pissed him off even more though, was that it didn’t bother me and I didn’t want to do anything aboutit

I get it,it feels like people get away with too many things these days They are nasty and say things without consequences They drive recklessly and too fast, cut people off, post mean comments

on social media, the list goesonall without consequence. But do I really have to worry about that? Ithink not. I truly believe the only thing we can control in life is how we react. We can change our perspective, and how we conduct ourselves. Everything else is a crapshoot and we have to deal with it

Thereis nothing I can do to change someoneelse’s behaviour Sure, there are societal norms we are all supposed to live within and thereis law enforcement etc to deal with those who don’t (at least in principle) I’m not talking about those kinds of things. I’m talkingabout decency going to

hell in a handbasket, and I agree with my husband that it feels like it. But I wonder - is my time better spent lecturing someone on how they are wrong/inconsiderate/ ignorant, oris it better spent trying to do what I feel is right? I choose the latter, any day. How about you? Oneof the biggest lessons I have learned in the past year is that no matter how passionately youbelieve something to be right and true,thereis someone who believes the exact opposite with the same passion. So the best thing to do - just like all traffic during the Voght Street project should have done - isto stay in your lane.

OPINION

ALBAS:Neitherrhyme norreason

This week I’d like to address how the federal government assists smallrural towns in Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola in recovering from disasters like theNovember2021 floods in the interior and Fraser Valley. Unlike larger cities, these towns lack the tax revenue and staff to manage significant rebuilding projects and depend on higher levels of government for aid. You may remember that thePrime Minister Trudeau said that his Government ‘would have their backs’.

Yet words alone will not do the work Restarting water and sewer systems and replacing bridges is challenging. Preventing future problems isespecially difficult for towns like Merritt and Princeton, where diking requires numerous

permits from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Ministry of theEnvironment. These towns mustsubmit plans to higher government levels and apply for various funds.

Merritt and Princeton, after dealing with floods, nowcompete with other towns for grants. One exampleis the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF), managed by the federal government Mike Goetz,Mayor of Merritt, explained that applying for the DMAF is costly, stating, “In three years of hard work, we spent $383,000on the DMAF, covering everything,including cost recovery.”

Housing Infrastructure Canada defines eligible infrastructure projects under the DMAF as thoseinvolvingnewconstructionor modification of public infrastructure, including natural infrastructure, to prevent, mitigate, or protect against the impacts of climate change, natural hazards, and extreme weather.

In British Columbia, the community of Prince Rupert received $77.2 million from the federal government and $50.8 million from the municipality to upgrade its aging water distribution system and sewerline This followed a provincialgovernment announcement of $65 million in funding on

March 17,2023.

WhilePrince Rupert benefited fromthe DMAF, Mayor Mike Goetz of Merritt had a different experience After spending $383,000on studies and meeting with officials, his application was rejected on a technicality. He noted, “We followed theprovincial guidance exactly, which was based on federal guidance. Then it went to DMAF, and DMAF said no due to a technicality.”

The federal guide for DMAF applicants states that eligible projects can include bundled subprojects if it is shown that each part works together to reduce the same risk within the same time However, Merritt andPrinceton were turneddown becausethey split their application as instructed by provincial officials.

After numerous complaints about rejecting DMAF applications for technical reasons, Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities have altered their stance They now state, “The application did not show how their projects would reduce the flood risk enough We had to fundprojects that would help communities prevent or reduce climate-related impacts,”said Micaal Ahmed, Communications Manager, Office of the Ministerof Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities.

It’s surprising that these small towns used so much taxpayer money on engineering fees that didn’t clearly show how their projects would lower flood risk. Engineering reports don’t come cheap as they are held accountable for when they get it wrong. It’s even more surprising that someone in Ottawa thoughtthey could avoid questions from local reporters with such a ridiculous answer

It’s also odd that the only DMAF funds in British Columbia so far in 2024 went to sewers, which don’t seem connected to climate change, extreme weather, or natural disasters instead of communities like Merritt and Princeton.

Unfortunately, the struggling communities in my area were turneddownwithout clear explanations or assurances for next year This leaves them guessing why they were left out, causing feelings of alienation and mistrust I share their frustration.

Here is my question for you this week: Do you think the federal government should do more to support rural communitiesin mitigation andinfrastructure repair after a natural disaster? Why or why not?

I can be reached at Dan. Albas@parl.gc.ca or toll-free at 1-800-665-8711.

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3499 VoghtSt.,Merritt, BC

From the Herald archives: August, 2010

BLACKOUT WAS CAUSED BY BIRD

A blackout that had curious Merritt residents following the sirens last Wednesday night was caused by a waywardbird.

At 8:26 p.m. over 5000 Merritt residents experienced a power outage that lasted close toanhouse.

“It was the classic worst scenario,”said Gene Bryant, B.C. Hydro’s public affairs co-ordinator.

“Often when an animalgets into the substation and there is a faultit causes a lotof downstream effects in terms of the outage.”

LETTERS

POLICY

The Merritt Herald welcomes your letters, on anysubject, addressed tothe editor. Letters may be edited forlength, taste and clarity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less.Emailletter newsroom@ merrittherald. com.

DANALBAS VIEWFROM THEHILL

NICOLA VALLEYNEWS

Proposedmixed-usebuildingonAirportRoad

Wong reporter@merrittherald.com

EMEC Engineering proposes mixed use development at 3940 Crawford Ave. and 4079 Airport Rd.

If fully approved, the buildings will provide 48 residential units. The first phase of the project will see a four-story building at 3940 Crawford Ave. with commercial and retail on the ground floor and second floor, and 24 resident residential units on third and fourth floor. Currently the properties are zoned as Service Commercial (C7), the property owner is requesting a zoning change to Regional Comercial (C3).

The proposed development is aligned with the City of Merritt’s Official Community Plan (OCP). The city council document cites item 3.6.1 of the OCP document which states: “General Commercial

and Mixed-Use land use areas should be directed to the City Centre, Urban Villages, Airport neighbourhood to the west of Airport Road, and along the Nicola Avenue and Voght Street corridors, and shall conform to the Land Use Designation Map.”

In an email correspondence for more details to the Herald, Director of Public Works and Engineering Services Rick Green stated the following. “The property owner has requested a zoning change –nothing further at this time Timelines and viability for private sector developments are not dictated by the City.”

“The City will schedule a public hearing in the near future before the zoning request is brought back for council to consider,” said Green.

PineStreet propertiessecuredfor flood fix

Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com

STUWI(x) Steering Committee has received approval letter from the Province to purchase four properties on Pine Street for flood mitigation.

Director of Flood Recovery and Mitigation Sean Strang calls this ‘big news ’ as post flood acquisition of private property has never been done in B.C. except for in 2018 in Grand Forks.

“What they ended up with (in Grand Forks) is people who had a $200,000 house, barely making it by with a destroyed property, and they got offered $10,000,” said Strang “Merritt, very early on, decided that any property purchases that we were going to do would not follow that previous model where it significantly economically disadvantaged primary homeowners.”

STUWI(x) is only able to purchase properties underneath the proposed diking.

“We are moving forward with the purchase of four properties in the Pine Street corridor,” said Strang Until the offers are accepted, further details remain privileged

information between the City and homeowners.

The STUWI(x) Steering Committee is a joint commission between the City of Merritt and its neighbouring Bands. Each community will have one decision making member as well as a team of technical engineers and experts.

Budgeted at $5.7 million, the STUWI(x) Steering Committee recently received grants from the Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) Green Infrastructure and Adaptation, Resilience, and Disaster Mitigation (Green ARDM).

The STUWI(x) Naturalization Project is separated into four stages: phase one, purchasing of the properties on Pine Street; phase two, removal of structures; phase three, the creation of a valley-wide steering committee to plan what naturalization looks like for the area; and phase four, the implementation of the project.

The Steering Committee is scheduled to have their first meeting in September.

Kenneth

Photo/Architecture PanelInc.

NICOLA VALLEYNEWS

Bigfoot eventbacktotheNicolaValley

Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com

The second annual Nicola Valley Bigfoot Conference is coming to Merritt.

Hosted by the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, the Nicola Valley Bigfoot Conference will run Saturday, Aug. 10 and Sunday, Aug. 11.

The conference is the brainchild of Sheldon Quewezance, host of the Nicola Valley Bigfoot Podcast. “(The first conference) was kind of by accident, I had just wanted to organize a get together with some other Sasquatch enthusiasts,” said Quewezance “One step led to another and it kind of turned into a conference without me even realizing it.”

Quewezance initially expected approximately 100 attendees for the first conference but the number quickly grew to 200.

“I limited the tickets to 250, which sold out about two weeks beforehand, and I added an additional 30 tickets about the day before and those sold out very, very quickly as well,” said Quewezance “Here’s hoping history repeats itself.”

The conference gathers people from across B.C. as well as Alberta, Washington State, and other parts of Canada and the United States.

Some guest speakers Quewezance highlights are Jeffrey Meldrum, ananthropology and biology professor at the University of Idaho; as well as Thomas Steenberg from the Fraser Valley who has been conducting research since 1978 and interviewed hundreds of witnesses.

“People love Sasquatch, and whether it be the mystery of it, or the fact that there are these beings walking around our forest that we haven’t quite figured out what or who they are, I think that draws a lot of

ValleyBigfootConference

people’s attention,” said Quewezance.

Quewezance speculates that the Sasquatch are remnant of a species of humanoid before the Younger Dryas impact approximately 12,000 years ago; a period at the end of the last ice age that saw large portions of the Northern Hemisphere having their temperatures decrease and the Southern Hemisphere increase.

“First and foremost, I’m not an expert, I’m just an enthusiast, I love the subject of it; I don’t have any definite answer as to what they are, where they are, or who they are, ” said Quewezance. “That’s part of the mystery that I love. That’s part of the whole lore of Sasquatch that I love being a part of, the unknown factor of it.”

Quewezance encourages all to come to the conference with an open mind. “Just because you’ve been in the woods for 30 years hunting, doesn’t mean that what you can’t see doesn’t exist,” said Quewezance. “Come to the conference, talk to people who’ve had run-ins, they’re some of the nicest sane people you’ve ever met in your life.”

At last year’s conference, Quewezance remembers members of the media making jokes about the inexistence of Sasquatch and insanity of people who believe in Sasquatch. “But privately, they came to me and said ‘I’ve seen this thing in the woods a couple of years ago, and I don’t know what the heck it was, ’” recalls Quewezance.

Quewezance hopes to expand the conference to other parts of B.C. and Manitoba. Outside of the Nicola Valley, Alberta Sasquatch Organization is the only other group in Canada to host meetups or conferences for Sasquatch enthusiasts.

The Nicola Valley Kennel Club DogShow

wouldliketothank andacknowledgethe following businesses fortheircontributions to our2024dogshow. The clubhasbeenactive since 1985. It wassoappreciated by eachand everymemberandparticipants.Youallhelped to makethe event asuccess.

Bernagold Kennel/Dog

Training

BosleysKamloops

Canadian Tire

EmptyKegBrew House

GameOnSportsBar

HomeHardware

LeftFieldCider

McDonald’s

MrMikes

Nicola ValleyGolf Course

Nicola Valley Meats

PetValue

Purity Feeds

Save On

ValleyGraze Box

Photo/Nicola

NICOLA VALLEYNEWS

RockyPinesgets FireSmart upgradewithsprinklers

FireSmart their yards.

Lower Nicola Indian Band has installed sprinklers around the perimeter of Rocky Pines.

The LNIB Fire Department has set up sprinklers around Rocky Pines to create a line of control from potential wildfires. The sprinklers run along the north and west perimeter around Rocky Pines.

“What happened at the Lytton First Nation and the Village of Lytton was a catastrophe,” said LNIB Chief Stuart Jackson “Although the fire was a good distance away, the way the turbulent winds were occurring on a constant, it really did send a message to us that we needed to do something.”

In light of the wildfire at Stumbles Creek on July 23, Chief Jackson has confirmed there were no injuries or damage to structures.

According to Chief Jackson, Rocky Pines is the driest part of LNIB territory with ‘quite a bit of tree stands in its area.’ “With the community, it was quite important for us to really pay attention to a preventative measure that would provide some calm to our community,” said Jackson

For more information regarding the sprinklers, LNIB members can call 250315-8184.

Aside from a sprinkler line of control, LNIB is encouraging residents to install sprinklers on the roofs of their houses and

“A lot of that has to do with many of our members taking more responsibility for their homes and being more cooperative, and we’re struggling with that right now, ” said Jackson. “We haven’t found a way yet to bring to the attention of some of our community members that your houses are time bombs, and the things that you have around your home are just dangerous.”

Looking forward, Chief Jackson hopes that both his community of LNIB and the broader community in the Nicola Valley can come together and have a serious discussion about fire safety.

“We have to find a way to sit down at a table and talk about our losses, and maybe talk about our gains if we have any gains on what fire mitigation looks like to all of us,” said Chief Jackson. There’s a lot of fire risk out there, so if something does happen, do we have the manpower to do it? Do we have the manpower to provide that service? Because the last thing you want to do is deal with a casualty, because that can happen?

“Fire can change your life, I dealt with a house fire as a teenager, we lost a house on the reserve here back in the mid 80s,” said Jackson. “That morning, when we drove in, all you can see is the fridge, the stove, the washer and dryer, and the dishwasher; everything else was gone, and it was the most helpless feeling.”

Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com

LowerNicolaIndianBand FireDepartmentis settingup sprinklersaroundRockyPines,aimingtocreate alineofcontrolfrom potential wildfires. Photo/Kenneth Wong.

STAMP & WIN!

yourwaythrough downtown Merritt

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FreshfacesfortheMerritt Centennials

LaísaCondé newsroom@merrittherald.com

New players are on the way to the Merritt Centennials.

The latest two additions of the Centennials, Ethan Nesimiuk and Sam Giangualano, talked to the Herald about their hockey journey and some of their expectations of this new chapter.

Ethan Nesimiuk has a long history with hockey The 17-year-old started playing hockey when he was only five.

“I’ve been playing hockey in my hometown Leduc all the way up until my U18 year,” Nesimiuk said.

During the 2023-24 season, Nesimiuk played for the Leduc Oil Kings U18 AAA, a minor hockey team from Alberta. Throughout his time with the team, the defenceman played 38 games and had four assists.

But now, Nesimiuk is ready to take the next step on his hockey journey as he commits to the Centennials in the 2024/2025 season.

“That’s one place that I was kind of eyeing up for a long time and to hear that they were interested in me, it was just super exciting,” he added. “I knew it was a big opportunity because with a new team, starting fresh, I just wanted to get in there.”

Nesimiuk also shared his thoughts on playing on a junior hockey level for the first time.

“I think it’s a big step up from playing minor hockey Talent wise, it’s stronger You’re playing with older guys, so I think that aspect is something that differs (from minor hockey),” he said

“I also think the quality of the coaching staff and the players that you play with, it just keeps getting higher and higher and that is something that’s going to help me get to the next level and improve my game.”

One of his goals for the upcoming season withthe Cents is to be a leader on and off ice.

“I definitely want to be a leader on the team, I want to be the best teammate I can possibly be. Just being all around a good guy on the ice and off the ice,” Nesimiuk said “I also want to help out the community, I want to

get back to the community that’s supporting us. They deserve as much as we do.”

“I (look forward) to just beinga role model for all the kids that are in Merritt. I think giving them something to strive for, that’s what I’m most looking forward to.”

As his excitement grows to move to Merritt, Nesimiuk sends a message to all the Centennials fans.

“I consider myself a relentless player, so I feel they’ll get everything out of me,” he added. “I’m just a good teammate and in the community, I want to help out everywhere I can and I think that’s something that you’ll notice a lot.”

Like his teammate, Sam Giangualano also has a long history with hockey.

“I started playing hockey when I was about three years old. My brother was always a hockey player as well, he played junior, so I always loved to play it because of him,” Giangualano said.

During the 2023-24 season, Giangualano played for the Calgary Rockies U18. Throughout his time with the team, the forward scored 16 goals and had 24 assists.

Giangualano also shares his excitement when he heard that he made it into the Centennials.

“I take it as an achievement that I can play with these guys and be part of this organization,” he said.

“I’ve only ever played hockey in Calgary and with people from there, so I think getting to go to B.C. and in Merritt especially, and play with people from B.C., I think it could be a new experience that would be fun for me.”

He also shared a few of his personal goals for the upcoming season.

“I personally want the whole team to do really well, have a good run in the playoffs and have a lot of success, ” he said “That’s what makes it fun, (it’s) to be around and working hard So, that’d be my most important thing.”

As for fans in Merritt, they can expect that Giangualano will give his all during every game.

“Hard work, dedication to the team and hopefully good results on the ice withthe whole team.”

Nicola ValleySkatingClubcelebratesskatingexcellence

LaísaCondé newsroom@merrittherald.com

The Nicola Valley Skating Club hosted its annual awards ceremony, which aims to celebrate the outstanding achievements of their skaters.

Here are the awards recipients:

Most Improved - Club Trophy nameplate & Keeper medal

- CanSkate - Logan Selzler 2024

- Junior STAR - Olivia Kim 2024

- STARskate - Sloane Mulyk 2024

Skater of the Year - Trophy nameplate & Keeper medal

- STARskate - Olivia Boone 2024

Most dedicated medals

- CanSkate - Gracynn Mackay-Smith 2024, Arthur Sutton 2024, Makai Earle

- Junior - Lillian Heppner 2024

- STARskate - Olivia Boone 2024, Jayda Starrs 2024, Meera Dutt 2024

Most Sportsshiplike - medal

- Abby Thoms 2024

Improved Skaters - Medals

- CanSkate - Stella Bothe, Improved 2024

- CanSkate - Avery Cree-Reeve Improved 2024

- CanSkate - Farrah Kim Improved 2024

- Junior STAR - Cleo Mackenzie Improved 2024

- Junior STAR - Cali Mackenzie Improved 2024

- Junior STAR - Evelyn Heppner Improved 2024

- Junior Academy - Addison Boone Improved 2024

- Junior Academy - Ellason Agar Improved 2024

EthanNesimiuk(top)and Sam Giangualano (bottom)arethenewestadditionto theMerrittCentennials.Photos/Merritt Centennials

HeadcoachDianaLorenzposeswithskater OliviaBoone, who won Skaterofthe Year award. Formorephotos,visitmerrittherald.com.Photo/Nicola ValleySkating Club

Moreicechampions

From Page13

- Junior Academy - Maya Dutt Improved 2024

- STAR - Claire Lorenz Improved STAR 5 Dance, 6/7 Skills 2024

- STAR - Aziza Earle Improved STAR 3 FreeSkate & STAR 4 Skills 2024

- STAR - Meera Dutt Improved STAR 3/4 Freeskate/Harness & 4 Skills 2024

- STAR - Avery Starrs Improved STAR 3 FreeSkate & 4 skills 2024

- STAR - Mackenna Forman STAR 2 Improved all disciplines 2024

- PowerSkating - Most Improved - Jack Jepsen 2024, Beck Wilms 2024

- PowerSkating - Most Dedicated - Niko Thoo 2024

- PowerSkating - Dedicated & Improved- Leo Neustaeter 2024, Bachan Sekhon 2024, Maahn Sekhon 2024

Diligent Skater - medal

- STARskate - Everley Russell 2024, Marissa Quimet 2024

Leadership - plaque nameplate& Keeper Medals for each Skater.

Leadership- Jayda Starrs, Claire Lorenz

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TraditionalJapanesegarden debutsatKnights Inn

Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com

Knights Inn has opened a traditional Japanese garden for residents and hotel guests to enjoy.

The owner of Knights Inn Max Jiao commissioned Kumpei Wakino to design the garden.

Wakinoholds a master’s degree of landscape and design in Japan, specializing in the creation of Japanese style gardens. His work can be found in various parks of Japan, as well as Italy and South Africa.

When designing gardens, Wakino does not only follow traditional Japanese, but instead attempts to create a crosscultural fusion with new values and modern art.

For Knights Inn’s new garden, Wakino went the extra mile to hand

pick every single individual stone, no matter how big or small, as well as importing an 80year-old traditional stone lantern from Kyoto, Japan.

“When the stone lantern arrived here from Japan, everyone was so excited,” said Wakino. “When the box was opened, everyone said ‘wow,’ it was like opening a Christmas gift.”

Hailing from Dailan, China, Jiao gained a love and respect for his Japanese neighbours. “I lived in Japan for seven years before Canada, I love Japanese culture, I love the beauty of Japanese gardens’ symbolism (and how) close it is to nature,” said Jiao. “What we are trying to do is bring the natural to Merritt, I think Merritt really needs

something like that, something very unique.

“I travelled around Canada, nobody else is doing this so we just want to try to make something unique, beautiful and good for the community.”

One of the design concepts Wakino had in mind when designing the garden was the Japanese festival Tsukimi, translating to “moon viewing,” a festival that honours the autumn moon. “We enjoy having sweets in front of the moon at night, so that is one of my concepts,” said Wakino. “Sitting here, just to see the moon over there and feeling fills the garden under the moon.”

Wakino and Jiao put flat stones that can act as benches or tables on the east side of the garden so that residents

and hotel guests can enjoy the moon during mid-autumn, or just to catch a breath and take in the surroundings in the day.

Although now open to the public to enjoy, Jiao doesn’t think the garden will ever be finished. “We designed the garden for more than 100 years, ” said Jiao. “This garden will never finish, we will keep doing things, we will keep doing upgrades, we will keep doing maintenance.”

“It’s very challenging to bring a Japanese garden to the Merritt area, nobody did that (before),” said Jiao. “So we can get more experience, learn, keep learning, and always change a little bit for the garden, so it’s like a consistent work.”

Workers will return in September

to add more plants to the garden.

Knights Inn, officially known as the Knights Franchise System is an American full-limited service hotel chain owned by Red Lion Hotel Corporation. Jiao is currently working to get their Merritt location rebranded to AYA Hotel. “We want our previous customers to know that the property is still under the same management,” said Jiao. “Therefore, we will maintain both names for a couple more months.”

Jiao chose the Japanese word ‘aya’ meaning colourful. “Aya means colourful, not just about colour, it’s about culture, that’s our understanding about Canada,” said Jiao. “Canada is more like a multicultural country, so for us Canada is aya.”

Jiao and Wakino designed the new logo to pay homage to Canada

Photo/LaísaCondé

and Japan. The logo is designed to be read like a clock with Japanese sakura representing spring, Canadian maples symbolizing autumn, and pine trees symbol-

izing winter. “We designed this (logo) based off the garden, and also we want to upgrade the garden based on this mindset.”

THECHURCHESOFMERRITTWELCOMEYOU

Crossroads Community Church

2990 Voght St.•250-378-2911

Service Time:Sundays 10:00a.m.

Merritt Baptist Church 2499 Coutlee Avenue(atOrme) Sundayservice10am, Phone(250)378-2464

Merritt Lutheran Fellowship in St. Michael's AnglicanHall•250-378-9899 Service Time:3rd Sundayeachmonth1:00 p.m.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church CornerofJackson&Blair•250-378-2919

Mass Time: Sundays 9:00a.m.

St. Michael’s Anglican Church 1990Chapman St. •250-378-3772

Service Times:2ndand4th Sundays only-10:00a.m.

TrinityUnited Church Cornerof Quilchena&Chapman•250-378-5735

Service Timeevery Sunday-10am

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

Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church 1950 Maxwell St. •250-378-9502

Service Times: Sunday10am

CLASSIFIEDS

Shared Accommodation in PUERTO VALLARTA from Feb. 27 -March 20 in a3 bedrm, 2bathcondo.Owner in one bedroom.1 bedroom with king bedavailable.Swimming pool &elevatorincluded. $700 US for3 weeks. email:lauragp61@hotmail.comtodiscuss

CAMERON, Janice Elaine

May17, 1951 -July25, 2024

Edwin“Ed”North.

September15,1941 -June29,2024

It is with heavyhearts we announce thepassing of Edwin“Ed”North.Edwas born on September 15, 1941inEssex, Ontario. Ed spent3 yearsinthe Canadi Army before becominga PoliceOfficer,where he methis wife,Dorothy,via arandom roadstop. They were married soon after. They lived briefly in Manitoba &Windsorbefore settlinginMerritt, BC. Edlovedthe Nicola Valley& spentendlesshourshunting, fishing,puttering inthegarage& yard,& goingforfamily drives on thecountry roadsonbeautiful fall days &manytales can be told ofharrowingwinterdrivesupthe same roads!

Ed hadanimmensesense ofhumour.His practical jokeswerelegendary &just when you thoughtyougot thelastlaugh,he wouldsurpriseyou. He adaptedto theeverchanging world, takingon anychallenge thrown hisway.From beinga contractor to Realtor &working at theHighlandValleyCopperMine, to working with at-risk youth, &volunteeringwiththeMerritt Rotary Club &Merritt Fire Department.

Ed mayhavebeen aman of fewspokensentimentalwords,but thesentiment wasthereunder histough facade. Hewasa generous &compassionatemanwho wouldhelpany friend,or stranger, in need.Hehad alove for gardening,growing sunﬂowers& making additions to hisbirdhouses.Small animals adored him,& hisgranddogs,Tilley &Norman, willmisshim &his bigreclinerchair dearly. Shortly before hepassedhelefta poemonhis desk for hislovedones:

“MissMe”

JaniceCameronof Duncan,BC, belovedwifeof42 yearstospouseJohnRutski, passedawaypeacefully at Cowichan HospiceHouse on Thursday,July25, 2024 surroundedbythe love ofherfamily andfriends.She be lovingly remembered anddearly cherishedbyher husbandJohn; son GaryRockl;grandchildren: Madysonand Braden;sisters:Kathryn (Rock) Boivin, TheresaJacobson;aswellasbynephewEly,andniece Kyla.She waspredeceased byherparents Gordon andIrene Cameronandherbrother Arthur Cameron. Janice will bedearlymissedbyallthosewhoknew and lovedher.

ACelebrationofLifewill be announcedata laterdate.

To expresscondolences,share memories andphotos, please visit: www.sandsduncan.ca

“When Icometothe endofthe road& thesunhasset for me,I wantno rites in agloom-ﬁlled room,Why cryfor asoul setfree. Miss me alittle, butnot too long,& notwith yourhead bowed low. Remember thelove that we onceshared, Miss me,but letmego. Forthisisa journeythatweallmust take &each must go alone.It’sall apartofthe Master’s plan -a step on theroadtohome.When you are lonely &sick ofheart, go thefriends we know.Buryyour sorrowsindoing gooddeeds,Missme, but letmego.”

Ed is predeceased byhisloving wife,Dorothy,his parentsEdwin &Ruby (nee Couvia) North,hisbeautiful sister Margie.Lefttomisstheir belovedfather are hischildren: Eddie, Sherri &Brad. Hisgrandchildren, Katie, Kyle,Jeffrey, Noah, Abby,Jake, Jackson& Dominic,whobroughthimimmensejoy &deep pride willmisshis presenceat theirsportingevents& the timesspent outdoors &the comfortofhis hugehugs.His sisters, Ellen& Edwina,& brotherHarry& lifelong friend& brother-in-law,Paul, willmiss theirbrother, “Moose”. Duringhisbrief battle with cancerhetookgreatcomfortintheoutpouring of love &support from so very many friends &familymemberswho called& came to be by hisside. Aftera closecall with death afewyearsago, Dadwas unwaveringinhis beliefthata beautifulgardenwaited forhim on theother side, surroundedbythe friends &lovedoneswho left us alltoo soon, so he wasnot afraid to go. “Dad,plant some sunflowerstherefor us,hunt &fish &roamthe backroadswith your newbody freefrom limits,& be readytofire up thebbq whenwetoo come homewhenour roadonedayends.”

PaulineIsabelGraham

(nee Baillie)

July 29th,1926 -March 4,2024

PaulineIsabelGraham (nee Baillie)passedawayon March4,2024, at theageof97.

DoddsAUCTION AUCTION

Isabel wasbornonJuly29th,1926, in Merritt, BC, to Melville andPaulineBaillie.Shegrew up in what is nowknownasthe Baillie HouseinMerritt.

Condolences maybeoffered tothefamily at www.mccallgardens.com

PRODUCTION WORKERS (FT/PT)

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Excellent medical& dentalplan

Pleasesubmit resume in person to 1195 HoustonStreet, Merritt B.C. 250-378-6161

JOBPOSTING

COMMUNITYHEALTHREPRESENTATIVE

Interim-Full Time

Under thedirectionof Xwisten’s HealthManager, the CommunityHealth Representative(CHR)isresponsibleforproviding health promotionand prevention programs forXwisten community members.

Onlythoseshort listedwillbecontacted and to applysubmit resumesand coverletter: GaryForsyth, Administrator Fax:250-256-7999E-mail:administrator@xwisten.ca

Deadline:Openuntilfilled

LEGAL NOTICE

SteveStone/ PamelaStone Paymentforyour storage Unit #26, is overdue.Payment is requiredonorbefore August 17,2024 after which allcontentswill bedisposedof. The itemswill be disposedofafter30 daysof thenotice beingservedor posted, unless the person beingnotified takespossession, establishes aright to possession,ormakes an applicationtothe courttoestablisha right to possession.

ContainItStorage 1750Hill St. Merritt, BCV1K0A1 250-315-3000

IN-HOUSE •MULTIESTATE CABINETRY •TOOLS •INSTRUMENTS SATURDAY,AUGUST10TH -8 AM (LOTSSTART CLOSING) ONLINETIMEDAUCTION

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Viewing -DoddsShowroom -Vernon Thu/Fri(Aug8/9) -8:30am- 5pm& Sat (Aug10) -8:30am- Noon

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Byvirtueofthe Warehouseman'sLienAct, we willsellthestoredgoods ofthe followingtorecover costsofunpaidstorage. Shavon Taylor, -Unit# 38 Amount owing$350.75 and Greg Moyes, -Unit#51 Amount owing$534.00 Thesepersonaland householdeffectswillbe soldbyeitherpublicor privateauctiononorafter August25,2024 R.HackMiniStorage, 2865 Pooley Ave.,Merritt 250-378-5580.

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