Merritt Herald February 13, 2025 by Merritt Herald

PAGE 11-13

HIGHLAND VALLEY COPPER

Logan Lake mayor says expansion of Highland Valley Copper will be good for community.

ANTI-BULLYING

February focuses on ending bullying – start the conversation, spread kindness.

TARIFFS COULD RAISE HOUSING COSTS IN MERRITT, EXPERT WARNS

underserved when it comes to housing, according to McLeod.

A Merritt real-estate group is providing insight into how American and Canadian tariff dispute can impact housing.

As part of the ongoing trade war between the US and Canada, the prices of imported goods are expected to rise on both sides of the border.

In one of the more recent parts of Trump’s tariff plan, all steel and aluminium imported to the U.S. will be subject to a 25 per cent tariff, Canada included. Canada is looking to strike back with tariffs of their own, planning on applying and increasing tariffs on over $30-billion worth of American goods.

These tariffs include a tax on lumber, glass and other materials necessary for home manufacturing.

For homebuilders, the changes would mean higher construction costs for them which would then be put on the home-buyer.

Darcy McLeod is with nest Real Estate Group in Merritt. He suggests that prices of homes, even in Merritt, could be impacted by the tariffs.

“If we had a tariff on everything imported from the United States, that cost of that tariff would be incurred on the company that’s importing it, and they just pass it on to the consumer,” he said.

Currently, Merritt is an area that is

“We’re coming into another time of increased demand for homes. Merritt is one of those areas where we were undersupplied, particularly when it comes to affordable family homes,” he said.

The market of family homes in the area is still being affected by the 2021 flood, with some properties still not fully repaired.

For the construction of new homes, it’s a long and difficult process involving land acquisition and city permits, as well as finding the required skilled contractors to complete construction.

The combination of those factors and others is slowing down the housing supply across Canada at the moment.

The impending trade-war between the U.S. and Canada is likely to further slow down supply chains and increase the cost of housing if it goes hot.

“It’s easy to see that the cost of most things involved in the construction of a home would increase significantly if we had broad based tariffs back and forth with the United States,” McLeod said.

“A lot of the things that go into building a home. You know, it may seem like they’re simple materials, but a lot of them are actually manufactured in the

TARIFFS: continued on page 3

PHOTO : MERRITT SNOWMOBILE CLUB

COLD AIR, FAST RIDES: Snowmobile riders from across B.C. and Alberta gathered at Mount Thynne for the first-ever Ladies Group Ride hosted by the Snowmobile Club. Page 19.

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

‘WHAT TARIFFS COULD AMOUNT TO, FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE, IS JOB LOSS’

US, including things that you don’t really think about, like glass for your windows.”

Switching our industry to make manufactured products like finished lumber ourselves is something that won’t be done quickly according to McLeod.

Even though B.C. produces a large amount of raw lumber - 39 million cubic metres worth in 2023 according to analytics website Resource Wise - it still doesn’t matter as most of the lumber we produce in Canada is raw material that is currently processed in from the U.S. and sold back to Canada according to McLeod.

As B.C.’s forestry industry is currently in decline, with multiple sawmills reducing or shutting down operations such as the Fraser Lake sawmill owned by West Fraser Timber and companies like West Forest Products reducing their operations.

This puts the province in a position where they would be unable to supply the materials necessary to build their own homes and importing it from the U.S. becomes more expensive.

GOT NEWS? Contact Laísa or Ty at newsroom@merrittherald.com or call 250-378-4241

“What the tariffs could amount to, for a lot of people in BC, is job loss. If people lose their jobs, in some cases, they’re going to be forced to sell their homes. So there could be a short-term increase in resale inventory in the market, which could potentially drive sale prices down in the short-term, but create higher demand for rental homes” McLeod said.

But even if there is affordability in the short-term as people sell their homes, McLeod said the market would likely return to normal as time passes.

“Ultimately, it’s the increase of population and the demand in the market that continues to drive prices up. So that’s not really going to go away,” he said. “People are moving from other places to the nicer provinces. Particularly Western Canada, is attractive.”

“It’s the increase of population and the demand in the market that continues to drive prices.”

— Darcy McLeod, nest Real Estate group

“We don’t really have the capacity, and it’s not something that we could turn around quickly and start milling enough lumber and manufacturing all the products that go into building homes, it’s not something that we could do quickly,” McLeod said.

The tariffs also have potential for short-term economic decline and increased inflation, leading to prices coming down for a short period of time, but at the same time creating a further shortage of rental homes.

In short, the tariffs would slow growth in a time when housing is in high demand. McLeod proposed a unique solution smaller communities like Merritt could take to increase housing supply.

“I think communities like Merritt have some great opportunities,” he said. “In order for us to increase housing supply, we’re going to have to be creative.”

He said there’s potential for Merritt to attract factories that mass-produce prefabricated homes.

“It’s possible now to build a variety of wood frame structures in factories and ship them as panelized construction and assemble them on site, which speeds up the on site process, reduces the manufacturing or the building costs and creates opportunity for those building and manufacturing jobs in local economies like in Merritt.”

MERRITT RESIDENTS URGED TO PARTICIPATE IN HOUSING SURVEY

LAISA CONDE editor@merrittherald.com

The City of Merritt is seeking input from residents affected by the 2021 flood to help shape its Strategic Housing Action Plan.

A survey has been launched to gather feedback from those whose housing was impacted by the flood, as well as from others who want to share their thoughts on housing in the community.

The survey is specifically targeting residents who either experienced housing damage or had to temporarily or permanently relocate due to the flood.

However, even if your housing was not affected by the flood, the city welcomes

feedback from all Merritt residents on housing-related issues that may apply to them.

The information gathered will play a crucial role in developing a plan aimed at addressing Merritt’s housing challenges and supporting efforts for safe and stable housing within the community.

The survey is open until Feb. 15, and residents are encouraged to share their experiences to help the city build a brighter future for everyone.

To take part in the survey, visit the City of Merritt’s official website or contact the city for more details.

PHOTO/HERALD FILE The survery will be open until Feb. 15.

OTTAWA REVAMPS DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAM WITH NEW FOCUS ON MITIGATION, REBUILDING

NICK MURRAY THE CANADIAN PRESS

The federal government is overhauling the way it reimburses provinces and territories after natural disasters, with a new focus on funding rebuilding efforts that try to prevent the same level of destruction in a future disaster.

The new funding program is also aimed at speeding up the flow of money during recovery efforts. The previous program was criticized for the amount of time it took to make communities whole.

Data provided to The Canadian Press last year showed it took an average of seven years for all assistance to flow following a disaster. Sometimes in took more than a decade.

Under the revised program, Ottawa will offer to reimburse jurisdictions for up to 90 per cent of their rebuilding costs if they rebuild in ways that would offer better protection if the region is hit by another disaster. That could include rebuilding in an area less prone to flooding, for example.

“Rebuilding a home three times over just doesn’t just make any sense,” Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan told The Canadian Press.

“So relocation does matter and this allows us to provide greater support for relocation in some cases.”

The government has been reviewing the Disaster Financial Assistance Program for several years, and in 2022 it’s national adaptation strategy said funds to recover and rebuild after a major event like a flood or wildfire should be tied to building back in ways that adapt to the region’s risk of future events.

The disaster assistance program was created in 1970 and as of 2023 had paid out more than $8.5 billion for 283 disasters. Flooding accounted for almost half of those and more than one-third of the funds have been sent since 2010.

Under the new program the federal government will cover 90 per cent of

provinces’ costs for post-disaster mitigation in high-risk areas, and cover half of their costs in non-high risk areas. The territories get 100 per cent of their costs in high-risk areas covered, and 60 per cent in non-high risk areas. Sajjan pointed out that the new program was requested by the provinces and territories.

The federal government says it also will cover up to 40 per cent of the cost of building mitigating infrastructure before a disaster hits — rather than just reacting after an event.

“In the past, you can only fix what was broken,” Sajjan said.

“What this allows us to do is if there was an idea or project a municipality potentially might have had to prevent a future impact of a disaster from taking place, we weren’t able to fund that. This (new program) allows that.”

The change also breaks up the funding streams into five sections, including emergency response, reimbursing small businesses and homeowners for uninsured costs, and recovery assistance.

Sajjan said under the old program, communities had to wait to tally the final costs before applying for reimbursement — though Ottawa has advanced money more often in recent years.

In 2022, an advisory panel — tasked by Ottawa to guide a national plan to better prepare for the impacts of climate change — also recommended a timeline of a year or less to ensure disaster-hit communities are promptly “made whole.”

Sajjan said advance payments used to take up to two years to start flowing. He said the new program aims to cut the wait time down to three months.

The new program comes into effect on April 1.

Sajjan also suggested the government will move forward soon with the a national flood insurance program. Ottawa set aside $15 million for the program in last year’s budget.

PHOTO/THE CANADIAN PRESS

The remains of houses and businesses that were destroyed by the 2021 wildfire are seen in Lytton, B.C., Wednesday, June 15, 2022.

LOGAN LAKE MAYOR SAYS EXPANSION OF HIGHLAND VALLEY COPPER WILL BE GOOD FOR

COMMUNITY

TIM PETRUK CASTANET

The mayor of Logan Lake says the province’s decision to fast track a large-scale expansion of Canada’s largest copper mine will have a “big impact” on the community.

The 12-year extension of Teck’s Highland Valley Copper had been up in the air for years. The environmental assessment wrapped up last fall but interested parties, including Logan Lake Mayor Robin Smith, were not expecting a decision anytime soon.

the 12 years. The expansion would take three years to complete, and Teck said it would sustain an average of 1,300 jobs and create $435 million in additional GDP during the construction of the project.

The work will include an expansion of the mine’s existing infrastructure, the extension of two open pits, expanded tailings storage, a landfill relocation and increased water use.

“We’re a small community that’s pretty dependent on them.”

On Tuesday, the mine project was one of four unveiled by the province as a critical mineral project that will be fast-tracked in the face of ongoing tariff threats from the U.S. Smith said she was surprised to learn about the Highland Valley decision.

— Robin Smith, Logan Lake mayor

“Well it’s definitely good news for Logan Lake,” she said.

“We’re a small community that’s pretty dependent on them, and the fact that they’re in our boundary obviously means they pay taxation to the District of Logan Lake. So it’s a big impact for us, absolutely, for them to continue on.”

As is, Highland Valley Copper is slated to stay in production until 2028. The extension will keep the mine running until 2040.

Teck estimates the expansion will yield 1.95 million tonnes of additional copper over

The project will also require the potential realignment of a section of Highway 97C.

Not everyone will be happy with the news.

While the extension project has the approval of some area First Nations, the Stk’emlupsemc te Secwepemc Nation (SSN) is opposed, saying the work would worsen the mine’s environmental impact and reduce the amount of land available for traditional practices.

SSN, a governance group made up of the Skeetchestn and Tk’emlups te Secwepemc bands, formed an environmental assessment review panel of its own, which heard from 70 witnesses. The panel sent a comprehensive report to the province detailing its concerns about increased water pollution, habitat loss and dust creation.

Teck has said it is committed to working with SSN.

The timeline of the project was not made clear on Tuesday.

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NICOLA VALLEY VIEWPOINT

FENTANYL CRISIS SPARKS DEBATE OVER BORDER SECURITY AND TOUGHER PENALTIES

Over t he weekend, Canada received welcome news of a 30-day reprieve from anticipated U.S. tariffs—25% on Canadian goods and 10% on Canadian energy exports to the United States. This 30-day reprieve prevents Canadian counter-tariffs from taking effect, which would have raised costs for already-struggling Canadian consumers buying U.S. imports.

In response to President Trump’s demands, Prime Minister Trudeau announced several border-related measures to secure this tariff reprieve. To quote PM Trudeau directly:

“I just had a good call with President Trump. Canada is implementing our $1.3 billion border plan — reinforcing the border with new choppers, technology and personnel, enhanced coordination with our American partners, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl. Nearly 10,000 frontline personnel are and will be working on protecting the border.

In addition, Canada is making new commitments to appoint a Fentanyl Czar, we will list cartels as terrorists, ensure 24/7 eyes on the border, launch a Canada- U.S. Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime, fentanyl and money laundering. I have also signed a new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl and we will be backing it with $200 million.”

These measures mark a significant shift in the government’s approach and represent

OVERWHELMED BY THE NEWS

DPM Trudeau’s first serious acknowledgment that the fentanyl crisis demands more urgent and forceful federal action.

Critics have noted that it took pressure from President Trump to compel PM Trudeau to act on this crisis. However, from my perspective, enhanced border security and increased vigilance should be a non-partisan initiative that all Canadians can support.

Fentanyl and opioids pose a grave public health crisis. Since 2016, approximately 49,000 Canadians have lost their lives to opioid overdoses—a tragic 200% increase over this period.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has announced new measures to address the opioid crisis that he would implement if elected as Prime Minister. These measures include:

To impose mandatory life sentences on anyone involved in the trafficking, production and distribution of over 40 mg of fentanyl. Further, it is proposed a mandatory prison sentence of 15 years for traffickers caught with between 20mg to 40mg of fentanyl.

Adding some context to those numbers, 80% of accidental opioid deaths in Canada involve fentanyl. It takes just 2 mg of fentanyl to kill someone. That means just 40mg of fentanyl is enough to kill 20 people.

Conservatives believe it is time to treat mass fentanyl production not unlike mass murder. We must make efforts to stop the flow of drugs that are killing far too many of our loved ones.

My question this week: Should fentanyl trafficking be treated more like mass murder with mandatory prison sentences, as proposed in the Conservative plan, or do you think this approach goes too far?

CYCLE?

o you ever feel like the world is spinning out of control? That the relentless flood of news, opinions, and debates is too much? Some days, it’s tempting to hide under the covers and shut it all out. The 24/7 news cycle bombards us with threats, arguments, and divisive rhetoric, each side convinced they are right. It’s exhausting. Our emotions respond first—our gut tightens, our pulse quickens. Then come the feelings: anxiety, frustration, even anger. These reactions are natural, but what if we could take control? What if, instead of reacting impulsively to a headline, a comment, or a perceived insult, we paused and chose our response?

Gaining this control has immense benefits. When we master our reactions, we gain clarity. Others perceive us as calm and thoughtful, someone worth listening to. Instead of getting caught in a cycle of outrage, we can see different perspectives, fostering understanding rather than division.

HERE’S HOW TO REGAIN CONTROL

How do we do this? By building habits that ground us. Daily meditation or prayer, limiting social media exposure, and engaging in gentle exercise like walking, stretching, or chair yoga can help. Expressing ourselves through journaling, painting, singing, or even cooking provides an outlet. Volunteering, learning a new hobby, or taking a class at the local Arts Council can shift our focus to growth and creativity.

The truth is, we are in charge of our lives. No one else. No matter what chaos swirls around us, we can handle it. As Mel Robbins says in The Let Them Theory, sometimes the best approach is simply to let others be—and then ask, “What do I need?”

As the saying goes, “Your emotions make you human. Even the unpleasant ones have a purpose. Don’t lock them away; they’re your guideposts to growth.”

So take a deep breath. The world may be moving fast, but you have the power to slow down.

BONNIE DIXON Healthy Conversations

DAN ALBAS View from the Hill

LETTERS to the Editor

TIME FOR CANADA TO LEAD FROM THE FRONT

Editor,

The commemoration of this year’s International Development Week (IDW), held every February in Canada, was preceded by many disruptions, which is a reminder for Canada to take leadership in eradicating poverty and building a more peaceful and inclusive world. In less than 20 days of inauguration, President Trump signed nothing less than 45 Executive Orders (E.Os), some of which will affect international development efforts. Some of the E.Os included pulling the United States out of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement. Another E.O titled Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid led to a “stop work” order to shutter the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). A large portion of USAID’s funding goes toward health initiatives, including providing polio vaccines in places where the disease is still prevalent and assisting in the containment of viruses that could start a pandemic. Pandemic? Yes, pandemic! Just 4 years ago -specifically on 30 January 2020, COVID-19 was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and a pandemic on 11 March 2020. The status as a PHEIC remained until 5 May 2023, when the disease was no longer designated as an emergency of international concern after over 765 million cases were recorded and nearly 7 million deaths! There has been a lot of debate on how the pandemic was handled. Could the transmission and outbreak have been nipped so as not to cause a global spread? Perhaps Yes. However, one only needs to remember that without the international agencies coordinating actions and responses to the pandemic, it could have been worse.

The lessons from COVID-19 remind us of other global issues that require our immediate attention and action, such as tuberculosis, malaria, access to quality education, and so on. The world’s journey toward greater equity and health is shaky and inconsistent. A

third of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are experiencing stagnation or reversal in development, and only 17% of them are expected to be completed by 2030—the target year. Increased violence and the worsening effects of climate change are jeopardizing the advancements of previous decades.

The United States spends more than any other country in the world on international development. Official figures show that it spent 68 billion USD on foreign aid in 2023 alone, of which more than half (about 40 billion USD) went to USAID. With the severance of collaboration by the US in the international community, now is the time to rally around and ensure a vacuum is not created. Canada has a long history of promoting practical solutions that promote the health and well-being of the most marginalized people to assist global change. Regardless of the party or prime minister in office, this custom has persisted for many years.

In 2023, Canada was ranked 7th for dollars spent on foreign aid, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) with spending to the tune of $8 billion USD. Nevertheless, reinvesting in Gavi and the Vaccine Alliance and making a strong commitment to the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit are two of Canada’s most important chances to demonstrate its global leadership in the coming months. Budget 2025 is a major opportunity to lead from the front with sufficient funding. We can guarantee that Canada reinvests in our world and strives to guarantee that everyone, everywhere, has the chance to prosper if we continue to challenge the Government. Increasing the International Assistance Envelope (IAE) in Budget 2025 by an additional $650 million per year to ensure growing funding for immunization, nutrition, and education worldwide is a step in the right direction. We have to remember that we are as vulnerable as the weakest of us, and Sanofi’s Vaccines captures it perfectly in one of its reports: Diseases need no passport.

– Adeolu Adeloka

Policy and development analyst from Saskatoon, Sask.

FEBRUARY 16, 2017

FIRE WARDEN RETIRES

The Nicola Valley’s longtime fire warden has called it quits after a career spanning more than half a century.

For 62 years, Walter Archachan has worked for the BC Wildfire Service, most notably in his role as a fire warden, and officially retired last September.

FEBRUARY 19, 1997

QUICK RESPONSE SAVES OLD HOTEL

Left for five more minutes and the Adelphi Hotel fire could have engulfed the building, said Merritt’s fire chief. Days after the event occurred, fire chief Rich Finley was counting the community lucky that the fire, which began early Thursday afternoon, wasn’t worse.

NEW PROGRAM AIMS TO BRIDGE TECH

GAP FOR SENIORS IN MERRITT

give back to the community.”

Seniors in Merritt will have an easier time navigating technology soon due to a new social program coming to the town.

Hopeful for a March launch date, Interior Community Services is implementing their Senior’s Tech Table program in Merritt.

Judy Myram is the program coordinator for Better at Home Nicola Valley, a program within Interior Community Services which provides seniors with a range of convenient services.

Since joining the organization last April, Myram has been trying to steadily offer more resources for seniors in the Nicola Valley.

The latest idea to come out of Better at Home is the Senior’s Tech Table. To start, the program would run once a month on the weekends.

Younger people, even youth as young as 13, are encouraged to sign up for the program so they help seniors navigate the communication tools that their devices offer, like emailing or video chatting.

“There are some seniors, that’s their only way of seeing grandkids (Video chat). And so if they can learn how to use Facetime, maybe they want to have email or learn how to email,” Myram said.

Seniors would also be taught digital safety during these sessions, learning how to stay away from fraud and online scams.

Myram said the program is already seeing a good amount of interest.

“I have received some word from community members about a willingness to to help and engage in that,” she said.

“What I hope to have up and coming is an interest in volunteering again. (For people) 13 years and up there’s ways and opportunities to volunteer and to become engaged and

Myram hopes the program will play a part in tackling a wider issue of isolation felt in seniors.

“I’ve heard that from some seniors and elders. I have also heard that from various individuals in support roles, so from some social workers, from some other organizations, that there is a lot of isolation,” she said.

She said many seniors face accessibility issues that force them to stay at home.

“The detrimental health effects, physical and mental health effects, that people experience that are directly related to isolation and loneliness is huge,” she said.

This, combined with a lack of technological literacy, can create high isolation in the lives of seniors.

Myram hopes that if seniors are able to use their phones, it will be easier for them to find out what is happening in the community, allowing them to go to more events and experience life.

“being in a smaller community, we have a lot of gems, I like to say,” she said, calling ‘gems’ community events.

“So many seniors, they’re just so lovely, and they have great stories to tell, and they have so much wisdom and humor. They’re just wonderful with so many gifts and talents. I would love to see a little bit more connection (for them), if we can try to encourage that.

The Better at Home program has also created a monthly information brochure for their clients so they can see what is happening in town.

For more information, you can contact Myram at 250-280-3015 or email her at jmyram@interiorcommunityservices.bc.ca

Myram wants to implement numerous services to help get seniors more connected.

FUTURE PROOFING: The City of Merritt needs to save up for a new wastewater treatment plant, among other large capital expenses. Tax increases of 12% in 2024 and 2025 were planned, with the expectation to normalize the level of increase in 2026.

PROPOSED MUNICIPAL TAX INCREASES of 12% only affect about HALF (about 55%) of your property tax bill? The remaining tax bill is allocated to other agencies like the TNRD, Schools, and Transit. This proposed 12% municipal tax increase translates into a monthly increase of about $22 for the average house, valued at $445,000.

COUNCIL CONTINUES TO DELIBERATE the proposed 12% tax increase and is exploring hard questions about how we can reduce that amount. View various options on the City’s website.

SPEAK WITH COUNCIL: While the best time to connect with Council on the Budget was the January 30th Public Engagement Session, there is still time to share your thoughts. You may contact the Mayor or a City Councillor at any time. Or address Council at an upcoming public Council Meeting where the budget is on the agenda.

LOGAN LAKE MAN EARNS CORONATION

MEDAL FOR VOLUNTEER EFFORTS

EAGLE ANDERSEN CASTANET

Logan Lake’s Bruce Rye has been recognized with a King Charles Coronation Medal for his volunteer efforts in the community.

Rye was nominated by Logan Lake mayor Robin Smith due to he and his wife Jesse’s volunteer efforts.

“We are talking about a couple who have spent their entire lives serving people and I can’t even begin to imagine the volunteer hours these two have invested everywhere they’ve landed over the years,” Smith said.

“I think we’re extraordinarily lucky that they chose Logan Lake to be their home in their retirement.”

In addition to Smith, other regional politicians were on hand for the ceremony at the Logan Lake District Fire Hall.

Member of the Legislative Assembly for Fraser-Nicola Tony Luck, as well as Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo and Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola MPs Frank

PHOTO/CONTRIBUTED

King Charles III Coronation Medal winner Bruce Rye surrounded by regional politicians after earning the award Jan. 30

Caputo and Dan Albas were in attendance. Rye’s family and friends also turned up for the occasion. The medals are distributed to individuals who have made a significant contribution to their country, province or region.

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STOP

LAÍSA CONDÉ editor@merrittherald.com

The Herald sat down with family therapists from Nicola Family Therapy to discuss some of the key factors when it comes to bullying.

Herald: What are some of the most common emotional and psychological effects bullying has on victims?

Nicola Family Therapy: Victims of bullying are more likely than the average youth to experience depression and anxiety, increased feelings of sadness and loneliness, changes in sleep and/or eating patterns, and a loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy.

Health complaints increase and there is a decrease in academic achievement and participation. Kids are more likely to miss, skip, or drop out of school.

Herald: How can children and adolescents differentiate between normal conflict and bullying?

Nicola Valley Family Therapy: At first glance, it might seem easy to tell the difference between bullying and conflict. But, it’s truly not that simple. There are three key components that constitute bullying: aggressive behaviour, repetition, and an imbalance of power.

Aggressive behaviour alone is not bullying but it may be conflict. When two or more people are involved that have different goals or desires, and both are participating, that is conflict. Bullying is a display of an imbalance of power. Examples of power imbalances such as physical strength,

access to embarrassing information, or popularity are used to control or harm others.

Herald: What are some early signs that a child might be experiencing bullying, even if they haven’t spoken about it yet?

Nicola Family Therapy: Some early signs that may point to a child being bullied are:

- Unexplainable injuries

- Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry

- Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick or faking illness to avoid school

- Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating. Kids may come home from school hungry because they did not eat lunch.

- Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares

- Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school

- Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations

- Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem

- Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide

On the flip side, signs that your child may be bullying, if they:

- Get into physical or verbal fights

- Have friends who bully others

- Are increasingly aggressive

- Get sent to the principal’s office or to detention frequently

What to Do If You’re

Being Bullied

• Tell Someone – Talk to a trusted adult like a parent, teacher, or counselor. You don’t have to deal with this alone.

• Stay Calm & Conﬁ dent – Bullies often want a reaction. If you can, walk away and don’t engage.

• Use the Buddy System – Stay close to friends or supportive classmates to avoid being targeted.

• Set Boundaries – If safe, respond with a ﬁ rm “Stop” and walk away.

• Keep a Record – Write down what happened, when, and who was involved. This can help when reporting.

• Avoid Fighting Back – Retaliating can make things worse. Seek help instead.

• Protect Your Online Space – If bullied online, save messages and report them to an adult or platform moderators.

• Find Your Support System – Talk to people who make you feel safe and valued.

• Be an Ally – If you see bullying happening, stand up for others or get help.

• Remember: You are not alone, and bullying is never your fault. Help is always available.

- Have unexplained extra money or new belongings

- Blame others for their problems

- Don’t accept responsibility for their actions

- Are competitive and worry about their reputation or popularity.

Herald: What role do parents and guardians play in identifying and addressing bullying, both online and offline?

Nicola Family Therapy: Please know that there are challenges that parents and caregivers face when addressing bullying. Children are often reluctant to disclose bullying for a variety of reasons so being watchful and consistent with check ins with your child are important.

Children are sometimes not safe from bullying in their own homes because cyberbullying is a very real concern and can happen through computers, cell phones, and other mobile devices.

Children are sometimes threatened so are fearful of disclosing bullying. When a child feels unsafe they can shut down.

But, as a parent or caregiver you will likely see signs and address the issue.

Parents and caregivers can address bullying by:

1. Starting early – address aggressive behaviour early before it becomes habitual and talk about cooperative behaviours such as helpfulness, kindness, and problem solving.

2. Learn and talk about bullying

3. Develop clear behaviours and expectations on how to treat others and model those behaviours.

4. Encourage children to speak up if they experience or see someone being bullied. Listen and take their concerns seriously,

5. Encourage children to do what they love and be engaged with them in understanding their lives.

6. Work with the school to understand and stop the situation

7. Provide coping strategies to help and seek professional help if needed.

Herald: Can you explain how bullying can affect a person’s long-term mental health and self-esteem?

Nicola Family Therapy: The long term effects of bullying are low self-esteem, depression, trust issues, academic issues, health issues, and substance misuse.

Herald: What coping strategies or therapeutic techniques do you recommend for children and teens who have been bullied?

Nicola Family Therapy: A few coping strategies are:

- Seeking help from a school counsellor or therapist

- Joining a support group

- Mindfulness and/or meditation practices

- Creative expression through the various arts

- Physical exercise.

message from Local 31 Nicola Valley Teachers’ Union

ANTI BULLYING CAMPAIGN 2025

Herald: How important is it for schools to create a culture of inclusivity, and how can that help prevent bullying?

Nicola Family Therapy: It is imperative for schools to create a culture of inclusivity. Teachers are permitted the gift of working with impressionable youth as they explore life and set patterns that carry into adulthood. That is a huge responsibility and with it comes the obligation to help children understand bullying. Schools can help prevent bullying by providing education and awareness around bullying, having zero tolerance policies, providing socially just resoutions, provide peer support programs and/or conflict resolution training, safe adult supervision and anonymous reporting tools such as ERASE reporting (www.2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/erase).

Herald: What are the challenges of addressing cyberbullying compared to traditional bullying, and how can these be overcome?

Nicola Family Therapy: There are challenges in addressing cyberbullying because there are factors to cyberbullying that are a bit different that traditional bullying. The first is the illusion of safety is compromised because cyberbullying happens right in their rooms. Next, there seems to be an emotional toll that studies say is a bit deeper than traditional bullying because it shakes the child’s acceptance and belonging in an online world. The final challenge to address is the paradox of engagement. People often find it hard to disengage online for a variety of reasons like fear of escalation, social pressure or cognitive dissonance.

An additional way to overcome cyberbullying that is above and beyond the traditional bullying is through educating our youth about boundaries and personal safety and the reasons involved in the paradox of engagement. Encourage your child to block and report cyberbullying.

Herald: In your experience, do perpetrators of bullying also face emotional or psychological challenges? How can therapy support them?

Nicola Family Therapy: There are different reasons why bullies bully.

- wanting to dominate others and improve their social status

- having low self-esteem and wanting to feel better about themselves

- having a lack of remorse or failing to recognise their behaviour as a problem

- feeling angry, frustrated or jealous

- struggling socially

- being the victim of bullying themselves

Therapy can support people by making the client aware of and work on the above issues and more. There are some specific therapeutic modalities that have a high success rate in working with bullies because it addresses the cognition and the behaviour (CBT).

Herald: What can the wider community— friends, teachers, and peers—do to help reduce bullying and support victims?

Nicola Family Therapy: There are many things the wider community can do to help reduce bullying and support victims.

The first is be a role model and model healthy relationships and conflict resolution. We can also recognize bullying and respond to it when wesee it.

We can share resources about bullying through social media and throughout our community to bring awareness. We can host or participate in any local bully awareness and prevention events within our community. The next big bullying event is Feb. 26 – Pink Shirt Day.

If a young person you know is being bullied at school here is a great reporting resource for students, adults and staff. A website called ERASE bullying report it tool.

BE KIND. STAND STRONG. LIFT OTHERS.

MERRITT FOOD BANK SEEKS WALKERS FOR COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR

TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com

The Nicola Valley Food Bank is clamouring for more walkers to sign up for their Coldest Night of the Year event on Feb. 22.

“It’s a fun event, and we would just love for everybody to come out and join us and do the walk with us and fundraise,” said Derlanda Hewton, manager of the Nicola Valley Food Bank.

“It’s for a good cause and it can help put Merritt on the map.”

Hewton also mentions that people interested to sign up shouldn’t wait until the last minute, so the food bank can prepare for how much snacks and amenities to bring to the event.

This is the fifth year of the food bank hosting the walk, raising money to assist homeless and low income persons.

Merritt’s 2023 homeless count conducted by BC Housing said there were 67 individuals who were identified as experiencing homelessness. According to the same homeless counts in other municipalities, the number of unhoused has increased in every municipality serviced since their last count in 2021.

The Coldest Night of the Year is a walkathon started by Blue Sea

Foundation, a Canadian organization that helps raise money for local charities through fundraisers.

Hewton said the walk brings awareness to the struggles of transient people and aims to bring the community closer together.

“Our life circumstances can change in such a fast, abrupt way, and we’re all so close to becoming homeless,” said Hewton. “This is what (some) people go through every day. This is their life as being homeless and (we’re) just experiencing it a bit to be out in that cold, just for that duration of the walk of what people live in, especially in the winter.”

The walk is the only fundraiser the food bank hosts.

Merritt is just one of many cities participating in the walk. In B.C. alone there are charities from 42 different areas of the province that partake in the Coldest Night of the Year.

Since starting the walk in 2011, Blue Sea Foundation has raised close to $85 million for 190 charities.

Participating charities are given a fundraising goal of $20,000. If they reach that goal, they are eligible to receive money from a national pool of

PHOTO/NICOLA VALLEY FOOD BANK

The Nicola Valley Food Bank is getting ready to host the fifth Coldest Night of the Year later in February. This picture was taken at the third annual charity walk in 2023. Photo/Nicola Valley Food Bank

‘IF

PEOPLE WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

IN SOME WAY, THIS IS THE WAY TO DO IT’

PEOPLE: continued from page 14

funds raised from all the rest of the participating cities.

This year, Merritt is struggling to meet that goal. With less than two weeks until the walk, they are calling for help.

With little time remaining until this year’s event, the food bank is finding participants are slim, with only 13 signed up so far.

The food bank saw a high of around 60 participants one year when both the fire department and the Merritt Centennials joined the walk.

Last year, there were 20 walkers.

“We would love to see those numbers go up. If they (Merritt citizens) want to give back to the community in some way, this is one way to do it,” said Hewton.

Of the financial goal of $20,000, only $1,950 of that has met as of Tuesday, Feb. 11, which is almost 10 per cent of the goal.

BC Housing is sponsoring Merritt’s walk this year with a donation worth $1,600. This also means that amongst walkers, only $350 has been generated.

That donation was given by the City of Merritt’s walking team in the event.

“They (Blue Sea Foundation) expect us to get $20,000 for each year, and it’s kind of hard for our community to do that, but we would love to,” said Danielle Hilton, the food bank’s admin assistant who runs most of the operations for Coldest Night of the Year.

Though the goal has been historically hard to reach for Merritt, the food bank said it’s something they can realistically achieve with a little more push.

“Other communities our size are doing it and exceeding those (numbers),” said Hewton.

She said with fundraising in prior years they’ve been able to give extra food out to those in need.

However, this year a new goal and reason to donate presents itself.

As mentioned during the Jan. 28 city council meeting, the food bank and the city’s housing department have partnered in the development of an affordable housing unit.

The housing unit aims to provide a home for low income families with support for them available close by.

In a report to city council by the housing department, the unit aims to have a community hub, a green built project and a commercial teaching kitchen.

The food bank would also expand, gaining more space and infrastructure for walk-in fridges and freezers.

City council has not yet approved these plans.

Money raised from the Coldest Night of Year would go into the development of these spaces.

“Potentially, the funding that we receive from the coldest night of the year will go towards our new location and the potential establishment of affordable housing for people in the community,” Hewton said.

“It would be nice to have people join in each year and be consistent and just to get the momentum going. I think that it’s for a good cause.”

SUSTAINABILITY TAKES FOREFRONT IN NEW NICOLA VALLEY ART SHOWCASE

TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com

Nicola Valley artists are taking a stance against fast-fashion with their Art of Fibre gallery.

The gallery has been on since February 5 and will be on until March 2 at the Nicola Valley Arts Centre.

The curator for the show is Astralis Snee. Previously they were a volunteer with Nicola Valley Community Arts Council. They were also a co-curator for one of NVCAC’s shows last year, the Whodunit show.

They said the importance of the curator is to have an understanding of each artist’s work and to communicate that vision with visitors.

The themes of the Art of Fibre show are ones that heavily resonate with a lot of the artists.

Fibre art is a form of textile weaving that can be used in a storytelling manner.

For the 13 artists featured in the show, the show is a way to change minds as well.

“I wanted to bring light to the issues of fast fashion,” said Snee.

“I’m trying to highlight how the artists can make a difference.”

The artists utilise sustainable materials and practices like natural dyes, recycled fabrics and traditional techniques to show how fashion can be mindful to the planet.

“The exhibition also takes a deeper look at the impact of fast fashion, revealing how mass-produced clothing harms the environment—from overflowing landfills to toxic chemicals that affect our health. It also brings attention to the human cost, as many workers endure unsafe conditions and unfair wages to meet the demands of an industry built on constant turnover,” Snee said in an email to the Herald.

Snee said what’s special about the show is the creativity of the artists and how each of

them can deliver a unique message within the same theme.

Artists

Nona Tickner breathes new life into fabrics from her childhood, turning them into playful and functional pieces.

Joan L. Jennings transforms quilting into storytelling.

Diana Grimshire focuses on sustainable home crafts.

Jamie Swakum-Antoine creates weavings that honor nature.

Kim Walter presents a woven piece as a heartfelt tribute to her parents.

Mischelle Pierce upcycles her mother’s vest with colorful and expressive needlefelted designs.

Vicki Strom creates garments using the Japanese saori technique, which embraces nature and the beauty of imperfections.

Marilyn Kelly crafts needle-felted bowls that capture diverse themes, from a peaceful day at the beach to the first blooms of spring.

Cindilla Trent showcases her range of skills, from a handwoven blanket to vibrant jackets filled with bold colors and patterns.

Diane Wandler shares pieces that hold deep personal meaning, including a beautifully woven wicker bassinet and a handwoven blanket she created in the 1970s.

Tracy Coombes shares her passion for fiber through her knitted fashion designs.

Kendra Dafoe transforms a simple string of yarn into magical works of art, crafting everything from intricate bouquets and clocks to adorable plushies through crochet.

“I want this to inspire other creators,” Snee said about the show. “I haven’t been in Merritt for long, but it’s clear there’s so much hidden talent here, and I can’t wait for people to start recognizing their own abilities and sharing their amazing creations with the community.”

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

The following are required for an upcoming project in Merritt

• Dr ywall

• Electrical

• HVAC and Plumbing

• Site prep including excavation, ser vices and foundations

• Siding

• Rooﬁng

• Painting (exterior / interior)

• Rooﬁng - EPDM

• Paving / Sidewalks

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• Eavestrough

• Equipment rental

Please contact Nigel Harrison (client’s agent) at 604-313-6506 or email: nigel@highlandbuilding.ca

TRADE REQUIREMENTS

Current Liability Insurance and WCB.

Detailed scope will be conﬁrmed upon enquir y.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO TREAT:

TheM inistr yofForests,Thompson Ok anaganRegion,is planning to aeriallytreat up to 40,000hec tares ofDouglas-ﬁr forest to reducedamage caused by the western sprucebudworm (Choristoneurafreemani).

Thebiological insec ticide Foray48B (Bacillus thuringiensisvar.kurstaki) will be applied by rotar y-wingaircraft (315B Lama, Hiller UH12E T) once on each siteat2.4 litres/ha from approximately June5toJuly5,2025, dependingoninsec tdevelopmentand weatherconditions

Theproposed treatmentsites arelocatedwithinthe Kamloops andMerritt Timber Supply Areas (TSA).

Kamloops TSA:

•Veasy Lake

Merritt TSA:

•Prospec tCreek

•Coldwater Creek

•Mt. McInnes

•Tulameen

Allsites proposedfor treatmentare coveredbythe Southern Interior Area Forest Health ProgramPest Management Plan #2022-2027 conﬁrmation #402-0685-22-27.

ThePestManagementPlan and maps of proposed treatmentareas maybe viewedonline,at https://ow.ly/6Lpf50UMKWK orin-person, at Ministr yof Forests,ThompsonOkanaganRegion, Forest Health, 441 Columbia Street,Kamloops, B.C., V2C 2T3.

Anyone wishingtocontribute informationabout the proposed treatmentsites may send comments by mail to the address above or by email to LorraineMaclauchlanat Lorraine.Maclauchlan@gov.bc.ca until April25, 2025.

MERRITT TO MARCH IN HONOUR OF FALLEN INDIGENOUS WOMEN

LAISA CONDE editor@merrittherald.com

LAISA CONDE editor@merrittherald.com

The Nicola Valley is preparing to host its second annual Women’s Memorial March, an event dedicated to honouring the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S).

This year’s march will bring together community members, families, and advocates to stand in solidarity and raise awareness about the ongoing crisis.

Scheduled to take place on Feb. 14, the march will begin at Rotary Park at 12 p.m. and follow a route through key areas of Merritt. Participants are encouraged to wear red, a colour that has become a powerful symbol of remembrance and resilience for MMIWG2S.

Mindy Garcia, the organizer of the march, has emphasized the importance of the event in bringing attention to the systemic issues contributing to violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit individuals.

“I think it’s important to spread awareness of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Two-Spirited march because it affects every community,” she said.

“There are a lot of families that are affected by missing and murdered women and I think it’s a good way to show support.”

According to a 2023 report from the University of Toronto Mississauga, an estimated 4,000 Indigenous women and girls, and 600 Indigenous men and boys have gone missing or murdered between 1956 and 2016.

The report also states “the problem is so pervasive that the Canadian government does not know how many Indigenous women are missing or have been murdered.”

MERRITT MARTIAL ARTISTS BRING HOME GOLD IN BJJ TOURNAMENT

TY LIM

reporter@merrittherald.com

TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com

Martial artists from the Nicola Valley had the chance to show their skills on the big stage last weekend.

Under the banner of Adelphi Grappling, nine local jiu-jitsu practitioners competed in an AVA Submission Grappling tournament in Victoria, B.C. on Feb. 8.

Present at the tournament were multiple teams from across the province.

The Adelphi team managed to take home 11 medals over the course of the tournament including three gold, four silver and four bronze medals.

Competing against martial artists from 26 other teams, the Adelphi team managed to take fifth place in the adult competition.

Most of their wins came from submissions, namely rear-naked chokes which is the most commonly seen submission in the art of grappling.

A few matches were won in the tournament’s overtime rule in which the fighter who escaped a series of submission attempts the fastest, wins.

The march will feature moments of reflection, drumming, and prayers by Elders. Garcia also highlighted that the march opens a dialogue within the community to continue to bring awareness to the ongoing crisis.

“It’s a touchy subject, but then more people can talk about it and be comfortable with opening up discussions about MMIWG2S,” she said.

She also reflected on how powerful the first march organized last year was and how grateful she felt.

“After seeing that many marchers, I was very grateful to have that outcome, especially for the first one, and I’m hoping that it just keeps growing in size,” Garcia said.

“Getting the word out there that it’s not just for Indigenous communities, it’s for the whole community to stand in solidarity, show support and be there for one another.”

The first march opened conversations between community members about their experiences with MMIWG2S.

“It opened up conversation and people were sharing their experiences and hearing about how everyone’s experience was. It was touching to know that almost all of us have been affected by our family or friends going missing or getting murdered,” Garcia added.

The Women’s Memorial March began in 1992 in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and has since grown into a national movement.

The Nicola Valley’s participation highlights the community’s commitment to addressing this pressing issue.

The event is open to everyone who wishes to show support and stand with Indigenous communities in the fight against violence and inequality.

A highlight of the tournament was student Autumn Quewezance winning one of her 70kg matches by an ezekiel choke, a much less commonly seen method than the rear-naked choke.

- Adelphi Grappling medals:

Gold - Liam McDougall-Shuter

Gold - Brook Dodding

Gold - Cash Lambert

Silver x2 - Autumn Quewezance

Silver - Kate Coutlee

Silver - Jada Smith

Bronze - Ariel George

Bronze - Craig Mike

Bronze - Michael Heppner

Bronze - Brook Dodding

PHOTO KENNETH WONG

Dozens poured onto Merritt’s streets during last year’s inagural march on Feb. 14, 2024

PHOTO KENNETH WONG

Dozens poured onto Merritt’s streets during last year’s inagural march on Feb. 14, 2024

NICOLA VALLEY SPORTS

PERRON EARNS SHUTOUT AS MERRITT CENTENNIALS BLANK KELOWNA

LAÍSA CONDÉ

editor@merrittherald.com

Saturday, Feb. 8 – Merritt

Centennials 3, Kelowna Chiefs 0

The Merritt Centennials returned from Kelowna in dominant fashion, handing the Chiefs a 3-0 defeat behind a stellar performance from Mathis Perron between the pipes.

Tapping into what has been one of their biggest strengths this season, the Centennials stifled the Chiefs offense from start to finish, allowing just 23 shots in the game, including only five shots in the third period alone.

Perron was up to the task on all of them, denying every shot he saw to the frustration of the home team.

The Cents started off on the wrong foot with Taye Shukin being sent to the box for a rare equipment violation only 30 seconds into the game.

Merritt would strike first when Dylan Ruff (13) put it past the goalie to open up the scoring five minutes into the game.

The one-goal lead would carry through the middle frame, and despite both teams pressuring each other’s goalies with 10 shots on goal for Merritt and five shots for Kelowna, none found the back of the net.

The final frame saw Merritt control the pace, outshooting Kelowna 17-5. Sam Giangualano made it 2-0 for the Cents, scoring his twenty third goal of the season.

Giangualano capped off the victory with another goal of his own, making it 3-0 as the Cents clinched their fourth win against the Chiefs in the season.

FISHING

DERBY AT STUMP LAKE A SUCCESS

LAISA CONDE editor@merrittherald.com

BILL OHLHAUSEN DIVISION

KIJHL STANDINGS to Feb. 11

The chilly air didn’t stop fishing lovers to gear up for the annual fishing derby hosted by the Nicola Valley Fish and Game Club.

According to the Nicola Valley Fish and Game Club, 126 anglers came out to the fishing derby to brave the negative temperatures and were rewarded for their efforts.

The largest Kokanee was 1 lb 12 oz, which broke the three way tie at 1 lb 11 oz.

The first place trout was 8 lb 3 oz, followed by a trout of 7 lb 5 oz, and a trout of 6 lb 8 oz.

“Thanks to all who attended and to those companies who donated prizes,” Nicola Valley Fish and Game Club stated.

“We’ll definitely be back next season.”

PHOTO: LAISA CONDE

The Merritt Centennials clinched their fourth win against the Kelowna Chiefs last Saturday. Cents’ goalie Mathis Perron had a stellar performance between the pipes.

PHOTO: NICOLA VALLEY FISH AND GAME CLUB Fishing derby participants show off the fish they caught over the weekend.

ALL-LADIES SNOWMOBILE EVENT DRAWS ENTHUSIASTIC CROWD IN MERRITT

LAISA CONDE editor@merrittherald.com

The chilly air of Merritt was filled with excitement as the Merritt Snowmobile Club hosted their first-ever Ladies Group Ride.

According to Simon Rizzardo, vice president of the Merritt Snowmobile Club, the event brought together 37 women from across the province – including Williams Lake, Enderby, Kelowna, Kamloops – and even Alberta.

“We had an incredible day on the snow with bluebird skies and no wind,” he said. “Thanks to our amazing sponsors, we were able to give away some wicked prizes, making the event even more memorable.”

Rizzardo added that the feedback from the participants has been fantastic, with many already excited for next year’s ride.

“We’re even considering hosting it in our Honeymoon area to mix things up!”

The Merritt Snowmobile Club will be hosting their annual Chili Run this Saturday, Feb. 16, at Mount Thynne.

The exciting event combines the thrill of snowmobiling with the warmth of a hearty chili feast. Riders of all levels are invited to participate.

MERRITT’S MOCCASIN TOURNAMENT BRINGS THE HEAT AND THE HEART

LAISA CONDE editor@merrittherald.com

This past weekend, the annual Moccasin Tournament brought the Merritt and neighbouring communities together for a day of friendly competition and cultural celebration.

In total, 23 teams participated in the tournament which has been running for over 50 years. According to organizers, they were especially thrilled to add the new Women’s Division this year and look forward to its growth.

The list of winners as follow:

- Competitive A Division:

First place - Tkemlups Kamloops War Chiefs

Second place - Hustalen Blades

Third - Nicola Valley Grizzlies

MVPs: Stephen Wolff, Tyler

Shantz, Tony Dennis

- Competitive B Division:

First place: Yellow Jackets

Second place: Lakers

- Legends 40+ Division:

First place: Sto:lo

Second place: Nicola Valley

Grizzlies

Third place: Cayon Bears

MVPs: Otis Jasper, Dave Garcia, Shawn Billy

- Women’s Division:

First place: Puck n Broncs

Second place: Nicola Valley Grizzlies

MVPs: Cheyanne Watkinson, Hailey Haskell, Ashely Fisher

PHOTO: MERRITT SNOWMOBILE CLUB

Merritt Snowmobile Club hosted their first-ever Ladies Group Ride.

PHOTOS: MOCCASIN HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

It was another successful year for Moccasin Tournament in Merritt, with 23 teams participating in it.

NICOLA VALLEY COMMUNITY

CHEN SING, THE CHINESE RAILWAY WORKER WHO BUILT A LEGACY IN MERRITT

CAMERON BRIDGE

NICOLA VALLEY MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES

Chen Sing was born around 1861 in Southern China, when he was a teenager in 1879 he left his home in Guangzhou, China for a port in Hong Kong where he and a group of other workmen left for Canada.

They landed in New Westminster and from there were transported up the Fraser River to Yale.

They were placed under the command of Andrew Onderdonk, a man who had been contracted to construct the western end of the Trans Canadian Railway.

These Chinese workers, including Chen Sing were under a system of indentured servitude. They each owed $800 for ship passage, bed rolls, clothing, food, and other provisions, to be paid back from their work earnings of less than 85 cents per day.

Sing and the other workers endured incredibly dangerous working conditions, poor food,

and scurvy.

Those who survived Onderdonk’s work gangs were eventually disbanded near Revelstoke, B.C., when the eastern work gangs began to close in.

Sing left for Kamloops in search of work, and using what money he had saved from his work on the railway, he eventually found his way to operating a vegetable farm on the Curnow Ranch in Spences Bridge.

In the early 1900’s, Sing got word that the Kettle Valley Railway would soon be expanding to Merritt.

So, he closed his farm in Spences Bridge and bought some land near where the Nicola River joins the Coldwater.

There he sent up a store, a house, and a laundry. Soon after the railway arrived in Merritt and the coal mines were adding wealth to the valley.

Sing became a naturalized British Citizen, and soon after married a woman from Kamloops,

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS

FRIDAY,

FEB. 14

MMIWG2S+ MARCH

Remember loved ones and help to raise awareness with the Women’s Memorial March in honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited, at Rotary Park.

SATURDAY, FEB. 15

CHILI RUN

Chili and snowmobile are the perfect combo for a Saturday morning at Mount Thynne.

whose parents came to North America from China to look for gold in California.

They would have eight children, four boys and four girls.

In 1921, Sing set up “The Visible Café and Rooms” along Voght Street near Coldwater Avenue (just south of where Purity Feed Co. is now), they operated this along with their farm and orchard until the late 1930’s, when the Sing family left the Nicola Valley.

Chen Sing passed away in early May, 1941 in Vancouver at the age of 80.

In 2017, a children’s story called “The Railway Adventures of Chen Sing” was published, written by George Chiang based on the life of Sing and interviews with his son.

Information for this write up was taken from the Merritt Herald and “Merritt’s Sing Family” as told by Issac Sing (Son of Chen Sing) in the Nicola Valley Historical Quarterly “Profiles of Chinese Canadians in the Nicola Valley.

■ Approved mini-storage

■ On-siterentals

■ Secured

■ SaleofNew&Used storagecontainers

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 1:30 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

PHOTO/NICOLA VALLEY MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES

Mrs. Sing holding Irene, Chen Sing with the family dog and Velma and Nanny circa 1910 – from Issac Sing.

CLASSIFIEDS

InLovingMemoryOf CHRISTINAARMSTRONG

Nickolas

Norma Estelle Cannon

30 October 1945 - 26 January 2025

TwoyearsagoonFeb.7youleftusandnot adaygoes bythatwedon’tmissyou.Theworldlost akind,generous andbeautifulsoulthatday. Sheblessedourliveswithher life,herlaughter,andherlove. Loveyouforever,Mom, Dennis,Jenny,Joshand Tucker

Mrs. Norma Estelle Cannon (nee Harrison) passed away on 26 January 2025, aged 79, after a 2 month battle with metastatic pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by family who now greatly mourn her loss. She is survived by her son, Brian Corey Cannon (Kendall Telfer), step-grandchildren Devon Telfer-Martin and Danika Telfer-Martin; sisters Pauline Haits and Maureen (Robert) Sanderson; Brother Philip (Helen) Harrison; sisters-in-law Gail (Ken) Burfoot and Brenda (Martin) Cannon Munster; dozens of nieces and nephews as well as many other friends and relatives, near and far. She is predeceased by her husband Brian Thomas Cannon; their parents D’Arcy and Estella Harrison and Harry and Iris Cannon; her sister Sandra Berg; and brother-in-law Loren Berg. A celebration of her life, officiated by Pastor Matthew Westergard, will be held and Crossroads Community Church Saturday 22 February 2025 at 1PM. Interment to follow on or about 1 May 2025 at the Nanaimo Municipal Cemetery.

Norma was born and raised in Nanaimo BC, 30 October, 1945. She attended Malaspina College earning a degree in Business Administration. Being top of her class, she won a position working for the famous Pirate Mayor of Nanaimo, Frank Key. In 1969, she married Brian Cannon, RCAF, and moved with him to West Germany, part of Canada’s NATO commitment during the Cold War. Their son, Corey, was born in 1970. During her time in Germany, Norma learned German, allowing herself to take in the local culture as well as converse with the new friends found around her. As a family, they toured most of Western Europe. They returned to Canada in 1974 to postings in Summerside PEI (1974-1977) Halifax NS (1977-1978) and Greenwood NS (1978-1984). Brian retired from the RCAF after more than 20 years of service, taking a job at NDHQ in Ottawa ON. During her decade in Ottawa, she learned her third language, French, and achieved degrees and designations in Human Resources, again top of her classes; elevating herself out of business admin roles and into management. She achieved the number 2 position in the Human Resources Department at the City of Gloucester. In the mid-90’s, with Brian looking to retire after over 30 years of government service, Norma began looking for work in British Columbia, where she and Brian hoped to spend the rest of their lives. Norma took a position as Director of Human Resources for a small 3 branch Credit Union in Merritt BC. Over the next 10 years, the Credit Union would grow and merge it’s way to become Interior Savings Credit Union, one of the larger Credit Unions in British Columbia. Norma’s responsibility grew with the company eventually becoming Vice President Human Resources. Even after retirement from ISCU in the mid2000’s, she continued to work in the HR field, forming her own company and offering her skills to smaller businesses on a free-lance basis. She continued to work until her diagnosis in November 2024.

Norma will be remembered as a singular woman. Both ambitious and kind. Tough, yet highly empathetic. Her loss, to those of us who knew and loved her, is devastating.

Should anyone desire, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences, photos, personal stories may be expressed at www.merrittfuneralchapel.com. Service arrangements entrusted to Merritt Funeral Chapel, 250 378-2141

Phillip“Gordon” DonaldFelts

September3,1953 -January29,2025

Phillip“Gordon”DonaldFeltswasbornon September3,1953,inBonnyville,Alberta,toDonald (deceased)andCecileFeltsofLowerNicola,BC.He wasthesecondeldestintheFeltsfamilyand acherished brothertoDennis(Clare),Darlene(Ken), Tammy,and Trevor(Teresa).Tomany niecesandnephews,hewasaffectionatelyknownasUncleGordie.

Gordonwasa devotedhusbandtoKim(Hodgson)for37years, aproudfather toChad(Andrea),Travis(Julie),andWesley(Emma),anda lovinggrandfather toJace,Castin,andhisbelovedThatcher.

OnJanuary29,2025,GordonpassedawayinKelowna,BC,afterbravely facinghealthchallengesformanyyears.Thosewhoknewhimwillrememberhis incrediblestrengthandresilience.Once aspiritedﬁghterinhisyoungerdays,he carriedthatsamedeterminationthrougheverychallengelife presented,includinghisbattlewithillness.

Gordonhada longandfulﬁllingcareerinminingandconstruction,working acrossCanadaandoverseas.AftersettlinginSmithers,heestablishedhisGordie &Sonslandscapingandmaintenancebusiness,wherehishardworkingnature andattentiontodetailshonethrough.

Anavidoutdoorsman,Gordonfoundjoyinﬁshing,hunting,andcooking. Helovednothingmorethanbeingoutonthewaterinhisboat,sharinghis knowledgeandpassionswithhisfamilyandfriends.LastsummeratourFelts FamilyReunionheproudlytookthefamilyﬁshingonBeaverLake—amemory thatwillbecherishedforever.

GordonwasalsoproudofhisassociationwiththeSmithersSteelheadsHockey Club,wherehispresenceandcontributionsleft alastingimpact.Heproudly drovetheteambusknownasTheFish Tankforthelocalhockeyteamsand seniorsgroups.

Aboveall,Gordonwasa kind,thoughtful,anddeeplyrespectedfamilyman andfriend.Hecarried aquietgraceabouthim—strongyetgentle,alwayswilling tolend ahandtohiscommunity,family, andfriends.Hewas atruegentlegiant with aheartofgold.

Hisfamilyandmanyfriendsaredeeplysaddenedbyhis passingbuttake comfortinknowingheisnowatpeace,reunitedwithhisdadandsister, Darlene. Hispresenceinourliveswillbegreatlymissed,buthisspiritwillliveoninthe countlessmemoriessharedbythosewholovedhim.

ACelebrationofLifewilltakeplaceinMerrittonAugust07,2025.

EugeniaC.Stewart

September24,1941- February3,2025

Ageof83fromDouglasLakeIndianreserve,Gina passed awayFeb.3rdattheNicolaValleyGeneral Hospital. WithanincredibleERteamworkingonher Ginadecidedshe wasn’tgoingtofightnomore,at4:55 pmsheleftus.

Restoration &Equipment incl. 2-DodgePickups,Chev Van,Enclosed Trailer,Vacuums, Fans,Dehumidifiers,SpecialtyElectronics,DryingSystems,AirlessPaintSprayers,Asbestos AbatementEquip.,FilterUnits,Heaters,3-DCamera,Scaffolding,Laptop/Desktop Computers,Printers,Desks &Chairs.

LargeSelectionofModern &AntiqueFurniture, AreaCarpets,InteriorDesignItems, Collectablesincl. GretzkyRookieCard,MusicalInstruments,Electronics,Beds,Jewellery, Coins,Medals.

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GinajoinsherhusbandRobert P. Stewartinthespiritworld.Gina walked aquietspirituallife,herjokes,baking’sandsmileswillbemissed, Ginamadesure everyoneinherpresence wastakencareof.

Ginalovinglyleftheronlysister VernaMoses.

Herchildren,AlvinStewart(Cathy Stewart),FloraineStewart(Dave Egan),MidgeStewart, WandaBriggs(Steve Briggs),JaniceJoe(Greig Joe)andAaronStewart(KatherineBaptise)

GrandchildrenShamus(Elaine), Travis(Melissa),GinaEgan, Tyrell, Kyle,MilesBriggs,SkylarandShailynJoe,MichaelSturgeon/Spence (MarshaSpence/Sturgeon)andMyronStewart.

Greatgrandchildren:BenEgan,AidenBriggs, WilliamNelson, ChelanneandTysonAdams.

NephewsandNieces:Davis,RobJr,Melissa,Joyce,Barb,Kim,Ace, Dee,Brenda, LynnandLori.

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AwonderfulCatholicandtraditionalservice washeldonFebruary 7th,2025,attheQuilchenaChurch.TheStewart familyaregrateful andthankfulforthesupportfrom;Dr. King,ERteam,Dr.Ross, family doctor, Father Vern,ReneLamothe,UpperNicolaHealthandtheUpper NicolaElders,FredHolmesforhisleadershiproleinassistingthe family, McCauley, ChartersandHolmes families,Thetraditionalsupport,thehand drummersandtheMerrittFuneralChapelfordoingthethingtheydobest.