Merritt Herald July 6, 2023

a city committee.

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Mostly average numbers for Merritt RCMP, higher mental health and drug use calls beginning 2023

Year to date statistics presented to a city committee by Merritt RCMP detachment commander, Staff Sgt. Josh Roda, show that the city is mostly on pace for an average year in terms of crime, with some notable exceptions.

Presenting to the City of Merritt’s Police Committee on Thursday (June 29), Roda presented crime and service volume statistics for the first five months of 2023, which saw the Merritt RCMP respond to 2237 calls. According to the numbers, this puts Merritt on track for an average year, with slightly higher number of calls than this time last year, but fewer than the two previous.

One thing that is not average, according to Roda, is the number of calls associated with drug use, and the increase in calls to the Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society’s Community Shelter on Voght Street.

“These complaints are when businesses and property owners are calling in vagrants on their properties, and drug use, etc,” said Roda in his report to council. “In the first five months of 2023, we are at 155 calls for service. Comparably in 2022, during the same

time frame, we were at 80 calls.”

The statistics are similar for calls to the shelter this year compared to last, with Roda noting that Merritt RCMP officers have responded to the Voght Street shelter more than 150 times so far in 2023. Within the same timeframe last year, that number was closer to 70.

Merritt Mounties are also expecting an above average year with Mental Health Act (MHA) calls for service.

If the current call volume continues, RCMP members will attend close to 150 such calls by the end of 2023, compared to 112 last year. In 2021, the second year of the pandemic, officers responded to 160 MHA calls.

Roda also noted during his report to the committee that Merritt’s Criminal Code file rate per 1,000 residents compared to other communities that are comparable in size and other key demographics. The city’s rate is comparable to Kamloops, which has a population of close to 100,000.

“Merritt is consistently much higher than comparable communities like Salmon Arm and Revelstoke,” noted Roda. “We have similar Criminal Code crime rates to Kamloops.”

The Staff Sergeant also identified a number of priorities and goals for the detachment in the upcoming year, including crime reduction, prolific offender and drug trade management,

community engagement, reconciliation, and communication. This includes plans for year round bike and foot patrols, more business and block watch programming, increased school engagement, and bi-weekly media releases. The detachment will also participate in the Repeat Violent Offender Intervention Initiative (RVOII), along with looking to dismantle three local drug lines through enforcement.

Marlene Jones, coordinator of the Merritt Community Policing Office (CPO), gave an update on the office’s operations over the past five months. It has been a busy time for Jones and Community Policing Officer Cst. Blake Chursinoff as they attended a number of safety briefings and situation table information sessions, hosted fraud prevention and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) presentation, and trained new Block Watch program captains.

Through its volunteer programs, community outreach efforts, and presentations, the CPO has seen an uptick in its numbers over recent months. In May of this year, the CPO logged approximately 55 interactions at the front counter.

To see the full report by Roda and Jones, visit the city’s website at www. merritt.ca/agendas-minutes.

The Logan Lake Minor Hockey Association recently announced their new name - the Logan Lake Renegades - and are now rebranding along with the help of a local company operating on an international level.

Bass Coast is back in town from July 7 to 10, 2023, with the party starting today for some ticketholders. For coverage of the electronic music and art festival, stay tuned to the Merritt Herald social media accounts.

Merritt RCMP Detachment Commander, Staff Sgt. Josh Roda, presented the detachment’s mostly average crime statistics to the city’s Police Committee last week. Marius Auer/Herald

Marius Auer

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Merritt RCMP announce bodies of missing Stump Lake men found

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Merritt RCMP have confirmed in a press release that the two Lower Mainland men last seen fishing at Stump Lake have been found today (June 29), with the BC Coroner Service now taking over the investigation.

Merritt Mounties originally reported on June 21 that they were notified in the early morning hours of June 20 that two fishermen hailing from the Lower Mainland were missing on Stump Lake. The fishermen had been last seen by friends, fishing on the lake late into the evening, utilizing a small aluminum boat. When the pair failed to return after dark, friends began to search for them, eventually calling police once their search was unsuccessful.

Initial searches last weekend by Kamloops Search and Rescue and RCMP found debris such as fishing gear and jackets from the men, with the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team finding additional debris floating under the surface of the lake. The underwater recovery team

ceased searching on Monday and Tuesday (June 26 and 27), with the search picking back up Wednesday. Merritt RCMP confirmed in a release Thursday (June 29) that the bodies of the men had been found, along with their boat.

“Our hearts go out to the families that are grieving after this tragedy,” said Staff Sgt. Josh Roda in a press release. “We want to thank the public for all the information they provided during the search.”

The BC Coroner Service has now taken over the investigation into the men’s deaths.

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Police confirmed in a press release on Thursday (June 29) that the bodies of the two missing Lower Mainland fishermen last seen at Stump Lake had been found. Photo/RCMP

EDITORIAL

ALBAS: rushing solutions is making problems worse

forms. Currently, most media organizations sell their own online ads, so the added traffic from links on platforms like Facebook and Google actually helps to increase their ad revenue.

Facebook, Instagram, and Google opposed the idea of paying for news links shared by their users and threatened to ban news link sharing if this bill became law.

manently ending the availability of news in Canada on their online platforms.

the error from the Trudeau Liberal government.

wrote about Bill C-18, “An Act respecting online communications platforms that make news content available to persons in Canada.”

C-18 requires online companies like Facebook and Google to pay eligible Canadian media organizations when a link to their online content is shared on these plat-

Editor’s note: In last week’s edition of the Merritt Herald, a column by Pastor Narayan Mitra of the Merritt Baptist Church

As I stated in May, a government can have the best intentions, but it may make the problem worse when it rushes toward quick solutions. This is why my Conservative colleagues have vehemently opposed this bill.

Last week, Bill C-18 received Royal Assent and became law. As most stakeholders and experts predicted, Facebook and Instagram announced that they are per-

incorrectly identified this year’s Canada Day celebration as the 143rd anniverary of the country’s confederation.

This will be a devastating policy for the many media organizations that depend on Facebook and other platforms to drive significant traffic to their online news websites, where they benefit from digital ad sales and sometimes paywall access. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has stated that Bill C-18 is so fundamentally flawed that there is no room for a negotiated solution.

The Trudeau Liberal government has recognized the serious miscalculation of their new law and has recently gone on record as stating that newsrooms will be supported should Meta or Google block their news links. This means that taxpayers could potentially be forced to subsidize

This year marked the 156th anniversary of the occasion, when three British North American provinces - Canada, Nova Scotia, and

Worse, by increasing subsidies for news organizations, only government-approved media sources would receive this funding, which primarily benefits large legacy media companies. This would exclude small, independent, and start-up media who either do not qualify or support this funding because they believe subsidies create dependency and infringe upon their credibility as independent media.

For the record, our official Conservative opposition remain opposed to this new Trudeau Liberal law that was passed, with the support of the NDP.

My question to you this week:

What do you think of Bill C-18 now that it has become law?

Canada.

Herald

DAN ALBAS VIEW FROM THE HILL

New Brunswick - were united into one federation called the Dominion of

The

apologizes for this oversight.

Reporter Laísa Condé reporter@merrittherald.com 250-378-4241

LETTERS to the editor

Re: ‘Toxic drugs claim 176 lives in May’

Editor,

Neglecting people dealing with debilitating drug addiction should never have been an acceptable or preferable political option. But the more callous politics that are typically involved with lacking addiction funding/services tend to reflect conservative electorate opposition, however irrational, against making proper treatment available to low- and no-income addicts.

It’s like some people are actually considered disposable.

Even to an otherwise relatively civilized nation, their worth is measured basically by their sober ‘productivity’ or lack

thereof. Those people may then begin perceiving themselves as worthless and accordingly live their daily lives and consume their substances more haphazardly.

Tragically, many chronically addicted people won’t miss this world if they never wake up. It’s not that they necessarily want to die; it’s that they want their pointless corporeal hell to cease and desist.

Though not in the ‘harddrug addiction’ category, I have suffered enough unrelenting ACE-related hyper-anxiety to have known, enjoyed and appreciated the great release upon consuming alcohol and/ or THC.

Yet, I once was one of those who, while sympathetic, would look down on those who’d ‘allowed’ themselves to become addicted to alcohol and/or illicit ‘hard’ drugs.

Fortunately, the preconceived erroneous notion that drug addicts are simply weak-willed and/or have committed a moral crime is gradually diminishing.

We now know that western pharmaceutical corporations intentionally pushed their very addictive and profitable opiates — I call it the real moral crime — for which they got off relatively lightly, considering the resulting immense suffering and overdose death numbers.

Still, typically societally over-

looked is that intense addiction usually doesn’t originate from a bout of boredom, where a person repeatedly consumed recreationally but became heavily hooked — and homeless, soon after — on an unregulated often-deadly chemical that eventually destroyed their life and even those of loved-ones.

Frank Sterle Jr. White Rock, B.C.

CONDÉ: amplifying Merritt’s voices through storytelling

and I am the new full-time reporter here at the Herald.

My life has been quite the adventure so far. I have switched majors, changed careers, left my home country and my family so I could pursue what I was passionate about. I was never alone in this adventure, as my friends and family have always supported me and my dreams.

the opportunity to learn, listen and talk about so many different subjects that we often become “experts” when writing a story, especially if it’s one that we are curious about.

FromtheHerald archives: July, 1993

FIRE HALL THREATS

“Somebody’s trying to play mind games,” Mayor Clara Norgaard told the Herald Monday.

Typed in lower case lettering, the letter, which was only faxed to Norgaard, stated that if the City of Merritt continued letting fire chief Rich Finley do his job, more incidents like the recent mill fire would start happening.

LETTERS POLICY

I was still living in my home country, Brazil.

As the newest member of Merritt’s community, I believe this is the best time to introduce myself to everyone. I’m Laisa,

I have often heard from my college instructors that “journalists know and can talk about everything.” Well, almost everything. It’s a career that gives us

As a young journalist, I get the incredible honour to work alongside Marius, who has been nothing but patient with me throughout my moving process. I am sure that he will guide me through Merritt’s unique community and help me improve my journalism skills.

I came to Merritt from Vancouver, and prior to that

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As a reporter, I know how passionate people are for their local stories and newspapers. I am grateful to be part of this newsroom and community. All I ask is patience as I learn how to navigate around Merritt and learn about the people that make this town great.

I hope to use all the experiences I’ve gained throughout my time in college and my internship to amplify the voices of Merrittonians through the art of storytelling.

Over 1300 square feet of living space good sized family room with fireplace at entry. Plus living room off of open design kitchen and dining room. The master bedroom has a 2-piece ensuite plus, walk-in closet. The home comes with all the appliances and has central air plus a patio in the back. Bare land strata with yard maintenance taken care of for you.

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The Merritt Herald welcomes your letters, on any subject, addressed to the editor.

Letters must be signed and include the writer’s name and address.

Letters may be edited for length, taste and clarity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less. Email letters to: newsroom@ merrittherald. com.

Summer Artisan Show showcases local talent, runs all summer long

Kerstin Auer MERRITTHERALD.COM

After eight successful Winter Artisan Shows, the Nicola Valley Community Arts Council is putting on their first Summer Artisan Show, taking over both the art gallery and the gift shop from June 29 until September 10. In addition to over 30 regular artisans at the shop, there are several new and returning artists and artisans offering their creations to locals and visitors alike.

Unlike other shows at the art gallery, all items can be purchased and taken immediately, and new items will come in throughout the summer.

“We really want to look after all visitors and the locals who have company coming for the summer.” said Jano Howarth, curator at the Nicola Valley Arts Centre. “We feature over 30 of our wonderful regular artists and artisans and we are encouraging all our regulars to spill over, to bring more stock in, more inventory during the whole summer. And as it sells, they will just replenish. We also have a few people who have been with us before and they have joined us again [...] We’ve also got some new artists with us.”

Some of the returning artists are Jolene Czernisz and Judy Myram. Czernisz’s large scale original paintings feature enchanting landscapes, flora and fauna, shown in a range of beautifully muted colours. Myram previously contributed water colour paintings and quilled paper to the Best in Class Art Show, and is now featuring colourful knitted gift bags and totes. Part of the proceeds from her sales will go to FND Hope Canada, a foundation committed to supporting people diagnosed with func-

tional neurological disorder.

There are also several new artists and artisans, like woodworker Murray Yurkowski.

“Murray Yurkowski has a variety of rustic pieces from benches to sofa tables and then some smaller items like angels that can be put out in the garden and little shelves and serving trays and charcuterie trays,” added Howarth. “He sources his wood in Haida Gwaii and Quilchena, and we love getting those backstories.”

Other new artists are Lacey McRae Williams who is working in pastels, Gayani Jayaweera who creates colourful paintings with acrylics on canvas and mixed media on wood, and Christian Bur. Originally hailing from Switzerland, Bur is a long-time Merritt resident who contributed feathers carved from hardwood and adorned with streaks of abalone.

The entire gallery and gift shop space has been changed and updated by arts council volunteers for the summer show, and will continue to change throughout the summer. The Nicola Valley Arts Centre is located at 2051 Voght St. next to Kekuli Cafe, and open from Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

In addition to the Summer Artisan Show, the Arts Council is looking forward to a busy summer. Their Art in Motion trailer will be at the Summer Nights Markets every Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. throughout the summer, as well as at select Quilchena Street Markets. The Art in Motion trailer offers a selection of gift shop items, art activities, and games.

For more information and events, visit the arts council website at www.nicolavalleyarts.com/calendar.

The show is located at the Nicola Valley Arts Centre, beside Kekuli Cafe at 2051 Voght St. The centre is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m, Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Kerstin Auer/Herald

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Nature’s dopplegangers: invasive species versus native species

Catherine Tarasoff INVASIVEPLANTS@TNRD.CA

You’ve likely found yourself scratching your head, looking at a plant, wondering, “is this a native species or an introduced invasive species?”

“Should I remove this plant even though it might be a native species?”

While some invasive plants are distinctive and easy to recognize, others can be hard to distinguish from local native species, especially at a distance.

White flowering plants that often get confused with one another are common yarrow (native), hoary alyssum (exotic/invasive), and hoary cress (exotic/invasive). All of these plants have small, white flowers in umbrella shaped clusters at the tops of their stems; however, that is where the similarities end. Here are some key characteristics to tell the plants from each other:

Common yarrow has white to pinkish-white flowers that form in clusters at the top of the stems. It has a dark green feathery, fern like leaves. Common yarrow is an early colonizer and can act invasive, forming large patches on declining pastures and disturbed areas.

Hoary cress has small white flowers with tiny heart-shaped seed pods clustered around the flower head. The lower leaves and stem have tiny hairs that give it a soft and velvety feel while the upper leaves are typically hairless. The leaves are greyish green and clasp

around the stem. Hoary cress is found in loamy soils and prefers neutral to alkaline conditions. It thrives in open, non-shaded habitats with moderate moisture, such as fields, meadows, pastures, open grasslands, roadsides, ditches, and gardens.

Hoary alyssum flowers have four deeply notched petals. The seed pods are lens-like and very distinct. The greenish-grey leaves are lance shaped, alternate along the stem, and decrease in size upwards on the stem. Hoary alyssum is also tolerant of poor growing conditions, but the consequences of leaving this species can be disastrous, especially for horse owners. Hoary alyssum is toxic to horses if it makes up 20 per cent of their diet. In pastures, horses tend to avoid hoary alyssum; the challenge is in contaminated hay, where horses cannot avoid this invader.

Next time you see small white flowers, take a closer look. Is this plant a friend or foe?

Help keep our region free of invasive plants by reporting and managing invasive plants on your property.

Catherine is the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Thompson Nicola Invasive Plant Management Committee (on Facebook @TNIPMC). This season, articles are dedicated to identifying native plants that are commonly mistaken for invasive plants. The series will provide tools and tips for telling the difference between invasive species and native look-alikes in our region. Look for more resources at www.tnrd.ca.

Hoary alyssum (left) and common yarrow (right) are both common in the Nicola Valley and surrounding areas. Photo/Catherine Tarasoff

City receives provincial funding to install residential water meters

Parcel Tax Review

Parcel Taxes are imposed for Water and Sewer

The roll is available for inspection at City Hall (2185 Voght St) during the City’s regular office hours

Any person who owns a parcel and believes that the roll should be amended regarding that parcel may appeal, on one or more of the four following grounds:

• an error or omission respecting a name or address on the parcel tax roll

• an error or omission respecting the inclusion of a parcel

Marius Auer

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

New funding from the provincial government will soon allow the City of Merritt to install a residential water metering system, a move both the city and province said will conserve water and protect vital infrastructure systems.

The city currently has water metering in place for some organizations and multiunit complexes within the community, although it has not been able to raise the required funds to implement residential water metering. As a part of a $3,000,000 investment by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, residential water metering will become a reality in Merritt in the next five years.

“This funding is an important first step towards protecting our future water resources,” said Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz in a release. “The City of Merritt is grateful to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs for their continued support in helping to improve the city’s services and to implement good water conservation practices.”

The city said in its own press release that while the City of Merritt Water Conservation Policy led to a 43 per cent decline in average water consumption per person from 2006 to 2019, the city’s consumption at 742 litres per-person, per-day, is still significantly higher than the provincial average at 503 litres, and national average at 427 litres. While the conservation policy has helped, the city has identified the need for more action to ensure property owners are billed fairly for water use.

The cost of water is billed to each city property owner on their annual taxes. Under a water metering system, residents that conserve their water usage would likely experience a reduction in taxes, while those that use large amounts will be billed at a higher rate for their consumption. The province noted in its release that the

new investment will not only reduce water usage, but also support the sustainability of local ecosystems.

“Local governments across the province are working hard to improve or upgrade aging infrastructure so that our communities can continue to thrive,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs.

“We are working together with the City of Kelowna and City of Merritt to ensure they have the resources they need, which includes investing in projects to protect the vital drinking water and wastewater systems people rely on.”

The water metering project will run approximately $3,526,814, and is now funded largely by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs’s $3 million investment. The more than half a million dollars remaining will be drawn from the city’s water reserve fund, meaning Merritt residents will not see any additional costs for this improvement.

As a part of the provincial funding announcement, the Turtle Lake dams in Kelowna will be strengthened and reinforced with earthworks and wastewater management to prevent the deterioration of groundwater sources and Okanagan Lake.

• an error or omission respecting the taxable area or the taxable frontage of a parcel

• an exemption has been improperly allowed or disallowed

If you wish to appeal, you must inform the City in writing no later than 5:00 pm on Sunday, July 9, 2023. You may provide this notice:

• In-person at City Hall

• By letter clearly marked PARCEL TAX APPEAL 2023 to Box 189, 2185 Voght St, Merritt BC, V1K1B8

• By emailing parceltaxes@merritt.ca

The City of Merritt removed the provision in its building codes and regulations that required new homes built in the community to install water meters in 2021, but new provincial funding will allow for a water metering system to be installed. Photo/Herbert Goetsch

Province taking steps to enhance forest management practices

Kerstin Auer MERRITTHERALD.COM

The provincial government announced in a recent press release that immediate steps are being taken to help protect rare forest habitats, as well as expand forest management and planning through public engagement. The changes come after extensive consultation with First Nations, professional associations, and other stakeholders.

Most notably, forest licence holders will be required to publish forest operations maps the public has access to. A digital version is currently being tested, with full functionality expected by 2024, according to the press release.

“Providing people with an easy, user-friendly tool to view maps of local forest operations will help to promote transparency and information sharing,” said Jennifer Gunter, executive director of the BC Community Forest Association. “Forest operations maps have the potential to improve public confidence in our sector across the province.”

Farmers encouraged to donate to food banks with tax incentives

While no date has been given, the requirement for licence holders to publish forest operations maps will go into effect soon, giving the public insight into proposed cutblocks and roads. Feedback from the community will be invited, for the important conversation about protecting the environment and practising responsible stewardship while still being able to provide jobs in an industry that has been shaken up in recent years.

Whether these new measures and regulations will have an impact on the ongoing local issues with cutting permits and employment in the forestry sector, remains to be seen. Aspen Planers continues to struggle with obtaining cutting permits. Both AP Group, the parent company of Aspen Planers, and mill union leadership have said the issue behind the Merritt mill’s recent closures is a lack of cutting permits being issued by the provincial Ministry of Forests due to concerns by local First Nations with the applica -

Continues Page 13

SEASON TICKETS

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The provincial government is incentivizing farmers to donate to their local food banks and school meal programs, including the Nicola Valley and District Food Bank in Merritt.

Through a tax credit that will continue until 2026 following an investment in Budget 2023, farmers who donate eligible agricultural products to B.C. food banks or school meal programs are eligible to recieve 25 per cent of the qualifying gifts’ value back for

that tax year. Gifts that qualify include meat products, eggs or dairy products, fish, seafood, fruits, vegetables, grains, pulses, herbs, honey, maple syrup, mushrooms, nuts or other produce that has been grown, raised or harvested on a farm in B.C.

The Nicola Valley and District Food Bank is currently experiencing community members accessing their services at record high rates, while receiving lower than usual donations. The food bank welcomes and appreaciates donations, both financial and otherwise. For more information on the credit, visit https://shorturl.at/cfvC6.

A variety of local produce at a Farmer’s Market stall is shown in this undated Herald file photo. Photo/KamloopsThisWeek

tions.

From Page 12

In a letter sent to the Minister of Forests, Bruce Ralston, on June 9, several local contractors raised their concerns around the timber permitting process and barriers in the licence approval process, as the Herald previously reported.

“The group met to try to understand the timber permitting process and the barriers in the approval process. There have been very few permits issued in the Merritt Timber Supply Area in the last six months, which is causing great concern from a financial standpoint and the mental health of the employees affected. An estimated $100,000,000 in logging machinery is sitting idle and therefore, approximately 350 direct employees are not receiving paycheques. These are taxpaying citizens that are considering moving out of the province to keep their livelihood. As a group of concerned forest workers and citizens, we would like to have a timeline on permits that are going to be issued for local employment,” reads the letter.

While the changes for license holders, such as providing a forest operations map, have been developed by the province in consultation with First Nations, it remains unclear if this will remove the barriers in the licensing process to ensure that many of the forestry professionals in the Nicola Valley who have been unemployed since February of this year, can get back to

work.

New legal protection for rare habitats is also part of the immediate changes the province is implementing. The changes aim to better protect habitats for unique flora and fauna, some of which are only found within certain geographic areas in B.C. A new habitat category called Ecological Communities is being added to the Forest and Range Practices Act and any decisions concerning those communities needs to include environmental considerations.

“Supporting healthy forests and improved forest management is important to people, workers and communities. We are boosting forest conservation to better support ecosystem health, including rare and critical habitat,” said Bruce Ralston, provincial Minister of Forests. “Opening the planning process to the public through the use of new digital tools will engender greater public trust and ensure forest resiliency.”

The changes, as announced in the press release, are part of a multiyear, phased approach in an effort to reshape forest management to better integrate with modern land use management, according to the Government of B.C.’s website. The province is committed to increasing Indigenous consultation and participation in forest management, as well as developing an action plan to address the realities of climate change.

Cutting permits for local harveting rights have been an issue of contention for Aspen Planers, a local mill that has shut down a number of times due to what its parent company says is a lack of consistent supply. Photo/Herald File

Newest rendition of ‘Coffee With a Cop’ to feature BC Highway Patrol

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Merritt residents will soon have the opportunity to engage with the police officers keeping an eye on area highways.

The Merritt Community Policing Office (CPO) announced in a social media post that Superintendent Dale Carr and Inspector Rob Nason with BC Highway Patrol will be joining in on a conversation at Spirit Square to engage with the community and answer any questions.

Coffee With a Cop started in Merritt last summer, offering a casual environment with coffee, snacks, and the ear of RCMP officers from the local detachment. Locals are welcome to share their concerns and experiences, or just enjoy a casual conversation and a free cup of coffee.

This month’s rendition of the monthly event will take place at Spirit Square on July 12, with both Merritt RCMP and BCHP officers making an appearance.

“It’s broken down that barrier that the uniform can bring to it. It’s

been really good, really friendly and welcoming by the community, by the people who attend,” noted Cst. Blake Chursinoff, Merritt’s community policing officer, when asked about the event previously.

“There are a few people who have been coming regularly every month, and I have gotten to know them, and they are more than just regular strangers out on the street; they are people that I know their first name and it’s been really good.”

For more information on Coffee With a Cop, or the Merritt CPO, call the office at 250-378-3955.

SCHSS 25th Anniversary Celebration

Come help us celebrate 25 years of providing health services to our Indigenous Communities in the Nicola Valley!

Date: July 14th, 2023 Time: 12pm-3pm

Location: SCHSS Main office, #103-2090 Coutlee Ave, Merritt, BC

Our hands go up to all who made these last 25 years successful!

Highland S olar and Energy Storage Projec t

BC Solar Limited Par tnership proposes to build the H ighland Solar projec t, including solar panels, batter y storage facilit y, access roads and transmission lines, about 15 k m south of Ashcrof t, B.C.

The EAO is holding a public comment period on the Initial Projec t Description, which outlines major components of the projec t and anticipated effec ts on the environment and human ac tivities.

Learn more about the projec t and tell us what is impor tant to you:

July 12, 2023

July 17, 2023

‘It’s broken down that barrier that the uniform can bring to it.’ MERRITT CPO’S CST. BLAKE CHURSINOFF

Centennials bolstering roster in offseason under new leadership

Director of Player Personnel and Player Development for the upcoming 2023/24 season as a part of the partnership. Lovell, Passmore, and Rabbitt, recently hosted the team’s first ever international camp at Lovell Arena in Rockland, which lead to a number of signings.

One such signing is Ocean Fancy, a 2004 born defender hailing from Orleans, Massachusetts. Fancy is an even 6 feet tall, weighing 187 lbs. He had five goals and 14 points in 35 games with the Boston Advantage in the National Collegiate Development Conference during the 2022/23 season, and will join the Cents on the ice this fall.

Marius Auer

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Adjusting to a ‘new normal’ within the now-independent British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) while also looking to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season, the Merritt Centennials have made a number of trades and player signings, including two newly-allowed international players.

After a slow start, the BCHL offseason began to heat up a number of weeks ago for the Cents, as they began to look to the next season. Along with the hiring of Brian Passmore as head coach and Kevin Rabbitt as general manager, the team also recently announced a new partnership with a New England-based hockey academy.

Tim Lovell, owner of Lovell Hockey in Rockland, Massachusetts, will join the Merritt Centennials as the team’s

“Ocean is a dynamic defensemen, a great skater, physical and a tenacious player,” said Passmore of the new signing. “He enjoys joining the rush and creating offence, while using his passing and playmaking ability to break pucks out of the defensive zone and in transition to go onto the offensive attack quickly.”

The BCHL’s new rules as an independent league means teams can now sign two European players to their roster, and the Cents have done just that. Alex Stepanek, a 19-year-old forward from Czechia standing at 6’0” and 183 lbs, will don a red Cents jersey later this year. Last season with HPK U20 in the SM-sarja League, Stepanek produced three goals and six assists for nine points in 11 games. The Cents said in a release that Stepanek is hungry to score and creates plays for the team, and, as a competitor, is determined to win and show the BCHL, NCAA, and City of Merritt his skill set and work ethic.

Another international signing is Martins Kruklitis, a left-shot defender that the team called ‘highly talented.’ Standing tall at an impressive 6’6” and weighing 198 lbs Kruklitis proudly represented Latvia in the 2022 u18 World Hockey Championships, contributing three points across four games. During his previous season with his home club in Latvia, Kruklitis played 20 games, recording three goals and 13 assists. The Cents said Kruklitis’ statistics underline his ability to make significant contributions to scoring opportunities.

In a blockbuster move for the team, the Cents also recently announced that star forward Jackson Krill has been traded to the Coquitlam Express in exchange for 19-year-old left defenseman Tait Ross, who is committed to Dartmouth University and hails from Coquitlam, 20-year-old center Ray Hamlin, committed to Mercyhurst University, from Windsor, ON, and 20-yearold left winger Blake Setter, from Calgary, Alta.

“They have a great deal of Jr. A playing experience and can produce,” noted Passmore of the trade. “We feel today we have upgraded our team again as these players bring maturity and leadership qualities. We would like to give a warm welcome to Tait, Ray and Blake and would like to thank Jackson for his time in Merritt.”

Passmore added that the team would like to also acknowledge the departure of Krill, a beloved member of the team, noting his presence and contributions will be sorely missed.

In another recent trade, the Cents acquired forward Michael Stenberg in

exchange for future considerations from the Chilliwack Chiefs. Michael stands at 6’2” and 185 lbs, hailing from Needham, Massachusets. In addition to his compiling of four goals and nine assists for 13 points in 27 games played in the 2022/23 BCHL season with the Chiefs, Stenberg has seen ice time in the US with 72 games played with Des Moines Buccaneers in the USHL. The Cents said they believe Stenberg is ready to have an outbreak in offensive production this coming season.

In their continued quest for improved defensive lines and goalkeeping, with starting goalie Johnny Hicks leaving for Alberta’s Brooks Bandits, the Cents recently signed goaltender Andrew Ballantyne, a prospect hailing from Whitby, ON. After two successful seasons with the Pickering Panthers in the Ontario Junior Hockey League, where he achieved winning records and remarkable statistics, the Cents said the athletic Ballantyne joins them with a calm demeanor, possessing an unwavering “hate-to-lose” competitive spirit.

Along with the extra help behind the crease, supporting Ballantyne will be 18-year-old defenseman Trent LeDrew. LeDrew hails from Ontario, where he most recently played for the Brockville Braves of the Central Canada Hockey League. Last season with the Braves, LeDrew played 55 games, scoring eight goals and 25 assists for 33 points, including 12 playoff games with one goal and four assists for five points.

The Cents season begins on September 22, 2023, with a home game against the visiting Powell River Kings. For this season’s schedule, visit www.merrittcentennials.com.

Local youth hockey goalie captures BCHL spring league with team

One chapter just came to an end for local hockey goalie Nathan Van Rensburg as he graduated high school, but it looks like several doors for the next chapter in his life have already started to open.

Van Rensburg spent some time training with the Kamloops Storm earlier this year and was invited by their general manager, who also doubles as GM for the BCSHL (BC Spring Hockey League) U18 Interior Grizzlies team, to play with them during this year’s iteration of spring hockey. Van Rensburg told the Herald he did not hesitate to jump on the opportunity.

“He decided to give me a call and let me know about the opportunity to play for them and I took it,” he said. “Every bit of exposure is nice, it’s good to try and put yourself out there and try to be seen by bigger teams.”

The BCSHL is organized by B.C. Junior ‘A’ hockey teams to give top players in their region the opportunity to develop their skills in front of coaches and scouts from various levels of hockey. By the time the final championship game came on

June 25, it was clear that Van Rensburg was in the right place as his team defeated the West Kelowna Warrior U18 team by 5-4 in a shootout to win the league title. While Van Rensburg did not play for the team in the playoffs, he made up for it in their regular BCSHL season, playing 14 games and boasting a .771 save percentage.

His team, the Interior Grizzlies U18, defeated the Island Kings 1 by a score of 3-2 in overtime to advance to the final, where they won the league.

After a big and exciting week last week that included high school graduation and winning the BCSHL final, Van Rensburg is looking toward the future and planning to take a gap year to explore more hockey opportunities.

“I’ve got some interest in teams in the PJHL and from Alberta. I haven’t really picked a team just yet. I’m kind of liking Surrey right now, it’s just a little bit closer to home than Alberta and they’ve got a good organization over there,” said Van Rensburg.

When asked about the ultimate dream, he added: “It would be nice to get some kind of scholarship somewhere in the States. Go to school and play hockey for a school would be the ultimate dream.”

Local goalie Nathan Van Rensburg (second from left) poses with his team. Photo/U18 Grizzlies

Do

Canada Day festivities return to Rotary Park

Shop One StopLove

CONTAIN-IT STORAGE

1750 Hill Street ■ Phone: 250-315-3000

THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WEL COME YOU

Crossroads Community Church 2990 Voght St • 250-378-2911

Ser vice Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m

Merritt Baptist Church 2499 Coutlee Avenue (at Omre)

Sunday ser vice 10 am, Phone (250)378-2464

Merritt Lutheran Fellowship in St Michael's Anglican Hall • 250-378-9899

Ser vice Time: 3rd Sunday each month 1:00 p m

Sacred Hear t 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

Ser vice Times: 2nd and 4th Sundays only - 10:00 a.m.

Trinity United Church

Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735 Ser vice Time ever y Sunday - 10 am

Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave. ( The Cadet Hall)

Sunday Ser vice Time: 4:00 pm • 250-280-1268

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

Ser vice Time: Sundays 9:00 am and 11:00 am

Marius Auer NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Celebrating the country’s 156th anniversary of confederation, hundreds gathered at Merritt’s Rotary Park on Saturday (July 1) for a day including games, live music, a ceremony, and a late night outdoor movie.

The day of festivities was organized by a number of organizations, and included the participation of the City of Merritt, Q101 Merritt, HUB International, Nicola Valley Farmer’s Market, Merritt & District Chamber of Commerce, Love To Dance Academy, and Nicola Valley Arts Council. The Knights of Columbus hosted

their traditional pancake breakfast at the Merritt Civic Centre to kick off the day, with the fun then moving to Rotary Park for the remainder of the day, including a bouncy castle, face painting, games, balloon artists, a bike parade, a ceremony with the mayor, and more. To make up for the lack of a fireworks display, the city hosted a late night showing of Clifford the Big Red Dog on an outdoor screen at Rotary Park.

Organizers told the Herald that the event went smoothly, thanks to the participation of a number of local businesses and organizations.

Photos by Marius Auer and Angela Duhy.

SUMMER READING CLUB 2023

PLEAS E RECY CLE THIS NE WSPAPE R

C e lebra t io n of L ife RON R ACI N E

Please join us for a celebration and reception at 3889 Mill Creek Rd at 1:00 PM

August 5th, 2023

Please RSVP to millcreekcabinets@telus net or 250-378-6311 so we can plan accordingly

Inloving memory of GERRY & BRENDA L ARSON

Gerry : July 4, 2014 & Brenda: July 13, 2014

And hand in hand, On the edge of the sand, They danced by the light of the moon

It’s been 9 years now We all miss you everyday We love you both Love, Cathy, Dwight, Christy, Patrick, Sofia,Josie, Joel, Heather, Charlie, Walker, Sawyer, Cindy, Heidi, Cody, and Jessica

MERRITT

David Robert Chambers

Nov 24, 1995 - June 27, 2023

Children also grieve. Be honest with the child and give simple clear explanations consistent with the child’s level of understanding

www.merritthospice.org

OFFICE MANAGER

M e rrit t Prop e r t y M anag e m ent Ltd . in M errit t, BC is immediately looking for a vibrant, organized and detail - oriented

O f fic e M anag e r. We are a fast paced of fice needing a team player with a positive demeanor and excellent communication skills

Re quir e m ents:

• E xperience in an of fice set ting in an administrative role

• K nowledge and proficiency in M S O f fice ( Word, E xcel and Outlook)

• Maintain accounts payable and receivable including payroll

• Familiarit y with QuickB ooks or similar accounting program

• Abilit y to communicate ef fectively - both writ ten and verbal

• Prioritize time management in a multi -tasking environment

• Develop social media plat form marketing

Joining this team provides oppor tunit y for advancement and education in Proper t y Management General of fice hours are M onday to Friday, 8:3 0 am to 4:3 0 pm (sometimes occasional af ter hours and weekends required) S alar y commensurate with experience and ex tended healthcare benefi ts package available

Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society

Employment Opportunity

HEALTH CLERK/RECEPTIONIST

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The Health Clerk w ll assume the secretarial, clerical and receptionist duties under the supervision of the Executive Director, and will per for m other duties as required They are also subject to the Policies and Procedures of the Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society (SCHSS) The position will be responsible for the provision of administrative and clerical support to the SCHSS programs

P: 250-280-1701

Emai

David Robert Chambers passed away in h s home in Merritt on June 27, 2023 at the age of 27

He was survived by his Mother Ba Chambers, Father Bob Chambers, step mother Anne Chambers, sisters Megan Chambers and Stephanie Parsons and her husband Jay nieces and nephews Chevonne Evan, Tamera, Andy, his mater nal grandparents Llyod Obor ne and Beverly Johnson and many aunts and uncles

He is predeceased by his pater nal grandparents Grace and Phillip Chambers

A memoria will be held on July 14, 2023 at 2:00pm at Merritt Funeral Chapel and there will be a viewing avai able at 1:00pm for anyone who would like to see him one more time Should anyone desire donations may be made to Canadian Mental Health Kamloops Onl ne condolences may be expressed at Merrittfuneralchapel com

• This pos tion will be responsible for ensuring that reports derived from the database accurately reflect the most up-to-date health status of the communities of Coldwater, Shackan, and Nooaitch They wil also be responsible for arranging and ensuring payment for medical appointments for clients and establishing their medical travel eligibility for funding under the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program

• Requires experience with standard office equipment and Microsoft Office

• Experience working with First Nations communities is an asset

We offer a competitive salary and full benefits

Please submit resume to:

Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society

Attention: Barclay Smith

103-2090 Coutlee Avenue PO Box 3090 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 or email smith b@schss com

Deadline for submissions: July 21, 2023

UNCE RTI F I E D TE ACHE RS TE ACH I NG ON CALL – M E RRIT T

J o b Po s t i n g N o: 3 5 3 8712

Sch o o l D i s t r i ct N o 5 8 (N i co l a - S i m i l ka m e e n) se r ves t h e t wo co m m u n it i es of M e r r it t a n d P r i n ceto n, s i x F i r s t N at i o n s B a n d s, t h e M ét i s co m m u n it y, a n d t h e Co n a y t F r i e n d s h i p So ci et y I n o u r d i s t r i ct, we re co g n i ze t h at we l e a r n, te a ch a n d wo r k o n t h e a n ces t ra l t ra d it i o n a l a n d u n ced ed te r r ito r i es of t h e N l e?e Ke p m x a n d Sy i l x p e o p l e, a n d we a ck n ow l ed g e o u r M ét i s co m m u n it i es a n d t h e i r co nt r i b ut i o n s to t h e A b o r i g i n a l wa y s of b e i n g, k n ow i n g a n d d o i n g T h e m o u nta i n s, l a kes a n d va l l ey s w it h i n t h e d i s t r i ct m a ke it a n at u ra l set t i n g fo r fa b u l o u s, ye a r- ro u n d o utd o o r a ct i v it i es We of fe r a wa r m s m a l l -tow n at m o s p h e re w h e re re l at i o n s h i p s a re f u n d a m e nta l to o u r s u cces s M e r r it t, w h e re t h e of fi ce i s l o cated, i s i n t h e N i co l a Va l l ey a n d i s t h e h u b of a h i g hwa y s y s te m t h at l i n k s Ka m l o o p s Ke l ow n a a n d t h e Lowe r M a i n l a n d Ra n ch i n g, fo res t r y, h e a lt h, l o ca l g ove r n m e nt, a n d to u r i s m a re t h e m a j o r i n d u s t r i es i n t h e va l l ey O u r St rate g i c Pl a n h a s a “ Su cces s fo r A L L Le a r n e r s” fo cu s, s u p p o r ted by a d ed i cated s taf f e n g a g ed s ta ke h o l d e r s a n d p a r t n e r s w h o s h a re a g e n u i n e co m m it m e nt to t h e d i s t r i ct T h e d i s t r i ct of fe r s r i ch p ro g ra m m i n g to j u s t ove r 2 075 s t ud e nt s, 4 8 % of w h o m a re I n d i g e n o u s We a re p ro ud of o u r o n g o i n g wo r k towa rd s Tr ut h a n d Re co n ci l i at i o n S ch o o l D i s t r i c t N o. 5 8 (N i co l a -S i m i l ka m e e n) i s a cce p t i n g a p p l i ca t i o n s f o r U N CE R T I F I E D Te a ch e r s Te a ch i n g o n Ca l l T h e d i s t r i c t i s se e k i n g h i g h l y s k i l l e d a n d d y n a m i c i n d i v i d u a l s t o j o i n ou r l i s t o f Ca s u a l, U n ce r t i fi e d Te a ch e r s Te a ch i n g o n Ca l l . P re f e re n ce w i l l b e g i ve n t o i n d i v i d u a l s w i t h a d e m o n s t ra t e d wo r k h i s t o r y o r vo l u n t e e r ex p e r i e n ce wo r k i n g w i t h ch i l d re n a n d you t h

Re q u i re d q u a l i fi ca t i o n s a n d t ra i n i n g i n cl u d e:

• B a ch e l o r’s d e g re e o r ot h e r p o s t- se co n d a r y ed u cat i o n

• Re ce nt s u cces s f u l te a ch i n g ex p e r i e n ce a n d/o r t ra i n i n g p refe r red

• Ef fe ct i ve i nte r p e r so n a l a n d co m m u n i cat i o n s k i l l s

• D e m o n s t rated i nte res t i n wo r k i n g w it h ch i l d re n a n d yo ut h Sch o o l D i s t r i ct 5 8 i s wo r k i n g to e n s u re a n i n c l u s i ve, d i ve r se, a n d re p rese ntat i ve wo r k fo rce Su cces s f u l ca n d i d ates w i l l re co g n i ze t h at co n s i s te nt w it h t h e U N D e c l a rat i o n o n t h e Ri g ht s of I n d i g e n o u s Pe o p l es (U N D R I P), t h e BC H u m a n Ri g ht s Co d e a n d t h e Ca n a d i a n Ch a r te r of Ri g ht s a n d F re ed o m s, e m p l oy m e nt p ra ct i ces a n d p ro ced u res at a l l l eve l s m u s t refl e ct a n d d e m o n s t rate a n u n d e r s ta n d i n g of a n d res p o n se to a d i ve r se p o p u l at i o n I nte res ted a p p l i ca nt s s h o u l d g o to o u r d i s t r i ct web s ite at w w w sd 5 8 b c ca, w h i ch p rov i d es g u i d a n ce o n h ow to a p p l y fo r te a ch i n g j o b s i n o u r d i s t r i ct A p p l i cat i o n s m u s t i n c l ud e a Cove r l et te r res u m e co p i es of p o s t- se co n d a r y t ra n sc r i pt s a n d n a m es of t wo s u p e r v i so r refe re n ces (i n c l ud i n g t h e m o s t re ce nt s u p e r v i so r) O n l y s h o r t- l i s ted a p p l i ca nt s w i l l b e co nta cted PL E A S E N OT E: D u e to t h e vo l u m e of a p p l i cat i o n s re ce i ved, t h e d i s t r i ct i s u n a b l e to p rov i d e co m m e nta r y o r fe ed b a ck re g a rd i n g a n a p p l i ca nt’s q ua l i fi cat i o n s/a p p l i cat i o n, n o r a re we a b l e to p rov i d e ca re e r a d v i ce/co n s u ltat i o n A p p l i cat i o n s w i l l b e rev i ewed, a n d h i r i n g w i l l o ccu r o n a n o n g o i n g b a s i s

Success for ALL Learners, Today and Tomorrow

CURRENT JOB OPPOR TUNITIES

We are currently inviting applications for the position(s) of:

F

Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at https://www.makeafuture.ca/bcschools-and-districts/nicola-similkameen-school-district-no-58/.

All applicants must provide a cover letter and resume outlining relevant background and work experience and three (3) professional references for each position they want to be considered

Only those applicants selected for an inter view will be contacted.

Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society Employment Opportunity

RECEPTIONIST

REPORTS TO: Dental Clinic Manager

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The Receptionist is the front line and first impression of the organization They are essential to creating a connection between clients and dental staff The incumbent maintains a col aborative relationship with clients and all members of the oral health-care team to deliver the highest level of client-centered care

• A key function of th s position includes answering and directing calls, general administrative tasks processing patient payments, booking and confir ming patient appointments The dental services are available to the public with a focus on serving and meeting the complex needs of local First Nation individuals

• Promotes the safety and well-being of clients while in service and when necessary communicates immediate concer ns to appropriate Stoyoma Dental staff for further follow up

• Committed to positive and inclusive dental practices to provide the best patient experience

• Applies attention to detail and accuracy in all reporting

We offer a competitive salary and full benefits

Please submit resume to:

Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society

Attention: Barclay Smith

103-2090 Coutlee Avenue

PO Box 3090 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 or email smith.b@schss.com

Deadline for submissions: July 21, 2023