Merritt Herald - April 14, 2014 by Merritt Herald

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MERRITT HERALD TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015 • MERRITT NEWSPAPERS

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Rehab centre opens up outside Logan Lake By Michael Potestio the herald

reporter@merrittherald.com

A new recovery centre for drug addiction has officially opened near Logan Lake. Representatives from the provincial and federal governments, along with the non-profit recovery society VisionQuest — the organization responsible for operating the facility — announced The Lake’s opening from inside its walls on Friday. The 50-bed federalprovincial housing facility is a re-purposed youth corrections centre that provides men living with drug addiction and mental health issues a life skills recovery program. The one-year program is abstinence-based, meaning clients quit their addictions cold turkey. It focuses on healing circles and getting addicts to understand the depth of what they’ve done wrong, VisionQuest executive director Jim O’Rourke said. Although the facility is open to anyone with addiction, VisionQuest specializes in prolific offenders who are court-ordered to attend one of its seven rehabilitation facilities in B.C. Attending a facility could be part of a probation order, bail or an alternative to jail time. The facility currently houses 20 people, six of whom are self-admitted and do not have criminal records, VisionQuest assistant director Rick Edwards said. He said residents are to

Representatives from the federal and provincial governments and VisionQuest prepare to cut the ceremonial ribbon to mark the grand opening of The Lake, a rehabilitation centre for men with drug addictions and mental health issues. Pictured are, from left: Okanagan-Coquihalla MP Dan Albas, former VisionQuest client Justin Harty, VisionQuest board member Gary Bass, TNRD director for Area J Ronaye Elliott, Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart, Housing Minister Rich Coleman, RCMP Staff Sgt. Maj. John Buis and VisionQuest executive director Jim O’Rourke. Michael Potestio/Herald

This former youth correctional facility at 7185 Tunkwa Lake road about 20 kilometres north of Logan Lake is now the site of a recovery facility for men with mental health issues and drug addictions. Michael Potestio/Herald

stay on the property at all times and are only allowed off it if escorted by a staff member. Four VisionQuest staff members are on site, and the number of staff members will increase as the number of clients does. VisionQuest director Gary Bass said the facility

will start with 20 clients and over the course of about eight months will take in the capacity of 50 people. The facility is located on Thompson-Nicola Regional District land at 7185 Tunkwa Lake Road and includes classrooms, a workshop, recreational hall, dining area and dorms for clients

and staff. It was purchased by the provincial government about seven years ago and was renovated into the facility it is today thanks to $620,815 in funding split between the federal and provincial governments. O’Rourke said it’s cheaper to house prolific offenders here than in jail, stating it costs about $207 per day for jail compared to the $31 it costs to house them at the facility. The plan is to have the clients work on the 750-acre property, with possibilities of working in furniture repair, cattle farming or even dog food manufacturing in an effort to build job skills. O’Rourke said clients of the facility are required to contribute 100 hours of community service. Housing Minister Rich

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Coleman said this facility is all about giving people a new life. “It’s about us understanding that people who have difficulties in life need to be supported,” Coleman said. “It’s about us having heart and caring about the rest of humanity, not putting it in some box and deciding that they’re something that they’re not or something we’ve decided they are.” He said one reason people wind up in and out of jail is due to drug and mental health issues. Bass said the society wants the facility to be a “place of pride” for the surrounding community, and welcomes any input from people on how to be that. However, the fact people with criminal backgrounds are being brought into the area has unsettled some in neighbouring Logan Lake. Barry Brommeland, a retired corrections officer who lives in Logan Lake, said he thinks this facility could pose a threat to the town. Logan Lake Mayor Robin Smith said she understands that Logan Lake can’t have a “not in my backyard” attitude. “It is obviously a concern for us. We’re a pretty small, safe community,” Smith said. “We have to accept that they have a place as well and they do need recovery, and if that’s really the goal out there then hopefully it is and hopefully it will work out well,” she said. There is a screening process when it comes to

accepting addicts with criminal records, O’Rourke said, and anyone deemed a “high risk” will not be accepted. “If they’re going to harm the community, we won’t take them,” O’Rourke said. “We don’t want dangerous people here,” Edwards added. Besides, O’Rourke said, people with criminal records already live amongst the general public. “At least here you know where they’re at,” he said. Okanagan-Coquihalla MP Dan Albas said the facility has stern rules, noting signs warn against bringing in contraband. “There’s a lot of conditions and controls that are here,” Albas said, noting VisionQuest has a good reputation. Justin Harty is one of the people who have benefitted from one of VisionQuest’s facilities. Once a credit card fraudster and meth addict, Harty now builds cellphone towers for Telus and has been meth-free for five years. Harty said he believes jail doesn’t work for people who have nothing to lose. He said going to jail institutionalized him. “Every time I got out, it’d be like letting a dog off a leash, and I’d run wild for a month or two,” Harty said. He said VisionQuest’s program gave him structure and taught him how to live a more normal life. O’Rourke said VisionQuest has about a 38 per cent success rate in getting people clean and making them law abiding citizens.

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2 • TUESDAY, April 14, 2015

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS MIXED MEDIA Art of all kinds from local artists is on display at the Courthouse Art Gallery for the ninth annual community art show. From photography to oil paintings to art quilts, visitors can take their pick of their favourite piece and nominate it for the people’s choice award, which will earn the artist a $50 prize. The exhibit is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays until May 2. Emily Wessel/Herald

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Local kids to benefit from bowling fundraiser Lace up your bowling shoes — it’s time to take them to Merritt’s lanes for a good cause. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kamloops and Region is hosting its Bowl for Kids Sake on Friday, April 17 in Merritt to raise money for the local mentoring programs. Big Brothers Big Sisters launched its in-school mentoring program in Merritt in 2010, which connects referred children at elementary schools with trained mentors from MSS. The local program is looking at expanding its community-based mentoring program, which is available to youth and adults in the community. Teams of five to six players can register for their two games with a start time of either 5 or 6:30 p.m. To register, each player must raise at least $25 for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Call 1-877-222-8099 or visit bfkskamloops.ca/ booking for more information. Tele-workshop for dementia patient family caregivers Families in the Merritt area who have a member with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia are getting a lifeline from the Alzheimer Society of B.C. The non-profit organization is offering a phone-in workshop that’s meant to help caregivers cope with dementia on April 20. The workshop, called Understanding Communication, is aimed at family caregivers and offers insights about effective communication strategies. Participants can ask questions and share with others who are in similar situations. The free tele-workshop is offered at 2 and again at 7 p.m. that day. To join a session, phone the toll-free number 1-866-994-7745 and enter the passcode 1122333 when prompted. To watch the presentation online at the same time, visit momentum.adobeconnect.com/ alzheimerbc and enter as a guest. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias affect one in 11 Canadians over age 65.

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TUESDAY, April 14, 2015 • 3

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/ merrittherald

TRUE COLOURS The kaleidoscopic lights at Merritt’s Culture Club shone on rising country stars Twin Kennedy (left), who headlined a concert in town on Friday night to celebrate the release of their debut album It’s a Love Thing.

Sisters Carli (on guitar) and Julie Kennedy treated a full house to their unique blend of country and classical with a show that ranged from high-energy to heartfelt, as in the longdistance love song Already Miss You (which they’re pictured performing). The duo stuck around for a meet-and-greet at the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame on Saturday, and then hit the road to continue their B.C. tour to promote the new album. The Sooke-based band will be back in Merritt in August to open for Big and Rich on the main stage at Rockin’ River Music Fest.

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Right: Twin Kennedy was joined by Vancouver singer-songwriter Emily Rowed, who opened the show with her brand of smooth, bluesy folk.

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Emily Wessel/Herald

Youth celebrated at annual awards By Emily Wessel the herald

newsroom@merrittherald.com

Forty-three young Merrittonians were recognized on Thursday for their voluntarism at the third annual Youth Celebration Awards night. The youth were nominated for the awards for a variety of contributions to the community, from coaching community sports teams, including those in Merritt’s Special Olympics program, to being positive role models for Central Elementary students through the Big Brothers Big Sisters in-school mentoring program. The awards recognize young people’s contributions to the community outside of the typical awards arenas of sports achievement and academia. Keynote speaker Stacy Wormell of ASK Wellness, who facilitates the Fireside Centre, said

Levi Loewen (left) and Allysia Ponte receive their certificates from Asset Development Committee member Tracy Dunsmore at the Youth Celebration Awards on Thursday evening at NVIT. Loewen was recognized for being a positive role model to his little buddy at Central Elementary through the in-school Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program, while Ponte was recognized for volunteering at the Fireside Centre. Emily Wessel/Herald

youth in the community possess qualities that are inspirational for all generations. Among the things Wormell commended the recipients for were their patience, integrity, resilience, leadership and strength. “These youth inspire us every day to get up, show up and never give up,” she said.

Many of the night’s 43 honourees were new faces for the event. A handful had been nominated in years prior but were recognized again this year for new endeavours. MSS Grade 10 students Callie Porterfield and Shayleigh Pinto said they were surprised to learn they had been nominated for the

awards. They are both part of the We Care Crew at MSS, which is a philanthropic group of youth volunteers who put on fundraisers and awareness campaigns. Both girls said they’ve found their voluntarism with the group rewarding. Fellow Grade 10 student Tasha Zimmerman

was nominated for her voluntarism at the Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary’s Thrift Shop and the Soup Bowl, as well as her participation in several school bands and the Nicola Valley Community Band. She said she was surprised to learn from another volunteer at the thrift shop that she’d been nominated for the

award. “When I volunteer at the thrift shop, I just see it as what I’m doing. I never really thought that I’d be recognized, so I was kind of surprised,” she said. She joined up with the auxiliary, where her mother is also a volunteer, more than a year ago. “I just liked the idea of helping out,” she said. The event was hosted by Merritt’s Asset Development Committee, which comprises members of various nonprofit and social service agencies in town to help young people develop skills for success. The Youth Celebration Awards were intended to be a onetime event in 2013, but were such a success, they’ve been held annually since. About 100 people gathered for the third annual awards night at NVIT.

REMEMBER WHEN? From the Herald archives: April 1951 3,000,000-ton avalanche slides into Nicola River Three million tons of material went down in the slide when mud and rocks slipped down the mountainside early Monday morning near Canford on the Spences Bridge road. The road for over a quarter of a mile was taken out and went down the Nicola River’s edge. Large sects of cracked earth are where the highway ran. Kinvig’s irrigation ditch was completely wrecked and telephone lines went down. Mel Woodford drove over the road going to the bridge around 5:30 a.m.

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4 • TUESDAY, April 14, 2015

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Local to fill long-vacant road, waste supervisor role After a seven-month vacancy and a nation-wide search, the City of Merritt has promoted Andrew U’Ren to roads and solid waste supervisor within the city’s Public Works Department. “Whenever we hire, we cast the net as far and as wide as we

can, hoping to attract the best possible candidate for the position. In this case, Andrew brings with him a wealth of experience that will be put to use immediately providing the top quality service we expect from all of the public works team,” public works

manager Shawn Boven said in a press release. U’Ren will be responsible for the day-to-day supervision of road maintenance operations and delivery of the solid waste and recycling services to Merritt residents, the release states.

Merritt leading small cities in asset management The following is an excerpt from the City of Merritt regular council meeting agenda from April 14, 2015. Background In 2010, we were successful at obtaining a $10,000 planning grant for an asset management pilot project. At the request of the province, we partnered with four other communities in the creation of the Asset Management BC “Roadmap” to guide other communities with respect to asset management. We assisted with the creation of the terms of reference for the project and contributed to the outcome of the report. In May of 2011, the Merritt case study was complete, and the Asset Management Roadmap was published by Opus International Consultants Ltd. Asset management is defined as an integrated process bringing together planning, finance, engineering and operations

to effectively manage existing and new infrastructure to maximize benefits, reduce risks and provide satisfactory levels of service to community users in a socially, environmentally and economically sustainable manner. Asset management concepts are still relatively new to B.C. and Merritt is considered a leader among small communities. Merritt is recognized as one of the first smaller communities to adopt an asset management policy based on the provincial template. In 2014, the province, UBCM, and Asset Management BC partnered in the creation and publication of “Asset Management for Sustainable Service Delivery: A BC Framework.” Only the short version is currently published. Of relevance, the city’s public works manager was contacted for input into the longer version and final document (to be published in spring 2015). Asset management is a con-

tinual process and everevolving. Qualifying for some grant opportunities is now linked to having an asset management plan in place, and continually showing movement toward operating sustainable community infrastructure utility systems. This grant opportunity and “BC Framework” are published to give smaller communities such as Merritt the tools and financial ability to move asset management initiatives forward and meet larger grant funding requirements. The work plan objectives for our grant application have been modified from what other communities may have submitted as we are further along with respect to asset management than many small communities. The main objective of creating an asset management investment plan is to provide a high level analysis, summarizing costs required for sustainable, tangible capital assets over the next 20 years.

Next council meeting: Tuesday, April 14, 2015 Council agendas and minutes at www.merritt.ca

Financial risk/ implications The creation of this plan is considered an operational expense. Of the $20,000 commitment, $10,000 would be through grant funding with the additional $10,000 contribution from the city being absorbed within engineering and public works’ general fund operational accounts. This grant application is for 50 per cent funding. Asset management is an integrated process, bringing together skills, expertise and activities of people with information about a community’s physical assets and finances so that informed decisions can be made, supporting sustainable service delivery. Recommendation That the grant application to the 2015 Asset Management Planning Program for the creation of a 20-year Asset Management Investment Plan in the amount of $20,000 be approved.

RECRUITS IN TRAINING The newest recruits to the Merritt Fire Rescue Department began their training over the weekend, starting with ladders. The firefighters are community members who are paid on call. Facebook.com photo

NOTICE TO RESIDENTS H&M EXCAVATING LTD. WILL BE DOING UNDERGROUND AND SURFACE ROAD WORKS ON

COLDWATER AVE. AND MAIN ST. STARTING ON MONDAY MARCH 2ND FOR A DURATION OF 4 MONTHS

THE PURPOSE OF THIS NOTICE IS TO INFORM YOU OF THE TYPICAL NUISANCES INVOLVED WITH A PROJECT OF THIS TYPE -- MAINLY ACCESS TO YOUR PROPERTY. THE CONSTRUCTION ENTAILS INSTALLATION OF SANITARY SEWER MAINS AND RECONSTRUCTION OF THE ROADWAY ALONG COLDWATER AVE. THE STREET WILL BE SINGLE LANE TRAFFIC SOME OF THE TIME, AND THERE WILL BE TIMES THAT YOU WILL NOT HAVE VEHICULAR ACCESS TO YOUR PROPERTY. WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO NOTIFY YOU IN ADVANCE AND TO KEEP THESE INTERRUPTIONS AS SHORT AS POSSIBLE. AS WITH ANY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT OF THIS SORT, YOU CAN EXPECT SOME DUST, NOISE AND VIBRATION. RESIDENTS WHO BORDER THE PROJECT SHOULD BE AWARE THAT ANY FRAGILE OR VALUABLE ITEMS THAT COULD POSSIBLY BE DAMAGED DUE TO VIBRATION SHOULD BE TAKEN DOWN OR SECURED FOR THE DURATION OF THE PROJECT. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR CHILDREN ARE AWARE OF THE DANGERS OF A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT AND THAT THEY STAY CLEAR OF THE EQUIPMENT. WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY CAUSE. HOWEVER, WE ASK THAT YOU BE PATIENT THROUGH THE DURATION OF THIS UPGRADE PROJECT. IF YOU REQUIRE ANY ASSISTANCE OR HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE PHONE OUR SITE SUPERINTENDANT, GEOFF PRESTON, AT 4934677 (OFFICE) OR 250-809-2405 (CELL).

City of Merritt H 2185 Voght Street, Box 189 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 H Phone: 250-378-4224

TUESDAY, April 14, 2015 • 5

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PROVINCE

Ottawa seeks new aboriginal claims system By Tom Fletcher black press tfletcher@blackpress.ca

Canada’s aboriginal land claims resolution system has turned into an employment program for some of those involved, with “a conspicuous lack of urgency in negotiations” and little common ground after 10 or more years at most treaty tables. That’s one conclusion from federal advisor Doug Eyford, who spent six months consulting on the state of treatymaking across Canada since aboriginal title was protected in Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The report focuses heavily on B.C., which has 54 active treaty tables and only four agreements in the 22 years of the federally-financed B.C. Treaty Commission. Parts of Quebec, Labrador, Ontario, the north and most of B.C. never completed early treaties that extinguished aboriginal title and made way for settlement and development in the rest of Canada. “At the current pace, treaty-making may con-

Former Tsawwassen First Nation Chief Kim Baird introduces her children to former premier Gordon Campbell at signing ceremony for the Tsawwassen treaty in 2007. It is one of four treaties completed under the B.C. Treaty Commission. Black Press

tinue for the rest of this century,” Eyford wrote. Eyford presented his report last week to Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. With a federal election set for this fall, Valcourt said the months to come will require more discussions with provinces and First Nations on Eyford’s recommendations for a “new direction” in settling historic disputes. The report’s release comes a week after the B.C. government cancelled the appointment of former cabinet minister George Abbott to head the B.C. Treaty Commission. Premier Christy Clark said there

isn’t enough to show for more than $600 million, most of it debt accumulated by B.C. First Nations. Clark questioned whether the B.C. Treaty Commission should continue, since more B.C. First Nations remain outside the talks than inside. Scott Fraser, aboriginal relations critic for the B.C. NDP, accused Clark of acting unilaterally to disrupt the existing system. The First Nations Summit, which represents B.C.’s participating aboriginal communities, issued a statement saying despite the “confusion” over Abbott’s appointment, the B.C. Treaty Commission

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“remains active and will continue into the future.” Chief Maureen Chapman, B.C. spokesperson for the national Assembly of First Nations, said Eyford’s recommendations point to a new federal system, not tinkering with the status quo. “After numerous court victories by our peoples and the failure of the current treatymaking process in B.C. to deliver significant results, Canada must move away from a policy of First Nations making claims to the Crown by fully embracing the need for real recognition followed by true reconciliation,” Chapman said.

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NOTICE OF A MAINTENANCE POWER OUTAGE MERRITT AREA We will be making electrical system improvements in your area. To ensure the safety of our work crews, it will be necessary to interrupt electrical service for approximately six hours.

Where: From 7099 Douglas Lake Road to the end of the power line on Douglas Lake Road and all cross roads. Lauder Road, Hamilton Mountain Road, Manual Road, Wikwala Road, Willow Road, Minnie Lake Road, Chapperon Lake, Rush Lake, and Salmon Lake. When: April 15, 2015 Time: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. To prepare for this interruption and protect your equipment from damage, please turn off all lights, electrical heaters and major appliances and unplug all electronics. We are sorry for the inconvenience. We will restore power as soon as we can.

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6 • TUESDAY, April 14, 2015

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HERALD OPINION editorial

Expansion to student grants program For this week, the House of Commons will not be sitting as MPs have two weeks to DAN ALBAS spend back View from the in home rid- HILL ings prior to the final stretch that, save for one week, will see the House of Commons sitting until late June. It is more than simply the weather that serves as a stark contrast to subjects of importance in Okanagan-Coquihalla compared to those that tend to dominate discussion in Ottawa. One subject that is widely supported beyond partisan interests is the importance of education and skills training to enter the workforce. The subject of skills shortages is an ongoing one, as is the need for jobs and employers who require skilled workers. Earlier this week I was honoured to join our prime minister at an announcement to expand and increase student grants programs. For those who are unfamiliar with student grants, this is direct, non-repayable financial assistance available to low and middle-income students who are enrolled in an educational program. The program announced this week will be available in 2016 and will provide grant assistance to programs with a minimum duration of 34 weeks. Currently, to qualify, a program must be a minimum duration of 60 weeks.

See ‘Infrastructure’ Page 7

Publisher Theresa Arnold publisher@ merrittherald.com

Stars and their strange side businesses

Emily Wessel Merritt MUSINGS It’s been a long time since Texan songstress Jessica Simpson had a hit record — 12 years, in fact, since her 2003 album In This Skin peaked at number 2 on the charts with three million copies sold. But these days, Simpson is raking in the dough through another avenue. Her self-titled line of

Production Dan Swedberg production2@ merrittherald.com

Advertising Sales Terresa Rempel sales2@ merrittherald.com

MERRITT HERALD 2090 G

clothing and housewares, founded in 2005, averages about a billion dollars in retail sales each year. Department stores such as The Bay carry the modestly-priced Jessica Simpson Collection, which retails tops and dresses for about $70 apiece, give or take. She’s certainly not the first popstar to stray from the business that launched her to fame and fortune and make a go of a style venture. But celebrities of all crafts are getting crafty about maintaining their brands, and that often means going into a new line of business after the album sales have dried up, the box office has slipped or the clock has counted

and those 15 minutes are up. Brother band Hanson, who skyrocketed to fame with their one-hit-wonder Mmmbop in 1996, are now the proprietors of Mmmhops, a pale ale they released in 2013. Booze is a popular route for celebrities to take in building their brands. Comedian Dan Aykroyd launched Crystal Head Vodka, which is bottled in a crystal skull, in 2007 to much success. Legendary NBA star Shaquille O’Neal also owns a vodka, which he’s called Luv Shaq. That one launched in 2013. You can find celebrities’ faces and names on more than liquor store shelves, however.

Editor Emily Wessel newsroom@ merrittherald.com

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

Reporter Michael Potestio reporter@ merrittherald.com

Paul Newman is in our very own grocery stores here in Merritt, his face featured prominently on his Newman’s Own pasta sauces and salad dressings. All the profits from sales of those dressings and sauces benefit the Newman’s Own Foundation. Since it was founded in 1982, the foundation has distributed more than $430 million to thousands of non-profit organizations around the world. Movie star Kevin Costner owns Ocean Therapy Solutions, a company that manufactures these giant centrifuge machines that spin oil-affected waters around until they separate, aiding in oil spill management and cleanup. He put $20 million of his

Sports writer Ian Webster sports@ merrittherald.com

own money into these machines, which his scientist brother helped him create. In 2010, BP placed an order for 32 of the machines to help manage its devastating Gulf of Mexico spill. Perhaps the value of water is something the actor took away from the notorious box office bomb Waterworld (besides a handful of nominations for the first annual Razzie awards, which celebrate the worst in cinema). Significantly less concerned with his business’ impact on the environment, R&B star Akon purchased a diamond mine in South Africa in the mid2000s.

See ‘From’ Page 7

Office manager Ken Couture classifieds@ merrittherald.com

Fax (250) 378-6818

Copyright subsists in all display advertising in this edition of the Merritt Herald. Permission to reproduce in any form, must be obtained in writing from the publisher. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.

This Merritt Herald is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province’s newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby St., Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2R2. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org

TUESDAY, April 14, 2015 • 7

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YOUR OPINION

Seeking proof that biosolids are safe Dear Editor, Re: Biosolids protest ill-informed and Biosolids boost farmland health, Merritt Herald, April 2 We, the concerned citizens in the Nicola Valley and elsewhere, who have indeed taken the time to do some research and read the science studies available to the public, are sincerely shocked at the lack of information shown in the two letters written to your paper by the Cooke ranching family in Merritt. To suggest that the public is merely “rejecting the science behind the currently most sustainable form of fertilization ... in favour of an emotional conclusion drawn out of fear” is an insult to the people of the Nicola Valley who have concerns all right, and for a darn good reason: we bothered to read the science. They cite also the cost of synthetic fertilizer is

“very expensive” and “the cost of organic fertilizer has gone down to nothing and is still safe.” Instead of “arguing with anyone about the science,” perhaps they should actually read it if they think for one minute that they are leaving the land in better condition than before they added all the potentially toxic material that comes with any biosolids. They really need to stop and take a good long look at what the real science tells everyone. The way B.C. is processing and handling its biowaste appears not to be sustainable. Other areas in Canada have already come to this conclusion. Areas in the U.S. are now realizing there has to be a better way. The science community that is releasing impartial science studies will not be ignored for much longer. There is too much at stake. We have empathy for the ranching community. We know how they have struggled

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In the years following the news of the extravagant purchase, the singer-producer kept fairly quiet about his role in the mining business because of the obvious controversy around “blood diamonds” and human rights abuses in diamond mines. Even the baddest of the bad, the hardest of the hardcore make some weird moves in

Georgia Clement Friends of the Nicola Valley Merritt

Infrastructure, skills training top of mind for MP From Page 6

From diamond mines to mouthwash endorsements, these celebs do it all From Page 6

in the past to maintain a business with, at times, almost insurmountable market hurdles. It is understandable they would want to choose a less expensive option for one of their most expensive business costs. However, they must show the public the impartial, credible science that supports 100 per cent safety in using biosolids on land. Give us the proof that it won’t contaminate the water, and that the air will not smell from destabilizing chemicals. We want you to provide this to the public and we will pack up and go home and start to have our lives back. Unfortunately, this will not happen. There is no published science worldwide that concludes there is no risk in using biosolids.

their branding decisions. KISS makes caskets, Marilyn Manson makes online-orderonly absinthe, and Ozzy Osborne endorsed a spreadable butter substitute). On the weird, mismatched side, Bob Dylan appeared (and sang) in a 2004 Victoria’s Secret ad, while Brad Pitt was the face of Chanel No. 5 perfume in some much-

lambasted ads in 2012. When Kelly Ripa’s not talking up Tide to Go pens, she’s all about “mouth health” products such as toothpaste and mouthwash. It seems no matter what channel we’re on, what magazine we flip open, what website we visit, or what billboard we glance at, celebrities are all around us, toiling away in the name of a good dollar — hardearned or otherwise.

Including shorter duration programs that are often accessed by those seeking to upgrade skills can help eliminate a barrier to entering the workforce. Shorter term educational programs may also appeal to some younger workers who require specific skills to enter more lucrative work environments. Closer to home, last week, I also attended an announcement with FraserNicola MLA Jackie Tegart in Princeton to announce long overdue safety upgrades to Highway 3 just west of Princeton. The project in question will eliminate two very sharp curves over a five-kilometre section of Highway 3. This important project is

estimated to cost the federal government roughly $10.3 million through the Building Canada Major Infrastructure fund. The Similkameen Valley is an emerging and growing destination in southern B.C. and improved infrastructure that is safer will benefit local residents, industry and small businesses along with a growing tourism sector. As there are still a few days remaining before the House is back in session, I would like to invite citizens of Okanagan-Coquihalla to give me a call. As always, I welcome your comments and questions and can be reached via email at dan.albas@parl.gc.ca or 1-800-665-8711. Dan Albas is the member of Parliament for Okanagan-Coquihalla.

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HERALD SPORTS Youth soccer, lacrosse seasons kick off Have a sports story tip? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing sports@merrittherald.com

the herald

Nicola Valley Minor Lacrosse Association

It was a busy weekend for minor sports in the Nicola Valley with both the Nicola Valley Minor Lacrosse Association and Merritt Youth Soccer Association kicking off their seasons. Youth soccer got underway at Voght Park on Saturday with an all-day soccer festival facilitated in conjunction with three coaches from BC Soccer who made the trip to Merritt. Over 300 young soccer players turned out for the Grassroots Soccer Festival, starting with kindergarten and Grade 1 players at 8:30 a.m. and winding up with players in Grade 6 and older at noon. Players worked their way through a series of skill-building stations designed to get them back in the swing of soccer and scrimmages to put those skills to use on the field, head coach Kelly Donaldson said. The big kickoff to the youth soccer season was a first for the MYSA, which typically goes straight into practices and games and does a windup at the end of the summer.

Lacrosse action took place at the Shulus Arena with a steady stream of Nicola Valley Thunder games all day Saturday and a novice tilt on Sunday. The association has a total of five teams this year, with one for each age group from tyke to midget. The novice team split the weekend with a 6-5 win against Kelowna on Saturday and a 10-2 loss against Penticton in Sunday’s only game. The Thunder bantams also fell to Penticton with a final score of 6-2. The Thunder peewees, a team of relatively new players, lost 8-0 in their matchup against their North Okanagan opponents. Peewee registration (birth years 2003-04) has picked up significantly this year, NVMLA president Rose Grant said. The midget Thunder team put in a respectable

By Emily Wessel newsroom@merrittherald.com

Nick Cavaliere goes toe-to-toe with a younger player in a scrimmage station at the Grassroots Soccer Festival on Saturday morning. Cavaliere was one of many young soccer players from the older grades who helped facilitate the day’s scrimmage stations. Emily Wessel/Herald

Donaldson said the Grassroots Soccer Festival was a good way to capitalize on the enthusiasm players have at the beginning of the season. Practically speaking, it also made kit distribution and connecting coaches a little easier. Regular season games take place Saturdays starting next weekend and wrapping up toward the end of June.

effort in an exhibition game against an advanced North Okanagan squad for a hard-fought 6-5 loss. Thunder teams are in action all week at the Shulus and Nicola Valley Memorial Arenas. Once the city’s new outdoor lacrosse box opens, the association’s directors expect they’ll be able to run practices there, but may have to wait to play games there until they have a regulation shot clock and scoreboard. In the meantime, Thunder players will hone their skills at a lacrosse clinic on Thursday evening instructed by Iroquois Nationals player Roger Vyse. Vyse is a silver medallist from the 2011 World Indoor Lacrosse Championship and twotime Mann Cup champion (2013 and 2014) with the Six Nations Chiefs. The clinic runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on April 16 at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena.

Above: Thunder player Mack Stead shoots on the North Okanagan advanced squad’s goalie during an exhibition game at the Shulus Arena on Saturday. Below: Teammate Jessie Landerkin sets up his defence against a North Okanagan opponent. The Thunder team put in a respectable effort against the North Okanagan’s A team in the exhibition game, coming up just shy of the win with a final score of 6-5 for the visitors. Emily Wessel/Herald

Diamond Vale Elementary top B.C. school in 60MKC By Michael Potestio the herald

reporter@merrittherald.com

Students at Diamond Vale Elementary are number 1 when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle. The school was the provincial winner in the 60 Minute Kids’ Club Winter Challenge, which sees students from across Canada track their healthy lifestyle choices over a 60-day period. Students collect points by sticking to a 5-2-1-0 system — five vegetables per day, less than two hours of screen time, one hour or more of physical activity and zero sugary drinks. By logging on the 60 Minute Kids’ Club website on a daily basis, students answer questions about sticking to the 5-2-1-0 lifestyle, and doing so earns them points. With more than 5,000 points accumulated, Diamond Vale placed first amongst 13 schools in B.C. The students were awarded for their efforts with a banner ceremony in the gymnasium on Wednesday. Diamond Vale Elementary principal Bruce Bidney said it’s

The top schools ranked within a few hundred points of each other, Warren said. Between the five schools, 149 local students participated in the Winter Challenge, which ran from Jan. 15 to March 15. Across Canada, Merritt’s schools all placed in the top half of the 107 schools. Diamond Vale came in eighth, while Bench finished in 10th, Central in 30th, Collettville in 46th and Nicola-Canford in 51st. The Diamond Vale students have shown consistency throughout the school year, having finished second out of 11 schools in the province in the 60 Minute Kids’ Club PacificSport Interior co-ordinator Josée Warren (centre left), who’s the representative of Merritt’s five elementary schools in the 60 Minute Kids’ Club, and City of Merritt recreation programmer Felicity Peat present Diamond Vale Elementary with a banner for being the most active school Fall Challenge. Starting tomorrow, local stuin the 60 Minute Kids’ Club Winter Challenge. Michael Potestio/Herald dents will take on the 60 Minute fantastic to see the students come she enjoys the program because it it’ll be something that they carry Kids’ Club Spring Challenge. together and accomplish this as a gets kids thinking about the choices on.” With another impressive showschool. they make throughout the day. Merritt’s elementary schools ing, Diamond Vale Elementary “We just finished our assem“How many glasses of water were well represented in the Winter could finish the year as the top bly with one of our loudest “Go did I have today? How many fruits Challenge, as all five placed in the school in the province, and earn a Cougars Go,” so it makes us feel and vegetables did I have today? top 10 out of the province’s 13. field trip on behalf of the program. a strong sense of community and Well, maybe I should have an Bench Elementary placed secWhen Warren asked the stupride,” Bidney said. apple as my snack before going to ond in B.C. while Central finished dents who gathered in the gymJosée Warren, representative of bed,” Warren said. fourth. Collettville and Nicolanasium for the banner ceremony Merritt’s five elementary schools “If we can get the kids talking, Canford placed seventh and eighth, if they were up to the task, they in the 60 Minute Kids’ Club, said then it becomes a habit, and then respectively. responded with a resounding yes.

10 • TUESDAY, April 14, 2015

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Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB) Job Posting: Education Coordinator Reporting to the Education Department Manager, the Education Coordinator’s primary role will be to assist in the planning, developing and administrating the affairs of the Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB) Education programs and services. DUTIES AND TASKS: s Perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Lower Nicola Band policies, regulations and procedures and as directed by the Education Manager; s Assist in providing support services to the Lower Nicola Indian Band students, Parents and Teachers in the Public School system; s Assist in processing Post Secondary Education Applications for education assistance; s Assist in providing academic advising to postsecondary students; s Maintain and update the confidential Education filing system; s In consultation with the Education Department Manager and the Director of Human Services, develop and amend as appropriate a short term and long term education plan for LNIB; s Liaises with students, parents and Public School Teachers; s Preparation of reports to the Department of Indian Affairs and funding agencies in consultation with the Education Manager; s Maintain a database of the training and education of the Lower Nicola Indian Band Community. QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS: s Minimum Grade 12 with at least 2-4 yrs College or University; s A Degree or Diploma in Education Administration or a Degree or Diploma in Business Administration; s Minimum of two (2) years related experience preferably in an equivalent First Nations Education position; s Computer competency in Microsoft products and applications; s Ability to speak or have the willingness to learn the Nlaka”pamux language, culture and traditions; s Solid interpersonal, administration/organization and problem solving skills; s Proficient and articulate in oral and written communication; s Ability to organize, prioritize and manage workload and work independently; s Possession of a valid driver’s license; s Access to a reliable vehicle; s Must be willing to submit to a criminal record check; s Have knowledge of LNIB’s resources. Salary: Based on experience Deadline: April 17, 2015 Start Date: As soon as possible. Applicants are requested to submit their resume to the Lower Nicola Indian Band office at: Lower Nicola Indian Band Attn: Education Department Manager 181 Nawishaskin Lane, Merritt, BC V1K 0A7 or Fax 250-378-6188 Attention Education Department Manager We thank all those that apply however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Merritt Herald, an award winning twice-weekly newspaper, published in the Nicola Valley, is seeking a full time advertising consultant to join our team. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop a rewarding career in advertising and marketing. If you are a highly creative individual, with an ability to multi-task in a fastpaced team environment and have good interpersonal and sales skills, a valid drivers licence and reliable vehicle - we would like to meet you. While experience is an asset, it is not a prerequisite. To apply, please forward your resume with a cover letter to: Theresa Arnold, Publisher Merritt Herald 2090 Granite Ave., P.O. Box 9 Merritt, B.C. V1K 1B8 e-mail: publisher@merrittherald.com

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