Merritt Herald February 22, 2023

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Aspen Planers reopens amidst uncertainty

Opinion --------------------- 6-7

Sports -------------------18-19

Classifieds -----------21-22

Recent closures and curtailments across the forestry industry have struck Merritt, with Aspen Planers having been closed nearly two months before their limited reopening. Marius Auer/Herald

reopening is currently unknown, as Aspen notes their supply is still up in the air, due to what they believed are ongoing reconciliation efforts in the province.

Aspen Planers has announced that it will restart its Merritt mill, which has been closed since early December due to a lack of approved cutting permits, for an undetermined amount of time. The mill restarted operation on February 1, 2023. Representatives of AP Group, the parent company of Aspen Planers, told the Herald that the mill will be processing coastal cedar logs rather than its typical Interior fibre as their local cutting permit applications remain unapproved.

The cedar logs are coming from northern Vancouver Island, transported by ocean until the Fraser River, where they are dewatered and driven via logging truck to Aspen’s mill on Quilchena Avenue. The company said it is taking on the extra expense of transporting logs to restart the mill and provide the 150 employees of the mill, who have been laid off since mid December, with a source of income. The length of the

“While there hasn’t been any clarity provided by the Ministry of Forests, we are led to believe that cutting permit approvals are stalled due to reconciliation negotiations between various Nicola Valley First Nation bands and the provincial government. It is understandably frustrating for laid-off workers who cannot make a living while these issues are being addressed,” said Bruce Rose, executive vice president of AP Group.

“We continue to welcome conversations about improving the permitting and forestry management processes to ensure that reconciliation and conservation objectives are being met, while the hardworking people who earn their livelihoods can remain employed. It is very simple: no cutting permits means no logging, no jobs, and no forestry-related economic activity in and around the Nicola Valley.”

Rose and AP Group’s frustrations with the permitting are felt in numer-

ous parts of the province, with closures and curtailments announced by a number of mills and pulp lines in recent weeks. Canfor recently restructured its northern operations, affecting nearly 500 jobs and permanently closing a number of mills. Along with Aspen Planers, a number of smaller operations such as Vaagen Fibre Canada, a family owned milling operation in Midway, B.C, recently announced the indefinite closures of their mills. Tolko Industries, Sinclair Group, and Western Forest products have permanent closures and temporary curtailments at mills across Vancouver Island and B.C.’s Interior. Many of these companies have attributed their closures to worsening market conditions and lack of access to fibre.

The provincial government has responded to the closures with a series of funding announcements, presenting over $140 million in aid. The $90 million B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund is aimed at supporting investment and innovation for forestry companies, such

See 'LOCAL' Page 5

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WEATHER

WEATHER

Feb. 2: Cloudy 4°/-3°C

Feb. 3: 70% Rain 6°/-4°C

Feb. 4: Cloudy 7°/1°C

Feb. 5: 50% Snow 6°/0°C

Feb. 6: Cloudy 7°/1°C

Feb. 7: 70% Wet Snow 7°/1°C

merrittherald.com

RCMP HISTORY

In March of 1920, federal agents with the newly established Royal Canadian Mountain Police (RCMP) made their way to the Nicola Valley to establish a detachment in Merritt.

Search ‘RCMP’

RENEWED CONTRACT

Merritt City Council voted to execute a three-year tourism and visitor information services agreement with the Nicola Valley Heritage Society (NVHS), who run the local heritage site and tourist attraction as a visitor information centre.

Search ‘BAILLIE’

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Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Local mill reopens after a month of

as the purchasing of new equipment, or exploring paper-based alternatives to plastic packaging. Another $50 million will be funneled through the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) to help transfer firedamaged wood from remote areas of the province to pulp mills. In addition, the new B.C. Timber Sales Value-Added Manufacturing Program will set aside dedicated fibre supply, 10 percent of total supply, for small and medium-sized mill operations. Opposition critics say the support doesn’t go far enough.

“When they’re applying for permits to the backcountry to harvest the trees, and then either not hearing back from government in a timely manner, or maybe the answer is even no, they’re struggling to get access to timber right now,” said MLA Mike Bernier, BC Liberal Shadow Minister of Forests.

“We could have a very strong, robust forestry sector, but this present government is trying to treat it almost like a sunset industry, like it’s going away, which is really too bad. That’s why we’re not seeing the support, I’m afraid.”

Aspen Planers group has maintained throughout the curtailment at their Merritt mill that access to cutting permits has been the issue at hand, with no new permits having been issued to the company in months. A lack of updates during what Aspen representatives have called an “opaque and unnecessarily complicated” permitting process has created further uncertainty for the mill, the reopening of which may not last long.

Ministry of Forests (MOF) staff recently told the Herald that the latest numbers show over 84 percent of permits in the Cascades Forestry District were issued within 40 days, and that mountain pine beetle damage and the 2021 wildfires made the Merritt area’s annual allowable cut shrink by 300,000 m³ in recent years.

The Herald requested an interview through MOF staff with Minister of Forests Bruce Ralston, but has yet to secure one. Staff instead provided a statement in response to the Herald’s question regarding the economic impact of forestry, and possible concerns from local First Nations regarding the issuance of cutting permits.

“The Ministry of Forests values the contribution

of forestry to the regional economy of the Nicola Valley and the people who live and work there,” said the MOF in a statement to the Herald.

“The Province is working with the local communities and First Nations to design a collaborative and principled approach to issuing cutting permits that addresses stewardship concerns.”

The Herald also reached out to Stuwix Resources Joint Venture, a Merritt-based forestry company owned by eight local First Nations, to request an interview on the topic of cutting permits, but has not heard back after leaving a number of messages.

B.C.’s Forest & Range Practices Act, which regulates the cutting of trees on Crown land, sets out the process for obtaining permits and permissions in regards to provincial forestry practices. The provincial government also sets an Allowable Annual Cut (AAC) for areas across the province, which determines the number of metres cubed of timber may be cut in the region per year. The AAC for Merritt’s forestry area is 1,200,000 m³, and those looking to harvest from that set amount

must apply for cutting permits before falling trees. Bernier added that he believes the lack of access to fibre and government support is slowly killing a multigenerational industry in B.C., and that the permitting process should be reviewed.

“We’re starting to see this right across rural British Columbia,” added Bernier.

“People are just glazed over because they’re so distraught right now. Some of these people have been working 20, 30, or 40 years in this sector, it’s multigenerational. It obviously can be very disheartening when you’re told, all of a sud -

den, your whole life in an industry is going down in flames. It’s very sad to watch.”

Bernier added that constituents in his riding of Peace River South, which includes Dawson Creek and Chetwynd, have been “hurting” due to the recent closures. He noted that while employees are obviously directly affected by the closures, contractors, companies, and communities as a whole suffer from the fallout.

Government support in Peace River South has been met with skepticism and, in some cases, outright

EDITORIAL

Driving woes

Growing up in a small town is exciting for the kids of Merritt, especially with the opportunity to become drivers on the streets in town. As a new driver myself, I am learning the rules of the road and although I still have a lot to learn, I enjoy the new responsibility and freedom that comes with having my drivers license. However, one major problem remains: following the rules of the road without the support of adult drivers.

I am sure all adults recall learning how to drive: their first moments behind the wheel, driving with friends, and blasting music on late night drives. Getting a driver’s license is truly a spectacular event in a young person’s life. Although, the rules and experience of driving has changed since the adults of the town got their licenses. Merritt is a bigger city, getting a license takes longer, and certain events around the area of the school cause stress on us beginner drivers. These factors make it increasingly difficult for the young drivers in town to become safe and confident behind the wheel.

I know some of my peers may make it difficult for experienced drivers to be patient; we may not signal in time, go too fast or slow, and are always in a rush. We are still learning the rules of the road, and the speed zones of the town. What we ask, as beginner drivers, is for others to be patient with us. We are students of the school, so respect our student designated parking that is meant for us, not any other event in the area. As a school community, we are trying to learn and grow into adults, but that can only happen with the help and support of others. Please respect our driving, and respect our parking. With your support and respect, we can become experienced drivers, as well as the future of the City of Merritt.

Students, parents,

MAYA STARRS MSS

Herald Junior Reporters

The only Grade 12 on the Sr. Girls team

teams are made up of Grade 11 and 12 students.

The Merritt team has only one grade 12 student and her name is Yolanda Charlie.

Merritt’s Senior Girls Basketball team had a great start to their season winning two out four games in their home tournament. Senior

Charlie is a huge addition to the basketball team being one of the tallest and most experienced players. Charlie wears jersey number 11 this year and is a big part

of the leadership group on the team.

“Yollie is looked upon to be a steady presence in the post and from the wing. She is also one of our last lines of defense,” said coach Rob Kozinski. “Yollie has shown tremendous improvement from game to game,” said Kozinski.

Charlie is a main part of

the Panthers defense getting many rebounds and putting up many points.The Panthers next tournament will be February 3 and 4 in Kamloops. Good luck to Charlie and the rest of her team.

TEGART: ‘Studies confirm financial strain people are feeling’

From the Herald archives: February, 1997

TAX HIKES

British Columbians have been struggling to pay for housing, fuel, food and more, and some recent studies reveal just how deep their concerns have become.

The latest MNP Consumer Debt Index revealed 44 per cent British Columbians are less than $200

away from insolvency at the end of each month. This includes 31 per cent who already don’t earn enough to cover their bills and debt obligations. Sixty-two per cent are more concerned about their ability to pay their debts as interest rates rise, and 55 per cent say they’ll be in financial trouble if those rates go up much more.

Meanwhile, a new study from Deloitte indicates a recession is coming and will hit B.C. hard because of high debt lev-

els. Under the NDP, taxpayersupported debt has grown by $20 billion dollars and will have grown by nearly $50 billion in 2024. The NDP will have doubled the provincial debt by the next election.

All of this is at odds with the government’s claim it is making life more affordable. This is why our BC Liberal caucus proposed inflation-fighting measures like a temporary suspension of the gas tax to provide people with relief at the pumps. Sadly, the government wasn’t

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interested in taking this step to lower fuel prices.

Our leader Kevin Falcon has also spoken about how he would tackle high housing and rent costs. More supply is needed quickly, and that need can be met if there’s more certainty around the approval process, as well as financial incentives for municipalities that meet targets and penalties for those that do not.

People need real relief, not rhetoric, from their government — and they need it fast.

As a result of significant cuts to municipal grants made by the provincial government, city property taxes could be raised by as much as 4.7 per cent. During two budget meetings, council determined it would have to make this hike based on the fact the provincial government cut Merritt’s funding by approximately six per cent, equal to $144,200, Mayor Clara Noigaard calculated.

LETTERS POLICY

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.

Rae Bassett MSS

Panthers Sr. Girls Basketball team member Yolanda Charlie. Photo/Jem Catenza

JACKIE TEGART VIEW FROM LEGISLATURE

Photo/Metro Creative

The return of Aspen Planers

From Page 5

laughter, according to Bernier. He believes the issue must be addressed before 2023 becomes a “devastating” year for B.C.’s forestry industry, adding that the province has “priced itself out of competition” by increasing taxes and fees related to the industry.

The economic effect of Aspen’s closure, which AP Group said could start again at any time if no cutting permits are approved, was felt by over 150 direct Merrittbased employees and many other contractors, equipment providers, and even Aspen’s other operations in Savona and Lillooet. According to the company, the average sawmill worker wage at the Merritt mill is approximately $50 to $55 per hour, including a benefits package, per their collective agreement with the United Steelworkers Union that rep -

resents its workers. According to City of Merritt officials, Aspen Planers paid $1,649,166.81 in taxes in 2022 to all taxing authorities, including the City, on all of its Merritt properties. The total taxes collected by the City of Merritt in 2022 was $14,525,674, with $9,036,134 in municipal taxes, and the difference being remitted to the other taxing authorities.

Merritt’s Mayor told the Herald the economic impact of Aspen’s closure was felt

across the community.

“It affects Merritt wholly, and it also affects the households of everybody that has been laid off,” said Mayor Mike Goetz.

“Everybody has a budget, and when you’ve been laid off, your budget changes.

I’ve talked to several businesses in town that have really noticed the cutback in their stores since the announcement that Aspen Planers was laying everybody off, and it has affected their year-end num -

bers.”

Goetz noted that the City has been in talks with both the provincial government and Aspen Planers to resolve the ongoing issues.

The Mayor also recently met with the District Manager for Merritt’s Cascades Forest District regarding the issuance of cutting permits, but said there has been no movement so far.

The City said it is monitoring the situation and working with parties involved towards a resolution. Goetz noted that Aspen Planers has a large impact on the City’s finances, including employment numbers and contributions to the tax base.

He is hopeful the Minister of Forests will review the file and see the need for action.

For Aspen Planers, it’s back to business as somewhat usual, but the company said only time and response from the provincial government will tell how things play out.

City of Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz. Photo/City of Merritt

&Neighbours

Interior Health leaders visit Merritt Birds of a feather

Every year the Interior Health CEO and Board Chair make their rounds in the different facilities within the region. Unfortunately due to COVID-19 restrictions, they were unable to make these trips for the past few years. However, with restrictions being lifted, the trips are once again a possibility.

On Thursday, January 26, Interior Health CEO Susan Brown and Board Chair Doug Cochrane were finally able to visit the Nicola Valley Hospital. This was their first time back to the facility since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to meet with our frontline staff, our physicians, the community, the hospital, the mayor, and the auxilary,” said Brown. “It just gives us a really good sense on how things are going.”

Brown and Cochrane took a tour of the site, spoke with staff and leaders, and visited the emergency department which they are seeing for the first time.

“The facility has been changed dramatically since the emergency department was put into play, and it looks like it’s working really well,” Cochrane said. “I commend the staff there as they have a very relaxed healing environment as there could be.”

The board chair commended the recognition wall he saw, which honours the community effort put into the emergency department and other areas of the hospital.

“That speaks volumes about the commitment of the community for helping Interior Health deliver healthcare in Merritt.”

The Nicola Valley Hospital’s issue of frequent E.R. closures have been plaguing the Nicola Valley for quite some time. When asked about this, Brown addressed the concern and stated that they are looking at a long term approach to the solution.

“Service disruption is always a last resort for us. We do a tremendous amount of work in order to fill vacant shifts, but

there are times when things happen last minute that are unavoidable. We do have some vacancies with nursing and physicians, filling them will be be our priority going forward to prevent any closures from happening.”

Brown explained that Interior Health wants to make sure that new nurses, physicians, and staff would view Merritt as a viable area residence.

“We’re hoping to partner with the municipal government to showcase Merritt and what that could look like for people who are interested in coming here,” she said. “We want to showcase the opportunity to work in healthcare here as well as show the broader community should any new recruit moves here with a partner, spouse, or family.”

Interior Health will continue to work on recruitment and retention as Brown and Cochrane bring information they have gathered from their trip back to their staff to creat a plan catering Merritt in specific.

“There was a lot of positive energy and enthusiasm from the staff, so that’s always great to see,” said Brown. “We’ve met with the physicians and they talked about ideas we would like to follow up on.”

On Saturday January 14, members of NatureKids BC Merritt Chapter met up for their second annual Kids Winter Bird Count. The bird watching event featured 19 total species including one female holder mer-

ganser, one belted kingfisher and two American dippers. Alan Burger and Liis Jeffries of the Nicola Naturalist Society, along with Upper Nicola Band’s Loretta Holmes appeared as guest mentors to the kids, teaching them about resident birds that call the Nicola Valley home.

Interior Health CEO Susan Brown and Board Chair Doug Cochrane. Izaiah Reyes/Herald

The leadership at Interior Health meeting with Mayor Mike Goetz. Izaiah Reyes/Herald

Members peered through telescopes in hopes to spot different species of birds in the wild. Photo/Sarah Desrosiers

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

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How parents can pitch in to prevent bullying

Parents go to great lengths to protect their children. Keeping a watchful eye is a great way to protect kids when they’re around the house, but parents may need to look for more subtle signs to determine if their children are being mistreated when they leave home.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notes that roughly 20 percent of students between the ages of 12 and 18 experience bullying nationwide. Parents might once have written off bullying as part of growing up, but research has long since indicated that bullying can be very harmful to youngsters. The DHHS notes that research indicates that persistent bullying can lead to or exacerbate feelings of isolation, rejection, exclusion, and despair. Children who are persistently bullied also may experience new or worsening feelings of anxiety and depression.

Parents can play a vital role in preventing bullying. Much of that role involves parents educating themselves about bullying, including what it is and what it’s not and what are some warning signs that a child is involved in bullying. What is bullying?

The DHHS website Stopbullying.gov defines bullying as unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived imbalance of power. Bullying behavior is repeated or has the potential to be repeated over time. The imbalance of power associated with bullying involves the children who bully using some semblance of power they have over the children

they’re bullying to harm or control those youngsters. Their power may be physical strength, access to embarrassing information or popularity.

What isn’t bullying? Various types of aggressive behavior have the potential to be harmful, but they do not fall under the umbrella of bullying. For example, Stopbullying.gov notes that children between the ages of three and five are learning how to coexist with one another, including how to share and cooperate. Children in these age groups may be aggressive if they don’t get what they want, but their actions in such instances do not constitute bullying. More information about potentially harmful, non-bullying behaviors is available at Stopbullying.gov. What are some signs a child is bullying other children?

Parents also should be on the lookout for signs their children are bullying other youngsters. Such signs include:

• Kids get into physical or verbal altercations

• Children have friends who bully others

• Increasingly aggressive behavior

• Frequent trips to the principal’s office or to detention

• Kids have extra money or new belongings but cannot explain how they got the cash or items

• Kids blame others for their problems

• An unwillingness to accept responsibility for their actions

• Kids are competitive and worry about their reputation or popularity

Parents have a vital role to play in preventing bullying so all youngsters feel safe and sound inside and outside of school.

6 effects of bullying

Mixed messages still prevail regarding bullying. While it is addressed as a problem that shouldn’t be tolerated, some people still think that bullying is a part of growing up. But downplaying bullying can have lasting consequences.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that one out of five children are bullied. The Cyberbullying Research Center offers that 5.4 million American students skip school at some point in the year due to bullying. What’s more, bullying doesn’t end when classes let out. Digital harassment is a growing problem that brings bullying into a person’s life, day or night.

Victims of bullying may experience short- and long-term consequences. Here is a look at some of the experiences and behaviors that may be result from bullying.

1. A UCLA study of 2,300 students in 11 middle schools in Los Angeles found that high levels of bullying was associated with lower grades across the three years of middle school. Students who

were bullied the most performed significantly worse in school than their peers who were not bullied.

2. Children who are bullied tend to have increased feelings of sadness and loneliness that can manifest as future diagnoses of depression and anxiety, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. These issues can persist into adulthood.

3. Victims may experience psychosomatic symptoms like headaches or muscle aches or other physical problems. Visits to the doctor may turn up no physical causes of these issues.

4. Remedy Health Media advises that bullying can result in changes in appetite and sleeping patterns. Students also may experience low selfesteem.

5. A longitudinal study led by scientists in Norway looked at the long-term psychological effects of being bullied as an adolescent. The results pointed to adverse mental health outcomes in adulthood, with victims showing a high level of depressive symptoms. Both bullies and victims were also at an increased risk of psychiatric hospitalization due to these mental health disorders.

6. Bullying also can affect bystanders. Students who witness their peers or friends being bullied may be more likely to use tobacco, alcohol or other drugs. Such students also may be at an increased risk of developing mental health problems, says StopBullying.gov.

The effects of bullying can be profound, which is why all bullying should be taken seriously.

Romeo’s

How to spot signs of cyberbullying

Despite its relative infancy, the internet has become so prevalent in daily life that it’s hard to imagine a time when it wasn’t so widely available. Yet that time wasn’t so long ago. In fact, many adults who are now entering or in middle-age made it through their secondary educations without the internet. That’s not so for today’s students, and that divide can sometimes make it difficult for parents to spot signs that their children are victims of cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying refers to the use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending intimidating and/or threatening messages. These messages may be sent in various ways, including through apps or via social media platforms. According to StopBullying.gov, research has shown that a quick and consistent response to bullying is an effective way to convey that such behavior is unacceptable. But parents first must learn to recognize signs of cyberbullying, which is not always as easy to spot as other bullying behaviors.

The Anti-Defamation League notes that hateful words and rumors are often a component of cyberbullying. In such instances, that abuse can follow young people home, giving them the idea that the bullying is inescapable. In decades past, bullying victims could at least see their homes as safe havens. That’s no longer the case, which is why it’s vital that parents learn to recognize the signs of cyberbullying.

Young people may exhibit their own unique symptoms if they’re being victimized by cyberbullies. In addition, the ADL notes that parents can look for these signs and then take immediate action if they suspect their children are being cyberbullied.

• A child becomes upset, sad or angry during or after being online or using their phone.

• A child withdraws from family or friends.

• A child expresses reluctance or refuses to participate in activities previously enjoyed.

• A child has an unexplained decline in grades.

• A child refuses to go to school or expresses anger or dissatisfaction with a specific class or school in general.

• A child increasingly reports symptoms of illness for which he or she wants to stay at home.

• A child shows signs of depression or sadness. The ADL urges parents who see any of these signs to respond to them immediately. Take a gentle, supportive tone during any discussions with children, making sure to express your concerns while also listening to the child when he or she explains what is so upsetting.

Parents who have confirmed or suspect their child is a victim of cyberbullying should contact their children’s school immediately. More information about how to respond to cyberbullying and prevent its recurrence is available at www.StopBullying.gov.

Thank You!

TheAASeniorGirlsVolleyball ProvincialChampionshipPlanning Committee,GianCavaliere,Shelly Moorhead,AdrianeMouland,Dave Finch,TamaraFoster,Christine Anderson,AngelaRussell,Lisa Nelson-Smith&NicoleMackaySmith,wouldliketoacknowledge andshareaheartfeltthankyou witheveryonewhocontributedto thesuccessfulChampionshipevent.

TheAASeniorGirlsVolleyball ProvincialChampionshipwasan amazingeventthatleftmany memoriesfortheathletes, coaches,officials,parents,the communityandeveryoneinvolved. Thefeedbackwereceivedwas overwhelminglypositiveand wearesogratefultohavehad suchamazingsupportfromour community,sponsors,vendorsand volunteers.

Thankyoutoourfinancialsponsorsforallowingustheabilitytohostahighcalibereventfor16teams fromaroundtheprovince:

TITLESPONSOR

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ACESPONSORS

•YRBNicola

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•McDonald’s

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Thankyoutothemanygroupsandindividualswhocontributedtimeandenergytohostbanquets, opening&closingceremoniesandtokeepgymsrunningforthreedaysoffantasticvolleyballaction:

•MerrittPrinting

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•Dr.DuncanRoss

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•MerrittPerformanceCompany

•StudentPowWowDancers

•MSSFoodsandCafeteriaClass

•MsElaineGrant-Gill

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•MsDunn&theMSSArtClass

•FormerMSSStudents–Neleah Chillihitzia,FallonFosbery, CourtneyChristy,NathanBrigden

•MSSPhysicalEducationDepartment

•MSSSportsManagementClass

•MSSStudentVolunteers

•SpecialtyAwardsCommittee–JoshDekker,CassidyDekker, ZachVillaneuva,BrynnaKearl, IanWebster

•ParentsoftheSeniorGirls’ Volleyballteam

•VolunteerTeamHouseParents

•CityofMerritt

•MSSStaff

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THANKYOUALLSOMUCH!

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Tourism Nicola Valley hosts a photo contest

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Nicola Valley is rich in natural beauty. Its landscapes promote various outdoor activities, particularly during the winter season. Unfortunately, as a tourism destination, the valley is not widely popular. This is why several tourism organizations are hard at work to promote the land as a premiere winter destination for outdoor activities.

Tourism Nicola Valley, Experience Nicola Valley, Experience Merritt and EH Canada Marketing Group have been collaborating on various initiatives including a photo contest they are hosting from January 2 to Mar 30, 2023. People are invited to submit photos of them enjoying the many wonderful winter activities the Nicola Valley has to offer.

“It’s been proven over and over again in various media, including ourselves, that the Nicola Valley has one of the top winter destinations in B.C.,” Eh Canada Vice President Greg Girard stated.

“We’re ranked as a top snowmobile destination, we have probably the best ice fishing location in B.C. with all our lakes here, and we also have a good cross country ski area.”

Girard explained that this contest is just one of the steps

of a larger plan to market the Nicola Valley as a go-to winter destination. The various tourism organizations are collaborating in order to achieve this goal.

“We really believe that this market share is one that we can grab,” he said. “We have the tools to do it. We’ve been blogging about our winter tourism, this annual photo contest is going strong, and other initiatives that are just waiting for approval.”

This year’s photo contest is an expanded version of the last year’s ice fishing photo contest to include other winter activities.

“It kind of came about because we have a wonderful winter tourism season here in the

Nicola Valley, but unfortunately, not enough people know about it,” said Girard. “We want to show the locals enjoying our wonderful back country, enjoying some skiing, snowmobiling, and lots more. We are using this next three months to promote our winter tourism in the best way we believe we can.”

The contest is funded by the Tourism Nicola Valley initiative. A $1000 prize will be given to the best photo while four prizes of $250 will

be given for the best photo for each category in the contest (cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing).

“We’ve been having a phenomenal response from the people so far,” Girard noted.

“We’re already approaching 100 submissions. We’re hoping that it can reach as much as 200 submissions, given that the contest spans over three months.”

All submissions will be presented to the Tourism Nicola Valley board

of directors who will use their first meeting in April to judge all the photos.

“We’re asking anyone that goes out and enjoy our winter areas to snap a photo and submit it because you just might win.”

To learn more about the contest rules and how to submit your photos, please visit www. experiencenicolavalley.com.

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Controlled Drugs and Substances Act exemption takes effect

racism First Nations people face in the healthcare and judicial systems.

“The data clearly show that First Nations people continue to be disproportionately impacted by the ongoing toxic drug crisis in British Columbia,” said Dr. Nel Wieman, acting chief medical officer with the First Nations Health Authority.

“This is because First Nations people experience stereotyping, racism and discrimination in many different ways, including the health-care and judicial systems. Decriminalization will help to mitigate the stigma and shame attached to substance use and reduce the negative impacts of criminal charges, which is especially important to First Nations people who are over-represented in the criminal justice system.”

to test drugs for their contents. Testing is available on site on select days, but samples can be dropped off to be mailed for testing.

The exemption will now remain in effect until January 31, 2026, with the provincial and federal governments saying they will monitor the exemption to “ensure the desired outcomes of decriminalization are met and there are no unintended consequences.”

Decriminalization of the use and possession of a number of hard drugs has come into effect across B.C, with a number of social supports taking the place of police action on drug use and possession cases.

As of January 31, 2023, the possession of some illicit drugs has been decriminalized by a first-in-the-nation three year trial exemption from Health Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The province hopes the move to decriminalize the use and possession of these drugs, highlighting the fact that the sale and trafficking of the drugs remains illegal, will allow the healthcare system to focus on addiction and substance use, while police focus on criminal matters.

“We know criminalization drives people to use alone. Given the increasingly toxic drug supply, using alone can be fatal,” said Jennifer Whiteside, B.C.’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

“Decriminalizing people who use drugs breaks down the fear and shame associated with substance use and ensures they feel safer reaching out for life-saving support. This is a vital step to get more people connected to the services and supports as the Province continues to add them at an unprecedented rate.”

The exemption applies to British Columbians 18 years of age and older, allowing them to possess up to a cumulative 2.5 grams of cocaine, opioids, methamphetamine and MDMA within the province without criminal charge, a move which the province hopes will directly address and reduce the stigma around addiction.

Since the exemption began, those found with illicit substances for personal

use no longer have their drugs seized, or are arrested or charged. Instead, police offer information on available addictions, healths, and social supports. The province said it has worked with police leaders to develop training resources and provide practical guidance to more than 9,000 front line officers in preparation for the province-wide decriminalization.

Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz has been openly critical of the move to decriminalize, suggesting it wouldn’t make the province’s overdose epidemic any better. He has said the City will explore banning the public use of drugs within City limits. First Nations health leaders say the exemption will help mitigate some of the systemic

A number of social services in the Nicola Valley offer drug testing and identification, a service the province hopes users will utilize as a part of harm reduction efforts. The Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society’s Merritt Shelter on Voght Street offers take-home fentanyl test strips, as well as on site test strips. Ask Wellness’s downtown office on Quilchena Avenue uses Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)

B.C’s first in the nation decriminalization efforts came into effect on January 31, 2023, and will run for a three year trial period. Marius Auer/Herald

Upper Nicola Band elections

Voters of the Upper Nicola Band (UNB) will soon have the chance to elect their Chief and Council, with the band announcing a nomination meeting for the beginning of February. The meeting will take place on February 9 at the Quilchena Church, where eligible electors will nominate candidates who will run to serve in the one Chief and nine Councillor positions.

The last UNB election took place in 2020, as elected officials at the band serve three year terms. The 2020 election saw Chief

Harvey McLeod reelected, as well as some of council, with a number of fresh faces in the mix. The Herald has reached out to McLeod to see if he plans to attend the February 9 nomination meeting, or seek reelection.

“Notice is hereby given that the Upper Nicola Band has called a Nomination Meeting on February 9, 2023, in accordance with the Upper Nicola Band Custom Election Regulations for the purpose of eligible electors nominating candidates for one position of the

Office of Chief and nine positions for the Office of Councillor,” reads a statement by UNB.

“The Election Regulations, supporting nomination documents, and the official Voters List of All Eligible Electors shall be posted and available during regular business hours at the Upper Nicola Band Administration Office at the Douglas Lake Reserve, Quilchena Reserve, and Scw’exmx Tribal Administrative Building; can be requested from the Electoral Officer, and will be available to download at www.onefeather. ca/nations/uppernicola.”

Eligible Electors are those who are 18 years of age or older on the date of the nomination meeting, UNB members, and not incarcerated at the time of the Custom Election. The full eligibility requirements can be found through UNB’s OneFeather portal. OneFeather is an Indigenous technology company specializing in local elections for First Nations communities.

The February 9th nomination meeting will be held at the Quilchena Church, 6961 Douglas Lake Road, in Quilchena. Advanced polling for the election will be held in the same location on March 11, from 8:00am to 8:00pm. Regular polling will take place at the Quilchena Church and the Spaxmn Meeting Place, on March 18 from 8:00am to 8:00pm. For more information on UNB’s upcoming elections, contact the band’s Electoral Officer, Lawrence Lewis, at 1-855-923-3006, or support@onefeather.ca.

Upper Nicola Band members will head to the polls on March 18 to elect their new Chief and Council. Photo/Herald File Marius

Centennials host Salmon Arm Silverbacks on NVIT night

a few minutes later, the Cents would find a man advantage following a high sticking call against the Warriors’ Jaiden Moriello, with Jaxson Murray scoring his second goal of the night just six seconds into the power play to make it 3-0. Down by three, the Warriors replaced goalie Cayden Hamming with Justin Katz, which seemed to turn the tide in West Kelowna’s favour. Not long after, the Warriors’ Noah Laframboise scored with a wrist shot for his first BCHL goal, making the score 3-1. Two minutes later, the Warriors would make another dent in their goal deficit with a goal by Ben MacDonald, making it a 3-2 game. With just 56 seconds left in the period, the Warriors would tie it up with a goal by Kailus Green. The third period was back and forth, with the Cents managing to kill off two penalties and sending the game into overtime. The game was further forced to a shootout after both teams failed to capitalize during the three on three overtime frame. Ryan Spinale shot first for the Cents,

but failed to score against the Warrior’s goalie. Ben MacDonald for the Warriors was up next, also failing to score against Merritt’s Johnny Hicks. Aidan Lindblad, a Cents new arrival, also failed in his shootout turn. Leading Warriors scorer, Jaiden Moriello, was up next, but also failed to find the twine against Hicks. Cents leading scorer Jaxson Murray had the final try for the Cents, failing to score. The game ended when Rylee Hlusiak of the Warriors managed to capitalize on the team’s final shoutout effort, ending the game 4-3 in favour of West Kelowna. Merritt’s #1, Johnny Hicks, saved 38/41 in the loss.

The Cents returned home to the NVMA for a Friday night game against the visiting Salmon Arm Silverbacks, with the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) sponsoring the game. NVIT students and staff were welcomed free of charge, and representatives of the school distributed information and free NVIT merchandise. The ceremonial puck drop was

It was a shaky return to the ice for the Merritt Centennials after their weekend off for the BCHL’s Top Prospects and All Star games, in which three Cents participated, with the team securing one out of a possible four points. The Cents lost in a shootout to the West Kelowna Warriors in a road game on Wednesday, followed by a shutout loss to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks for NVIT night on Merritt’s home ice. The week’s first game, on Wednesday, took place against the Warriors at West Kelowna’s Royal LePage Place. The first period was a good start for the Cents, with Jaxson Murray scoring the frame’s one and only goal at the 8:56 mark. The first period was filled with penalties, with two four on four situations, but neither team able to capitalize. Going into the second period a 1-0 game for the Cents, the visitors hoped to extend their lead. Within the first six minutes, Ryan Spinale scored again for Merritt, making it a 2-0 game. Just

conducted by NVIT president Ken Tourand, with the intermissions featuring two U9 hockey games and a paper airplane throwing competition for the chance to win tuition for a three credit course at the school. The Cents weren’t as lucky as the winner of the tuition, losing in a 5-0 shutout to the Silverbacks. The first period was back and forth, with only one goal scored by the Silverbacks’ Raoul Boilard at the 6:19 mark. The Cents found themselves on a man advantage towards the end of the period, but were unable to capitalize on the power play. Going into the second period a 1-0 game for Salmon Arm, they looked to solidify their lead, and did so with a goal just 40 seconds into the period. Former Centennial Tristan Allen found the back of the net for an insurance goal. The Cents failed to score on another power play following a hooking call against the Silverbacks five minutes into the period. The Cents’ Connor Farren was served with a roughing and misconduct call when the Silverbacks scored their third goal of the night, leading them to capitalize on the ensuing power play to make it 4-0 for Salmon Arm. Another pair of penalties would be handed out not long after, with the Cents’ Carter Schmidt garnering an unsportsmanlike call, and Ryan Buckley of the Silverbacks getting a roughing call. The Silverbacks topped the second period off with their fifth and final goal of the night with just four seconds left in the period, making it a 5-0 game. The third period was quite back and forth, but saw little action besides the Cents replacing #1 Johnny Hicks for #35 Connor Sullivan, and two Cents penalties for cross-checking and misconduct, respectively. The final score was 5-0, with Hicks saving 27/32 in the loss, and Sullivan saving 17/17.

The Cents return to home ice at the NVMA for their sole game next week, a Friday nighter against the visiting Wenatchee Wild. Puck drop is set for 7:00pm.

Friday night’s game was sponsored by the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT), with the school giving away a semester’s tuition to a three credit course. Marius Auer/ Herald

Photo/Christina Gillet

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

MSS Panthers promote basketball in the Nicola Valley

excited to watch the Panthers, wearing the home team’s colours, some with face paints, while others holding up signs and noise makers.

“The Sr. Boys were really excited to have the kids at their opener because they want to mentor them and inspire them to take up basketball,” Slanzi noted. “This is a sport that we want to stay and grow in the community.”

“We were all excited to have the elementary kids come watch us play,” said Panthers Guard Cruz Slanzi. “I remember watching my coach Evan Sahota play for MSS back when I was in elementary school and now for me to be one of the guys that can inspire the next generation of talent in the city makes me speechless.”

joining the Merritt Mavericks Basketball Club. Last year the club expanded by adding a U12 team to their program, and this year they look to continue the expansion with a U10 team addition.

“It would be nice to see the age division expanding like in the city where we see five, six, and seven year-olds playing,” said Slanzi. “Right now we’ve got close to 70 boys playing basketball for their school teams. My guess is that there’s going to be over 100 boys wanting to play in the future.”

Hoop season is upon us and Merritt Secondary School (MSS) are proud to showcase their young talent to the community. Every year MSS hosts a basketball tournament at home and this year was their biggest one yet, a 16 team invitational for the Sr. Boys Basketball teams across the province.

The Eagle’s Perch Tournament was a 16 team tournament that was hosted by MSS from January 19 to January 21. Being the biggest tournament for basketball they have ever done, Eagle’s Perch took place across three gyms, NVIT, MSS, and Lower Nicola Band School.

The budding basketball community in Merritt, populated by the players and coaches of the team wanted to

use the big tournament as a platform to promote basketball to the Nicola Valley. This was further supported by their home opener, where MSS invited elementary classes from all over the Nicola Valley to watch their home team perform.

“We always start off our opening game in front of the elementary kids in the Nicola Valley,” said Leroy Slanzi, coach of the MSS Panthers. “We packed the bleachers with about 400 kids from local elementary schools and our goal is to promote the sport of basketball within the community. Hopefully we get a lot of kids out playing basketball because everybody knows playing sports keeps them out of trouble.”

Dozens of children from the different elementary schools in the valley packed the gym for an afternoon game of basketball. The young students were very

The game was indeed inspirational, as the Panthers started off the tournament with a statement win against Princeton, highlighted further by guard Nathan Willey’s 51 point performance. The Panthers continued their momentum reaching as far as the championship game, but unfortunately falling short against the eventual champion, Mount Boucherie Secondary.

As of now, kids have the opportunity to play basketball through their elementary school’s basketball program, or by

The Pathers Sr. Boys Basketball team takes a team photo behind the crowd of elementary students filling the gym for their tournament opener. Izaiah Reyes/Herald

Izaiah Reyes/Herald

Izaiah Reyes/Herald

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Rockin River 2023 cancelled Local wins in scratch lottery

Merritt takes great pride in its country music and one of its crown jewels is the Rockin River Music Festival. The four day musical showcase is one of the biggest attraction the city has in the summer time, attracting people from all over the country, and some in the U.S. There were a lot of people that rejoiced when the festival made its return after a two year break, and that it would continue to become a regular fixture again every summer. Unfortunately, a recent announcement by the Rockin River organization stated that it will not proceed with the festival in 2023, leaving Merritt again without its beloved summer event.

It was announced late on Friday, January 27 by the Rockin River Music Fest organization that it won’t be hosting the annual celebration for 2023. The organization explains that the compounding financial hurdles became insurmountable which led to the decision.

“Over time we have been met with a series of obstacles that we tried our best to overcome,” said Rockin River on their official Facebook post. “In the end, we have made the decision to not move forward with the festival in 2023.”

Rockin River is just fresh off its return in 2022. The festival had been on a two year break prior to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the B.C. floods of 2021, which only added to the festival’s financial challenges.

“With the rise in cost of entertainment and everything else, we needed a lot more people,” Rockin River Founder Kenny Hess said about last year’s turnout. “I would estimate that the turnout was about 30% less than what we expected or needed. Combined with the losses we’ve suffered through the COVID-19 pandemic and everything else, the numbers just couldn’t add up.”

Hess told the Herald that he had taken a back seat with his role in the festival, stating that Live Nation, Jukebox Entertainment, and the Rockin River organization have the more active role and were responsible for deciding to cancel this year’s festival.

“Though it wasn’t up to me, I would’ve still made a similar vote to cancel, as I agree that the numbers don’t make sense to continue,” Hess noted. “I want to thank Merritt for being so good to us and want to express how sorry we are that we couldn’t continue to do the festival this year.”

Though the festival won’t be happening this year, Hess maintains that the door is always open for the possibility of its return in the future.

The new year welcomed in new blessings for Merritt local Cindy Petroczi, winning Treasure Tree’s top prize of $125,000.

Treasure Tree is one of the lottery games available at the local Walmart located on Crawford Avenue. Petroczi is still shocked how one fateful trip to the grocery had given her so much.

“I decided to treat myself to a ticket and was at the store and thought, ‘Holy crap is this real?”

Petroczi was in tears as she immediately called her husband to break the news. The couple were one of the residents impacted by the 2021 floods. They hope to use some of the money towards their recovery while some of her wins will be used towards a

vacation.

“I’m so grateful and thankful! This will be so nice after losing things in the flood,” she said.

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Rockin River founder Kenny Hess believes that last year’s festival turnout was roughly 30% under their ideal estimate. Izaiah Reyes/Herald

Merritt resident and scratch ticket winner Cindy Petroczi. Photo/BCLC

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

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PLEAS E RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPE R

WANTED TO BUY WANTED SASQUATCH SKULLAlso purchasing SILVER & GOLD coins, bars, jewelry, scrap, nuggets, sterling,

NeilGlennMacLean

1937-2023

NeilpassedpeacefullyinMerrittBCattheage of85onJanuary8,2023withhislovingfamily nearhisside.

NeilwasthesecondandyoungestsonborntoArchie andAliceMacLeanonSeptember19,1937inRadway AB.ThefamilyrelocatedtoVancouverBCwhenNeilwas3yearsold.Hewas educated,marriedandstartedhisfamilyinVancouver.

NeilmarriedVictoriaAkermanonFebruary14,1958andtheyhad4children together.Wendy(BillVanleur),Glenn(CherylHornland),Layle(JeffKenyon) andArchie(RoxannTaylor).

In1963thefamilymovedtothePeaceareaalongwithNeils’parentsand startedafarmjustwestofRolla.NeilandVickiresidedandraisedtheirfamily onthisfarm.Neilwasveryactiveinsportsduringthistime.Fastball,broomball andgolfbeingsomeofhisfavourites.Hewasalsoquiteanaccomplishedfiddle playerandentertainedmanyatcountrydancesthroughouttheyears.

NeilandVickiwereabletotravelforafewyearsandendedupretiringin MerrittBCin2007.

Neilwaspredeceasedbyhisparents.

Neilwillbesadlymissedbyhislovingwife,allhischildren,hisbrother (George)andnumerousgrandchildren,greatgrandchildren,niecesandnephews.

Scw’exmxCommunityHealthServicesSociety EmploymentOpportunity FINANCEASSISTANT

Scw’exmxCommunityHealthServicesSociety(SCHSS)isinviting applicationsforthepositionof FinanceAssistant.

PositionSummary:

ReportingtotheExecutiveDirector,theFinanceAssistantisa memberoftheadministrativeteam,andperformsavarietyof finance-relatedduties,andprovidesadministrativesupporttoother programsorpositions.

Performingavarietyoffinance-relatedduties,includingbutnot limitedto:AccountsPayable,AccountsReceivable,reconciliations, recordmaintenance,andXyntaxdataentry(onthejobtraining availabletotherightapplicant).

ESSENTIALSKILLS:

•CompletionofGrade12supplementedbyacertificateor diplomainbookkeeping/accounting.

•ValidBCdrivers’licensewithacleardriver’sabstract.

•Payrollexperienceisanasset.

•StrongcomputerliteracyskillincludingMicrosoftOffice programs.

•PreviousexperienceusingXyntaxisanasset.

Samaritan's Purse

Located at 2101 Quilchena Ave. (Old Barber Shop)

Winter Hours

Monday: 1:00 - 4:00pm

Tuesday & Thursday: 10:00am - 4:00pm

Friday: By Request Your Recovery Specialists

Meghan Blackmore : (250) 574-4574

Sherry Peterson : (250) 574-4885

Thefamilywouldliketoextendtheirthankstotheprofessionalandcourteous staffoftheNicolaValleyHospital&MedicalCentre.

SCHOOLDISTRICTNO.58 (NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN)

COMPUTERTECHNICIANI/II

SchoolDistrictNo.58isacceptingapplicationsforComputerTechnicianI/II inMerritt.

Thisisaunionizedpositionthatoffersa37.5hourworkweekplusa comprehensivebenefitpackageincludingMunicipalPension,health, vacation,andsickbenefits.Aneligibilitylistwillbekeptforuptoone(1)year Qualifiedcandidatesareinvitedtoapplyonlineat www.sd58.bc.ca,clickon Jobs,SupportPositions,andCurrentJobOpportunities(JobCode3353563) completewithcoverletterandresumeoutliningrelevantbackgroundand workexperienceandthree(3)professionalreferences.Pleaseincludeall relevantcertificationsduringtheapplicationprocess.

ForfurtherinformationpleasecontactJodyMcGifford–ExecutiveAssistant at250.315.1108.

Onlythoseapplicantsselectedforaninterviewwillbecontacted.

•Excellentorganizationalandtimemanagementskills.

•Abletomeetdeadlinesandprioritizeworkbasedonchanging needsofafast-pacedorganization.

•FamiliaritywithNlaka’pamuxculture,languageandhistorywill beanasset.

•CriminalRecordCheckwillberequired.

PositionTerm: Permanentfulltime

Deadlineforapplications:Openuntilpositionisfilled.

Submitresumesto:

BarclaySmith,ExecutiveDirector

Scw’exmxCommunityHealthServicesSociety

POBox3090,Merritt,B.C.V1K1B8

Phone(250)378-9745

Fax(250)378-4962

Email:smith.b@schss.com

Paper Carriers

Route ME16, Clapperton, Coldwater, Douglas, Houston, Priest. 78 Papers. Diamond Vale Area.

Route ME17, Blair, Clapperton, Coldwater, Houston, May, Orme, Priest. 76 Papers. Diamond Vale Area.

Route ME27, Chapman, Cleasby, Granite, Spring. 63 Papers. Across from Post Office.

Route ME31, 1st, Chapman, Cleasby, Fairway, Langley, Merritt, Nicola. 108 Papers. City Hall Area to Fire Hall to River.

Route ME41, Blair, Charters, Granite, Nicola, Quilchena. 49 Papers. Between Merritt Funeral and Canco.

Route ME70 & ME38. Irvine, Cressy, Forksdale. 76 Papers. Bench Area.

Route ME25, Canford, Cleasby, Coldwater, Hamilton, Spring, Wilson. 120 Papers. Central Area.

Route ME26, Main & Quilchena. 55 Papers. West Side Of Town.

Thursday's Deliveries. Paid Per Paper. Great First Job. Any age ok. Can have papers delivered to your door or they can be picked up at office. Please feel free to call or stop by the Office for more info.

2090 Granite Ave. (250) 378-4241

UKRAINIAN REFUGEE

800 new & used vehicles to choose.

Guaranteed fair prices & low easy payments. We deliver anywhere.

VADYM GRYSHKO. Appreciate help.

(604) 855 - 8015

KEVINDUNN Ph:250-525-0073 1kevindunn@ protonmail.com

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