Merritt Herald January 5, 2023

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Mayor Goetz concerned about new B.C. drug exemptions

down the stigma that stops people from accessing life-saving support and services,” said Sheila Malcolmson, provincial minister of mental health and addictions. “Substance use is a public health issue, not a criminal one.”

Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz has some concerns over the province’s new exemption from Health Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, which ensures individuals found with limited amounts of certain illegal drugs won’t face criminal charges for their possession.

Goetz told the Herald he believes the move to decriminalize certain illegal drugs in B.C. is the wrong one, and could put the public at risk by allowing the use of these substances in public places under most circumstances.

“Let’s talk

needles, somebody decides to go up to McDonald’s to shoot up, and they throw their needle in the garbage can,” said Goetz. “A lobby person or one of the kids working up there changes the garbage can, and they get stuck by a needle. That’s a concern for me. Is this really going to stem the tide of opioid deaths? I don’t think so.”

The exemption will apply 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.

Goetz called the decriminalization a “bad move all around,” citing that he believes the 2.5 gram carry limit will allow dealers to move illicit substances with ease. By decriminalizing the possession of these drugs, they remain illegal to sell and obtain, but the province said it will allow the healthcare system to support those struggling with addiction, rather than the justice system.

“By decriminalizing people who use drugs, we will break

After the effective date of January 31, 2023, those found with illicit substances for personal use will no longer have their drugs seized, or be arrested or charged. Instead, police will offer information on available addictions, healths, and social supports.

Goetz said that this means RCMP will no longer respond to calls of people using illicit drugs in public places under most circumstances.

The Mayor said he urges those who are upset by

the province’s new drug policy and its implications to reach out to their local elected officials on the provincial and federal levels. Goetz said he has had conversations with multiple ministers regarding his concerns, and plans to bring forth a discussion at the council table. The new legislation allows municipalities to limit which public spaces the decriminalized substances can be used in.

“We will have a look at that, see what our right is to make bylaws that don’t infringe on anybody’s rights, and what the Supreme Court will allow us to do,” added Goetz.

“They are leaving some of the control of it up to local governments, so you could pass a bylaw that says carrying is fine but

you can’t use it in certain places. I understand you can’t use around schools, but this is a bad idea.”

Goetz said his son-in-law died due to an opioid overdose, and he is sympathetic to the situation of those who struggle with addiction. He believes that there is no way to help someone struggling with addiction until they want to accept the help. Goetz said he is supportive of a potential increase in social services and support for mental health and addictions, which he believes may help the issue of addictions and overdose in B.C.

For more information on the exemption and which drugs fall under it, visit www.canada.ca/ en/health-canada/.

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WEATHER

WEATHER

Jan. 5: Partly Cloudy -1°/-8°C

Jan. 6: 40% Wet Snow 3°/-4°C

Jan. 7: 40% Snow 2°/-3°C

Jan. 8: 70% Wet Snow 3°/-1°C

Jan. 9: 30% Snow 2°/-3°C

Jan. 10: 60% Snow 2°/-2°C

RURAL INTAKE

The first intake for applications to receive funding from REDIP will close on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, with a second intake planned for spring 2023. Rural and remote communities, First Nations and not-for-profit organizations are encouraged to submit applications.

Search ‘REDIP’

UKULELE RENTAL

Merrittonians looking to get musical need not look any further than the TNRL ukulele lending program. The new program was launched as an addition to the highly popular guitar lending program that the regional district introduced in April 2022.

Search ‘UKULELE’

• The Sylfirm X an outstanding state of the art Micro needling RF system for collagen and elastin induction, acne treatment and skin tightening & lifting.

Mayor Mike Goetz. Photo/City of Merritt

B.C.’s new exemption from Controlled Drugs and Substances Act ensures individuals found with limited amounts of certain illegal drugs won’t face criminal charges. Photo/Herald File

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Nicola Meadows’ new transit stop

Merrittonians will now be able to hop on and off the bus in a number of new locations, including a new option for seniors to reach out of town medical appointments. Two new regular service bus stops will adorn Houston Street and Midday Valley Road, in addition to a Health Connections stop at a local seniors complex.

The stops on Houston and Midday Valley will become permanent stops after initially being introduced as a temporary route diversion after the November 2021 flooding event. The Voght Street bridge has not been replaced, meaning BC Transit will change its route with no estimate on when the bridge

will be back in service. An additional new stop at Nicola Meadows, a seniors residence on Garcia Street, will allow seniors to access BC Transit and Interior Health’s joint Health Connections program.

“BC Transit is happy that we could partner with the City of Merritt to add a new Health Connections stop at the Nicola Meadows Senior Residence,” said Jamie Weiss, senior media relations and public affairs advisor with BC Transit.

“Health Connections provides customers in Merritt and other communities with accessible transportation options to non-emergency medical appointments, and we will continue to work with the City

of Merritt and Interior Health to provide this valuable service for people who need it.”

The Health Connections program offers transportation to non-emergency medical appointments in nearby communities. The service currently leaves from the Merritt Library on Tuesdays and Thursdays, to Kamloops and Kelowna, respectively. Soon, Nicola Meadows residents will be able to leave right from their own front door. While those with medical appointments have priority, anyone is eligible to use the Health Connections service given that there is extra space aboard.

The Health Connections stop, along with the new stops as part of BC Transit’s regular Merritt service, will be temporar-

ily marked with flags beginning January 3, 2023. Permanent bus stops and possible shelters are in the works, but no timeline is available for the completion of these projects. The new stops will serve route 23, which goes from Collettville to Diamondvale on an hourly basis.

“The other new bus stops will be located near Barkman Concrete and the Merritt Green Energy Plant. One stop will be located on Houston Street at Midday Valley Road. The second stop will be located on Midday Valley Road at Houston,” said a release by BC Transit.

For more information on the Health Connections program, along with local routes and schedules, visit www.bctransit. com/merritt.

BC Transit’s Health Connections program provides transport for out of town medical appointments, and will soon add a new stop at Nicola Meadows. Marius Auer/Herald

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

VIEWPOINT

Looking ahead this year

Hello 2023!

The new year is always a cause of great optimism and our little town of Merritt is primed to do great things while the planet begins its new journey around the sun.

As a community, Merritt can view 2023 as a chance to continue to build off of its efforts to recover from the floods back in 2021. Although it has been more than a year, there are still loads of work to be done on that front.

This year is also another chance to build off of the momentum generated in 2022 when the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were lifted. Numerous events and traditions were brought back and this is year is a chance to make them even better.

Last year has been a period when Merritt was establishing itself as a sports town. The Herald bared witness to multiple local successful athletic endeavors. Merritt is very talented in sports and the community can continue to push this narrative in 2023.

With the changing of the guard when it comes to municipal government, residents have an opportunity to establish a city that is efficient with change. For this to happen, we need to step up, along with our elected officials.

There are plenty of more things we can aim to accomplish as a community starting today. I believe that achieving all of them comes down to how much we support each other’s causes. I was very proud to live in Merritt in 2022, I have no doubt that 2023 will be the same.

IZAIAH

LETTERS to the editor Recounting the Christmas Eve bus crash

Editor,

We are grateful to be here today and we give thanks to the many people who helped us. We were on the bus that crashed on the connector on Christmas Eve. Thank goodness, we were wearing our seatbelts! We were hanging from our seatbelts for about 30 minutes while the bus was evacuated while care was given to the injured. It was better than flying through the bus and hitting something.

People were really good about helping each other, retrieving whatever they could and staying relatively calm. Travellers in cars, stopped to let people from the bus warm up. Blankets got distributed, people shared their coats and let others use their phones to call family. At the scene, first responders quickly assessed and attached coloured ribbons to our arms, indicating the degree of injury, so that arriving EMT staff could go right to work.

All passengers were transported to hospitals by ambulance. We ended up at the Merritt Hospital. Others went to Kelowna, Kamloops and Penticton. At the Merritt Hospital, a nurse was assigned to people coming into ER, making sure we were warm and fed. She made connections with family members, connected with hotels, and prepared vouchers. One of the passengers, from the back of the bus, opened up a box of chocolates that was going to be his dad’s gift, and shared it with fellow bus passengers.

After we were discharged we were trasported by an off-activeduty police officer to the Best Western Hotel, where we were met by Emergency Services. We were given personal kits and they gave each of us their phone numbers so we could contact them at any time. The manager of the Best Western went beyond duty. She contacted a restaurant, which was providing dinners for needy people. She and some staff went down to get dinner for us, who were at the hotel on Christmas Day! It was lovely for everyone to sit and eat together.

Merritt Emergency Room arranged to have medications replaced during our wait. On our third day E-Bus offered to take us either back to Kelowna or on to the Lower Mainland. We chose to return home and were delivered right to our door. Our friends brought us dinner, which we really appreciated! It was lovely to be back home to some normalcy. The hugs and friendship helped, too.

Besides the value of wearing seatbelts on a bus, we are also reminded that we need to keep our faith in all Emergency Services. They may not be able to act as quickly as we all would like, but they were all there for us when we needed them. We thank all of them, profusely. The Best Western, in Merritt is also to be thanked for their care of us during our stay. In a time of “disaster”, people showed their true colours by helping others in need. What a great Christmas gift.

Jane and Don Rampone Kelowna, BC

Joshi: ‘A cold holiday week in Merritt’

With winter at its peak, it is time to brace up for some hacks to stay warm as much as possible.

to -30 degree Celsius, forcing Merrittonians to stay indoors.

One of the first pieces of advice that came before landing in Canada was about its inclement weather.

In the build-up to Christmas, the magnetic pendulum swung rapidly. While some days were windy and pleasant, there were times when the temperature dropped down

However, there was no respite for those reporting to work or in public service.

It was most challenging when the temperature dropped to -20 degree Celsius and lower. One could feel that even the

heating system had given up on keeping the environment warm. There was no respite on Christmas Eve and on the big festive day as well with weather swinging between -3 and -17 degrees Celsius. There was no hustle-bustle in Downtown and the town wore a

curfew look on the festive day.

The news of a bus accident during Christmas day was a real mood dampener amidst the gloomy weather.

However, the charming and extravagantly litup houses lifted the spirit. There was kindness all around with

people generously buying gift cards for their near and dear ones. The many impromptu gestures witnessed would win your heart. The young people here caring for the elderly was quite an assurance of a close knit society.

The day after Christmas was nothing short of a

nightmare for people who ventured out. Due to rainfall and icy roads, the bus service went for a toss.

The conditions were perfect for a skating adventure. Wonder if the authorities of the town thought the same? It would have been a grand ending to the festive season.

From the Herald archives: January, 2012

CRASH INJURES WOMAN

A female was left in critical condition after her vehicle lost control on icy, snow covered roads and collided with a tractor trailer 52 kilometres south of Merritt, Dec. 21. According to Merritt RCMP Cpl. Shana Moritz, the woman was travelling northbound on Highway 5, when it appears she lost control of her Chrevolet Cavalier and collided with the tractor trailer loaded with hay.

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.

HARIT JOSHI WARM CUP OF DREAMS

BC Employment Standards Regulation amended for youth labour

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

A number of jobs have been identified unsuitable for young people. Thus the Province of B.C. has implemented minimum age requirements for certain jobs, beginning Sunday, January 1, 2023.

WorkSafeBC data revealed that, between 2012 and 2021, more than $26.4 million was paid out in jobrelated disability claims for workers who were aged 16 to 18 at the time of their injury. Amendments to the Employment Standards Regulation were announced in October 2022.

A number of jobs within several industries were identified as too hazardous for young workers. This includes some jobs within construction, forestry, food processing, oil and gas and power, and asbestos removal.

The identification following public and stakeholder consultations and analyses of injury data, led to new rules outlining certain jobs that require a minimum age of 18, such as logging, smelting, and oil drilling. A minimum age of 16 was determined to be appropriate for construction work, fish processing and some animal processing work.

The following is the list provided by the Province of B.C. for the appropriate minimum age for certain lines of work.

A minimum age of 16 to undertake the following activities:

• construction;

• silviculture;

• forest firefighting; and

• working from heights that require fall protection.

A minimum age of 18 to undertake the following activities:

• tree falling and logging;

• using a chainsaw;

• work in a production process at a pulp, paper, saw, shake or shingle mill;

• work in a production process at a foundry, metal processing or metal fabrication operation, refinery or smelter;

• powerline construction or maintenance where an electrical hazard exists;

• oil or gas field servicing and drilling;

• work with dangerous equipment in fish, meat or poultry processing facilities;

• silica process/exposure to silica

dust;

• work in which a worker is or may be exposed to potentially harmful levels of asbestos;

• exposure to harmful levels radiation;

• working in a confined space or underground workings; and

• work requiring a respirator.

In B.C. the average annual injury rate in 2021 was 2.2 per 100 workers, but some jobs have much higher injury rates.

For example:

• framers in the construction industry have an injury rate of 7.8 per 100 workers;

• workers in abattoirs have an injury rate of 15.7 per 100 workers; and

• manual tree fallers/buckers have an injury rate of almost 20 per 100 workers.

The age restrictions do not apply to industry training programs overseen by SkilledTradesBC. As well, current employees who

Nicola Valley welcomes 2023

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

As the Nicola Valley says goodbye to 2022 and welcomes a new year with open arms, Merrittonians are setting their sights on a year of community and giving back. Making a New Year’s resolution is a common tradition in many countries around the world, where individuals resolve to drop a bad habit, accomplish a personal goal, or continue overall good practices.

A good mix of these general principles can be found in the resolutions of Merrittonians, who aim to shop local and support each other in the new year. The Herald put out calls on social media for submissions of resolutions for 2023, and spoke to a number of local residents regarding their goals and hopes for the year ahead.

“I’d like to share more of the downtown area, some stores have been there for years,” said Joan Maria Brisebois in a Facebook comment.

“Fields, Black’s Pharmacy,

Creative Company. At one time that’s where everyone did their shopping. Our downtown is special to me, that’s where I did most of my shopping every sea -

Story continues on Page 10

reach the prescribed age by April 1, 2023, are excluded from the age requirements. This ensures youth can still access important apprenticeship and training opportunities.

With an effective date of Jan. 1, 2023, employers were provided time to adjust the work performed by existing young employees.

A minimum age of 18 is now required for work in a production process at a foundry, metal processing or metal fabrication operation, refinery or smelter. Photo/Metro Creative

With the New Year now well underway, Merrittonians are setting their resolutions for 2023. Marius Auer/Herald

From Page 9

son, always looking for specials on school supplies.”

Merritt’s downtown core has been a staple of the community since its inception, acting as a hub for local businesses and services. In addition to drawing support for the downtown area, some locals hope to add to it with their business ideas.

Local resident

Anna Cainey explained she hopes to take a “leap of faith” in the New Year, and is planning to open what she described as her dream business, a candy store. Her goal may be ambitious, but the possible challenges aren’t enough to make Cainey back down.

“I have always wanted to open my own business.

You can’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game,” said Cainey.

Other locals are focused on their philanthropic endeavours in the new year, including the increasingly popular concept around random acts of kindness. Random acts of kindness are defined as a non premeditated action designed to offer kindness towards others.

Merritt resident

Susan Innis Doncaster shared that she hopes to complete an act of kindness every month of 2023.

It is clear that Merrittonians are focused on supporting the community and its members in 2023, with acts of kindness and shop local campaigns appearing consistently throughout community members’ New Year’s resolutions. In 2023, Merritt is the place to be.

Teck’s Economic Contribution Report

ity, and revenue to governments to support essential services like education and healthcare,” said Jonathan Price, CEO.

“These economic contributions are directly linked with our work to responsibly provide critical minerals essential to modern society and for the global transition to a low-carbon economy.”

Delivering Christmas Cheer

Marius Auer

REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Teck Resources, the parent company of local economic powerhouse Highland Valley Copper Mine, has released its annual Economic Contribution Report. The report shows over $1.1billion in total economic contributions by Teck to the Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD), wherein both Highland Valley Copper Mine and the City of Merritt lie.

Highland Valley Copper Mine is located 17 kilometres outside of nearby Logan Lake, where the mine produces over 100,000 tonnes of raw ore on an annual basis. The mine extracts both copper and molybdenum concentrates, both of which are exported overseas to be sold to smelters. The mine creates over 1,500 direct local jobs in the TNRD, a region where Teck resources paid $24.3 million in taxes and payments to various local governments in 2021. The total annual value of Teck’s employment in the region for 2021 is estimated by them at $310 million.

“Our people are proud to contribute to the communities and jurisdictions where we operate, including the ThompsonNicola Regional District, through creation of family-supporting jobs, economic activ-

In addition to the direct financial contribution in tax dollars and employee salaries, the mining operation employs contractors, donates to local charities and initiatives, and invests in local infrastructure. The total estimated economic impact by Teck in the TNRD is $1.1billion for 2021, an impressive number estimated by the organization.

Teck Resources is currently in the process of attempting to extend HVC’s operational lifespan, currently set to end in 2027/28, to the year 2040. Teck said the expansion would create an additional 1500 jobs and contribute an estimated $800 million in total economic benefits.

“HVC 2040 allows for the continuation of social and economic benefits, while also helping to meet the growing demand for copper driven by the transition to a lowcarbon future,” reads Teck’s website for the project.

“HVC 2040 would yield approximately 1.95 million tonnes of additional copper over the life of the project.”

The planned 758 hectare expansion would see two open mining pits expanded, as well as the expansion of a tailing pond. The project is still roughly a year from provincial approval on the project, and is currently conducting environmental assessments and consulting with Indigenous nations in the area.

To read the full Economic Contribution Report, or learn more about the proposed HVC 2040 expansion project, visit www. teck.com.

third annual Christmas Dinner hosted by local volunteers completed 110

to the people of the Nicola Valley. Photo/Vanessa van Rensburg.

Teck’s Highland Valley Copper mine, located 17km outside Logan Lake, produced 131,000 tonnes of copper ore in 2021. Photo/Herald File

Bobcat sightings in the Nicola Valley

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Conservation officers in Merritt are reminding residents to keep their small pets inside after a slew of bobcat sightings in the Nicola Valley, including one run-in that was fatal for a family’s house cat. Merritt’s COs have received a number of calls regarding bobcats within city limits, along with a number of social media posts in local groups reporting sightings of a bobcat.

Throughout the month of December, and in the colder months in general, Merritt sees an increase in the presence of bobcats within city limits. The animals are often hungry, looking for easy and small prey. While their usual food source is small game such as grouse or rabbits, hungry bobcats are known to go after small pets occasionally. One recent incident saw an ill bobcat attack and kill a Merritt resident’s cat.

“We have had a few calls, and one call was confirmed that a bobcat did get after a family cat, and the cat was killed,” said Tyler Kerr, conservation officer in Merritt.

“That particular bobcat was dispatched as it was found to be in very poor health. It was sick with something, it was very thin and almost seemed to be starving, which is why it went after the cat. Cats typically aren’t a bobcat’s first prey animal, but they’re seen as easy targets.”

Kerr said the Nicola Valley is prime real estate for bobcats, and while they usually stick to their stomping grounds in more wooded and remote areas, they will occasionally come into town. The key to preventing more kitty conflicts? Keep your furry friends inside, and eliminate any attractants that may draw the wild animals closer in.

“The biggest piece of information I can give to people is to keep their cats

inside,” added Kerr.

“We’ve got too many cats running around outside, and there’s quite a few feral cats in town, so they are going to come into conflict with these bobcats if they’re just roaming the street every day. We live on the edge of bobcat territory, it’s perfect bobcat territory all around us.”

Bobcats are generally skittish and avoid confrontation, but this behaviour can change based on possible illnesses, lack of food, and other factors. A fully grown male bobcat usually ranges from 20 to 30 pounds, and measures roughly 35 inches in length. The small-tomedium sized carnivores rarely engage humans in conflict, but Kerr suggested keeping bear spray on hand if bobcats frequent the area.

Those wishing to report a conflict with wildlife that threatens public safety can call the BC Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.

A fully grown male bobcat usually ranges from 20 to 30 pounds, and measures roughly 35 inches in length.

The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service is responsible for the protection of the environment and mitigating conflict with wildlife. Photo/Tyler Kerr

Photo/Herald File

POLICE FILES

Province funds RTB’s operational budget

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

As waiting times for dispute resolution remain long for B.C. landlords and renters, the Province of B.C. has announced that it will invest an estimated $15.6 million to increase staffing for Residential Tenancy Branch’s (RTB) operations. The investment will help speed up the process of residential tenancy dispute resolution.

“As tenants grapple with the ongoing housing and eviction crises, it is essential that they can access and enforce their rights at the RTB,” said Robert Patterson, lawyer, Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC).

Nicola Valley man missing

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and overall demand from more people moving to B.C., the RTB has received a high volume of applications. Waiting times for dispute resolution remain long. This new investment of as much as $15.6 million over three years is a significant injection of new staff and resources to improve service delivery and speed up waiting times for hearings.

“Renters and landlords have been clear that the current residential tenancy dispute resolution process isn’t working fast enough to address their needs,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “We hear you and we are taking action to speed up service and strengthen enforcement to address things like repeat or serious offences like illegal evictions, so renters and landlords can get the fair treatment and timely support they deserve.”

Government is increasing the Residential Tenancy Branch’s (RTB) operating budget and staffing by 40%, adding as many as 50 new full-time employees to cut waiting times and doubling the size of the Compliance and Enforcement Unit (CEU).

“TRAC hopes that adding more staff will mean not only that tenants’ cases will be heard more quickly, but also that arbitrators will have the time and support they need to give well-reasoned decisions.”

The CEU was launched in 2019 to investigate complaints and take action on repeat or serious residential tenancy offences, such as illegal evictions, and levy monetary penalties, if necessary. Doubling the size and increasing the capacity of the CEU will improve its ability to address serious issues and ensure people are getting fair treatment. It will also allow the CEU to intervene earlier and prevent the need for hearings in the first place, and also take on more cases, which will reduce matters that escalate into multiple requests to the RTB for arbitration.

“Not only will this new investment alleviate financial concerns for landlords by allowing them to solve rental disputes faster, but it will also ensure that their unit is available to provide housing to people in B.C. at a time when it’s needed most,” said David Hutniak, CEO, LandlordBC.

In addition to hiring more staff, the RTB will continue to revitalize its dispute resolution processes to make those

processes more user-focused and easier to navigate. This includes an increase in early intervention to resolve disputes without a hearing. The RTB is in the process of making enhancements to its online service portal, which has sped up the application process.

This funding builds on actions the government has taken to better protect renters since 2017, including capping rent increases below inflation at 2% in 2023, banning illegal renovictions, launching Canada’s first provincewide rent bank, closing the fixed-term lease loophole, ending all strata rental-restriction bylaws, and limiting age-restriction bylaws in strata housing with the exception of 55 and older.

For information about the Residential Tenancy Branch, visit:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/ housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies

The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 36 year old Eli Samuel Vandevoort, a resident of the Nicola Valley who was last seen in Enderby on January 1, 2023.

Vandevoort is described as a 5’11 Indigenous male weighing 154 pounds, with long brown hair and brown eyes. According to a social media poster circulated by Vandevoort’s family members, he was last seen wearing a mustard yellow hoodie and a baseball cap. He was last seen on January 1st, 2023 around 9pm on 3rd Avenue in Enderby. Police are concerned for Vandevoort’s health and wellbeing.

Those with information on his whereabouts are urged to contact their local police, remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or leave a tip online at www.nokscrimestoppers.com.

Premier David Eby and Minister Ravi Khalon.

Photo/Province of BC

Nicola Valley resident Eli Samuel Vandevoort was last seen in Enderby on New Year’s Day.

Photo/Vernon RCMP

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Canadian Blood Services calling for blood donations

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Canadian Blood Services (CBS) is asking those eligible to consider donating plasma or blood, as national inventories of the red stuff dwindle amongst treacherous winter conditions. The service, which is a non-profit charity, oversees the collection of blood and plasma donations across Canada to ensure it’s ready for healthcare applications where necessary.

A press release by CBS states that its collection and distribution systems have been hindered by extreme weather conditions across the country. Residents are urged to book and keep appointments for blood and plasma donations in an attempt to bolster the national blood inventory. Despite the lack of donation centre options in Merritt, locals are encouraged to donate blood when they are travelling to nearby communities.

“It is difficult for us knowing there are people in Merritt who may want to donate blood but because of the distance to the nearest collection centre are

unable to do so,” said CBS in a statement to the Herald.

“Individuals who meet the health requirements to donate blood can do so within British Columbia or in other locations across Canada. The next time potential blood donors in Merritt travel within Canada, the donor event locator on our website is a useful tool to help them find a donor centre nearby.”

CBS added that a number of generous donors in the Merritt area regularly donate both blood and plasma to the service. The locations of donation sites are selected based on a number of criteria, including the number of units of blood or plasma collected, the distance and access to the nearest production site, along with labour costs and logistics around transportation. Due to the relatively small pool of donors in Merritt, CBS is forced to focus on collection in larger urban centers.

Currently dealing with a shortfall of about 10 percent of their expected donations, the ser-

vice hopes to bolster their donations as soon as possible. CBS said the need for platelets is ongoing and pressing for those with serious bleeding, or undergoing cancer treatments. Platelets are a vital component of blood that have a shelf life of only seven days. Regular donations of blood and plasma are needed to ensure this vital life-saving service is fully equipped.

“There are also other donor opportunities with Canadian Blood Services, and our new Give 3 in 2023 challenge can help people learn how,” added the statement.

“Participating in Give 3 in 2023 is not one-size fits all, and each person can determine what works best for them using the suggested giving commitments at 3in2023. blood.ca.”

While patients’ needs are still being met by the smallest donor base in a decade, CBS said this is not sustainable in the long run.

Those interested in donating blood or plasma can make an appointment online at www.blood.ca, on the GiveBlood app, or by calling 1-888236-6283.

Canadian Blood Services are urging eligible donors to give blood and bolster the nation’s dwindling supply. Photo/ Unsplash

Dana Cooke looks forward to an ‘eventful’ 2023

The year of eventing, an equestrian sport usually consisting of a horse and rider competing in cross-country, dressage, and show jumping events, was another year of Cooke living out her dream of working with horses. The former Merrittonian now resides in Mooresville, North Carolina, operating as the resident trainer of Kingfisher Park. Cooke sat down with the Herald to discuss the highs and lows of another year of eventing.

“Going to represent Canada at the world championships in Italy, that was a pretty big highlight,” said Cooke, noting that her WEG appearance didn’t go as well as she had hoped, and drawing on it as a learning experience.

and her horses secured a number of top 5 finishes throughout the year, including a 5th place finish at the Kentucky Land Rover event, and a 4th place at Hartpury, UK’s 2022 Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Series. While across the pond, Cooke also competed in the Burgham International Horse Trials in Longhorsley.

Chile. Cooke also hopes to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics, set to take place in Paris, France from July 26 to August 11, 2024. The training process for eventing is both intensive and ongoing. Cooke said the horses that don’t make the cut for these competitions will still see their share of action.

REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

It was an action-packed year for Merritt born equestrian Dana Cooke, who represented Canada on the world stage in a number of eventing competitions.

From Lexington, Kentucky, to Rome, Italy, Cooke’s year was full of high profile appearances, intense training, and fierce competition.

“We finished, so now I’ve got the experience, and I can hopefully go and have a better shot at a better performance in the next championship.”

While Team Canada and her own performance at the 2022 World Equestrian Games may not have been as strong as Cooke had hoped, the rest of the year brought along numerous successes. Cooke

Cooke had also hoped to compete in this year’s Blenheim Horse Trial while in the UK, but instead was called upon to compete for Team Canada in the WEG. Initially selected as a reserve team member, Cooke was tapped to compete after fellow team member Colleen Loach’s decision to withdraw from the championship due to a horse injury. Cooke and her horse, FE Mississippi, headed to Italy to compete in the championships.

Moving into 2023, Cooke is training and preparing for several upcoming competitions. Along with her daily routine of teaching, training, and tending to her horses, she is hoping to compete in the upcoming 2023 Pan American Games in

“I’ll probably spend the whole spring season competing in North America between the normal east coast events,” added Cooke.

“Then I might go up to Bromont, Quebec in June to do a big event there. If all that is good, one of my other horses, FE Glamour, is not going to be a contender for the Pan American Games, because you can only choose one of your horses. I might try to take her to the UK and do the Blenheim Horse Trials.”

Cooke said she is thankful for all those that supported her in 2022, and looks forward to another year of eventing. For more information on Dana Cooke, including her upcoming events, visit her website at www.danacooke.ca.

Cents lose their last pair of games to end 2022

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

The Merritt Centennials ended their year with two consecutive losses, bringing a lackluster end to the 2022 portion of their 50th season. With a 4-0 loss to the Vipers in Vernon, followed by a 5-1 loss to Salmon Arm’s Silverbacks on home ice, the Cents now hold a 8–19–3–1 record moving into the rest of the regular season.

The Cents hit the road for a trip to Vernon on December 30, taking on the Vipers in a game at Kal Tire Place. With Johnny Hicks starting in goal, the first period was a relatively slow start to the game. Halfway through the first period, Ethan Sundar for the Vipers snuck one past Hicks, making it a 1-0 game. The second period was a mostly defensive one, with only one goal being allowed. Ayden

Third scored on Hicks with just 63 seconds left in the second period to make the score 2-0. The second period saw three Cents penalties for hooking, tripping, and roughing, respectively. In the third period, despite three man advantages due to Vipers penalties, the Cents were unable to capitalize. Reagan Milburn for the Vipers scored at the 13 minute mark of the third period, bringing their lead over the Cents to 3-0. Lee Parks would score the Vipers final goal with just 51 seconds left, resulting in a final score of 4-0 for the Vipers. Hicks saved 27/31 in the loss.

The Cents next game, an afternoon game on home ice against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, took place on New Year’s Eve. Conor Sullivan started in goal for the Centennials in what would be

Dana Cooke, a Merritt born equestrian competing on an international level, is shown here riding horse FE Mississippi. Photo/Leslie Threkeld

The Cents took on the Salmon Arm Silverbacks at home on New Year’s Eve, losing 5-1 in their final game of 2022. Photo/Christina Jean Photography

Marius Auer

From Page 14

another lopsided affair. The Silverbacks opened up scoring just two minutes into the first period, with William Lavigne scoring on Sullivan at the 2:27 mark. Salmon Arm solidified their lead to 2-0 at the 16:36 mark, with a goal by Jayden Grier. The second period also leaned heavily in the Silverbacks’ favour, with the Cents once again failing to convert on three man advantages. The Silverbacks’ Isaac Lambert scored at the 2:15 mark, bringing the score to 3-0 just 22 minutes into the game. At the 11:38 mark, Hayden Stavroff brought the Silverbacks to a 4-0 lead. Seconds later, after a roughing call against Cents forward Jackson

Krill, Salmon Arm capitalized on the ensuing power play by making the score 5-0 with a goal by Owen Beckner. The third period saw a number of penalties and only one goal scored, this time for the Centennials. Following a holding penalty against the Silverbacks, Jaxson Murray scored against Silverbacks goalie Matthew Tovell for a final score of 5-1. Conor Sullivan saved 37/42 in the loss.

Moving into 2023, the Centennials will first take on the Cranbrook Bucks in two home games at the NVMA on January 5 and 6. The Cents will then head back to Vernon for a game against the Vipers on Saturday, January 7. Puck drop is 7PM for both home games, and 6PM in Vernon.

How to stick to your 2023 tness resolution

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

As 2023 begins, a number of people are committing themselves towards self improvement. These commitments can range from a number of different areas, from passion, finances, relationships, and the most popular one, fitness.

A lot of people declare the new year to be the beginning of their fitness journeys. It is commonplace to see gym memberships rise in the month of January, with a number of people signing up, hoping to kickstart their habit of working out. However, it is also common to see new members to drop out the gym after a few weeks, not sticking to their commitments.

The Herald went to local fitness centre, Beyond Fitness, and spoke with Personal Trainer Tyler Wowchuk to see if this trend also applies to Merritt, and what could be done for interest in the gym to avoid fading out.

“The whole idea with New Year’s resolutions is people are waiting for that perfect moment to make a change,” he explained. “However, the most important thing is making it a habit rather than making sure everything’s perfect to get

started.”

Wowchuk is a University of Calgary Kinesiology graduate, and has been a personal trainer in Merritt for eight years. He works with ICBC clients for accident rehabilitation and has been a recipient of ‘Best Trainer in Merritt’ for two years in the Herald’s People’s Choice Awards.

“My main goal is to get clients to a point where they don’t keep going to me,” said Wowchuk.

“Ideally I’d teach them how to workout on their own so that they could stick with it for years, rather than having them go to me for a couple of months and then quitting.”

According to Wowchuk, clients sign up before the holidays to start training as soon as January starts.

“People mostly are coming off of the Christmas holidays, when they’ve been busy with their families and not necessarily eating the best foods,” he said. “I think it’s a great time to make a change but there’s never a bad time to start forming healthier habits anyway.”

Wowchuk confirms that there is an increase in gym membership during January. He observed that new members

range from all ages, with more female clients than males, and the majority are beginners at the gym.

“They may not always know what they’re doing all the time but they are motivated to kickstart their health and get started at the gym,” he described.

“A lot of people want to figure out the gyms for themselves and most of them know enough to be self sufficient. A lot of the machines are pretty self explanatory and easy to use, so that helps them a lot as well.”

Most gyms, such as Beyond Fitness, feature the basic equipments such as benches, squat racks, dumbbells, barbells, and cardio machines such as a stationary bike or a treadmill. The self explanatory machines that Wowchuk is referring to are the isolation workout machines, like a shoulder press, abdominal crunch, and leg press machines.

While the most common goal of newbie gym goers are for aesthetic purposes, Wowchuk maintains that there are benefits beyond this that are attained by hitting the weights.

“It’s good for your mental health, for your brain, heart, and lungs,” he said. “It’s not just about losing fat and gaining muscle. There’s a lot of great things you can achieve at the gym, not just changing your body.”

Unfortunately, the speed at which people rush to sign up for a membership often times is the same rate at which they fall out of their new commitment.

“A lot of people fizzle out,” Wowchuk said. “A lot of things will take priority over the gym like work, kids, or household chores. Those always takes precedence over someone’s fitness.”

Besides priority issues, a lot of new gym goers quickly leave their new habit because of their intimidation towards the facility and equipment.

“There are so many different ways to work out that the amount of choices is overwhelming for people,” Wowchuk

noted.

To address this fizzling out, Wowchuk recommends that people avoid approaching the gym as a chore, and see it as a fun activity.

“If it’s a chore to come to the gym, you probably won’t be doing it, but if you enjoy working out and look forward to it, then you are more likely to adhere to a schedule and an exercise routine,” he said.

“The most important thing to ensure success is to make the gym a part of your

routine. Scheduling the gym in to your daily routine as opposed to waiting to do it at the last minute will definitely improve a person’s commitment to this.”

Beyond Fitness is located in 1901 Quilchena Avenue. For those interested in signing up for a membership, please call (250) 378-0307.

Tyler Wowchuk timing local client Joel Ried as he performs the plank exercise. Izaiah Reyes/ Herald

Tyler Wowchuk timing local client Joel Ried as he performs the deadlift exercise. Izaiah Reyes/Herald

After their New Year’s Eve loss to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, the Cents now focus on their next pair of games against the Cranbrook Bucks on January 5 and 6. Izaiah Reyes/Herald

COMMUNITY

emailing reporter@merrittherald.com.

NVCAC’s upcoming plans for the year 2023

Arts Council had an amazing year in 2022!

The Herald reached out to Curator Jano Howarth, to discuss what they have planned for the upcoming year. She, along with and Guest Curator Barbara Sayles, have answered the following questions:

Can you summarize 2022 for the Arts Council?

“The Nicola Valley Community

The Director’s Board, the Shop Artisans, our community of artists, and many volunteers pulled off many successful shows, events, and inviting spaces for visitors and programs. From outdoor community art to Spirit Square events, we provided enjoyable community involvement opportunities.

The NVCAC’s new Arts Trailer offered mobile shop and art activities to the Farmer’s and Street Markets, Canada Day, Shulus Family Day, and the

Garlic Fest. The Gallery held 10 art shows, including two community shows and a recap “Show of Shows” in the summer that recapped the 55 shows the Gallery has had since 2017. Our shop, with local art and creative crafts, attracted many travelers this last year, as well as satisfying a lot of locals, keeping shopping in the community.”

What are some of the changes/ improvements that you will be implementing for 2023?

“We continue to apply for grants available to keep the NVCAC going

strong, and bring improvements to our space and interactions with the community. We hope to bring more people in to manage all the projects, programs and initiatives that we want to accomplish.”

What are the things you have planned for 2023 that you are most excited about?

Jano Howarth (left) and Barbara Sayles (right) are looking forward to an exciting 2023 for the arts council. Izaiah Reyes/Herald

“The Arts Council plans to continue its seasonal arts and music programs, its collaboration with the City of Merritt for the City Arts programs, and keep the Arts Trailer traveling to local events and markets. We are looking forward to some wonderful and interesting art shows in our small Gallery this year, including artist Wyatt Collins and an upcoming Still Life community art show with guest curator Barbara Sayles. Our plans for this summer include a special Summer Artisan Show, like the successful and

T

beautiful Winter Show that is on now, featuring over 30 artists and artisans. And we have an outreach for a well known local western artist show in the works. We hope to continue having our fun arts and music events in our Spirit Square and participate more in the Fall Fair this year. We are excited to welcome Tia Delaney as Executive Director to the Arts Council, who will help us accomplish all our exciting plans for 2023.”

What are your expectations for 2023?

“The NVCAC is excited to head into the new year, our 41st year in the Nicola Valley community! We are expecting a great 2023, with the strong foundation of community interaction we’ve built over the past several years. Our move in 2020 to our present location gives us a positive outreach into the town and so

many people are coming in now to the Arts Centre, for the shows, the shop, and our programs at the Arts Centre and in the community. We want to continue to support the artists, musicians, and artisans and the abundant creativity in our valley.”

NVCAC will be beginning the year with their ‘Winter Artisan’ showcase, featuring over 30 artists and artisans.

This will be followed by their ‘Still Life’ showcase, set to take place early February.

The Nicola Valley Arts Gallery

is located in 2051 Voght Street, and is open to the public Wednesdays to Saturdays 10 a.m.5 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

1750 Hill Street

THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WEL COME YOU

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

Ser vice Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m

Merritt Baptist Church 2499 Coutlee Avenue (at Omre)

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

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

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

Sacred Hear t Catholic Church Corner of Jackson & Blair • 250-378-2919

Mass Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m.

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

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

Trinity United Church Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735

Ser vice Time ever y Sunday - 10 am

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

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

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

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

PLEAS E RECY CLE THIS NE WSPAPE R

Marg Duff

February 20, 1930 - December 29, 2022

Marg Duff passed away peacefully at the Merritt Hospital on December 29, 2022 at the age of 92 years. Marg is lovingly remembered by her sons Craig Duff of Kelowna, Kirk (Myra) Duff of Grand Forks and daughter Iris (Eck) Trask of Golden, grandchildren Jauna (Bruce) Taylor Michael Duff, Kyle (Lisa) Duff, Kristine Duff, Marin Trask, Levi Trask, Kailyn (Jake) Deeble, Jazz Trask, great-grandchildren Alex, Halayna, Ryan, Emma, Bella, Rosie, Hunter, Ivy, Ryker, Laurelyn and Grayson, and sister Pan Colbourne (103 yrs) of Winnipeg, nieces and nephews as well as friends and relatives. Marg was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, Rev Don Duff, sisters Marge (Marvin) Ahlbaum and Iris (Ken) Vincent.

Marg was born February 20, 1930 in Winnipeg, youngest of four sisters. She lived through the depression, WW2 and an incredible amount of technological advances throughout her life. Marg married her highschool sweetheart, Don, in June 1949, and had their first son in 1951. Being adventurous, Marg and Don packed up and made the big move to Vancouver, BC in the mid-fifties. 1959 and 1960 brought two more children Kirk and Iris. Marg was busy at home raising the children while Don went back to school at UBC to become a United Church Minister Their first church posting was in northern Manitoba – Thompson. What a change from coastal Vancouver to -40 in northern Manitoba! Marg adapted well to her new community, singing in choirs, participating in women’s groups and working at the bank part-time. She once volunteered to lead a children’s choir at the local elementary school, and was more successful than she ever imagined when over 70 children showed up for the first practice!

In 1974, Marg, Don, and family moved to North Bay, Ontario for two years before moving back to BC (Kimberley). Life in Kimberley was busy for Marg with many choirs, Home Support, and community life. After 8 years, Don and Marg moved to 100 Mile House BC, then to their final home in Merritt. After losing her husband in 1991, Marg lived independently for another 30 years, embracing all that life had to offer Marg had many challenges over the years, but one major one was being awakened at 2:30 am by the fire department evacuating her due to the flood in Merritt Losing her home, Marg then lived with her son Kirk in Castlegar for five weeks and daughter Iris in Golden for six weeks, before making her final home in Nicola Meadows Assisted Living in Merritt Marg loved interacting with the residents and workers and they thoroughly enjoyed her lively banter

In Marg’s youth, she was dedicated to her violin, and played for nine years before gifting her violin to a beloved uncle so he could continue playing. Besides her incredible love for music, playing, singing and conducting, Marg was a crossword whiz, a dedicated aquafit attendee (well into her 80’s), and she loved to tell stories. Marg was known for her lively sense of humour, quick wit, feisty personality, and kind heart; she was a spunky ball of energy, and a true delight to be around.

The family of Marg Duff would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Dr Little, the nurses at the Merritt Hospital, IH Support Workers and all of the wonderful staff at Nicola Meadows for being a part of Marg’s extended family and taking such good care of her over the years.

PUZZEL ANSWERS

TODAY'S PUZZLE ANSWERS

The family invites you to share your special memories of Marg at www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Marg’s name to the BC Lung Association at BC Lung.ca.

Computer Tech 1/2

Fir st Nations Suppor t Worker 3259682 Ongoing

Strong Star t Coordinator 3256009 Open Until filled

Relief Education Assistant 3259613 Ongoing

Af ter School Program Assistant 3353582 Open Until Filled

Relief Clerk Typist 3256003 Ongoing

Relief Custodian 3259601 Ongoing

Relief Bus Driver 3255978 Ongoing

Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at https://www makeafuture ca/bcschools-and-districts/nicola-similkameen-school-district-no-58/ All applicants must provide a cover letter and resume outlining relevant background and work experience and three (3) professional references for each position they want to be considered

Only those applicants selected for an inter view will be contacted

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO 58 (NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN)

COMPUTER TECHNICIAN I / II

School District No 58 is accepting applications for Computer Technician I / II in Merritt

This is a unionized position that offers a 37 5 hour work week plus a comprehensive benefit package including Municipal Pension, health, vacation, and sick benefits An eligibility list will be kept for up to one (1) year Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at www.sd58.bc.ca, click on Jobs, Suppor t Positions, and Current Job Oppor tunities (Job Code 3353563) complete with cover letter and resume outlining relevant background and work experience and three (3) professional references Please include all relevant cer tifications during the application process

For fur ther information please contact Jody McGifford – Executive Assistant at 250 315 1108

Only those applicants selected for an inter view will be contacted

Route ME16, Clapper ton, Coldwater, Douglas, Houston, Priest 78 Papers Diamond Vale Area

Route ME17, Blair, Clapper ton, Coldwater, Houston, May, Or me, 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 Cit y Hall Area to Fire Hall to River

Route ME41, Blair, Char ters, Granite, Nicola, Quilchena 49 Papers Bet ween Merritt Funeral and Canco

Route ME70 & ME38 Ir vine 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