Since the news broke last week that the Knights Inn in Merritt was to be converted into a homeless shelter, opinions and rumours have swirled through town as to the repercussions of the BC Housing project.
Merritt city council and staff attempted to address the public inquiry at a town hall on Sept. 6, where it was standing room only at the Merritt Civic Centre.
According to a press release, BC Housing’s lease on the Knights Inn will provide 40 shelter spaces until March 30, 2027, with an investment of $1.9 million in annual operating funding for the new shelter.
However, despite the vast size of the project by the provincial body, Merritt CAO Cynthia White said that the city was largely unaware of the deal between BC Housing and Knights Inn.
LEGION WEEK
Merritt Legion Branch 96 is celebrating National Legion Week on Sept. 20.
/PAGE 9
MID-AMATEUR GOLF
Local athlete Diana Lorenz shares her experience at the Canadian Women’s MidAmateur Championship.
/PAGE 17
“In our communications with the owner (of Knights Inn), there was no intention that they would sign this lease,” said White. “So we were not aware that this was happening and that the lease had been signed until people started calling the mayor about it.”
In a Q&A sheet with questions received prior to the town hall and handed out during the forum, the city stressed that BC Housing brought a presentation forward to the mayor and council in June this year, to which council indicated that they did not support a low
“I would like to say that in the meeting of June (with BC Housing), the presentation was at a public council meeting, which is available online, council told BC Housing they were not in support of a low barrier shelter in our community, which is essentially what this is,” White said at the town hall.
Noticeably absent from the town hall was any BC Housing representative. City staff noted that BC Housing was given multiple avenues to attend the meeting both in-person and online, citing that they felt “unsafe”.
“For myself, I find that very offensive,” said Mayor Mike Goetz. “I hate the fact that a group that doesn’t know this community thinks that we’re immediately going to jump on somebody and be brutal? That’s not who we are,” said Goetz.
“We expect the BC Housing to be here, it is unconscionable that they feel scared that they can’t come here and take some heat,” said Goetz. “They’ve put us in this position, so now we’re taking the beating for them.”
According to White, BC Housing has indicated that there would be 24/7 on-site support for fence and shelter residents will be asked to participate in the upkeep of the building and grounds.
Cactus Annie’s co-manager Derek Mosley expressed doubts on BC Housing as his bar is at the same
See MAYOR Page 3
Around 200 residents attended the town hall that addressed the new location of the homeless shelter. Photo/Kenneth Wong
Laísa Condé & Kenneth Wong newsroom@merrittherald.com
property as the previous shelter, Desert Inn, describing the situation as a “disaster.”
“The reason why I don’t see any shelter people here or BC Housing is when I tried to attempt to remove people or ask people to move or whatever, I was also threatened by staff of the shelter,” said Mosley. “People that work there are lying to you guys about what they’re going to do, every time we had a concern or a flood, they took forever to come to us, and they didn’t care; and when I finally got to talk to the people in charge, they didn’t hear about any of the complaints that I put in for BC Housing.”
“Maybe they are going to do things differently, but they sure as hell didn’t do anything when we asked them to,” finished Mosley.
A question raised prior to the town hall by a few residents was whether or not the City of Merritt had any intention of taking action –legal or otherwise – against BC Housing to stop this project coming to fruition, like the City of Penticton did back in 2021.
Back in March 2021, the City of Penticton’s council rejected a proposal from BC Housing to extend the use of the old Victory Church downtown Penticton as a temporary emergency shelter for another year due to its temporary nature.
At the time, Housing Minister David Eby responded that he would override council’s decision, a practice known as provincial paramountcy, and in doing so, it kept the shelter open through the end of 2021.
Many residents expressed fears and concerns for the new shelter in the Diamondvale neighbourhood.
“I now have a 10 year old who doesn’t want to walk to school, and I spend my days dealing with vandalism in this town because of homelessness,” said Judy West, owner of Best-Valu Glass.
“I would like BC Housing, to answer the question, what is the success rate of getting people out of that Desert Inn shelter and into permanent stable housing?” asks West. “Has it been successful? What’s the success rate from the Desert Inn? Has anyone from Merritt actually made something where they have gone into a permanent place?”
In response, Goetz stressed that the City of Merritt did not pick the Knights Inn, BC Housing did and that the encampment outside the Desert Inn is on private property, not public.
“It’s not our property, we can’t just say to somebody ‘we’re taking your property,” the mayor added. “(The new shelter) has got to work better than the Desert Inn 100 per cent, but we have to get involved to make sure that we hold BC Housing accountable for it.
“Point of the matter is we as council are going to be acting on your behalf to make sure this shelter is everything that they (BC Housing) said it is going to be.”
Mayor Goetz called for a neighbourhood watch system to be put in place with representatives from the city, local residents who will work with BC Housing on a monthly basis to ensure that all safety measures –
such as curfews – are being involved and followed.
“The whole idea of forming a focus group that works is to make sure this works, and that’s what we have to do, and that’s what we’ll continue to do. But you have to understand the fact that we’re a local government, not a provincial government,” Goetz added.
“We didn’t pick this spot, we didn’t write the cheque. We weren’t even informed until you guys found out that was going on. So now we have to do our part and advocate to make sure that this runs correctly.”
Goetz also suggests that BC Housing or the Province should set up a shelter on Crown land.
“There has to be Crown land that has been taken over so that we can get these people somewhere where they’re not in our communities, they can have the community as their own and get better.”
Following the town hall, Mayor Goetz issued the following letter to the B.C. Ministry of Housing and other provincial constituents. I am writing today to ask for an apology for the Citizens of Merritt. Last night September 05/2024 we had a town hall regarding the move of the Merritt homeless shelter from its current location over to the Knight Inn 2702 Nicola Ave.
As you are aware these meetings can be somewhat loud but are necessary for the local people about to be impacted by this decision as well as the rest of the City, I was very disappointed not to see any representation by your Ministry to be part of this meeting and take some responsibility and see the effect these decisions have on the neighbourhood.
The invite was turned down as “Concern for their safety” this statement is about offensive to a community as you can get, are we now considered a City of violent unhinged people, far from it, I can assure you there would have been some loud questions and some heat ( as Council we took it for 2 hours) but not once did I have a concern for my safety, this is a passionate City with citizens who are wanting answers, by not showing up and slighting this City as unsafe for your people to be in it, only shows you have no idea of the hospitality of this City and the passion of our residents.
Therefore, I am asking for an apology and a commitment from you and your staff, who we are wanting to work with but are now concerned if a little heat arises, we will have no representation as we maneuver through this very touchy situation.
MR Mikes is officially a restaurant partner of Toonies For Tummies, which helps kids gain access to healthy food.
Public Hearing
TheCit yofMerrittwillbeholdingaPublic Hearingfor Official Communit yPlanAmendment BylawNo. 2372,2024,and Zoning AmendmentBylaw No.2373, 2024 forthe proper ty at 1129 Midday Valley Road
BylawNo. 2376 ,2024proposestoamend theZoningfor thesubject proper ty from ‘FD –FutureDevelopment ’to‘M1 –Light Industrial’.
TheCurrentL andUse DesignationandZoningintends to identif ylands forfuturedevelopment alignedwiththe generalvisionofthe correspondingOCP sector of Middlesboro to includeamix of lowand medium densit yresidential, parks, andindus trialuses.
PROVIDEINPUT: Inputiswelcomedatthe Public HearingonTuesday,September 24,2024 at 6:00 pm.Speak in person by signingupatthehearing, or by providinga written submissiontothe Corpor ateO fficer at info@merritt.ca priortonoonFriday, September20, 2024, orbymailtothe Corpor ateO fficer,Cit yofMerritt, PO Box189,Merritt, BC V1K1B8 ,to be received before theconclusionofthehearing.
Please note that Councilwillnot receivefur ther submissionsfromthe public concerning thisapplicationafterthe conclusion of thepublichearing.Itisthe responsibility of the submittertoensurethatmaterials arereceivedprior to theclose of thepublichearing
MOREINFORMATION: Acopyofthe proposed Bylawamendment smay be viewed Tuesday to Friday 8:00 am to 12:0 0pmand 1:15 pm to 5:45 pm at City Hall,2185Voght Street , MerrittBC, until Tuesday, September24, 2024,oronlineatany timeatw ww.merritt.ca.
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
FRONTLINEFILES
Charges laid after gunman breaks into Merritt home
Charges have been laid against a Merritt man accused of breaking into a house last week armed with a gun.
According to police, Merritt Mounties were called to a home in the 1600-block of Bank Street just before 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, for a report of a burglary by a man brandishing a gun.
“The man fled the residence prior to police arrival and was later located and arrested in a trailer in the Diamondvale Mobile Park by the southeast district
emergency response team,” RCMP Staff Sgt. Josh Roda said in a news release.
“The incident appeared to be targeted as the man was known to both the residents at the house on Bank Street and the residents in the trailer at Diamondvale Mobile Park.”
Riley Hopkins is facing charges of uttering threats, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose and being unlawfully in a dwelling house.
He is free on bail with a court appearance slated for Oct. 8.
Man faces sentencing for assault over imaginary toy
to aggressively search her body.
Warning: This story contains details some readers might find disturbing.
A Merritt man who repeatedly sexually assaulted his common-law wife after becoming convinced she had a sex toy hidden inside her body will return to court next month for sentencing.
The 40-year-old man cannot be named under a court-ordered publication ban put in place to protect the identity of the victim, his former partner.
Court heard the man’s behaviour became increasingly erratic and paranoid in 2020, during which time he was using alcohol and cocaine regularly.
In April of 2020, he began to accuse his partner of secretly keeping a vibrator. When he couldn’t find it, he began
He digitally penetrated her on four separate occasions between April of 2020 and July of 2021, each time searching for the imaginary sex toy. In one case, he pried her legs open and used a flashlight, court heard, shouting, “It’s in there, I know it’s in there.”
The man later referred to the supposed sex toy as an “implanted vibrator” when talking to police. He told officers his partner could control the device using her phone.
He pleaded guilty in B.C. Supreme Court in July to charges of sexual assault and unlawful confinement, as well as two counts of breach of bail.
Following a scheduling hearing on Tuesday, he will be in court for sentencing the week of Sept. 16.
Tim Petruk CASTANET
Tim Petruk CASTANET
Police investigate an incident involving a man alleged armed with a gun on Thursday, Sept. 5, in Merritt. Photo/ Laísa Condé
When a Provincial Government, or a Federal Government for that matter, puts their party policy objectives ahead of the people they serve, they ultimately meet with disaster. The current NDP Government has shown its desire to override the desires and interests of local communities. Forcing Local Governments to change their own land use planning to meet Provincial Party objectives might be a recipe for disaster for the Party.
I attended an Open House at the Merritt Civic Centre last night, with over two hundred other people, for a discussion on the proposed new Knights Inn Homeless Shelter. Needless to say, the group was not happy.
Council and City staff advised that they have no control over what the Provincial Government does in relation to municipal zoning. True, this has been tested in the Courts. But this is not a legal matter, this is a political one. But if you concede to ‘it’s beyond our power to deal with,’ you’ve lost the fight before it began.
The Union of BC Municipalities is a Federation of all Municipalities and Regional Districts in B.C. They are a very powerful lobbying organization who hold true influence if they use their power correctly. Our Council has a chance to send a strong message to the Provincial Government about interference in local land use planning matters.
One Mayor, one Council can not do it alone. It’s time to take the gloves off and coordinate a combined municipal effort to “communicate” to the Province.
Municipalities in the Lower Mainland are being “directed” to change their Land Use Bylaws to meet Provincial Party objectives - speak out: communities in the Interior are being forced to accommodate homeless shelters against their will - speak out (to be clear, there are two different homeless groups to be sheltered: the homeless not by choice, and the homeless by choice through drug and substance abuse). I believe that most citizens are supportive of sheltering the homeless not by choice but by life circumstance, those homeless through drug and substance abuse, I suspect, have less support. Those people need “help” not free housing and free drugs.
Sadly this Government seems unable to solve basic community Health issues, forces its Party policies on Local Governments (the Community Charter replaced the Municipal Act to provide municipalities with more power not less), and has lost touch with its appreciation of who it represents, the common citizen.
The UBCM Convention is coming up shortly. Organize and make your voices heard. And, BC NDP be wary, an election is coming up.
Doug Fleming Resident of Merritt
LETTERS to the editor
Cents score big at Pro Rodeo
Editor,
This community is one of a kind and that was very evident at this year’s Labour Day Weekend Pro Rodeo.
What a special treat to see a young team of hockey players, most of them under the age of 19, in their distinctive red T-shirts, serving and sweating in the hot sun to make our community rodeo a huge success.
Selling 50/50 tickets, rodeo programs, hauling tables, collecting garbage, helping with the boot race intermission entertainment and many, many more tasks, to assist the rodeo crew!
Merritt, be proud of your “new” hockey team! Let’s get out and totally support them at every home game during this hockey season. They are a community driven team of dedicated young hockey players. We are so fortunate to have them be a part of our community an call them our own.
THANK YOU, CENTS! GO – CENTS – GO!
Lorraine Murray Resident of Merritt
From the Herald archives: Sept., 2015
KOREAN FIREFIGHTERS
A group of wildfire fighters were in town, training with the BC Wildfire Centre.
The students were members of the Korean Forest Service, participating in a program that is not in its seventh year. They were in the hills around Merritt investigating fires that were started purposely to determine where and how the case study fires were started, and how they spread.
“It’s about determining cause, it’s about fire cause investigation,” said Richard King, superintendent of staff development training.
The Merritt Herald welcomes your letters, on any subject, addressed to the editor. Letters may be edited for length, taste and clarity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less. Email letters to: newsroom@ merrittherald. com.
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Coquihalla deadly hit and run likely days before body found
BC Highway Patrol is renewing a call for information from the public about a believed hit and run in Merritt last week, which could have taken place days earlier than first reported.
Merritt RCMP received a report of a deceased man just off the roadway near Exit 286 of Highway 5 in Merritt on Friday, Aug. 30.
Police said a “comprehensive examination of the scene by a collision reconstructionist” allowed them to determine the man was likely struck by a southbound vehicle that was approaching the exit.
While police first said the collision was believed to have occurred between Aug. 27 and Aug. 30, the collision is now believed to have taken place as early as Aug. 25.
“August 25 to 30 is a five-day window. There were a lot of vehicles coming through the area with dashcams,” said Cpl. Melissa Jongema, BC Highway Patrol Media Relations Officer.
“It is extremely important that even if your dashcam seems to be irrelevant that you contact BC Highway Patrol at 250-378-4262 because any and all information can help narrow down the timeline of when this incident occurred.”
Anyone who witnessed a man wearing a grey hoody and black track pants in the area, who may have dash camera footage of the collision — including Tesla and truck drivers driving in the area between Aug. 25 to Aug. 30, is asked to contact BC Highway Patrol.
Josh Dawson CASTANET
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Merritt Legion Branch 96 celebrates National Legion Week
Laísa Condé newsroom@merrittherald.com
To kick off the start of the National Legion Week, Merritt’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 96 is gearing up for another year of the event.
The free event, which will run from noon to 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, will feature an open house with displays with a lot of pictures, memorabilia and donations, as well as free hamburgers, hot dogs and pops.
Arlene Johnston, president of the Merritt Legion Branch 96, highlighted the importance of National Legion Week.
“This (event) reinforces the important role that branches play in our shared mission to serve and support our veterans, as well as to contribute to the well being of many communities,” she said. “It helps us drive new traffic here and also attract new members and volunteers.”
Johnston also emphasized the many contributions to the community that the local Legion branch is part of.
“We do a lot of fundraisers and we do support the food bank, the soup kitchen, youth groups,” she said.
“We want to let people know that, you know, we do contribute a lot, we do bursaries and scholarships. This year, we did $7,000 or $8,000 scholarships, because the more success we have, the more we’re able to provide out there.”
She also reminds that the Legion is for all veterans, not
just the First World War, Second World War and Korean War veterans.
“They don’t realize veterans are veterans. There’s still wars going on. We still have people in the Army, the Navy, and RCMP who are veterans with Legion. We are still here to assist all of those people,” Johnston said.
Non-veterans can also acquire a membership and support the local veterans.
Johnston hopes that people will stop by and learn more about what the Legion has to offer for local veterans and volunteer opportunities.
For more information on the event, contact Merritt’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 96 at 250-378-5631.
Historic $47.8 billion commitment to First Nations child services
Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com
Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak has visited Upper Nicola Band to discuss a $47.8 billion agreement for long-term reform of child services.
Following a $47.8 billion commitment from the Government of Canada back in July, Woodhouse has been visiting Bands across Canada to hold regional engagement meetings to discuss details of the offer.
On Thursday, Sept. 5, Woodhouse met with Upper Nicola Band at nkwr’Itkw (Glimpse Lake), followed by a dinner with various Nicola Valley Chiefs and Indigenous community leaders at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology to discuss the $47.8 billion commitment.
The $47.8 billion agreement will provide stable, predictable funding over 10 years to support the long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program (FNCFS), focusing on prevention, post-majority support, and services in remote communities; empowering First Nations to deliver these services with adjustments for population growth, inflation, and community remoteness.
This agreement also funds $1.79 billion to support the purchase, construction, and renovation of housing units in First Nations communities. The 2024 Auditor General report estimates it will take approximately $44 billion to close the housing gap for First Nations communities, requiring 55,320 new housing units and repairs of 80,650 existing units.
“I think it’s time that First Nations be in charge of our own affairs, and that includes making sure that any funding
that’s meant for First Nations gets to First Nations, including child welfare,” said National Chief Woodhouse. “Health for instance, health is always sent to the Provinces with not much sent to First Nations, and I know that B.C. is farther ahead on that than many other first jurisdictions, but I know that we have a long way to go.”
“We’re capable of moving forward and away from the government always controlling us,” said Woodhouse. “I think when people come to First Nations and they work with us, there’ll be better results.”
Following the engagement sessions across Canada, the Assembly of First Nations Executive Committee will host a Special Assembly on Oct. 16 to 18 in Calgary, Alta.
“This extra month will also provide us with an opportunity to circulate a breakdown of how the $47.8 billion will be allocated to First Nations across this country, and invite Premiers and their Ministers to be part of this discussion,” said National Chief Woodhouse. “Chiefs have made it clear they want provincial governments to be present.”
Hailing from Pinaymootang First Nation, Man., Woodhouse was first elected as National Chief in December 2023.
“If I can even do something just small for First Nations to make their lives better, I think that any National Chief wants to do that, to make life just a little bit better,” said Woodhouse. “I think we’ve come a long way since residential schools for instance, but it’s because our leadership has fought back against racism and oppressive policies, and I think that we need to continue to do that.”
Assembly of First Nations Chief Cindy Woodhouse poses with Nicola Valley Chiefs and Indigenous community leaders. Photo/Kenneth Wong
Annual Tax Sale
As per the Local Government Act (RSBC 2015) Part 16, Division 7, the followin parcels of property shall be
for sale by public auction unless the delinquent taxes with interest are paid by Monday, October 7, 2024
If the amount of delinquent taxes, taxes in arrear and interest to the first day of the tax sale for which the parcel of land and the improvements are liable for sale are not paid before the annual tax sale, the City of Merritt will offer the property for sale by public auction at the time and place stated in this notice
If the property is sold at the annual tax sale, a right of redemption will remain in the owner or holder of the charge until the end of the redemption period
The City of Merritt makes no representation expressed or implied as to the condition or quality of the properties being offered for sale Prospective purchasers are urged to make all necessary inquiries to municipal and other government departments, and in the case of strata lots to the strata corporation, to determine the existence of any bylaws, restriction, charges, or other conditions
which may affect the value or sustainability of the property Due diligence does not include trespassing on properties that may be available at the auction
Any person upon being declared the successful bidder must provide photo ID and immediately pay by cash or certified cheque a minimum of not less than the upset price Failure to pay this amount will result in the property being offered for sale again Purchase of a Tax Sale Property is subject to tax
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Logan Lake mayor awarded the King’s Coronation Medal
newsroom@merrittherald.com
On Sept. 3, Logan Lake Mayor Robin Smith was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her outstanding work in the community.
The medal is given to those who have made a significant contribution to Canada, a province, territory, region, or community, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.
Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart said she was honoured to hand out the King
Charles III Coronation Medal to her friend.
“Robin’s unwavering dedication and love of the District of Logan Lake will have a lasting impact on the community,” she added.
“This medal is a well-deserved recognition of her leadership and the deep care she has always shown for the people she serves. I’m honoured to not only work alongside Robin but to also call her a friend.”
The regular council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 3, was filled with family, friends and staff to witness the award ceremony.
K’en T’em secures Cantex Mining
Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com
K’en T’em Limited Partnership has acquired Cantex Mining Services Ltd.
Finalized on Sept. 1, 2024, K’en T’em chose to acquire Cantex Mining Services (CMS) due to its “proven track record” and being known for “delivering top-tier projects with a strong commitment to safety, efficiency, and quality.”
Kelowna-based Cantex Mining operates the North Rackla project in the Yukon, focusing on silver, lead, zinc, copper, gold, and germanium.
The acquisition aims to strengthen the economic foundation that will enhance community development and resource management, and create new jobs.
“By integrating CMS into our portfolio, we are not only expanding our economic footprint but also reinforcing our commitment to excellence and expanding opportunities,” said Cook’s Ferry Chief and board chair of K’en T’em Management Corporation Christine Walkem
Acting general manager of K’en T’em and executive director of CNA Nicole Johnny highlights the significance and
direction forward for both organizations as well as a commitment to maintaining Cantex standards for operations.
“Our longstanding relationship with CMS makes this transition particularly special,” said Johnny. “Our top priority is to respect and support the current staff and to enhance opportunities for our communities throughout this process.”
For K’en T’em, this acquisition is not just about expanding economic opportunities, but also about creating a lasting legacy.
“This acquisition not only creates a lasting legacy of growth and opportunity but also has the potential to significantly impact employment prospects for the Shackan Indian Band and all K’en T’em/CNA bands,” said Shackan Chief and K’en T’em management corporation director Lindsay Tighe.
The previous owners of CMS expressed their satisfaction with the deal stating:
“Cantex has had an excellent working relationship with the CNA and K’en T’em over the past 10 years. We would like to thank all our employees and staff for their hard work as we move forward towards a bright and prosperous future.”
BC Timber Sales Kamloops
INVITAT IO NTOCOM ME NT –F OR EST OPER AT IO NS MAP
Thepublic is invited to reviewand commentonthe BC Timber Sales Kamloops (TKA)Forest Operations Map, showingproposed road construction andcut block developmentunder Forest Stewardship Plans#671, #109 and #816 within Forest DevelopmentUnits in the100 Mile House, Thompson Rivers andCascadesForest Distric ts.The mapwillbevalid forthe operating period from Oc tober15, 2024 –September 15, 2027. During the operating period, the Timber Sales Manager mayinviteapplications forTimber Sale Licenses for the har vesting of cut blocks shownonthe mapand apply forRoad Permits to construc troads shown on themap
Themap is available forpublic review andcommentonline,at: fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects
Themap is also available forin-person review andcommentbyappointment at the Kamloops office, Monday to Friday from8a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,at:
BC Timber Sales Kamloops 1265 Dalhousie Drive
Kamloops, B.C., V2C5Z5 Telephone: 250 371- 6500
Comments will be accepted from September12, 2024 –October 11, 2024. Comments maybesubmitted direc tlythrough fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects,emailedto TKAreferrals@gov.bc.ca, delivered in person to the address above during businesshours,ormailed to the address abovetothe attentionof thePlanning Department.
If youhavequestions orrequireassistance, pleaseemail TKAreferrals@gov.bc.ca.
Laísa Condé
Logan Lake Mayor Robin Smith poses next to Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart after being awarded the King Charles III coronation medal. Photo/District of Logan Lake
2024 SPECIALPRIZE WINNERS
HighIndoorAggregate -Koren Lebfevre
High OutdoorAggregate -Keith Hume
SECTIONAFLOWERS
High PointWinner -Kathy Moes: $50Gif tCer tificate -Mis sVickies
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Cents first win in KIJHL overshadowed by tough loss
In a game that marked the beginning of a new era for the Merritt Centennials in the KIJHL, the team fell 6-3 to the Kamloops Storm in the preseason opener.
This 2024-25 season, the Centennials have gone under significant changes: a new management team, a revamped roster, a new head coach, and even a transition to a new league.
The new rivalry, which kicked off at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena, was a pivotal moment for the Cents, showcasing both the excitement of a fresh beginning and the challenges that come with it.
A balanced first period between Kamloops and Merritt left the score tied at 0-0, despite the 12 shots on goal for the home team.
During the second period, the Storm showed what they came for as Nolan MacPherson notched the first goal of the game.
Shortly after, Rhett Serfas put Merritt on the board during the powerplay, tying up the score 1-1.
Early in the final frame, the Cents took the lead thanks to Ethan Nesimuk. But unfortunately, the one goal advantage wouldn’t last long as the home team saw three of its players hit the penalty box in a short timeframe.
The penalty trouble played out to be quite a challenging time for the Cents as the Storm added two unanswered powerplay goals, setting the score at 3-2 for the road team
Kamloops added two more at even strength to take a commanding lead before Joel Schmidt added a shy goal for the Cents near the end of the third, but it wasn’t enough to have the team back on track.
The Storm added one more to crown their victory not long after, setting the final score 6-3.
But despite the loss, Cents’ head coach Wes McLeod was pretty happy with the team’s performance.
“I think we came up with a lot of energy and I think that we kind of figured we would as it was obviously our first chance to play in front of the home crowd,” he said.
“I think we made some mistakes because we’re inexperienced and I think that a lot of those mistakes are fixable. We just need some time to work with the players to address some of those things.”
McLeod also tries to look at the positives for the first game with this roster, management and coaching staff.
“I think the first positive is just the effort of the players. I thought they worked hard and they competed well, which was something that we were definitely looking for and looking to start building towards our identity,” he said.
“I think that for us, it’s about building the culture of our organization, because, like you said, when there is brand new coaches, brand new management, brand new players, you know there’s, there’s a reset in terms of your culture. So that’s what we’re really focused on right now, is establishing who we are, what our core values are, what it means to be a Merritt Centennial, what it means to be a community member here in Merritt, and that’s where our focus is in terms of building the foundation for years to come.”
The Merritt Centennials’ preseason opener may not have gone as hoped, but it represents the start of an exciting new chapter for the team.
Friday, Sept. 6 – Princeton Posse 4, Merritt Centennials 5
The Cents hit the ice on Sept. 6 for their second game of the preseason and first one against the Princeton Posse at the Princeton & District Arena.
The first period was dominated by Princeton as they scored three unanswered goals.
The Cents notched the only goal of the second period, with Aiden Ma setting the score 3-1.
They ruled the final frame as well, adding two goals off the sticks of Brodie Davis and Emmitt Guest, tying the score 3-3.
In the final minutes, Princeton managed to take the lead again at 4-3, a score that would only hold for a few seconds.
With less than two minutes left on the clock, Merritt tied the game to force overtime.
The game did not need much extra time as Rhett Serfas found the back of the net two minutes into the extra frame, capping off their first win under a new league, new management, new staff and new roster.
There was little time to rest and celebrate Friday’s victory as the Cents faced the Kamloops Storm for the second time on Saturday.
Penalty trouble plagued the Cents at Nicola Valley Memorial Arena, where they were dominated by Kamloops in a 6-1 loss.
Both sides came out the gate strong with the Cents mustering 10 shots on goal in the first period.
Jacob Bishop got the scoring starting for Merritt during a power play, setting the pressure on the Storms.
The pressure wasn’t enough to keep Kamloops from scoring as they tied the game by the end of first period.
During the second and final period, Merritt’s discipline issues were evident, with players frequently hitting the penalty box due to misconduct.
Despite their efforts, the Cents were unable to contain Kamloops’ relentless attack. The visiting team managed to exploit the Centennials’ disorganization and added five unanswered goals throughout the second and final frame of the game.
The Merritt Centennials fell 6-1 to the Kamloops Storm, a second defeat against their rivals.
The next time the Merritt Centennials hit the ice is on Thursday, Sept. 12, as they face the Prince Posse at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena.
Laísa Condé newsroom@merrittherald.com
SPORTS
Local athlete reflects on mid-amateur golf experience
there.”
newsroom@merrittherald.com
Many in Merritt might know Diana Lorenz for her figure skating skills, but she has passion for another sport as well, golfing.
Lorenz said she started golfing when she was only seven, after her grandparents got her into the sport.
“It’s just something that my grandparents had started me doing and I just continued to do it, and they got me golf lessons,” she said. “It just kind of progressed from there and it’s always been kind of my other sport that I do.”
After years golfing, Lorenz was invited a couple of times to the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, only participating in it for the first time this past summer.
“I kind of thought about doing it for the last three years,” Lorenz said. “Other years it had been in Quebec, Manitoba. But this year it was in Courtenay, B.C., and I thought ‘that’s really close to home, I should really go to it.”
The 2024 Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship was held between July 11-13 at Crown Isle Resort and Golf Community in Courtenay, B.C. Women aged 25 or over with handicap index 12.0 or under were eligible to compete over 54-holes in the tournament.
Last year’s championship marked the first time that the women’s mid-amateur division was held as a standalone competition.
Lorenz calls the whole experience amazing.
“It was awesome. You know, you’re always nervous about it, but once I got there and played my first practice round and whatever it was, it was truly the whole experience was really amazing. It was very surreal to be
For the tournament, Lorenz said that she was trying to get out and do more golfing.
“I was trying to come out and practice my short game as well as a little more chipping and putting, because that part of my golf game could use some more practice at the time,” she added.
“I was just focusing on a lot of biomechanics in my swing and just trying to dial in a little bit better on that part of my game as well.”
She shared a few of the highlights of her experience at the tournament.
“One of the days, there was a hole that I just got some bad bounces on and I ended up not doing well on that hole,” Lorenz said. “I don’t know if it was the very next day, (but) I came out and birdied that hole. I kind of felt like I had conquered that hole, because I knew where I needed to go and what I had to do.”
One of the few challenges that she had while competing was the mental aspect of it.
“I think one of the biggest things is the mental part of the game, because you’re in a competition and it tends to bring on some nerves, so the focus is sometimes a bit difficult,” she said.
Lorenz said that overall, the experience was a great opportunity to play and she might participate in high performance tournaments again in the near future.
“When I was going into this tournament, I thought ‘I’ll probably never do this again.’ I thought it was kind of a one time thing, you know, and it is a once in a lifetime opportunity, but I think it kind of opened myself up to it being such a great experience that I probably would do another high performance golf tournament like this.”
MSS volleyball tourney returns
Laísa Condé newsroom@merrittherald.com
Volleyball fans are in for a treat as the Merritt Secondary School’s Senior Girls Air Attack tournament is back.
On Sept. 13 and 14, Merrittonians will be able to see some action in three different gyms across town – MSS, CMS and NVIT.
“It’s our annual tournament. We do it every year at the same time that the second weekend after school starts. Teams like to come because it’s their first tournament, so it gives the coach a chance to see how their girls are playing,” Gian Cavaliere, athletic director at MSS, told the Herald.
According to Cavaliere, the volleyball tournament grows each year.
“We’ve had 16 teams in the last couple years. We had 12 before that. It’s our first year having 20,” he said. “So it’s picking up some steam and momentum and I think teams like that. It’s well run and organized, and there’s good compe-
tition.”
Cavaliere added that this year, on Friday, Sept. 13, there will also be an exhibition match between TRU and UBCO at 6:30 p.m. at the MSS gym.
“Their women’s team is going to come over and play at our MSS gym, so we’re encouraging all teams in the tournament to come watch, including the community itself,” he said. “We don’t get college teams that come here very often, if at all.”
Cavaliere hopes that the tournament gives the girls an opportunity to experience something that they may not experience back where they live.
“I love that the teams want to come. We attract teams from Langley, Abbostford, Vancouver and all over the Okanagan. We have teams coming from north as well, Vanderhoof is coming down, for example,” he added.
“It’s nice that we can take teams from areas of the province that other teams may never travel to or play against, it just gives teams other perspectives as well.”
Indigenous Youth Hockey Camp
The Nicola Valley Indigenous Youth Hockey Camp took place this past weekend at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena.
The camp was a success as over 80 kids and teens registered for the event.
Laísa Condé
Diana Lorenz reflects on memorable experience at the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship. Photos/Diana Lorenz
Cadet Open House showcases program’s opportunities
With operations in the Nicola Valley for over a century, the Royal Canadian Cadet Corps 950 is a longstanding tradition in Merritt.
A Cadet Open House was held on Monday, Sept. 9, hoping to draw a few enthusiasts and showcase the opportunities available throught the cadet program.
The open house featured a range of interactive displays, allowing visitors to get a firsthand look at what cadet life entails.
Atendees had the chance to meet with current cadets and leaders, who shared a bit of their experiences and insights about the program.
Currently, the local cadet program has 14 members, but still will welcome new members with open arms.
All of the cadets present at the open house had one thing in common, their motivation to participate in the program and keep coming back year after year.
They also highlighted a few of the benefits and skills that the program has brought to their life, such as discipline, leadership, integrity, loyalty and inclusion.
The cadets also play an important role in different communities each year on Remembrance Day. Each cenotaph, including the one at the Merritt Civic Centre, is guarded by four cadets, one at each corner. Cadets also march with the Legion in its colour party to and from the Legion headquarters.
The cadet corps is a partially-funded program for any Canadian aged 12-18, which focuses on adventure training, including trekking, canoeing, survival training, marksmanship, among other skills.
For more information on the Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps 950, call the cadet hall at 250-378-9485, or email 950army@cadets.gc.ca.
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