Merritt Herald September 5, 2024 by Merritt Herald

New homeless shelter in Merritt

Condé newsroom@merrittherald.com

The local Knights Inn Hotel is set to become Merritt’s new homeless shelter.

At the Aug. 27 council meeting, Cynthia White, chief administrative officer at the City of Merritt, confirmed that she met with BC Housing on Friday, Aug. 23 to talk about the rumours on the new shelter.

“They have confirmed they’ve set a lease with the Knights Inn,” she said. “That lease will start, I believe, Sept. 1, but they are not anticipating being open until probably the end of October.”

White also confirmed that based on the current bylaws that the city has, the new shelter will adhere to the current zoning bylaws for the area as there are no restrictions that would prevent the establishment of the shelter at the hotel.

Adding to that, even if the area was not zoned appropriately for the shelter, White said that the city still wouldn’t be able to do anything to prevent the establishment of the shelter.

“Their operators and private property owners, who are contracted by BC Housing, are immune to zoning,” she said. “They do not have to follow our zoning bylaw.”

White said in the meeting that BC Housing has assured that the shelter at Knights Inn will be a very different setup from the Desert Inn shelter, which faced

criticism for its unsuitability. According to White, the new shelter facility will be equipped with fencing, increased security cameras and additional staff to ensure a more controlled environment.

“There will be a lot more of their typical security operations,” White added. “Only people who are currently sheltered there will be able to access it.”

White acknowledged that it will be difficult for some people to accept it, given what they’ve seen and continue to see with the encampment by Desert Inn, “but ultimately, if we do not have a shelter in the community, we must allow camping overnight.”

“There has to be somewhere in the city that they are allowed to camp. We may want to review the current location and determine if that is the most appropriate location or if there’s somewhere else that we would like people to camp,” White added.

White also reassured that the City of Merritt will be working closely with BC Housing and the operator to ensure that the shelter has minimal impact in the neighbourhood, that they are keeping people in the shelter and its neighbours safe as well as their properties unaffected by the shelter.

The city is also revising its Good Neighbour and Parks bylaws to ensure that all residents, including those in shelters and campers, adhere to standards that main-

out the 64th Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo gallery. Page 12. Photo/Kenneth Wong

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City applies for CMHC Housing Accelerator Fund with $4.78 million request

Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com

City of Merritt is applying for the Canadian Housing Mortgage Corporation’s Housing Accelerator Fund.

The Housing Accelerator Fund offers incentive funding to local governments to support initiatives aimed at boosting the supply of affordable housing.

“As we are considered rural community, under 10,000 people, we were asked to submit between three and five initiatives, so we went with five,” said Housing Merritt Project Director Holly Ferris. “Myself and our grant writer have met with CMHC weekly the last four weeks to discuss our application and what we felt were the strengths that we could do in our community.”

The five initiatives include:

1. Developing an Underused Municipal Land Policy, Inventory and Bylaw – Inventory underused municipal land, update the Good Neighbour Bylaw to discourage vacancy, and encourage rentals or sales for new housing.

2. Land acquisition, disposition, policy and strategy – Enable mixed-use redevelop-

ment of City properties, start a Municipal Development Corporation, and conduct feasibility studies for partnerships and incentives.

3. Develop a Grants Program to Encourage Affordable Housing Development – Develop grants for homeowners and nonprofits to incentivize affordable housing development, including new builds and retrofits.

4. Establish Standardized Designs and Pre-Approved Building Plans – Collaborate with manufacturers to establish pre-approved building plans and update zoning bylaws accordingly.

5. Streamline Approvals Process – Review and prioritize the approval process for attainable and sustainable housing projects with completed applications.

Based on current community developments, staff estimate that these five initiatives will result in building permits for 135 units of housing over the next three years. The City is requesting $4.78 million through the funding application process.

“We don’t actually have to build any houses, we just have to make it easier for people to build houses,” said Chief Administrative

Officer Cynthia White. “So if a developer said ‘I’m not gonna be able to build these houses for another five years,’ what can we do to get them to build those in three years?

“So it could be, we’re going to use some of this money to service and prep a lot that we own, that we will contribute to a development in exchange for affordable housing,” explains White. “As the director talked about the Municipal Development Corporation, so when we talked about the money that we would have coming out of the sale of the flood recovery trailers, and how we’re going to use that money to support housing development in the community.”

The City is currently conducting a feasibility study to create an independent corporation that could focus on both housing and broader economic development, such as attracting new industries to the community. “If we’re working with a developer who’s going to have commercial and residential and we’re going to have some equity based on that, it’s broader for us to have a Municipal Development Corporation, rather than a Housing Corporation,” said White.

Town hall to address community concerns

From Page 1

tain the city’s cleanliness and orderliness. These amendments will apply equally to all city residents.

In regards to the current encampment by Desert Inn, White said that it stands on private property and “that is something that precludes us from being able to decamp them.”

“We’ve received reports from RCMP that there are people with weapons in those camps and our bylaw officers are not in any way trained to deal with that,” she said.

Homelessness is not something that bylaw officers are trained to deal with. Decamping people is not part of their training. So for safety reasons, we are not sending bylaw officers into a place where people will have weapons without RCMP support.”

White added that the City has issued notices of the infractions the private property has committed under the Good Neighbour and Zoning bylaws, setting a date for the owner to fall under compliance.

“It is a very complex situation. There are a number of issues, prec-

edents set by court that municipalities must follow, human rights issues,” she said. “People need a place to live, whether that’s unfortunately in a tent, but it has to be a safe place to live and we have to help to make it as safe as possible.”

In an email to the Herald, BC Housing emphasized the importance of providing shelter spaces, especially in communities without one.

“BC Housing is working with non-profit partners to bring critical shelter spaces as soon as possible to ensure that people have access to basic services such as food, a warm indoor space, and support services,” the email reads.

A public open house will be held on Sept. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Merritt Civic Centre to discuss the new shelter and address community concerns.

Additionally, a working group will be established in early October to focus on ongoing issues related to homelessness and the impact on local businesses and neighbourhoods.

BCHousingrecentlyinformedCityHall that they willberelocating theirrecentlyclosedhomeless shelter (previouslyatthe Desert Innat2350Voght Street)tothe KnightsInn at 2702 Nicola Avenue. This agreementbetweenBCHousingand theprivate landownerconformstoCityBylaws, thereby not requiringconsultation with City Council.

In response to this news,the City of Merritt is hosting aTownhall at theMerrittCivic Centre,on Thursday,September 5, 2024,at6:00pmtoenable residentstolearn more aboutthe role of BC Housingand thelimited role oftheCityofMerritt.

Submit your questions in advance. EMAIL: INFO@MERRITT.C A

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Fraser-Nicola MLA calls it quits before October election

Laísa Condé newsroom@merrittherald.com

BC United MLA for Fraser-Nicola Jackie Tegart is taking her name off the ballot in the upcoming provincial election in October.

The current MLA for Fraser-Nicola said she will not be running for the upcoming provincial election on Oct. 19 after careful consideration.

Many incumbent MLAs were left pondering their future after BC United’s leader Kevin Falcon announced on Aug. 28 the suspension of the party’s provincial election campaign and encouraged supporters to back the B.C. Conservative Party.

At the time, Falcon said that “this is the right thing to do for the province of British Columbia.”

Tegart called it a privilege and honour to advocate on behalf of “such a strong and united constituency” over the past few years.

“Over the past 11 years, we have faced extraordinary challenges – wildfires, land-

slides, floods, and atmospheric rivers – that tested the resilience of our communities,” she said in the news release.

“Yet, time and again, I witnessed the incredible spirit of our people, stepping up to support one another in ways that were often unprecedented.”

Tegart was first elected as the MLA for Fraser-Nicola in 2013 and reelected in 2017 and 2020.

Tegart also looked back with great pride on the many achievements she has accomplished during the past 11 years, such as spearheading the construction of a new ER in Merritt, securing a $60 million fix for the 10 Mile slide near Lillooet, advancing critical highway improvements, among others.

“As I step back from public life, I do so with immense gratitude for the opportunity to have served this incredible region,” Tegart said. “It has been an honour beyond words to represent you.”

With files from The Canadian Press.

Man killed in hit and run on Coquihalla

A man was struck by a vehicle and killed on the Coquihalla Highway near Merritt last week, and the driver of the vehicle left the scene.

The 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.

Mounties say through a “comprehensive examination of the scene by a collision reconstructionist,” they’ve determined the man was likely struck by a southbound vehicle that was approaching the exit.

“By speaking with friends and fam-

ily of the deceased male, the collision is believed to have occurred between sunset on Aug. 27 and the report to police on Aug. 30,” the RCMP said in a news release.

BC Highway Patrol has since taken over the investigation and is asking anyone who witnessed a man wearing a grey hoody and black track pants in the area, or who may have footage of the collision, to contact them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Highway Patrol in Merritt at 250-378-4262 and reference file 20243322.

Monday - Thursday 7:00 p.m.

Thursday 12:30 p.m.

Josh Dawson CASTANET

VIEWPOINT

WONG: How pinball is more than just a game

KENNETH WONG HERALD REPORTER

In March of this year, I did an opinion piece headlined “Could Merritt use a pinball machine?,” much to my surprise, this article on my niche passion garnered positive feedback from the community, having different people tell me their memories of pinball as a kid or surprise that there is indeed a dedicated community for this niche hobby.

The most surprising feedback I remember is that Mayor Mike Goetz revealed to me he not only played when he was younger, but also owns an Arcade1Up Street Fighter digital pinball table.

Goetz’s all time favourite pinball tables are Bally’s 1979 Kiss machine and Williams’ 1991 Terminator 2 machine.

My previous opinion piece discussed how to properly play pinball as well as its economic and community benefits for Merritt. Today I’d like to discuss some-

thing more opinionated, pinball’s appeal.

For myself, it is akin to a meditation. Pinball is a game of control, control against the fundamental forces of nature: gravity, velocity, kinetic energy, and chaos.

The game can be analogous to life itself. You find yourself with a goal, in life it can be a career or a material item; in pinball it can be activating multiball or hitting a jackpot shot.

You will find challenges along the way: missing the mark, the ball landing somewhere you didn’t want it to, or the ball bouncing around the playfield uncontrollably and you don’t know if it will land in a gutter lane, a hole, your flipper, or straight down the middle.

But as long as you do not fully lose control and have the ball go into a gutter lane or down the middle; you can slow down, regain control of the ball; take a breath or a drink, regain your focus, get back on your feet, line up your shot, and try again.

Even if you do fail and it ends up going into a losing condition, as long as it’s not your last ball, there is always the next ball.

For our mayor, Goetz enjoys the pinballer’s never ending quest of self improvement. “For me, when I was actually playing pinball down at Pete’s, it was the extra play, or to beat the top score, or even get close to it,” said

Mayor Goetz.

Aside from playing the game, for myself anyways, another layer of enjoyment is the craftsmanship. Everything from the engineering for the machine, to the aesthetics of the playfield and backglass art.

For instance, my all time favourite machine Bally’s 1995 Attack From Mars, combines classic Americana, over the top satirical American dialogue about saving the world from alien invasion, fancy lights and animations on its dot matrix display screen, and overall good playfield design. (Playfield design in it of itself is something I can spend a whole article so let’s not get into that)

I’ve described pinball as “antigolf” to some of my friends who are curious about this “sport.”

In golf, you try to get as few strokes as possible. In pinball, while there is usually no scoring mechanism that rewards you for hitting the flipper more, you can infer someone who’s hit the button 500 times is doing better than someone who has hit the button 50 times.

In golf, you pay a relatively large sum of money to get one ball into one hole hundreds of metres away. In pinball, you pay a relatively large sum of money (especially if you’re owning or renting a machine) to hit the ball into many holes in a space that is merely 0.59 square metres.

Golf is slow and methodical, with the slightest change in velocity of the swing and direction of the wind making a world of difference. Pinball is fast but equally as methodical, with the slightest change in floor elevation or strength used in a nudge making a world of difference.

In summary, for myself, the art of pinball is its reflection on chaos in our real world, the craftsmanship in art and engineering; but much more than this is the feeling of the game which words can only go so far in describing, it can only be felt by playing.

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.

LETTERS POLICY

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

No conflict of interest in zero-emission vehicle grants involving MNP

British Columbia’s auditor general said his office found no evidence of a conflict of interest in the handling of provincial grants for the zero-emission vehicle sector, after an accusation by a truck maker earlier this year.

Michael Pickup said in a statement the investigation looked into accounting firm MNP’s handling of Advanced Research and Commercialization grant applications, reviewing “a significant amount of information” from the company, the government and all applicants.

Pickup said the results show no evidence MNP wrote grant applications for clients, influenced the evaluation process to benefit clients or used its administering of the program to “recruit” clients for the company’s other services.

“Our examination was guided by three questions about MNP’s actions,” Pickup said in a statement. “After extensive work, we found no evidence of a conflict of interest in any of the areas that we examined.”

In April, the provincial legislature unanimously directed Pickup’s office to examine allegations by Merritt-based electric-hybrid truck maker Edison Motors that MNP was both administering the grants and offering services to help businesses with applications.

The Office of the Auditor General

said the allegations from Edison suggested MNP “was offering to write grant applications in exchange for a success fee while also deciding who received grant funding.”

MNP said at the time that the allegations were “false and misleading.”

B.C. Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Minister Josie Osborne said in a statement there were no recommendations from the Office of the Auditor General, and the province is “moving forward” with the grant program as normal.

“The ministry will work to improve the information provided to applicants to ensure it’s clearer that MNP’s role is limited to day-to-day program administration,” Osborne said.

“British Columbians need to be able to have confidence that public funds are being administered appropriately and that grant programs are fair for everyone. And that is exactly what the auditor general found.”

MNP has administered the grant program in question since 2018 under contract with Osborne’s ministry.

B.C. has committed about $50 million to the Advanced Research and Commercialization grant program under its CleanBC plan to “reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions.”

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The Canadian Press

British Columbia’s auditor general says his office has found no evidence of a conflict of interest in accounting firm MNP’s administering of a provincial grant program stemming from an accusation earlier this year. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

Overdose awareness at Spirit Square

Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com

On Aug. 28, Interior Health, Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly, ASK Wellness, and many Nicola Valley residents gathered at Spirit Square to raise awareness for the overdose epidemic.

International Overdose Awareness Day is every Aug. 31, however, IH, CNA and ASK Wellness decided to host the gathering a few days earlier, not wanting to compete with the Rodeo or Fall Fair.

Elders from the Indian Residential School Survivors Society provided smudging and a wiping of tears ceremony.

According to IH, since 2016, 61 people in Merritt have passed away due to toxic drugs with 57 per cent of 2021-2024 deaths occurring in a private residence and 21 per cent in a hotel, motel or shelter.

“I think one of the biggest misconceptions within stigma is viewing substance use as a moral issue when in fact, it’s a

health issue for people,” said regional harm reduction coordinator Allison Houweling.

“People with a substance use disorder can have a debilitating disorder that requires a health service to help them, as opposed to viewing them as a criminal.”

Houweling encourages the community to have naloxone kits and have honest conversations at home about the realities of the drug epidemic.

“There’s so many factors like, I feel like number one for the current epidemic is fentanyl, the increasing toxicity of the drug supply is the biggest factor,” said Houweling. “But for people who are using substances, a lot of factors are trauma, poverty, not being housed, there can be isolation, mental health, physical health and pain management, a lot of the contributing factors.”

Earthquake warning system activated in B.C.

An earthquake early detection system has been activated in British Columbia to provide the public and infrastructure managers with up to 10 seconds of warning ahead of a potentially harmful tremor.

Federal Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson says when a strong earthquake is detected, alerts will be transmitted automatically to British Columbians via cellphones, radio and televisions.

He says the system, jointly announced by the federal and B.C. government, will also allow critical infrastructure to take immediate action,

such as halting traffic from driving onto bridges or into tunnels.

B.C. Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Bowinn Ma says seismologists have been warning for decades of a major earthquake in the province, and the new system will give “crucial seconds, to 10 seconds” of warning in which to “drop, cover and hold on.”

The new system is part of the federal government’s $36 million plan to develop a warning system to protect regions vulnerable to earthquakes.

Wilkinson says the system will be expanded later this year to Southern Quebec and Eastern Ontario.

The Canadian Press

New vibrant mural takes shape at Kekuli

Wong reporter@merrittherald.com

Leonard George is painting a new mural on Kekuli Café.

The mural will consist of approximately 12 panels which will all come together to form one mural. At the time of press, George is working on the third panel.

George estimates that the mural will be finished in mid-October. “I’d probably say about another month and a half, or until it gets cold anyways, waiting for that cold to come along,” said George.

“The way I planned it out is I wanted certain aspects of life to mimic the earth, so I built that face in there with tears going on the crystals, it’s going to be like a mother bear and a cub bear,” said George. “I’m gonna put tiny little treasures, like little bits of wildlife from around here, so I’m gonna put that here, then throughout the piece.”

Drawing inspiration from the earth, George describes his art style as “bold, bright, and striking.” George also draws inspiration from local artist Phillip Raymond “Opie” Oppenheim; as well as historical artists Vincent van Gogh known for post-impressionism, and Georges Seurat known for pointillism.

“I like that my art’s in the open and in the public, and I’m glad that they chose me to paint the murals, and I’m having fun doing it,” said George. “I like painting.”

George will also be putting up a mural at Merritt Secondary School.

“I have to do one at MSS high school after this,” said George. “I think we’re supposed to start in September, but I was promised to do (Kekuli) a couple years ago, so this is kind of like a couple years in the making, finally getting to it.”

George’s new murals are a part of the City of Merritt’s 2022 Official Community Plan to prioritize a vibrant city centre.

New murals are also slated to make their way to the Voght Park bathroom and showers, City dog pound, as well as a dragon rock display that will be placed in flower beds on Dewolf Way.

“We really appreciate the work and the insight that the Arts Council does and that they do what they do, because it really spruces up our community,” said Mayor Mike Goetz. “What’s really nice to see is that nobody defaces these, it’s quite interesting that that doesn’t happen.”

Kenneth

Artist Leonard George poses with the full design for Kekuli Café’s new mural. Photo/Kenneth Wong

Advocates demand action after multiple ER closures

CASTANET

A health care advocacy group is calling for an independent review of Interior Health following five Interior-area ER closures over the long weekend.

In a news release based on a Vancouver Sun article issued Sunday, B.C. Rural Health Network said the current system isn’t working.

Over the Labour Day long weekend, emergency departments in Oliver, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, Lillooet, and Merritt were closed at some point.

“A very high percentage of rural and remote emergency departments are basically being kept open by the willingness of a staff member to do additional on-call work,” said Paul Adams, executive director of B.C. Rural Health Network, said in the press release. “Everybody in the entire system is working hard to keep doors open and they do everything they can.”

On Saturday night, emergency departments at both hospitals in Cariboo-Chilcotin were closed, with CaribooChilcotin MLA Lorne Doerkson calling the situation “incredibly dangerous.”

As of Sunday, Oliver’s South Okanagan General Hospital has closed nearly 30 times since the start of this year.

Both Interior Health and the B.C. Ministry of Health have said they are focusing their efforts on recruiting doctors and retention strategies to tackle the closures, with Interior Health describing the health human resource shortage as “very real.”

Adams described the hospitals’ current operations as “whack-a-mole-style management.”

“There must be an independent review of Interior Health,” he said.

“Nobody has a magic wand that you can just take and create physicians and nurses. But maybe we need to start looking at how we enhance the labour pool of people who can provide some level of service to keep an emergency door open.”

PLUMBING &HEATING

Sarah Crookall

The Nicola Valley Hospital is one of the many hospitals in the Interior that are suffering with constant ER closures. Photo/Herald file.

64th Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo, a buckin’ success

It was a busy long weekend in Merritt as the 64th Nicola Valley Pro Rodeo hit the local rodeo grounds for another year. Photos/Kenneth Wong and Jake Courtepatte

A long weekend of Fall Fair fun in Merritt

Merrittonians also enjoyed the 47th edition of the Nicola Valley Fall Fair, which happened this past long weekend. Photos/Kenneth Wong

Shulus Equine faces funding challenges

Kenneth Wong reporter@merrittherald.com

Shulus Equine Therapeutic Development Society is seeking community support to keep the program going.

Based in Shulus, LNIB, the Shulus Equine Therapeutic Development Society (SETDS) is a program that teaches youth how to ride horses.

Located east of Lower Nicola Band School, on Settlers Road, every Wednesday youth gather to learn horsemanship and discipline. “Once (the kids) learn how to get on a horse, it’s all progress from there, it’s all going forward,” said program founder Phil Dumont.

“It’s our old way of teaching, that where you’re not being mean to the kids, but you’re telling them ‘this is responsibility, that you have to pick up on your own,” said Dumont. “Once we get past that stage, then they pretty well got their own opinions on what’s right and wrong in their minds.”

Dumont got his start in horse trading after his son wanted to buy a horse.

“We traded a vehicle for a couple of horses, because my son wanted to ride a horse, that’s what he wanted to do, that was his dream,” recalls Dumont. “So we bought some horses, and it just never stopped. Next thing you know, you look over and you got 30 heads of horses, and all the kids are growing up, and I didn’t know what to do with them.”

Currently, SETDS has 19 teenagers from various Nicola Valley Bands registered in its program. According to Dumont, this is the

first cross-Band youth program in the Nicola Valley.

The program is open to all Nicola Valley youth who want to get a start in horseback riding with the only requirement being the youth have Horse Council BC insurance which costs $54 annually.

SETDS was most recently seen at the 2024 Nicola Valley Rodeo Parade and previously did a three day ride from Anaheim, Ca. to Williams Lake, B.C.

“The kids really had a lot of fun in it. I was really impressed with them, how they were so connecting,” said Dumont. “They connected to the people so well, and the people really respected them and took them on as a Merritt group.”

“We really tried to represent all of the five Bands in the group, that was one of our big goals, was to give them an opportunity to know that we were out there, and we’re trying to be just as successful in our move forwards.”

Dumont, who funds this program through his pensions, is struggling to keep the program going due to expenses. “With my pension, you don’t get enough money to pay for 18 horses worth of hay,” said Dumont.

Hay was previously funded by Lower Nicola Indian Band however since the funding stopped, Dumont is funding the program with his pension and parents’ donations. “The youth funding ran out now, so we’re back to scratching again and hoping that we can create some kind of a step to move this program

Anybody in the community is more than welcome to take the veggies that grow out in the garden.

When there are still veggies left, Jones donates them to the Nicola Valley Food Bank.

On Tuesday, Sept. 3, was the last donation of the season.

Shulus Equine Therapeutic Development Society is struggling to find proper support from local bands and larger organizations, as they seek community support to maintain program. Photo/Kenneth Wong

Veggies grown out at the garden at Spirit Square have been donated to local food bank.

Marlene Jones, community policing coordinator at the Merritt CPO, said that planting at the garden is done by her and the Merritt Rotary Club.

“You’ll see that there’s a lot of potential here”

From Page 14

year.”

Despite the cross-Band nature of this program, Dumont is struggling to find proper support from Bands and larger organizations. “They’ll say they’ll help their kids, only their kids, but they can’t help other kids,” said Dumont. “I really have a hard time splitting them all up… we’re not leaving any kids out, all the kids are involved.”

For hay bales alone, Dumont has to spend approximately $1,450 monthly or $17,400 annually.

“I’m begging for people to step up and donate even one bale of hay,” said Dumont. “One bale of hay would be so much appreciated in this group because that would give us that one more week, that one more week for all the horses to perform and for the kids to create.”

Despite financial hardships of keeping the program afloat, Dumont is willing to cover the costs for parents who cannot afford to donate because he believes in what this program does for the youth.

“Once you see what I’ve got with the program going, you’ll see that there’s a lot of potential here,” said Dumont. “You’ll get another young one that’s going to be the inspiration for our community, you’re going to get another one that community is going to fall behind, and they’re going to say ‘let’s follow them.’”

“I remember one time a fellow said to me, what would you do if you seen a real life angel? Would you call him down? Would you say ‘we don’t believe in you,’” recalls Dumont. “But reality is, you got real life angels every single day in your life.”

“This is what we’re trying to teach the kids, mentors that want to do something for you, for nothing, they don’t ask for a single solitary thing. They just want to believe in you and leave a legacy,” said Dumont.

“You know anybody that comes on right now, we’re just saying donations is all we’re ask-

ing for. If you can afford to pay then fine, and if a parent can’t afford to pay, then we’re okay to work with you, and we’ll cover the cost, but we want the kids here, we want them to be able to be a part of this program.”

People who are interested in registering or donating to SETDS can contact Phil Dumont at equineprograming@gmail.com or (250)280-4558, or visit their website at https://shulusequine.org/ .

Fresh look and new features at Merritt Bowling Centre

Kenneth Wong

reporter@merrittherald.com

Merritt Bowling Centre has reopened after two months of renovations.

From June 30 to Aug. 16, the bowling alley was closed to redo flooring, windows, counters and bathrooms.

The two month closure was the last step in a fiveyear-long renovation process. “This renovation just tied everything together,” said Merritt Bowling Centre (MBC) owner Scott Turner.

Along with structural upgrades, bowlers can enjoy a new lighting system, and new countertops made from recycled wood from closed down bowling lanes in the upstairs areas, as well as four new beer taps.

“We’re going to be doing all of the craft brew and craft ciders on a rotating basis, so every month, or every couple of months, we’re going to be changing it up,” said Turner. Currently, the MBC has Penticton-based brewery, Cannery Brewing, on tap.

Turner is also working to extend their liquor license so that customers can bring their drinks down the stairs to the bowling lanes. “That’ll just make it a little bit easier for everybody, because there’s actually an invisible line right now and a lot of people with a beer in their hand, they just don’t see that invisible line,” said Turner.

On the lower floor, the bowling lanes received a new scoring system and railings for children.

With doors back open again, bowling leagues are open for registration again. “We are officially starting our first league Tuesday, Sept. 3, and the leagues are filling up quick,” said Turner. “I think Mondays and Thursdays are already full, Tuesday nights is almost full, we’ve still got a little bit more room on Wednesdays, but they’re definitely filling up quick which is great to see.”

“We’re starting to see a resurgence of the younger groups that are getting in here,” said Turner, with the children’s league slated to make a return to MBC this October.

“We haven’t had a strong children’s league in quite

some time and we questioned whether or not we even wanted to start one this year,” said Turner. “We’ve had about four or five people reach out to us asking about when our kids league is going to be, so we’ll probably get something organized for that, get that started up in October.”

Those interested in registering for a league should reach out to MBC on Facebook or call at (250) 3785252 .

“I think if everybody went through other eight lane bowling alleys in the entire country, I think they would find that this is one of the nicest eight lane bowling alleys that there is,” said Turner. “I’m super proud of the work that we’ve done here.”

Originally opened in 1961 as Merritt Bowling Lanes Ltd., Turner’s parents acquired the bowling alley on July 1, 1974. “Lots has happened since I was five years old, for sure. I remember coming in here, helping out and getting in the way at the same time and growing up here,” recalls Turner. “(In) 1974 we had different machines that were extremely loud, (they) didn’t have strings on them, that all got updated; I remember when the first scoring system came into play in the early 90s.”

“Originally, the place wasn’t licensed to have alcohol in it. I know there used to be a lot of bowlers that would sneak their own alcohol in here,” continues Turner. “It was hard to see from one end to the other because of all the cigarette smoke, I think that was probably one of the nicest things that I got to see, was the changing from a smoking establishment to a non smoking establishment.”

“I’ve never smoked in my life, and I’ve probably cleaned in the thousands of different ashtrays,” said Turner.

To honour his family’s history and legacy at the Merritt Bowling Centre, Turner has engraved “The Turners 50+ Years” into the middle table.

The Merritt Bowling Centre has gone through a complete renovation and is now ready to display its new look and new features. Photos/Kenneth Wong and Merritt Bowling Centre

SPORTS

Cents sign two former teammates

Two former teammates are set to play together on ice once again as they join the Merritt Centennials.

The latest two additions of the Centennials, Rune Carlson and Kameron Lawrence, talked to the Herald about their hockey journey and some of their expectations of this new chapter.

Rune Carlson recalls when he first started playing hockey.

“I’ve been playing hockey for most of my life, ever since I was six,” he said. “So now it’s been 12 years and I think that hockey is responsible for the majority, if not all, of my friends.”

During the 2023-24 season, Carlson played for the St. Albert Crusaders U18 AA. Throughout his time with the team, the forward played 30 games, scored eight goals and had five assists.

But now, Carlson is ready to take the next step on his hockey journey as he commits to the Cents in the 2024/2025 season.

He described his excitement to have the chance to play for the Centennials.

“I was really excited. I remember hearing about the program and how serious it sounded. And then to find out that they were interested in signing me was pretty much perfect,” Carlson said. “I jumped at the opportunity and I’m excited.”

Carlson describes himself as a “two-way forward.”

“I’m smart in the defence zone, but I can generate in the offensive zone as well,” he added. “I’m a smaller player, but I have speed, skills and a good head for the game.”

He also shared how playing for the Cents will differ from his previous hockey experiences.

“It’s definitely the furthest I’ve been from home,” Carlson said. “I also think it’s the most serious and highest level that I’ve played in my life. It’s definitely a big jump from where I’ve been. It’ll be a great experience, I’m sure, and a lot of fun.”

He describes what it means to him to be part of the Centennials.

“It means a lot. It’s a team with a lot of history and it’s a privilege to be able to play here,” Carlson said. “It means a lot to be wanted and to get the opportunity to play.”

As his excitement grows to play in Merritt, Carlson sends a message to all the Centennials fans.

“(They can expect) a hard working, humble guy. I like to keep my head down and work,” he said. “Just a hard working team player who can bring speed and a little bit of grit.”

Like his teammate, Kameron Lawrence started his hockey career when he was quite young.

“I think I first started playing hockey when I was five,” he said. “I just played in St. Albert all the way up through until now. My brother was playing when I was growing up, so I just always have been around the rinks since I was really little.”

During the 2023-24 season, Lawrence played for the St. Albert Crusaders U18 AA. Throughout his time with the team, the defenceman played 32 games, scored one goal and had 13 assists.

Lawrence also shares his excitement when he heard that he made it into the Centennials.

“It felt great. When I was talking with Brad and he told me they wanted to sign me, it felt really good,” he said.

He also shared what it means to him personally to be part of the Cents.

“Playing for the Centennials is a good step up. I’m excited to go to a town like Merritt. The team is one of the biggest things from that town, so playing there it’s exciting,” Lawrence said.

Lawrence also mentioned how this new chapter will differ from his time with the Crusaders.

“The level of play will be a bit higher and the other teams will be faster and more competitive than some of the other leagues I’ve played in,” he added.

As for fans in Merritt, Lawrence said they can expect a consistent player who will always try to give his best performance.

“I’ll be giving 100 per cent every night.”

to AXEL STIEMER, our winner of the Stamp Your Way Through Downtown Merritt contest!

Axel, along with his sister and grandma, explored our downtown core to discover the unique stores available to our community. Axel plans to share his winnings with his entire family.

Laísa Condé newsroom@merrittherald.com

Rune Carlson (left) and Kameron Lawrence (right) are the latest addition of the Merritt Centennials. Photos/Contributed

COMMUNITY

Hardanger embroidery revived in Merritt

Does no one embroider anymore? Is it another dying art? Surprisingly, the answer is a strong no. We have a vibrant example right here in Merritt. Karolyn Dyck brings embroidery centre stage.

Born in Canada to Norwegian parents, Karolyn comes by her Hardanger obsession honestly. Having spent considerable time in Norway, at 18 she became completely engrossed in this amazing craft. Now in her 60’s, she continues to perfect and innovate her work.

Recently retired from the Lower Mainland and then relocated to Merritt, Karolyn says she found a “home” for her special craft in Creative Company. Upon visiting the store located on Quilchena Avenue, she “had an overwhelming sense of belonging”, and shortly after became the 14th member of the Crafters’ Collective, comprised of some very talented and creative people. Hardanger embroidery (“Hardangersøm” or whitework embroidery ) is embroidery traditionally worked with white thread on white even-weave linen or cloth, using counted thread and drawn thread work techniques.

This embroidery gets its name from the Hardanger district in western Norway, where it was known simply as hvitsøm (whitework). This geometric embroidery and cutwork technique was worked in white linen thread on

handwoven white linen fabric and used to make and decorate traditional Norwegian costume items, as well as other clothing items and household linens.

Exact origins of Hardanger are unknown, but are thought to have begun in ancient Persia and Asia. During the Renaissance , this early form of this needlecraft spread to Italy where it evolved into Italian Reticella and Venetian lacework. By 1700, variations of this type of embroidery had spread to northern Europe where it developed further into Danish and Dutch Hedebo , Scottish Ayrshire embroidery, and then called Norwegian Drawn Work which flourished between 1650-1850.

Recently, this Norwegian embroidery technique is being replicated by machines.

This means there are only a hand full of people in the world continuing to master this venerable and intricate technique--Karolyn Dyck is one of them.

Karolyn feels honoured to show her stunning, heirloom-quality needlework to the public. She is thankful to be a part of Creative Company, and to live in our wonderful town.

So for anyone who thinks embroidery is old fashioned and obsolete you are in for a wonderous surprise. Who would think it could be exciting? As the saying goes, “things that are old can be new again”.

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

Service Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m.

Merritt Baptist Church 2499 Coutlee Avenue (at Orme) Sunday service 10 am, Phone (250)378-2464

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

Service Time: 3rd Sunday each month 1:00 p.m.

Sacred Heart 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

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

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

Service Time every Sunday - 10 am

Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave. (The Cadet Hall) Sunday Service Time: 4:00 pm • 250-280-1268

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

Service Times: Sunday 10 am

Ashala Harvie CONTRIBUTOR

Karolyn Dyck brings embroidery to centre stage in Merritt. Photos/ Karolyn Dyck

CLASSIFIEDS

July8,1934 -September4,2022

Myheartstillachesinsadnessand secrettearsstillﬂow. Whatitmeantto loseyou,noonewilleverknow.

Withallmylove,Sharon

JOBPOSTINGS

COMMUNITYHEALTHREPRESENTATIVE

Interim-Full Time

Underthe direc tion of Xwisten’sHealth Manager, the Communit yHealth Representative(CHR) is responsible forprovidinghealth promotionandprevention programs forXwisten communit ymembers.

HOME COMMUNITY CARE WORKER

2113Granite Ave.,Merritt,BC 250-378-2141 or1-800-668-3379

PRODUCTIONWORKERS (FT/PT)

•Wages:starting$20to$28

•Steadydayshiftwork

•Studentswelcometoapply

•Noexperiencenecessary •Willtrain

TRUCKDRIVERSWITHCLASS1 Localsteadywork

LICENCEDSECURITYGUARDS

Excellentmedical&dentalplan

Pleasesubmitresumeinpersonto 1195HoustonStreet,MerrittB.C. 250-378-6161

Full-Time(35Hrs.per week)

Work ing as amemberofthe Ama7 Swa7Home &Community Care Program,Underthe direc tion ofHomeand Communit yCareNurse,thesuccessfulcandidatewillprovide delegationoftaskssetoutbyHCCNaroundpersonalcaretoclients living at homeon reser ve.Inthis role,you will travel to homeswhereclients requirepersonalcare. Daily/ WeeklyJournaling Logsareto be submitted to HCCNasperclientlist.

EARLYCHILDHOODEDUCATOR

Full Time Permanent Position

Bridge RiverHeadStar t/ DaycareProgram isseek inganindividual tocommitto providinghighqualit ycareto children aged0-6 yearswith interest in work ingina unique programandensuring that thereisuseof best practiceprovidedduringthe programdelivery

ADMINISTRATION –FRONTDESK &HEALTHRECEPTION

Casual Positions

TheAdmin FrontDeskreports to AdministratorandtheHealth Receptionwill repor t to theHealth Manager,thesuccessfulcandidate will providesuppor ttoalltheBridge RiverI ndian Band Departments.

Onlythoseshort listedwillbe contacted and to applysubmit resumesandcoverletter: Gary Forsyth, Administrator

Fax:250-256-7999E-mail:administrator@xwisten.ca

Deadline: September16,2024

While wewelcomeall candidates,onlythoseselectedforaninterviewwill be contacted.