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MERRITT HERALD THIS WEEK
THURSDAY, September 9, 2021 •
FALL FAIR
Nicola Valley Fall Fair organizers are already planning for, and looking forward to, next year’s event.
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NICOLA VALLEY VOTES
/PAGE 5
With five candidates now vying for the MP position in the Nicola riding, the Herald asks each runner their position on rising home costs.
/PAGE 7,9
ON THE FRONT LINES
INTO THE PATH OF DANGER:
The Herald spoke to a few local wildfire fighters who have been battling the BC blazes this summer in a special feature on those on the front line. PG. 13-20
Merritt Funeral Chapel Celebrating each life like no other
A Division of Service Corporation International (Canada) ULC
Local & Caring. Proudly supporting our community since 1929. Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri.: 10:00am - 3:00pm • Wednesday 1:00pm - 6:00pm / 2113 Granite Ave., Merritt, BC
On-call 24 Hrs. a day: 250-378-2141 or 1-800-668-3379 • www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com
2 • THURSDAY, September 9, 2021
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Your local RE/MAX Legacy Experts providing you with the highest level of care.
250.378.6941 https://legacy.britishcolumbia.remax.ca/ #113-1700 Garcia Street Box 2257 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 12-311 Highway 8
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2253 Coldwater Avenue
NEW MLS#162369 $69,000 Nice 2 bed, 1 bath, home located in the quiet Cottonwood MHP. The home fts an open design w/ kitchen, dining & living room, new flooring in enclosed porch addition.
MLS#163619 $89,900 Welcome to a freshly decorated home! Extra spaces w/ lovely conversation areas throughout the home & in the landscaped yard. Enjoy the shade trees, shrubs, & flower beds along w/ an ample parking area.
MLS#162927 $219,000 Investors take note! This cute 3 bed, 1 bath mobile home located close to downtown & all amenities. It is on its own lot.
MLS#163937 $249,000 Cute, Cozy & Charming all describe this 1930s 2 storey character home located walking distance to all downtown amenities.
MLS#163407 $349,000 Nice 3 bed, 1 bath rancher w/ detached shop, located close to downtown Merritt for shopping & all amenities. The home features updated windows, new roof in 2016, updated plumbing & 200-amp electrical upgrade.
2-1749 Menzies Street
2188 Nicola Ave
1963 Granite Ave
27-1749 Menzies Street
2064 Clapperton Ave
SOLD MLS#162624 $359,000 Nice 3 bed, 2.5 bath townhouse in popular Sun Valley Court. This unit has had updated flooring on the main floor along with newer kitchen countertops, built-in bookshelf, hot water tank 5 years old.
MLS# 163559 $359,000 Adorable, cute & cozy describe this 2 bed, 1 bath heritage style rancher, located within walking distance of downtown Merritt. Features a new roof 2021, original hardwood flooring, updated vinyl windows, 9’ ceilings, updated bathroom, a large living room, separate dining area w/ free standing wood stove.
MLS# 163504 $369,000 Super cute 2 bed, 1 bath rancher steps away from downtown Merritt. The home features an amazing kitchen w/ Mill Creek cabinets & granite countertops, large rec./family room, a separate large living room w/ lots of windows & great shutter window coverings.
MLS#163818 $369,000 Beautiful & unique townhouse in desirable Sun Valley Court. This unit is like no other in the complex, fully open concept floor plan on the main level & immaculately cared for throughout.
MLS#162243 $424,000 Investment Opportunity in Merritt! Quality built family home. 2 + 2 bedrooms. Generous amount of cabinets in a bright white kitchen.
1926 1st Ave
1776 Armstrong Street
2115 Mamette Ave
1732 Granite Avenue
2175 Nicola Avenue
HUGE house! HUGE flat lot! This 2 level, 7 bed, 2 bath home is centrally located & allows for easy walking to parks, golf & shopping. House has all new paint throughout, HW tank 2015, furnace 2019, wood burning f/p upstairs, roughed in 2nd f/p downstairs. Private yard w/ plenty of room for parking.
MLS#163879 $469,000 Ideal family home w/ private backyard. This move-in ready home ft. a custom barnwood fireplace in the upstairs living room, two freshly updated bathrooms w/ beautiful ft. a freestanding tub upstairs.
MLS#162237 $525,000 Nice 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom family home located in a great neighborhood on a quiet cul-de-sac, walking distance to downtown Merritt and recreation centers.
6441 Jagpal Way
838 Trans Canada Highway
1963 Greaves Ave
MLS#163658 $989,000 BREATHTAKING VIEWS of beautiful Nicola Lake! Your retreat within just 2-3 hours of the Lower Mainland. Come away to this lovely 4 bedroom, 3 bath home with a 2 car 20’ x 30’ garage/shop.
MLS#160859 $1,199,000 The Ultimate Escape! Only 2.5 hrs from lower mainland. 70 pristine acres not in the ALR, 1 km south of beautiful Lytton. Stunning views from every angle, freshwater spring, & 2 water licenses.
MLS#162308 $1,200,000 Amazing 4 bed, 3 bath, home on a private .41acre lot, tucked into a quiet cul-de-sac, w/ an inviting heated inground pool & detached 26’X40’ insulated, heated & wired shop/garage.
MLS#162954
$435,000
MLS#162403
$659,000
Very nice 4-bed, 3-bath family home located on a double lot in a great location, w/ an inground pool & private yard. The home features vaulted ceilings in the living room, open to the family room, kitchen w/ lots of cabinets, eating island & dining room & lots of bright windows.
4520 8 Mile Road
MLS#163046
$1,390,000
Spectacular custom home on 20acres w/ a year-round creek! This stunning property is very private & only 12 mins from Merritt. Wrap around deck & over 2600 sqft on the main w/ vaulted ceilings, open concept dinning room, living room & kitchen w/ a gorgeous f/p.
MLS#162471 $715,000 Fully renovated up & down duplex located in downtown Merritt. Both suites feature a nice open floor plan w/ 2 large beds, full laundry services, kitchen open to living/ dining room, and plenty of storage.
1464 Miller Road
MLS#161824 $1,399,000 RETREAT & SERENITY in Miller Estates, panoramic views in an area of custom-built homes & equestrian estate properties. Oversized great room w/ vaulted ceilings to complement bright open living area.
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THURSDAY, September 9, 2021 • 3
WILDFIRE RECOVERY
For all your landscaping needs call the professionals at
AgriRecovery offers up to $20 million for BC farmers and ranchers
Serving Merritt with Excellence for over 28 yrs tlcpond1@telus.net
Poor farming conditions from a summer of drought and wildfire have left many BC farmers and ranchers with empty pockets.
250-378-4166
INSIDE THE HERALD
Morgan Hampton REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM Further support will soon be available for farmers and ranchers across the province who have been impacted by the devastating 2021 drought and wildfire season. Up to $20 million will be available through the Canada-British Columbia Wildfire and Drought AgriRecovery Initiative, a partnership between the federal and provincial governments in a territorial disaster relief framework. Eligible costs will be supported on the 60-40 cost-shared federal-provincial basis which has been outlined under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The fund will be accessible to help producers with extraordinary expenses they have incurred for feed, shelter, animal health and safety, and the transportation of livestock as a direct result of BC’s wildfires and drought. These expenses may also relate to reseeding forage, replacing fencing or other critical infrastructure that was not insurable and damaged or destroyed by fire. Beekeepers may also be eligible to replace colonies or apiary equipment lost in the wildfires. “This year’s drought and fires have been incredibly difficult for many B.C. ranchers and farmers, and the B.C. government is here to help them keep their livelihoods and the province’s food security and economy moving forward,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture. “The $20-million response package we’ve put together will help B.C. ranchers maintain their breeding stock, continue their operations and continue to supply British Columbians with food
Opinion ---------------------- 6-7 Sports ------------------------ 25 Classifieds ---------- 27-29
WEATHER
Sept. 9: Partly Cloudy 22°/7°C Sept. 10: Partly Cloudy 24°/8°C Sept. 11: Partly Cloudy 23°/7°C Sept. 12: Partly Cloudy 21°/5°C Sept. 13: Partly Cloudy 22°/6°C Sept. 14: Partly Cloudy 19°/7°C
Online grown and raised in our province.” The complete funding list issued by the province is as follows: Wildfire and drought support: - extraordinary expenses caused by the wildfires and drought related to ensuring livestock feeding needs are not impacted due to feed loss or decreased availability; - extraordinary expenses caused by the wildfires and drought related to ensuring animal health and safety; - transportation costs to move impacted animals to a safe feeding location; - feed for breeding livestock, including cattle, sheep and horses, based on a feed need requirement; - contributions toward the reestablishment of tame perennial forage damaged by the fires; and - where breeding herds are reduced due to lack of forage, support for the
herd management costs associated with replacement breeding animals. Wildfire damages: - costs to replace apiaries, bee colonies and beekeeping equipment lost in the wildfires; - costs to repair or replace critical infrastructure damaged by wildfire, not covered by insurance. “The devastation to B.C. ranches, their livestock and operations from this year’s wildfires and drought has been extensive,” said Kevin Boon, general manager, BC Cattlemen’s Association. “Experience from past wildfires has not been lost on the government. The announcement of this comprehensive AgriRecovery program will go a long way to assisting producers in their efforts to re-establish their operations and help them recover from the effects of this year’s debilitating events.”
merrittherald.com
NICOLA WONDERS
The Nicola Valley Arts Gallery launched ‘Merritt Naturally’ on Sept. 8, a show featuring photographs, videos and soundscapes of the natural wonders of the Nicola Valley.
Search ‘ARTS GALLERY’
WARM WELCOME The Nicola Valley Rodeo Grounds welcomed evacuees from across the province as the wildfire season left many people, and their livestock, fleeing from their homes throughout July and August.
Search ‘RODEO GROUNDS’
Wings and Things | Alternative Crusts | Panzerottis | Bread Basket | Sweet Treats | Create Your Own
(236)575-2236 - Local number 2302 Nicola Ave, Merritt, BC
Mon. to Wed.: 11am - 9pm Thurs. to Sat.: 11am - 10pm
4 • THURSDAY, THURSDAY, September September 9, 9, 2021 2021
City Council Meetings have resumed in-person and residents are strongly encouraged to watch online via www.merritt.ca Tuesday, September 21 - Regular Council Meeting - 6 pm
SAFETY SIGNS Through a partnership with BCAA, Block Watch BC, and the City of Merritt Community Policing Office, community safety signs are available at our local Community Policing Office. These signs are meant to be placed on lawns and can draw attention to the possibility of kids playing in the area. If you are interested in having a sign for your property, please contact the CPO at 250-378-3955 or email cpo@ merritt.ca.
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
THURSDAY, September 9, 2021 • 5
Fall Fair making plans for 2022
Join us for 2021/2022
Morgan Hampton REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM A Labour Day weekend tradition for the Nicola Valley was cancelled for 2021. For decades, Merrittonians and visitors have descended on the Nicola Valley Fall Fair grounds to take part in the annual Fall Fair, an event which coincides with the Pro Rodeo at the adjacent Nicola Valley Rodeo Grounds. This year, however, the Fall Fair once again made the decision to postpone the much-loved event in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This follows a previous announcement by their rodeo neighbour of the cancellation of their event. “Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, we are cancelling the 2021 Nicola Valley Fall Fair,” said Fall Fair spokesperson, Susan Thompson, who hopes to see the Fair come back bigger and better than ever in 2022. “With the renewed interest in gardening, canning, etc. due to people staying home because of COVID we are looking forward to an even bigger, better fair in 2022.” It takes an immense amount of time and effort to put the Fall Fair together, which is why organizers have already
begun the process for next year’s event. “With much optimism we are currently starting to work on our Catalogue for 2022,” said Thompson. “We always welcome new suggestions as to categories we could include in order to keep up to date with what the new crafts, sewing, baking, canning, hobbies, etc. are at the present time.” The search has also begun for sponsors for the special prizes, which is a way of giving back to the community, but also an effective way to advertise your business or organization to participants, attendees and anyone else who picks up a free Fall Fair catalogue. Like many non-profits, the Fall Fair Association is always looking for volunteers to assist with set up, and Convenors. “It takes one week a year to help set up the fair, and one weekend to be a Convenor, and the bonus is that it is a lot of fun meeting new people and making friends,” said Thompson. “We would like to thank our community for their support during the past year and look forward to working with you in the future. See you all in 2022. For further information please call Kathy at 250-378-7270 or Susan at 250-315-3940, or Marianne at 250-378-9929.”
Quilchena Canna Company
SKATING SEASON HDCFSS IS EXCITED TO OFFER THEIR FALL/WINTER SESSIONS FOR THE 2021-2022 SEASON!! We provide all the Fun, Focus, Training, & Excitement that Skating can offer!! CANSKATE is Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:15pm -3:45pm Fall Season is from Sept 27th -2021 to Dec 6th 2021 (20 sessions) JR STAR SKATE is Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:15pm – 4:00pm Fall Season is from Sept 27 -2021 to Dec 6th 2021 (20 sessions) STAR SKATE AND ELITE/COMPETITIVE SKATE will have options of multiple Day Programs with off ice included (To request registration forms for these programs, please contact us at highlanddevelopmentcamp@gmail.com)
Private sessions are offered and are by a first come first serve basis, mostly focused on weeks prior to Test or Competition Dates. You can register by email directly to: highlanddevelopmentcamp@gmail.com, or register online with our Website (www.hdcfss.ca) after Sept. 1, 2021!! A Calendar, with all important dates, will be available on our website with a list of the competitions for the new season as soon as it becomes updated from Skating In BC/YK
Visit our website: www.hdcfss.ca www.hdcfss.ca, phone 250-589-6932 or email: highlanddevelopmentcamp@gmail.com for registration.
Quilchena Cannabis Co.
MU
Cut flower entries at a previous Nicola Valley Fall Fair. File photo
S T BE
19+
For more information stop by Unit B-1937 Quilchena Ave., Merritt BC or call 250-378-5
420
6 • THURSDAY, September 9, 2021
STUDENT ART
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Cara Paschinski Students, parents, and teachers: submit your art to newsroom@merrittherald.com for a chance to be featured each week! Submissions are printed on a first come, first serve basis.
Publisher Theresa Arnold publisher@merrittherald.com 250-378-4241
MERRITT HERALD
Editor Jake Courtepatte newsroom@merrittherald.com 250-378-4241
Reporter Morgan Hampton reporter@merrittherald.com 250-378-4241
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2090 Granite Ave., PO Box 9, Merritt, B.C. Phone (250) 378-4241 Fax (250) 378-6818
Copyright subsists in all display advertising in this edition of the Merritt Herald. Permission to reproduce in any form, must be obtained in writing from the publisher.
This Merritt Herald is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact newsroom@merrittherald.com or call (250) 378-4241. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at www.mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.
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CANADA VOTES
THURSDAY, September 9, 2021 • 7
The Herald asked the candidates running for the Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola riding in the federal election the following question: “The cost of housing in Canada has risen disproportionately to incomes. What is the best approach to fix this problem?” Below are their responses.
After many meetings with residents in our riding, most everyone I have spoken with agree this current generation of young people don’t have the same opportunity to get into a home and start a family, as they did at that age. After six years of no federal leadership from Justin Trudeau, we are now at the point where we have a growing housing crisis in many Canadian communities. As the Financial Post recently concluded, after having a look at all of the platforms on housing, “What distinguishes the Conservative platform is its recognition that the primary cause of worsening housing affordability is that supply ‘simply isn’t keeping up’ with demand.” Basically, the problem - using an example - with the approach of the current Liberal Government is that they have imposed policies such as increasing the mortgage stress test threshold. This by design makes housing less affordable to lower income families, which creates inequality and unfairness. The idea here being to limit demand in the hope that housing prices will decrease if there are fewer buyers. We have all witnessed that this approach has failed. The Conservative approach is to focus on supply…or in this case the lack of supply, as that is the real problem. A Conservative government will see one million homes built in the next three years. How will we accomplish this? Our platform proposes a number of measures. A few examples include deferring the Capital Gains Tax on the sale of a rental property provided the proceeds are reinvested into new rental housing. Another measure is that we will ban foreign buyers from purchasing residential homes for a minimum of two years to ensure that more supply remains available for Canadian families. We will instead allow foreign investors to build rental housing in Canada as we must also increase the supply of rental housing. We would also implement a number of other changes related to the mortgage stress and in other areas that I would be happy to discuss in person with anyone who is interested.
I am acutely aware of how unaffordable housing is, as I recently helped my son search for accommodation. I have also spoken with business owners that could not expand their work force as there simply was no place for the employees to live locally. From young people struggling to save a down payment, to seniors on fixed incomes, to poor homeless people wondering where they will sleep tonight, the high cost of housing affects us all. Everyone deserves a home. As Liberals, we want everyone to achieve their housing needs and dreams. We are committed to working with all levels of government to make this happen. We have a three-pronged approach to manage the housing crisis. We will (1) increase the supply of houses, (2) decrease demand by placing limits on using houses as investments, instead of a place to live, and (3) protect the rights of home buyers and make saving for and buying a home easier. To increase the supply of houses we will build, preserve or repair 1.4 million homes in four years through a number of programs, including putting $4 billion in a Housing Accelerator Fund to help municipalities get houses constructed faster. We will invest $2 billion into Indigenous housing. To decrease demand related to purchasing houses for investment only, we will ban foreign investment in houses for two years, create an anti-flipping tax, and a one per cent annual tax on non-resident, non-Canadian owned real estate that is vacant or underused. Thirdly, we will make it easier to get a home with rent to own projects, tax free savings home savings accounts, and a ban on blind bidding. In addition, we will stabilize rents by making landlords report rent received before and after renovations. We will impose a surtax on excessive rent to stop renovictions. Housing is not a luxury. It is a necessity. We need to do more and Liberals will do more to make having a place to call home a reality.
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To begin, housing is a human right and a public good. Every Canadian deserves a place to call home. We have thousands of Canadians who struggle to pay their rent every month, some are facing evictions now, and tens of thousands more who are homeless. The problem is particularly bad in the Okanagan, which is becoming a place where a young family will never be able to buy a home. Even just this year, students in our riding are struggling to find a place to live that they can afford, and some simply cannot. Is this the kind of community we want to live in? In one of the richest countries in the world, the current housing crisis is unacceptable. We need public policy that balances housing affordability with market forces. In Canada, for decades, we had cooperative housing, geared to income, and the federal government under consecutive Conservative and Liberal government gutted this model that worked very well. For far too long we were one of the only G7 countries that didn’t have a federal housing strategy, and we’ve seen transfers to the provinces cut year after year for housing. An NDP government would be committed to investing in housing for all. After six years in government, the Liberal plan is simply inadequate compared to the scale of the housing crisis Canadians are facing. We need to take urgent action now towards an ambitious plan to build affordable places to live in every community across the country. That’s why a New Democrat government will create at least 500,000 units of quality, affordable housing in the next ten years, with half of that done within five years. This will be achieved with the right mix of effective measures that work
Candidate platforms continue on Pg. 9.
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2052 Quilchena Ave.
Joan Phillip, New Democratic Party
Sarah Eves, Liberal Party
Dan Albas, Conservative Party
12 12 99 + tax
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8 • THURSDAY, September 9, 2021
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Wildfires caused significant infrastructure damage: BC Hydro Morgan Hampton REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM
The Lytton Creek and July Mountain wildfires burned out of control through June, July, and August, resulting in thousands of Evacuation Orders and Alerts, as well as extensive damage to homes and businesses. Key infrastructure was also damaged by the fire, including BC Hydro power poles and lines, which disconnected many people from electricity. “As a result of the July Mountain wildfire, there was significant damage to our infrastructure along the Coquihalla that resulted in 94 customers being without power,” said Mary Anne Coules, Community Relations for BC Hydro. “Twenty-five power poles needed to be replaced along the main highway, and there were an additional 50 poles that were damaged. Crews were brought in from both the Lower Mainland and the Interior to remove danger trees and repair our infrastructure. Repairs have now been completed. We were able to restore 42 customers on Tuesday, July 24, and the remaining customers were restored on Thursday, August 26.” Along Hwy 8, several residences were lost under extreme, aggressive fire conditions earlier in the month of August. Those who had homes to return to, were left quite literally in the dark with no electricity connected to their properties. “Our infrastructure along the Highway 8 corridor between Spences Bridge and Merritt was damaged by the Lytton Creek fire, resulting in an outage to 42 customers,” said Coules. “Over 50 power poles needed to be replaced before we could reenergize this area. This work was completed earlier this week, and all customers were restored on Tuesday, August 24.” Although fire season is ongoing, much of the BC Hydro restoration work related to wildfires in the Interior has been completed. In the area of the White Rock Lake fire, more than 3,100 customers have had their power restored. Work continued in the Westside Road, 6 Mile Road and Killiney Beach areas, where 69 customers remained without power. “For customers returning home after an extended power outage, we recommend that they avoid turning on numerous electronics and appliances all at once to give their electrical system a chance to stabilize,” Coules advised. “Customers should also check the guidelines provided by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for information on how to handle refrigerated and frozen food after an extended outage. All clocks,
automatic timers, and alarms will need to be reset, and any supplies in the emergency kits that were used will need to be restocked.” BC Hydro has also announced that evacuees may be eligible for an electricity
credit. “Residential and commercial customers who are affected by an evacuation order are eligible to receive a credit for the electricity consumed for the duration of the time they’re out of their home, if
the order is for five days or longer,” said Coules. “This credit will automatically be applied to their next bill. We also offer flexible bill payment plans for after they return home.”
Coldwater School Nursery to Grade 7 Registration for 2021 – 2022
Full-time Nursery/Head Start (must be turning 4 years old by December 31, 2021) Full-time Kindergarten (must be 5 years old by December 31, 2021) Bus Services from Merritt provided
Ncʼɬletkwu School Cultural and Language Program Outdoor Nature Walks, traditional games, music and local stories. Hands on projects and field trips may include: drying fish making tule mats making hemp tanning hides hand drums gathering tea picking berries Spius Creek salmon hatching program winter fun identifying plants
Benefits of our Classes
strong focus on local culture small class size loving and caring environment individual education plans dedicated teachers and staff
New Nursery/Kindergarten Play Area under construction! Planters, big rocks, sand, Sheeshtkin, and more!
DAILY BREAKFAST PROGRAM For more information please contact us at Tel: 250-378-9261 or Cell: 250-315-8685 709-170th St Merritt, BC VK 1B8
(Example only, our final play area will be much bigger)
As always the Coldwater School will be following all provincial COVID-19 guidelines to ensure the ongoing health and well-being of our children.
Registration forms can be picked up from the school or we can email/fax them directly to you.
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CANADA VOTES
Joan Phillip, New Democratic Party Cont’d in partnership with provinces and municipalities, build capacity for social, community, and affordable housing providers, to provide rental support for co-ops, and meet environmental energy efficiency goals. This ambitious plan will create thousands of jobs in communities all across the country, jumpstarting the economic recovery, and helping Canadians get the affordable housing they need.
Brennan Wauters, Green Party To best approach fixing the housing problem is Canada requires some context. The pandemic has intensified homelessness and pressures to cover the cost of housing at all levels. So, for immediate action the Green Party of Canada proposes establishing a national moratorium on evictions – until the pandemic is over and for a reasonable time after – in cooperation with provincial governments: Implementing a national residential arrears assistance program to protect people at risk of eviction due to accumulated rent arrears; Redefining “affordable housing” using a better, updated formula; and enhancing the Canada Housing Benefit. For the long-term other policies must be implemented, such as a guaranteed livable income. A variety of other incentives to keep housing within the income means includes taxing property speculation, incentivising the landlord relationship to renters so that long term rentals are beneficial to both landlord and tenant, and prioritizing business development in rural and unpopulated areas of Canada; this means for example making high-speed internet easily and reasonably priced for companies and organizations in rural and remote areas of Canada so that people can live with equal amenities as Canadians in population dense cities.
Kathryn McDonald, People’s Party of Canada Great question! Like many other “issues” that we face these days, this one can often be tracked down to its root cause. Sadly, there is a finite amount of resources available to satisfy the needs of a growing number of basic needs. How long have any of you been voting in this country? How many times have we switched from party to party hoping for the best. Mulroney, Chretien, Harper, Trudeau…. have any of them ever really had your backs? If you dig deep enough, you’ll find that politicians are bought and paid for by some very large corporations. Just like the guy or gal who goes to play bingo and has six cards on the table, the owners of your government - the big corporations - they have three cards on the table in this election. They don’t care whether it is the NDP, Liberals, or Conservatives that win… so long as one of them wins. Those corporations own and control them. They always have. This year is a bit different. The globalists over played their hands on the COVID crisis. They did not count on the fact that 92% of the population would reject vaccine mandates, passports, and lockdowns. Since the People’s Party of Canada is not for sale, no one can force us to do the wrong things. The PPC will put an end to the universal graft that is bankrupting your treasury. More resources will be available across the board to take care of the things that are most dear to your hearts. Housing prices go up because the cost of everything else is rising. Once those things don’t need to rise in price, we won’t have this kind of pressure. It can only start if you finally realize that you will have to choose between US and Them!
THURSDAY, September 9, 2021 • 9
FRIENDS & Neighbours
Garcia plays virtual music festival He played from the Merritt Desert Inn.
Bobby Garcia is shown performing at this year’s Indigifest virtual music festival. Screenshot
Morgan Hampton REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM Local music talent Bobby Garcia played the Indigifest virtual music festival on August 19, joining an
impressive array of talented indigenous musicians from across the country who represented many music genres from country to rock to hip hop to See ‘NEW’ Page 10 blues.
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Serving the community for over 50 years.
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FREE Delivery for Seniors & Those With Restricted Mobility
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10 • THURSDAY, September 9, 2021
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
New album coming from local awardwinning musician
ARE YOU AN ADULT WHO HAS NOT YET GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL BUT WOULD LIKE TO?
From Page 9 Garcia is from the Nlaka’pamux Nation and was born and raised in Merritt, where he was influenced by an extended family tree of musicians. This upbringing is reflected in his music, which draws its inspiration from traditional country music and speaks life’s truths about small town life and simple country living. Garcia performed his roughly 20-minute set from the stage at the Merritt Desert Inn, entertaining Indigifest viewers with a variety of covers and his own songs, including some he plans to release on his newest album later this year. His song ‘I Remember When’ touched on his family, including his uncle Mike, whose guitar he plays during the performance. Also mentioned was his friend, Jesse, who is commemorated in his original song ‘The Day Before’. “That’s one of my favourite songs I’ve written in the last six months, The Day Before,” said Garcia. “Jesse was a good friend of mine, he passed away almost two years ago now, so that one was for him.” Garcia can often be seen performing around town with his band Six More Strings. The group has performed at Rockin’ River Festival three times, and Garcia has won the title of Merritt’s Musician of the Year twice. To view the Indigifest’s 2021 performances, you can visit the festival’s website https://www.indigifest.ca/.
If so, CONTINUING ED might be just what you need. We are a non-traditional, public school that offers courses and instruction that lead to graduation. Our hours include some evening time so that people who are working and need that flexibility can attend.
IF THIS SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING FOR YOU,
stop by Kengard Learning Centre (2475 Merritt Ave.) or call the principal, Karen Goetz (250-378-4245) to find out more.
Graduation is often closer than some people realize – and it makes all the difference.
ADVANCE POLLS START NEXT WEEK! FRI.SEPT 10/SAT.SEPT 11/SUN.SEPT 12/MON.SEPT13 CHECK ELECTIONS.CA FOR YOUR POLLING LOCATION!
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Central Okanagan Similkameen Nicola Authorized by the Official Agent for Dan Albas
THURSDAY, September 9, 2021 • 11
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CEN TURY 21 Moving Real Estate BC LTD.
Doug Beech
movingrealestate.c21.ca
250-378-6166 |1-877-841-2100
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Jared Thomas 778-694-6804
Don Gossoo,
Managing Broker
(Owner)
#102, 2840 Voght Street, Box 236 Merritt, B.C. V1K 1B8
Brad Yakimchuk
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250-315-3043 469 DODDING AVE
1613 CANFORD AVE
1798 GRANITE AVENUE
1976 GREAVES AVE
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#3290
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On 1.28 acres in a park-like setting this 3 bedrm rancher of 1900+ sq.ft. with vaulted ceilings in livingrm, open concept kitch/with nook & diningrm is in immaculate condition. Master bedrm with open ensuite. This private acreage is beautifully landscaped with creek meandering through & several outbuildings.
#3289
$729,900
Cute & cozy 2 bedroom bungalow with spacious oak kitchen with formal dining rm leading into office & living room. Sitting room has gas F/P. Fenced corner lot, lots of parking with carport & detached garage/shop.
Great family home on the Bench with 3 bedrms, 2 baths, den, family rm, rec. rm and partly finished basement with games rm, storage & workshop. 2 car garage, RV parking. Meticulously maintained gardens & yard
New 3 bedroom rancher with full walkout bsmt, under construction. 1460 sq.ft. on each floor. Open plan, 9 ft ceilings, vinyl plank flooring & carpet, gas F/P in great rm, laundry on the main. GST applies. $4,000 appliance package & central A/C.
Cozy 3 bedrooom rancher close to shopping & schools. Private covered deck off master bedrm. Huge fenced backyard. Includes appliances & window coverings. 12x32 detached garage/shop.
#3286
#3288
#3287
#3285
$429,900
1750 BLAIR STREET
$649,000
Nice 3 bedroom half duplex close to schools. Great for first time buyers or retiree. Has some new flooring upstairs in master bedrm and hallways, vinyl windows, kitchen has had some upgrades over the years. Fenced backyard.
Great investment property close to shopping with 3 bedrooms up with a 2 bedroom suite down that has had a reno. Has a carport and detached shop. Both units currently rented.
Great family home with 4 bedroom on the top main floor and 2 bedrooms in the ground level suite which is currently rented. Yard has underground sprinklers and garden space in back. Great views from sundeck. 2 car garage. 10x14 shed.
#3291
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2770 PEREGRINE WAY
2760 PEREGRINE WAY
D
$599,999
Check out our website for more details on our listings.
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15.9 acre RV Park zoning bordering the Coldwater River. Hookups in place & future set of plans for expansion available. Has city services. Has small rental home with long term tenants.
#3264 2288 BURGESS AVE
1610 FIR AVE
1801 QUILCHENA AVE
$399,000 2845 NEILSON ST
West Coast contemporary 3 bedrm, 1705 sq.ft. rancher with 10 ft ceiling, open concept, kitchen has huge island, S/S appliances, gas F/P in living room, central A/C and more. Master bedrm has 5 pce ensuite & WI closet. Fully landscaped with fenced backyard.
$459,000
$739,900
2940 MCLEAN PLACE
D SOL
$269,900
1976 HOUSTON STREET
SOL
1475 COWLEY STREET
$664,900
1608 FIR AVENUE
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SOL Two storey 4 bedrm, 4 bath home built in 2018 and is new. Seller never lived in house. Large kitchen has S/S appliances, Quartz countertops, island & nook plus dining room. Fenced yard, RV parking, 24x23 garage. Covered deck. GST applies.
Karen Yakimchuk 250-315-3076
Personal Real Estate Corporation
SOL
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$1,650,000.
6445 MONCK PARK RD
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Spacious new home with open concept floor plan, spectacular views & high quality finishing. 2 bedrms up, master on the main & 2 more down, 4 baths & full unfin. Bsmt. New Home Warranty. Double garage
New executive family home on the Bench with views. 3 bedrms, 2 baths, designer kitchen with quartz counters, gas F/P in living room, 5 pce ensuite & a full unfinished basement. GST applies
1288 sq.ft. rancher in good area of downtown, has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and within walking distance to shopping and amenities. Currently rented.
Spectacular river view from this 3 bedrm, 3 bath rancher with walkout bsmt, under construction. Open concept plan with 9 ft ceilings, vinyl plank flooring & carpet throughout. Large living rm with gas F/P. 2-5-10 yr Warranty. GST applicable. $4,000 appliance pkg & landscaping included
A rare waterfront lot of 0.94 acres waiting for development with over 50 metres of river frontage, not subdividable. Property is ready for building with over 6000 sq.ft. recently built up to a safe building height.
With brilliant panoramic views of stunning Nicola Lake, this 1.05 acre property is your destination for water sports, hiking & outdoor fun. Foundation already in. Water & sewer not connected. Build your summer paradise here!
#3278
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$749,9000 + GST
1252 HOUSTON STREET
Great investment property! 3 bedroom 2 bath property currently rented to good long term tenants. Has had some new flooring, paint & kitchen cabinets over past few years. Two car carport, fenced yard with workshop in ba
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390 COYLE PLACE
1926 QUILCHENA AVE
Two bedroom mobile with fenced yard & storage shed. Comes with fridge, stove, washer/dryer and has had electrical upgrade. Laminate flooring in living room & main bedroom. Currently tenanted
Riverfront property in nice Lower Nicola location on approx. 2 acres with great shop with 3 phase power supply. Comes with unfinished rancher of 1686 sq.ft. House is framed and with roof. Home plans available. Septic is installed.
Established & well maintained Dry Cleaning and Coin Laundry, a turnkey business. 3200 sq.ft. concrete block building with steel truss roof with possibility of expansion to include living quarters. Great opportunity for a good family business.
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740 & 780 KANE VALLEY RD
6377 MONCK PARK ROAD
20 acres of 2 titles with 3 bedrm 2 bath rancher with heated workshop & other outbldgs. In desirable area of recreation with lakes & cross country skiing. Just 25 mins. South of Merritt & 5 mins. Off Coquihalla. Has seasonal creek & backs onto Crown land.
Spectacular Nicola Lake view home. This open concept rancher with a walkout bsmt features rock F/P in huge living room with large windows and views of the lake. Large island in gourmet kitchen, 2 bedrms up and 2 down. Master bedrm has 5 pce ensuite & W/I closet. The walkout bsmt has large games rm, 2 bedrms & storage. You’ll enjoy the sprawling covered deck, raised garden beds and detached garage plus room for RV parking.
FULL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OR TENANT ONLY PLACEMENT We can assist you in renting your investment DEANNA Licensed Property Manager
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12 • THURSDAY, September 9, 2021
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
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All Evacuation Alerts rescinded for TNRD wildfires Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM Now at the tail end of what was a historic wildfire season in the British Columbia Interior, the ThompsonNicola Regional District has given the green light across its wildfire dashboard. On Sept. 7, the final Evacuation Alert under the district’s jurisdiction was rescinded for the area around Westwold in relation to the White Rock Lake wildfire. Just one day earlier, the devastating July Mountain wildfire south of Merritt near Brookmere was given the All Clear for its final 133 properties. White Rock Lake has been downgraded to Under Control, while July Mountain, as of the morning of Sept. 8, is considered Being Held. According to the most recent report from the Cascades Fire Complex, which encompasses the July Mountain fire and Garrison Lake Fire, sufficient
suppression action has been taken that the fires are not likely to spread beyond existing or predetermined boundaries under the prevailing and forecasted conditions. Fire activity remains stable, but pockets of smouldering ground fire scattered throughout the fire perimeter are still producing smoke. A ground crew of 107 firefighters and air crew of seven helicopters are now in the process of mopping up hot spots detected by infrared scanning. BC Wildfire Service has issued an Area Restriction Order in the vicinity of both the July Mountain and White Rock Lake fires, for the safety of both the public and the working crews. Smaller areas within the TNRD boundaries do still show as being under Evacuation Alert according to the dtsrict’s dashboard, though they are all under the issuing agenncies of First Nations bands, including the Lower Nicola Indian Band and Nooaitch Indian Band.
White Rock Lake wildfire, July 2021
A teacher of Inclusive Education and a working mom living in Merritt, I am running to bring strong representation to the hardworking people and economic interests of Central Okanagan Similkameen Nicola. A Liberal-led government has had the backs of Canadians through the pandemic and will continue to carve a resilient path forward for this nation.
Bold climate action A robust economic recovery Affordable housing $10 a day child care More support for seniors Continuing toward Reconciliation
Sarah Eves saraheves.liberal.ca Make your vote count. Choose Forward. For Everyone.
SARAH EVES Central Okanagan Similkameen Nicola Approved by the Official Agent for Sarah Eves
K Y N O A U H ! T
THURSDAY, September 9, 2021 • 13 THURSDAY Date,
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TO ALL F S R E D IRST RESPON WHO HELPED PROTECT OUR HOMES, ANIMALS & OUR FORESTS Thank you for putting yourself in the way of danger to save others, to save the public. This what it means to be a HERO. THANK YOU for everything you do
From all of us at
DENTISTRY @ MERRITT
“WHERE RELAXATION MEETS CARE”
www.dentistryatmerritt.ca
2731 Forksdale Avenue
Call: 250-378-4888
Thank You “thank “thank you you to to our our firefighters, firefighters, teams, teams, and and crews crews that that helped helped protect protect our our lands, lands, wildlife, wildlife, communities, communities, and and homes. homes.””
MLA Jackie Tegart
Fraser Fraser Nicola Nicola 2–2152 2–2152 Quilchena Quilchena Ave., Ave., Merritt, 250 Merritt, BC BC 250 378-8831 378-8831 Jackie.Tegart.MLA@leg.bc.ca Jackie.Tegart.MLA@leg.bc.ca
14 • THURSDAY, September 9, 2021
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
A busy season for veteran firefighter
Rhys Wiechula
Morgan Hampton REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM
Rhys Wiechula is the Unit Crew Supervisor for the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) Flathead Unit Crew, which is based out of Cranbrook and has been deployed to the Interior to help battle some of the most intense fires BC has ever seen. Most recently, the crew has been assigned to the Tremont Creek Fire, a massive wildfire that prompted the evacuation of Logan Lake in August, the peak of a season that began in April. “In April we had some fires in
THEY ARE THE BRAVE As we walk casually down the street, they are rushing through the forest As we sleep soundly in our beds, they are sleeping on the ground As we cook and eat dinner with our families, they are missing theirs As we are living our lives, they are risking theirs They are the brave firefighters that are helping save our towns and cities, keeping us safe
THEY ARE THE BRAVE.
It is important for us to remember that although some of us are having our lives uprooted and afraid of what might happen next, they are giving everything they have to make sure that lives aren’t lost, and properties are saved. We at The Lower Nicola Indian Band Development Corporation would like to send out ALL our gratitude for the brave men and women that have been deployed to help our province overcome this fire crisis. Our crews and machinery have also been deployed to assist with the fires. We would like to honorably mention our crew members for the long hours and little days off that they have given to help:
Jonathan Holmes Dylan Beers Barry Jackson Joe McDougall Jerrod Peterson Rick Mcleod
David Sterling Craig Shintah Irwin Mike Jonah Dick Joshua Dick Jenna McKenna
Chanel Robertson Morgan Robinson Stan Thiessen Bob Davis Clint Holmes
Radium and Fairmont out in the east Kootenays,” said Wiechula of his crew’s season. “And then, in terms of deployments we were on McKay Creek in Lillooet at the beginning of July, we went to Sparks Lake on the next deployment, the crew was on the Arrow Complex following that, and then most recently, this is our fourth deployment, we spent four days back on the Arrow Complex and got redirected to the Tremont Creek fire.” This routine is not new for Wiechula, who has been a wildland firefighter for See ‘FIGHTING’ Page 15 eleven years.
Jackson’s Welding would like to THANK all of the hard working individuals and companies that have worked tirelessly through the fires!
In business since 1967
1750 Hill Street, Merritt
250-378-4332
Thank You
Those two small words cannot express how much we appreciate all that you have done!
Johnny’s ON THE REZ • Status Gas & Diesel • Pizza • Breakfast Bagels • Breakfast Wraps • Bakery • Deli • Subs DAILY SPECIALS Monday to Friday! TAKE OUT OR PICK UP PIZZA: 250-315-0087 154 HWY 8 WEST, MERRITT, BC • 250-378-9557
Thank You! “Kekuli Cafe is beyond grateful for the amount of strength our frontline workers have had to keep us all safe. We thank you for your time and efforts!” Open for Breakfast & Lunch
LOCATION 2051 Voght Street, Merritt, BC
www.kekulicafe.com
250-378-3588
HOURS: Mon to Fri: 9am-7pm & Sat and Sun: 9am-4pm
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
THURSDAY, September 9, 2021 • 15
Fighting fires seen as “rewarding work” From Page 14 “I started out working in the bush as a tree planter in 2007, and I did that for three years and then I was looking for something new,” explained Wiechula. “My brother pointed me towards Type 2 firefighting, so I did that in 2010. I really enjoyed my time, I did two deployments up in the Cariboo and then I really wanted to take a step up and be a Type 1 firefighter, so I applied in 2011 and I got on in Cranbrook… it’s rewarding work and that’s what got me into it at first, just being outside, being active and doing something rewarding.” Wiechula was on the Rocky Mountain Unit Crew for nine years before becoming the unit crew supervisor for the Flathead unit crew last year. According to BCWS, “Type 2 contract firefighters are often called to assist with wildfires that have lower intensity and present a lower risk to firefighter safety. Typically, Type 2 contract firefighters are used to supplement Type 1 firefighters. They are used in a variety of scenarios, including mop-up, patrol and other support activities.” Type 1 firefighters are the firefighters on initial attack crews and unit crews who do the bulk of the firefighting for BCWS. Wildfires are ever changing, and as such, firefighters must be prepared to change their plans and methods on a moment’s notice. However, Wiechula detailed a typical day for crews on the front line, a day that begins with a 5:00
THANK YOU for your dedication!
d
e
121-1700 Garcia St. Merritt, BC
250-378-9004
a.m. wake up call, followed by a 6:00 a.m. breakfast before crews pile into vehicles and travel an hour or more to the fire line. “You’ll do your safety briefing and operational briefing in the morning, and then you’ll dig into your task,” said Wiechula. “On some of these bigger fires we’ll be preparing equipment lines for indirect attack such as doing planned ignitions, or if it’s safe to do so, we’ll be putting in direct lines. So, cutting in hose trails, setting up water delivery, those kinds of objectives. The average day will be at least 12 hours, and up to 15 or 16 hours, especially in a busy season like this,” Wiechula continued. “Then, we’ll debrief as a crew at the end of the day, go over any safety issues, head back to camp for dinner and showers and getting some sleep. That’s probably the most average day we would have.” Those long days eventually begin to wear the crews down, particularly when the season lasts for months with no help from Mother Nature by way of cooler temperatures or precipitation. “Some lows would be the lack of sleep, that definitely adds up over the season,” said Wiechula. “By this time in the season most people are feeling some cumulative fatigue. Being away from home is a low, that one’s a little double See ‘ONE’ Page 16
Thank you to all First Responders for what you have done to keep us safe during this busy Wildfire season
We have a special something for anyone on your list.
Thank you to all the fire-fighters from both near and far. We are very grateful for your hard work on our behalf.
CE
S 250-378-5575
2052B Quilchena Avenue - Merritt, BC
Nicola Valley Restorative Justice Program
#121 - 1700 Garcia Street Monday-Friday: 7:30AM to 6:00PM Merritt, BC Saturday: 8:00AM to 5:00PM Phone: (250) 378-9004 Sunday+Holidays: 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Thank You
so much for having our backs, we’ve got yours!
HAND in HAND and with HEROES
like you we can accomplish anything!
BOX 819, 2025 GRANITE AVE. , MERRITT, BC V1K 1B8 TEL: 250-378-5010 • FX: 250-378-5014
Nicola Valley & District Metis Society
We hold our hands up in gratitude to each and every person that responded to the fires around us. If you would like more information on our society please call 250-378-5015 or 250-378-0076 email: mcdomic@shaw.ca • Facebook: Nicola Valley Metis
With grateful NICOLA VALLEY MASSAGE THERAPY CLINIC hearts, 250-378-8300 Tim and Rita ~ nicolavalleymassagetherapy.com
Thank you to our First Responders We appreciate you!
250 378 4977 www.logworks.ca
Our first responders are always in action so that we can live in peace and feel protected.
Thank You!
Nicola Plumbing & Heating WE SERVICE: Residential, Commercial & Light Industrial
email: nicplumb@telus.net
Phone: 250-378-4943
2064 Coutlee Ave., P.O. Box 2999 Merritt, B.C. V1K 1B8
Lower Nicola Indian Band You are the heroes in our lives. Your energy and potential in helping others is highly valued.
morellichertkow.com
Lower Nicola Indian Band
One of the “busiest, most extreme” fire seasons to date in 2021 Paul LeSage Construction Ltd. Your building, renovation specialists
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS From Page 15
sided because a plus is being able to travel around the province, and around the country, or internationally sometimes, that can be very rewarding and a big plus. But being away from home does wear on you.” Wiechula was sent to Washington in 2013 to assist fire crews in that state and was also on a crew dispatched to California last fall. During extreme fire seasons, American and Canadian crews will often partner in their firefighting efforts, sharing the resources of highly skilled firefighters through mutual aid agreements. This year, BC received assistance from Mexican and Australian crews as well as BCWS was quickly overextended and facing more fire activity than they had the manpower to attend to. “I would say it’s definitely one of the busiest, and some of the most sustained extreme fire behaviour I’ve been witness to, very similar to 2017… especially in July,” said Wiechula. “Large fires burning out of control. I’d say this is one of the top seasons in terms of extreme fire behaviour, and it really changes the way we engage with the fire.” That said, crews like the Flathead Unit Crew gave their all in the face of daunting and sometimes extremely dangerous blazes, working to protect lives and infrastructure. “I feel like the work that we do is very meaningful, especially in a season like this where you can see the direct impact of our successful work, you can measure it in terms of lifting Evacuation Orders to Alerts and lifting Alerts,” said Wiechula. “Helping people get back into their homes, protecting people’s homes and infrastructures, in BC and around the country, it’s rewarding work.” The Flathead Unit Crew’s last day on the fire line was Sept. 1, capping off their 2021 season. “I’m really proud to be part of the organization, and proud of all the crews in BC Wildfire and the hard work they’ve put in and the sacrifices they make to put in the effort they did for a season like this,” Wiechula concluded.
To the men & women who Protect our homes & businesses.
THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO!
THANK YOU for your commitment to saving our forests , homes and memories.
HOURS: 8 am ‘til 9 pm, 7 days a week
Ph: 250-240-3306 or 250-378-6535 email: lesagepaul@shaw.ca
THANK YOU
to all the courageous men and women who have worked so tirelessly to keep us safe.
www.merrittherald.com
Railyard Mall (Garcia St.)
250-378-5564
to brave men and women who’ve helped protect our community.
Going through all the fires and flames requires a brave heart. We appreciate you for your brave duty irrespective of all risk and dangers.
Quilchena Cannabis Co. Quilchena Canna Company
Unit B-1937 Quilchena Ave., Merritt BC
MU
16 • THURSDAY, September 9, 2021
250-378-5420
ST BE
19+
Some people run from problems Others run to them
We call them HEROES! Thank you from the team at
Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society
Telephone: (250) 378-9745 #103-2090 Coutlee Avenue
Thank you
for putting your lives on the line everyday. HATS OFF to all first responders who puts their own life at risk to save others.
Ska-Lu-La Workshop 1725 COLDWATER AVE, MERRITT
We are all grateful for our fire fighters, first responders and frontline medical staff. Thank you for your courage when everything is on the line. Nicola Valley Custom Lumber
MERRITT
We would like to express our appreciation and admiration for all helped in the 2021 Wildfire Season! A message from the
Scw’exmx Tribal Council
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THURSDAY, September 9, 2021 • 17
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Fire crew like family for Merritt native Morgan Hampton REPORTER@ MERRITTHERALD.COM
Kara Ware was born and raised in Merritt and now makes her home in Williams Lake where she is a member of the Vesta Unit Crew for BC Wildfire Service (BCWS). This year, Ware, who has three years of experience as a wildland firefighter, was dispatched to several fires around the province including blazes near Horsefly, 100 Mile House, and Oliver. Most recently, she has been working on the July Mountain WE CAN fire south of Merritt.
Originally, Ware had no one of, if not the most, plans to become a firefight- devastating on record. er and credits her friends Many people have lost with encouraging her to their homes and businesses, join a crew. and entire communities “I was originally drawn have been affected, such as to the team dynamic, and Lytton and Monte Lake. the family-like aspect of the Facing down a season crew,” said Ware. like this has taken its toll on “And then that, comthe BCWS crew members bined with the vast working who often work in excess of environment, just really twelve hours per day trying seemed like it would suit to bring fires under control me… I had a lot of friends and save homes and lives. who were on crews, and “This one has been realthey convinced me that I ly challenging,” said Ware. should be on a unit crew “It’s a lot more unpreand that it would be a good dictable than previous seafit for me, and so far, they sons, just because the fire were right.” behaviour is so hectic and That said, the 2021 ALL wildfire seasonUSE has been See ‘UNPREDICTABILITY’ Page 18
A SUPERHERO!
We would like to THANK all of the men and women who have fought tirelessly this summer against the BC wildfires.
You are true SUPERHEROES in our eyes.
Kara Ware
HEARTFELT THANKS
THANK YOU
to all the men and women working tirelessly in our communities during the recent fires.
EMPLOYMENT SERVICE CENTRE
to first responders and all who worked tirelessly to protect and support our communities during wildfire season. We appreciate your dedication and bravery.
❤
MERRITT LIBRARY
Thank You!
1691 Garcia Street, Merritt www.tnrl.ca
Merritt Employment Services 2099 Quilchena Ave. 250-378-5151
OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
PHONE: 250-378-5877 1999 Voght Street, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8
to everyone who helped during the forest fires.
Like us on DOWNTOWN MERRITT: #120 1700 Garcia St. Railyard Mall
From the TNRD Merritt Library,
Words cannot express my gratitude to all the firefighters out there who have and are continuing to fight to save our homes and our communities. Because of you, I still have a place to call home and I for one am eternally grateful!
When you are running away from an EMERGENCY First Responders are running towards it.
Vision Quest Optical & Gifts
LET OUR FRIENDLY, KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF HELP YOU
Authentic Native Art Gallery
2051 Quilchena Avenue | Merritt, BC
250-378-5217
First Responders and Firefighters
250-378-5500 | www.facebook.com/suncountryoptical
2001 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, BC • Phone: 250-378-2022
THANKS allsurveyor the Efforts. Only afor land surveyor Only a land
Thank You
STAY SAFE
knows your boundaries. knows your boundaries.
Thank You For Your Service
Stuwix Resources Joint Venture 250-378-2277
Open Tuesday - Saturday 250-378-4737
abcls.ca abcls.ca
logo, address YourYour logo, address & & phone number goes here. phone number goes here.
250-372-8835 • 250-378-5535
for your dedication to keeping us and our community safe. Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary
THE THRIFT SHOP
1803 Voght St., Merritt, BC • www.nvhealthcareaux.ca • 250-378-9100 Underhill & Underhill is a Professional Surveying serving Underhill & Underhill is a Professional LandLand Surveying FirmFirm serving KAMLOOPS
MERRITT
British Columbia for over 100 years. Our Land Surveyors in the
18 • THURSDAY, September 9, 2021
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Unpredictability the theme of 2021 fire season From Page 17 with that intense heat wave we had during late June and early July, each day would start off as planned and then around 2 o’clock everyday fire intensity would pick up. At that point you didn’t really know what you were going to be facing and you kind of just had to take what comes at you,” Ware continued. “And there were a lot of interface fires which my crew in particular hasn’t really dealt with too much over the past couple of years, being so quiet. It was super challenging.” Because of the extreme fire behaviour, crews weren’t always able to perform direct suppression on the fire lines, and instead had to work on building fire guards and performing planned ignitions in an attempt to starve wildfires of several hundred square kilometres of fuel. “There are some days where you do exactly as planned and it all works out, and then other days you get the plan and it changes throughout the day, depending on the fire behaviour and level of our success, but it’s pretty much the nature of the job,” explained Ware.
Courtesy Corner
“A lot of unexpected things happen, and you just have to be adaptable, but typically being on a unit crew entails working on larger scale fires, known as project fires. Each morning we get our objectives for the day, whether that be cutting trail, laying hose, or prepping for and supporting planned ignitions,” Ware continued. “Supporting ignitions can take 20 people multiple days to complete, but it’s a big part of our day-to-day operations on project fires because the ground made on the fire is incomparable to facing it with water. So, a unit crew will support these ignitions with a few modifications or constructing control lines followed by hand ignitions to support the air ignitions. And then, after ignitions are complete, you hit it with water and move on to the next objective.” When these objectives are completed successfully, crews can rejoice in having slowed or stopped a fire that would otherwise continue to burn unchecked. This work, in combination with the work performed by Structural Protection Units, can make the difference in someone losing their True Heroes and Warriors come in every size and shape. They work tirelessly to keep their communities and families safe. No words can express our appreciation. All we can do is say...
would like to express our sincere gratitude for all you have done and continue to do!
Thank You!
GAS STATION/CONVENIENCE STORE/PROPANE
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home or not. “Hearing that people can return back to their homes, and successfully completing a chunk of line, successful ignitions that happen, all of that are really big wins and we work super hard and take the job super seriously, so it’s nice to have things work out,” said Ware, who also compared the crew she works and takes wins and losses alongside to an extended family. “The great things are being with a crew that is like your family, you share everything together, you feel everything together, you go through it all and you always have these 20 people with you that are sharing the same experiences.” This year, however, there were more losses than anyone in the province could have expected, and BCWS crews experienced a drop in morale, alongside the usual fatigue of a long season. “This season in particular, when you’ve put a week plus of work into prepping for a burn or containing a bunch of line and everyone’s working See ‘FIGHTER’ Page 19 really hard, you know, we’re
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THURSDAY, September 9, 2021 • 19
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Fighter plans to return to Metis Society pres heads battle next season’s fires animal rescue during fires Morgan Hampton In times of trouble, there are always people willing REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM to step forward and offer help to those in need, whether those in need have two legs or four. not getting much sleep at all and people are stretched thin, and then the fire decides to One such person in Merritt is Betty Ann McDonnell, who has a long history of charitatake a run at your line and all of the work that you have just done for the last week is just ble service within the Nicola Valley when it comes to both cat rescue, and the Nicola Valley gone in an instant,” said Ware. and District Métis Society, of which she is president. “That can be pretty defeating, and having to go out there again the next day and do After the devastating Lytton Creek Fire on June 30, McDonnell wanted to check in and the same thing and start from ground zero and make brand new plans.” ensure everyone was getting the help they need. No doubt as we enter the second week of September and creep closer to autumn, the “When the Lytton fire happened, later that day I called a family that I know in Lillooet, province is breathing a collective sigh of relief at cooler temperatures and increased prejust wondering how they were doing,” said McDonnell. cipitation. This includes BCWS crews who will soon complete their work for the season The matriarch of this family was working to register evacuees who had fled Lytton. and be released for some much-needed R and R over the winter. “She said to me, I’m at the response centre in Lillooet and I’m registering people, and “In the off season I usually go to Nelson every winter, skiing and snowboarding,” said someone came in that really made me realize that we each have what’s important to us and Ware. “Before COVID I was travelling a bunch. I haven’t lived in Merritt now for a few how we need to respect that,” McDonnell reported of their conversation. years, but I come back every fire season after it’s over and visit my family. It’s been nice to “A lady just came in, she had no shoes on her feet, but she had her cat under her arm. be home, actually, on a fire here, so I get to see them quite a bit which, mostly in the sumAnd that is her family.” mer, I don’t see my family, I guess that’s another kind of a low side, when it’s a busy fire As an avid animal lover and cat rescuer, this spurred McDonnell to consider what would season you don’t have time for much else and you’re truly just resting on your days off.” happen to the pets of evacuees. Despite the difficulties and challenges Ware faced this year, with many days of long As a previous director of Emergency Support Services that was also part of a mobile hours, intense heat and aggressive fire behaviour, the Vesta Unit Crew member plans to support team that attended wildfire events in Barriere, return to her uniform at the start of wildfire season next year. See ‘DONATIONS’ Page 20
From Page 18
To all the frontline workers we see you and appreciate everything you are doing.
THANK YOU!
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Donations galore for animal rescue Kamloops, Kelowna, Salmon Arm and various other locations around the province, McDonnell recalled that there was formerly a pet response team that would also be called in. When she raised this possibility, she was informed that there were no plans for a pet response. “That concerned me, because I knew people were bringing their animals out,” said McDonnell. At this point, the animal response became more than McDonnell’s project, as she called Gena and Dale of the Animal Auxiliary out of Vernon. “I called her, and I explained to her what was happening, and she said we will be there in two days with a load of stuff,” McDonnell explained. After chasing down a few leads, McDonnell connected with Stephen McNiven, Superintendent of School District 58, and was offered the lunchroom of Central Elementary School, where Gena and Dale soon offloaded a truckload of crates, food, water dishes, leashes and other pet necessities. As evacuees flooded into the town of Merritt, they sought out friends, family, and hotel rooms, with many not able to have their pets with them in their temporary accommodations, and so the Nicola Valley Animal Response put out a call for foster homes. “Many amazing people stepped up,” said McDonnell. About 30 cats and kittens and ten dogs were fostered within the community, some of which are only returning to their families now. As more people were displaced, the number of animals that needed assistance increased. “It became apparent that we needed to expand and include chicken food, hog food, horse food, llama food, and of course I had none,” explained McDonnell, whose focus had
From Page 19
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been primarily domestic pets. “We had groups from Kamloops, from Vancouver, from Chilliwack, different animal groups as well as a Sikh group, there were so many, who were bringing us animal food. They heard that I was looking for this food and trying to figure that out, and they put the word out. Within one hour they had a response, they had $1,000 donated to help us, and it was from Australia.” This donation was given directly to Purity Feed Merritt so that McDonnell could stock up on needed feed. People in the Kelowna area also responded to the call for donations and soon two trailers of various feeds and bedding from Buckerfields arrived in Merritt, as well as two loads of hay that were stored at the Nicola Valley Rodeo Grounds, which also housed evacuees and livestock. “These groups, I can’t say enough about them,” said McDonnell. Also singled out for praise was Henriette Stirling, the Janitor-in-Charge at Central Elementary School. “That most wonderful lady went anytime I needed to go and unlocked that school,” said McDonnell. Others who helped carry the weight of the Animal Response initiative were Métis summer student Drake Dumont, Vic and Barb Cavaliere, who provided garage storage space, and an assortment of volunteers who handled logistics as well as the boots-on-the-ground work. Georgina Johnny took on the monumental task of delivering donations wherever they were needed, often having to take detours of several hours to reach people in the Kamloops area or Lytton’s west side. Although no payment of any kind was necessary to request help from the Nicola Valley Animal Response, McDonnell noted that she was happily surprised to be gifted homegrown goodies from those who returned to their homes along Hwy 8. “They have been unbelievably kind and sent me some eggs and zucchini and tomatoes, and I’m so grateful,” said McDonnell. “I can’t say enough about all of the people who jumped in and helped and who cared.”
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Drivers reminded to watch out with school back in session A message from Sgt. Josh Roda of the Merritt RCMP, reminding drivers of the dangers and ramifications of wreckless driving in a school zone or passing stopped buses. We’d like to encourage drivers to be mindful that with schools being back in session, school zones are again in effect. The Merritt RCMP and BC Highway Patrol were out patrolling the school zones yesterday for the first day of school and will continue to do so throughout the school year. School zones are 30km/h and run from 8am to 5pm on school days unless otherwise posted. In addition to school zones, the buses are also out, picking up and dropping off students. We often get reports of people passing the school bus when it’s stopped, which is illegal. All of our local buses are equipped with cameras, and if you fail to stop for the school bus, we will find you and issue you a $368 fine. Please consider giving yourselves extra time in the morning to account for the delays with the extra traffic around our schools. Be safe.
Conayt Friendship Society Wellbriety 12 Step Program for Men/Women Everyone Welcome! You are invited to join us: Every Thursday starting September 9th At Conayt Friendship Society (2164 Quilchena Ave.) From 5pm—7pm We will have light snacks and drinks Facilitators: Della Provost, BSW
and Richard Jackson Jr, CAC II For more information please call (250)-378-5107 and request Della or Richard
THURSDAY, September 9, 2021 • 21
Pair of new local MP candidates throw hats in ring Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM And then there were five. Two more candidates for the Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola riding in the upcoming federal election are joining the party (no pun intended) . Kathryn McDonald will be representing the purple colours of the People’s Party of Canada. McDonald is a paralegal/legal assistant who has worked in the industry for the past dozen years.
McDonald seems to be an opponent of vaccination mandates, having appeared at anti-mandate rallies. Brennan Wauters is the new local candidate for the Green Party, and is an Association of Energy Engineers Certified Energy Manager. He specializes in alternative energy production. He has been an energy and environmental activist since graduating from Montreal’s McGill University with a Master’s Degree in Communications. The federal election is scheduled for Sept. 20.
22 • THURSDAY, September 9, 2021
www.merrittherald.com
POLICE FILES
Merritt RCMP looking for card thief Merritt RCMP is seeking assistance in identifying a woman who allegedly was in possession of credit and debit cards stolen in July. On July 16, 2021, the Merritt RCMP responded to a report of a theft of a wallet. Shortly after it was stolen, credit and debit cards were used at various locations around Merritt. The Merritt RCMP is requesting the public’s assistance to identify a woman in this photo who is seen using the stolen cards. The woman is described as having dirty blonde hair, average build, wearing a black face mask, blue and grey patterned tank top shirt with blue jean cut off shorts, and black flip flops. If you know who this person is, please call Cst. Caswell with the Merritt RCMP at 250-378-4262.
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Drug toxicity remains high in BC
According to data released by the BC Coroners Morgan Hampton REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM Service, more than 1,000 people across the province died of illicit drug toxicity during the first half of the year. At least 1,011 overdose deaths were recorded between January 2021 and June 2021, information that comes as a stark reminder of the ongoing opioid crisis. “The deaths of more than 1,000 British Columbians in the first six months of 2021 is a tragic reminder that the toxic illicit drug supply remains a significant ongoing threat to public health and safety in communities throughout our province,” said Lisa Lapointe, Chief Coroner, BC Coroners Service in an Aug. 31 press briefing. “The data released today highlights the immensity of this public health emergency and the need for a wide-scale response. This includes removing barriers to safe supply, ensuring timely access to evidence-based affordable treatment, and providing those experiencing problematic substance use with compassionate and viable options to reduce risks and save lives.” With 159 deaths recorded in June, BC marked nine consecutive months in which more than 150 British Columbians were lost to illicit drug toxicity. The total deaths for the first six months of 2021 are the highest recorded in the first six months of a calendar year, making drug toxicity the leading cause of unnatural death in BC for those aged 19 to 39. It is second in terms of reducing total potential years of life. Within BC, fentanyl and carfentanil is showing up increasingly in toxicology testing. Post-mortem testing indicates that fentanyl is the substance most often involved in drug toxicity deaths, attributing to 85% in the first half of 2021. “On International Overdose Awareness Day, and every day, we remember loved ones lost to this terrible poisoned drug crisis and send strength to the many people grieving,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions “People in B.C. have been caught at the intersection of two public health emergencies: the COVID-19 pandemic and the drug poisoning crisis. To commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day and in memory of those we have lost, purple lights will glow at the Parliament Buildings in Victoria – an initiative led by Moms Stop the Harm, as part of their annual purple ribbon campaign. As well, BC Place and the Vancouver Convention Centre will glow purple to further commemorate this important day,” Malcolmson
THURSDAY, September 9, 2021 • 23
continued. “I’m blown away by the heroic work of people on the frontlines of the drug poisoning crisis, saving lives under incredibly difficult conditions. Yet tragically, we’re still losing lives. For people who use drugs, or who care about someone who does, it’s vital to stay safer in this public health emergency.” Malcolmson also made mention of the fact that First Nations people continue to be disproportionately affected by the crisis, with indigenous individuals dying at 5.3 times the rate of other BC residents. Men are also at a higher risk of death due to illicit drug toxicity, with 80% of those who died of suspected drug toxicity in 2021 being male. The highest number of illicit drug toxicity deaths were recorded in the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal Health regions, 342 and 283, respectively. This makes up 62% of all such deaths during this period. Highest rates of death were in Vancouver Coastal Health, with 46 deaths per 100,000 individuals. Close behind was the Northern Health region, with 45 deaths per 100,000 individuals. Overall, the rate of death in BC due to drug toxicity is 39 deaths per 100,000 individuals. “Poisoned drugs are circulating,” Malcolmson continued. “As people are returning to school, family and friends are gathering more often, so it is vitally important to use safer drug practices. Whether you use frequently or infrequently, there is high risk of drug toxicity poisoning and death. Stay safer and call 911 for help, buddy up, start with a small amount and go slow, get your drugs checked, carry naloxone, and download the Lifeguard app. More people are dying from inhaling illicit drugs than injecting, so please be careful,” said Malcolmson.
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24 • THURSDAY, September 9, 2021
NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
Wildfire mitigation projects in Merritt, Logan Lake areas Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM Wildfire mitigation projects are ongoing in both Merritt and Logan Lake, thanks to close to $1-million in funds from the Forest Enhancement Society of British Columbia. The pair of undertakings are two of 120 communities throughout BC taking action over the last few years to protect their properties from wildfire. 26 of the projects are within the Thompson, Nicola, and Okanagan regions. These project partners first create a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) or a Community Resiliency Protection Plan (CRPP), which identifies the location of buildings, communications infrastructure, water, power, safe places, and emergency escape routes. “The key goals of the Community Wildfire Resiliency Planning process are varied,” said Gord Pratt, RPF, Operations Manager of FESBC. “Goals include increasing communities’ capacity and understanding of wildfire risk, fostering greater collaboration across administrative boundaries, and being more responsive to the needs of different types of communities throughout B.C. in terms of their size, capacity, and the threats they face.” A project in Logan Lake, titled ‘Logan Lake Wildfire Risk Management Plan’, is an ongoing multi-year project that has so far received $758,529 in funding from the FESBC. It’s focus continues to be on the Logan Lake Trails, and the Face Lake and Paska Lake communities. When first implemented around two years ago, the plan centred around identifying priority areas that would be at high risk for wildfire, and recommending treatments for said areas. The project now focuses on implementing these treatments, namely fuel management, within these areas. The Logan Lake Trails network is located northeast of town, and has been identified at an area that is highly impacted in the event of a wildfire, containing high fuel levels and directly adjacent to residential developments. The Face-Paska Lakes area is located approximately 15-kilometres northeast of Logan Lake, and presents its own unique wildfire risks. Limited evacuation routes and proximity to forest fuels increase overall potential risk during a wildfire event. The area has been identified in the Logan Lake Wildfire Risk Management Plan as an area requiring attention and action. The proposed treatments will reduce wildfire hazard through fuel reduction treatments in areas with high fuel levels that are in close proximity to residential homes.
“This comprehensive process involved input and engagement with stakeholders, government and First Nations in order to understand wildfire risks and develop strategies for response,” said Randy Spyksma, Senior Planner for Forsite, a forest management consulting firm overseeing the project. “FESBC’s support for this initiative, in a partnership with the Logan Lake Community Forest, was crucial in moving it forward. The plan provides five to ten years of priorities for wildfire risk treatment or mitigation. In the Merritt area, another project is underway with $225,000 in funding from the FESBC, in the area of the Fox Farm and Lindley Creek developments. Danger tree falling is ongoing to make the area safer and facilitate access to the area by wildfire suppression crews, as well as spacing and removal of ladder and ground fuels to reduce the risk of crown fires. The project is being overseen by the Lower Nicola Indian Band. “These projects take unhealthy forests and turn them into diverse and healthy ecosystems,” said Don Gossoo, Interim General Manager for the Lower Nicola Indian Band Development Corp. “It was a chance to take something ugly and make it beautiful. Everyone working on this project takes a lot of pride in their work-- of course, we are making the stand safer in the immediate area around the Lower Nicola Indian Band in the process.”
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THURSDAY, September 9, 2021 • 25
SPORTS
Have a sports story tip? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing newsroom@merrittherald.com.
MARATHON OF HOPE
Annual Terry Fox Run coming on Sept. 19 Like last year, the Run will be held by individual families and social circles in a ‘virtual’ event.
Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM With the COVID-19 pandemic still sweeping through British Columbia, the annual Terry Fox Run will once again look different from its traditional form. As was the case in Sept. 2020, the massive nation-wide event will be held in a ‘virtual’ manner in many areas of the province, including Merritt, with organizers asking participants to run their own routes with only their close social circles. “As much as I had hoped that 2021 would allow a full return to the Terry Fox Run as we know it, we are still in the midst of a pandemic that is shifting and evolving in unexpected ways,” said Merritt organizer Leslee Lucy. The Run, set for Sept. 19, will be identical to the rules and regulations placed in 2020. Despite the unprecedented changes to the Run’s format in its 40th year, it was still a great success - 700 communities and 8,265 schools engaged in fundraising. In Merritt, there was a whopping
Members of the Merritt Centennials run past Home Hardware in last year’s Terry Fox Run. File photo
23.15% increase in funds raised over the 2019 Run. According to the 2020 Terry Fox Revenue Report, Merritt’s community run brought in $2,075 in 2020, while the school event brought in
BCHL announces preseason schedule The British Columbia Hockey League kicks off its preseason schedule in less than two weeks, with the full list of exhibition games now announced. The Cents will play a handful of games, including a pair against regular division rival Prince George, before opening the season on Oct. 8.
$1,347, for a grand total of $3,422. Lucy hopes to see the same success with this year’s Run as last year’s. “Cancer isn’t waiting for COVID to end, so we need to, more than ever help
with the fundraising to give cancer the boot!” All runs are noncompetitive, all inclusive, family-oriented activities where participants can run, walk, blade or bike. Lucy and her team encourage participants to choose their own unique route on Sept. 19, whether it is in your neighbourhood, down the street, or even in your backyard. “We will come together in spirit, if not in person.” The Terry Fox School Run will commence on Sept. 29. For those looking to donate, donations can be made by texting ‘terry fox’ to 45678, through the Terry Fox app, the Terry Fox website, pledge sheets, or by purchasing Terry Fox shirts. All proceeds for the annual Runs go to funding innovative cancer research, including a bold new project titled the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network, a collaboration between Canada’s best cancer researchers. Visit terryfox.org/run to learn more, sponsor a participant, or register to fundraise.
CENTENNIALS EXHIBITION SCHEDULE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021 SEPTEMBER 22 AT: COQUITLAM EXPRESS SEPTEMBER 24 VS: PRINCE GEORGE SPRUCE KINGS SEPTEMBER 25 AT: SURREY EAGLES OCTOBER 1 VS: SURREY EAGLES OCTOBER 3 AT: PRINCE GEORGE SPRUCE KINGS
26 • THURSDAY, September 9, 2021
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BUSINESS FEATURE
Do you want to nominate a business? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing reporter@merrittherald.com.
Community Futures Nicola Valley (CFNV) is a one-stop shop for those who dream of opening their own business or taking their current business to the next level. Providing a range of services from one-on-one training and education, to funding and business counselling, CFNV has helped hundreds of businesses succeed since their establishment in 1986. “I like to think of us as sort of a WorkBC-esque entity, but if you want to employ yourself,” said CFNV Loans Officer Joe Nemeth. “So effectively, if you have an idea for a business or you’d like to seek self-employment we can do everything from business counselling as well as those early services like registering your business name,
registering for the GST number, deciding whether or not you should be a sole proprietorship, a partnership or an incorporated business, and we do provide funding through government loan programs for start-up or maintaining an existing business.” Drawing from more than half a dozen different funds from Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacificCan) formerly known as Western Economic Diversification (WD), CFNV have the ability to help a variety of people achieve their business goals, including persons with disabilities and entrepreneurs under the age of 30, for example. They also have sector specific funding, including for businesses
specializing in the environmental sector, mining and in particular forestry, an industry which has been hard hit in BC. “We’re extra incentivized to support that industry,” said Nemeth. CFNV was also in charge of disbursing funding from the Regional Relief & Recovery Fund (RRRF), a federal government program which aimed to help reduce the impacts on businesses of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We disbursed, specifically to the Nicola Valley, over one million dollars in one year,” said Nemeth of the RRRF. Businesses were assisted with zero interest loans with a large forgivable portion, which represented up to $10,000 or $20,000
in no-stringsattached funding for some enterprises. Although Community Futures used to be considered a “last resort” for businesses, and a requirement for accessing their help was first being turned down by banks or traditional lenders. However, this is no longer the case, although they still offer high risk loans or loans to individuals with poor credit under the right circumstances. There is no shortage of those with the entrepreneurial spirit in Merritt, with CFNV fielding business proposals from seniors to high school students, the latter via their Merritt Youth Entrepreneur Program (MYEP). “We’ll meet with a full assembly at the school with all
the kids, give them a crash course of what it would be like if they open their own little business, and then the ones that are interested can come to the MYE session,” explained Nemeth. There they learn more, come up with a business plan and are given a small amount of start-up funding, typically $150 for one student and $250 for a partnership. “Every year we fill up the MYEP program, young people are really engaged, they really want to learn more about being an entrepreneur,” said Nemeth. “And I have to say, in Merritt specifically, the range of ideas that come in are kind of crazy. There’s so much inspiration going on for different ideas, people seeing niches that need to be filled and innovative ways to do things… We typically don’t hunger for new ideas too much. The people that come in are full of passion, they’re jumping in with both feet.” Fresh Finds is another of CFNV’s initiatives. Originally launched in 2020, it provides a tent, table and booth fee for the local
Farmers’ Market, allowing people to test the waters and determine whether they would like to become a full-time vendor or not. “The Farmers’ Market became one of our biggest partners over the last couple years,” said Nemeth. “We wanted to start a promotion where we could give people the opportunity to try out their business at the Farmers’ Market.” If you have an idea or a goal of starting a business, reach out to CFNV at 2181 Quilchena
Ave. “It doesn’t matter if your idea is so far-fetched, we want to hear it and we want to help you make that happen,” said Fran Delaney, Interim General Manager and Finance Coordinator.
“It’s a lot about dreams, it’s a lot about people saying, ‘you know what Merritt needs?’ So, if you’ve got that dream, we want to make it happen, and we’ll do whatever we can to make it happen.”
CONTAIN-IT STORAGE Approved mini-storage ■ On-site rentals ■ Secured ■ Sale of New & Used storage containers ■
1750 Hill Street ■ Phone: 250-315-3000
THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WELCOME YOU Crossroads Community Church
2990 Voght St. • 250-378-2911• Service Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m.
Merritt Baptist Church
Sunday service (indoors), 10 am. Phone (250)378-2464 for more info and for prayer support.
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 2nd & 4th Sundays 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 Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m.
FURNACE DUCT CLEANING iT is Time To geT ready for fall
The benefiTs of furnace and ducT cleaning: • Helps relieve asthma and allergy suffering • Provides a clear and healthier living environment • Reduces heating and cooling costs • Removes gyproc dust and other accumulated debris
250-378-5104
2151 Coutlee Ave., coppervalley@uniserve.com
THURSDAY, September 9, 2021 • 27
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CLASSIFIEDS
Deadline for placing a classified ad is 5 p.m. on Monday. To place an ad please call 250-378-4241 or email: publisher@merrittherald.com Announcements
Garage Sales
GET RESULTS! Post a classified in 95 newspapers in just a few clicks. Reach almost 2 million people for only $395 week for 25-word text ad or $995 for small display ad. Choose your province or all across Canada. Best value. Save over 85% compared to booking individually. www.bccommunitynews .com/advertise or 1-866-669-9222
Fall Fair Community Yard Sale. August. 21 September. 11 & 25 9-2 pm each day Donations again are gratefully accepted, they can preferably be brought to the building during the Giant Sales or please call Clifford at 250-378-2303 for more information.
GET RESULTS!
INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008. Built with concrete posts. Barns, shops, riding arenas, machine sheds and more. Adam.s@ integritybuilt.com 1-250-351-5374 www.intergritybuild.com
Reach almost 2 million people in 95 papers for only $395/week for a 25-word text ad, or $995/week for a formatted display ad bccommunitynews.com/ advertise
Obituaries
Obituaries
Obituaries
Raymond Henry Shannon
Book by province or whole country and save over 85%!
merrittherald.com • merrittherald.com
Merritt Funeral Chapel
Fond memories linger every day, Remembrance keeps them near.
DivisionofofService ServiceCorporation CorporationInternational International(Canada) (Canada)ULC ULC AADivision
Celebrating each life like no other Business For Sale
Business For Sale
Business For Sale
REGULAR OFFICE OFFICE HOURS HOURS REGULAR On Call Call On 24 Hours Hours A A Day Day 24
Mon., Tues., Tues., Thurs. Thurs. & & Fri.: Fri.: Mon., 10:00 a.m. a.m. -- 3:00 3:00 p.m. p.m. 10:00 Wednesday: 1:00 1:00 p.m. p.m. -- 6:00 6:00 p.m p.m Wednesday:
www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com 2113 Granite Granite Ave., Ave., Merritt, Merritt, BC BC 2113
or 1-800-668-3379 1-800-668-3379 250-378-2141 or Looking for a well established business with over 28 yrs. behind them, with a steady, committed clientele behind them, then TLC is the business for you. TLC has been creating beautiful landscape design and installation, weekly maintenance for residential and commercial clients, providing such services as: Dethatching - Aerating - Irrigation Installation - Tree, Shrub and Hedge Trimming - Patio pavers -Stone work, Beautiful ponds and water features . The sale of this company will include: 3 antique trucks 1953, 1957 and a 1948 GMC, 990 John Deere tractor, 1 hauling trailer, 1 Ditch witch trencher, Sod Cutter, Billy goat Vacuum, 1 Aerator, 2 Dethatching, 1 lrg Exmark walk behind, 3 Arien Mowers, 2 hedge trimmers, 2 Stihl weed eaters, 2 lrg backpack blowers.
Revenue over $300,000 with Potential Growth expansion
MERRITT & DISTRICT HOSPICE SOCIETY What loss calls for is not to be fixed or explained, but to be shared and eventually to find its way to meaning.
P: 250-280-4040
www.merritthospice.org Email: merritthospice@shaw.ca
SELLER WILL TRAIN.... Reason for sale retiring
SELLING PRICE: $250,000. If you are interested in this extraordinary company and want the freedom of being your own boss, then give us a call at 250-378-4166.
Obituaries
Feb. 8, 1933 - Mar. 31, 2021
Ray passed away suddenly in his home in Sunshine Valley at the age of 76. The eldest of six siblings. Ray grew up in the North Okanagan, excelling in minor sports, including baseball, soccer and hockey. He looked after the barn of thoroughbred chuckwagon horses and helped dad with training and at race-meets. His first outrode at Calgary at age 16. Still a teenager, Ray began his working life on the ranches of the Nicola Valley, first haying with heavy horses, then cowboying for several years. Later, Ray worked at Highland Valley Copper for 30 years. Ray spent his retirement years on his own little piece of paradise in the Nicola Valley, caring for his horses and cats. Predeceased by parents Art and Marg Shannon and niece Lia. He is survived by siblings Bill (Joanne), Mary (Harry), Barb (Chico), Betty (Ross) and Joyce and by many nieces, nephews and a large extended family. The family wishes to thank all those special people who helped him during the recent difficult times.
1-866-669-9222
Obituaries
L.R. (RON) BROWN
March 6, 1945 - August 31, 2021
For Sale - Misc
Obituaries
Please recycle this newspaper.
It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Ron Brown on March 31, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife of 66 yrs Eleanor, his sons David (Linda), Douglas (Michelle), Christopher and he was predeceased by his daughter Shelli Walsh of New Zealand. He will be lovingly remembered by his 5 grandchildren; Heidi, Cody (Jessica), Stephanie (James), Thomas, Keishaun, Ciara and 1 great grandchild Lachlan. Ron was born in Magnolia, Alberta. After retiring from the RCAF, they moved to Merritt in 1976 where he began a new chapter in life starting with J.S. Crawford Insurance. He was also involved in many community organizations including Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce to mention a few. The family wishes to send a special thank you to the Kamloops Renal Clinic for the exceptional care and empathy of the staff. A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Merritt on September 18, 2021 at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donation to the charity of your choice would be graciously accepted.
Jean Detlor March 17, 1924 – August 29, 2021
It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Jean Detlor on August 29, 2021, at the age of 97 after a long battle with Mixed Dementia. She is predeceased by her son Leslie and survived by her two daughters Lois (Peter), Bev (Brian), grandchildren Randy (Heather), Lauri (Jamie), Briana (Mark), Tony (Danielle), great grandchildren Cody (Amy), Courtney, Jesse (Brittany), Cara, Blake, Remy and Bodhi. Mom always worked hard to provide for her family, ensuring they were cared for no matter what life sent their way. She lived a good, kind life and touched the lives of many. Most of all, Mom cherished spending time with her “two girls” and their families. Mom enjoyed many different activities, but her greatest pleasure was walking. We always teased her that she had walked a million miles. The journey mom endured with mixed dementia was a long one. Through it all, we learned just how strong mom was and how deep her desire to live was. The changes over the years were immense but mom never lost her sense of humour or the ability to enjoy a good laugh. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the amazing care givers at Rosewood Manor, especially Johnna Donschenko who went above and beyond to ensure Mom’s comfort and happiness. The love and care you provided Mom will be forever remembered.
We will love and miss you always Mom… “You are in God’s care”
To advertise in Classifieds call:
250-378-4241
28 • THURSDAY, September 9, 2021 Employment
Employment
www.merrittherald.com Employment
Employment
Employment
Coldwater Indian Band Job Posting
FINANCE ASSISTANT/PAYROLL CLERK
Position Qualifications • Post-Secondary Diploma (prefer minimum Business or Public Administration diploma) • OR an equivalent combination of post secondary education and directly related work experience. • Proposal writing an asset • Lifestyle consistent with the importance of the responsibilities of the position • Strong analytical and decision-making skills, tact, discretion and sound judgement • Demonstrated commitment to fiscal management • Superior communication skills, written and oral • Working knowledge of Xyntax an asset • Knowledge of Nlaka’pamux and Coldwater Community an asset • Ability to organize and manage workload • Good negotiation skills (Local Education Agreements) • Able to work independently and in a team environment • Satisfactory Criminal Records check • Valid Driver’s License and Reliable vehicle
merrittherald.com
or Call to advertise a job
250-378-4241
TODAY'S PUZZLE ANSWERS
Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society (SCHSS) is inviting applications for the position of Financial Assistant/Payroll Clerk. Position Summary: Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Finance Assistant/ Payroll Clerk performs a variety of nance-related duties. As a member of the Administrative team, the individual is responsible for general nancial duties, functions, and administrative support to other programs or positions as required. Performing a variety of nance-related duties, including but not limited to: Bi-weekly full-cycle Payroll, Accounts Receivable, and Xyntax data entry (on the job training available to the right applicant). This position will be a representative of SCHSS to the public, clients, suppliers and other related business. ESSENTIAL SKILLS: • Completion of Grade 12 supplemented by a certicate or diploma in bookkeeping/accounting. • Payroll Certication or minimum 2 years proven Payroll experience an asset • Strong computer literacy skill including Microsoft Ofce programs. • Previous experience using Xyntax considered an asset. • Excellent organizational and time management skills. • Able to meet deadlines and prioritize work based on changing needs of a fast-paced organization. • Familiarity of Nlaka’pamux culture, language and history will be an asset. • Criminal Record Check will be required. Position Term: Permanent full time Deadline for applications: Open until position is lled. Submit resumes to: Lori Clark – Operations Manager Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society PO Box 3090, Merritt, B.C. V1K 1B8 Fax (250) 378-4962 Email: clark.l@schss.com or operations@schss.com
Send your resume with references and cover letter:Attn: COLDWATER INDIAN BAND H.R. COMMITTEE c/o Band Administrator (lantoine@coldwaterband.org.) or Fax 250-378-5351 PO BOX 4600, MERRITT, BC V1K 1B8 Deadline for resumes extended to: September 17, 2021 @ 4:00 p.m. Only successful applicants will be contacted for an interview.
Classifieds.
Employment
EMPLOYMENT OPPORUTNITY
The Coldwater Indian Band is seeking an individual to fill the Education Coordinator position. The Education Coordinator is responsible for the planning, administration and coordination of Coldwater Indian Band Education Programs and Services and reports to the Band Administrator. This position will be working from the Merritt Office. Responsibilities and Duties Planning – Annual and Long-term Education Plan for Coldwater Indian Band, membership and as directed. Human Resource – Supervises and valuates the performance of anyone with direct reporting relations to the Department when applicable. Financial – Develops Education Program budgets in consultation with the Band Administrator and administers the budgets as approved by Chief and Council and all other associated duties. Policy – Administers the approved Post-Secondary Education Policy. Liaison and Representation – Participates as Ex-Officio when required on the Band School SAC; Represents the band in negotiating the Local Education Agreement; Attends School District 58 meetings where applicable; Liaises with PostSecondary Institutions/Schools in support of the Coldwater Indian Band Education Policy and programs; Liaises with SD #58 re: L.E.A., F.N.A.C, and staff where applicable; Advocates for Coldwater students within School District 58 & students attending different Post-Secondary Educational Institutions; Liaise with Indian Services Canada in support of the Coldwater Indian Band Education Department programs. Post-Secondary Program Administration – Administers the Post-Secondary program as per Job Description. General Education Administration – Administers all pertinent Education Program funding through Xyntax; Develop and maintain individual student confidential files; Maintains records of all Education programs, services and funding associated with this department; Keeps the Band Administrator informed of sensitive and important issues and events in relation to the operation of the Education Programs; etc.
Find your new job right here in your
Employment
Scw’exmx Community Health Services Society
EDUCATION COORDINATOR
Bring Home the Bacon!
Employment
Bamboo Panda Restaurant (previous Tropico Spice Restaurant) IS LOOKING FOR
KITCHEN HELPER AND WAITRESS How to Apply Drop off resume in person to 1953 Nicola Avenue, Merritt Ask for Felix Huang or Email: ixhuang197510@ gmail.com
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Yellowhead Road & Bridge (Nicola) Ltd. is now accepting applications for professional drivers to operate snowplowing equipment & other labour maintenance activities for the 2021 / 2022 winter season. A valid BC Driver’s License, Class 1 or Class 3 is required. YRB provides highway maintenance services in Merritt, Logan Lake, Lytton and surrounding areas. Resumes including driver’s abstracts may be emailed, mailed, or delivered. Only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Attention: Rodney Hafner Yellowhead Road & Bridge 2925 Pooley Ave. Merritt, BC V1K 1C2 jobs@yrb.ca
SALES & SERVICE
Kal Tire is the largest independently owned tire dealer in Canada. We offer a clean and safe work environment in a motivating and fun atmosphere with a competitive salary and benefits program. IF YOU POSSESS... • A desire to excel in customer service • The ability to successfully work in a physically demanding team atmosphere • Willingness to learn THEN KAL TIRE WANTS YOU TO BECOME PART OF OUR TEAM. Interested applicants should submit their resumes to Kal Tire, 2601 Nicola Avenue, Merritt, B.C. or email Brian_Wasman@kaltire.com
Your Classifieds, part of our community with current connections to jobs, celebrations and local deals.
THURSDAY, September 9, 2021 • 29
www.merrittherald.com Employment
Employment
Employment
Principal Position: Principal – N’kwala School Department: N’kwala School Term: Permanent Full Time- 40 hours per week Start date: ASAP (or until position is filled) Wage: Commensurate with experience, as per salary range for Grade 9 level employee in UNB Personnel Policy Reports to: Band Administrator Role: The N’kwala School Principal will be primarily responsible for the overall administration and operation of the school in a manner that is consistent with Syilx culture. The Principal will provide instruction for the band’s N’kwala K – 12, multi-grade school. The Principal will oversee the implementation of community priorities, educational programs and plans and will collaborate with Chief and Council and the FNSA to ensure the educational welfare of our students. Key Responsibilities: N’kwala School takes great pride in and works to ensure that parents, community members and staff work together to achieve the highest quality of education for the students to be life-long learners. To build academically strong and culturally resilient students, the school focuses on fusing BC Provincial Learning Standards, Syilx Cultural Values, Practices and Language. Rigorous standards are maintained, enabling N’kwala School to be certified and accredited by both the BC Ministry of Education and the First Nations School Association. Qualifications/Experience: • A Master’s Degree in education or other relevant discipline. Individuals currently enrolled in a relevant Master’s Program will be considered. • Minimum 5 years working experience in a school setting. Preference given to a First Nations setting. • Good standing with the Teacher Regulation Branch and current BC Teaching Certification. • Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License. • Knowledge of Upper Nicola Syilx culture, language and history is an asset. The Upper Nicola Indian Band and the school are conveniently located 45 km (38 min) east of Merritt, BC on Hwy. 5A and 90 km south of Kamloops, B.C. This area is known for its historic ranches, shimmering lakes and over 2000 hours of annual sunshine, which allows you to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, swimming, or annual music festivals. If you are passionate about being a part of a team that supports developing academically strong and culturally rooted learners, then this could be a great fit for you! Send cover letter and resume with 3 references via hand delivery, mail, e-mail, to: Human Resources, Upper Nicola Band General Delivery, Douglas Lake, BC V0E 1S0 Tel: 250 350-3342 hr@uppernicola.com
Employment
CITY OF MERRITT (Casual) Accounting Clerk Merritt, BC, Canada
Merritt is centrally located and nestled in the beautiful Nicola Valley. Our strategic orientation is to pursue growth as a progressive, attractive, economically viable city that is socially responsible and environmentally sustainable. Our strength comes from our skilled and dedicated employees and together, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees. It fuels our innovation and connects us closer to the community we serve. Job Description: The City has an exciting opportunity for a casual Accounting Clerk to join the Finance Team. Casual employees are scheduled on an as-needed basis to relieve employees who are on leaves, vacation, or during peak periods of increased workload; there are no regularly scheduled hours or guarantee of hours. As an Accounting Clerk, you will be responsible for accurate and timely data entry tasks, journal entries, accounts receivable invoicing, processing residential and commercial utility bills and maintaining records. As a member of the Finance team, you will work to ensure the highest level of quality and accuracy. You will support the monthly revenue and expense reporting and maintain accurate and complete accounting files and records. With an eye for detail, you will match invoices to purchase orders or vouchers, perform data entry, process and record transactions, reconcile bank statements with the general ledger. You will provide support for projects, assist in processing accounts payable and receivable and setting up vendors. In this multi-faceted role, you will interact with internal and external stakeholders as you perform reception duties such as answering phones and responding to inquiries and clerical functions such as ordering office supplies and collecting and date stamping mail. Qualifications: • A two (2) year Business Diploma in Accounting or second year of accounting designation, supplemented by a minimum of 2-3 years’ recent related experience in accounting and/or bookkeeping preferably in a local government environment and some related experience in customer service and handling cash. • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. • Sound knowledge of accounting and bookkeeping practices including double entry bookkeeping and reconciliation of accounts and subledgers. • Ability to perform electronic data entry at 45 wpm. • Proficient with accounting and payroll software, Microsoft Office suite including Excel and a variety of office equipment. • Ability to provide customer service and deal with others in a courteous and tactful manner. • Ability to work independently and collaborate with the greater team. • Ability to organize, prioritize, multi-task, manage time and meet deadlines. • Discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information. • Critical thinking, analytic and problem-solving skills. • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to deal with others with courtesy, tact and diplomacy. • The successful candidate will be required to submit a satisfactory police information check. Join Our Team! It is an exciting time to be a part of our team! We’re looking for people to bring creative ideas, fresh thinking and motivation to the team. The rate for this position is $29.06 per hour (2020 rates) and it is in the union bargaining unit. If your previous experience has prepared you for success in this role and you are committed to working in a manner that supports a respectful, healthy and safe environment, we invite you to apply. This position will be posted until it is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Follow us on Facebook, Linked In and Twitter, for City of Merritt news, career opportunities and upcoming events!
Upper Nicola Band thanks all applicants. Only those short-listed will be contacted.
SPEAKING FOR ANIMALS
spca.bc.ca
BC SPCA foster program:
Foster a fur baby Spring is here, and BC SPCA orphaned, neglected and abused animals. If you can open your heart and home to foster a pet, please call or visit your local BC SPCA branch today.
SUDOKU
Employment
VALUE ADDED LUMBER REMANUFACTURING PLANT
PRODUCTION WORKERS
• Wages: starting $20 to $25 • Steady day shift work • Students welcome to apply • No experience necessary • Will train
TRUCK DRIVERS WITH CLASS 1 Local steady work
CARPENTERS
• Wages: starting $35 to $45 Depends on experience
1ST & 2ND YEAR MECHANICS Please submit resume in person to 1195 Houston Street, Merritt B.C. 250-378-6161
Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a Sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.
PUZZLE ANSWERS ON SEPARATE PAGE
ACROSS
1. It governs Federer and Nadal’s sport 4. Golden apple tree 8. Central Mexican river 10. Horn 11. Egg-shaped 12. With tooth 13. French modernist painter 15. Disprove 16. Painful intestinal obstruction 17. Baby shoes
DOWN
1. A type of bomb 3. Earth is one 4. A place to gather around 5. Expressed opposite views 6. Group that lives near Siberia 7. Ore deposit 9. Language related to Eskimo 10. Narrative piece of music
18. Make the grade 21. Type of screen 22. Christian fraternal organization (abbr.) 23. Computer giant 24. When you hope to get there 25. Corporate executive title (abbr.) 26. Shout of welcome or farewell 27. Imaginary awards for good deeds
34. A citizen of Iran 35. It can be sounded 36. Making dirty 37. Romanian city 38. Baking ingredient 39. Share a common boundary with 40. Succulent plants 41. Penny 42. Jr. U.S. Senator Paul 43. “Laurie Partridge” actress Susan
12. The distance covered by normal stride 14. Glycoprotein hormone (abbr.) 15. Mathematical term (abbr.) 17. Popular beer 19. Jabbing 20. Historic Swedish castle 23. Humorous expressions 24. Christmas and New Year’s Day each have one
25. Filled up 26. Nerve that serves the forearm (abbr.) 27. One of British descent 28. A way to get at 29. Food-related allergic reaction 30. Group of arteries near the pelvis 31. Picked up 32. Being three in one 33. Obscene 34. Dravidian language 36. Growl
Thanks for wearing a mask, for everyone!
THURSDAY, September 9, 2021 • 19 www.merrittherald.com
30 • THURSDAY, September 9, 2021
Local Business Directory IS LICENSED CANNAB
MECHANIC
RVICE FRANK’S MECHAWNARICRAANTLY SE APPROVED
Quilchena Canna Company MU
OLD OR NEW WE HAVE FOR EVERYONE MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONS
• Tune Ups t • Brakes • Exhaus il /O be Lu • n • Suspensio ks & Struts tor Service • Shoc ice ia ad •R Serv • Air Conditioning -1322
enue 2026 Mamette Av
ST
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Plumbing, Heating, Bonded Gas Fitters. Service Work & Furnace Service. Custom Sheet Metal Atlas RV Parts & Repairs
• Small Job Specialist • Dump Trailer Service • Fencing & Post Pounder • Concrete Driveways & Sidewalks • Fully Insured
420
Call 250-378-5 na Ave., Merritt BC he lc ui Q 7 93 -1 B t ni U
DENTIST
PLUMBING & HEATING
Fully Qualied Tradesmen in..
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BE
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nabis Co.
Quilchena Can
email: garylsedore@gmail.com
Cell: 250-315-3174 Call Gary Sedore for FREE ESTIMATES: 250-378
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S& GENERAL DENTISTTS AVAILABLE TIS ON OD TH SPECIALIST OR HOURS Call
appointment.
book your 250-378-4888 to Avenue, V1K 1R9 2731 Forksdale
www.dentistryatmerritt.ca
R. Dutt-DMD S. Malhotra-DDS, Dr. Dr. J. Sarao-DMD, Dr.
Tuesday: 9 am - 6 pm Wednesday - Thursday: 9 am - 5 pm Friday and Saturday: 9 am - 4 pm
PHONE: 250-378-4943
CERTIFIED IN MODERATE ASBESTOS REMOVAL
NOW HIRING! FLOOD SERVICES
CARPET/UPHOLSTERY & TILE & GROUT CLEANING 250-378-9410
2064 Coutlee Ave., Merritt, BC
www.tbmcleaningandrestoration.com
FLOWER SHOP INVESTMENT STRATEGIES COMFORT, CLARIT Y AND CONFIDENCE THROUGH A COMPLETE
FINANCIAL PLAN Cashflow and Insurance Planning Portfolio Management Tax and Estate Planning
! Contact Kyle for your plan today
@missvickispetalsandplants BC • 250-378-5575 2052B Quilchena Ave., Merritt,
Ext. 259 Cell Phone: 250-879-6306 • Office: 250-372-2955 vestorsgroup.com/en/kyle_schell e-mail: Kyle.schell@ig.ca • Website: http://advisor.in
ADVERTISING Are you expanding your client base? Looking for an accessible way for people to find you? JOIN the Herald’s “Local Business Directory” page Every Thursday, Always Full Colour! *with minimum 1 month committment Reach over 5330 readers each week.
Contact Theresa at 250-378-4241 or Email: publisher@merrittherald.com
EXCAVATING
• Bouquets • Arrangements • Plants • Local Made Giftware
PC - 60
Servicing Merritt, Logan Lake & area.
250-280-3478
Owner Operator since 1987
• Excavating • Site Prep • Driveways • Concrete Demolition • Compaction • Drainage • Utility Installation • Retaining Walls • Line Locating • Concrete Cutting
COMMERCIAL / RESIDENT IAL
TREE SERVICE JIM POTTER
COMMERCIAL CLEANING
MERRITT TREE SERVICE • Fully insured, certified faller • WSBC covered • Dangerous tree assessment ➤Schedule your FREE Estimate
CALL JIM at 250-378-4212
Solutions for your tree problems!
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Office Buildings | Specialty Residen tial High Touch Touch-Ups | Post Con struction Hoarding Services and Industrial
www.coldcreekclean.com
info@coldcreekclean.com •
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THURSDAY, September 9, 2021 • 31
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FRESH. HEALTHY. LOCAL.
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KAMLOOPS BC GROWN
RED BEETS 78¢ $19 /LB
/25LB BAG
KAMLOOPS BC GROWN
CARROTS 78¢ $19 /LB
/25LB BAG
KAMLOOPS BC GROWN KAMLOOPS BC GROWN
CORN
88¢ /COB
SPAGHETTI SQUASH 58¢ $19 /LB
NECTARINES $1.98 $29 /LB
/18LB BOX
/10LB BAG
GREEN PEPPERS 78¢ $19 /LB
/25LB BOX
JALAPENO PEPPERS $2.98 $29 /LB
KAMLOOPS BC GROWN
PUMPKINS
/10LB BOX
$3.98/EACH
KAMLOOPS BC GROWN KAMLOOPS BC GROWN
RED CABBAGE $19 88¢ /LB
/35LB BOX
WINFIELD BC GROWN WINFIELD BC GROWN
/LB
MACINTOSH APPLES 98¢ $17 /LB
/18LB BOX
NEW SPRING/SUMMER STORE HOURS
PURPLE TOP TURNIPS
KAMLOOPS BC GROWN
RED PEPPERS $1.28 $25
$1.28 /LB
/LB
WINFIELD BC GROWN
ITALIAN PRUNE PLUMS $1.98 $29 /LB
MONDAY 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
/18LB BOX
/25LB BOX
KAMLOOPS BC GROWN
CANTALOUPE
$1.98/EACH
WINFIELD BC GROWN
FREESTONE PEACHES $1.98 $29 /LB
/18LB BOX
WINFIELD BC GROWN
GALA APPLES 98¢ $17 /LB
/18LB BOX
TUESDAY - SATURDAY
SUNDAY
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
REVEN & RETTELSWEN LIAME RUO ROF PU NGIS
$1.98/3LB BAG
98¢ /EACH
!NOITOMORP ro ETADPU ,REYLF A NO TUO SSIM
KAMLOOPS BC GROWN
YELLOW COOKING ONIONS
EGGPLANT
KAMLOOPS BC GROWN
KAMLOOPS BC GROWN
/35LB BOX
WALLA WALLA ONIONS 88¢ $8
KAMLOOPS BC GROWN
moc . T EK RAM ECUDO R P FA E LUN
KAMLOOPS BC GROWN KAMLOOPS BC GROWN
32 • THURSDAY, September 9, 2021
www.merrittherald.com
UP
FLIP DOWN TRAY WITH LIGHTING
S
NOW AVAILABLE! NAPOLEON BBQ GRILLS!
SH
END OF SEASON SALE ADJUSTABLE HEADREST
STORAGE CONSOLE WITH LED CUPHOLDER
LOC A P O
Now Only
1799
S IN C E
1976
PORT
USB CHARGER
$
STORAGE ARM REST
Save $900
After Discount
Bolanburg 6pc Counter-Height Dining Set
Now Only
4999
$
After Discount
POWER RECLINER
Prestige PRO™ 825 Natural Gas Grill & Infrared Rear and Bottom Burners
Recliner Sofa
Recliner Loveseat
Now Only
2299
$
Now Only
1349
$
After Discount
Save $650
After Discount
Haddigan 6pc Dining Set
Now Only
1649
$
After Discount
Prestige® 500 Propane Gas Grill with Infrared Side and Rear Burners
MADE IN CANADA
$
Queen Bed
449
Nighstand Now Only $
349
1799
$
After Discount
TOP GRAIN LEATHER
MADE IN CANADA
Sectional Now Only
1899
$
After Discount
MONTHS 2799 12 Save $800
NO INT NO PAY ON FURNITURE
Now Only
After Discount
APPLY HERE!
Administration fee, taxes and delivery charges CUSTOM MADE IN due FABRICS CANADA Power Recliner Sofa at Norwood time of purchase. See store for complete details.
CUSTOM LEATHER
$
50% OFF
Now Only Dresser
599
$
$
549
After Discount
Mirror
129
5 Drawer Chest
$
$
549
549
Now Only
Dresser $
$
649 Save $599
Queen Comfort Top Pocket Coil Mattress
Queen Bed
MADE IN
CANADA Willowton Bedroom Collection
KING SIZE AVAILABLE
$899
899 After Discount
Nightstand $
349
58" 4K Crystal UH Aug 13th - Sept 2
• Sales • Receptionist/Bookkeeping • Telus/Electronics • Delivery/Warehouse WE’RE Part-Time and Full-time positions available. We offer Extended Medical and Dental and competitive wages. HIRING Apply in-store with Sonny or email: resume to: sonny@cityfurnituremerritt.ca 2025 Coutlee Avenue, Merritt Phone: 250-378-2332
Financ
Mirror
5.2 cu. ft. Front Loading Washer Derekson Bedroom Collection After Discount 7.5 cu. ft. Electric Dryer
CUSTOM LEATHER
Sold in Set
Paradigm Sofa & Loveseat
$
129
PAIR
Save $300
CUSTOM FABRICS
2299
$
Party Time Power Recliner Sofa
Save $1600
After Discount
Create Your Save $600 Amysk Leather Sofa Dream Home Now!
After Discount
$
899
After Discount
Save $1000
Now Only
Now Only
Why wait?
Now Only
1799
$
Napoleon's Rogue® 425 Propane Gas Grill in black
Save $1000
Party Time Power Recliner Loveseat
1899
$
Now Only
$
LED LIGHTING
& Appliances Ltd.
HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 9 am - 6 pm, Sat.: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm Sundays: Closed
