What’s Up

Community Conversation: Possible Name Change kicks off March 1

After much planning, the Possible Name Change Joint Working Group, a collaborative Community Accord committee of City of Powell River and Tla’amin Nation elected officials and residents, is kicking off public engagement about the request from Tla’amin Nation for the City of Powell River to consider a name change.

The concerns about the name “Powell” stem from Israel Powell’s time as Superintendent of Indian Affairs for British Columbia from 1872 to 1899, where he pursued policies meant to assimilate Indigenous Peoples into Canadian society.

This included the implementation of residential schools, banning of the potlatch, and removing ceremonial objects from communities. The impacts of these policies, such as loss of land, language, culture, and family ties for Tla’amin people, are still felt today.

The first engagement activities are the launch of a website and a survey (powellriver.ca/pnc). Paper copies of the survey will be available at the library, recreation complex, and City Hall. The survey is open from March 1 to March 18.

We know you care deeply about the City of Powell River and we look forward to hearing from you and sharing information about this process.

This spring there will be a variety of public activities to continue sharing information about the history and identity of this place, and to be in conversation. All residents are encouraged to approach this conversation with curiosity and kindness. You may disagree with your neighbour, but you may also both love this town.

There has already been a lot of discussion about the name change proposal. Here are some key facts.

City Council is the decision-making body. Council will consider recommendations from the Joint Working Group, relations with Tla’amin Nation, and public input to decide how the City will proceed or not with a name change. There is no new name being proposed at this time. Right now the focus is not about choosing a new name. The options for a new name are not only Powell River or t’iskwat; the possibilities are open.

Write to the Mayor and Council with your viewpoint at: info@powellriver.ca or drop it at City Hall. Include your name and address.

From the Olympics to the Hap Parker, girls and women are fierce on ice

For the first time ever, International students are playing hockey with the Powell River girls development program. Pictured here are Isabel Haeusler and Klara Lossau, both 16 and from Germany. Louise Cauvin, from France, was ill on the day of the photo. All three are new to the game – it’s part of their full Canadian experience. Once a week they join the swiftly-growing program at the Complex. Currently, there are 27 girls in the U7/U9 program and another 29 in U11-18. February was of course a magnificent month for Canada and for women’s hockey, when the Olympic team took gold in China. “We all rushed home from our Wednesday practice that night to watch and cheer!” recalls coach Julie Venselaar. “It’s always so important for girls to see themselves represented at high levels of play, but especially critical when you play a sport that is traditionally male dominated.” Closer to home, the U13 team played in (and hosted) their first tournament in February, thanks to loosening COVID restrictions. “Powell River Queens U13 team came in second place, losing the gold medal game in an incredibly exciting seven round shoot out to the Richmond Ravens, who were undefeated in the tournament,” said Julie. “All the visiting teams have reported that they had an amazing time and can’t wait to come back. All Powell River teams and girls played unbelievably well and exceeded their coaches’ expectations! “Two U13 team members made the tournament All Star team: Harper Berukoff on defense and goalie, Bella Peters. In the last weekend of February, after qL’s press time, the U13 team traveled to Port Hardy to play two games against the Tri Port Wild.

- Russell Brewer

New reservation system

BC Parks will launch their camping reservations on a new booking system for the 2022 season.

In the qathet Regional District, both Inland Lake and Saltery Bay Parks are part of this new camping reservation system that will hopefully make it easier for visitors to BC Parks to book camping sites.

“BC Parks welcomes close to three million campers to BC Parks every year, any way visitors can access the reservation system in a more user-friendly way is a win for Parks and visitors who come to experience our great BC outdoors,” says Tracey Ellis, Executive Director of Tourism Powell River. Key features of the new reservation service include: a new booking platform and user friendly interface with more flexible search options and the ability to pre-fill account details and set booking preferences.

The new camping reservation services will be available at www. bcparks.ca on March 15 with reservations launching March 21.

Sports Hall of Fame

Powell River’s Sports Hall of fame has ten new inductees for 2022.

A ceremony has been scheduled for June to honour the new inductees who include: Brad Bombardir, athlete; Marion Borden, pioneer; Tristen Chernove, athlete; Scott Glaspey, builder; Larry Gouthro Sr., builder; Doug Ladret, athlete; Larry Louie, pioneer; Debbie Massullo, athlete; Jessie Newman, athlete and the 1997 Powell River Regals hockey team.

Because it’s all coming back, now

Rediscover your style at Townsite Market

Art Clothes Gifts & Jewelry Groceries Bakery Deli Beauty

Toys Housewares Climbing Knitting Supplies Children’s Clothing Coffee & Treats Music & Art Classes ...and so much more!

townsitemarket.com