Of 126 individuals experiencing homelessness in the Region, more than half have always lived here.
4/5 individuals have lived in the community for more than five years.*
We need more affordable and low-barrier housing for individuals, families, youth, and seniors.
WAYS TO TAKE ACTION:
Check out our toolkit at liftcommunityservices.org/toolkit
From when the Best of qathet voting starts in April, to when the magazine hits the streets in July, there are always some changes in the region. Stores open and close, people quit their jobs or move away, new products pop up or are discontinued. Pinning down the “Best” of anything in a swiftly-changing area is like trying to catch an Inland Lake tadpole: slippery.
Even on Marine Avenue, there have been so many changes over the past few months. Some of them are: Paganis closed; qathet Art & Wares moved from Ecossentials to the Persephone building; Fits to a T is moving to Pagani’s; Persephone added a garden; Kingfisher Books closed; Huckle & Berry closed; Anchor Apparel & Lifestyle opened; Collective Interiors moved to the
Publisher &
Benjamin Moore space near Alberni; Spoolz, the quilt store, moved next door to itself; Bloom Wildly opened in Spoolz’ old spot; Thick moved into PRO; Saint Amore International Sandwiches is opening in the Great Balls of Wool spot; the Chilean Baker opened in the Base Camp spot; Marine’s Blackberry Fest will be run by the Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club this year... and so much more.
Some local features, like the Ambulance Service, are dependable and endure (Page 33). Others, such as the Lois and Powell River dams, may be due for a change (Page 35). The region refreshes itself every year (Page 21), and so do we, the humans. qL’s events section can help you make the “Best” of this quick season (Page 50).
Suzi Wiebe suzi@prliving.ca
Tourism
Coastal
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I came to Powell River for the first time in the 1980s as a child, scouring the used book stores for missing volumes of the Nancy Drew series. I hit the jackpot on that visit.
- Melani Williams, Page 32
MATT EMIG is the owner/operator of Rugged
ELLEN GOULD is a retired public policy writer
MIRIAM (MIM) MCCRAE, a retired Home Support worker who has lived in four provinces, is
RYK TATARYN is a local photogapher and filmmaker. He also designs clothing under
MEGAN SPICK is 14 years old and going into Grade 9 in September. She runs the Hardy Har
1. Westview
2. Townsite
3. Cranberry
Best neighbourhood in qathet but outside the City
1. Lund
2. Lang Bay
3. Tishosum
1. Lisa Moffatt
2. Dave Formosa
3. Joseph McLean
Best Politician
1. Trina Isakson
2. Nicholas Simons
3. Mark Gisborne
Best place to work
1. From Home
2. A long list, but top contenders were: A&W; Inclusion PR; Tempco & Freshco
Best Place to Learn – adults
1. Powell River Public Library
2. Vancouver Island University tiwšɛmawtxɛ
3. Outdoors / in nature
Best Place to Learn – Kids
The ninth annual Best of qathet issue features top choices from hundreds of readers who voted online or in print in April and May. Each year, this contest captures a tiny snapshot in time of our swiftly-changing region. Stores and politicians come and go. Tastes change. Products and services emerge and disappear.
What stays the same? Our collective
love of sunsets – and obsession with all things ‘Zunga.’ Our concern about the shortage of housing and the price of gas. And, our love for our own neighbourhoods, pizza, fish and chips, and burgers, all categories with record-setting numbers of votes.
So read on, locals and visitors! If you have more to add, or think we got it very right or very wrong, please write to us. || pieta@prliving.ca
1. qathet School District
2. Powell River Public Library
3. outdoors / in nature
Best Reason to Move Here
1. Nature / The Ocean
2. People / Community
3. The slower lifestyle
Best Reason to Stay Away
1. BC Ferries
2. Racism
3. Price of housing and gas
Best Place to Blow Off
Steam
1. Trails / Beaches
2. The Wishing Well
3. Townsite Brewing
Best Kept Secret
1. It’s a secret
Best Dressed People
No clear winners this year, but the following each got significant votes: Rowwie McKeown, Elton Sutherland, Ryan Mathieson, Slim Milkie, Susan Borenstein, Sue Gaudet & Wendy Pearson
Best dressed yard
1. Manitoba Ave. Horse
2. Townsite Triangle Garden
3. Laughing Oyster
Best Storefront
1. Paperworks
2. Bloom Therapy
3. Powell River Outdoors
Best reason your friends and family comes to visit you here
1. Nature / the ocean
2. “Because I’m here”
3. Fishing
APEX MOMENT: This photo, captured by Lesley Pihl and named “Kayaking in Lund,” was a runner-up in the Powell River Public Library’s photo contest: The Seasons. Kayaking at sunset: a very, very Best of qathet experience.
For nearly three decades, I have dedicated myself to volunteer work, contributing to various organizations and bringing joy to those I serve.
Over the past seven years, I have volunteered with logger sports, and for more than ten years, I have been a committed volunteer in the oncology department. Additionally, I have devoted 29 years to supporting the Powell River Kings Hockey.
My motivation for volunteering stems from a desire to help these organizations and the profound satisfaction I gain from seeing the smiles on people’s faces. The joy and fulfillment I experience from making a positive impact in others’ lives continually inspires me to keep giving my time and energy.
I’ve spent 11 years of service on the qathet Sunshine Coast Ferry Advisory Committee, with 10 years as Chair, advocating for the community and working with BC Ferries to improve service.
And I’ve had almost 10 years of involvement with PRISMA, including this year as President of the Board, supporting arts and culture in the community.
I am a founding board member of the Four Tides Hospice Society, serving the term limit of six years and rejoining the board last year.
I’m driven by a personal experience with hospice care and a desire to ensure equal access to end-of-life care for all in the community.
Living in small communities most of my adult life, I have always volunteered in some capacity. I have gotten more significantly involved in youth sports the last few years and have positions on both our Powell River Minor Hockey and Powell River Minor Baseball Association Executive Committees. Throughout each season, I manage Divisions/ Teams as well.
I do it for the kids! Youth sports are run solely by volunteers and it takes a village!
Congratulations to Mandy Baker and Kathy Pilon of Baker and Associates for being the first all-female team to receive the prestigious Jeff Carney Award.
This was in recognition of them being the highest-performing IG Private Wealth Management team in Canada, delivering the greatest number of high-quality financial plans.
Best must-see attraction
1. Willingdon Beach
2. The Miniature Train at the Market
3. The Hulks / Valentine Mountain
Best Annual Event
1. Blackberry Fest
2. Logger Sports
3. PRISMA
Best Hotel or B&B
1. Old Courthouse Inn
2. Town Centre Hotel
3. Beyond Bliss Suites
Best Campground for Relaxation
1. Haywire Bay
2. Kent’s Beach / Inland Lake
3. Willingdon Beach
Best Campground for a Good Time
1. (overwhelmingly) Haywire Bay
2. Willingdon Beach
3. Dodd Lake
Best Local Product to take Camping
1. Townsite Beer
2. Pollen Sweater
3. Chopping Block burgers / meat
Best way to get around town
1. Driving a car
2. Riding a bike
3. Zunga Bus
Best Beach
1. Willingdon
2. Mahood
3. Donkersley
1. Valentine Mountain
2. Kelly Falls
3. Willingdon Trail
Trail
1. Willingdon & Millennium Trails
2. Penticton Trails
3. Inland Lake
Best Trail for the Fearless Rider
1. Mount Mahoney
2. Death Rattle
3. Civil Disobedience
Best thing to do with Kids
1. Putters / Miniature Golf / Willingdon Beach
2. Farmers Market / Miniature Train
3. Swimming at the Beaches
Best Souvenir – paid
1. Pollen Sweater
2. Flickerwood Forge mushroom stained glass
3. Thick merch
Best Souvenir – free
1. Beach Glass
2. Flower Rock
3. Photos of sunsets
Best Realtor
1. Neil Frost
2. Paige Anderson
3. Matt Behan
What an honour to be chosen and furthermore to all the local coaches who volunteer their time and efforts for our youth and recreational sport in our region and are worthy of this.
This award is a team award and without Don Gagne, Scott Mastrodonato, Joe Caldrone, Rick McLaren and all our staff, the direction and guidance we provide would not be possible without out all of us working hard to provide a platform for our athletes to perform.
I first starting coaching as a Rep coach in minor hockey in 1984.
It all started back in 2017 on the soccer field for my son Brayden. I decided to start helping coach because there was a lack of coaches and I have an extensive background in sports. I played competitive hockey and baseball my whole life and got heavily into soccer in my late teens.
I have levelled up and have taken many courses to continue to coach. As both of my sons get older, the credentials grow. I find that coaching has become a hobby, pastime, perhaps a slight obsession, as I truly love doing it.
I am now coaching an excellent
group of U13 rep soccer players (with assistant coach Colin Kernohan) and I’m also assistant coach to our U13 rep/travel baseball team with coach Scott Peters and alongside Jeff Stekman and Ryan Milne. They are all great coaches and you need that support to be a good coach.
I am also coaching my youngest son Jordyn in U9 baseball. It all started because I wanted to help, now I do it because I love it and I can help my kids and others grow and evolve, truly a great feeling.
I’ve player/coached and coached the Regals since 1993 alongside many great co-coaches and friends.
To all the players over my years and especially the current Regal players, without great people like yourselves, coaching would be just mechanical in nature.
You make it possible for complete team success and that anything is achievable, we coach because of our athletes and our love of the game, the enjoyment and representing our community on various stages. Again, thank you.
It is and always will be my purpose to serve the community I live in. They say it takes a community to raise our kids. So, I am giving my best to be a part of the town I call home.
I started the Canadian Martial Arts Academy here in 2007. I teach personal development through martial arts training. It’s not just kicking and punching… but about the life skills and values that will make them more confident, stronger, compassionate, respectful. The list goes on.
I like using quotes and reinforcement daily in their classes. My goal is to become the best person I can be.
• The more you give, the more you get.
• Effort equals success.
• Repetition is the key to success.
• I can always do better than I think I can, if I try. Travel is a big part of the experience as well as competition.
Every year we have students who graduate high school, and this year I have two students who started at the dojo when they were four years old: Amy Zaikow and Tyler Rankin. These kids have been in karate before they started school. We are proud of all our kids graduating this year!
Best Visual Artist
1. Autumn Skye Morrison / Catnip
2. Megan Hildebrand
3. Anna May Bennett
Best local band / musician
1. Walter Martella 2. Austin Parise 3. Little Pharmer
Best crafter / artisan
1. Emily White 2. Rowwie McKeown
3. Wildwood Pottery
Best Craft Event 1. Farmers Market 2. Raincoast Christmas Craft Fair
3. Springtime Markets
Best piece of Public Art
1. Frog at the Library 2. Catnip: water treatment Plant
3. Logger Sports carvings
Best Gallery
1. The Wishing Well 2. Tug-guhm Gallery 3. Turadh Fine Arts
Best Live Theatre from the Past Year 1. Beanstalk’s Beauty & The Beast
2. Townsite Actor’s Guild’s Gibson & Sons
3. qSD’s Matilda / Addams Family
Best Place to Watch Live Music 1. Carlson Community Club 2. Wishing Well 3. Willingdon Beach / Max Cameron Theatre
1. Written As I Remember It: Teachings (Ɂəms tɑɁɑw) from the Life of a Sliammon Elder By Elsie Paul, with Davis Mckenzie, Paige Raibmon and Harmony Johnson 2015, UBC Press, 488 pages
ear after year, ‘Best of qathet’ voters elect Elder Elsie Paul’s Written as I Remember It as the top local book. No other book even comes close.
Since it was first published in 2015, Elsie’s book has been transformed into an interactive website by RavenSpace, with multiple ways to sink into the content (try it out via the QR code, above).
In May of this year, the book and website together won the American Council of Learned Societies Open Access Book Prize and Arcadia Open Access Publishing Award in the “multimodal” category.
BY MERRILEE PRIOR
TErik has been an important part of the Cadam team, and we’re sad to seem him go, but we’re happy for him and wish him all the best in his new adventures and his return to America.
If you haven’t got your stove serviced or chimeny cleaned in preparation for fall, call us now!
WE’RE HIRING: Will train the right candidate.
he day started with a call before 7 am for a nestling on the ground. The little bird was gone when I got there, so I went back to continue with morning chores, which are regulated by the tyranny of the timer. It goes off every 15 minutes, and we fill tiny beaks and clean nests.
There are two Stellar’s jays, two Rufous hummingbirds, a white-crowned sparrow and three robins, as well as the adult birds in our care with various injuries.
The next call was for two robin nestlings on the ground, who settled in nicely at PROWLS once we returned.
We then collected the two oldest robins and an adult male tanager and took them out for release.
They were ready! First the tanager flew straight up to a high branch and took a minute to survey his surroundings, then the two robins came out of the cage and not only flew up, but flew away!
Success!
Back to feeding babies. We had a brief respite before the next call came.
1. qathet Safe
2. Powell River Orphaned Wildlife Society (PROWLS)
3. LIFT
couver. More feeding!
Then came a nestling Steller’s jay at Pebble Beach. After a quick drive down, I found a very young nestling, eyes just open. This one was cold and hungry, snuggled into my hand and gaped for food, making a little squeaking sound. I was captivated!
We had not settled the jay when another call came for five nestling flickers, whose nest tree had come down in the big wind the night before. They were very young, eyes just opened and pin-feathers.
A man and his son were dirt biking in the Penticton trails and came across an injured turkey vulture. Would it be safe to put it in his back pack and bring it down to the road, he asked? Absolutely! We met them at the top of Toba.
Turkey vultures are lovely birds, golden brown in colour, with dainty feet and an ivory tip to their beak, and unlike other raptors, are not aggressive.
A call to the raptor specialists at OWL gave us care instructions while we waited to get it on a flight to Van-
The boys and grandfather who found them had many questions. As I lifted one of the nestlings, I asked the boys what they thought of the dinosaurs. They said they were too cute to be dinosaurs, but their mum agreed it was totally a velociraptor.
As I was leaving, one of the boys asked if that was my dog in the car and his grandfather said no, it was a wookie. We were all smiling as I drove away with my five velociraptors and wookie. There was one more call for a baby robin before I got my wookie out for his walk at 7:30 pm.
The chores following the last feeding ended at about 9:45 pm, and I collapsed in a heap after a busy but gratifying day.
MEET THE RAPTORS: Clockwise from top left, nesting Rufos Hummingbirds; the turkey vulture who travelled by backpack; five nesting flickers whose tree was blown down; a cold and hungry Stellar’s jay; and a nesting robin.
Need a safe address to ship your things to?
We will order almost anything
Best Small Grocery / Specialty Store
10 am to 5:30 pm 4721 Marine (the former Hindle’s) 604-489-3028
able to be carried in the door - so no couches, appliances, etc. Special order charge is $5.00 Concerned about Porch Pirates?
1. Quality Foods 2. Save On Foods 3. FreshCo
Best General Price on Groceries 1. FreshCo 2. Save on Foods 3. Mitchell Bros
bottles were hurt making Pollen Sweaters. helping sheep stay cool in summer. pure wool stays warm even when wet. Non-itchy, and soft enough to wear next to sensitive skin. Machine washable and dryer safe at moderate temperature. the label on the inside where it belongs. Designed to layer smoothly under or over other garments. shore sweatshops. Ours is here at home. wears out compost it. you 50 to 90% more handsome. (results may vary)
1. No pop bottles were hurt making Pollen Sweaters.
2. You’ll be helping sheep stay cool in summer.
3. The pure wool stays warm even when wet.
4. Non-itchy & soft enough to wear next to sensitive skin.
5. Machine washable & dryable at moderate temperature.
6. We put the label on the inside, where it belongs.
7. Designed to layer smoothly under or over other garments.
8. No offshore sweatshops. Ours is here at home.
9. If it ever wears out, compost it.
10. Makes you 50% to 90% more handsome. (Results may vary.)
Pollen Sweaters Inc.
in Lund, BC, Canada since 1986 1-800-667-6603 pollensweaters.com
Thanks for voting Pollen Sweaters as this region’s best souvenir. (For the 8th year in a row.)
For more fun, and fabulous wool sweaters and ponchos, toques, jewelry, and books, find us above Nancy’s Bakery in Lund.
Open 9-4 Monday-Saturday, 10-2 Sunday 604 483-4401 • pollensweaters.com
1. Mitchell Bros 2. Townsite Fruit & Veg 3. Sunny Deli
Best Convenience Store
1. Townsite Grocery 2. 7-11
1. FreshCo 2. Mitchell Bros 3. Save On Foods
Best Line-up
1. FreshCo 2. Mitchell Bros 3. Save On Foods
Best Produce
3. Lang Bay Store
1. Farmer’s Market / Terra Nostra 2. Save On Foods 3. Mitchell Bros
Best Butcher 1. Chopping Block
Mitchell Bros
Andtbaka Farm
Best Locally-Made Bread
Hearth & Grain
Rocky Mountain
Cottage Creek
Best Locally-Made Sweets
Hearth and Grain
Cottage Creek
Best Grocery Store for Hot Food
Quality Foods
Best Liquor Store
1. BC Liquor Store
2. Capones Cellar
3. Duke’s Liquor Store
Best Farm Gate
1. Andtbaka Farm
2. Terra Nostra Farm
3. Blueberry Commons
Best Booth at the Farmers Market – Produce
1.Terra Nostra Farm
2. Andtbaka Farm
3. Blueberry Commons / Coming Home Farm
Best Local Seafood Seller
1. Darren Bolton
2. Double Odds
3. “The Salmon Guy at Willingdon”
Best Pet Store
1. Mother Nature 2. Pet Valu
3. Top Shelf Feeds
Best Locally-Made Soaps
1. Lund Soap Company
2. Sweet Earth Soap Works
3. The Natural Soap Lady
&
Best Salad
1. Coastal Cookery
2. River City Coffee 3. The Shinglemill
Best Burger
1. A&W
2. Monks on Marine 3. Strikers
Best Steak
1. Forest Bistro
2. Seasider Bistro
3. Snickers
Best Curry
1. Royal Zayka
2. Little Hut Curry
3. Thaidal Zone
Best Noodles
1. Thaidal Zone
2. Zab Dee Kitchen
3. Genki Sushi
Best Buffet
1. Royal Zayka
2. Forest Bistro
3. Dragon House / Garden Court
Best Cocktail
1. Costa del Sol 2. Coastal Cookery
3. Seasider Bistro
Best Dessert
1. Costa Del Sol
2. Seasider Bistro
3. The Shinglemill
Best Brunch
1. Magpie’s Diner
2. River City Coffee
3. Julie’s Airport Café
Best Veg or Vegan
1. Costa Del Sol
2. River City Coffee
3. Royal Zayka
Paper shredding by the pound
We shred small and large orders
Or call to get some shredded paper: Shredded paper can be used in your compost, gift baskets, growing mushrooms, making paper, to control weeds, pet cages for bedding or litter, shipping, worms: the uses are endless
Best Restaurant for a Celebration
1. Seasider Bistro
2. The Shinglemill
3. Snickers
Best Booth at the Farmers Market – prepared food
1. Dump Run Provisions
2. Cottage Creek Bake Shop
3. Andtbaka Farm
Best Patio
1. Seasider Bistro
2. The Shinglemill
3. Costa del Sol
Best Place to Drink
1. Monks on Marine
2. Townsite Brewing
3. Costa del Sol
Best Place to Recover from a Hangover
1. Magpie’s Diner
2. In bed / at home
3. Julie’s Airport Café
BY ISABELLE SOUTHCOTT
It starts with a cookie and ends with a cookie but in between the gooey chocolatey bites, Christian Kulusic has been busy mapping out his new community and meeting people along the way.
Christian is a 38-year-old man with a developmental disability. His smile can light up the darkest day and luckily for us, he smiles a lot. Especially when he eats a chocolate chip cookie.
Christian has tasted and tested every chocolate cookie he possibly can in qathet in the last year as part of a passion project known as Christian’s Cookie Journey. His mom, Tamara, said it all started after Christian looked at last July’s qathet Living, the magazine’s annual ‘Best of qathet’ issue, and noticed that there was no best baking section so he decided to take matters into his own hands and mouth.
Christian moved to Powell River with his parents Tamara and Steve in May of 2022. Not long after they got here, Tamara and Steve began looking at the best way to connect their son with his new community.
For
community is about people knowing them and seeing them,” said Tamara. “Part of mapping the community is introducing Christian to the community so they know who he is to keep him safe,” added Steve.
Tamara said she and Christian were trying to figure out places to go and things to do and every day Christian said, “Let’s go for a chocolate chunk cookie!”
They decided they’d visit places they could walk to and when they met with their team at Strive Living Society and talked about goals and how to meet them, they discovered that walking to places where Christian could taste-test chocolate chunk cookies was a very good goal to have!
Andrew Bradley works for Strive and is a member of Christian’s team. He’s Christian’s primary partner on the cookie journey and a skilled photographer. Andrew volunteered to take photos of Christian’s Cookie Journey so they could be used in a book.
on a life of its own.
“One of the things that has been so cool about this project is how other people have supported it and made suggestions,” said Tamara.
She’s grateful how the family’s new community has welcomed and supported Christian. She laughs when she recalls how she’s now known as the Cookie Man’s Mom.
When Christian was on a video call with his sister, Marina, who lives in Crossfield, Alberta and showed her the original Tollhouse chocolate chip cookie recipe in his late Baba’s handwriting, she said: “You should take the cookie journey on the road!”
So last month, they loaded up the RV and headed to Alberta where they visited with Christian’s sister and her two sons, Alexavier, 11 and Tytus, 8.
“We know that keeping family members safe in a
Before they knew it, the cookie project had taken
Not only does Christian taste all the chocolate chunk cookies, he also rates them. He’s very diplomatic about how he grades each cookie and gives
Christian
each one a five-star rating. However, when it comes to determining who makes the best chocolate chunk cookie, he doesn’t have to think for one second. “Me,” he says decisively, taking a bite of a warm cookie he made that’s fresh out of the oven. “These are my favourite cookies.”
Some of the places he’s taste tested at include: Starbucks, Julie’s Airport Café, Supercharger Pizza (they have a salt and pretzel cookie with giant chocolate chunks on the top), Subway, Serious Coffee, River City Coffee, Snack Attack Shack, Rocky Mountain, MacDonalds, Tim Hortons, Base Camp, the Nook and 32 Lakes. On weekends, he steps out of his regular cookie lane to visit Janet Lyons of Cottage Creek Baking at the Farmer’s Market for a peanut butter dainty.
“Moving here has been good for Christian,” said Tamara. “We knew there were many stories of good inclusion here for people with disabilities,” she said “but not like this!”
For Christian, Powell River is home and has been since he moved here. “He started calling Powell River home right away. It’s been so lovely how people have recognized Christian and
favourite cookies are the ones he
have been so responsive to him,” said Tamara.
Although Christian’s Cookie Journey started off small, it has grown along the way. “Andrew bringing his skill as a photographer to this project brought it to the next level,” said Tamara. The idea to document this journey with photos and create a book has really led to something special. This book will be shared with family and friends and community members.
“We talk about cookies a lot,” said Tamara because “well, this is our focus.”
When Christian learned his mom had found Baba’s cookie recipe he said: “Let’s make them!“
“He has a different interest in baking now than he had before. He can do a lot with the right support.”
Tamara, Christian and Andrew spoke about Christian’s Cookie Journey at the Inclusion BC conference in Nanaimo in May.
They showed a video that Andrew made about the project (see Christian’s Cookie Journey on YouTube) and had books about the project on hand.
“We think other people can map out their own community in similar ways,” said Tamara. “What is your passion
“Keeping family members safe in community is about people knowing them and seeing them.”
- Tamara Kulusic
and how can you use it to map out your own community and connect with other people? I really think there is something in this that other people can learn from and do something similar in their own communities by tapping into their own passion,” she added.
A book launch and reading of Christian’s Cookie Journey will be held at the library this fall.
In the meantime, know that there is no best cookie for sale in qathet according to Christian because they are all good, but if he had to choose one, it would be the ones that he bakes himself. || isabelle@prliving.ca
August 15-18
2024 Rockwood Centre | Sechelt www.writersfestival.ca
604.885.9631
Best Gas Station 1. Chevron
Shell
Top of the Hill
Gardening Store
1. Springtime Nursery 2. Mother Nature
Canadian Tire
Clothing
1. Fits to a T 2. Armitage Men’s Wear 3. Eunoia Fibre Studio
1. Hospital Auxiliary 2. MCC 3. Salvation Army
Best Salon
Best Pharmacy
1. Shoppers Drug Mart
2. FreshCo 3. Save on Foods
Best Work-Out
1. PowTown Crossfit
2. Rec Complex
3. Elements Movement
Best Yoga
1. Andrew Dow – Elements Movement
2. Kelly Edwards – Coast etc
3. Rachelle Gura – Cran Hall
Best thing you do to keep yourself mentally and physically healthy Cold Plunge • Farm • Sea Kayaking
•
•
•
• Do not place carts out until the morning of your collection by 7:30 am
• Freeze smelly items until the morning of collection
• Avoid using bird feeders
• Pick fruit early and let it ripen indoors
1. The Cut 2. Hair n’ Dippity 3. Image 1
Best Financial Institution 1. First Credit Union 2. RBC 3. Scotiabank
Best Mental Health Practitioner
1. Rick Berghauser & Associates
Shona Jackson Counselling
VK Wellness
Best Massage Therapist
Dan Keane
Marina Lagacé
Brigette Villeneuve
• Good Sleep • Golf • Hiking • Growing Flowers • Philosopher’s Café • Massage • CrossFit • Brazillian Jiu Jitsu
Best Spiritual Experience
Church • Outdoor Meditation Circle at Willingdon Beach on Sundays • Forest Bathing • Cabin Time! • Hearth & Grain • Mountain Biking • Skinny Dipping
• Gardening • Swimming in the bioluminescence in Lund
Anything else you want to tell us is the Best??
Best Bookstore: Pocket Books on Marine • Best Charcuterie: Brut
• Best Art Supply Store: qathet Art + Wares • Most People • The Sunsets • Look us up in the dictionary under “zunga” • qathet Living Magazine (aw shucks.)
BY PIETA WOOLLEY
For the past nine years, I’ve been wading through your Best of Powell River / Best of qathet entry forms, tabulating the results to see who won each category. This also gives me the chance to sift through all of your weirdest answers – the stuff folks write when you think no one is reading – my favourite part of putting together this annual issue.
erations – a very, very local phenomenon.
The names pitched in these two articles didn’t ex actly take the region by storm (yet, anyways).
But Zunga?
Zunga is a whole marvel unto itself.
A chatty vernacular onomatopoeia. Zunga! Zunga. Where do you live?
Zunga.
Creeping around in the digital swamp, over that amount of time and through thousands of forms, I can tell you that one word consistently appears throughout the answers: Zunga.
Sometimes it makes sense. Best attraction? Zunga. Best beer? Zunga.
But often, when someone doesn’t really have an answer for a category (Best HVAC), they’ll just write, “Zunga.” Or, more enthusiastically, “Zunga!”
Which made me go, “hmmm.” What is Zunga to us, collectively?
Sip a Zunga Golden Blonde Ale at Townsite Brewing; Zunga Bus is the name of the yellow on-demand service in Westview; the title of musician Jim Baron’s 2013 album, What Rhymes with Zunga (on which is ‘The Powell River Song’); the name of qL publisher Isabelle Southcott’s award-winning Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever; Zunga Holdings is the company behind Relay Rentals and PR Phone Repair; Zunga Warriors Dragon Boat team and Taco the Town Zunga Food Truck. The list goes on.
Zunga is of course a local colloquialism for a rope swing, specifically one that launches the rider into a lake, river or the ocean. The origin story is that, nearly a century ago, the Patricia Theater screened one of the first Tarzan movies (a series which began in 1921; they’ve come a long way since then) – a film replete with rope swings. What Tarzan hollered sounded to local ears like “zunga.” Thus, Zunga was born.
In completely unrelated news, in 2021, Tla’amin Nation asked the City of Powell River to stop using “Powell” as the City’s name.
The subject has been discussed, officially and not, exhaustively. That is, the subject of whether the City should change its name has been discussed.
The question of what the City might change it to hasn’t taken hold.
Back in 2019, I wrote a piece for the ‘Best of Powell River’ issue asking then-Hegus Clint Williams whether the City might re-name itself ‘tiskwat.’
When Abby Francis was qathet Living’s Local Journalism Initiative reporter in 2022, she pitched a new name for the City in a Last Word column: Kokanee, the name for salmon trapped in a lake for many gen-
City of Zunga. Zungatown. Resort Municipality of Zunga.
More than a nickname, “Zunga” contains within it the best of what this region is, and can be:
• Swinging from a rope out into the water – that is the essence of the freedom, safety and beauty that a Sunshine Coast childhood can provide.
• The beloved Patricia Theatre, which originally screened the Tarzan film from which Zunga was adopted, is a source of pride for this community, in that it is Canada’s oldest continuously-running movie theatre. It’s also currently a thriving single-screen theatre and community amenity, under the visionary leadership of manager Laura Wilson and the qathet Film Society.
• Plus, the Pat, which segregated Tla’amin audiences to the balcony until the 1970s, is now the site of active reconciliation: the auditorium has been renamed qʷaqʷθam (telling a story), and it hosts a 3 Ears Indigenous Film Festival each September, to coincide with National Truth and Reconciliation Day. All symbols of a new relationship.
• Zunga is already the name of beer, music, dogs, food, business and paddlers: core regional loves.
• Mostly, though, Zunga is entirely local. It exists nowhere else.
So in the event that the City eventually changes its name, my suggestion, based on nine years of lurking around your deepest, darkest secret answers in the Best of Powell River / Best of qathet contest forms is, simply, Zunga. Best of Zunga? Let’s see what 2025 brings. || pieta@prliving.ca
Rachel Blaney, MP 4683 Marine Ave 604 489 2286
Rachel.Blaney@parl.gc.ca
Nicholas Simons, MLA #109 - 4675 Marine Ave 604 485 1249
Nicholas.Simons.MLA@leg.bc.ca
got
(And you can feel good about it.)
For a wide variety of eco-packaging, visit Aaron Service & Supply. We have take out containers made from a variety of environmentally friendly products, such as compostable paper, bamboo, bio-degradable plastic, wood, and sugarcane fibre. • Cups
Soup cups
Salad bowls
Straws
Bags
Cutlery
and more…
The theme for the Powell River Public Library’s annual photography contest this year was simply “The Seasons.”
On this page (and Page 6-7) are the top images submitted. You can see them full-size at the Library this month.
1. Winner Alex Clermont • toxʷnač winter
2. Lois Bridger • A Varied Thrush
3. J T • Heron on Ice
4. Chris Redman • Tin Hat Hut
5. Douglas Unger • Snowy Coast
6. Doris Guevara • Summer Sunset Gibsons Beach
7. Carl Anderson • Lang Creek
8. Shelley Fairgray • Powell Lake
9. Michelle Pennell • Humpback whales, Grief Point
10. Mike Massullo • Goat Lake
11. Paul Dohm • Northern Flicker in Spring
12 (on Page 6/7) Lesley Thorsell • Kayaking in Lund
Say
6 to 9 pm Thursdays
Music in the Park: Thursdays July 25, August 8, and August 29, starting at 7 pm
Apply now to be a vendor
The vendor fee is $25 per market.
Thursday Schedule:
Setup: 4:30-6 pm Market: 6-9 pm
Take-down: 9-9:30 pm
Please Note: There will not be a Market on July 11, 2024 due to Logger Sports.
About the book • Portraying the interconnected relationships between self, other, nature, spirit, and the cosmos, Autumn Skye’s meticulously hand-painted visions are both intimate and universal. Each evocative and eloquent image offers a mirror to the viewer, bringing into tangible reality the mysterious experience of being. Features 94 artworks by Autumn Skye, gold foil stamping on front cover, 156-page full-colour hardcover art book with linen finish, printed on 157gsm matt art paper.
About the author • Between journeys to explore, show, teach, and share inspiration worldwide, Autumn Skye lives and paints in her home on the
Northern Sunshine Coast of BC. She considers herself among the blessed of the blessed, and strives to support her ever blossoming community through inspiration and creative empowerment.
Find the book at • Artifact Gallery, 4690 Marine Ave; or at AutumnSkyeArt.com. $65.
Twice a year, qL runs a round-up of new, locallycreated books and music. This might be the biggest, most diverse, and frankly, coolest collection yet.
Art & Soul, Paintings by Autumn Skye
When: Wednesday, July 3, 7 pm
Where: Artifact Gallery, 4690 Marine Ave. Sea Beneath the Sea: Adventures of Wren by Megan Dulcie Dill
When: Tuesday, July 16, 4 pm
What: Reception for Megan Dulcie Dill’s show, Sea Beneath the Sea, which is on July 1 to 21, 10 am to 6 pm daily.
Where: Tidal Art Centre, Lund
About the book • The third in the Adventures of Wren series, Sea Beneath the Sea is a 32-page hardcover art book. Wren’s summer canoe trip goes in an unexpected direction. There are some new words and colourful images for everyone to explore in this summer swim
through the Salish Sea.
About the author • Megan Dulcie Dill is an environmental artist and producer, whose art practice includes painting, land based writing, vernacular knowledge, walking, and collaborative site-specific installation with the more-than-human world.
Find the book • Locally and online by contacting megandulcie@gmail.com. $30
About the book • Adventures in Desolation Sound is a funny, action-packed picture book for kids ages 4-8, inspired by radio personality Grant Lawrence’s beloved memoir “Adventures in Solitude.” The Lawrence family is on their way to a rustic cabin in remote Desolation Sound, but not everyone is excited. Young Grant and his little sister Heather would rather stay home in the city. The long drive has so many twists and turns that it makes them sick. When they finally arrive, it’s too dark, the toilet is outside, and the neighbours seem weird. And there’s no TV! How will they ever get through the summer?
About the author • Grant Lawrence is an award-winning writer, musician, broadcaster, and live event host. He is the author of four best-selling books for adults: Adventures in Soli-
tude (2010), The Lonely End of the Rink (2013), Dirty Windshields (2017), and his recent number one bestseller, Return to Solitude (2022). Bailey the Bat and the Tangled Moose, his first children’s picture book, was released in 2021. Grant Lawrence is married to musician Jill Barber and they split their time between Vancouver and Desolation Sound with their two children.
Find the book at • harbourpublishing.com, Pollen Sweaters, Oceanside Entertainment, Picked, Refuge Cove Dockside Gallery, and the Passages Giftshop on BC Ferries. $24.95
Donna GillenardoGoudreau (Author), Christianne GillenardoGoudreau (Illustrator) •
About the book • A guide to cryptids inspired by places and creatures found within the qathet regional district.
About the author & illustrator • Donna Gillenardo-Goudreau (above left) is a collector of crystals and curios. When she isn’t working at a local non-profit she can be found either planning the next Pride event as President of the qathet Pride society, or creating jewelry with an historical edge.
Christianne Gillenardo-Goudreau (below left) is a professional comic artist and illustrator. She is currently working on the official Plants vs. Zombies comics, published by Dark Horse Comics. When she isn’t working she can usually be found playing video games or crafting.
Find the book at • Direct sales from us at the Powell River Farmers Market, $10.
(Illustrator)
About the book • In a continuation of the hit Netflix series, Fate: The Winx Saga Vol. 1: Dark Destiny, follows a group of fairies enrolled at the magical school of Alfea in the wake of losing their close friend, Bloom. With author Olivia Cuartero-Briggs.
About the illustrator • see A Beginners Guide to qathet Cryptids
Find the book at • Most major retail book stores, as well as online retailers (Amazon, etc), $19.99.
Prashant Miranda, illustrator • Five new children’s books under the Idries Shah Foundation
About the books
• Part of a rich body of literature from Central Asia and the Middle East, these books are a few of many hundreds of tales collected by the late Afghan author and thinker, Idries Shah. They are: ‘Amil and the After.’ ‘The Tale of Melon City.’ ‘The Fisherman’s Neighbou,’ and ‘The Boy with No Voice and the Men who Couldn’t Hear.”
About the author
• Prashant Miranda grew up in India and migrated to Canada in 1999. He documents his life and travels through his watercolour journals, animates films, teaches visual art, illustrates children’s books and paints murals. Prash has been a resident artist at Tidal Art Centre since 2019. Some of his other books include: ‘Steve and Eve Save the Planet: I Can Hear Your
Heart Beep’ (graphic novel); ‘Leaving no Footprint: Stories from Asia’, Oxford UP; and ‘How to Make a Garden: The 7 Essential Steps for a Canadian Gardener’, Random House Canada. www.prashart.blogspot.com
Find the book at • Amazon, $12 to $15 each. Prashant’s board books are available at Pollen Sweaters, Lund.
About the book • A safe haven to remember what has been forgotten of etiquette within sacred circles, through gentle teachings on how to navigate group dynamics, common elements to expect, and personal ways to deepen medic-
About the author • Dr. Robert Crossland was Powell River’s coroner from 1981 to 1993 – part of a decades-long stint with BC’s Coroner Service. Robert was born and raised in Port Alberni. He graduated from the Royal Military College, Kingston, then attended UBC for a degree in chemical engineering. He served as an artillery officer with the Canadian Army in Germany and Canada, then left the military to work as a nuclear reactor operations engineer in Chalk River. He entered medical school in Ottawa and graduated at
Parkhouse •
About the book • Let’s Call You Dave offers a practical introduction to the world of artificial intelligence. Distilled from a nine-month dialogue I shared with AI, this book attempts to capture the essence of what it means to be human in the age of AI.
inal experiences within spiritual gatherings.
About the author • Juliette is a Sacred Living Mentor, Best Selling Author, and Devotional Artist. She draws on 15+ years of hosting community ceremonies and immersion programs to write spiritually supportive books, articles, and magazine columns, while also creating handwoven ritual wear.
Find the book at • Amazon, $6.
age 31. After further study, Robert went into specialist practice in internal medicine in Powell River in 1975.
About the book • Robert curated 125 stories from his time as Coroner on the West Coast (here from 1981 to 1993). It’s a window into the kinds of cases he encountered, as well as his own experience of grappling with these deaths, closeup.
Find the book at • www.deathcalls.ca and Amazon. $23.99.
About the author • Caleb is a 23-year-old student majoring in Cognitive Psychology with a minor in Philosophy. By integrating the empirical rigour of Cognitive psychology coupled with philosophical inquiries, he aims to develop a nuanced understanding of human cognition in the context of humane technological advancement.
Find the book at • Pocket Books and Amazon. $17.96
About the book • A book of memories, a direct result of the “Memoir Writing for Seniors” course offered by the Powell River Public Library.
About the authors • Dave has been a local resident from the age of three. He is wellknown for his early life in the Townsite, his time as a mill employee, and a professional career in real estate. He also spent time in community service, most notably, chairing a three-year campaign to equip our hospital with a CT Scanner. Gail grew up in Salmon Arm, moving
here in 1968. She is best known for sports activities, her store Yarncraft, and a lengthy, ongoing commitment to teaching and organizing Duplicate Bridge.
Find the book at • The Library. Order an e-version directly through Dave and Gail, at gail.fennell46@gmail.com. Paper copies can be made available.
About the book • Housetraining That Works provides a simple seven step system to housetrain dogs of any age, breed or background. Whether you have a puppy or a shelter dog, this book will help you build a lifelong bond based on love and trust.
About the author • Zoë MacBean called Powell River home for nearly twenty years. She now lives on a
Hannah Main-van der Kamp
• The Slough at Albion
About the book • Albion Creek and its wetlands are situated between Black Point and Kelly Creek south of town. The poems follow the seasons/ weather and also the moods of the author who lived next to the slough for many years. Sadness, anxiety, illness, doubts, tiredness and aging are part of the mix which also includes the delights of gardening, dogs, birds, beaches, tides, meadows and neighbours.
small farm on Vancouver Island with a weird little blue dog, a foolish young setter, too many sheep and a very handsome mule.
Find the book at • housetrainingthatworks.ca or housetrainingthatworks@gmail.com
$24.95
About the author • Hannah is a freelance writer. She has lived in Powell River, on and off, since 1991 and moved here permanently in 2009. She has published six books of poetry plus several chapbooks and also writes book reviews and lyrical non-fiction for other publications. Her interests include permaculture, seasonal liturgies, and watercolour art.
Specialized
Stopping
Grace
Stopping the
Outreach For
at qathetsafe.ca
About the book • Selara’s Rules is a story about a young girl with extraordinary powers. Dark and Elemental magic have transformed her as well as many living things in her kingdom. Selara’s abilities threaten everyone’s safety as the powers within her fight for domination. ‘Selara’s Rules’ is book one of a trilogy. The two other books in the series are in production: Dark Elemental and The Balance of Conflict.
About the author • James began writing as a child and remembers being encouraged by his school principal. At 19, James was introduced by a friend to books by Gene Roddenberry and Piers Anthony. James’ first novel began as a one-page example for a class lesson.
Find the book at • Amazon, Kobo, Google Play, and Apple Books. $26.92 soft cover, $47.97 hard cover, $7.92 digital.
About the book • This literary fiction deals with the complex issues within family relationships and unmasks the human condition driving social change. In the face of certain death, we learn that we cannot stop time any more than we can outrun it.
About the author • At age 75, One Weekend in May is Gordon Wilson’s breakout novel as this accomplished academic, politician, and farmer steps into his new career as an author of compelling contemporary literary fiction.
Find the book at • All major book platforms including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indigo, Kindle, and FriesenPress bookstore online. Copies will be available directly from the author at advertised local events later in the summer and early fall. Paperback $24.99 Hardcover $32.99
About the book • In this gripping tale of adventure, betrayal and self-discovery, Charlee sails north from the British colony town of Victoria, and the rugged wilderness of a desolate lighthouse island in the Salish Sea. It’s the third book in the Charlee LeBeau Series.
About the author • With Métis ancestral ties to the Red River, the author’s historical fiction brings forth
the echoes of those who have gone before, through engaging stories of struggle, resilience and hope that appeal to readers of all ages and origins. Her first novel – Charlee LeBeau & The Gambler’s Promise – won the Whistler Independent Book Award for fiction in 2020. cvgauthier.com
Find the book at • All three print books are sold at Pollen Sweaters in Lund. Books and e-books can also be purchased widely online, or ordered in by local bookstores and libraries. Paperback $20. e-Book $6
About the book • Dragons are real! Dragons have been working with our world for eons. Now, these wise teachers have returned once more to tell us of their world and to help us. Join Tanis and her dragon friend Jaakelousekindvron (Jake, for short) and discover: how dragons travel in space and time; the high and low dragon worlds and the many Dragon lineages; why the great Cosmic Dragon is here, right now, assisting with the birth of the Earth and Humanity; whether you have a connection with dragons and the dragon world.
About the book • The story is set at the time of the Second World War. The protagonist is part First Nations and part Japanese. Despite growing up on the Tla’amin Reserve, following the death of his Japanese father, he is considered an Enemy Alien and is slated for internment. He escapes to the Bunster Hills rather than live behind barbed wire, but is ultimately hunted.
About the author • Tanis Helliwell’s knowledge and understanding of other worlds and realms can be found in some of her most popular books: Summer with the Leprechauns, The Leprechaun’s Story, Hybrids: So You Think You Are Human, The High Beings of Hawaii, and Good Morning Henry.
and Non-Rechargeable
Find the book at • Pocket Books and online at Amazon.ca. $19.95 Rechargeable and Non-Rechargeable options.
About the author • Don MacKay is a retired teacher. He describes himself as a failed minor poet despite having been published in several magazines and periodicals. He is the author of ‘Writing Towards Yourself,’ a journaling program. Gambari is his first effort in prose.
Find the book at • Gambari is available at Pocket Books on Marine, at Pollen Books in Lund and via Amazon.
Start hearing what you’ve
Tamara and Christian Kulusic, photos by Andrew Bradley • Christian’s Cookie Journey
About the book • This book is about Christian moving to a new community and learning about it. In his pursuit of the best chocolate chip cookie, along the way he finds a warm and welcoming community and his place within it.
About the authors • Tamara and Christian are a mother and son team who have partnered to cre-
ate this book. Tamara is now retired from a career in the Community Inclusion sector. Christian is exploring new opportunities in his new community. Andrew Bradley is a support worker at Strive Living Society, and a hobbyist photographer helping Christian document his Cookie Journey.
Find the book at • Strive Living Society Office or email: lifeisacookiejourney@gmail.com. $15.
Ron Campbell, Dennis Fox, Walter Martella, Neko, Trevor Sytnick: the bLUES bUSTERS • Alive & Kickin’
About the album • Twelve brand-new songs, all written specifically for this project by Ron Campbell and other co-writers. Recorded by the rockin’ five-piece band, it also features the PVC Pipes vocal trio, and other special guests.
About the composer • From Canada’s West Coast, multi-instrumentalist Ron Campbell is a veteran professional. He’s been writing, playing, and recording music for over 50 years.
Find the album at • Rockit Music. roncampbell. bandcamp.com/album/alive-kickin. Or directly from Ron. $20.
Plus, three new books on local topics by Harbour Publishing:
Edith Iglauer, Howard White, M. Wylie Blanchet, Michael Blanchet • The Curve of Time: New, Expanded Edition
About the book • Widowed at the age of thirty-five, Muriel Wylie Blanchet packed up her five children in the summers that followed and set sail aboard the twenty-five-foot Caprice. For fifteen summers, in the 1920s and 1930s, the family explored the coves and islands of the BC coast, encountering settlers and hermits, hungry bears and dangerous tides, and falling under the spell of the region’s natural beauty. $19.95
Dean van’t Schip, Dolf Vermeulen, Howard White, Keith Thirkell, Regan Hately • The Sunshine Coast: From Gibsons to Powell River, 3rd Edition
About the book • With paintings by local artists, poems by local poets, tall tales by local characters, miracles by Sechelt medicine men, tips on predicting the weather, a fair share of risqué gossip about historical figures, a good mix of bold opinions and hard facts and over 150 beautiful colour photographs. $36.95
J. Duane Sept • The New Beachcomber’s Guide to the Pacific Northwest: Second Revised Edition
About the book • A portable and easy-to-use reference for searching out and identifying the hundreds of species of seashore life found on the beaches of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Northern California, and Southeast Alaska. $34.95
Aunique logging technique used on the BC coast was hand-logging. A hand-logger license was granted by the BC government, requiring the logger to fell trees with only human strength and hand tools. In 1907, it was estimated that a hand-logger could earn around $6 to $7 a day, which was a substantial amount of money for the time.
Hand-loggers would select a plot of land, called a claim, along the coast with a nearby cove where they could boom the logs. The claim also needed to be sloped, as the loggers used gravity to get the logs to the water.
Once the claim was chosen, the hand-logger would pitch a tent to legalize his claim and begin logging. It was common for a claim to be worked by a pair of loggers.
Each tree was carefully selected, as the loggers did not want to cut down a tree that wouldn’t yield valuable timber. However, this practice led to high grading, where only the most valuable trees were removed without regard for the health of the forest section.
It was “estimated that about 40% of the timber was wasted through breakage or non-recovery” due to the nature of the hand-loggers’ methods.
The last known license was issued to Nick Hudemka, who hand-logged on Powell Lake from 1940 until 1973.
Photo: Logging at Wolfson Bay now known as Lang Bay, 1910s. Courtesy of the qathet Museum.
Melani Williams is a “prairie girl” originally from Winnipeg. She moved to BC in 1995. She has worked in libraries for 20 years and is now the new-ish Assistant Chief Librarian at the Powell River Public Library.
Melani has two grown sons that did not move with her and a very large shoe collection that did.
Why did you choose to move to qathet?
Melani • I came to Powell River for the first time in the 1980s as a child, scouring the used book stores for missing volumes of the Nancy Drew series. I hit the jackpot on that visit and have had fond memories of the city ever since, so when the Assistant Chief Librarian position came up, I was intrigued.
When? Where from?
Melani • I moved from Port Coquitlam on January 2 and my first day on the job was January 3.
What surprised you, once you moved here?
Melani • How short my commute was! And how friendly everyone has been, especially the dog-walkers in Cranberry.
What made you decide to move here?
Melani • I was looking for a change in my life and the proximity to the ocean was a major draw.
Where is your favourite place in qathet?
Melani • I haven’t explored too many places yet, but Stillwater Bluffs are gorgeous and Valentine Mountain is a close second.
How did you first hear about qathet?
Melani • I first heard about qathet when I was preparing for my job interview. I had never heard of qathet and absolutely loved that it meant Working Together. Such a beautiful gift from the Tla’amin Nation. What would make this a nicer community?
Melani • More inclusive spaces and wheelchair, scooter, and stroller access for people navigating public spaces, parks and bus stops. Safer parking lots and parking stalls. Improved trail markers and signage for parks and trails.
What aspect of your previous community do you think would benefit qathet?
Melani • Bear-proof garbage cans outside public facilities and parks.
BIG CHANGES: Melani Williams, centre, with her adult sons Arend (with beard) and Willem. Melani says she misses her Lower Mainland family and friends, but she is finding new connections – and patios – here in qathet.
What challenges did you face in trying to make a life for yourself here?
Melani • Shopping for shoes. I also really miss my family and friends, but have met some fabulous people and spotted some fabulous patios, so I am hoping to unite those two entities soon.
If you were mayor, what would you do?
Melani • I would really engage with the community on a regular basis, from visiting the Welcome Centre to dropping in at the pickleball court. I’m sure the mayor hears from the big voices quite often, but it’s also important to hear from the little voices.
And I would push hard for a blood donor clinic, I’m amazed there isn’t one in town.
What are qathet’s best assets?
Melani • The sound of the wind in the trees, the quarking of ravens, the ludicrous barking of sea lions, and every other beautiful natural element of the region.
What is your greatest extravagance? Melani • Shoes.
Which talent or superpower would you most like to have?
Melani • The power to heal.
BY ISABELLE SOUTHCOTT
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the BC Ambulance Service in Powell River. The Provincially-funded service began here in 1974.
But years before that, Powell River had its own ambulance service.
Harry Caton was a long-time employee of this ambulance service. His first day was December 15, 1967. At that time, the ambulance service, known as the Powell River Regional District Ambulance Service, was located in the old hospital in Townsite.
“The BC Ambulance Service started in 1974 and we were folded into the organization the same year,” Caton recalls. “Valentine’s Day 1975 was our first shift with the BC Ambulance Service, working out of the new station at 7373C Duncan Street where Avid Fitness used to be. We fixed the place up with a pool table in the front room, living quarters and a garage for the ambulance. The coffee pot was always on.”
Harry, along with Pat O’Neil, Don Silvester, and Gerry McCagherty, were the original crew.
Harry came to Powell River to work as a nurse at the hospital – he’d been
employed at the Jubilee Hospital in Victoria doing the same work. “But here, there was no classification for that [a male nurse], so I was called an ‘orderly’.”
In Victoria, Harry had done a few shifts working for Garden City Ambulance when they were short staffed. So when he saw a job posting in Powell River for ambulance work, he applied.
“We did everything,” said Harry. He’d work with the pathologist on pathology day and even helped with autopsies. There were no pagers in the early days, those came later.
“You had to be by the phone 24 hours a day. We (Harry and his wife) lived in the old Henderson House which was right by the old hospital (where the ambulance service was located). We all had to live in Townsite. If my wife wanted to go grocery shopping, I couldn’t go with her, but then, the old Overwaitea was in the Town-
“We had no IV or heart paddles or anything like that. You just went out, did your job and hoped for the best.”
- Harry Caton
site Mall.”
Joe Konopelski, Eddie Balone, and Johnny Johnson were the original three ambulance drivers. Gerry McCagherty and the Yirka brothers were hired later.
The ambulance they had back then was an International Harvester Travel All. “It was very primitive. We really didn’t have a lot of equipment. A tackle box with a few bandages, splints and some first aid supplies. We had no IV or heart paddles or anything like that. You just went out, did your job and hoped for the best,” said Harry.
At the time, typical calls were cardiac calls, strokes, people falling and breaking bones. “We’d do occasional calls at the mill but they had their own first aid team and the hospital was pretty close by.”
Harry remembers when Torger Johnson was fire chief and how he got the BC Fire Chiefs Convention to be held in Powell River at the Recreation Complex in the early 1970s. “I went to this convention and in the middle of it was a great big, shiny custom-made ambulance with all the bells and whistles and equipment on it. I thought wow, we need one of those for Powell River!”
Harry showed it to Hospital Administrator Gerry Joyce and he took it to the Regional District and they agreed to it.
With the new ambulance came improvements in pre-hospital care in Powell River. The fire department would back up the ambulance when asked.
During his time with the ambulance service, Harry helped deliver his first baby just three weeks before his own son was born. He remembers the birth well. “It was in the Townsite, the lady fell in the hallway and went into labour. She did all the work and I just caught the baby.”
He delivered another baby in the back of a car. At the time, Dean Gerhart – who went on to be fire chief – was working part time for the ambulance service as a driver.
Others who came up through the ambulance service who went on to have careers as firefighters were Tom Ellis, Tom Lewis, Mark Peckford, Terry Peters and Ted Vizzutti.
Being a member of a tight knit community and having to deal with tragedies can be heart wrenching. Harry remembers the most horrific accident of his career happened one night when Dean Gerhart was his partner. They were called out to a crash south of town.
“There were six kids in the car, five were killed, they were all teenagers on their way to a party and they didn’t make the corner at Donkersley Road and went into the creek.”
Malaspina Fire Department arrived at the scene before the ambulance service did. “It was tragic and being all locals we knew all the kids and their families.”
There was no counselling for the first responders
back in those days. “The guys at the station would just sit around afterwards and talk amongst themselves about it. We’d debrief over coffee and at the end of the day.”
After that call, they got a second ambulance as it was recognized that another was needed, said Harry. More staff was required as now patients were being taken to Courtenay and Campbell River for orthopedic surgery and Bob Perry and Dave Pollen were hired.
In 2003, after 36 years with the ambulance service in Powell River, Harry retired.
“It was a really good career to have especially in a rural community because when the pager goes off you are it. So, on a Saturday night when you went to the Cellar (old nightclub in Townsite) to help with a fight you knew the local tough guys who could help keep things under control. If the police couldn’t do it, they would.”
The police, ambulance service, and fire department worked well together. “We had a great rapport with the police. They’d drop in for a cup of coffee. We’d let each other know who to keep an eye out for.”
Other communities have taken back control of their water – a co-management model much like the Community Forest. Insisting on local benefit is possible here, too, argues Energy Democracy for BC.
Outside, a gorgeous spring evening. Indoors, a Canucks playoff game.
But in Powell River’s public library, dozens of people gather for a presentation by the non-profit society Energy Democracy for BC (ED4BC). Why? Because something vital is at stake: water. Specifically, the condition of the Lois and Powell Lakes. As hikers, fishers, boaters, and cabin owners can confirm, water levels fluctuate unpredictably.
Fish populations are declining, their eggs left stranded and dried or flushed out when spill-gates are all opened at the same time. Lois Lake is clogged with dead trees, decreasing its value for recreational use.
Lois and Powell Lakes are actually reservoirs for the hydroelectric company, Powell River Energy Inc. (PREI), that holds the water licences. Control of stupendous amounts of water is involved – 2,900 cubic feet per second
for the Powell River licence. That’s enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool in about 30 seconds.
Our town was actually founded because of Powell River’s hydro potential. The builders of the pulp and paper mill scouted the coast to find a site where a mill’s huge power needs could be met.
The dam they built was enormous. Until the 1930s, it was the largest industrial structure on BC’s west coast and created economic prosperity through the pulp and paper mill it powered.
But damming Powell River destroyed the Tla’amin village at the river’s mouth and wiped out an extremely productive salmon fishery.
The dam subsequently built on Lois River to provide more power for the mill to expand, also had severe negative impacts. Agricultural and forest lands were flooded, with reports at the time saying it was one of the worst
forest-related catastrophes in Canadian history.
The harm caused by the dams is ongoing as well as the opportunities lost for alternative uses of the lands that were flooded. Water licences can be written to mitigate this harm, imposing conditions such as minimum water levels that must be maintained to protect fish habitat.
For example, a water licence the qathet Regional District holds states that water use can be restricted or prohibited to maintain a minimum flow for the preservation of fish or to maintain the health of the aquatic ecosystem.
However, PREI’s water licences for Powell and Lois do not impose any conditions other than that the water has to be used to generate power. The licences do not have any expiry date. While the power previously was used to run a local mill and create jobs, PREI’s water licences do not require this.
There's always a reason to come to Lund! Here’s another...
“In the Kootenays, 50 percent of profits from hydro dams owned jointly by the province, local governments, and First Nations go into
the Trust. The Trust spent $82 million last year on projects in the basin.”
Currently, PREI exports all the power it generates to the US. It can set water levels on its reservoirs solely on the basis of fluctuating prices for electricity in the US spot market.
Participants at the Energy Democracy for BC weren’t short on ideas of what could be done to improve this situation.
Aside from what is legally required through their water licences, Brookfield, PREI’s parent company, says it earns a “social licence” by engaging with communities.
Local residents could insist that it do better at community engagement in the qathet area and address such problems as the driftwood on Lois Lake.
This May, BC Hydro, a Crown corporation, removed 80,000 kilos of debris from the Arrow Lakes where it operates dams, just one example of what dam owners can do if there is the corporate will.
Participants expressed skepticism though, about whether a huge multinational company like Brookfield
would respond to our local concerns.
Other ideas:
• Investigate action through shareholders’ meetings or the courts.
• Pressure the BC government, especially during this election year, to take action, particularly amending water licences to include requirements like protecting fish habitat.
• Hold BC cabinet ministers accountable to their mandate letters.
• Improve monitoring of the dams’ condition.
• See whether the Navigable Waters Act can be used to regulate Powell Lake.
• Partner with other jurisdictions. Work with Tla’amin Nation.
• Bring local hydro-power under community rather than corporate ownership.
A different model we could aspire to is the Columbia Basin Trust. In the Kootenays, 50 percent of profits from hydro dams owned jointly by the province, local governments, and First Nations go into the Trust. The Trust spent
Horseshoe River, Horseshoe Lake, Nanton Lake 1934
Theodosia River 1952
Store 19,000 acre feet/year, use related lands
Divert 210,000 acre feet/ year, use related lands
Note: All information from the BC Water Licence Database.
$82 million last year on projects in the basin, including a salmon reintroduction initiative.
ED4BC advocates for something akin to the Columbia Basin Trust being es-
tablished here so that local communities can share in the benefits – and mitigate the downsides – of the use of our area’s precious water resources to generate power.
BY ISABELLE SOUTHCOTT
This region’s only independent veterinary clinic saw its last patient at the end of June.
Dr. Bryce Fleming retired and closed Powell River Veterinary Hospital.
Westview Veterinary Hospital, owned by National Veterinary Associates, is now qathet’s only veterinary care provider.
There’s been concern voiced by pet owners that the closure of Dr. Fleming’s practice will impact the availability of veterinary services in qathet, but neither Bryce nor Westview Vet’s Dr. Brian Barnes, think it will.
“When I moved here in 2010 to purchase the practice from John Hall, it was just myself and Brian (Barnes),” said Bryce. “Now Brian is part time and there are three other vets over there.”
There will be a transition period while everyone gets things sorted out, but he believes the associates at Westview Veterinary Hospital are more than capable of handling the additional clientele. Brian agrees.
“I’m not worried. We have four vets here,” he said. “It will be busy for a while, but summer is always busy. We’ve never turned anyone away,” he said.
As well, Westview Vets has been looking for a fifth vet to add to their practice and have some potentials.
“I’m not losing any sleep over it, we have the capacity,” said Brian adding that there is also a locum who lives in Sechelt who will help out if need be.
Bryce had been the sole veterinarian at the Powell River Veterinary Hospital which has close to 5,000 files. All of those files were transferred over to Westview Veterinary Hospital. Bryce and his wife Roni, who ran the practice, will remain in Powell River.
Bryce had really hoped to be able to find someone to take over his practice. “I was so disappointed I could not find anyone to replace me. It’s a very solid practice, we are booked solid, he said, adding that unfortunately there is just no value in independent veterinary practices anymore.
“When I bought the clinic from John Hall, he sold
AMONG HIS LAST PROCEDURES: Dr. Bryce Fleming, veterinarian and owner of Powell River Veterinary Hospital, is retiring. Canada-wide, there is a shortage of vets.
it for a very reasonable price, essentially “paying it forward” and we always intended to do the same for another young veterinarian. But there does not seem to be any value in these small practices anymore.”
Bryce said it was time for him to retire as he has some health issues, and his wife was ready.
He sees the future of veterinary medicine changing with corporations buying up local vet clinics. Since
2012, corporate chains have purchased hundreds of clinics across the country.
Bryce is looking forward to being able to do more hiking and photography. He will continue to work on Veterinary Information Network, the world’s largest medical data base, a resource for vets who want a second opinion.
|| isabelle@prliving.ca
Use the orthography below to write in how to pronounce each letter. Also see Dr. Elsie Paul’s more precise descriptions at bit.ly/3cc8iU4.
Eunoia 32 Lakes Fits to a T Ecossentials
Mother Nature
Coastal Cookery
Sublime Fashions
Tickets available at: Eunoia Studio, Rocky Mountain, Mother Nature and 32 Lakes.
Oceanside Entertainment
Boardwalk Restaurant
Armitage Mens Wear
The Chopping Block
Townsite Brewing
Laughing Oyster
Taws Scizzors Paperworks Tla’amin Store
The Nutcracker The Shinglemill Pollen Sweaters
$20 per ticket
DRAW DATE Sunday, Sept. 1st 2024 6:00 pm
At the Sunshine Music Festival, Palm Beach.
Draw Date: 6pm, Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024 at the Sunshine Music Festival, Palm Beach.
Odds of winning is 1 in 1000 if all tickets are sold.
BC Gaming Event License # 150723
Scan for more details.
Tickets available at: Eunoia studio, Rocky Mountain, Mother nature and 32 Lakes
Check our website for more info
sunshinemusicfest.ca
Sunshine Music Fest Aug. 31 & Sept. 1
Odds of winning is 1 in 1000 if all tickets are sold.
BC GAMING EVENT LICENCE # 150723
I am honoured to be the recipient of the Coastal Women in Business award for Outstanding Woman in Business this year.
Although I was unable to attend the awards ceremony and accept this award in person (I was attending a dog show with my beloved Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers), I was truly humbled and delighted when I heard the news!
Thank you for your support. And a big round of applause and congratulations to all Coastal Women in Business nominees and all the other winners on their accomplishments.
This orthography is based on the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). This guide offers a simplified version of the sounds; for an authentic accent, listen at firstvoices.com.
Most letters you’ll see in ʔayʔaǰuθəm are familiar. Pronounce them as you normally would, with the exception of the vowels and “y,” which are always pronounced:
There are lies, damn lies, and statistics. Add to that qathet’s roller-coaster real estate market, and you can imagine how headlines were generated by the Canadian Real Estate Association’s recent report that qathet’s average selling price in May 2024, compared to May 2023, was down by 31%.
What happened?
“The numbers from the news were skewed by a [uniquely high] $4.5 million dollar sale that happened last May,” explained Curtis Yungen, President of the Powell River Sunshine Coast Real Estate Board. In other
words, stats were artificially inflated in May of 2023, which is what’s responsible for the wonky 31% stat.
Other info that bring more sense to this market: the median price, year-todate, is down by just 1.3%, representing a very stable market. In addition, in May, new listings were up by 29%, and sales volume up by 19% over last May.
Homes are also selling slightly faster this year over last so far, with average days on the market dropping from 69 to 63.
Our collective heart rates can return to normal.
Evidently many folks in qathet represent the “very richest” Canadians, according to Trudeau.
BY PIETA WOOLLEY
Only the wealthiest Canadians will get dinged by the rising capital gains tax, according to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Here’s a summary: as of June 25, there’s an increase in the capital gains inclusion rate from one half to two thirds for profits over $250,000. In other words, if you own a second home or a cabin, and you sell it, you’ll pay about 8% more in tax.
The Prime Minister made a video to explain the change to the rest of us, such as nurses (an example he uses in the video) whom he guesses don’t make enough to own secondary properties. He said that if we don’t know what a ‘capital gains tax advantage’ is, it’s because we probably aren’t wealthy enough to own a second home.
But as local wealth management
firm Verecan CEO and portfolio manager, Colin White, points out, here in qathet, many folks own secondary homes – and thank goodness they do.
“In my experience, people here very much believe in investing in properties,” he said. “Is this tax just going to impact the wealthy here? Demonstratively that’s not true. Many people who would not be considered affluent by any measure will be impacted by this.”
That 8% less in profits “dramatically changes the math” on investing in real estate, Colin said.
It will dis-incentivize some people from hanging on to their properties, which may mean current rental homes will go back on the market – potentially taking them out of the rental pool. Similarly, some people will choose to invest in goods other than property – again, potentially shrinking the
rental pool.
It will also mean, in some cases, 8% less money flowing to younger generations as down payments for their own homes.
In qathet, we heavily depend on small-scale investors to provide rental homes. There are only about 650 rental suites that were actually built to be rental suites here, according to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation. The vast majority – about 900 more suites – are in the “secondary market.” Many of these are houses or condos that were bought by individuals and rented out – and will be dinged by this new tax.
The Feds are hoping that this tax will achieve two benefits. First, that it will sour the homes-as-commodity dynamic and push more properties onto the market, depressing prices and allowing more young people to get in to a first home. Second, that it will pull more money into government, to deliver social programs including housing.
Colin also isn’t sure this will work out well here – or anywhere else.
“There are two sides to this argument,” he said. “The tax-and-spend version of government believes that
the only way to achieve societal fairness is to tax and spend. On the other side, governments are tremendously inefficient at redistributing money [such as in providing affordable housing].
“Either of these ideas to an extreme is a problem.
“Government has a tremendously bad track record at investments. Government is also the only mechanism that truly protects the most vulnerable.”
That’s not the only quagmire, in trying to figure out what this new capital gains tax level means.
Governments seem to be disagreeing about the role of homeowners in the rental market.
On the one hand, Victoria just started offering up to $40,000 for homeowners to build a secondary suite into their home to help solve the rental crisis. That’s a clear message that the Province understands how critical the secondary rental market is.
On the other hand, through this change to capital gains, Ottawa is now dis-incentivizing buying a place to rent out. That seems to demonstrate that the Feds want investors out of the rental market. || pieta@prliving.ca
BYGONE
BY MIRIAM (MIM) MCCRAE
I wrote this poem for my sister-inlaw, who is suffering some memory loss.
Everyone is at risk. People with certain health conditions, pregnant people, young children, and older adults should take extra care.
• Limit outdoor activity on smoky days.
• Use a portable HEPA air cleaner.
• Visit community spaces with cleaner and cooler air.
• Consider a well-fitted N95 mask, if you are outdoors.
For local smoke conditions and more information on protecting yourself, visit our website.
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I just wanted to tell you that during your visit I had a really good time, So I thought I would write about some of our adventures in rhyme. When you walked through the forest, you said you felt small, Not because you had shrunk, but because the trees are so tall.
We checked out restaurants, museums, art galleries and second-hand shops. Enjoyed meals, learned some history, viewed paintings and bought cute tops.
In 1912 the world’s largest paper mill was built and surrounded by the town.
But after many years and different owners the machinery is now shut down.
This area is known for sailing and canoe routes, as well as bike and hiking trails. Visitors can arrive by small plane or on the ferry while watching for whales. Although Powell River may be a city smaller than most It is known Internationally for the events that we host.
We saw PRISMA put on an
amazing performance in the ocean-side park.
Brass, percussion and strings as the sun was setting, just before dark.
The Kathaumixw Coral Festival attracted choirs from Uganda, Sweden and all around We were thrilled to hear the small groups as well as the “1000 Voice Choir” sound.
However. the most touching part of it all was our own men’s choir… My, oh my,
The words of that song and their sad faces melted our hearts… they made us cry.
The July1st fireworks display lit up the sky with vibrant colors above the pier, Impressing old and young alike ... ooh and aah was all you could hear.
Later there was Logger Sports with chain saw carving and competitions along the beach.
Even a stunt man goofing around; standing on his head 80 feet above anyone’s reach.
The Patrica Theater is the oldest continuously operating theater in Canada; it opened in 1913. We went there for the architecture, the murals and the old piano; not for what was on the big screen.
I must admit, except to cool off, we didn’t spend much time at the
mall.
We chose to walk in the forest where, I’ll mention again, the trees are so tall. We visited Savary and other beaches; walked on sand, collected shells and rocks. But what I cherish the most was sitting on the logs, having nice long talks.
We breathed fresh air and admired magnificent views. Felt God’s presence and never, ever listened to the news. We saw deer, goats, chickens, peacocks and even owls in a pair, Bear and sheep but we didn’t see any cows, because they are rare.
The first five weeks you were here, we did not get a drop of rain, Relief from heat and dryness came, just before you got on the plane. Now, when I sit at the piano or pick up my guitar to play a tune, I remember how happy you were, singing hymns in the living room.
And yes, I will be careful not to get dizzy and fall, When I look up at the tree-tops that are so, so tall.
For teens, summer work is a chance to learn and earn. Young entrepreneurs such as Megan Spick take that up a notch, with extra responsibility and opportunity.
BY MEGAN SPICK
Three years ago, my dad and I opened a small ice cream shop at our cabin on Hardy Island, in Jervis Inlet: Hardy Har Ice Cream. We started by selling ice cream, candy, coffee, and cold drinks.
In the second year we began offering fresh baked goods as well. Each Friday night my dad and I would spend the evening making fresh pies, mixing bread dough, and setting the dough out to rise. We would then rise early Saturday morning to divide the dough, knead it, dust it with flour, and bake it in a Dutch oven.
That was my first experience with baking bread, and I found it a lot of fun.
In the third year we expanded our offerings to include seasonal produce which my dad and I grow in our Hardy
Farms greenhouse. This takes a lot of work, but is fun, interesting, rewarding, and yummy. It is all so fresh and delicious, and well worth the wait.
When we first opened Hardy Har I
was excited, but nervous. I found it stressful dealing with a lot of people at once. As time went by, I became more comfortable with the process and dealing with lots of people and the confu-
sion that sometimes comes with that. Overall, this has given me new opportunities, new experiences, and the chance to meet new people as well as make new friends.
In the beginning it was a challenge for me to just help out. After three years the challenge now is how to run my own small business. When things get busy I can’t do the work alone so I have a friend from town, or a friend from Hardy or my sister Anna come over to help me. This makes it a lot more fun and helps pass the time at slow points in the day.
It also provides all of us with a source of income over the summer. The money that I earn with the business goes back into the business. The tips get split evenly between myself and my friends. In addition to learning how to scoop ice cream, I have learned social skills, money management, small business basics… and how to bake.
What started out as a small ice cream, candy, and coffee stand has now become a place for the Hardy Island Community to come together. It’s a place where friends gather, neighbours meet neighbours, and everybody can have a great time. It’s a place where community is built.
We are open noon until 5 pm each Saturday and Sunday (and sometimes Monday) through the summer. You can find us on the west shore of Telescope Pass. Look for the dock with the ice cream cone sign. You can also find us on Google Maps. We hope to see you on Hardy this summer.
Bill Smith (banjo, Scout Mountain) and Donna Huber (artist, showing at the Old Courthouse Inn) downsized from Lund to an older home in Westview 12 years ago. They fell in love with the property, which had a well-established garden of fruit trees, shrubs, and a completely fenced-in back yard for their Border Collies.
After renovating the house and a few half-hearted attempts to grow some vegetables, they have recently ‘dug in’ so to speak and are now seriously trying to produce as much of their own organic produce as possible.
The property is below Crossroads Village, a private oasis in the very centre of town. For pollinators, their yard is a lush mix of natural growth, curated flowers, orchard fruits, lawn, pond, and vegetables. For humans, two comfortable decks offer a view of the ocean, with plenty of shade, quiet, and the water-trickle sound of the pond.
Fun fact: these two started the Lund News (later Barnacle) newspaper back in the 80s, after someone caught an 11’6” six-gilled mud shark off the pier and Bill wanted to share the story.
How did you start gardening? How did you learn to do it?
Bill & Donna • We started trying to garden at our first home in Lund on a rock bluff. We failed.
Like most of life’s challenges you only learn by doing and failing and trying again, we will keep trying.
Tell us about your current garden.
Bill & Donna • This past year we invested in five metal garden beds and set them up as Hugel beds, starting with a base of logs, branches, and twigs. Then layers of organic materials are added on top, such as grass clippings, hay, straw, leaves, manure, compost, and finally top soil. So great to not be always kneeling or squatting, now
“We pickle some beans (for the Caesars), and make Cassis from the black currants. I mean really, what’s not to like about gardening?”
- Bill Smith & Donna Huber
we are planting, weeding and harvesting at waist height.
In our backyard we grow tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers in the greenhouse, we have kale, chard, beets, carrots, parsnips, beans, leeks, and spinach in the cans. Still in the ground we have squash, more kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, yams, strawberries, raspberries, rhubarb, garlic and we are still waiting to see if the collards will show themselves. The peach trees look good, the cherries not so much, we might get a good apple crop, as always it’s cross your fingers and bless the real farmers out there.
What have been your biggest gardening successes? What are you most proud of?
Bill & Donna • Today the spinach and strawberry salad is a wonderful success. Maybe not proud, but very happy to be skipping the big grocery outlets as much as we do. We are also very happy with our pink dogwood which puts on a long, lovely show.
What are your greatest gardening challenges?
Bill & Donna • Finding enough time. Keeping the moisture levels just right.
What kinds of gardening stuff do you invest in?
Bill & Donna • We are still buying too many seeds, hope to change that. Our best investment was joining the Garden Club in town. With wonderful guest speakers, sharing of plants and ideas and Master Gardeners always ready to answer your questions.
What do you do with the things you grow?
Bill & Donna • We eat, freeze, and share our crop with family. We pickle some beans (for the Caesars), and make cassis from the black currants. I mean really, what’s not to like about gardening?
Advice for new gardeners?
Bill & Donna • Have fun, it’s a journey.
WONDERFUL IN WESTVIEW:
Bill and Donna in the greenhouse, where they grow tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers.
The pink rose bush was here before the duo moved in 2012.
Bill Smith and Donna Huber adore the red roses.
Local wild flowers (such as this clover) and even weeds have a purpose, especially for pollinators.
This Hibiscus was a birthday present, “we just turned old.”
“This guy moved into our very small pond last year and how he got here must be quite a story.”
The new Cox Pippen apple tree is thriving.
Black currants ready to pick soon.
Donna smells wild roses.
An old garden trowel. SproutBox Garden beds. Pink Dogwood.
When Kim Langton visited here a few years ago to help build a shop for a friend, the carpenter fell in love with the community – and the fishing. Now, he’s branching out from his day job in carpentry to offer fishing charters. Tapping into his experience as a fishing guide in his youth, and a lifetime of fishing experience, he’s taking people out in his 20-foot Four Winns, under the banner Lucky 13 Fishing Charters, and catching lots of fish. “I’ve always loved fishing and I love taking people out and showing them how to fish,” Kim told qathet Living. To book a charter with Lucky 13, call 604-704-4142.
After a province-wide search, Lift Community Services has chosen someone close to home to helm the organization. Kim Markel has been hired as the new executive director for the organization, replacing Stuart Clark, who left the organization in April. Kim joined Lift as director of programs in April 2023, and has been filling in since Stuart’s departure. The Lift board worked with an external recruiter to solicit applications from across the province. “In the end,” Lift board president Maggie Hathaway says,
“Kim’s past experience and insider knowledge of Lift gave her a strong advantage over the external candidates we interviewed.” Prior to Lift, Kim worked as an acute care manger at qathet General Hospital and program manager at Bella Coola hospital. She has a Masters of Nursing in Advanced Practice Leadership and has two decades of clinical and leadership experience in housing, harm reduction, and healthcare settings. Lift currently runs over a dozen programs in the community, including supportive housing, Immigrant Services, Family Place Resource Centre, Literacy Outreach, the Community Resource Centre, the Region’s local WorkBC office, and community health programs including an overdose prevention site and an injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT) program.
A new sandwich shop will open at 4722 Marine Avenue this month. Saint Amore International will open in early July in the historic building famous for housing Madame Loukes 5th Avenue Dress Shop. Ruby and Sorrel (born and raised here) Dos Santos moved to Powell River last year. Ruby, whose grandfather opened the first Portuguese restaurant in Toronto in 1951, grew up working in the industry and learning from his grandfather. He did most of the cooking for the family over the years and brings with him an old school mentality to his business. “We will offer authentic, affordable European sandwiches such as meatball, Italian roast beef, Portuguese pork roast, chicken soleil and chickpea tahini tuna,” he said. “We’ll also offer our own spice mixes and Bolognese and meat sauce for sale.”
“I was very grateful that Austyn was our realtor. Faced with the sale of a multi-family house and accompanying differences she got us to closing day with professionalism, energy, focus and an abundance of patience. Thank You Austyn!” - Susan Birrell
After just a year operating as a home-based florist business, Janet Lowes has moved into a Marine Avenue storefront with a walk-in cooler. Bloom Wildly is now located at 4712 Marine Avenue. Janet was a working for Vancouver Coastal Health as a care aid and caring for her four kids; as her children started leaving the nest it was “finally my turn to put my dreams first. I have been setting up shops since I was a child in my bedroom and have always loved everything about flowers,” she told qathet Living.
“I take pride in keeping my prices low and my flower arrangements huge! I think no matter the budget everyone who is either celebrating a life event or mourning a loss deserves beautiful flowers. And I will find a way to help without them breaking the bank.”
Visit the Bloom Wildly shop across from the Bank of Montreal, or call 604-489-3384.
Helen Whittaker has moved her optical/glasses storefront to the Townsite Public Market 5831Ash Avenue. Unit 206.
“I moved to have more privacy for my clients and more ‘walk around’ presence,” said Helen.
“The public market is crammed with artisans and gorgeous entrepreneurs, and the new space is light airy and so ‘vital’ there is an energy in the place.”
The 200-square foot space is also accessible for wheelchairs, she said.
|| sean@prliving.ca
Being chosen as one of the best builders in qathet means a lot to us. Our team at Westward Coastal Homes works hard every day to build projects that both we and our clients will be proud of for decades to come. We’re here for the long term, so we put our heart into creating buildings that are as resilient as they are beautiful, and to be recognized for that makes us really appreciative of our community. So on behalf of Jeremy Hayward and his team, thank you.
In this pro selfie by Ryk Tataryn, the photographer skimboards at the Hulks. This month offers plenty of organized beach fun, from Skim Jam at Gillies Bay on Texada July 20, to Sandcastle Fest that same weekend, Pride in the Park (July 6) and Logger Sports (July 10 to 14) both at WIllingdon; the Savary Fun Triathlon July 21, Thursday Night Markets and Music in the Park at Willingdon, and so much more.
qL’s July calendar also shows several mornings with extremely low tides, for planning your own skim boarding and beachcombing adventures.
3
Wednesday
Very Low Morning Tide
1.7 feet at 10:32 am
Sunset at 9:28 pm July sunsets are epic. This month, they get earlier each day by a couple of minutes. By July 31, they’re at 9 pm exactly.
BC Ferries Community Workshop
6 pm, register for location. RSVP to www.bcferriesprojects.ca/powell-river Note: BC Ferries says space is limited.
Autumn Skye Morrison Book
Launch: Art & Soul
7 pm, Artifact Gallery, Marine Ave. After three years of creation, and over 15 years of compiled paintings, Autumn Skye’s coffee-table art book is now available! See Page 23for more.
4
Thursday
Very Low Morning Tide
1.3 feet at 11:16 am Thursday Night Market
6 to 9 pm, Willingdon Beach. Food, crafts, and more.
5
Friday
New moon
Best time of month to see faint objects in the sky.
6
Saturday
Drag story time
Noon, Willingdon Beach qathet’s first Pride Parade
2 pm, Marine and Duncan to WIllingdon Beach
Pride in the Park 3:30 pm to 11 pm, Willingdon beach. Speakers, vendors, food, activities, bands etc.
Open Air Farmers Market
10 am to Noon, Paradise Exhibition Grounds.
Teen Summer
Reading Challenge Begins
For ages 12 to 18, read and win prizes. Enter each time you finish another item (including eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, more) to increase your chances of winning throughout the summer! Enter at prpl.ca. Through August 9.
Powell River Working Equitation Classic and Clinic begins Paradise Exhibition Grounds. WeCan-licensed horse show open to the public. More info at powellrivertrailriders.com.
Kansas-Lee, singersongwriter 7 pm, The Wishing Well.
7
Sunday
Neighbourhood Block Party Day
Organized by the Westview Ratepayers Society. Contact Rick Craig at westviewratepayers@gmail. com for more.
PR Working Equestrian Classic and Clinic Paradise Exhibition Grounds. powellrivertrailriders.com.
Open Air Farmers Market 12:30 to 2:30 pm, Paradise Exhibition Grounds.
8
Monday
Rock Band Camp and Screen Acting Camp begin Academy of Music. Through July 12. See powellriveracademy.org for more.
9
Tuesday
Everyone Welcome Work Party: Farmers Market 10 am to 2 pm, Paradise Exhibition Park
11
Thursday
Patricia Theatre Grand Reopening Film TBD.
Powell River Logger Sports & Carving Competition begins Loggers Memorial Amphitheatre, Willingdon Beach. Canadian and world championship events, from pole-climbing to axe-throwing, hot saw and much more. Entertainment, prizes, etc. Chainsaw competition starts on the 11; Logger Sports starts on the 13.
Thursday Night Market
6 to 9 pm, Willingdon Beach. Food, crafts, and more.
12
Friday
Logger Sports Continues
Loggers Memorial Amphitheatre, Willingdon Beach. Summer Vocal Academy begins Academy of Music. Through July 14. See powellriveracademy.org for more.
Film • Inside Out 2
7 pm The Patricia
13
Saturday
Logger Sports Continues
Loggers Memorial Amphitheatre, Willingdon Beach.
Open Air Farmers Market
10 am to Noon, Paradise Exhibition Grounds.
Film • Inside Out 2
7 pm The Patricia
14
Sunday
Logger Sports Continues
Loggers Memorial Amphitheatre, Willingdon Beach.
Open Air Farmers Market
12:30 to 2:30 pm, Paradise Exhibition Grounds.
Amy The Coda
7 pm, The Wishing Well. Music, sign language, singing with synth.
Film • Inside Out 2
7 pm The Patricia
EASE-Y RIDER: qathet vet Dr. Laura Field, on Goldie, navigating an ease of handling course in Victoria. Laura is also involved in the PRTRA.
BY MILAN JACKSON
Come watch and cheer on the competitors! We are thrilled to be a part of the Vancouver Island Working Equitation Summer Show Series.
Working Equitation is a competitive sport that showcases classical horsemanship applied for livestock management.
The sport originated in Europe, with the first European Championship held in 1996. France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal were the participants in that first championship, and the sport of Working Equitation is based on the way horses are used on farms in those countries.
Working Equitation Competition comprises three phases: Dressage, Ease of Handling, Speed, and at international level, Cattle Penning.
To score well in the Dressage and Ease of Handling trials, the horse must demonstrate dressage fundamentals. He should have a round frame, be in uphill balance, and light to the rider’s aids.
These attributes also make a more competitive horse in the Speed and Cattle Trials.
THE DRESSAGE PHASE is much like that of a normal dressage test although some of the movements are performed slightly differently. At the highest level it involves some Grand Prix movements being performed with the use of just one hand.
When: July 6 & 7 weekend
What: Powell River Working Equitation Horse Show
Where: Paradise Exhibition Park (Powell River Trail Riders Arena) beside the Farmer’s Market
THE EASE OF HANDLING TEST consists of a course of obstacles, replicating those that may be found when working in the countryside. For example, a gate, a bridge, and a jump. There are also other more technical obstacles such as the parallel slalom, straight slalom and barrels, all of which, at Advanced level, require the horse and rider to perform flying changes in specific places in order to perform the obstacle correctly. Riders are given a mark out of ten for precision, submission and ease of movement for each obstacle.
THE SPEED TEST involves some or all of the same obstacles tackled in the ease of handling test but is purely marked on the time it takes for the horse and rider to complete the course. Time faults and bonuses can occur according to specific obstacles.
Working Equitation is a real test of the horse’s temperament and training, the rider’s skill and ability and of course the relationship between horse and rider.
Tuesday
Welcoming Whales
7 pm, Library. Naturalist filmmakers Jude Abrams and Terry Brown will present an audiovisual journey of the return of humpback whale populations to the local Salish Sea waters. For information contact Mark at mmerlino@prpl.ca
Sea Beneath the Sea reception
4 pm, Tidal Art Centre, Lund. Megan Dulcie Dill show: paintings, books, curiosities. See Page 23 for more.
Film
• Inside Out 2
7 pm The Patricia
17
Wednesday
Arnold Nouwens artist talk
6:30 pm at the Library
Arnold Nouwens will lead a walk through and give an artist talk on his contemporary art exhibition Construct + Revelation currently on display at the Library.
Film • Inside Out 2
7 pm The Patricia
18
Thursday
Fiber Space Drop-in
10 am to 2 pm, qathet Art Centre.
Artique Gallery
Summer Salon
6:30 to 8:30, 6820 Alberni. An evening of art, music, refreshments, and fun, featuring special local
guest artists. artique. ca 604-485-4837
Thursday Night Market
6 to 9 pm, Willingdon Beach. Food, crafts, and more.
Film • Inside Out 2 7 pm The Patricia
19
Friday
Very Low Morning Tide
1.9 feet at 10:56 am
Film • Inside Out 2
7 pm The Patricia
20
Saturday
World’s Fastest Indian, is about a 1920 World Speed record holding motorbike set in the mid 60s! To register your vehicle (free), go to reelcars@shaw.ca
Lang Bay Hall Market
10 to 1 pm. $25 per table/ 604-483-1440.
Orchid Lounge DJ night
7 pm, The Wishing Well.
Film • Inside Out 2
7 pm The Patricia
21
Texada Sandcastle Weekend begins Bed races, moonbags, laser light show, pancake breakfast, dog show, beer garden – and sandcastles.
Texada.org
Open Air Farmers Market
10 am to Noon, Paradise Exhibition Grounds.
Powell River
Outdoors annual Top
Rod Fishing Derby
Stay up to date at proutdoors.com (pro report) and on Facebook.
Texada Skim Jam
10 am, Gillies Bay
Very Low Morning Tide
1.3 feet at 11:40 am
Third Annual
Showtime and Shine: Vintage Cars & Motorcycles
11 am to 1:30 pm. Movie at 2 pm. Prizes at 1:30 pm. At & outside the Patricia Theatre. Free feature movie,
Sunday
Savary Island Fun Triathlon
The Savary Island Fun Triathlon supports the Savary Island Volunteer Fire Department (SIVFD) and brings the community together annually for a family-friendly event. savarytriathlon.wixsite.com
Texada Sandcastle Weekend Texada.org
RBC Scramble
1 pm, Myrtle Point Golf Club
Open Air Farmers Market
12:30 to 2:30 pm, Paradise Exhibition Grounds.
Ian Skorscha, Argentinian singersongwriter
7 pm, The Wishing Well.
Very Low
Afternoon Tide
0.95 feet at 12:24 pm
Full moon
Also called the Buck Moon.
Film • Inside Out 2
7 pm The Patricia
22
Monday
Very Low
Afternoon Tide
1.05 feet at 1:05 pm
Grant Lawrence, Jill Barber, Ashleigh Ball & Sarah Jane Scouten Live
July 22, Laughing Oyster. Eventbrite
Film • Inside Out 2
7 pm The Patricia
23
Tuesday
Power Paddle to Puyallup
Tla’amin’s paddlers will be joining the event at Lummi Nation.
Very Low
Afternoon Tide
1.69 feet at 1:51 pm
Film • Inside Out 2
7 pm The Patricia
24
Wednesday
Grant Lawrence, Jill Barber, Ashleigh
Ball & Sarah Jane Scouten Live
Hacienda Pascalito, Savary Island. Eventbrite.
Texada Aerospace Camp begins
For ages 10 to 16. Texada. org. Through the 24th.
25
Thursday
Concert • Music in the Park
7 pm Willingdon Beach, Rotary Pavillion. Sponsored by the City.
Grant Lawrence, Jill Barber, Ashleigh Ball & Sarah Jane Scouten Live
Dockside Kitchen, Refuge Cove. Tickets on Eventbrite
Wildfire Risks in the qathet Region
4 pm, Library. Learn about fire behaviour, historical local wildfires and the risks of wildfire in this region from the qRD FireSmart Coordinator Marc Albert.
Thursday Night Market
6 to 9 pm, Willingdon Beach. Food, crafts, and more.
26
Friday
Catch more Crab
5 pm, Library. Sunshine Coast based author Al
Hyland will present his new book on how to find, trap and cook this delicious seafood. For information contact Mark at mmerlino@prpl.ca
27
Saturday Open Air Farmers Market
10 am to Noon, Paradise Exhibition Grounds.
Lund Daze
Lund Kla ah men Gazebo. Music & food, kids activities. Everyone welcome. Townsite Garage Sale 9 am to 1 pm. Neighbourhood-wide sale.
Local Punk Showcase 7 pm, The Wishing Well.
28
Sunday
Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower
The peak is overnight between July 28 and 29, but the shower happens July 12 to August 23. View from a dark location after midnight.
Open Air Farmers Market 12:30 to 2:30 pm, Paradise Exhibition Grounds.
31
Wednesday Sunset at 9 pm By August 31, the sun will set by 8:02 pm. In mid-December, it sets before 4:20 pm.
Artifact Gallery
Roy Schneider • The Nature of Nature Paintings • July 24 to August 11
Crucible Gallery
TALKIznG STICK • a composition by david molyneaux 6 channel audio conversation
Gestation: Wednesday – Sunday / July 3,4,5,6,7 / 10,11,12,13,14, / All hours – walk in Performance : Wednesday – Sunday / July 17,18,19,20,21 / 2-8 pm – on the hour
Powell River Public Library
Arnold Nouwens • Construct + Revelation Paintings • Through August. Artist talk 7 pm, July 17. Afreeannualself-guided event,withover50artists participating.Experiencethe diversityandexcellenceof theartcommunityofqathet.
July 1
Canada Day Party & Fireworks
3 to 10:30 pm, Willingdon Beach. Live music and entertainment, vendors, and a fireworks finale!
July 6
qathet’s first
Pride Parade
2 pm, Marine and Duncan to WIllingdon Beach. Pride in the Park 3:30 pm to 11 pm, Willingdon beach. Speakers, vendors, food, activities, bands etc.
July 11 to 14
Powell River Logger Sports & Carving Competition
Loggers Memorial Amphitheatre, Willingdon Beach. Canadian and world championship events, from pole-climbing to axe-throwing, hot saw and much more. Entertainment, prizes, etc. Chainsaw competition starts on the 11; Logger Sports starts on the 13.
July
Texada Sandcastle Weekend
Bed races, moonbags, laser light show, pancake breakfast, dog show, beer garden – and sandcastles. Texada.org
Saturday, July 20
Powell River
Outdoors annual Top
Rod Fishing Derby
Stay up to date at proutdoors.com (pro report) and on Facebook.
Texada Skim Jam
10 am, Gillies Bay
July 20
Third Annual Showtime and Shine: Vintage Cars & Motorcycles
11 am to 1:30 pm. Movie at 2 pm. Prizes at 1:30 pm. At & outside the Patricia Theatre. Free feature movie, World’s Fastest Indian, is about a 1920 World Speed record holding motorbike set in the mid 60s! To register your vehicle (free), go to reelcars@shaw.ca
July 21
Savary Island Fun Triathlon
The Savary Island Fun Triathlon supports the Savary Island Volunteer Fire Department (SIVFD) and brings the community together annually for a family-friendly event. savarytriathlon.wixsite.com
July 23
Power Paddle to Puyallup
Tla’amin’s paddlers will be joining the event at Lummi Nation.
July 27
Lund Daze
Lund Kla ah men Gazebo. Music & food, kids activities. Everyone welcome.
Townsite Garage Sale
9 am to 1 pm. Neighbourhood-wide sale.
August 3 & 4
Texada Island Blues & Roots Fest Texada.org
FIND YOUR NEW FAVES: Hand-woven baskets, lampshades, wreaths and more: Catherine Langevin’s “Willow Avenue” is just one stop of nearly 50 on this year’s qathet Studio Tour August 24 & 25.
August 7
BC Day Stat
August 10 & 11
Fins & Skins
Golf Tourney
Morning fishing derby and afternoon golf tournament followed by dinner and prizes at Myrtle Point Golf Club. Net proceeds support the Powell River Salmon Society. Hosted by Josh Statham Group. Myrtle Point Golf Club. To register call 604-223-5674
August 15 to 18
Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Word
Join Canada’s longest running summer gathering of
Canadian writers and readers, featuring established literary stars and exciting, new voices… with opportunities for writers and readers to mingle amidst Rockwood’s heritage gardens. writersfestival.ca
August 15
Powell River’s own CCMA-winning country fiddle duo, Twin Kennedy Evergreen Theatre. An evening of up-close-andpersonal acoustic music, sharing songs from their CCMA-nominated album “Homebound” and of course some sizzling fiddle tunes from Julie off her recent win as CCMA Fiddle Player of the Year!
Come join Texada Islanders on July 20/21, for our Premier Summer Community Festival — Sandcastle Weekend!
Saturday kicks off at 11 am with a parade down Gillies Bay Road, starting South of the Gillies Bay Ballpark, up to the RCMP station. After the parade is over, purchase your Texada Island hand-dyed T-shirts or buy a draw ticket on some great prizes at the Information Booth.
The Old School in Gillies Bay will host a bouncy castle as part of the activities for children and their parents in the family zone.
The Gillies Bay Ballpark will host the show & Shine, bed-races, craft and art vendors, food vendors and the Legion beer garden. Saturday evening: the party shifts to Shelter Point Park were the lip-sync contest is open to all ages! Come let your hidden rock star shine. The evening wraps up with a dazzling professional Laser Light Show, shining through the trees. Dancing is encouraged.
Sunday: Starts off at 8 am with a sunrise service at Shelter Point, then onto the pancake breakfast at the Texada Community Hall in Gillies Bay, hosted by the Texada Island Fireman’s Association.
At 9:30 am, head to the beach to register and build your sand sculptures. There are cash prizes in each of our four categories. Sand Sculpture judging will
August 16
Blackberry Fest Street Party
Car-free on Marine Ave. Stay tuned for more info on the full week’s schedule of other Blackberry Fest events.
August 18
Run the Rock Texada marathon / half marathon / 8K. runtexada.ca.
August 24 & 25
qathet Studio Tour
A free self-guided event featuring artists from Lang Bay to Lund. Tour artist homes and studios to see where the creative magic happens. qathetstudiotour.ca
August 29
Concert • Music in the Park
7 pm Willingdon Beach, Rotary Pavillion. Sponsored by the City.
September 2 & 3
Sunshine Music Fest
Line-up TBA. Weekend-long music fest at Lang Bay, plus vendors, food, kids area and more. sunshinemusicfest.ca.
September 2
The Texada Island Firefighters 3rd Annual BBQ Fundraiser
Shelter Point Park starting at noon featuring music by the Ryder Bachman Band. We are raising funds for a much-needed Wildfire Rapid Attack Vehicle. If you are interested in donating or sponsoring our event email us at training@gilliesbayvfd.ca or call Gillies Bay Assistant Fire Chief Ben Reiman at 604-910-5601
September 7
Texada Paint Out
Capture the stunning scenery of Texada Island at Shelter Point. texada.org
September TBA Mushroom Run
Details TBA.
September 14 & 15 Fall Fair Paradise Exhibition Grounds. Harvest festival with a judged competition in growing, baking, crafting, and much more. Vendors, music, food, meet the animals, and celebrate fall.
be done by People’s Choice! So, get on the beach and pick the winners!
Not into building a Sand Sculpture? Dress up your pup (and you too!) for the dog show costume cate gory and show off their talents in the obedience and agility categories or look through the Craft and Art Vendors, Food Vendors and the Legion Beer Garden. 3:30 pm Sunday concludes with awards being handed out at the Gillies Bay Ballpark. It is a weekend of community and family fun on Texada Island, where it is always nice, whatever the weather!
Irecently released a book on remembering forgotten etiquette within sacred gatherings, and if you have been reading this column for long, or know me personally, you can imagine the sort of flavour my offerings generally have.
Encouraging tending to our innermost private selves, our soulful needs, restoring our nervous systems, caring for each other’s hearts, reclaiming cultural wisdom, spiritual support – yes, but ideally – presented with language that most folks might relate to regardless of their religion, heritage, or life view.
It’s a matter of knowing where I am.
Right now, I’m here with you Dear Reader, who I’ve likely not met and know very little about, so I aim to be a hospitable visitor in your day through what, and how, I speak here.
If instead, we were best buds two brews in at the pub, the way we interact would shift, just as it would if meeting for a job interview, sipping tea with Grandma, or entering a holy space.
Knowing where we are, and why we are there, helps us conduct ourselves in the manner we wish to be received. A point made uncomfortably clear to me leading up to our Solstice celebrations when a guest of a guest, unfortunately didn’t realize where they were – thereby inadvertently conducting themselves inappropriately.
Without malicious intent, proselytizing words were unexpectedly brought into a very heathen ceremony space. Knowing where I was, allowed me the authority to divert this energy to reparation.
Fittingly in this case, through some rather labour-heavy tasks, like moving rocks to the cairn and shovelling ash from the hearth in preparation for seasonal spiritual traditions.
If I hadn’t known where I was, I might have missed the medicine at hand, perhaps flipped a table in angst, and generally made a greater mess of things.
“Remembering
Instead, there was a natural protocol to follow, one that saved face for them and continued to establish spiritual sovereignty for me, my family, and like-minded community.
Wherever we are, whatever we are doing, is an opportunity to orient ourselves and choose how to engage with our surroundings. Best case, we find something supportive there, be it a teaching, a refining experience, an essence, or other medicinal quality, something likely missed if we can’t tell the difference between a pulpit and a pagan fire pit.
Remembering forgotten etiquette is tender, vulnerable work. It takes time, and there’s bound to be missteps along the way too.
Juliette Jarvis is a best selling author offering sacred living mentorship, devotional arts, and divination sessions. Find her at www.SelkieSanctuary.com
Down
1) Zoê’s readers’ pet
7) Cozy best souvenir
9) Rescuer service celebrating 50 years
10) Logger’s, carver’s tool
11) Christian’s journey’s subject
12) Lawrence’s remote, but sound, playground
16) Logger volunteer Passek
19) Kennedy duo
21) Librarian’s childhood hero drew her here
22) Tough Jervis isle offers ice cream
23) Former politician’s novel time setting
24) Top realtor
25) Qathet’s other dam
27) Retired vet no spy or lawyer
30) Langton’s lucky number
32) Cover, Texada campground
34) Fave nightly photo subject
35) Ebb, flood
36) Skier to slope, Kiwanis to paper
2) Two-spirit in ayajuthem
3) Tanner’s colour
4) Best butcher’s party
6) Slough book’s point
8) Paddle craft
11) Costa’s best, not Cruise’s 12) Fishing, and Kentucky, competition
13) Temporary beach structure
14) Ottawa’s tax idea
15) Rope swing and more
17) Art & Soul seasonal painter
18) New book’s legendary, but unproved, subjects
20) Campground, baling ties
23) Whale and logger photographer Pennell
26) Thursday night, Townsite
27) Reason to stay away
28) Top coach Tod
29) See best steak for trees
31) Hummingbird
33) Artist Donna turned gardener
Our apologies to those of you stumped y last month’s puzzle. We committed the worst sin in worsearch puzzle-making – including aword in the clues list (BEATLES) that wasn’t actually in the puzzle. Congrats to those of you who caught our mistake, and thanks for your patience. We’ll do our best to not let in happen again.
For 31 years I have had the honour and privilege of sharing stories about the people of this region and many of the issues they care about.
During that time I’ve met more people than I can remember and made many, many friends. I’ve hiked, ridden, biked, boated, flown, jogged, walked, and driven to many breathtaking vistas in this community that are featured in this ‘Best of qathet’ issue.
I’ve loved, laughed and lived here, birthed my children here and buried my stepfather in this community. Powell River has been my home for exactly half my life.
I remember arriving here on a cold, wet day in March back in 1993 to work for the old Powell River News. I’d left my home in Nova Scotia during the recession in search of work and I found it here. I was single and I didn’t know a soul. When the enormity of my new life hit me that first night, I sat on the edge of the bed in the room I’d rented and cried.
The next morning, I got up and got on with it. I attended events, markets, concerts, movies at the Patricia back in the day when Henry Pavid still played the organ before the show started. I covered municipal council, regional board, and school board. I wrote people features, covered hockey and soccer games, took photos and learned how to develop my own film in the darkroom.
I was a community newspaper reporter and in this role I met many people. Some, like my stepfather William Peebles, former mayors Arnold Carlson and Derry Simpson, Regional District Director Stan Gisborne and friends Bob Blackmore and Rebecca Alexander are no longer with us, but many are.
I was welcomed into this community and I welcomed this community into my heart.
I was reminded of this when, at a recent Chamber of Commerce luncheon, former mayor, entrepreneur and Chamber president Dave Formosa spoke about qathet Living and my role as an entrepreneur – as I am planning to retire at the end of this year. When I launched this magazine, I’d worked as a journalist in Nova Scotia for 10 years, the Powell River News for two years and the Peak for 10 years. I’d outgrown my roles and needed a new challenge and thought the community needed a community magazine. “Who better to do this than you?” I asked myself.
And so, I did. With a “dummy” of what was then called Powell River Living magazine in my hand, I trotted into Dave Formosa’s office to sell some ads. As always, Dave was welcoming and although he liked my idea, he shook his head because he knew it would mean he’d have to spend more money on advertising.
We spoke about many things that day and I’ve thought about that conversation on several occa-
sions over the years when something happened that he predicted would happen and he told me how I would feel. Also as predicted.
More than 18 years have passed since that day. Sometimes it seems like yesterday, sometimes it seems like a lifetime ago. I’ve changed, the magazine has changed, some of the people have changed and some have not.
I’m closing in on 63 and have more of my runway behind me than ahead of me. Now in the sunset of my career, I appreciate getting a pat on the back so it was very nice and unexpected when Dave acknowledged me at that Chamber lunch. It was also a nice surprise when I discovered (while at a dog show with my Duck Tollers) that Coastal Women in Business had chosen me as their Outstanding Woman in Business of the Year and had a beautiful award for me.
I think the reason this recognition made me feel so emotional is that in the end, we want to know that our life mattered – that we made a difference. And as I reflect on qathet Living magazine, which was created to “Celebrate the people and stories of this Region,” all those years ago, I believe it still matters.
We matter.
We need to celebrate this community today more than ever. We need to come together and acknowledge what we have in common instead of focusing on what drives us apart.
When I launched this magazine in 2006, social media wasn’t mainstream like today. We didn’t have keyboard warriors tearing us apart and inflaming issues without doing the research. We talked to one another face to face and on the phone.
It’s easy to blame. It’s harder to get over it and get on with it and if we truly want to celebrate this community, we need to learn to speak to one another like we used to and truly listen to what the other person has to say instead of just waiting for them to finish.
Maybe we need to take a chapter from the high school debating teams of the past and learn that when we speak in favour of or against an issue, we are debating the issue and not the person. Just because we have a difference of opinion it doesn’t mean that the other person is a ‘bad person’ for disagreeing with us.
Lawyers do it all the time, but the prosecutor doesn’t end up hating the lawyer who defended the plaintiff.
We have as much to celebrate today as we did 18 years ago when qathet Living was first published.
Let’s enjoy this beautiful community and it’s people and remember we are what makes the BEST of qathet. || isabelle@prliving.ca
Haywire Bay Park
Open for camping until 1 pm, September 25.
$30 per unit/night. No reservations.
Caretaker: Morgan Huxter, 604-483-1097
Shelter Point Park
Open year-round.
$30 per unit/night. No reservations.
Caretakers: Tyler Danczak and Sofia Khan, 604-486-7228
Palm Beach Park Open year-round. Tennis courts, bandstand, playground.
Craig Park Open year-round. Tennis courts, 18-hole disc golf, play ground and scenic trails. Call to book the baseball fields or soccer pitch.
Klah ah men Open year-round. Gazebo with bandstand. Lund Gazebo Park
Owned and managed by the qathet Regional District
For directions and booking info call 604-485-2260 or visit www.qathet.ca
