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Concerts highlight Renaissance era music Historical works and instruments a passion for both performers VANESSA BJERRESKOV Peak contributor

MUSICAL HISTORY: Albano Berberi [left], who plays Baroque violin and harpsichord, and Joya Muma, who plays Renaissance lute, will bring historical music and instruments to Texada Island and Powell River for two concerts in early January. The duo will perform a selection of Scottish and English Renaissance music, and invite residents to rediscover music that has rarely been performed in hundreds of years. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

History will be on offer when Texada Island resident Joya Muma and her friend Albano Berberi from Boston bring their musical talents to the stage in two January concerts. “We will play a selection of English and Scottish music from the Renaissance,” said Muma. “Much of music from that era hasn’t been played since it was composed in the 1600s, so this is a chance to experience some lovely, interesting music that deserves to be heard more often.” Muma grew up in Powell River and spent much of her childhood at the Powell River Academy of Music. “I took piano and trumpet, and sang in many choirs,” said Muma. “I was considering studying cello at university, but when I saw my first lute at a concert when I was 15, I knew that was what I wanted to focus on.” Muma completed a bachelor’s degree at the University of York, England, in Renaissance lute, then took a post-grad year in Boston, where she met Berberi. “I started playing keyboard at a young age,” said Berberi. “When I was five, my family took me to the local conservatory to look at other instruments to study, and I settled on the violin. A family friend got me interested in historical music when I was about 12, and in high school I tried out a Baroque

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violin and loved it, so that’s how I ended up specializing.” Get the Peak to Go was made in The instrument Berberi plays iPhone app now 1772, and was a gift from available in theone of his college professors. App Store or iTunes “There are some structural differences between the modern violin and the Baroque violin,” said Berberi. “There is no chin rest, the fingerboard is shorter, and the body is narrower, among others. The Baroque violin has a more mellow and organic sound as a result.” Berberi will also play harpsichord for the concert. Get the Peak to Go is too heavy “Albano’s own harpsichord iPhone app now to transport,available but myinneighbour has a virthe ginal harpsichord that she hadn’t App Store or iTunes played in 20 years,” said Muma. “The virginal is very small and transportable with a big sound, and was very popular in the Renaissance and Baroque periods. We actually took it to Vancouver on Boxing Day to have a harpsichord maker install new strings and perform some maintenance so it would be ready for our concerts.” Muma and Berberi encourage people in Powell River and on Texada Island to come see the instruments, hear the music, and experience the history for themselves. “We’ll have lots of different combinations of instruments, including some solo lute and solo harpsichord pieces,” said Berberi. The duo will perform an evening concert at 7 pm on Friday, January 3, at the United Church in Van Anda, and an afternoon concert at 3 pm on Sunday, January 5, at Powell River United Church, 6932 Crofton Street. Tickets are only available at the door; adult admission is $15 and children enter for free.

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NEWS »

Poacher kills young male elk close to road south of town Conservation officer service looking for information on the poacher PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

Information is being sought into the shooting of a bull elk on the Goat Main industrial road south of Powell River. On Thursday, December 19, conservation officer Andrew Anaka said the conservation office received a report of a dead elk. Subsequent attendance and investigation by the conservation officer’s service revealed that

the young bull elk, about 18 months old, had been shot multiple times on or about December 14. That was based on the amount of decomposition that was witnessed on the downed animal. “No effort was made to remove any of the meat from the elk, which died just a few metres off of the main road,” said Anaka. “That was making it impossible that it could not be found and recovered. Whoever shot it knew that it was there.” Anaka said the weekend of December 14 and 15 was the last weekend for the blacktailed deer season on the mainland. He said it is very likely someone was out in that area and may have noticed something unusual. “The public is asked to for-

ward any information about this or any other poaching activity on our report a poacher and polluter line at 1.877.952.7277,” said Anaka. “The BC Wildlife Federation offers up to a $2,000 cash reward for information leading to the conviction of persons who have violated laws protecting fish, wildlife or environmental resources.” He said the conservation officer service does not subscribe to call display and persons providing information can remain anonymous and still be eligible for the reward. “Based on the evidence collected so far, we know that there was more than one person involved,” said Anaka. “It would have been the easiest elk for anybody

SEEKING POACHER: An elk estimated to be in the 18-month-old range was shot multiple times and killed in the Powell River backwoods. The Powell River conservation office is seeking information to help find the poacher. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

to recover. It would have been a matter of backing a truck into the ditch and sliding it into the back. It would have taken minutes.” For hunting wildlife in a closed season, the fine for those convicted can be up to $10,000. Anaka said the poacher stole this animal from every law-abiding resident in this area.

The loss of the elk is a significant event, said Anaka. Although there is a good population of elk in the area, there are not so many that they can be wasted in this manner, he added. Anaka said there are now elk in every watershed in the Powell River area and there are limited entry seasons available for a very limited

harvest, both by hunters and first nations. Anaka said there are elk now in every watershed from the Canada-USA border up to Phillips Arm. He said it is all natural habitat for elk. They were extirpated at one point in time, he added, but they have been reintroduced and have been very successful.

City council endorses reduction in flat tax opportunity to defer their taxes,” said Southcott. “We exist in a speculative real estate market that is jacking values artificially, way beyond the real value of a home. I’m very thankful for this remedy and it alleviates my worry about those people who have lived in homes for a long time. I really hope they find out about this.” Councillor Jim Palm said most residents do not understand what a flat tax actually means. He said even council is not aware of all of the ramifications around the reduction of the flat tax. “It’s my responsibility, being an elected official, to make sure the taxpayers in this community are represented, and that’s one of the reasons why I ran to be in a seat here tonight,” he added. Palm said he can afford the reduction of the flat tax but he was on council to represent people it affects the most. He said he has done a lot of due diligence on this, meeting with the CFO on three occasions. “I speak from the heart and I speak for the people,” said Palm.

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He said when he was first elected, in 2009, the flat tax reached its peak at $479. He said residents paid $250 last year. Going into 2020, the flat tax will have been cut by more than half from its peak level, said Palm. Palm said the flat tax keeps taxes even across the board. When the flat tax is reduced, as was being proposed, the levelling of the field on the taxation front changes, because the people on the higher end are paying a lot more and the people at the lower end are paying much less in comparison, he said. “I’m not against a gradual elimination of the flat tax, but one like this, over the next three years, is way overboard and overkill,” said Palm. Doubt said he was taking the position that the value tax is a more fair tax because it is assessing the value of all of the residences and commercial properties in town at the appropriate tax level based on those values. He said the flat tax charges a certain amount of money for owning property and is not connected to the value of the property.

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City of Powell River Council has voted to reduce the city’s flat tax down to $50 by the 2022 tax year. At the December 19 council meeting, councillors had a lively debate over the flat tax, which was $335 in 2018, $250 in 2019, will be $180 in 2020, $115 in 2021, and 50 in 2022 and beyond. The flat tax is an assessment paid by all improved properties in addition to the variable tax paid on assessed value of the property. According to a report to council from chief financial officer (CFO) Adam Langenmaier, Powell River is one of only five municipalities remaining in BC that still levies a flat tax. He stated that the proposed reduction strategy is not intended to remove the flat tax; it is only intended to reduce the flat tax to a nominal amount. During debate on the issue, councillor George Doubt, who chairs the city’s finance committee, said this will continue an action that council took beginning last year, to reduce

the flat tax overall to make it what he deems, and others deem, as a more fair taxation. He said it shifts the burden of taxation to the value portion of the taxes as opposed to a flat tax on all properties. Councillor Maggie Hathaway said she was glad to see this happening. She said she agreed with Langenmaier that it was a good thing to keep it at $50 because the city cannot get a flat tax again. “It will give us some flexibility down the road,” she said. “That was a brilliant suggestion to keep it at $50, then we still have a flat tax if we need that flexibility.” Councillor Rob Southcott said he also supported the reduction in flat tax. He added that he has concerns for the sector of the community that has worked hard for years, retired, and owns properties that are increasing in value and seeing tax increases disproportionate to their incomes. Southcott said he is happy there is an easy remedy accessed by many people: the tax deferral program. “It essentially gives anyone who wants relief from these taxes, and ACREAGE

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Doubt said the option to defer taxes is a valuable option. Councillor Cindy Elliott said she did not believe the flat tax is necessarily a fair way to tax homes that are valued less, that end up paying a higher percentage of tax, when the flat tax is combined with the value tax. Mayor Dave Formosa said he does not support the elimination of the flat tax. “My concern is that we do have an issue seeing a lot of movement into the regional district,” said Formosa. “I get it. It’s much cheaper taxation, but they also get a lot less services. They have to deal with wells and problems with water, septic systems and what have you. “When you get into a higher-end home, when you get your water bills and sewer bills, and your library goes up and RCMP goes up and your school taxes go up, this is just another hit that we add. It is driving citizens out of our community.” Council voted to endorse the incremental reduction in flat tax with Palm and Formosa opposed.

4 Friday.January 3.2020 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

MLA and MP host gas price town hall meeting Nicholas Simons and Rachel Blaney discuss high fuel costs with Powell River area residents ALEXANDER COSH Peak contributor

Approximately 100 Powell River residents gathered for a town hall meeting on gas prices at Evergreen Theatre on Sunday, December 15. Powell River-Sunshine Coast ML A Nicholas Simons, North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney and former Powell River mayor Colin Palmer sat alongside Powell River Living editor Pieta Woolley as panelists, and heard residents read statements explaining how high gas prices have affected them. The goal of the meeting, explained Woolley, was to better inform elected representatives about how to best advocate for change. She noted that Powell River currently has some of the highest unexplained gas prices in Canada. Prices were hovering for months at around $1.59 per litre: 25 cents higher than in neighbouring jurisdictions on Vancouver Island. That price difference, according to Woolley, costs Powell River families “around $100 per month.” According to a handout distributed at the meeting, unexplained factors in the price differential include the cost of ground transportation in Vancouver, fuel importing costs and extra

FUEL FORUM: Powell River residents who gathered for a town hall meeting on gas prices were joined by Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons and North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney at Evergreen Theatre on Sunday, December 15. ALEXANDER COSH PHOTO

amounts charged by gas stations. Simons said he plans to ask the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) to investigate Powell River gas prices specifically, while Blaney said she will ask the federal Competition Bureau to investigate for anti-competitive practices in the region. “It’s important we assure this government, federally, that this is a very significant issue,” said Blaney. “This will really help me bring the voices forward from this region and let [minister of innovation, science and economic development Navdeep Bains] know.” Blaney noted that gas prices are lower in remote regions such as Nunavut than in Powell River, despite claims that prices are higher in Powell River because of logistical costs. Simons said the issue of high gas prices was “about fairness,” and that he thinks “we’re being gouged.” Although prices in Powell River came down slightly in November, Woolley said,

“the prices still have far to drop.” Last month, the provincial government passed the Fuel Price Transparency Act, which enables BCUC to force oil and gas companies to hand over supply and pricing data. Palmer expressed concerns that the new law does not stipulate such data will be analyzed by government bodies. “The legislation is asking either an administrator or a panel or authority to collect data; the legislation does not say anybody is going to analyze the data,” said Palmer. However, he added, “It’s good legislation, because it is a start.” Palmer also said he thinks the problem lays at the feet of refineries and oil companies, and noted that provinces in Atlantic Canada regulate gas prices “We might get to that stage; we might not,” he added. But, Palmer warned, the BC government might have difficulty regulating USbased companies.

Resident Keith Allen expressed similar concerns, arguing that the new transparency law would only explain why prices are high, without actually compelling companies to lower prices. Another resident asked what actions would be taken if companies are found to be gouging consumers. And, several participants said penalties imposed on companies for unfair pricing ought to be significant enough to actually prevent gouging. Simons said the provincial government would take action if evidence of pricefixing was found, but noted that he thinks current fines imposed by the Competition Bureau for anti-competitive practices seem like “a pittance.” Blaney agreed with Simons. “The consequence that the federal government is putting forward is not really touching those who have unimaginable resources,” she said. “I’m happy to work with you to fight that one.” City of Powell River coun-

cillor Cindy Elliott suggested that all levels of government should invest more resources in Powell River to address broader affordability issues in the area that are worsened by high gas prices. Another issue raised was around the Powell RiverVancouver bus service. Former Delta North MLA Guy Gentner, present at the meeting, said more effort should be made to improve bus transportation to alleviate gas costs associated with trips taken in single-passenger vehicles. “We have a bus system to Vancouver that doesn’t work,” said Gentner. “It’s quite pathetic, frankly.” Simons encouraged residents to sign a petition at the meeting, and said he would pass on everything he hears from his constituents to provincial cabinet ministers. Blaney said she can take the petition to Ottawa. “It takes me 25 signatures to stand up in the House of Commons and read out a petition, and I’m happy to do

that repeatedly,” she added, “so I encourage you to keep sending them to me.” Some attendees noted the lack of younger people present at the meeting. Others suggested continuing the discussion on gas prices via social media platforms, which they said would make the issue more accessible to youth. Small-business owners who attended the meeting described the impact of high gas prices on their livelihoods. “As a business owner, I’m struggling,” said Shawna Graham. “I’ve been in business for 10 years, and my business has declined immensely, especially in the last three. I deliver flowers, and I rely on gas.” In their closing remarks, Blaney and Simons thanked attendees for their comments, and said they would continue working on the issue at their respective levels of government. The town hall was organized by Simons, Blaney and Powell River Living.

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5 Friday.January 3.2020 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

Regional board to apologize for conduct at November meeting Electoral Area B director will offer a personal apology to resident who appeared as a delegation PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

qathet Regional District board has offered a formal apology to Kim Barton-Bridges for conduct that occurred at the November 28, board meeting. At the regional board meeting on Wednesday, December 18, directors considered three motions arising from the November board meeting, where Barton-Bridges appeared as a delegation concerning a water study the board was considering and has since approved, pertaining to the prospect of connecting Electoral Area B residents with municipal water, from the city limits to Centennial Drive. Barton-Bridges requested a formal apology after the November 28 board meeting. The first motion read that the board offer the opportunity to [Electoral Area B] director Mark Gisborne to apologize for comments he made to Barton-Bridges at the meeting. Gisborne proposed an amendment to the motion, replacing “comments he made” to “questions that he asked.” There was no seconder. He said the reason why he put forward the amendment was in reviewing the transcript of the meet-

ing, the issue Barton-Bridges has appears to be with the question he asked regarding her qualifications to comment on the water study. “That appears where Mrs. Barton-Bridges has taken offence,” said Gisborne. He said he had prepared a formal written apology, which he handed out to the board. Gisborne said at the November board meeting, chair Patrick Brabazon did not allow him to give an explanation of his thoughts to the delegate. He said he thought it was unfair he was not allowed to explain what is going on to his residents when they appear as a delegation. Instead, he was allowed to ask a question. Gisborne said looking back, he can see how someone might interpret the question as being offensive. He said for that, he apologizes and put forward the written statement. “The apology is put forward by me, personally,” said Gisborne. “Some residents contacted me and insisted that I should not have to apologize for asking that question, but this decision is mine to make. “I want to improve the relationship. I want to bridge the gap that exists. I put forward the written apology in the hope that Kim Barton-Bridges accepts it and is willing to consider communicating and working with me at some point in the future.” The motion for Gisborne’s apology carried. The second motion was that the board issue a formal apology to Barton-Bridges for the conduct that occurred at the same meeting. The motion carried. The board then considered a third

APOLOGY REQUEST: qathet Regional District resident Kim Barton-Bridges [right] appeared before the regional district board on November 28 to advocate for a water connection to city sources to supply residents south of town. She sent an email afterward requesting a formal apology after an exchange with Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne [left] over the issue. PAUL GALINSKI PHOTO

motion which read: that the board, in response to public concern and a respectful workplace, direct staff to prepare a full and complete report regarding the conduct of director Gisborne in consultation with legal counsel, including sanction options and proposed language for resolution of censure, if necessary. Area E director Andrew Fall said some directors may feel the apology is not enough and that certain steps need to be taken, hence the third motion. He said he has searched for censure in regional districts and found instances in two. Fall said to properly deliberate on a censure motion regarding abusive conduct, and to ensure the public understands the basis for such a motion, he believes a clear standard is required. “As such, I believe we have a duty to prioritize development of a code of conduct, in 2020, ideally, to provide a transparent benchmark to distinguish acceptable from unacceptable conduct.” He said many regional districts have a code of conduct policy and that he would be happy to help

develop one for qathet Regional District. Brabazon said he agreed. “We badly need a proper code of conduct and 2020 should be the year we come up with it,” he said. Area D director Sandy McCormick said the motion was about getting information. She added that it was appropriate for the regional district to have a code of conduct. “I agree we should be getting information to know what the possibilities are without any intent of taking action other than getting the information,” said McCormick. City director George Doubt said he was in favour of the motion and having staff prepare a report on Gisborne’s conduct at the previous regional board meeting. “The public needs to be able to be confident they can come here and express their opinions and be listened to respectfully by the board,” said Doubt. “I don’t think that happened that night and we should have a report from staff on options to deal with that, and moving forward, with how to deal with situations that may arise in the future.”

Doubt also agreed with the need to create a code of conduct. Gisborne said that as has been pointed out, there is no code of conduct for elected officials and he agrees one is desperately needed. He added that the issue he had with the motion stems from Robert’s Rules of Order. He said the rules stipulate a motion should not reflect on a member’s conduct or character, but a motion to censure would be the exception to this rule. The motion before the board was not a motion to censure, which means the motion before the board was an improper motion, he added. Gisborne said singling out a board member could lead to a legal problem. He said staff should determine whether the board has the legal authority to censure any director, especially where there is no code of conduct. Gisborne said the motion was almost setting up the regional board to be a court and the whole board should be worried about the legal ramifications of such an action. The board carried the motion with Gisborne and Fall opposed.

Regional board passes illegal dumping strategy Exercise may involve development of a bylaw PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

A region-wide illegal dumping strategy has been approved by the qathet Regional District board of directors. At the board meeting on Wednesday, December 18, directors endorsed the strategy, which is a three-year plan that maps the way for-

ward for all organizations and agencies that have a role or responsibility in monitoring or enforcement of illegal dumping. The strategy includes the creation of a regulatory illegal dumping bylaw that helps to coordinate all jurisdictions to catch illegal dumpers. Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne said he had concerns about a strategy that has language for a potential bylaw and enforcement. He said he was wondering if there was a way to remove it from the strategy and come back to it at a future time because adopting the strategy

as it is would require staff to begin that work. “I’m concerned about the number of reports and work we are putting on staff, especially if there appears to be resistance at this board to adopt bylaw enforcement for illegal dumping,” said Gisborne. Chief administrative officer Al Radke said the forecasted timeline for the work is 2021. Radke added that this initiative does not mean a bylaw officer will be hired. It means the regional district will have the tools for officers already out there in

the woods who are patrolling, according to Radke. This would include all kinds of peace officers, the RCMP and conservation officers, et cetera, he said. Regional district manager of asset management and strategic initiatives Mike Wall said the implementation schedule identifies this item as research over 2020 and 2021. He said there was the potential for bringing a draft bylaw to the board in 2022. “It’s just something for us to pay attention to and talk to other local governments to see how things are work-

ing for them,” said Wall. “It’s not like we are going to be running out in 2020 and developing a bylaw.” Radke said the regional district wants to be cognizant of being somewhat consistent and unified with other members of the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities with regard to illegal dumping. He said qathet Regional District is coordinating with them at meetings and there should be policies, wherever they can, that are similar in nature with other communities. According to a staff re-

port, the proposed illegal dumping strategy aims to continue building strong relationships with other government partners, utility and forest companies that manage vast areas of land, to promote a consistent message to the community. The report states that to have the most substantial impact in addressing illegal dumping and its impacts, it is essential that all organizations and agencies that have a role or responsibility in monitoring or enforcement of illegal dumping, work together and are informed and guided by the same strategy.

6 Friday.January 3.2020 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

Council discusses NZEVs in city

Neighbourhood zero-emission vehicle use would require bylaw change PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

City of Powell River Council will consider allowing neighbourhood zero-emission vehicles (NZEVs) to operate on city streets. At the Tuesday, December 17, committee of the whole meeting, councillors heard a presentation from sustainability planner Ana Lukyanova, who recommended changes to the traffic bylaw to allow these vehicles in Powell River on streets with speed limits of 50 km/h. Lukyanova said low-speed electric vehicles are a very specific

class created by Transport Canada some time,” she said. about 20 years ago. She said they Most of the vehicles have been travel at a maximum speed of part of municipal fleets and some 40 km/h, weigh less than 3,000 commercial fleets, according to pounds and travel on four wheels. Lukyanova. They are powered by a fully electric She outlined examples of the vepowertrain. Golf carts and disabil- hicles to councillors and pointed to ity scooters do not fall into this BC manufacturers in Parksville and classification, according Vernon. She said vehicles to Lukyanova. could be used for purposThe BC Motor Vehicle es such as small dump Act allows these vehicles trucks, landscaping vehion any road in the provcles, maintenance trucks ince with a posted speed and those types of veof 40 km/h or less, and hicles. They are all electrithe act allows municipalically powered. ties individually to allow There are also conAna Lukyanova these vehicles on roads sumer models available, with speed limits up to 50 km/h. although the selection is limited. This would be permitted through Lukyanova said there are two secthe city’s traffic bylaw. tions of road in Powell River where Lukyanova said there are many the vehicles could not operate bemunicipalities in BC that allow cause of 60 km/h speed limits. This NZEVs. includes the road section known “They have been allowed in a as the cut on Marine Avenue, number of municipalities for quite between Willingdon Beach and

Townsite, and in Wildwood, past Sutherland Avenue heading toward Tla’amin Nation. Allowing NZEVs would enable the city to purchase them for the municipal fleet where fleet requirements allow, saving fleet operating costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, according to Lukyanova. Councillor George Doubt said that looking into having smaller, electric vehicles that can be used in locations such as parks is a good idea. “I’m a little concerned about speed ratings and safety,” said Doubt. “There is nothing in the report about the safety of electric vehicles.” He said when these vehicles are operating on streets that allow speeds up to 50 km/h, the biggest issue for him is the safety of people in the NZEVs, in a collision with a three-quarter tonne truck that is speeding, for example.

Lukyanova said Transport Canada has done extensive work with these vehicles and looked at all aspects of safety. She said she trusts it has considered safety factors. Director of infrastructure Tor Birtig said there have been preliminary discussions with staff about these vehicles and there is some interest in them, depending on the task at hand. Councillor CaroleAnn Leishman said she’s in favour of going ahead with this and that it has been in discussion since 2013 with the sustainability committee. “There’s many other communities that have done it,” she added. “There are no more safety risks than a bicycle or an electric bicycle driving on the road with vehicle traffic.” The committee sent the initiative to city council for further consideration.

Shelter houses homeless on cold winter nights PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

Now that winter has arrived, Powell River’s homeless have a place to stay on cold nights. Powell River has 20 beds available on a nightly basis under BC Housing’s temporary shelter program. Stuart Clark, executive director of Lift Community Services, said under BC Housing, there are different types of protocols and shelters funded. Clark said for several years, Powell River had what

was known as an emergency weather response shelter. If the weather turned bad, such as -2 degrees Celsius, heavy rain, or both, the facility would be open on just those occasions. In the past it has been in several locations, most recently in the Salvation Army. Clark said the winter of 2018 was the first time an application was put in to open up a temporary winter shelter. “That means it’s open every night for a period of time,” said Clark. “We had to apply to BC Housing and demon-

Upcoming events at the library Mid Week Dig: Green Screen Wednesdays, January 8 to February 5 • 3:30 to 4:30 pm Rotary Maker Space Kids ages 8 to 12 are invited to try the library’s green screen and learn about media creation and storytelling during our after school programming on Wednesdays for five weeks. Film Festival Philosophers’ Café & Book Club Saturday, January 25 • 10 am to noon First Credit Union Community Room Read the book that inspired the movie! Join Megan Cole to discuss the book A**hole: A Theory by Aaron James, in anticipation of the Film Festival screening. Pick up a copy at the library.

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POWELL R IVER PUBLIC LIBR ARY

set up every night and taken down every morning, and it was a bit of a tight space in there, according to Clark. This winter, he said a decision was made to find a new home and a new partner. “It took a while, but luckily, in October, right when we applied again and got the money, it was the Faith Lutheran Church that answered our call and they said we could use their basement,” added Clark. “It’s perfect, it’s bigger, it has a kitchen and we didn’t have to take down the beds every night. We only have to take

them down Saturday nights so the church can use the basement on Sundays.” Clark said there has been a wonderful community response when calls have been put out for clothing and socks and other items. “People have dropped off clothing and all kinds of things,” he added. “It has been pretty great.” While the space has been approved for 20 beds, Clark said the biggest night was 17 individuals sleeping in the facility. Now that the supportive housing facility has opened, Clark said the num-

les u d he ur de! c e s e yo Gui g a rb nsid ise a WE’RE GOING DIGITAL! G i eW t s This will be the last annual printed and mailed a W Powell River Waste Wise Guide. Visit us online at powellriver.ca to get your digital guide.

LOOK FOR YOUR 2020 WASTE WISE GUIDE IN YOUR MAILBOX

Tech Savvy – Streaming TV Friday, January 17 • 4 to 5 pm First Credit Union Community Room Learn about different TV, film and sports streaming services for watching your favourite programs. Registration required.

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strate a need, and we were able to make that case with support from Vancouver Coastal Health and the people who work with the population that lives on the street. [BC Housing] approved that last year for the first time. Up to 20 people could sleep in the shelter and we hosted it at the Community Resource Centre (CRC). That was last winter and it worked okay.” Clark said last year, BC Housing also approved some start-up funding to provide cots, bedding and those sorts of items. The problem with the CRC is it had to be

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bers will be monitored and the occupancy of the shelter should be going down. “Most people at the shelter are now moving into supportive housing,” he added. The shelter will be open until the end of March. Clark said it is an important community service, and more so than in previous years. He said when representatives of his organization go to conferences and gatherings, they hear the story of homelessness across the board. “Our community is seeing an increase and there are a lot of reasons for that,” said Clark. “Affordability is one of them.” Powell River’s temporary shelter facility is open seven days a week from 9:30 pm to 7:45 am. In a recent media release from the provincial government, minister of municipal affairs and housing Selina Robinson commented on shelters for the homeless. “During the colder months, it’s important that people experiencing homelessness in our province know that there is a place they can go to get warm and find supports and services that can help them stabilize their lives,” stated Robinson. “As we continue the work of building permanent housing, we’re proud to work in partnership with communities and non-profit housing providers to provide these shelter spaces.”

7 Friday.January 3.2020 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

Establishment of a regional water system a non-starter for directors Motion to examine qathet Regional District taking over water system fails PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

An initiative proposed to establish a regional water system failed to draw the support of qathet Regional District directors. Art the Thursday, December 12, committee of the whole meeting, Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne brought forward a motion to regionalize the water supply. Gisborne’s motion was that the committee recommend the regional board to direct staff to bring forth a report outlining the process of establishing a regional water system utilizing the infrastructure, debt and assets of a current municipal water system for the purposes of community safety, financial liability and democratic representation for a regional water system service that is no longer restricted by the City of Powell River boundary. Gisborne said he has been keen on water systems and regional water systems since before he was elected as a regional director. He has been taking a look at which models work and because the regional district is moving forward with a feasibility study of supplying city water from the city limits to the south end of Centennial Drive, he thought it would be prudent for the board to explore all avenues for providing the service.

“As a regional district we provide regional services,” said Gisborne. “In other regional districts they follow two models. One is where the regional district controls the entire system and the other is where a municipality or private entity controls the water system and sells the water to the regional district.” He said one example of the latter is Strathcona Regional District on Vancouver Island. There have been some significant challenges with the agreement, he added. “As a result it has caused some significant tensions between the electoral area, the municipality and the regional district that has resulted in a lawsuit,” said Gisborne. “This motion has been brought forward to initiate this discussion to completely explore the idea of regionalizing the water system.” Area A director and board chair Patrick Brabazon said he was approached by someone who thought the initiative was funny. “It’s not funny,” said Brabazon. “This memo is whacko. But it’s beyond that. It’s insulting. “First of all, it’s insulting to the City of Powell River. It implies, rather strongly, that they can’t manage their water system, that they are incompetent.” Brabazon said Gisborne’s report is also insulting the regional board in that it purports to tell directors facts that aren’t true. “There is no regional water standard,” said Brabazon. Finally, it is insulting to the public, said Brabazon, because it implies the regional district is about to engage in some new massive

VOTES AGAINST: At its recent committee of the whole meeting, the qathet Regional District board defeated a motion to regionalize water services. PAUL GALINSKI PHOTO

service taking over the city’s water system. “It’s an attack on the relationship the [regional] board has established with mayor and council of the City of Powell River over several years,” said Brabazon. “We have a good relationship right now. This is driving an arrow right through the heart of it. “This memo is an embarrassment and I will be voting no. This one should die.” City director George Doubt said he would also be voting against the motion. He said there are a number of different ways to address the provision of water. He said he is not willing to believe the statement that the standard of regional district water is better than that of city water. Doubt said what has occurred is the regional district is doing a study to see if connecting to city water would provide potable water to a limited number of homes in the regional district. Doubt said Gisborne’s report made a statement that this process is long and will most likely require significant grant funding in order

to bring the city’s water system up to regional district standards. “What about regional district standards? I’m not aware of any regional districts that have standards for potable water,” said Doubt. “The province of British Columbia does. For information, the City of Powell River is required to meet the requirements and does meet the requirements for drinking water.” Gisborne said his mention of regional district standards for water was not to imply the city water did not meet provincial water standards. He said his understanding was that users of the Myrtle Pond system were required to be metered. “That is the only standard I am implying here,” he said. “My main source of concern though, is if the regional district is providing water outside the city limits, based on the feasibility study that is being done, my concern is that the electoral area residents will be charged a different rate than those inside the municipality.” Gisborne said the proposal is not to be perceived in any way as an in-

sult to the municipality. “This could not move forward without the approval of municipal council,” said Gisborne. “This is something that would require further collaboration between the regional district and the municipality. It cannot work unless everyone is on the same page and working together. “I did not put this forward to insult the municipality or any member of this board. I put this forward to simply start the conversation about regionalization of services.” Area E director Andrew Fall made a motion to postpone Gisborne’s motion until after the feasibility study on connecting Area B residents to the city water supply. Brabazon said postponing is not going to overcome the damage the memo has done. “It’s insulting to the city, it’s insulting to the board and it’s insulting to the public,” said Brabazon. “This should be defeated tonight.” The motion to postpone was defeated. T he board then defeated Gisborne’s motion regarding the establishment of a regional water system.

Motion to set up water advisory committee in qathet region fails Regional district directors vote down initiative to establish committee PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

qathet Regional District directors recently struck down a motion to have staff develop terms of reference for the establishment of a regional water advisory committee. At the regional district’s

committee of the whole m e e t i n g o n T h u r s d ay, December 12, Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne introduced a motion that the committee recommend that the regional board directs staff to bring back terms of reference for establishment of a regional water advisory committee. Gisborne said there has been a lot of discussion at the regional district about water. He said the purpose of the proposed committee is to discuss all of the different options for providing safe, potable drinking water throughout the region.

“It’s to establish a committee to explore what are all of the options,” said Gisborne. Area A director and board chair Patrick Brabazon said this would require another report by staff and more time to write it. He added that if an advisory committee is established, it has to be staffed, which creates additional workload. He said he would be voting no on the initiative. “The regional district staff have enough to do,” said Brabazon. “Writing this report, which I expect will probably end up in the dust-

bin anyway, is a waste of time.” Gisborne said he did not think it was too much extra workload to establish a water advisory committee. He said he would like to amend his motion to read that the committee recommend the board establish a regional water advisory committee. Brabazon said it didn’t change the essence of his objection, which is more reports and more workload. Gisborne said the purpose of his amended motion was that the board establish a regional water advisory com-

mittee, which could come up with its own terms of reference. “ G o o d L o r d ,” s a i d Brabazon. Gisborne said if Brabazon had some constructive criticism, he would appreciate it. “If you would simply like to vote down everything that I do, I don’t find that constructive, director Brabazon,” said Gisborne. City director George Doubt said he has been experiencing some personal frustration as he tries to read through all of the reports. “I’m against this resolution because I don’t think

at this present time there is work for this committee being proposed,” said Doubt. “We have a water study we are planning to deal with that will provide guidance to a small area of the regional district and move them hopefully towards having a reliable, potable water system. I don’t think we need another committee to address something that is not an immediate problem that isn’t being addressed otherwise.” The committee defeated the motion to establish a regional water advisory committee.

8 Friday.January 3.2020 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

OPINION »

Published every Friday Unit F, 4493 Marine Avenue, Powell River, BC V8A 2K1

Starting fresh

The idea of setting a New Year’s resolution is about attempting to do better than last year, last month, or last week. The fact that the notion sets us up to fail is an exercise in futility, for some. For others, setting goals serves as motivation to improve. Was 2019 better than 2018 for you or worse? Perhaps it was a Goldilocks year. Whatever the case, there is always room for improvement. Did you set a resolution last year? Were you successful? If you made it through the year and achieved a goal, or goals, kudos to you. If not, it is never too late to start again, whether the attempt ended January 2 or on any other date in 2019. The resolution does not have to be astronomical, especially if last year proved successful. Take Powell River Villa as an example. Last year the soccer club was promoted to Division 1 of Vancouver Island Soccer League after a stellar season in Division 2. Now that the club is at the top level, its goal is to stay there, not necessarily win a championship. In other words, it If you did something is within reason. wrong in 2019, a simple A resolution to win formula can lead to something, move up in the ranks at work improvement in 2020: or lose weight all reDon’t do it again. quire what could be a lengthy commitment. Maybe it only takes a month to taste success, but it could take 365 days, too. Even if the goal is reached, any time in the future where it slips away may lead to further setbacks by the individual who set it. Ever lost 10 pounds and then gained 15? Complacency leads to regression, and can result in a reached goal slipping away. Lofty resolutions require a lifestyle change to succeed, and will likely take a lifetime to see them through. If you did something wrong in 2019, a simple formula can lead to improvement in 2020: Don’t do it again. For instance, if you are one of the people who were involved with the shooting of an elk and leaving it to rot south of Powell River, practice on soda cans this year. The conservation officer’s service is looking for the poachers, and if found, their pocketbooks will be lighter than last year. Let’s hope it doesn’t take a financial hit for the culprits to realize how heinous, cruel and wasteful their crime was. But everyone can strive to do better, not just criminals, even if it only builds on what they deem as a satisfactory year. Regional leaders can be more respectful to residents and each other, people can look at the other side of issues in addition to their own view, and hockey parents can be more civil toward opposition players and officials. The latter would be a good place to start for fans in particular. Don’t yell at the referee, sometimes he or she is just a kid, too. What can you do better in 2020?

LAST WEEK’S ONLINE POLL QUESTION Are you making an effort to shop locally this holiday season? 67% YES 33% NO This poll was answered by 198 respondents. This week’s poll question: Have you made a New Year’s resolution for 2020? Go to prpeak.com to cast your vote. Follow us on Facebook (Powell River Peak), Twitter (peak_aboo) and Instagram (prpeak)

Published every Friday by Peak Publishing Ltd. REACH US Phone 604.485.5313 • Fax 604.485.5007 publisher@prpeak.com • prpeak.com Unit F, 4493 Marine Avenue, Powell River, BC V8A 2K3 Member of the Canadian Community Newspapers Association and the British Columbia Yukon Newspaper Association. CCNA Verified Circulation – paid.

Journaling is your friend I know what you’re thinking. She’s going to talk about New Year’s resolutions, accountability and goals because it’s the new year. Fooled you! While all that stuff is great, I’m sure you’ll be hearing and seeing a lot of it as we roll through January. What I’d like to focus on is the importance of documenting your training and your goals so you can make adjustments to your programming, learn what works best for you, and learn what factors affect your training and goals, so you can see measurable results. It is important to document your training so you can know where to adjust your program; that means journaling is your friend. You’ll most likely have made some goals, written them down, and made a plan to get there. Now you’ll need to document the activities you’re doing. For workouts, this includes the

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FRIDAY FLEX By Melissa Sloos

amount of weight you’re lifting on each exercise you do, the number of repetitions you are doing, how long and intense your cardio sessions are, the kind of cardio activities you’re doing, what stretches you are doing, for how long, and pretty much everything about your sessions when you’re working out. By knowing where you are, you’ll be able to progressively overload to achieve stronger

muscles, more muscle mass, better cardiovascular performance, more range of motion, or whatever it is you’ve set as your goal. A personal trainer or other fitness professional would be an excellent resource in this regard. Journaling is still your friend when it comes to what works and what doesn’t. Although it might be a bit of a pain, it’s worth it to write down what you ate and when, when you worked out, how much rest you took, how your sleep was, and how you were feeling mentally. All these factors affect your performance. Perhaps you need nine hours of sleep to be at your best. Maybe eating lunch an hour later helped to carry your energy into the afternoon, and it could be that taking an extra rest day was what you needed to perform better. All these things will be specific to you and may change week by week depending on your schedule and »9

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Peak Publishing is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact publisher@prpeak.com, 604.485.5313. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the website at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1.844.877.1163 for additional information.

Council receives housing grant direction City to indicate it is the primary applicant for funding proposal PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

City of Powell River council has revised a resolution regarding a provincially mandated housing needs assessment to indicate it is taking the lead on the project. At the council meeting on Thursday, December 19, councillors voted to rescind a previous motion regarding its housing needs assessment grant application, and that council authorizes the city to be the primary applicant to apply for, receive and manage $80,000 in combined grant funding to complete a 2020 regional housing needs assessment report in partnership with qathet Regional District, and that council recognize the $17,000 in contributions from Tla’amin Nation for the regional housing needs assessment. At the December 17 committee of the whole meeting, city senior planner Daniella Fergusson said city council had already made a recommendation and given direction to staff to go forward with the housing needs assessment as a council resolution. She was requesting that council adopt a new resolution for the city’s Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) application that stated the city is the primary applicant and will be providing

NEW RESOLUTION: City of Powell River senior planner Daniella Fergusson recently outlined changes the city has to make in a funding application for a housing needs assessment. PAUL GALINSKI PHOTO

overall grant management. Fergusson said even though the city’s initial application to the UBCM had that detail in it, the funder was requiring council’s resolution to specify its leadership role. In a report to the committee of the whole, Fergusson stated the Local Government Act was updated in 2018 to require local governments to complete a housing needs assessment at least every five years and incorporate the findings into the official community plan. UBCM manages grant funding to support local governments in completing housing needs assessment reports to meet provincial requirements. Fergusson stated that under the first resolution, the regional social planner applied for an $80,000 grant to

complete a regional housing needs assessment in 2020, a partnership between the city, regional district and Tla’amin. “Staff received feedback from UBCM staff that a more detailed council resolution was required that explicitly stated the city is the primary applicant and will be providing overall grant management,” stated Fergusson. She said the previous resolution spoke about working with the regional district for an $80,000 grant application for the housing needs assessment. Her proposal was that the previous resolution be rescinded and replaced with one council carried at its December 19 meeting. Mayor Dave Formosa

asked if a housing needs assessment had already been done. Councillor Maggie Hathaway said a housing needs assessment had been done but it was not at the level this new one will be at, which has been mandated by the province. “The provincial government has said it requires them, but the good news is they will fund them,” said Hathaway. “I absolutely want to go ahead with this.” The committee gave unanimous consent for the matter to be sent to city council for approval. The total combined grant application will be for $80,000 maximum, and no matching funding is required. Tla’amin Nation will contribute up to $17,000 to participate in the housing needs assessment to ensure report data and community engagement opportunities reach the 1,145 members of Tla’amin and 19.17 square kilometres of land, according to Fergusson’s report. If the grant request is successful, the regional social planner will manage the grant and hire a consultant to lead the initiative and prepare the regional housing needs assessment report in 2020. The regional social planner will administer the grant through the city. Fergusson stated that staff from the city, regional district and Tla’amin have been working together already and will continue to work together to support the regional social planner in providing technical and subjectmatter expertise.

8« FRIDAY FLEX mental well-being. After you’ve been journaling for awhile, you’ll be able to observe measurable results. Being able to see the numbers can help you determine what worked, where to make changes, and give you reason to celebrate your successes, which you really should do. Every milestone or goal achieved should be celebrated. I don’t think we give this kind of

metric the importance it deserves. When you start a new program, it can

aged before then and give up. Tracking the data is a way for us to follow our progress, in black and white, so we can see our successful results, make new goals and Tracking the data is a way for keep going. us to follow our progress, in Do what you can with black and white, so we can see what you have where you are, and always prioritize our successful results, make the positive. new goals and keep going. take up to nine weeks to start seeing results, and so many of us get discour-

Melissa Sloos is a certified group fitness instructor, spin instructor and co-owner at Coast Fitness.

CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1. Weakens 5. Slumbering 9. ____ tide 12. Money in Venice, once 13. Skirt type 14. Neckline shape 15. Worshiped object 16. Throat-clearing sound 17. Uninvited picnicker 18. Vanquish 20. Rod’s partner 22. Sugar source 24. Banish 27. Highway sign 30. Vagrant 31. Python, e.g. 32. Pretend to be 33. Flight path 35. Foil metal 36. Full force 38. Before, in verse 39. Begley and Asner 40. Trucker’s rig 41. Unattached 42. Smudge 44. Andes pack animals 49. Shoemaker’s device 51. Mate for mama 53. Pine 54. Rival 55. Warning 56. Garden spot 57. Sam on “Cheers” 58. Geek 59. Brood’s home

DOWN 1. Coasted 2. Nurse’s ____ 3. College figure, for short 4. Discount event 5. Beginner 6. Word for Scrooge 7. Put forth 8. Dollar division 9. Assess 10. “Gentle ____” 11. Play the ponies 19. Monastery head 21. A very long time 23. Smoldering coal 25. Slip sideways 26. Certain bills 27. Chats 28. Land unit 29. Tripped 31. Hard metal 34. Leprechaun land 37. Naught 41. Picture holder 43. “Once ____ a Time” 45. Hymn finisher 46. Method 47. Gibbons and gorillas 48. Posted 49. Sternward 50. Misery 52. Part of mpg

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:

9 Friday.January 3.2020 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

10 Friday.January 3.2020 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

POWELL RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BUSINESS AWARDS ENTREPRENEUR(S) OF THE YEAR

A person(s) who has the unique skills and exceptional initiative to assume the risk of establishing a business, which has been open for at least 12 months. Submissions for this award should be for one person or a maximum of two equal partners.

NOMINATION FORM HOME-BASED BUSINESS AWARD

A home-operated business that consistently shows excellence and quality in service and/or merchandise.

This space ponsored by

TOURISM AWARD

This business has demonstrated a superior ability to satisfy visitors’ expectations through their services and/or products. This business provides and promotes an outstanding visitor experience and actively encourages the growth of Powell River & Area as a destination.

BUSINESS NAME

OWNER/MANAGER/CONTACT NAME

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

A business operating for not less than one year and not more than two years that has gained an expanding positive reputation.

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

A business with under 20 employees that has demonstrated superior quality in all aspects of business operation and shows a commitment to the community through its involvement.

SUSTAINABILITY AWARD (NEW!)

The Sustainability Award recognizes a business that has reduced their environmental impact by using sustainable practices in their supply chain, reduced their carbon footprint by minimizing waste, emissions and pollutants and recognizing efficient water, land and resource management.

BUSINESS NAME

OWNER/MANAGER/CONTACT NAME

ABORIGINAL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

This award goes to a business that is Aboriginal owned and operated in the Powell River region. The business shows leadership and dedication to the preservation of its cultural values and identity and creates positive growth within the community.

FORESTRY SECTOR AWARD

A large or small business that shows excellence in communications and/or innovation in forestry, forest management or a forest-related industry.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

A business that provides its customers with consistent excellence in service that goes beyond customer expectations. It also encourages its staff to meet the changing customer needs and stands behind its products or service with minimum customer inconvenience.

BUSINESS NAME

OWNER/MANAGER/CONTACT NAME

NOT-FOR-PROFIT EXCELLENCE AWARD

A not-for-profit organization that has recognized a need within our community and who through community responsibility, innovation, growth, sound business practices and community partnerships has served our community with vision and integrity.

AGRICULTURAL AWARD

This business has distinguished itself and shown leadership by promoting the betterment of agriculture in our city. This award will be presented to an agriculture-related business who has made outstanding contributions in the advancement of agriculture.

CUSTOMER SERVICE - HOSPITALITY

As above, but specifically for the hospitality industry.

BUSINESS NAME

OWNER/MANAGER/CONTACT NAME

These three awards require nominators to provide written comments as to why the nominee deserves the award. Please attach a separate sheet or email to office@powellriverchamber.com

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

An employee of a business who goes above and beyond customer expectations, delivers exceptional knowledge of the products and services and makes a consistent positive contribution to their workplace.

Enter only one business per category on this form. Duplicate nomination forms for the same business are not necessary. All entries will be submitted to a judging panel for final decision. Deadline for nominations is 5 pm, Monday, January 20, 2020. All businesses must have been operating for a minimum of 12 months to be nominated. Mail or drop off your completed nomination form to Powell River Chamber of Commerce 6807 Wharf Street, V8A 1T9. Or enter online at powellriverchamber.com. Multiple submissions are permitted. Enter now. Enter often.

YOUR NAME: PHONE NUMBER:

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

A business owner or manager who creates a positive, fair, and supportive environment for all employees, while maintaining and even exceeding employment standards and safety policies. This employer models integrity and excellent communication skills.

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD

A business that has been in operation for more than five years and has consistently offered outstanding service and/or product to its customers, and displays a strong commitment to community involvement. A business that contributes to the social, recreational, cultural and overall well-being of the community.

BANQUET and AWARDS PRESENTATION SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2020

DWIGHT HALL • 6 PM Tickets: $60 each BOOK YOUR SEATS NOW Ticket’s available at the Chamber of Commerce office at 6807 Wharf Street

11 Friday.January 3.2020 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

COMMUNITY »

Food bank releases statistics on hunger in the community More than 1,000 residents used food bank; need has been increasing VANESSA BJERRESKOV Peak contributor

Powell River Action Centre Food Bank released new statistics recently, and the numbers tell the story of food insecurity in Powell River. “We had almost 5,000 visits between July 2017 and June 2018,” said Savanna Dee, manager of the food bank. “We served 1,170 individuals, including 327 children. Many of our clients are on disability or social assistance, and with high rent and hydro costs, sometimes they just don’t have enough left to get food for the month.” The food bank provides food hampers once a month to individuals and families who meet a low-income

threshold. On average, people received a hamper from the food bank four times last year. While single people were the most common clients, single parents and families with children were the next most common household type to need the food bank’s services. “People come to the food bank for all kinds of reasons,” said Dee. “Sometimes they’ve lost their homes, or they have been laid off, or the family has split up, or they have fled an abusive situation with nothing. Whatever the reason, we provide them with food so they can get through the month.” Need in the community has increased, which prompted the food bank to move to a larger space in April. “We received a grant for refrigerators and freezers, which allows us to properly store donations of perishable items,” said Dee, “but we had no space for them in our old location. Our new location, just two doors up from where we were before,

has room for a new 48-cubic-foot fridge and freezer, and lots of room for new shelves that can hold case lots of canned food without damage.” The food bank relies on donations from the community of both food and money to continue operating, but Dee said monetary donations are down. “We get the most donations during November and December and have to make that stretch until the next year, but we’re about $50,000 lower than we were at this time last year,” she said. The community really makes things happen for the food bank, said Dee. “Our motto is ‘feeding our community,’ and we need the public’s help to do that,” she added. “Food drives at schools can fill our shelves for a couple of months. Brown bag campaigns by churches help immensely, and money is always welcome, because we can access bulk purchases through Food Banks Canada. “We just received a cheque

HELPING HANDS: [From left] Powell River Action Centre Food Bank manager Savanna Dee, volunteers Donna Rekve and Greg Wednesday, and assistant manager Melissa Tookey. Recent statistics showed that more than 1,000 area residents of all ages accessed the food bank last year, including over 300 children. VANESSA BJERRESKOV PHOTO

from the workers at Western Forest Products, who have been on strike for half a year; they made and sold wreaths and boughs while they were on the line and donated the proceeds to the food bank. Every little bit helps.” Dee had a final message for Powell River. “Thank you for everything you do for us all year,” she said. “We can’t do it without you.” For more information

Annual Christmas tree mulch event benefits Special Olympics Money raised helps athletes train and compete in six sports VANESSA BJERRESKOV Peak contributor

Powell River’s annual Christmas tree mulch will take place from 10 am to 1 pm on Sunday, January 5, at Mother Nature, 7050 Duncan Street, with proceeds supporting Special Olympics Powell River. “The Christmas tree mulch is one of our biggest fundraising events of the year,” said local Special Olympics coordinator Jackie Milsom. “All the funds raised stay in Powell River to support our athletes in their regular training and to help with travel costs for those who compete out of the city.” Residents have two options to participate. For a minimum $5 donation, they can bring their tree to the event site for disposal, or they can purchase a tag at any grocery store, 7-Eleven, city hall, or Mother Nature for Sunday

morning pickup. Those opting for pickup should have their tree tagged and at the curb by 8 am Sunday. “Any donation $20 or over will receive a tax receipt,” said Milsom, “provided we have the person’s full address.” The event is also an opportunity for the community to meet some of the athletes, board members and coaches. “This is a social event for the athletes and for Powell River,” said Milsom. “We’ll have baking, coffee has been donated by Starbucks, and it’s a chance for people to hear from the athletes about why they love their sport and how Special Olympics makes a difference in their lives.” The Powell River chapter of Special Olympics formed in 1991, and currently provides six sport programs – aquatics, bocce, bowling, curling, floor hockey and golf – as well as a general fitness program for athletes. Its softball program is on hiatus until a new coach is found. Some athletes compete at a national level; Powell River’s floor hockey athletes are part of a team based in Comox,

and will be attending national games in Thunder Bay, Ontario, in February 2020. “Many of our athletes are on fixed incomes, which makes fundraising even more important,” said Milsom. “Sport becomes a big part of maintaining a balanced life, both physically and socially, and we do what we can to make sure it continues to happen for them.” Special Olympics has been hosting the Christmas tree mulch for about 15 years. “We couldn’t do it without support from members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees 798 and the City of Powell River,” said Milsom. “CUPE members pick up the trees, and the city provides their mulching equipment and volunteers for the event.” The tree mulch will take place from 10 am to 1 pm on Sunday, January 5, at Mother Nature, 7050 Duncan Street. Pickup tags are now available for purchase at all locations. For more information about the event or Special Olympics Powell River, contact Milsom at 604.414.8266.

or to donate to the food bank, visit between 10 am and 2 pm Tuesday through

Thursday at 6816B Alberni Street, or go to powellriverfoodbank.com/.

12 Friday.January 3.2020 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

Greetings for the new year North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney 2019 was my first time seeking re-election as your MP for North Island-Powell River, and I want to thank the voters for putting your trust in me again. Once elected, I take seriously the reality of serving all of my constituents and regardless of how people vote, this is a commitment I take to heart. Now, as I sit as a member in a minority parliament, I strongly believe this offers us a wonderful opportunity to make real progress on important issues such as housing, pharmacare and climate

action. It is important that all parliamentarians find common ground across party lines. I am very honoured to be working as the whip for my party and continue working for veterans across this country. 2019 was very challenging for some in our communities. In particular those involved in the fishing and forestry industries that are so important to our culture and economy on the coast. The holiday season is a particularly difficult time for those who are struggling to make

ends meet. It’s times like this when the strength and importance of our communities comes through. Our federal government can play a role in that, too, to make sure everyone has access to a reasonable and affordable home, the health care we require, and supports when we are prevented from earning a living, whatever the reason. That is the Canada I will continue to fight for. In Powell River, I have been so proud of the work we have been able to accomplish from the federal

funding that has come to the region for salmon restoration or immigrant settlement programs, to advocacy around housing, climate action and fuel prices. I am grateful for the many donations delivered to my office for women in need through the Community Action Team. In our office we have been able to serve hundreds of constituents to support them in accessing federal services or connecting to different federal ministries to address issues that matter to the people in the area.

As we look towards 2020, I am hopeful. As many young people take the lead, encouraging us to rethink our relationship to the natural world and our daily use of resources, I am ready to work on policy that moves us towards a future they can believe in. I’m hopeful because of all the innovative ideas I see in communities around our riding that in large and small ways can make our world better and our communities stronger. And I’m hopeful because I believe Canadians

have given all MPs a mandate to work together more to support these efforts and find solutions that will give us all a brighter future.

qathet Regional District chair Patrick Brabazon Each year’s end offers time for reflection and a time for anticipation. This year the qathet Regional District can reflect on the progress the community has made in meeting our obligations on both a local and global scale. Global because climate change and the perils it portends are not only the stuff of news headlines but also the reality here at home. We can do our bit and qRD has stepped up.

In British Columbia regional districts are responsible for resolving the conflict between the waste our people create and the need to protect the environment. We know that dumping garbage in a hole is not the answer. Next year we expect to begin the creation of a new plan, a new facility, which will not only enhance our community but our environment as well. The resource and recovery

centre at the old incinerator site at Willingdon will not only reduce the waste going to a landfill, it will offer improved recycling and over time is expected to provide new opportunities for local ingenuity to flourish. Reflecting on past actions leads to anticipation of a better future. Also with the environment in mind, 2020 may finally see an enhanced greenspace action. A reserve

fund for park acquisition would allow monies to be set aside for the protection of chosen land for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations. It’s in the works. Reflecting on the past has enabled qRD to anticipate the needs of the future. We have a long way to go but to quote an old saying: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

City of Powell River mayor Dave Formosa Let me begin by recognizing that we live in the traditional territory of our neighbours, the Tla’amin Nation and remain grateful for their friendship and partnership as we move forward. We welcome a new decade in Powell River, and it promises to be as exciting as the last 10 years. This is a time of reflection on 2019, and of promise and optimism for 2020.

There are so many people to thank for making our town great. First, it starts with you, the citizens of Powell River. You are the foundation of Powell River and your contributions are vital to the progress of our city. Thank you for your confidence in city council and our staff. Thank you to our staff, who are the dedicated men and women working tire-

lessly to improve city services and our quality of life. In the year ahead, we’ll start building the new wastewater treatment plant in late spring or early summer, the largest infrastructure project in the city’s history. We hope to continue building on record-breaking construction activity. We are committed to sustainability and declared a climate emergency in 2019.

More investors are discovering the advantages of living and doing business here. More retirees are finding an unmatched quality of life. More young people and families are escaping the big cities and moving here. I thank all of you who give back to the community. Our volunteers spread goodwill with open and generous hearts and it’s my hope

that we all continue to reach out to support those who are less fortunate and who might need that extra helping hand. As we look forward to the new year, we remain committed to leaving no neighbourhood behind, and we remain passionate about working together with all of you to make Powell River the best place to live, work, play, visit and raise a family.

Happy New Year and God bless.

In support of project-based outdoor learning, the board has committed to building a gazebo for outdoor learning at Kelly Creek and will initiate one at Henderson next year. In our ongoing effort to support green initiatives, the Board has committed to a number of electric car charging stations at schools and has expressed support of the #ALLONBOARD initiative to help reduce emissions

and provide affordable and accessible transportation. As always, we are proud of the hard work and dedication of all our employees and would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the school volunteers who enhance opportunities for our students. On behalf of my fellow trustees: Russell Brewer, Dale L awson, Jackie Timothy and Doug Skinner, we wish you a healthy, happy and safe 2020.

Powell River Board of Education chair Aaron Reid

Our board has been working with stakeholders’ groups over the last year

to develop our new fouryear strategic plan. We have focused on three key themes: learner success, engagement and connections and organizational sustainability. Our vision is to enable all learners to develop their individual potential and acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to contribute to a healthy, democratic and pluralistic society. We have hired new staff

to form a learning innovation team to support the implementation of the revised curriculum and new reporting practices. Students will now be working on the new graduation program and requirements including province-wide numeracy and literacy assessments. The board continues to offer an after-school program for elementary students and StrongStart for preschoolers.

Our reconciliation project continues with the dedication of a new welcome pole at Henderson Elementary School having taken place in 2019 and the carving of a welcome pole at Kelly Creek Community School in the new year. The Outdoor Learning Centre at Haywire Bay continues to thrive, providing rich opportunities for all students to have projectbased, hands-on learning in an outdoor environment.

13 Friday.January 3.2020 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

Communities create connection Donations of clothes and toys arrive just in time for the holiday; family will pay it forward VANESSA BJERRESKOV Peak contributor

A chance meeting during a spring vacation has led to a connection between a community in Surrey and Powell River, all in an effort to support a refugee family. “My my sister and brother-in-law moved to Powell River about two years ago,” said Elizabeth King, who lives in Clayton in Surrey. “We come up often to visit, and last May we stayed in an Airbnb in Townsite.” The home also had a commercial kitchen just off the suite, according to King. One morning, she heard a voice from the kitchen. “I immediately knew it was a baby, so I went out to say hello,” she said. “There was a lovely young woman with our host, and she had a baby strapped to her back.

I offered to hold her son while she worked, and that became our routine for the rest of our stay.” King said the young woman arrived recently from Africa, where she and her family spent years in a refugee camp. They were sponsored by local families to come to Canada. “Her sister, brother-in-law, and their two young children are here, and her husband will be arriving in the next few months,” said King. The woman’s story resonated with King and her husband Benjamin Kwan, both of whom had family who fled their home countries to come to Canada. “We’ve been raised with the stories of starting over, but we also heard the stories of the people who wanted to help,” she said. “When we decided to come for a pre-Christmas visit, I started thinking about how much Powell River has given to us and how we might give back, and immediately thought of that little boy and his mother.” King put out a call on her community’s Facebook page, telling the woman’s story and asking if anyone had clothing or toys they

might want to donate. The response was overwhelming and immediate, she said. “For the last month we’ve been driving around the neighbourhood picking things up,” said King. “We had a pile in the corner of our living room where our Christmas tree is supposed to be, and when we packed our van, we literally couldn’t fit in another thing.” King and Kwan arrived in Powell River on December 16 and touched base with the family. “Their response was that they have been so blessed by Powell River, that they were happy to be here, and now their family circle is bigger and includes Clayton,” she said. “They also said that anything they could not use, they would donate to Family Place, because they want to give back to the community that has welcomed them.” For King, the real story is not about her or even about the family, but about communities coming together. “Our neighbours haven’t met these children or parents, they have their own stressors in life, and then they heard the story and went, ‘Yeah, let’s get these people

GIVING BACK: Benjamin Kwan and Elizabeth King recently brought a vanload of toys, clothing and gifts for a refugee family in Powell River from their community of Clayton in Surrey. King said the family will donate anything it can’t use to Family Place to support other families in the area. VANESSA BJERRESKOV PHOTO

things they need!’” she said. “We’ve put Powell River on the map for the people in our community, and we’re all connected now to support not just this family, but many more families in the area. “Powell River is a jewel, and when

Greetings for the new year Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons As we mark the end of the year and look towards the future, I wish everyone good health and happiness. As we begin this new decade, British Columbians are seen as leaders in taking actions towards reconciliation with indigenous communities; in climate change action; and in addressing poverty and its consequences in our communities.

Powell River-Sunshine Coast is seen as a creative place where people work hard in all sectors, from the natural resource to tech, and where people seek out balance in their lives. Here we enjoy year-round recreation, excellent schools, robust infrastructure, and a strengthening health-care system. We welcome newcomers and visitors, knowing we are a

destination of people from around the world. As we collectively spend time figuring out how to strengthen our communities, it’s good to recognize our successes, and to reflect on the beauty of the place we live; it serves as a motivator to action. To quote a famous former citizen of the Sunshine Coast, J.S. Woodsworth: “What we desire for our-

As 2019 draws to a close, it is time to reflect on the positive events of the year, and to look forward to a happy new year. Our region continues to be a model for other regions in Canada and elsewhere in

shape. As of January 1, 2019, the three local governments have formally agreed to share the costs of operating Powell River Recreation Complex. · The city and the regional district have agreed to significant contributions, financial and otherwise, toward the cultural structure planned for Shelter Point on Texada Island. · Improvements to regional transportation is under discussion between the three governments. The discussion includes both local transportation and transportation between Powell River and Horseshoe Bay. It is a very

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Tla’amin Nation hegus Clint Williams terms of progressive and constructive relations between local governments. During 2019, Tla’amin Nation, the City of Powell River and qathet Regional District continued work on a number of initiatives. · The Regional Social Planning initiative came to fruition with the hiring of our social planner midway through the year. Since then the planner has been familiarizing herself with the specifics of various social issues, one of the top priorities being homelessness. · The regional recreation initiative has begun to take

you have a place like this, you either want to share it with people or keep it hidden,” she added. “The people of Powell River want to share their community and help those in need; that’s what I’ve felt every time I come here.”

complex issue which is proving difficult to resolve. Late in 2019, the BC Government passed legislation embracing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) into law. This is a very positive step towards this declaration having a true impact. Hopefully the result will be many other regions achieving a positive intergovernmental relationship such as that which we enjoy in our region. On behalf of the Tla’amin Nation, I wish everyone a happy and prosperous 2020. Che chah hah tahn nah pesht.

Organizations are looking for people just like you! Check out DoSomeGood.ca to connect today. Volunteer Powell River is an initiative of Powell River and District United Way Please go to our website if you would like more information THIS AD BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

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14 Friday.January 3.2020 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

SPORTS »

Kings split games Powell River and Nanaimo meet twice to close out 2019 Ethan Schmunk scored the only goal of the game to lead Powell River Kings to a 1-0 victory over Nanaimo Clippers on December 30 at Hap Parker Arena. PJ Garrett and Davis Pennington set up the power play goal with 4:32 remaining in the third period. Derek Krall made 35 saves for Powell River, one fewer than his counterpart Jordan Naylor, who stopped 36 of 37 shots for the Island Division leaders. Both goaltenders earned game star recogni-

tion, with Krall second and Naylor third, behind Schmunk, whose seventh goal of the season moved the Kings to within two points of third place in the division. Less than 24 hours later, the two BC Hockey League teams met again and combined to score nine goals in the final contest of 2019, also held in Powell River. Nanaimo bounced back from the shutout by scoring four first-period goals after Powell River forward Jacob Slipec opened the scoring 4:53 into the game. The visitors also outshot the hosts 14-8 in the opening frame. Kings responded by outshooting the Clippers 16-7 and converting on two power play opportunities

in the second period to cut the lead to one. Levi Glasman’s 13th goal of the season and Jacob Badal’s ninth were both set up by Dylan Finlay and Brett Roloson. Nanaimo regained a two-goal lead just over two minutes before the second intermission. Powell River continued to push in the final period, outshooting Nanaimo 12-5. Glasman’s second of the game, assisted by Schmunk with 2:03 remaining, brought the Kings within one goal again, but it was as close as the home team would get. Clippers hung on for a 5-4 win. Nanaimo leads the division with 54 points, two ahead of second place Cowichan Valley. Alberni

GAME WINNER: From his knees, Powell River Kings’ forward Ethan Schmunk secured a win for the home team late in the third period of a BC Hockey League game at Hap Parker Arena on Monday, December 30. ALICIA BAAS PHOTO

Valley is third with 42 points, followed by Powell River (40) and Victoria (30). Kings begin 2020 with a pair of

games in Port Alberni on Friday, January 3, and Saturday, January 4. The next home game is Friday, January 10, against Wenatchee.

TO TO BOOK BOOK YOUR YOUR AD AD » »

604.485.5313 604.485.5313 || classifieds@prpeak.com classifieds@prpeak.com || Unit Unit F, F, 4493 4493 Marine Marine Avenue Avenue || Book Book your your ad ad online online at at prpeak.com prpeak.com REACH 2.3 MILLION READERS WITH A COMMUNITY CLASSIFIED REACH $395 is all it costs to place a 25-word BCYCNA Community Classified ad, reaching 2.3 million readers. For For more more information, information, call call Classifieds Classifieds at at the the Peak. Peak.

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9000 TRANSPORTATION

Mary-Ann Taves

October 8, 1952 - December 21, 2019

Trent Meyer June 21, 1957 - December 23, 2019

Anne E. HUDYE. October 22, 1938 - December 9, 2019

It is with broken hearts that the Meyer family announces the passing of Trent Verne Meyer (June 21st, 1957 - December 23rd, 2019). Trent dedicated his career to BC’s Ministry of Forests - spending over three decades driving his colleagues (both Ministry of Forests and local contractors) insane with his impossibly high standards and stubborn passion for road building. After Trent retired in 2015, he channelled his energies into constructing elephant-proof fences for his horses, raking up leaves before they hit the ground, perfecting the art of stacking firewood, and fire-proofing his acreage with his crew. Trent leaves behind his mom, Ethel; wife, Kim; daughters, Jenna and Brianna (Matt); son, Mark; nephew, Michael (Cristina); and three dogs sitting on the front porch waiting for him to come home.

Anne Elizabeth Hudye (nee Egan), born October 22, 1938, passed away on December 9, 2019, in Bremerton, Washington. Anne was born and raised in Powell River, British Columbia, where she met and married her husband of 62 years, Len. They lived in multiple locations in BC, before moving to the US, ultimately retiring in Kingston, Washington. Anne and Len travelled extensively throughout Canada and the US and spent many winters at their home in central Mexico. She was an avid reader, a crossword puzzle and genealogy enthusiast, and had an enduring love for animals. She spent her final months with her "furry nurse", 21-year-old cat, Mercedes, curled up in her lap. Together they watched animal rescue shows on television. She is survived by husband, Leonard; three children, Sheryll, Michael, and David (Marita); brother, Frank (Deanne) Egan; grandson, Jonathan; two step-grandsons, Conor and Ryan; four great-granddaughters; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by parents, Jack and Effie Egan, and sister, Janet Evans. A memorial service will be held in Canada at a later date.

We would like to thank the nurses, staff, and doctors at the Powell River Oncology Clinic, Ambulatory Clinic, and staff at Rexall Pharmacy for their help navigating cancer treatments over the past two years. A special thank you to all the friends and family who stepped up, baked post-chemo apple pies, provided fence-building or firewood-stacking services, brought Trent prawns and farmfresh eggs, loaned Trent a backhoe (against sound logic), visited during chemo, and refused to leave Trent’s side during his last hours in the hospital. You know who you are - and Trent did too. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations are gratefully accepted to Pancreatic Cancer Canada or the BC SPCA.

Mary-Ann passed away peacefully on December 21, having time to say goodbye to her husband John, children Jeremey and his wife Jenny and their children Lydia, Sophia and Gavin, daughter Justine and her husband David, and children Ella, Maia and Eli, and son Lando. She will be missed in this wonderful family she created. Mary-Ann is survived by her sister Louise and family, brother Henry and family, sister Helen and family, brother Jake and family, along with many nephews and nieces. Our family is filled with gratitude for the professional and compassionate care we have received from our family doctors, Dr. Strydom and Dr. Delport, from daily visits and encouragement to guiding us through the final moments of Mary-Ann’s life here on earth. Thank you to the staff and doctors at the Powell River General Hospital ICU and emergency department for your constant care, not only of Mary-Ann, but her family and friends as well. You are a testament to your calling and gift to this community. Thank you to our family and friends who came from close by and far and wide to help through this difficult time. Mary-Ann was interred at the regional district cemetery on Saturday, December 28. Her life celebration was held at Powell River United Church, our church home, on Saturday, December 28. “Our life was a beautiful dance.”

1100 In Memoriam 1040 Card of Thanks Powell River Hospital Foundation is working to provide better health care for the citizens of Powell River. Please donate “In Memory” prhospitalfoundation.com

604.485.3211 ext 4349

Lyle and Shaylene, carriers for the Powell River Peak, would like to thank their customers for the generous support during this wonderful season. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

15 Friday.January 3.2020 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

1105 Obituaries

John-Paul Cote June 17, 1926 December 19, 2019

Gone but never forgotten We will carry you Forever in our heart. Love from all your family

John Riley

November 7, 1944 - December 27, 2019 John passed away on December 27, 2019. He was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, on November 7, 1944, and brought up in Ocean Falls, BC. John worked as a steam engineer in mills across BC and settled in Powell River in 1983. He leaves behind his wife of 57 years Pat and their children Brian (Linda), Jacquie (Ralph) and Shona(Jon); grandchildren Jon, Michael, Shannon, Maddie, Lindsay and Erin; and two great-grandchildren Jon and Brayden. Thank you to Dr. Rossouw and the staff at Willingdon Creek for taking such good care of John. He will be deeply missed by his family. No service by request.

Gloria A Riley

February 5, 1931 to December 16, 2019 We mourn the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Born in St. Luke’s Hospital in Townsite, Gloria Daly grew up on Cranberry Lake. She met the love of her life, Harry Riley, and on June 29, 1951, they married. Out of that marriage came four sons and a daughter, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A large part of Gloria and Harry’s early years were spent with the kids at the Washout on Powell Lake. As the kids grew older, they ventured out in their camper. A highlight of their lives was their 16 years spent in cub scout leadership. Mom and dad were directly involved in the forming of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, which stemmed from the Citizen’s Band Radio Club. They were both involved in the Legion, where they performed a number of duties, including DJ’s for the dance crowd. Gloria was predeceased by her husband Harry and daughter, Donna. She leaves to mourn, her sons Patrick (Kathie), Clifford (Jinney), Dan (Zelda) and Martin, as well as their families. Mom loved her view, and her friendly neighbours. She believed in “love one another,” so instead of flowers, pass on a smile. At her request, there will be no service. Life is but a stopping place, A pause in what’s to be, A resting place along the road, To sweet eternity. We all have different journeys, Different paths along the way, We all were meant to learn some things, But never meant to stay. Our destination is a place, Far greater than we know, For some the journey’s quicker, For some the journey’s slow.

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1010 Announcements

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Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land Take note that Van Anda Improvement District from Van Anda, BC has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNROD) Surrey for a RIGHT OF WAY OVER THOSE PARTS OF DISTRICT LOTS 1 AND 16, TOGETHER WITH THE SURFACES OF DISTRICT LOTS 135 AND 529, SURVEYED AS THE GLADYS C AND LAP NO. 7 FRACTION MINERAL CLAIMS RESPECTIVELY, TEXADA ISLAND DISTRICT, SHOWN OUTLINED ON PLAN LMP33309, FILED IN THE LAND TITLE OFFICE AT NEW WESTMINSTER. The Lands File Number for this application is 2406231. Comments on this application may be submitted in two ways: 1) Online via the Applications and Reasons for Decision Database website at: https://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/applications 2) By mail to the Senior Land Officer at 200-10428 153 Street, Surrey, BC V3R 1E1. Comments will be received by the Ministry of Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations until February 2, 2020. Comments received after this date may not be considered. Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. For information, contact information Access Operations at the Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services in Victoria at: www.gov.bc.ca/citz/iao.

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16 Friday.January 3.2020 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

CONGRATULATIONS TO SHEENA DEVEAU, POWELL RIVER TICKET #1768 • WINNER OF THE $7,000 NEW YEAR BONUS DRAW

LET'S KEEP UP THE MOMENTUM WITH MORE SALES TO THE FINISH LINE! JUST SEVEN DAYS REMAIN UNTIL THE FINAL DRAW DATE! HELP YOURSELF AND SUPPORT THE POWELL RIVER KINGS DREAM LOTTERY!

THE KINGS NEED YOU SUPPORT MORE THAN EVER! Lots of tickets available and more cash prizes to be won, eight more to be exact, including the $50,000 grand prize plus the 50/50 raﬄe

50/50 RAFFLE IS NOW OVER $47,000—WINNER TAKES HALF!

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YOU HAVE MORE CHANCES AND GREATER ODDS OF WINNING A CASH PRIZE Chances are 1 in 2,400 (total tickets for sale) to win the grand prize • BC Gaming Event Licence #119837 Chances are 1 in 8,100 (total tickets for sale) to win the 50/50 prize • BC Gaming Event Licence #119839 Problem Gambling Help Line 1-888-795-6111 www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca Know your limit, play within it. 19+ to play!