Peak VOL 22 Issue 10

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TRIUMPHANT RETURN »

HOLIDAY HOURS

Powell River Logger Sports highlights busy year in local athletic events PAGE 13

We will be CLOSED until January 1, 2017 REGULAR HOURS resume January 2 Monday to Saturday 8 am–5 pm

LONG JOURNEY

Arrival of two Syrian refugee families shines light on tireless efforts of community volunteers PAGE 10

PRPEAK.COM

4290 PADGETT ROAD 604.485.9744

Wednesday.December 28.2016

Vol.22 No.10

Canada Post Agreement 40069240

IT HAPPENED IN 2016

NEWSMAKER OF THE YEAR

Tla’amin Nation Get the Peak to Go iPhone app now available in the App Store or iTunes

After more than two decades in the making, Tla’amin’s treaty enactment was the most significant story of 2016 CHRIS BOLSTER reporter@prpeak.com

MOMENTOUS OCCASION: At 12:01 am on Tuesday, April 5, a gathering of aboriginal and non-aboriginal people celebrated the birth of a new nation. Earlier in the evening, in a ceremony outside of Tla’amin Nation’s new Government House, pages from the Indian Act were symbolically burned to signify the beginning of self-governance. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO $479,000 CENTRAL VIEW HOME

Get the Peak to Go iPhone app now Tla’amin Nation’s treaty implementation has been selected as the top available in the news story of 2016 by Powell River Peak editorial staff.

App Store or iTunes Out of all the stories covered in the newspaper’s pages this year, nothing quite compares to the gravity of what happened for our Tla’amin friends and neighbours one minute after midnight on Tuesday, April 5, when the provisions of their long-negotiated treaty became enacted as law.

Ashes from burned Indian Act pages, federal legislation that, up until that night, had dictated the relationship between Tla’amin and Canada, fell from the sky, collecting on the ground of a new self-governing first nation with its Government House illuminated by the glow of the bonfire; a gesture engulfed in symbolism.

“This is a day of triumph for all Tla’amin people,” hegus Clint Williams told a crowd of people, both aboriginal and non-aboriginal, who gathered that night for a celebration that included singing and dancing. “I’m proud of my community for choosing a path of change, that while difficult at times, provides us with a new beginning as a self-governing nation free of the Indian Act.” Later, at an early morning legislative session, Tla’amin lawmakers passed provisions for the nation’s self-government, land and capital transfers.

Community ceremonies for the treaty implementation, including the unveiling of totem poles, were held on Saturday, April 9. Federal minister of indigenous and northern affairs Carolyn Bennett and BC minister of aboriginal relations and reconciliation John Rustad were invited. »2

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Bennett said Tla’amin’s self-government is a hope for many first nations around the country.

“It is truly momentous and such an example for Canada,” said Bennett. “This aspiration for self-government is really what everyone is hoping to achieve from coast to coast.”

Bennett added that she was pleased to be able to attend the ceremony.

“This really is a very exciting day,” she said. “It warms your heart to see the excitement as people get in charge of their own lives. It’s spectacular.”

Rustad said the implementation of the treaty was a big step for the Tla’amin people.

“The province is extremely proud to be a partner with the Tla’amin as we move forward building a future with them,” he said.

Williams noted the symbolic importance of the six totems unveiled that day.

“One of the main reasons we had this vision was to make a statement as we enter into self-government,” said Williams. “The Indian Act did not define us or make us Tla’amin people, the Indian Act just made us indians.”

Williams said carvings on the poles serve as a symbolic reminder of strengthening Tla’amin identity through the rediscovering and spreading of his people’s

language and culture.

“This is the symbol we will take on those challenges and improve the lives of all Tla’amin people,” he said.

The three welcoming poles depicting father, mother and child symbolize the nation’s openness and acceptance. Three other poles depict the past, present and future of the people.

The totems were carved from red cedar logs, gifts from Klahoose First Nation and harvested from Toba Inlet, about 100 kilometres northwest of Powell River.

The totem unveiling was one of two ceremonies that day. A community celebration in Evergreen Theatre at Powell River Recreation Complex, emceed by Tla’amin actor, writer and physician Evan Adams, featured speeches, song and dance, gift exchanges and presentations that ran through the afternoon. Ministers Rustad and Bennett were also in attendance for part of the second ceremony.

Tla’amin’s chief treaty negotiator Roy Francis, who devoted more than 20 years of his life to pursuing the nation’s independence, said in an interview prior to the community event that the buildup to treaty implementation in the days prior to April 5 had been a mix of emotions.

“There has been sadness for members of our community who are no longer with us, happiness for our young

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people, whose future we know is going to be different, and excitement for the community that was able to witness the event with us,” said Francis.

Tla’amin Nation’s agreement received final federal approval in June 2014, though it did not come into effect for almost two years, giving the nation time to prepare. According to the federal government, the agreement brings certainty to the nation’s aboriginal rights, land title, and provides economic benefits.

The deal includes 8,300 hectares of land, approximately $30 million and selfgovernment, among other provisions.

A foundation of the work that went into establishing Tla’amin’s case for its traditional lands, and critical to the success of the project, was the testimony and stories of elders who shared their memories of the way their lives were when they were young.

The majority of those who helped did not live long enough to see the treaty implemented.

Francis was one of several people who, in the early 1990s, started a community conversation, instigated by former chief Eugene Louie, about what the future could hold.

A decision was made in 1994 to enter into the BC Treaty Commission process.

It would take 16 years and thousands of hours of work before federal, provincial and Tla’amin negotiators reached an agreement on the essential elements of the draft final agreement.

Many challenges were overcome during the process. Francis said the agreement is directed at the future and provides “security we never had before with a land base we have title to.”

He added that the agreement will have a positive impact on the region as a whole.

“Something that’s good for Tla’amin is going to be good for Powell River,” he said.

“It’s going to be good for our neighbours. Our kids go to the same schools. We go to the same grocery stores.

Tla’amin is going to be a bigger part of the economy and that’s going to be good for the whole area.”

3 Wednesday.December 28.2016 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

PERSON OF THE YEAR

2016 YEAR IN REVIEW

Dave Formosa

Month by Month January

Mayor in the news throughout 2016

Texada Island residents express concern regarding bowhunting in the area after an arrow is found stuck in a tree on one property owner’s land.

A $250,000 provincial government contract to study the feasibility of a fixed-link from the Lower Mainland to the Sunshine Coast is awarded to a Vancouver-based engineering firm.

Powell River Sea Fair organizers announce the long-running annual event will be postponed until 2017 due to lack of volunteers and financial challenges.

FORWARD VISION: City of Powell River mayor Dave Formosa has spent his time in municipal office forging relationships that will benefit the local economy. CHRIS BOLSTER PHOTO

Formosa this summer when asked about his work. “When I built my company, that’s what it took. That’s what I’m doing here.”

Of the economic development projects he put forward in 2014, only the Santè Veritas Therapeutics proposal

You have to have the tenacity and the staying power.

When I built my company, that’s what it took. That’s what I’m doing here.

DAVE FORMOSA

CITY OF POWELL RIVER MAYOR

try, more people and new money. A constant thread through his run in city politics has been to address these concerns. He has not always been successful, but at least he has tried.

“You have to have the tenacity and the staying power,” said

has advanced, and even that has yet to start. A problem for Formosa has been that many of the ideas he has championed may take years to be realized, long after his term ends in 2018.

Besides School District 47

3376 MARINE AVENUE

superintendent Jay Yule, Formosa has been one of the strongest supporters of developing international education as a pillar of the city’s economy.

Formosa was at the fore front of suppor ting an application to the BC Agricultural Land Commission to have agricultural land taken out of the provincial reserve to allow for the potential building of Sino Bright’s international school campus in Powell River. That decision failed to go the way the mayor wanted, but he said he does not plan to let the deal fall through.

In 2016, with two years left in his term, Formosa has yet to indicate whether he will run for re-election.

He has said, however, that he has been away from running his businesses for too long.

March Grieving families speak out against Westcoast Funeral Services, claiming the business left bodies at the Powell River General Hospital morgue for unacceptable lengths of time and did not return cremated remains.

Former Liberal MLA Judi Tyabji finds herself in New Democratic Party crosshairs when she is accused of conflict of interest regarding a job-creation grant for a local sheepskin tanning business.

Powell River Division of Family Practice reports that a provincial program to attract doctors to the area results in more than 3,000 additional residents securing a family doctor.

Powell River Kings and Powell River Villa finish their hockey and soccer seasons in disappointment; Kings with a second-round playoff exit and Villa with a seventh-place finish in its division.

April Attendees of Tapping the Groundswell socialplanning conference give their input regarding issues such as poverty and housing. Most City of Powell River council and other elected officials are present.

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February

OCEAN VIEW

NEW LISTING

A running tradition in previous Powell River Peak year-end issues has been to highlight one major story as Newsmaker of the Year. This time around, editorial staff decided to take it one step further and name a person of the year as well.

The purpose for the award, which comes with neither plaque nor cash prize, is not to honour someone for good work or how highly their fellow residents regard them, but for how much impact that person had during the past year; for good or for ill.

This year, the Peak is naming City of Powell River mayor Dave Formosa as Person of the Year.

In some cities and towns, these choices are based on public surveys or even scientific polling, but not here. This comes from a year of news reporting on what happened in Powell River.

Simply put: it is just our opinion. Here’s why we chose Formosa.

From calling for the city to take over its ferry service from BC Ferries, to advocating the provincial government to remove taxes from the sale of

A local group to welcome Syrian refugees to Powell River forms out of community and church groups in an effort to bring families in from the war-torn area.

LUXURIOUS

CHRIS BOLSTER reporter@prpeak.com

industrial electricity in an effort to make operating the paper mill more viable, Formosa has shown, despite the fact that some regard him as a piein-the-sky politician, that his heart is in the right place and he is far from a do-nothing mayor.

Ask anyone who works with Formosa and they will attest to his work ethic.

City councillor Jim Palm, one of Formosa’s strongest supporters, has been on council with the mayor since 2008.

“No one realizes what the guy is about and how tirelessly he goes about his efforts,” said Palm. “Dave uses his connections so very well for this community. We’re in good hands here.”

Eight years ago, it became clear to Formosa that if Powell River was going to remain viable as a town, it would have to look at attracting new indus-

BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations blocks an unofficial boat launch at Lois Lake, leaving owners of cabins on the lake with limited access.

OCEAN VIEW

City of Powell River leader looks to attract more industry and people

Doug and Darlene Hammer are the proud parents of Powell River’s first baby born in 2016.

Maxwell Carl Hammer, born January 2, weighs six pounds, eight ounces.

4 Wednesday.December 28.2016 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

2016 YEAR IN REVIEW

Month by Month April continued Tla’amin Nation officially welcomed self-governance at 12:01 am on Tuesday, April 5. A pole-unveiling ceremony at the nation’s new Government House and community event at Evergreen Theatre the following weekend allows the whole community to celebrate Tla’amin’s independence.

WeeMedical Dispensary Society sets up shop on Marine Avenue. The first chain dispensary in Powell River, the shop operates without a business licence and receives attention from the city and RCMP; both consider it an illegal operation.

May Neighbours of Crossroads Village Shopping Centre express concern about noise and other disturbances after finding out a new nightclub called That Sugar Vault is opening in the strip mall.

City of Powell River’s bylaw department serves two local marijuana dispensaries with letters ordering them to cease operations or they may face daily fines of up to $15,000, but no further action is taken by the city. A week later, city council moves to begin the process of regulating dispensaries.

Community members pack a Powell River Regional District planning meeting to voice their concerns over an application to build a hydroelectric project in the Eldred Valley, a popular outdoor and rock climbing location.

A community art exhibit entitled Powell River Dreams: An Exhibition of Art and Ideas combines local art with urban planning at the Arc Community Theatre in Jean Pike Centre. Hundreds of residents pass through the exhibit during its two-day showing.

Fire destroys Texada Island Inn, a hotel and social hub for the island located in Van Anda. No one is injured, but the hotel is shut down due to the amount of damage.

City of Powell River’s economic development department begins planning stages for an incubator farm project that would include other local governments, School District 47, Vancouver Island University and farming organizations.

June City of Powell River council supports an exclusion of 30 acres of land from the Agricultural Land Reserve in order to build a Sino Bright international school on land adjacent to Brooks Secondary School. The decision is left in the hands of the BC Agricultural Land Commission.

Powell River RCMP raid Marine Avenue marijuana dispensary WeeMedical Dispensary Society, arresting one staff member and seizing a large amount of marijuana product. Several days later, the dispensary is open for business again.

Two young males, aged 17 and 18, receive electrical shocks after climbing a transmission tower near Duck Lake. One of the teenagers ends up spending several months in Vancouver being treated for severe burns.

The province conditionally approves City of Powell River’s plan to build a consolidated wastewater treatment plant in Townsite. »5

IT HAPPENED IN 2016: MUNICIPAL POLITICS

A year of infrastructure development Wastewater plans gain approval and major grants received CHRIS BOLSTER reporter@prpeak.com

For both the City of Powell River and Powell River Regional District, 2016 was a year for major infrastructure announcements.

For some time now, questions about replacing aging infrastructure have been pondered, from water supply and sewer systems in the city, to cleaning up former landfill and waste-incineration sites for the regional district. The past 12 months provided some answers.

In June, city council received a letter from BC environment minister Mary Polak informing the city that the province would be giving conditional approval for its consolidated wastewater treatment plans, the culmination of close to 20 years of work.

“I commend the city on its success in developing a comprehensive plan for the long-term management of liquid waste,” stated Polak.

The city announced its plans to purchase a 10-acre parcel from PRSC Land Development around the current quarter acre of land where an existing Townsite wastewater-treatment plant is located to build the new facility.

City director of infrastructure Tor Birtig said he was ecstatic.

“It was a long and complicated process,” he added.

With the provincial goahead, the city is looking for funding for the project, estimated to cost close to $30 million. At the time of approval, Birtig commented that the completed facility would not be finished before 2021.

Later in the fall, talks were underway between the city and Tla’amin Nation to see if the nation would partner on

WASTE REDUCTION: [From left] Powell River Regional District chief administrative officer Al Radke, board chair Patrick Brabazon and manager of community services Mike Wall announced in a press conference Tuesday, July 5, that the regional district had received a $6-million grant to move forward with a two-phase plan to remediate the old Willingdon Beach incinerator site and construct a resource recovery centre. The total project cost is estimated at approximately $8.8 million. CHRIS BOLSTER PHOTO

the project.

In July, regional board chair Patrick Brabazon announced that the regional district had received a $6-million grant from the federal government to pay for the cleanup of the former waste-incineration site near Willingdon Beach and to build a resource recovery centre, a facility that will provide waste education and expanded recycling.

“This is the largest grant received by this regional district,” said Brabazon. “I’m a firm believer in incremental progress. If I can’t save the world tomorrow, maybe I can save just a little bit of it right now. This is more than just a bit.”

To receive the funding, the board agreed to spend $2.8 million to fund the project.

Then, on September 30, during the last day of the Union of BC Municipalities annual conference in Victoria, community development minister Peter Fassbender announced a $3.5-million water infrastructure grant from the federal and provincial governments to go toward paying for the replacement of the trunk main that supplies the city’s drinking water from Haslam Lake. Total cost of the project had been

estimated at just over $4 million, so the city will pick up the remaining amount from its reserve funds, approximately $700,000.

“It’s great news,” said city councillor Russell Brewer.

“We’re on the hook for a lot less than we thought we might be, given we can cover it with our reserves, then we’re no longer looking at a tax increase to cover the difference.”

For the public, who have been waiting for Powell River Public Library to move into its new location at Crossroads Village Shopping Centre, 2016 provided escalating frustration.

The city’s tenants already operating businesses there also had issues, dealing with disruptions caused by the renovations.

Unforeseen seismic upgrades and then disagreements over the scope of work necessary, and the city holding off issuing building permits until it was satisfied the project would meet provincial building and firecode standards set the project back at least half a year.

Initially expected to open during the late summer, progress on renovations did not become fully underway until November.

Medical marijuana was a

focal point in Powell River throughout the year, in particular with unlicensed dispensaries. Though one dispensar y, Grassroots B o t a n i c a l s We l l n e s s Cooperative, had already opened quietly and been in operation on Willingdon Av e n u e , We e M e d i c a l Dispensary Society, a dispensary chain making waves throughout the province, opened its doors in a less than subtle way. Due to it operating as an unlicenced business, the opening attracted the attention of the city and Powell River RCMP because marijuana, despite political promises made during the 2015 federal election campaign to legalize cannabis, is still classified as a controlled substance.

Council backed down from threats of steep fines, deciding instead to follow the lead of other municipal governments dealing with the same issue. Developing regulations to limit where dispensaries could operate, who could enter the businesses and when they could be open, became the priority. As the city heads into the new year, those regulations have yet to materialize, though a consultant has been hired to look at current zoning and to develop them further.

5 Wednesday.December 28.2016 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

IT HAPPENED IN 2016: NEWSMAKERS HAVE THEIR SAY

They should have never sold the Queen of Chilliwack. Why didn’t they keep it for another year and a half to wait for the replacement ships to be built?

Ultimately, because it’s a criminal offence, [the dispensary] will have to be investigated and grounds established to either apply for a search warrant or make arrests.

NICHOLAS SIMONS

ROD WIEBE

POWELL RIVER-SUNSHINE COAST MLA

(on BC Ferries’ sale of one of its backup vessels)

Food security in a community exists when everybody in that community has access to affordable, nutritious and safely produced food that is culturally appropriate.

POWELL RIVER RCMP DETACHMENT COMMANDER

(on the police’s stance regarding WeeMedical Dispensary Society’s Marine Avenue location)

Whether this land is excluded or not is a pivotal part of this project. What the applicant wants to do can’t go forward without that exclusion.

VANESSA SPARROW

MAC FRASER

(on local initiatives to increase the area’s food security)

(on Sino Bright’s proposed school hinging on an Agricultural Land Reserve exclusion)

POWELL RIVER FOOD SECURITY PROJECT COORDINATOR

The process ended up taking a lot longer than we initially anticipated. It became a complicated transaction due to things like the subdivision, but now we’re happy to move forward and get this building going.

TOR BIRTIG

CITY OF POWELL RIVER DIRECTOR OF INFRASTRUCTURE

(announcing the official sale and foreshadowing further delays on the new Powell River Public Library)

It’s unfair for anyone to suggest that the city is not supportive of the event, nor that we don’t give enough funding if they haven’t applied for any.

CAROLEANN LEISHMAN

CITY OF POWELL RIVER COUNCILLOR

(responding to Powell River Sea Fair organizers’ claim the city would not increase the event’s funding)

We understand and appreciate that people need to make a living, but sustainability needs to be part of that discussion.

CLINT WILLIAMS

TLA’AMIN NATION HEGUS

(on the nation’s opposition to the opening of a commercial herring fishery in area waters)

There’s an epidemic of oldman bands in Powell River.

ADAM ROBERTSON SILVER ATLAS DRUMMER

(on the need for more youth in the local music scene)

CITY OF POWELL RIVER CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

I’m extremely frustrated with this. The committee is excellent, but our problems just fall on deaf ears.

KAREN SKADSHEIM

BC Ferries is contracted to do what they do, but they are just a service provider and they don’t consider the socioeconomic impacts of their service. The ministry has to step in and talk with them about how this is not working.

KIM BARTON-BRIDGES

NORTHERN SUNSHINE COAST FERRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIR

(on the committee’s role in advising the ferry corporation)

I’m trying to be the optimistic one and tell people it’s coming. It’s in the city’s hands; it’s their building.

MICHELE SAUVE

FUTUREVEST INVESTMENT CORPORATION CO-OWNER

(on building permit delays for construction of the new Powell River Public Library)

We’re not enjoying our meals and we should be at this time of our lives. It isn’t fair.

NORTHERN SUNSHINE COAST FERRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER

JOY HIBBERD

(on BC Ferries’ lack of response to the committee’s concerns)

(on the food quality at local senior-care facilities)

As much as I support agriculture, I don’t want to see a situation where it may get in the way of investments like this school; something this community desperately needs.

DAVE FORMOSA

CITY OF POWELL RIVER MAYOR

(on the need for the Sino Bright agricultural land exclusion to go through)

We’re paying good money to have someone take our garbage and construction waste away.

What’s going to happen if they go belly up? We already have two landfills that we haven’t cleaned up yet in Powell River.

DAVE HODGINS

CITY OF POWELL RIVER RESIDENT

(on a massive pile of garbage at Augusta Recyclers awaiting transport out of Powell River)

The collapse is so quick that they can’t slow it down or call for help. It’s so fast they don’t know what hit them.

ROB SOUTHCOTT

POWELL RIVER BC AMBULANCE CHIEF

(on the increase in fatal fentanyl overdoses)

WILLINGDON CREEK VILLAGE RESIDENT

I’d rather work positively with the logging companies because we do share the same valley, and having them willing to work positively with us is a bonus.

CHRISTIE DIONNE

CLIMBERS’ ACCESS SOCIETY OF BC REPRESENTATIVE

(on trail access to an Eldred Valley rock climbing spot through a Western Forest Products cut-block)

We all have the same goal; to house the under-housed.

PAULA STEWART

TLA’AMIN NATION HOUSING MANAGER

(on Powell River region’s three local governments forming a social-action committee to address housing)

We are giving too much leeway with bylaw enforcement.

The only way we’re going to achieve compliance is through some kind of enforcement action.

CHRIS JACKSON

CITY OF POWELL RIVER CLERK

(on recommendations that city council take action against derelict properties)

It’s dangerous. People are running, hiking and biking along those trails unseen to people shooting.

The Queen of Burnaby should go to its retirement right now, but we’re going to do the best we can to fix it.

There are cost and geographical limitations and logistics to some of the health services that can never be overcome.

PAT WALSH

MARK COLLINS

BRUCE HOBSON

(on the vessel’s recurring mechanical problems)

(on the gap in specialized health care for Powell River)

POWELL RIVER OUTDOOR RECREATION USERS GROUP TRAIL SOCIETY PRESIDENT

(on the shooting of wolves near the Duck Lake trail network)

BC FERRIES VICE-PRESIDENT OF STRATEGIC PLANNING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

POWELL RIVER DIVISION OF FAMILY PRACTICE CHAIR

2016 YEAR IN REVIEW

Month by Month June continued After two weeks of intense study, students of Pacific Region International Summer Music Academy perform a sold-out closing gala concert at Evergreen Theatre.

City of Powell River announces that True Health Company, also know as Santè Veritas Therapeutics, will enter the final stage of Health Canada’s approval process to run a medical-cannabis growing facility in the former Catalyst Paper Corporation administration building.

Two families of Syrian refugees arrive in Powell River, receiving a warm welcome from a large gathering of local residents at the Westview ferry terminal.

July Sunshine Coast Connector begins bus service between Powell River and the Lower Mainland. It is the first charter-bus service for the Sunshine Coast since Malaspina Coach Lines ceased operations the previous September.

Powell River Public Library’s new location at Crossroads Village Shopping Centre faces its first of many delays when the city announces the building will require seismic upgrades.

BC Bike Race passes through Powell River for another year with four local riders and more than 600 riders in total competing in the annual race.

RCMP arrest six Powell River residents and charge three of them after a police raid of a local hotel reveals cocaine and imitation firearms.

Powell River Regional District receives a $6-million federal grant for a resource recovery centre to be built at the former incinerator site near Willingdon Beach.

International Choral Kathaumixw celebrates its 17th biennial festival with high attendance numbers. Hong Kong’s Wah Yan College Kowloon Boys’ Choir wins Choir of the World honours and the totem pole that accompanies the prestigious award.

BC Ferries scrambles to replace Queen of Burnaby in order to fix a recurring oil leak. A vessel shuffle takes place at the height of summer tourism traffic, causing lengthy wait times.

Powell River Logger Sports returns after an 11year absence. The weekend-long event at the newly christened Loggers Memorial Bowl at Willingdon Beach is a huge success.

August Powell River Pride festivities take place in Powell River as the city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and its allies host a series of events.

Powell River Regional District chair Patrick Brabazon pens a letter to premier Christy Clark in which he describes recent disruptions in BC Ferries service during the height of tourism season as “an utter debacle” and “quite beyond belief.”

Members of the local business community express concern that Santè Veritas Therapeutics’ location for its medical-marijuana facility could tarnish the Townsite neighbourhood. »6

6 Wednesday.December 28.2016 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

Greetings for the new year

2016 YEAR IN REVIEW

Month by Month

City of Powell River, Dave Formosa, mayor

August continued Alberta-based aggregate company Lehigh Hanson Materials pulls its provincial application to do exploratory work for a potential gravel mine just north of Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park.

City of Powell River has yet to issue a building permit for the new Powell River Public Library location, pushing the opening at least six months after the originally planned date. A permit is finally issued on October 11.

September Sunshine Music Festival celebrates its 35th year with an eclectic lineup of music at Palm Beach Regional Park during Labour Day long weekend.

Shellfish tourism activity in the Powell River area reaches an all-time high, but Fisheries and Oceans Canada assures the public that busloads of tourists from the Lower Mainland are in compliance with current regulations.

Royal BC Museum returns a small collection of artifacts to Tla’amin Nation as part of the nation’s treaty agreement.

City of Powell River council begin discussions on lowering the speed limit along Marine Avenue, including drafting a request to the provincial government to move Highway 101 to Manson Avenue.

A group of more than 40 alumni of Hungary’s Sopron Forestry School return to Powell River’s mill, where they stayed briefly in 1957 to learn English.

A town hall meeting hosted by Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons includes a panel discussion on the area’s affordable housing crisis.

Powell River Employment Program Society releases the results of its Tapping the Groundswell report to city council.

It includes more than 100 recommendations for addressing the city’s social problems.

Pacific Aquaculture International, also known as Hummingbird Cove Lifestyles, officially launches its North American shellfish hatchery headquarters near Saltery Bay. Senior residents at Evergreen Care Unit and Willingdon Creek Village take a stand against poor-quality meals and food shortages at the Vancouver Coastal Health-run facilities.

City of Powell River councillors call for action in regard to the former Inn at Westview building, but the property manager says he still has hope that it can be salvaged.

The community rallies to help two families who lose their homes to a fire near Myrtle Point. The blaze at Oceanside Resort displaces seven residents.

City of Powell River councillors celebrate on the final day of Union of BC Municipalities conference in Victoria when BC community development minister Peter Fassbender announces $3.5 million in funding to replace Haslam Lake’s water main.

October Tla’amin Convenience Store wins a BC Aboriginal Award for outstanding business achievement.

City of Powell River votes in favour of amending its wastemanagement plan to include Tla’amin Nation wastewater.

»7

We live in and respect the traditional territory of the Tla’amin Nation and remain grateful for their friendship and partnership as we press forward together.

City of Powell River council continued to work dutifully for the betterment of our community this past year.

Meetings were held with key government officials and provincial ministers to garner support and debate our views regarding BC Ferries issues, economic development, poverty reduction, private-managed forest lands, BC Rural Dividend Program, seismic upgrading of government emergency-response buildings, improvement charges for green-energy technology, inclusion and exclusion applications in the Agricultural Land Reserve, international education, BC Air Access Program grant for the airport and the future of Powell River. We also worked to create a Social Action Committee with affordable housing as our first task.

It is timely to thank all city staff for the efforts they put forth in ensuring the best possible service is provided to everyone in our community. Pride of service is evident in all aspects of city operations. I also wish to thank the

citizens of this community for their continued support of city council.

Let us all take time to reflect on our actions over the past year and give serious thought to what we wish to achieve in the next. As every day is a fresh start for us individually and collectively, I would suggest that we resolve not to waste those days through indecision or procrastination. As always, we can count our blessings for where we live on this planet.

We are indeed fortunate.

A special welcome goes out to our Syrian and Asian families who have made a new home here. As the city is a member of the Charter for Compassion, I would ask that you give thought to what this commitment means to us.

On behalf of city council, I offer best wishes to all for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

Tla’amin Nation, Clint Williams, hegus On behalf of Tla’amin Nation, we would like to wish everyone a happy new year.

This has been an incredible year for our people. We were very fortunate to have so many memorable events occur in 2016.

However, the most historic memory was witnessing our people’s return to a self-governing nation on April 5; we will remember this very special day and celebrate it well into the future.

Also, a very proud moment for myself was on September 10, being elected as the first hegus of Tla’amin Nation. I am very grateful to our people for selecting me to work in this new government structure for the next four years.

My vision has not and will not

change, as I simply want to see our people succeed in many different ways; success is not only financial, but also seeing our people being healthy and productive members of society and providing for a brighter future for their families and future generations.

I acknowledge that we currently have many great role models within our community; we only want to see more of our people join them on the path to success.

As the Tla’amin Nation government, we will do our best to put new opportunities in front of our people and continue to grow the opportunities that exist today.

New and old partnerships and friendships, whether from inside or outside of the Tla’amin tradi-

tional territory, will play a key role in our success as we will continue to explore new and sustainable opportunities for the resources we have available to us.

We wish everyone within the Tla’amin traditional territory health and success for 2017.

Powell River Regional District, Patrick Brabazon, chair Every new year we turn a page in our life’s book and think about a fresh start. Of course, we don’t simply throw the old stuff out; some of it provides the foundation for new endeavours and some of it reminds us of the need to tread carefully and avoid mistakes.

Powell River Regional District directors will be mindful of the latter while we consider the options for 2017.

Big on the world’s agenda, and ours, is global warming.

This issue offers a classic case of thinking globally and acting locally. Locally, we can act to reduce our carbon emissions and we can do that in small, incremental steps.

This autumn we began a trial program for community composting of organic material such as kitchen waste and garden clippings. These can contribute to new growth and reduce the load on carbon-emitting landfills. The proposed Resource Recovery Centre is one of those rare opportunities to convert the residue of past practices into something new and positive with benefits yet unrealized.

We live in the forest adjacent to the sea; our home rests in a forest community bounded by the mountains of the backcountry and waters to the fore. To enhance our access

to the water, the regional district embarked on the expansive access program.

Now we have close to 20 new and improved ways for families to enjoy the beaches. The next steps include trails and parks.

The recently completed regional trails plan will guide our considerations of the how and where to access the forest. This work is built on decades of thought and labour of those who came before.

The selective preservation of the land will be the work of a new group mandated to develop a strategy for the acquisition of new parks and green spaces. This is just at the incubation stage, so stay tuned.

I offer my best wishes for 2017. It’s going to be an exciting year.

7 Wednesday.December 28.2016 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

Powell River Board of Education, Doug Skinner, chair Educational transformation is taking place in BC to improve a system that is already one of the best in the world. Globally, our Canadian students have been top achievers.

The newly released Programme for International Student Assessment results ranked BC students among the best in the world academically. We are not resting on our achievements, we continue to work hard locally to improve our system and outcomes for our students.

Teachers and administrators have been working diligently this year to implement the redesigned curriculum by work-

ing collaboratively to design new reporting and assessment methods that benefit students.

Our strategic priorities continue to be educational excellence, system sustainability, engagement and connections.

We are proud of our totem and drum lodge legacy project at James Thomson Elementary School, have expanded the welcome totem program to Brooks Secondary School this year and will include all schools in the coming years.

The board continues to invest in our facilities with a retrofit and gym expansion at Kelly Creek Community School.

2016 YEAR IN REVIEW

With the generosity of our friends at Powell River Regional District, we were able to extend the Haywire Bay property for the Outdoor Learning Centre.

We hope all of our staff, students and families take time to enjoy their holiday and a welldeserved rest.

This is also a time to think of others less fortunate, spread good will and reflect on how we can support one another.

Families and youth living with poverty have increased, yet we have a remarkable community culture of giving.

We applaud the work of our partner Powell River

Month by Month October continued

Educational Services Society in tackling youth homelessness and the good work of volunteers providing meals and services to youth and families.

On behalf of my fellow trustees, Mary James, Aaron Reid, Jeanette Scott and Ashley Hull, have a safe and happy 2017.

Powell River Chamber of Commerce, Jack Barr, president Another year has come and gone, and it’s hard to understand how the time goes by so quickly. Powell River Chamber of Commerce has had another successful year.

While continuing to work toward our mandate and mission statement, dedicated to supporting business, economic growth and diversification, we are also taking the time to reflect upon how we, as an organization for business, can better serve our members.

With this in mind, this year we have undertaken a strategic plan to identify our strengths and weaknesses in an effort to be more relevant to an ever-changing business environment.

We welcomed new members of the busi-

ness community onto our board this year.

With their enthusiasm, innovative ideas and strong passion for business, we are positioned well going into 2017.

According to new BC Chamber of Commerce chair Patrick Giesbrecht, “there are tremendous opportunities before us for 2017 and beyond. We are witnessing the coming of age of the largest generation ever: the millennials. They are entrepreneurial and support local businesses, have strong values, crave community and love causes.

Indeed, they are a perfect match with the chamber’s own values and initiatives.”

I wish to echo Giesbrecht’s sentiments.

In closing, I wish all the members the very

best for this holiday season.

I thank the board for all its hard work and the effort and time the directors give up from their own families and businesses to volunteer with the chamber.

In addition, special thanks go out to our manager Kim Miller and her assistant Theresa Slack, who make our efforts run rather seamlessly. All the best in 2017.

Powell River-Sunshine Coast provincial electoral district, Nicholas Simons, MLA It is an honour to represent the constituency of Powell River-Sunshine Coast, and a privilege to have this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy and successful 2017.

The days are getting longer and the spring session of the legislature will soon be underway. It will be a short session as there is an election in May. I wonder what announcements and promises we will hear before then.

Over the past year, I have raised concerns about some

of the priorities of our current government. These include the for-profit privatization of seniors care, the management and cost of our ferries and the importance of protecting our provincial parks.

I have also impressed on government the crisis with our housing situation and, while I am pleased that funding is being made available, we are playing catchup on a file that seems to have been neglected.

I would like to thank my

constituency assistants Kim Tournat and Maggie Hathaway who, together with volunteers, help residents find information, provide assistance and offer advocacy to resolve problems people may be having with policies, programs or services under provincial jurisdiction.

I have enjoyed meeting many new people and catching up with others over the past year and look forward to being introduced to many more.

I wish everyone good health and hope you will continue to

shop locally whenever you can, support local farmers however you can and enjoy live music as much as you can.

North Island-Powell River federal electoral district, Rachel Blaney, MP Many thanks to Powell River Peak for giving me an opportunity to wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year!

It’s been an exceptionally full year as your new member of parliament and the profound sense of honour I felt on the day of the election has not diminished at all. If anything, it has only grown as I have engaged on a wide range of important issues.

I’ve heard clearly from you that you have a number of key priorities that you want me to champion. I’ve heard that the wide range of issues affecting seniors, especially seniors

struggling to make ends meet, are of critical importance; including suitable housing, access to services, improved income and pension supports.

Suitable, affordable housing is not just an issue affecting seniors, of course. I’ve heard about the emergency of inadequate housing in Powell River and in virtually every other community I represent.

That’s why I recently introduced a private member’s bill that would enshrine the right to housing in our Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Housing should be a fundamental human right in Canada, and everywhere else,

too. But it isn’t. Yet. I’ve also heard loud and clear from you that you want me to work on advancing smart solutions to the growing threat of climate change. The government’s recent decision to approve the Kinder Morgan pipeline was wrong for all kinds of reasons, including the impact on climate change, threat to sustainable coastal jobs and risk of oil spills on our beautiful, wild coast.

I’ve been listening and learning and standing up for you at every opportunity throughout my first year as your member of parliament. I will do my very

Powell River Regional District, City of Powell River and Tla’amin Nation agree to form a social-action committee in order to address Powell River’s social problems, such as poverty and lack of affordable housing.

LafargeHolcim locks out approximately 70 workers from its Texada Quarrying grounds during contract negotiations.

United Steelworkers Local 816 cites seniority rights as the main stumbling block as the lockout continues through December.

Powell River Sunset Homes Society sells the former Olive Devaud Residence building to Chinese businessperson Shihtao Lu’s Starium Development. Proceeds from the sale will be put toward construction of affordable seniors’ housing.

November BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure consultants RF Binnie hold open houses on the Sunshine Coast to gather public opinion on four different options for a fixed link connecting Powell River and the Lower Mainland.

Peak editorial staff give City of Powell River council a mid-term report card with just below a B average for its first two years.

Powell River Public Library faces another two-week delay after confusion over the location of asbestos products inside the building causes WorkSafe BC to issue a stop-work order. Meanwhile, store owners above the new location ask for compensation for lost business during ongoing delays.

BC Agricultural Land Commission denies the application from PRSC Land Developments, a partnership between City of Powell River and Tla’amin Nation, to have 30 acres of land excluded from the Agricultural Land Reserve in order to sell it to Sino Bright.

City of Powell River council move toward passing resolutions that will address derelict buildings in the city. A residential property on Joyce Avenue is declared a nuisance.

The sixth annual Celebration of Cultural Diversity takes place at Powell River Recreation Complex, once again drawing thousands of residents.

December best to make progress on these and other vital issues in my second year as your MP. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you in my role as your MP. It is a gift you gave me in October 2015 and I cherish it every day.

City of Powell River shelves an incubator farm plan after local farming organizations write to council that they do not support the project.

A third medical marijuana dispensary, West Coast Medicinal Dispensary, opens in Powell River under the same scrutiny from City of Powell River and Powell River RCMP.

8 Wednesday.December 28.2016 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

OPINION »

Published every Wednesday 4400 Marine Avenue, Powell River, BC V8A 2K1

A year of action While 2016 might be a year some would rather forget due to its tough run in the personal and political world, the positive, productive energy in Powell River was palpable once again. In 2015, it was a year of transition in our city, and 2016 became a year of getting things done.

There will always be those who wish progress would happen sooner and faster for this town, but 2016 was all about action.

In April, Tla’amin Nation ushered in a new era of self-governance in what was truly a once in a lifetime, momentous occasion for our area. Powell River residents should be proud that they were able to witness the beginning of the nation’s future without the Indian Act holding it down.

Meanwhile, City of Powell River mayor Dave Formosa and council pushed hard throughout the year to make their marks. Now two years into their four-year terms, councillors began to gain confidence and momentum and brought forward initiatives and action plans that will affect the I am proud of the Peak long- term futeam for tackling the ture of the area. hard stories and playing Ref lecting on the work done such an important role by council this in our community. past year, along with support from city staff, it is clear that councillors have big plans for the remainder of their terms.

The city and Tla’amin were not the only important stories we covered this year as our editorial team challenged itself to tackle stories with larger implications on our community, including social problems, health-service issues, far-reaching regional district matters and business development.

Many stories covered were not all roses and bunny rabbits, but fortunately, most of them had positive outcomes.

I am proud of the Peak team for tackling difficult stories and playing such an important role in our community. We are the only newspaper in Powell River and treat that with a serious responsibility and respect for journalistic integrity and fairness.

I believe we are doing important, quality work here in my hometown, a place that is changing and adapting with equal parts inspiration and trepidation.

A special shout-out to everyone who wrote letters or commented online about our coverage this year. It is those avid readers and commentators who keep the Peak editorial team on its toes, and we always appreciate feedback, whether positive or negative.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Jason Schreurs, publisher/editor

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VIEWPOINT

Worst year ever?

By David Brindle The current year drawing to a close was not, as some believe, the worst year, ever.

Worst year for whom?

Privileged, entitled, white, middle-class western-world whiners who are suckers for social media, that’s who.

Who else would go overboard with grief, weeping crocodile tears on hearing news that some rock and roll icons and B-list actors died? People die. Even celebrities die, but that hardly makes this year any worse than another.

Celebrity deaths amount to nothing more than highlight reels played at awards shows. People who are having a really bad year do not have the luxury to moan about it; they are too busy trying to survive. Personal tragedies can make a year awful; they deserve condolences.

The election of Donald Trump was bad, but that alone does not qualify 2016 as annus horribilis.

Let’s not forget, Canada elected

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Stephen Harper three times.

The Syrian war is actually pretty bad, on its way to becoming the worst conflict in the 21st century, with much more death and destruction ahead. However, when it comes to war, conflicts, such as World War I and II, and the Vietnam War, to name a few, eclipse what is happening in the Middle East. Like terrorism, the situation in Syria is terrible, but it will no doubt become worse in 2017.

The worst year depends on a point of view and in this era, there is a distortion through the lens of social media. If everyone in a certain Facebook echo chamber starts bellyaching about 2016 being the worst year ever, then it must be, until next year.

Then, just like clockwork, at the drop of the New Year’s ball in Times Square, comes January 1, and someone will have lost their car keys, thereby making the ensuing 365 days unbearable.

Some criteria needs to be placed

on years thought to be the worst.

At the top of the list would be Armageddon, not snow-mageddon, but a real apocalyptic extinction event, whatever the cause, such as an asteroid or plague.

What could be worse? Deaths of celebrities, no matter how beloved, do not qualify a year to be categorized as the worst, nor does war, because they happen all the time.

Climate change does not count because it has been going on since the dawn of the industrial revolution.

The collected calamities of 2016 do not qualify it as the worstever year in human history, because that is what “ever” infers: always, forever, eternally, until hell freezes over, until the cows come home. It means every year prior and every year to come. By that definition, there are some doozies ahead.

David Brindle is the community reporter for Powell River Peak.

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9 Wednesday.December 28.2016 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

IT HAPPENED IN 2016: BEST OF SPEAK TO THE PEAK

How can the ferry What are system for Powell your plans for River be improved? Family Day?

How are you What are your thoughts on a single- celebrating St. Patrick’s Day? use plastic bag ban in Powell River?

When you see graffiti around Powell River, what do you think?

What are your thoughts on the implementation of the Tla’amin Nation treaty?

JOSEPH HOF Padgett Road It can be improved by building a road to Squamish.

TRISTAN REBANE Valley Road I have to work, but every day is family day for me, so I will just do what I usually do.

RAY SKETCHLEY Michigan Avenue The ban is a tempest in a teapot. Shopping bags are only a tiny percentage of the total plastic used in products and packaging

ANGELA GUNTHER Invermere Court I shall mince about the town spreading mischief.

JULIA WIZINSKY Manson Avenue Bring it on. As long as it comes off. It’s art.

CHARLIE BOB Tla’amin Nation elder This will be good for our future.

What could be done to make Powell River more fun?

What should City of Powell River name the new amphitheatre at Willingdon Beach?

How can Powell River address the problem of street drugs?

What is your favourite part about living in Powell River?

What does Pride mean to you?

What can be done to address Powell River’s lack of affordable housing?

TYE LEISHMAN Nootka Street Shut off your phone, get off the couch, turn the TV off and get outside.

MAXIM FERNANDESPOLOTSKIY, three Trail, BC I have a name: ice cream.

GARRY GODIN Klahanie Drive It’s all about education and harm reduction. You can’t win the war on drugs.

CHERYL MINIATO Terrace Street It’s the smallness of the place, and it’s a very welcoming community.

STUART HYDE Joyce Avenue It’s a celebration of alternative lifestyle, which is great with me.

JIM MENZIES Manson Avenue The provincial government should step up and help increase the amount of affordable housing in Powell River.

IT HAPPENED IN 2016: POWELL RIVER PEOPLE Tla’amin Nation elder Elsie Paul is honoured by the entire community during An Evening for Elsie at Dwight Hall.

Local designers Leo Zagwyn, Leah Rourke and Colin MacRae are selected to provide furnishings for the new Powell River Public Library.

For his work in music programming, Inclusion Powell River community connector Chris Weekes is one of five BC residents recognized

by Community Living BC. Trailblazing environmentalist Ruby Roscovich celebrates her 100th birthday among family and friends.

Former Powell River Kings goaltenders Sean Maguire and Michael Garteig sign contracts with National Hockey League teams. Maguire inks a two-year deal with Pittsburgh Penguins and Garteig a one-year contract with Vancouver Canucks.

Composer Tobin Stokes returns to his hometown of Powell River to present his opera Rattenbury during Pacific Region International Summer Music Academy’s gala fundraiser.

Nine-year-old Panagiota Rounis wins the title of best overall handler after showing her Havanese, Effie, at a national dog show competition.

Longtime Powell River Fire Rescue chief Dan Ouellette retires after more than 30 years with the department. Deputy chief Terry Peters takes over command.

Young baker Alexis Krausz, 20, wows Powell River Farmers’ Market patrons with his selection of breads and pastries.

Jay Yule and Don James receive BC Community Achievement Awards. Yule, superintendent of School District 47, and James, a longtime music educator, join 28 other British Columbians honoured in 2016.

City of Powell River names Kathleen Day its new chief financial officer and Chris Jackson its new city clerk.

twin-engine plane crashes into the wooded area beside Safeway.

The Azrak and Dayekh families arrive in Powell River after a lengthy and arduous journey from Syria.

Former Powell River resident Julie Kennedy, one half of music duo Twin Kennedy, is nominated for fiddle player of the year by the Canadian Country Music Association.

Serge Dube, 64, graduates alongside hundreds of other high-school students amid cheers from family and friends at the annual cap and gown ceremony.

Clint Williams is elected as Tla’amin Nation hegus in the nation’s first-ever election. Williams is joined by eight Tla’amin legislators.

Stillwater resident Tristan May shoots and kills a grizzly bear on his property after the animal attacks his goats.

Po w e l l R i ve r p a ra - c yc l i s t Tristan Chernove wins gold, silver and bronze medals at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Longtime Powell River Action Centre Food Bank manager Gina Kendrick passes away shortly after leaving the food bank in the hands of Powell River Brain Injury Society.

Former Powell River resident David Tetarenko is killed when his

Powell River seniors Victor Njume, Nancy Lalonde and Mel Chatwin return from the BC Seniors Games with a combined two gold and five bronze medals.

Powell River Academy of Music director Walter Martella is

named new artistic director of International Choral Kathaumixw after Paul Cummings resigns.

Soccer player Billy Bagiopoulos enters top five in scoring for the Pacific Western Athletic Association. The former Powell River Villa player scores seven goals in six games for Vancouver Island University Mariners.

Current Tourism Powell River executive director Paul Kamon is hired in the same position for Sunshine Coast Tourism.

Payton Anderson-Kelly, 10, prepares for a holiday audition at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

Brook s Second ar y School teacher Graham Cocksedge wins a silver medal in the Canadian Cross Country Championships in Kingston, Ontario.

Bob Stutt celebrates his 102nd birthday with a horse-drawn carriage ride courtesy of his family.

10 Wednesday.December 28.2016 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

IT HAPPENED IN 2016: COMMUNITY

Dedicated volunteers highlight caring community Organizations and individuals rally to support people and causes DAVID BRINDLE community@prpeak.com

It is difficult, if not impossible, to highlight all of the 2016 stories that fall under the heading of “community.”

More than anything, Powell River celebrates the

connections between people working together in a purposeful sense of caring and building to make things happen for the better.

If a community is judged by how it shares fellowship with others, Powell River’s best side was no more evident in 2016 than in the way it welcomed two new families from war-ravaged Syria.

The Azrak and Dayekh families arrived in June after fleeing for their lives from the battle for Aleppo.

“It was bombing all the time,” said Rezq Dayekh.

SAFE AND SOUND: One of Powell River’s newest families arrived in June after a long journey from Syria. Pictured here are parents [from left] Kinda and Sharbel Azrak, grandparents Aboud and Mouna Azrak, and Kinda’s mother, Sonia Krikorian. The two boys are five-year-old Aboud and eight-year-old Sharbel. DAVID BRINDLE PHOTO

“Helicopters shooting, guns shooting. No electricity. No water. It was bad. Everybody is fighting everybody.”

Imagining the arduous journey is nearly impossible.

Powell River Health-Care Auxiliary wishes to thank the following for their continuing support of health care in our community Augusta Recyclers City of Powell River City Transfer Powell River Regional District Many thanks to the following businesses and individuals for their kind and generous donations to our annual members appreciation dinner

It has been a very successful year. Thank you Powell River, you donations and patronage make it all possible.

344V10

Carlson Community Club Canada Safeway Mitchell Brothers Quality Foods Save-On-Foods River City Coffee Starbucks Paperworks Gift Gallery Shoppers Drug Mart Hindle’s Camera and Stationary Ltd. Liz and John Craven PR Health-Care Auxiliary Gift Shop PR Health-Care Handcrafters

From Syria, the families travelled to Jordan, where they waited anxiously for immigration applications to be approved, and then faced the culture shock of arriving in Powell River after a long journey.

To leave everything they had ever known and move to a strange place was, needless to say, a culture shock and bittersweet, according to Sharbel Azrak, a father of two young sons.

“It’s your only memories, where we grew up, and where you have all of your family and friends,” said Azrak. “Leaving is like comparing it with your soul leaving your body.”

The Azrak family left with nothing but clothes and documents.

When he looks back on what his family left, and what is ahead in this strange new world, Azrak said he is happy to be here.

“How we are greeted here is an awesome thing,” he said. “How generous you are and how nice you are. That is what is very touching.”

The arrival of the Azrak and Dayekh families would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of their sponsors: Church of the Assumption, Westview Baptist Church and Evangel Pentecostal Church.

A community is also said to be measured by how it treats its senior citizens. One story in 2016 revealed a sad state

of affairs at Evergreen Care Unit and Willingdon Creek Village, two seniors’ residences in Powell River operated under the authority of Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH).

When troublesome news surfaced of seniors receiving questionable food quantity and quality from VCH’s food service provider, Sodexo, public reaction was swift.

Reports by VCH and Sodexo confirmed that, on one occasion, some residents were given a nutritional energy drink instead of a full meal.

Other complaints were raised to management about incidents of food shortages, meals of poor quality, meals not served on time and small portion sizes.

According to VCH public affairs director Gavin Wilson and Sodexo’s vice president of communications and corporate affairs Katherine Power, the problem was immediately addressed and, since September, there have been no further reports of food shortages or quality complaints.

The office of the BC Seniors Advocate has done some followup on the issue; an update is expected in the new year.

Many community heroes of 2016 deserve mention and many more, who choose to dedicate volunteer hours in anonymity, cannot be thanked enough.

Sadly, Gina Kendrick, the heart and soul of Powell River Action Centre Food Bank for more than two decades, passed away.

Local senior Hank Cummings continued to inspire. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2004, Cummings raised more than $5,000 participating in the Parkinson Superwalk.

The dedicated group of volunteers behind Powell River’s Meals on Wheels made the difficult decision to end the program that served the community for 45 years.

Any year in review would not be complete without the mention and appreciation for the teachers and educators of School District 47, who show invaluable commitment in the stewardship of our community’s youth.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of a community and it cannot survive without them. They are the reason Powell River is a renowned festival city, our less fortunate are cared for with dignity, and that our a magnificent backcountry is becoming a destination for tourists from around the world.

Dedication shown by countless people who give freely of their time for the betterment of the city and its residents extends far beyond what can be summed up in a year in review, because everyone who lives here is part of the story.

11 Wednesday.December 28.2016 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

IT HAPPENED IN 2016: CULTURE

A brand new year is here We can help you celebrate your business idea Find out how our self-employment program works, plan to attend our next introduction to business

This is a full-day session on Wednesday, January 11 • 9:30 am-4 pm For information and to reserve your seat, call 604.485.7901 POWELL RIVER COMMUNITY FUTURES

841210

The Employment Program of British Columbia is funded by the Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia

SINGING SENSATIONS: At the 17th biennial International Choral Kathaumixw in July, Wah Yan College Kowloon Boys’ Choir from Hong Kong, China, was named Choir of the World at Kathaumixw. Pictured here are [from left] the choir’s conductor Lesley Ka-Hei Chan, Tla’amin Nation carver Craig Galligos, who created a totem pole for the winning choir, former Kathaumixw artistic director Paul Cummings and members of the choir. CLAUDIA MEDINA PHOTO

Bevy of festivals and influx of artists further develops area’s art scene DAVID BRINDLE community@prpeak.com

Almost every cultural event in Powell River in 2016 was made more significant because of the new Tla’amin Nation. At every event, a feeling of profound honour and respect was evident, recognizing that celebrations of arts and culture in the region were held on traditional Tla’amin lands, and that aboriginal art and culture was here first.

That heritage and those traditions, so much of it lost to the tragedies inflicted on aboriginal people by European settlement, continued to come back stronger in 2016, as reconciliation between neighbours became more meaningful.

More people became aware of the significance of the first culture and many artists drew inspiration from it.

For a city the size of Powell River, to boast such a thriving arts and culture scene would likely astonish and make communities of similar size envious. The past year proved once again that the scene is real here, and what a scene it has become; festivals, musicians, visual

artists, authors, sculptors and artisans flourishing and thriving.

In 2016, an influx of amazingly talented people continued. They found out about the secret of this place and moved here to enjoy its unparalleled beauty and isolation.

People such as painter and metal sculptor Guillermo MacLean, sculptor Sandra Lopez, metal sculptor Heather Wall and leather craftsman Ken Diamond, arrived and joined the existing and ever-expanding scene of new, rising stars.

Finding a “Take a Peak” subject for the Peak’s culture page each week was never difficult. The feature highlighted many talented people who draw inspiration from living in Powell River and, collectively, are turning the city and area into a large maker-space.

It is commonly suggested that something is always going on in Powell River; 2016 proved that point. On any given day, art openings and exhibits, craft and beer fairs and live music highlighted the calendar. But these celebrations and shows were all dwarfed by the scope of the festivals, particularly in the summer, when the city explodes with cultural and artistic expression.

For two and a half months, festivals drew thousands of participants and visitors, and millions of dollars, to the region.

Even days appearing to be festival-free were consumed with setup, take down, flurries of last-minute ticket sales, rushes to find billets, venue preparation, volunteer management and a host of other details required to put on these events.

How does Powell River do it? It begins with a vision, such as Don James’ cofounding of International Choral Kathaumixw or Arthur Arnold’s idea for a summer music academy.

Then the volunteers step up.

Everyone involved in organizing and staging festivals say Powell River is known for dedicated volunteers, the lifeblood of the community, who make events possible that larger centres would find daunting.

Despite the strain of the summer, with one event followed by another, the city showed no signs of festival exhaustion.

“Powell River is very supportive of the endeavours linked to local festivals, and indeed the festivals offered here provide a distinctive feature that makes Powell River an attractive area for residents and visitors alike,” said Kathaumixw chairman Tom Koleszar. “Festivals create culturally vibrant cities and are an economic driver.”

The biennial big daddy of arts and culture, Kathaumixw, returned in 2016. It started small in 1984 and has become huge; one of the largest and most respected choral festi-

vals in the world.

C h o ra l g ro u p s f ro m Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Hungary, United States and Canada attended, along with Powell River’s host choirs, performing in adjudicated competitions and joining in for spectacular opening and closing gala concerts.

One of Kathaumixw’s biggest stories came from behind the scenes, when artistic director Paul Cummings, who was named to the position in 2012, was replaced

by Walter Martella, in a decision not entirely made by Cummings’ own volition.

Pacific Region International Summer Music Academy, with 70 students from all over the world coming to learn from musical masters, opened the summer culture and arts season in June.

In August, the annual Blackberry Festival once again resulted in thousands of people strolling Marine Avenue to celebrate all things berry.

The summer scene drew to a close in September with the Sunshine Music Festival and, in between, Diversity Festival returned to rock Texada Island.

One event was missing in 2016: Sea Fair, Powell River’s oldest running festival. No one knows when or if it will ever return. With everything else going on in Powell River, some have said it will not be missed.

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12 Wednesday.December 28.2016 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

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CATALYST FOR CHANGE: Catalyst Paper Corporation Powell River division vice-president and general manager Fred Chinn and his pulp and paper mill were prominent in business news in 2016. CHRIS BOLSTER PHOTO

Business ups and downs Tourism, real estate and international companies navigate bumps in the road DAVID BRINDLE community@prpeak.com

CITY OF POWELL RIVER 2017 Regular Council Meeting Schedule Regular Council meetings are held on the first and third Thursday of the month at 7 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

Regular Committee of the Whole meetings are held on the Tuesday of each week of a Regular Council meeting at 3:30 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE 3:30 PM January 17 and 31 February 14 and 28 March 14 April 4 and 18 May 2, 16 and 30 June 13 July 4 and 18 August 1 and 15 September 5 and 19 October 3, 17 and 31 November 14 December 5 and 19

REGULAR COUNCIL 7 PM January 19 February 2 and 16 March 2 and 16 April 6 and 20 May 4 and 18 June 1 and 15 July 6 and 20 August 3 and 17 September 7 and 21 October 5 and 19 November 2 and 16 December 7 and 21

The schedule for Council meetings and Committee of the Whole meetings is posted on the Public Notice Board at City Hall. When necessary, notices will be issued noting revisions to the date, time and place or cancellation of a meeting.

Agendas are available for viewing at City Hall and are posted on the City website at www.powellriver.ca.

Anyone wishing to appear as a delegation at a Council meeting or at a Committee of the Whole meeting, please contact the City Clerk at (604) 485-8603 or cjackson@cdpr.bc.ca 344V09

Chris Jackson, City Clerk

More investment, more jobs, more real estate inventory and more tourism.

More of all of it. That was the number one business story of 2016.

Promoting Powell River as a tourist destination is attracting more revenue to the region, which cycles through the economy through accommodations, restaurants, services and shopping.

However, as much as it is championed by outdoor and adventure enthusiasts, no data exists to suggest it is the panacea for the woeful economy.

In the spring, it was thought that a lower Canadian dollar, flattened by world oil prices, would spike local tourism as an economic driver. However, there were no numbers to prove it.

In the summer, the realestate market generated some economic excitement when it became hot, before cooling off, in part, due to a shortage of inventory, an example of the sector’s cyclical nature.

In comparing 2016 to 2015, despite the market slowdown, more sales were reported this year than last. According to Powell River Sunshine Coast Real Estate Board president Neil Frost, as of the end of November, total homes sales numbered 489. He added that over the same time period in 2015, 424 homes were sold.

Out-of-town buyers of property, for investment or for moving here, accounted for approximately 55 per cent of home sales.

At the end of 2016, it appears that prices remain up, demand is down and fewer homes are available for sale.

Despite an increase in local prices, Powell River remains relatively affordable compared to other areas in BC. Building development totalled $15 million in 2016, but those homes were built for a specific, financially secure demographic. However, as City of Powell River tries to entice people to move here through its resident attraction program, it has obstacles to overcome, such as housing and jobs.

As for the mill, it remains anyone’s guess where it is heading. In June it was announced that Catalyst Paper Corporation was being sold to Kejriwal Group International.

Catalyst Powell River division vice-president and general manager Fred Chinn said, despite takeover talks, the mill was here to stay.

“This is a company that’s going to be here, and this is a mill that’s going to last,” said Chinn.

In the fall, it was announced that the takeover deal had fallen through, followed by the announcement that the company’s majority

This is a company that’s going to be here, and this is a mill that’s going to last.

FRED CHINN

CATALYST PAPER CORPORATION POWELL RIVER DIVISION VICEPRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER

People are not attracted to the city due to a dearth of well-paying jobs, which puts a drain on the local economy and keeps young people from staying in the community. The necessity to move away for work leaves Powell River’s significantly aging population to bare the brunt of taxation on their fixed incomes.

Hopes for an influx of capital and jobs created by Sino Bright school were left in limbo at the end of 2016.

The school for international students was in the spotlight, in part, because of Chinese investment.

shareholders had arranged a loan agreement.

In 2016, business left people hanging in Powell River.

For Lease signs still occupy too much of the retail space, the future of the mill is a constant guessing game, tourism can only take the economy so far and forestry and the fishery remain under attack by environmentalists.

The business of Powell River was in a woebegone state for much of the year, and multiple marijuana dispensaries, a medical-marijuana facility or fixed-link bridges will not solve the problem.

13 Wednesday.December 28.2016 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

IT HAPPENED IN 2016: SPORTS

Loggers steal sporting spotlight in 2016 DAVID BRINDLE community@prpeak.com

Everything about Powell River sports, even Powell River Kings hockey club, normally the number one game in town, was overshadowed in 2016 by the triumphant return of Powell River Logger Sports.

After an absence of 11 years, Powell River was buzzing as loudly as the roar of the chainsaws that ripped through the newly named Loggers Memorial Bowl at Willingdon Beach. Taking place from Friday, July 15, to Sunday, July 17, logger sports drew lumberjacks from around BC, across Canada and the United States, and as far away as New Zealand.

Logs were cut, axes were thrown, poles were climbed and champions were crowned, thrilling throngs of people who packed the beach all weekend. When all was said and done, the event drew huge crowds.

Organizers estimated approximately 20,000 people attended over the three days.

On the official rule sheet for Powell River Logger Sports, rule number 11 stipulated, “Absolutely no whining. Everyone must have fun!” By all accounts, everyone did.

Some of the best loggers in the world competed for Canadian and world championships and a prize purse totalling $60,000. Event winners from Powell River included Braiden Coburn, Julian Welp, Brett Marquis, Jeff Coburn and Allan Knapp.

KINGS VS. CLIPPERS

Before the loggers arrived, Powell River’s tent city went up at Willingdon Beach for the annual arrival of 600 spandex-clad mountain bikers competing in the 10th BC Bike Race. Stage two took place on July 8 and marked the seventh occasion race organizers included a stop in Powell River, which has been ranked as the racers’ second favourite leg of the gruelling endurance event for the last couple of years. Riders cite the trails and their favourite location, the setting at Willingdon Beach, as reasons for the stage’s popularity.

Trails in the Duck Lake protected area, where the race is routed through, rank just behind Squamish as tops for racers, according to race organizers. Four Powell River cyclists competed in the seven-stage race: Brad and Patricia Winchell, Russell Brewer and Colin Koszman.

Powell River Kings began 2016 in the midst of a four-game winning streak but were unable to sustain that momentum into the BC Hockey League post-season.

After the Kings defeated Cowichan Valley in six games, Nanaimo ousted Powell River in the second round to advance. Kings battled Victoria Grizzlies for top spot in Island Division standings for most of the 2016-2017 pre-Christmas portion of their regular season schedule, but lost their last four games heading into the break.

Vancouver Island Soccer League’s Powell River Villa soccer club ended 2016 just as it began the year, struggling for goals and wins. Due to its seventh place finish in last season’s standings, Villa did not see any playoff action in 2016.

Mario Paul took over as the club’s

new head coach with a goal of taking Villa from the second division to the first.

“You have to go for it right off the bat, you don’t come to lose,” said Paul.

However, that is exactly what Villa is doing: losing. Unless the team can improve on its current eighth place position in the standings heading into the second half of the 2016-2017 season, playoffs will be out of reach once again, which begs the question, how many different ways can a “Villa loses again” headline be written?

A new climbing wall was built

by Powell River Climbing Co-op in what is eventually supposed to be The Warehouse in Townsite.

While the wall is complete, The Warehouse is not. With no firm opening date and no revenue coming in for the co-op, how long can the wall last before the idea comes tumbling down? Was the $160,000-grant from Powell River Community Forest well spent?

Individual athlete Tristen Chernove captured local and national attention throughout 2016.

Born and raised in Powell River, Chernove burst onto the international para-cycling scene with world championships and world cup wins and, ultimately, gold, silver and bronze medals at the second largest sporting event in the world: the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. It was a remarkable accomplishment by an inspiring individual.

Chernove took up the sport to offset the ravaging effects of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, which he was diagnosed with in 2009. A rare hereditary disorder that affects the nervous system, CMT produces symptoms similar to muscular dystrophy.

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One of Chernove’s favourite memories of growing up in Powell River, he said, were of days taken off from school to go fishing with his dad, when connecting with nature and each other was needed more than another day in the classroom.

“Being from Powell River has ev-

erything to do with who and how I am in the world,” he said. “But it’s not due to the physical geography of the place but the people in that place who were part of forming me. I am a reflection of the friends I grew up with and my family, who happen to be some of the best people and brightest spirits on earth.”

Notice of Change of Practice Craig Park and Palm Beach Park – Reservations Effective January 1, 2017, the Powell River Regional District is changing the way we are taking reservations for the use of park facilities at Craig Park and Palm Beach Park. Reservations will no longer be made through our Community Services Department for Craig Park or through our Palm Beach Park Caretaker. If you wish to reserve either of these parks, please call the Regional District office directly at 604.485.2260 or email us at administration@powellriverrd.bc.ca.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30 5:30 PM

The process for reserving group camp sites at Shelter Point Park and Haywire Bay Park is not changing. Park Caretakers are still taking these reservations directly at 604.486.7228 or shelterpointpark@powellriverrd.bc.ca for Shelter Point Park or 604.483.1097 or haywirebaypark@powellriverrd.bc.ca for Haywire Bay Park. We do not accept reservations at our campgrounds for single campsites.

348V10

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CHAMPION CLIMBER: Powell River’s own Julian Welp won the Canadian Championship in Novice Tree Climb at the Powell River Logger Sports event in July at Willingdon Beach. DAVID BRINDLE PHOTO

868V10

Return of popular event thrills fans and draws large crowds

14 Wednesday.December 28.2016 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

TO BOOK YOUR AD » 604.485.5313 | classifieds@prpeak.com | 4400 Marine Avenue | Book your ad online at prpeak.com REACH 2.3 MILLION READERS WITH A COMMUNITY CLASSIFIED $395 is all it costs to place a 25-word BCYCNA Community Classified ad, reaching 2.3 million readers.

For more information, call Classifieds at the Peak.

DEADLINES Monday, 9 am for Wednesday publication Wednesday, 9 am for Friday publication

CLASSIFICATIONS 1000 NOTICES 1200 EMPLOYMENT 1400 EDUCATION

Donations are thankfully accepted. prhospitalfoundation.com 604.485.3211 ext 4349

1010 Announcements GET RESULTS! Post a classified in 107 newspapers in just a few clicks. Reach almost 2 million people for only $395 a week for 25-word text ad or $995 for small display ad.

Choose your province or all across Canada. Best value. Save over 85% compared to booking individually. www.communityclassifieds.ca or 1.866.669.9222.

SEEKING PRIVATE funding of 10% annual interest paid monthly secured with solid local real estate, minimum $50,000 604.414.8595.

Alcoholics Anonymous • 604.483.9736 • 604.485.6994 • 604.483.8349 • 604.807.0232 (Texada) • 604.414.5232 (Texada)

Meetings FRIDAYS, 8 - 9 PM United Church Basement SATURDAYS, 8:30 - 9:30 PM Hospital Boardroom SUNDAYS, 8 - 9 PM Alano Club

LOOKING FOR A NEW FAMILY FRIEND?

classifieds@prpeak.com

www.credit700.ca

8000 SERVICE DIRECTORY 9000 TRANSPORTATION

2060 For Sale Miscellaneous

6525 Duplexes for Rent

9135 Motorcycles

GET RESULTS!

Registered Health Care Aide Wanted

HARDY TREE, shr ub, and berry seedlings delivered. Order online at www.treetime.ca or call 1.866.873.3846. New growth guaranteed.

RENOVATION SALE, Fridge, 15 cu ft $250; Range $200; Dishwasher $150; Washer $100, all white in excellent condition. 1.250.870.2198 ROOTS IPAD, tablet and laptop portfolio/purse, (black) never used, still tags on $40, will sell for $25. great Christmas gift. 604.414.9994.

SAWMILLS FROM only $4,397 - MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawm i l l s . c o m / 4 0 0 O T 1.800.566.6899 Ext:400OT S W I V E L / RO C K E R C H A I R , cost $899, asking $400.

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2-BDRM, TOP floor, large duplex, beautiful view, quite private, Westview, January 15 o r Fe b r u a r y 1 , $ 9 5 0 / m t h .

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2001 KAWASAKI 650 XLR, Enduro, runs great, good tires, new front brakes $1,950.

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2010 YZ-250F, very low hours, near perfect condition, best offer takes. 604.485.2994.

Reach almost 2 million people in 107 papers for only $395/wk for a 25-word text ad, or $995/wk for a formatted display ad

classifeds.ca Book by province or whole country and save over 85%!

Powell River Home Care Services is seeking professional, compassionate and reliable caregivers to provide hourly care to our clients. We are in need of full or part-time employees. Competitive wages ($18.34/hour) and benefit packages.

Please contact Michelle 604.485.2566

1120 Found COIN PURSE, Marine Avenue, December 20. Please call to identify or visit the Peak.

604.485.5313.

1125 Lost

Lost your keys?

Try the Peak office Lost and Found.

4400 Marine Avenue 604.485.5313

1215 General Employment COAST FITNESS is looking for an experienced, certified yoga instructor to join their team. please send resumes to info@coastfitness.ca MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1.855.768.3362 to start training for your workat-home career today!

RONA IS looking for a door, window and counter top installer. Experience is a MUST. Please email either Chuck at chuck@prrona.ca or Trisha at trishat@prrona.ca

1230 Work Wanted CLAY GLOSLEE Construction.

Concrete foundation and retaining walls, fences, kitchen and bathroom renovation specialist, tiles, drywall, foundation to rooftop, contracts and hour ly.

604.483.6153.

HANDYMAN, HOME maintenance and repairs. Minor renovations, tiling, flooring, no job to small. Nick 604.414.6590.

2060 For Sale Miscellaneous 6-PERSON NEWER, efficient hot tub with cover $4,000 OBO 604.483.8050.

COAST BERRY Company, frozen local berries, 30 pounds blueberries, 20 pounds strawberries, can arrange delivery.

604.487.9788 or info@coastberrycompany.com COLEMAN GAS mobile home furnace, model 8600A756, made mid 70s, comes with complete oil gun burner assembly $500 OBO. 604.485.8477.

ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD, Yamaha, 88 key, weighted, $500 OBO; Snap on tools, by appointment. Marlin 3030 hunting rifle $500. 604.414.4747.

FIX/SELL BURL clocks Tom 604.487.9755.

SOLID WOOD hutch, excellent quality, made in Germany $600. 604.485.4301.

1215 General Employment

Step into your future

$750 Loans & More NO CREDIT CHECKS Open 7 days/week 8am - 8pm 1-855-527-4368 Apply at:

5500 LEGALS 6000 REAL ESTATE 6500 RENTERS’ GUIDE

1215 General Employment

1-866-669-9222

Powell River Hospital Foundation is working to improve your health care.

4000 HEALTH 4500 TRAVEL 5000 BUSINESS & FINANCE

1010 Announcements

community

1100 In Memoriam

2000 MARKETPLACE 3000 CHILDREN 3500 PETS & LIVESTOCK

Career Link Manager

Career Link is seeking a full-time Manager. This dynamic person with exceptional interpersonal skills will provide leadership in employee support, community liaison and program development in the delivery of innovative employment services.

For a detailed job description, please visit http://prepsociety.org/work.html Email with Career Link Manager in the subject line or submit your application to: Lyn Adamson #103, 4511 Marine Ave, Powell River, BC V8A 2K5 lyn@prepsociety.org Application deadline: Friday, January 13, 2017, by 4 pm

3560 Pets LOST/FOUND a pet? Adopt-apet? Pet behaviour problems?

Abuse or neglect concerns? w w w. s p c a . b c . c a / p o w e l l r i ve r

604.485.9252.

4025 Health Services CANADA BENEFIT GROUP Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability?

Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government.

Toll-free 1.888.511.2250 or www.canadabenefit.ca/freeassessment.

6545 Hall Rentals FOR RENT: Senior Citizens Association has two halls plus a meeting room available to serve you. Reasonable rates.

Al 604.483.3603, 604.414.9456.

6945 Rooms SINGLE ROOM, located in Townsite, suit single or student, shared kitchen and bath, N/S, N/P, no drugs, available now $400/ mth. Call Steve 1.778.867.1456.

6965 Suites for Rent F U R N I S H E D B A C H E LO R suite at Oceanside Resort, suitable for one person, utilities included, available January 1, $600/mth. Call 604.485.2435.

RODMAY HOTEL, Monthly rentals from $600/mth. Credit card and references required.

Call 604.483.7715.

9115 Auto Miscellaneous

Mechanics on Duty 604.485.7927

9145 Cars 2000 FORD Crown Vic, 4-dr Sedan, white, low mileage 68,467km $3,900. Please call 604.485.2594.

2005 FORD Crown Victoria, 194,000 kms, maintenance records, two winter tires on rims $5,000 OBO. 604.485.6454.

2015 TOYOTA Corolla LE, 7,000 kms $19,000 Firm.

604.485.4925.

G A R AG E K E P T, d r i v e n 3 months a year, red, supercharged, 1990 VW Corrado, new tires and brakes $4,500.

604.487.9705.

9185 Boats 1976 ERICSON 35 sailboat, electric propulsion, cockpit enclosure, five sails, 2015 survey, nice boat $27,000.

604.485.6454, 1.250.210.0781.

22’ LINWOOD, crew boat, depth sounder, radar, brand new kicker $15,000.

604.414.5792.

9220 RVs/Campers/Trailers 2015 SALEM 27’ dbud travel trailer, fully loaded, large slideout, walk around queen bed $22,500 FIRM. 604.485.2834.

5050 Legal Services

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CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer Employment/Licensing loss? Travel/Business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US Entry Waiver. Record Purge. File Destruction. Free Consultation 1.800.347.2540.

Stevenson Road, Powell River, BC

6030 Houses for Sale 3-BDRM MOBILE, new roof, siding, windows, flooring, bathroom, paint, F/S W/D. Call 604.485.5295.

6505 Apartments/Condos for Rent 2-BDRM, HEAT included, seniors oriented building.

604.485.2662.

3-BDRM, WESTVIEW, pets okay, $700/mth, heat and hot water included. 604.485.2895.

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604.483.8007 SAND AND GRAVEL PRODUCTS TOPSOIL • QUARRY ROCK SLINGER TRUCK • GRAVEL TRUCK EXCAVATIONS • LAND CLEARING

15 Wednesday.December 28.2016 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

LOOKING FOR TICKETS?

Stop by the Peak office to pick up your tickets for great events going on in our community *Please note, we accept cash only* Have an event coming up? The Peak office will sell your event tickets at no cost, as long as you are able to donate a pair of tickets (or more) to help us promote your event. Call our office at 604.485.5313 or pop by 4400 Marine Avenue for more information.

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*Traditional copper wire or copper wire hybrid networks are subject to capacity constraints and environmental stresses that do not affect TELUS fibre optic technology which is based on light signals. Not available in all areas. †Offer available until January 31, 2017, to residential customers who have not subscribed to TELUS Internet in the past 90 days. 6 month promotional pricing is available to new customers signing up for Optik TV on a 2 year service agreement, otherwise promotional pricing applies for 3 months. Regular pricing (currently $80/mo.) applies from the end of the promotional period. Cannot be combined with other promotional offers. Minimum system requirements apply.

Final eligibility for the services will be determined by a TELUS representative. Internet access is subject to usage limits; additional charges apply for exceeding the included data. A cancellation fee applies to the early termination of a service agreement and will be $15 per month multiplied by the number of months remaining in the term, plus applicable taxes. TELUS accounts must be in the same name. TELUS, the TELUS logo, TELUS PureFibre and the future is friendly are trademarks of TELUS Corporation, used under licence. All rights reserved. © 2016 TELUS.

16 Wednesday.December 28.2016 | Powell River Peak » prpeak.com

Your Hometown Grocery Store 5687 MANSON AVENUE • 604.483.4011

PRICES IN EFFECT DECEMBER 28 - JANUARY 3, 2017

CLOSED JANUARY 1, NEW YEAR’S DAY PERSONAL SERVICE

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Whirlpool Self-clean

French Door

/lb 15.39/kg

22 cu ft BM Fridge REG. $2,049

ALWAYS FRESH

Fan convection Ceran top range

WRF532SNB

1

48 each

ORGANIC

Stainless tub, nylon racks REG. $849 WDF560SAF

REG. $1,149

Romaine Lettuce

$

Dishwasher

YWFE530C0E

$1,598

$798

$568

Avocados

98

¢

Amana Top Load

each

Limes

21 $

FOR

Washer and Dryer Pair

Front Load Washer and Dryer Pair 5.2 cu ft direct-drive washer with heater 7.4 cu ft dryer with steam option REG. $2,698/pair

4.0 cu ft washer 6.5 cu ft dryer REG. $1,099/pair

$798

COUNTRY FRESH

$1,898

PLUS SPECIAL SAVINGS IN-STORE ON

ISLAND FARMS

If it doesn’t say Island Farms . . . it isn’t.

Sour Cream

Regular or Light 500 ml

25 $

Briana

FOR

FRESH DAILY

Raisin Bread 530 g loaf

1

$

98 each

World Class

High-loft Pillowtop Mattress and Foundation Queen size sets

Jaelyn

REG. $1,499

REG. $1,699

$1,099

Tight Top Queen size sets

$1,399

LOCATED DOWNSTAIRS AT MITCHELL BROTHERS • 604.483.4949 • 5687 MANSON AVENUE