Player turned referee calls games in hometown PAGE 11 TASTY TRAINING
Chef learns from ramen master in Japan PAGE 13
TANYA HILL
thill@prpeak.com
Ukrainian couple determined to create better life after fleeing from war
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After years and months of being on the move, fleeing their home country of Ukraine due to the Russian invasion three years ago, Mila and Eugene Kolpakova, and now, their young son Steven, have decided to call qathet home.
On February 24, 2022, the world watched in shock as Russian forces bombarded cities and towns as normal life for Ukrainians came to a halt. Mila was seven months pregnant at the time and hundreds of kilometres north in Kharkiv, at a maternity hospital, far from her home in Odessa, also spelled Odesa, a cosmopolitan city located on the Black Sea.
“It was my last night in Kharkiv; the next day I was supposed to catch a train back to Odessa,” said Mila. “At four or five o’clock in the morning, I heard a big splash but didn’t know what was going on so I called my husband.”
Eugene was working at his job as a mariner at the time, on a ship in the Mediterranean Sea, which he says was lucky, since if he had been in Ukraine when the invasion happened, he would have been forced to join the Ukraine army to fight the Russian invasion.
“The attack happened at night and nobody knew what the reality was ON-ICE OFFICIAL
RESILIENT PEOPLE: Eugene [left] and Mila Kolpakova moved to the qathet region from Ukraine and recently started selling perogies
Traditional food impresses hosts
yet,” said Eugene.
Mila said when she went to the train station she could see people were panicking, no one was able to withdraw money from ATMs due to a freeze on the system.
“I tried not to panic; all I knew was that I needed to get on the train and get home,” said Mila. “That’s as far as my thinking went.”
With the train delayed, all the shops and cafes closed and being February, it was very cold and people were stuck in minus-15 degree weather, waiting and worried.
While most Canadians and people around the world were shocked by the unprovoked attack by Russia that continues to escalate two-plus years later, Eugene said that they couldn’t believe it, and thought maybe it would only last a couple days.
“I kept working but I couldn’t sleep for at least 10 days,” added Eugene.
The couple’s apartment in Odessa was on the 18th floor. With constant evacuations to bomb shelters due to air raids, but no elevator, Mila, at seven months pregnant, and everyone else, had to go up and down the stairs constantly.
Mila said sometimes there were no lights and all the grocery stores closed, so she decided to pack her bags, fill up on the limited gas available and drive to Spain.
“They [authorities] were letting only 20-litres per person, so we [Mila and her mother] cruised around to all the gas stations to get as much as possible,” said Mila. “For the first 24 hours of the war, every man, woman and child was allowed to cross the border.”
However, Eugene said that rule changed quickly and soon authorities wouldn’t
allow men aged 17 to 65 to leave the country, because they were conscripted to fight in the war. His cousin is dead now after being forced into the army to fight on the front line; he was hit by a rocket.
Mila stayed in Moldova for one week and then her mom joined her, then they made their way to Spain.
“Mila drove 3,500 kilometres across Europe to Spain,” said Eugene. “While I was still working, Mila
work in 2014. After taking exams and filling out paperwork, he was denied. After the war broke out in 2022, the Canadian government created Canada/ Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel, a temporary travel visa program for Ukrainian nationals and their families that allowed for travel, study and work in Canada for up to three years.
“We first went to Toronto, but we saw some videos on
The couple ended up making Ukrainian dumplings and other traditional foods for their hosts in Gibsons, who were so impressed with how the food tasted, they encouraged the couple to start a business.
“I saw a job posting for [BC Ferries] Saltery Bay,” said Eugene. “We decided to check out Powell River to see if we might like it, and we did.”
After settling in and finding an apartment, they started to think more seriously about starting a business.
found an apartment and got set up with appliances and furniture.
“We don’t want to go back to Ukraine because even if [war] will be over, the country itself will be healing for maybe 20 years, because everything is destroyed. Of course we love our home but it’s not a safe country, and not a stable country.”
Since Eugene is a seasoned mariner, he tried to immigrate to Canada for
YouTube about Vancouver or British Columbia,” said Mila. “We thought the climate would be nicer [in Vancouver] and we wanted to be near the ocean.”
Eugene found out about BC Ferries and applied to be a deckhand and landed an interview, so the couple headed to the west coast. They ended up renting with a family in Gibsons. Mila said they became like their aunt and uncle.
“I was taught to make Ukrainian perogies and pelmeni [another type of dumpling] by my brother, who was taught by my grandma,” said Mila. “We were able to get FoodSafe certified and now we can sell frozen foods and freshmade foods at the farmers’ market.”
The business, called Family Food Pierogi and Pelmeni, has been a big hit with folks in qathet.
“We love Canada and we love that we can be proud of our Ukraine heritage here,” said Eugene. “Everyone has been so welcoming and we plan to stay long term.”
NEW BEGINNING: Mila [left] and Eugene Kolpakova moved to the qathet region in 2023 after the invasion of their home country of Ukraine by Russian forces in 2022. TANYA HILL PHOTO
Union scores win in Starbucks battle
Bargaining unit includes local store location
ISAAC PHAN NAY
The
Tyee
The union organizing some BC Starbucks coffee shops scored a big win at the BC Labour Relations Board, which ruled January 2 that workers at multiple locations could be in one bargaining unit.
After the Powell River Starbucks unionized last year, United Steelworkers Local 2009 folded the workers into the bargaining unit negotiating the first collective agreement for two Metro Vancouver locations. But Starbucks argued that expanding that bargaining unit to include Powell River would make negotiations more complicated and increase the likelihood of work stoppages and other labour disputes.
In its decision, the board rejected Starbucks’ attempt to block the expansion, allowing approximately 75 workers at the three locations to try to negotiate a single collective agreement. The decision is the latest in a series of legal challenges that have marked USW Local 2009’s drive to organize
baristas across the province and underscores the provincial labour tribunal’s preference for larger collective bargaining units under a single employer.
In court documents, the board said its decision hinges on the fundamental principle that one large bargaining unit is more stable than multiple small ones.
“It’s a good decision; it’s the right decision,” said Scott Lunny, director of USW’s Western Canada district. “I’m hopeful that they’re not going to see any further legal wrangling around this, and that we can just get on with it and continue to try to bargain.”
Mary Franssen, a spokesperson for Starbucks Canada, said in an email that the company has bargained with the unit in good faith and will continue to work with USW in the best interest of employees.
Staff of the North American coffee giant have unionized at hundreds of Starbucks locations across the United States. But north of the border, the drive to organize Canadian Starbucks workers has moved much slower.
According to Franssen, Starbucks has more than 900 stores in Canada, 13 of which are represented by United Steelworkers, and four of which currently have
collective agreements.
In BC, USW Local 2009 has two bargaining units for Starbucks workers. One is for workers at a Victoria location and has a collective agreement in place. The other initially represented baristas at the Clayton Crossing Shopping Centre Starbucks in Surrey and the Valley Centre Starbucks, about four kilometres southeast in Langley, and has been negotiating for its first collective agreement for about two years.
In 2024, the BC Labour Relations Board let USW 2009 add the Powell River café to the latter bargaining unit.
According to decision docu-
ments, the board reasoned a larger, combined unit was more likely to lead to long-term collective bargaining and stability between workers and the union. One larger bargaining unit with a single collective agreement is more stable than multiple units, which must negotiate separately, the board said in the original decision.
But Starbucks asked the board to reconsider. The company argued the board had no evidence that expanding the bargaining unit would improve negotiations. In its decision earlier this month, the Labour Relations Board dismissed Starbucks’ complaint.
While the board conceded that
Camping spots open for booking
BC Parks' online service for campsites available January 16
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
It's only the middle of January, and the prospect of many more months of cold, wind, rain and the possibility of snow on the horizon may seem bleak. That's why starting to
think about where to camp on May long weekend, when the sun will hopefully shine, might be a good idea.
BC Parks announced January 7 that the fourmonth rolling window will open most May long weekend provincial park camping reservations starting January 16 at 7 am.
The qathet region has plenty of camping options, but the two provincial parks that get busy are at Saltery Bay and Inland Lake.
The May long weekend and Victoria Day, which
takes place on May 19, is the busiest weekend of the year, according to BC Parks. Long weekend reservations require a minimum three-night booking for front-country camping that includes Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. But what is the difference between front-country and backcountry camping?
Front-country camping is in an area within one kilometre of a park road or a highway accessible by vehicle. It also offers a range of amenities not available in more remote loca-
tions. Backcountry camping is in an area more than one kilometre away from any highway or park road. Backcountry campsites are not accessible by vehicle and have limited facilities. When folks are either front or backcountry camping, keeping food stored away from wildlife is important for campers safety and the animals.
Here are a few ways to store attractants while away from a campsite or sleeping: Locked in a hard-sided vehicle or trailer; food storage locker (if provided); certified
adding the Powell River location to negotiations may be complicated, it said Starbucks did not prove the expansion would lead to instability.
Lunny said having workers at all three Starbucks bargain together, at a single table, gives the workers more sway in discussions with the employer.
“The way workers at Starbucks are going to achieve the power to bargain and improve their wages and working conditions is by joining with others at the same company to bargain together,” he said.
This story was made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
bear-resistant container; hang a bag of food from a high tree (if no other facilities exist).
It's also a good idea to check the BC Parks website for any facility information or active advisories that may be in place, such as a water advisory or park closure.
Across the province, $385,508 has been allocated for 104 communityled BC Parks projects to be completed by March 31. qathet Regional Cycling Association is one of the recipients of money allocated through the Community
Park Enhancement Fund (PEF). Revenue from the sale of BC Parks licence plates goes into PEF and supports this program.
Projects this year include: trail maintenance, facility improvements and signage; species monitoring, habitat restoration and species counts; invasive species management accessibility projects; recreation projects; education programs, and camps.
BC Parks’ reservations can be accessed via camping.bcparks.ca or by calling 1.800.689.9025.
UNITED UNIT: Workers at the Powell River Starbucks café were added to a USW 2009 bargaining unit last year. TANYA HILL PHOTO
Knights provide food donation box
Second secure location for contributions added at Quality Foods
PAUL GALINSKI
reporter@prpeak.com
Powell River’s Knights of Columbus have been generous again toward Powell River Action Centre Foodbank.
The organization recently sponsored a new donation bin for Quality Foods, where shoppers
can drop food items without worrying about them being taken by people other than food bank representatives.
Knights of Columbus grand knight David Formosa said the donation bin is the second one that the Knights have provided. The first one was set up at Save-OnFoods and Formosa indicated it has made a huge difference in retrieving donated food.
Knights of Columbus has also donated 76 new winter coats that are wind and rain proof to give out to people in need.
“The Knights of Columbus
have stepped up to the plate again this year,” said Powell River Action Centre Foodbank manager Savanna Dee. “They increased their donation of coats for children and teens. There was such a need last year that we ran out, so we kindly thank them for helping support their local community with such a gift.
Dee said the food bank is buckling under the strain of new clients.
“It has been a landslide of new people needing all kinds of help,” said Dee. “With visits doubling since 2019, and with no food for the table, many people parents cannot afford a new coat for their children. This is more than 30 per
cent of the people we feed and to me, it’s unacceptable.”
COMMUNITY HELP: Powell River’s
Council amends remuneration bylaw
Councillors
vote for first two readings to set out how members are recompensed
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
City of Powell River Council has passed two readings of its council remuneration bylaw.
At a meeting last month, councillors considered the bylaw, which spells out how much councillors will be paid in future, plus health and wellness benefits, child care and parental leave components.
Councillor Trina Isakson said she wanted to amend three clauses in the bylaw that stipulate council give up to 61 weeks of paid parental leave for a member of council who has given birth, and 62 weeks to the parent of a child after it is born, or for a councillor who has adopted a child. Isakson said she wanted the allocation to be 26 weeks. She said the 61 or 62 weeks was quite a lot and it could be pulled back a bit.
Mayor Ron Woznow said he did not support motions pertaining to the bylaw.
“It’s general knowledge that Powell River faces some significant financial issues,” said Woznow. “I simply cannot support this type of motion.”
Council voted in favour of the amendment.
Councillor George Doubt then said he wanted the heading in the bylaw pertaining to child care be changed to family care.
“That more correctly covers what’s in the actual wording of the agreement,” said Doubt. “The intent was family care. There are other people than children that need care who council members may be responsible for taking care of.”
The motion carried, with councillor Jim Palm opposed.
Councillor Cindy Elliott then wanted to amend a section regarding parental leave that stated a council motion is not required for approval of a maternity or parental leave. Elliott wanted to remove the word not, so that a council motion is required for approval.
“Council needs to protect its ability to make quorum and cannot predict the future ability to do
that,” said Elliott.
There was no seconder for Elliott’s motion, however.
Isakson made another amendment to add a clause to the parental leave section of the bylaw that states this policy does not restrict the ability of a member of council to request a leave of absence at another time, for another reason.
“My intention for this is because the purpose of this policy is specifically focused on parental leave, but there may be other grounds in which people want to or need to take leave related to family care,” said Isakson. “There may be other compassionate grounds that council would want to approve for a request for a leave of absence if, for example, someone’s partner was terminally ill and the councillor was looking for more time to spend with them. This policy is only about parental leave, but there may be other reasons for council members to request leaves of absence.”
CHANGES MADE: City of Powell River Council passed the first two readings of its remuneration bylaw, which provides for cost of living increases for the incoming council in October 2026, plus health and wellness, family care and parental leave clauses in the bylaw.
Palm said council should be doing everything it can to make sure those elected are in chambers to perform their duties because this council has seven members for a reason. He said it’s for voting purposes.
“When an absence occurs, it changes the outcome of those votes substantially where the vote is split,” said Palm. “Adding more leave is a step in the wrong direction.”
The amendment carried, with Palm opposed.
Council then considered the first reading of the bylaw as amended.
Doubt said there were significant changes being made to the council remuneration bylaw, with most taking place when the new city council is elected in October 2026.
“These all address basic human issues and basic needs,” said Doubt. “I agree with those who say we should do whatever we can to open the doors of council so people can participate without
Budget draft outlined for qRD directors
Regional district requisition increase proposed to be 13.56 per cent higher than 2024
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
qathet Regional District (qRD) directors have accepted the second draft of the 2025 to 2029 financial plan. At the January 7 finance committee meeting, general manager of financial administration Linda Greenan out-
lined the second draft and its implications for taxpayers in City of Powell River and regional district electoral areas.
The 2025 tax requisition for all areas in draft two is $13,594,707, up from $11,971,127 in 2024, for an increase of $1,623,580, or 13.56 per cent.
In the city, the taxation cost per average home in 2025 for qRD is $573.68, up $66.11 from 2024.
In Electoral Area A (north of the city), the cost per average home is $1,675.16 in 2025, up $162.09 from the $1,513.08 figure in 2024.
In Electoral Area B (south of the city), the 2025 average cost per home is $1,410.74,
up $233.70 from the 2024 figure of $1.177.04.
In Electoral Area C (south of the city), the cost per average home in 2025 is $1,491.01, up $167.49 from the 2024 cost per average home of $1,323.52.
In Electoral Area D (Texada Island), the cost per average home in 2025 is $922.47, up $99.07 from the 2024 taxation cost per average home of $823.40.
In Electoral Area E (Lasqueti Island), the cost per average home in 2025 is $1,705.80, up $140.61 from the average home cost in 2024 of $1,565,19.
Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne asked about the subregional recreation
service, wondering if the $233,000 had gone to City of Powell River for the recreation complex, even though the agreement had expired. Greenan said the money has been sent to the city, and that staff will be checking if qRD had erred.
City director Cindy Elliott said the matter of subregional recreation was in dire need of conversation between the qRD board and city council. She said most of the assessments and advice coming from the city’s chief administrative officer indicate qRD contributions are below what is equitable for all users. She added that a potential outcome is having recreation as a regional
there being a particular penalty for the duties they have, which are children or family. The more we do that, the more likely we will be able to welcome a wider demographic of people to be representatives on council. That’s why I’m voting in favour of this.”
Council voted unanimously in favour of first reading, then considered second reading, voting in favour.
Under the bylaw, the mayor would be paid an annual remuneration of $60,600 from 2024 through 2026 and councillor remuneration would be paid $31,800. From 2027 onward, the consumer price index would be used as a guide, with a minimum increase of two per cent and a maximum increase of four per cent.
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW: qathet Regional District general manager of financial administration Linda Greenan provided the regional district’s finance committee an overview of the second draft of the 2025 five-year financial plan.
PEAK ARCHIVE PHOTO
service and owned by qRD. qRD chief administrative officer Al Radke said city staff have spoken with qRD
staff about the service, and there has been some initial conversation about how to move it along.
Prospective pets
Many people’s lives are enriched by pets, whether they are cats and dogs, guinea pigs and hamsters, or, for people more drawn to the reptile family, iguanas and snakes.
Pets have the ability to fill our lives with love, as well as a knack for teaching humans, especially youngsters, compassion and respect for other living creatures in general.
It is important that people realize the responsibility that comes with sharing their homes and lives with a pet. Animals rely on their owners not only for food and shelter, but for attention, affection and the loyalty that they so trustingly offer to us.
As those who dedicate themselves to the struggle for animal rights know all too well, there are
far too many unwanted pets in the world.
Pet owners have the responsibility to ensure they are not adding to the problem. If puppies or kittens are unwanted, a surgery ensures none will be added to the household.
As mentioned on page 10 of this issue, spaying or neutering is included with the adoption of all dogs, cats and rabbits from BC SPCAPowell River, where dozens of animals are awaiting forever homes.
Prospective pet owners should be responsible enough to ask themselves honestly if they will be able to offer their pet-to-be the kind of life it deserves. If they can, they will be rewarded, because nothing compares to the faithful love of a pet.
Poll: Canadians brace for second Trump term
BY MARIO CANSECO
Days from the second presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, Canadians are not in a good mood. If 2020 brought an opportunity to look down on our southern neighbours for the evident mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2025 brings renewed expansionist rhetoric related to Canada, Greenland and Mexico.
Trump’s musings about Canada becoming an American state are new, but the flirtation of some Canadians with the idea is not. In December 2019, we reported that 16 per cent of Canadians—and 27 per cent of those aged 18 to 34—thought their province would be better off joining the United States. Five years later, the proportions rose to 26 per cent and 40 per cent, respectively.
Our latest survey, conducted before prime minister Justin
Trudeau announced his resignation, shows a similar age gap on most questions. Young Canadians are more likely to give Trump the “benefit of the doubt” than their older counterparts.
As the presidency of Joe Biden draws to a close, 51 per cent of Canadians believe his tenure was “very good” or “good” for Canada, while 32 per cent consider it “bad” or “very bad.”
Canadians who voted for the federal Liberals or NDP in 2021 are more likely to look at Biden’s tenure fondly (70 per cent and 64 per cent). A third of Conservative voters (33 per cent) share this feeling.
Numbers flip when Canadians are asked about Trump’s second term. Only 33 per cent think it will be “very good” or “good” for Canada, while 54 per cent expect it to be “bad” or “very bad.”
Age tells a compelling story. While 18 per cent of Canadians
aged 55 and over think Trump’s tenure will be positive for our country, the proportions are higher for those aged 35 to 54 (33 per cent) and 18 to 34 (48 per cent).
When Canadians were asked to select an emotion to express feelings about Trump taking office, 23 per cent picked “disgust,” followed by “fear” (19 per cent) and “surprise” (12 per cent). Fewer than one in 10 expressed “trust” (nine per cent), “joy” (eight per cent), “anticipation” (eight per cent), “sadness” (six per cent) and “anger” (five per cent).
Notably, Canadians aged 18 to 34 are more likely to express “trust” (16 per cent) than “disgust” (12 per cent) when pondering the president-elect. The gap is enormous among those aged 55 and over: 32 per cent experience “disgust” and only three per cent say “trust.”
Some Canadians are trying to vote with their wallet. Across the country, 16 per cent have avoided
purchasing US goods if a nonAmerican alternative was available, 13 per cent have cancelled a planned trip to the US and 11 per cent have avoided American restaurant franchises in Canada.
Majorities of Canadians think Trump’s tenure will have a negative impact on the world (59 per cent), on Canada (59 per cent) and on their province (56 per cent), while at least three in five expect a decline in the fight against climate change (63 per cent) and the state of political correctness in the world (60 per cent).
At this point, almost half of Canadians (46 per cent) think a federal Conservative government would be better to deal with the effects of a Trump presidency, while 31 per cent would prefer a Liberal government.
While Canadians aged 18 to 34 and 35 to 54 believe a Conservative mandate in Ottawa would be better to deal with Trump, their
counterparts aged 55 and over are evenly split: 35 per cent want the Conservatives in charge and 35 per cent pick the Liberals.
This finding suggests the Liberals may gain some ground with the demographic that traditionally votes the most in federal elections if they focus on the possible relationship between Trump and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.
With his party at 47 per cent on the eve of Trudeau’s resignation, Poilievre faces a conundrum. The same young voters who are looking seriously at the Conservatives as the providers of change are not showing unfaltering enthusiasm about the idea of Canada. Patriotism is not something that can be turned on or off once a new leader takes office.
Mario Canseco is president of Research Co. Results are based on an online survey conducted from January 3 to 5, 2025.
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Racquet centre closure prompts call for new hub
Pickleball association
members urge city to act fast and approve new facility
TANYA HILL
thill@prpeak.com
Powell River Racquet Centre will close its doors for good on February 8, leaving those who play tennis, pickleball and badminton without a facility.
Racquet centre treasurer Mike Kenyon and president Jeff Lynskey told the Peak that the facility located at 4320 Joyce Avenue started off as the Powell River Tennis Centre in 2017.
"It was a repurposing of the old SuperValu building," said Kenyon. "At first it was a private facility run by Igor Skobkarev and then in 2019 run by the Powell River Sports and Fitness Society."
Kenyon said that although the tennis centre provided unlimited access for members and pay-as-you-go time for the general public, plus access to a professional coach, operating costs exceeded revenue.
"Over the years since then, the racquet centre's membership grew significantly, largely because of the addition of pickleball," said Kenyon. "Today, the racquet centre is operating at a profit and while it could afford to pay more in rent, the landlord has found a tenant willing to pay a lot more than the racquet centre can afford."
The Peak reported at the October 22 city committee of the whole meeting that councillors heard from qa-
thet Pickleball Association (qPA) president Susan Young, who said the association is seeking up to one acre of land in the vicinity of Powell River Recreation Complex to build a dedicated pickleball facility.
The Peak spoke with Young and qPA director at large Lynn O'Reilly in December about what the next steps are for pickleballers in the qathet region.
"qPA's location at the Powell River Racquet Centre was always meant to be a temporary space," said Young. "It's not a space where we can hold any kind of sanctioned tournament."
qPA started sharing the space with Powell River Sports and Fitness Society more than two years ago, as a means to promote the sport of pickleball in the qathet community. Efforts by Young and other qPA members have paid off, resulting in a plethora of new members.
"We've been utilizing the space in order to run coaching, in order to do skills and training, and in order to teach," said Young. "They've been very kind to let us use the space in order to do the work we need to do."
O'Reilly emphasized that although there are four indoor courts at the Oceanview Education Centre gym on Nootka Street, all other courts in town are outside, and so, mostly unusable in the sometimes long west coast winter/rainy season. Now, qPA has a business plan that could potentially lead to the association leasing city-owned land to build an eight-court indoor pickleball facility. Young said that although city councillors heard the qPA request, and seemed in agreement that
another facility is needed, she wants the city to act more urgently, due to the fact that pickleball is growing in popularity in the region.
"We think, anecdotally, there's at least between 250 to 300 pickleball players in Powell River right now, and that's not even including the students we've taught and the youth who want to get into it," said Young. "It's one of the most accessible and inclusive sports that I know of that within 90 minutes you can be playing it."
O'Reilly said that ideally, they would like a facility where qPA could hold tournaments that are sanctioned, meaning the set-up of the game fits a certain criteria and is endorsed by Pickleball Canada (PBC).
Young and O'Reilly believe a new facility would be a boon for sports tourism in the city.
"In some ways, the [racquet] centre closing is somewhat of an opportunity for the city to step up and support change and growth," said Young. "We've now got a quote and a building plan of how much it would cost, and the type of building that
CROSSWORD
would be suitable."
Young said qPA wants to approach the city again soon, to ask for a faster timeline.
"We've got a fundraising plan in place and we were going to hit the ground running in January," said Young. "We are a little-bit disappointed with the fact that they [City of Powell River] haven't prioritized us."
Young and O'Reilly believe the new facility would not only be for pickleball players, but could be a kind of fitness hub.
"My big dream would be to have the 55-plus BC Games here," said Young. "We have a pool, we have a running track, we have it all here."
Young believes having a proper pickleball facility would bring dollars into the city, and that it's not just older folks who are into pickleball, but the younger generation are starting to discover the sport.
"We did a five-day course for youth out in the Townsite courts in the summertime," said Young. "The kids loved it and we believe a new facility would be a benefit for everybody in the city."
NEW VENTURE: Now that Powell River Racquet Centre has to close its doors by February 2025. President of the qathet Pickleball Association Susan Young [right] and director at large Lynn O’Reilly have big plans to fundraise and build a new pickleball facility. TANYA HILL PHOTO
Author writes book to help those with codependency
Friends and family often don't know how to navigate living with someone who is addicted
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
When people think about addiction or addictive behaviour they often focus on the individual who is afflicted. It could be alcohol use disorder or opiate dependence, but what is often overlooked are the family members, friends or a spouse who are also entangled in the often destructive and selfish behaviour of
the addict in the throes of addiction.
"A codependent person is one who has let another person's behaviour affect them and who is obsessed with controlling that other person's behaviour," said addictions/mental health counsellor Nina Peers. "I myself was in a [codependent] relationship with an addict for many years and had to learn about self-awareness, healthy boundaries and how his addiction was causing chaos in both our lives."
Now, Peers has a book and guide she wrote titled Dancing with Addiction: Survivor's Guide to Being Addicted to the Addict. The book details her personal journey and recovery from
codependency.
"The book was in the making for the past 20 years," said Peers. "It's part memoir, part self-help, and offers a glimpse into how those who are living around destructive addiction can find a way forward."
Peers said she wrote the book because of encountering so many others going through the same thing she went through, and not knowing where to turn for help.
"My husband was an addict, and so when I was trying to get help, I remember going to Al-Anon [Alcoholics Anonymous family group] because they didn't have Nar-Anon [Narcotics Anonymous family group] at the time," said Peers. "My
girlfriend and I started a (Nar-Anon) group here that helped friends and family members who are living with an addict in their lives."
Peers said she knows all too well how alone and desperate family members feel, and it was only after attending a support meeting she realized it wasn't just her partner with the problem.
"I was living a double life, hunting the addict down, trying to clean him up, while trying to appear normal," said Peers. "My intention of this book is so people can read this and to be able to help them get better support."
ACCESS 2025 PROPERTY VALUES
Se arch an d co mp are prop er ty as se ssm en t in fo rm at io n at bcassessment.ca
If you’re among BC’s approximately 2 million property owners, visit bcassessment.ca to find your updated property assessment information.
The 2025 assessments are based on market value as of July 1, 2024. Have questions or want more information? Visit us online at bcassessment.ca or contact us at 1-866-valueBC. The deadline to file an appeal for your assessment is January 31, 2025.
When a person is in a relationship with someone who is addicted to a substance, they can become so focused on controlling the addict's behaviour that their own behaviour, usually unknowingly, continues the cycle of destruction, she added.
"I worked hard to get where I am today; it was not an overnight success," said Peers. "Going through manipulation, serious lack of boundaries, depression and isolation, I read a lot of literature, went through the 12-step [Nar-Anon family groups program], and thus, the inspiration of this book was born."
Peers said she wanted to write a book that is different from what is currently available, something comprehensive and distilled from everything she had learned from meetings, her own self-work and books she had read that helped her recover.
"The common denominator in recovery is identifying with others," said Peers. "The realization we are not alone in this brings great relief and comfort."
Peers believes that if there was more education for
young people around the issues of codependency, people could better recognize the signs and understand there are healthier ways to help a partner or friend.
"Dancing with Addiction helps reveal the obsessive dance with the addict and provides the tools to work through this painful process," said Peers. "I suffered tremendously before I sought help; I was unaware that I allowed all the dysfunction in my life and I needed help in changing my situation."
Peers said that while doing the work [12-step for family and friends], it came as a revelation and surprise to her that she played a part in the addiction.
"My rescuing [him] or codependency was just as destructive as the addict's addiction," said Peers. "I went to great lengths to avoid looking at myself; I did not think there was anything wrong with me. I just wanted the addict to stop using drugs."
Peers’ book and guide take readers on a journey of her own experience of pain and feelings of powerlessness, rage, denial and shame,
eventually letting go, acceptance and moving forward.
"I was blind to the fact that this 'caretaking' made the situation worse," said Peers. "I was under the illusion that I was helping, when, in reality, what I was doing was making it easier for the addict to use more drugs, enabling it."
Peers, who went to McMaster University, is a Canadian certified addictions counsellor and works as a mental health and substance use counsellor in the qathet region. She said she hopes her book helps people understand how addiction and codependency join together to create a destructive dance.
"If we don't learn how to have good boundaries, if we don't love ourselves, what happens is, we [could] end up letting these [unhealthy] relationships take over," said Peers. "We can forget who we are, but I learned about myself and how to set boundaries; I learned what is acceptable and not acceptable behaviour."
To find Dancing with Addiction, email Peers at Peersnina@gmail.com or call 604.483.1659.
SURVIVOR’S GUIDE: Author and addictions counsellor Nina Peers hopes her new book, titled Dancing with Addiction: Survivor’s Guide to Being Addicted to the Addict, will help others who may be in a codependent relationship. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Who can you turn to for help investing?
Whether you’re working toward purchasing a home, financing your children’s education or enjoying a comfortable retirement, you need to invest your money wisely. For most people, this means turning to a qualified investment professional. Here’s who you can count on to help you grow your savings.
STOCKBROKERS
A stockbroker can buy, sell and monitor investments on your behalf or simply give you advice on how to invest your money.
FINANCIAL ADVISERS
Also called a financial planner, a
financial adviser can assess your current situation and help you develop a comprehensive financial or retirement plan.
INVESTMENT COUNSELLORS
An investment counsellor performs the same tasks as a stockbroker, but with an important difference: they can’t receive commissions by recommending specific financial products and are compensated by taking a percentage of the assets they manage for you.
ACCOUNTANTS
A chartered accountant can review your tax situation and help
you save on your tax return. They can also assist you when making a large purchase, such as buying a home, or after receiving an inheritance.
When deciding whether to work with a particular investment professional, always ask about their education, experience and certifications. In addition, find out how they’re compensated (through client fees, commissions or a combination of these) to determine whether there are potential conflicts of interest.
Finally, bear in mind that even
when working with an experienced professional, investing always entails some amount of risk. Before making decisions about how to
manage your money, you should evaluate your ability to withstand financial losses if your investments do poorly.
Cats and dogs await forever homes
BC SPCA-Powell River has several four-legged friends that can be adopted
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Powell River has cats up for adoption, plus a few canines in need of new homes. One such potential dog adoptee is a threemonth-old female, cane corso-kuvasz mix named Stella, described as a social butterfly. Then there is Sally, another three-month-old female, cane corso, described as playful and affectionate.
Serina is a three-year-old female cane corso that is also looking for a forever home. She is described as young at heart and full of energy. This breed was traditionally bred to be a working dog and needs lots of activity. To find out if one of them might be the right fit, take the SPCA dog pre-adoption questionnaire online at spca.bc.ca/adoption/ dog-pre-adoption-questionnaire.
An eight-year-old black and white cat named Oreo is now up for adoption at BC SPCA-Powell River. Oreo is described as a laidback and affectionate feline friend, with just the right mix of independence, cuddle and charm. To find out if Oreo or another feline would be suitable as a companion, fill out the cat pre-adoption questionnaire at spca.bc.ca/ adoption/cat-pre-adoption-questionnaire.
More than 30 animals are awaiting adoption, according to branch manager Tara Daniels. All are looking for individual homes with a human companion in the qathet region.
Right now, Muffin, a six-month-old female tabby cat and Button, a one-year-old, friendly female feline, are both looking for homes. According to a description of Muffin on the SPCA website: "If you’re on the hunt for a delightful, quirky companion who embraces the art of silliness and challenges the norms of feline behavior, Muffin is your gal."
Button is described as a confident cat waiting for the perfect home, and that “she is a sweet and quirky cat with a bit of sass."
Recently, an orange longhaired cat named Cosmo was adopted from the local SPCA.
"We do from time to time have medical appeals for animals in our care, just not at this moment, and this is great news because it means we don't have any animals needing serious medical care," said Daniels. "We have many animals in care that are awaiting their adoption day…but we usually have 60-plus animals in care at any given time."
Spay or neuter surgery is included with the adoption of all dogs, cats and rabbits.
To find out about potential animal adoptions at BC SPCA-Powell River, go to spca.bc.ca/locations/ powell-river.
Referee officiates junior games at home
Former Powell River hockey product now wears a striped jersey
PAUL GALINSKI
reporter@prpeak.com
Former Powell River minor and junior hockey player Keagen Abbott has now donned a striped jersey and is refereeing junior hockey games in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League and British Columbia Hockey League.
In his hometown to referee Powell River Kings games on January 3 and 4, Abbott said coming home to officiate the games was “pretty awesome.”
“The Kings were a team I grew up watching, and I was their seventh skater on defence at one point for a season, so being in Powell River was fun, and having all my family at the game was special for me, too,” said Abbott. “In the first game, during warmup, I looked up and my dad was standing in the crowd wearing a referee jersey, and he was on the jumbotron. It was a fun
experience to have them all there and to skate in front of my hometown spectators.”
Abbott said he started in Powell River Minor Hockey in pre-novice and worked his way up through the various divisions. He left the community and played at an academy in Victoria, then played U18 hockey on the island. In his grade 12 year, he started playing junior hockey in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League, in Campbell River.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Abbott said he was lucky enough to be a part of the Kings team that went and played in the bubble in Burnaby, and he was living in a hotel for 47 days.
“We basically did nothing but play hockey and hang out,” he added.
When he aged out of junior hockey, Abbott said he was looking for some way to stay connected with hockey.
He said that while he was playing, he tried to become friends with referees.
“I knew quite a few of them and when I could no longer play junior hockey, I ended up going to school and to help offset some expenses, I looked into refereeing and got in touch with the right
people,” said Abbott. “I’ve just never looked back. I’m in my second season and loving every minute of it.”
Abbott said organizations and leagues like to have former hockey players as referees because they understand the game. He added that he has been lucky to get good opportunities as a referee so far.
Being a referee means being conversant with the rule book. Abbott said every season, referees have to dig into the rule book to see if there are any changes. He said knowing the rules intimately also helps when explaining something or defending a call that has been made.
“Knowing the proper wording of the rule book definitely helps; having a good understanding is critical,” said Abbott. “We also have really good support staff. Our bosses are great and our supervisors watch what we are doing. They are incredibly helpful getting us where we need to go and making sure we’re all on the same page. Having this support is incredibly helpful for us.”
Abbott said he finds refereeing rewarding.
“My biggest thought when I stopped playing was miss-
AWESOME EXPERIENCE: Former Powell River hockey player Keagen Abbott has been refereeing for the past couple of seasons and had the opportunity to call two Powell River Kings games over the holidays. ALICIA
ing being part of a team,” said Abbott. “What I have found from refereeing is I’m still part of a team. It may change from night to night, with whatever crew I’m working with, but I still get that feeling of being with a team.
“We’re all pretty close and good buddies. In the Victoria area, where I’m going to school, if there’s a couple of games going on in the area, we are all trying to meet up for dinner afterward, or do something together. So, I still get that aspect of being part of a team, which I really enjoy.”
Power play drives offence
Powell River Regals hosted Lake Cowichan Appollos to kick off the chase for the McCallum Cup, which also includes Nanaimo Steelmen.
SHANE CARLSON editor@prpeak.com
Game one of a three-team tournament to determine the west coast senior hockey championship took place at Hap Parker Arena on Saturday, January 11.
“Game one started very quickly with Nic Porchetta converting nine seconds from the start of the game,” said Regals’ coach Tod English. “I’m not sure if that is a Regal record, but it sure must be close.”
Brett Kinley and Bryson Cecconi also scored first period goals
for the Regals, who led 3-2 at intermission.
Powell River took control of the game with four goals in a three minute span midway through the second period, including another pair from Cecconi and one each scored by Travis Granbois and Mac Roy. Two quick Lake Cowichan goals cut the deficit to 7-4, but Chad Niddery and Roy restored a five goal lead at 9-4 with markers late in the period. Appollos outscored the Regals
Abbott said for the most part, the junior hockey players are respectful of his decision-making.
“For any call you make, someone’s not going to be happy about it, whether it’s a player, a coach, or even the fans, and you have just got to live with it,” said Abbott. “Most of the guys on the ice are pretty good, and even if they lose it for a second, they’ll skate by and be like, ‘sorry, I lost it there a bit.’
“Our motto from the bosses is you treat disrespect with respect, so you just try to de-escalate situations.”
Abbott is not sure if or
2-1 in the third period, but only after Niddery’s second of the night put the home team in cruise mode.
Goaltender Laszlo Tamasik made 34 saves in the 10-6 win. Half of the Regals goals came with the extra skater.
when he will be refereeing at Hap Parker Arena again this season. He said it is tough travelling to Powell River from Victoria, and there are officials in Courtenay or Campbell River who can jump on the ferry. For the games he officiated here over the holidays, he was on his Christmas break from school when the two games were on. He said if he’s back in the community from reading break at school, if the Kings have some games, he is hopeful that he could be on the ice again, making calls.
“This was the first game this year where we were outshot [40-29]; Tamasik made the saves we needed,” said English. “It’s not very often you get that many goals, but we are excited about how we responded, and our execution on the power play.”
Regals travel to Wyoming for a pair of exhibition games versus Jackson Hole Moose on January 24 and 25, before returning for game two of the McCallum Cup in Nanaimo on February 1. Two points are awarded for a win in the playoff series, one point for an overtime loss and one point in the case of a tie (no shootouts). The team with the most points after game six will be awarded the McCallum Cup.
BAAS PHOTO
Kings centre plays in world tournament
Noah Samanski represented Germany in junior championship in Ottawa
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
Powell River Kings centre Noah Samanski represented his home country of Germany in the recently concluded 2025 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in Ottawa, thoroughly enjoying the experience.
“It’s always an honour to represent Germany,” said Samanski. “I grew up there. I love my country.”
Samanski received the call last fall to join the German nationals, having been in contact with the coaches over the years. After his selection to the team, he travelled to Charlottetown, where the team practiced and had a game, and then they went to Moncton for another game, along with more practicing.
On December 16, the team travelled to Ottawa and spent more time preparing for the big tournament.
Samanski said he knows most of the players on the German team, so it was like a big homecoming.
“It was fun to see all the guys again,” he added.
In tournament action, the German team first faced the United States. Samanski said it was a tough game.
“We played well for the first two periods and the score was 3-2 for the Americans for a short time,” said Samanski. “However, it got out of hand, and we gave up some unnecessary goals. We lost 10-4. It shouldn’t have been a 10-goal game for the Americans, but it happens.”
The next competition was Finland, and Samanski said the Germans held their ground pretty well. Going into the late stages of the game, it was 2-1 for the Finns and they scored an empty net goal for a 3-1 final. Samanski said his team had a good defensive effort in the game.
“That’s our system; that’s our game,” said Samanski. “We did a pretty good job.”
Next came Canada. Samanski said the contest was special.
“We were playing in front of 18,000 fans,” said Samanski. “We started really well and then Canada got a powerplay goal, going up 1-0. The fans were loud.
“With five minutes left to go in the game, Canada scored a lucky goal and went up 2-0. They then scored a third goal with two seconds left. We played pretty
well, and I was pleased with our performance. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get a point out of it, but we were so proud of ourselves playing against Canada and we got a lot of confidence out of the game.”
The final game in roundrobin action was against Latvia. Germany had a 2-0 lead in the game but the Latvians, who defeated Canada in a shootout, came back and tied the game. The two teams exchanged goals in the third period and Latvia won in overtime, qualifying for the quarter finals. Germany then had to play the relegation game against Kazakhstan and the Germans found themselves down 3-1.
“We knew we just had to step up a bit,” said Samanski. “We got a power play, and then a five-onthree and we scored one, and scored again to make it 3-3. In the third period we scored another power-play goal. Our power play and penalty kill was pretty special in the tournament. We had one of the best penalty kills and power plays in the whole tournament.”
Because Germany won the relegation game 4-3, they qualified for the 2026 world juniors. Kazakhstan will be out of the tournament next year and will have to work to requalify from the lower division.
Samanski will age out before the next world championship, so he will not be able to play for the German juniors at the world level again.
Germany is producing some great hockey players, such as Edmonton Oilers’ forward Leon Draisaitl, who is the National Hockey League’s leading goal scorer, and second in points behind Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche. Tim Stützle, from the Ottawa Senators, is also a great German player, scoring at more than a point per game in the 2024/2025 NHL season.
Samanski said that while soccer is the main sport in Germany, hockey is grow-
ing, and his country is producing a lot of good, young players.
Samanski came to the Kings partway through the season and is the second in his family to play for the club. His brother Neal was with the Kings from 2017 to 2019.
Samanski comes from a hockey family, with his father having been a player. He has another brother, Joshua, who played in the Spengler Cup in Switzerland over the holidays and advanced into the final. Joshua also played for the German national team in the world championships in 2021 and 2022.
Samanski’s father, who is Canadian, got his start play-
Minor hockey team earns prestigious win
U15s reach top of the podium at tournament in Burnaby
Kooper Kozmeniuk's hat-trick paced Powell River U15 Kings to a 5-3 win over Semiahmoo Ravens in the gold medal game at the Pat Quinn Classic in Burnaby on December 31.
Grayden Kendrick and Reid Stekman also
scored for the Kings, who led 2-0 after the first period and 4-1 prior to the opening faceoff of period three. Assists were credited to Cooper Lawry, Lucas Gruntman (two), Kozmeniuk, Carson Laing and Stekman.
“I am just super proud,” stated Powell River coach Scott Peters. I am thankful that they had the opportunity to go through this. What a stage."
Powell River defeated Ridge Meadows 6-2 in the semi-final the previous day. Kozmeniuk
also scored a trio of goals in that game. Stekman scored twice and Gabriel Calderone had the other goal as well as two helpers. Gruntman set up three goals, with help from Laing on the final marker of the game.
“I’m glad to have this opportunity to come and play and show off all of our talents and have a lot of fun," stated U15 Kings defender James Barrows. "It’s been daunting because a lot of people don’t recognize our smalltown, tier-three team. Nobody expects us to
ing hockey in this country and served as an inspiration for his sons, said Samanski. In terms of his future, Samanski said he’d like to continue playing hockey. He said he doesn’t have any specific plans, other than finishing the season with the Kings. He has been scoring goals, netting eight in 10 games here.
“It’s always nice to score some goals but I’m just trying to help the team as much as possible,” said Samanski. “The team comes first. My teammates are awesome.” Kings played twice last weekend, falling 6-3 in Nanaimo on January 10, followed by an 8-7 overtime defeat in Victoria the following night.
compare to the tier-one teams. We showed them who we are: little town, big heart.” Powell River defeated North Vancouver and Surrey by identical 7-4 scores during the round-robin portion of the tournament. The team's only blemish came in a 4-3 loss to Cloverdale.
“I think the rings are quite the eye opener; it’s a pretty special moment for them,” added Peters. "I’m sure they’ll remember it for a long time.”
GREAT HONOUR: Powell River Kings centre Noah Samanski [left], representing Germany, chases a puck with Canadian player Mathieu Cataford, during round-robin play at the 2025 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in Ottawa. Canada won the game 3-0. ANDRÉ RINGUETTE/IIHF PHOTO
to all interested
Art council seeks artists
Deadline to join studio tour is end of March
TANYA HILL
thill@prpeak.com
Last year, the qathet Studio Tour was off-the-charts popular for both local art patrons and tourists travelling to see what the qathet region has to offer when it comes to art culture. According to tour organizers, the free self-guided art jaunt in 2024 did not disappoint. More than 50 artists opened up their studios from south of town to Lund, and hundreds of curious wanderers got to see inside the creators’ spaces and see the process up close.
Many were inspired to sign up for workshops from artists such as Vanessa Sparrow, a fine arts felter who lives in Cranberry.
Now, qathet Art Council is preparing for the 2025 qathet Studio Tour, and calling out to artists who want to participate in this year’s highlight of the summer, which takes place on Saturday, August 23, and Sunday, August 24, 2025.
To register as an individual artist or as a shared studio group, go to qathetart.ca/qathet-studio-tour-2025.
Fees cover promotion of the studios participating in a brochure, on qathetART.ca and on social media. Artists are also included in the qathet art and culture directory, plus inside the hard copy and website studio guide.
Registration deadline is March 31.
CALL OUT: qathet Art Council is calling out
artists in the qathet region to register for the 2025 qathet Studio Tour, which takes place in August. The photo above was taken on a previous studio tour of a piece by muralist Luke Ramsey. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Chef attends ramen training
Avi Sternberg wants to increase awareness of authentic food culture
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
Ramen is a type of Japanese noodle soup that was commonly a street food, but has now become a gourmet sensation around the world.
Folks in the qathet region have also become more familiar with the cuisine because of a few places having it on offer, but do people outside of Japan really know what authentic ramen food culture is all about?
Local gold-certified Japanese cuisine chef Avi Sternberg is planning to bring back this authentic Japanese food knowledge, after training with a famous ramen chef in Osaka this January.
"I am a member of the All Japan Food Association (AJFA), which is a corporation
that educates people on foods and nutrition based on Japanese food and Japanese food culture," said Sternberg. "My contact at Japanese Cuisine and Dietary Culture Human Resource Development Program presented an opportunity for a meeting/training session with a famous ramen chef in Osaka in January."
Sternberg said he plans to capture images and share points about the learning with the qathet community to increase further awareness of authentic ramen food culture. He will also be learning about a new trend in ramen food culture, which is plant-based.
Due to the growing popularity of vegetarian and plant-based cuisine, a Japanese-based company has developed a 100 per cent plantderived umami ingredient called Miracore, which has made it possible to create a vegan dashi that tastes similar to a non-vegan one.
"As a member of the AJFA and certified at the gold-level in Japanese cuisine for foreigners under the Japanese Cuisine and Dietary Culture [JCDC] initiative, I have two primary
goals," said Sternberg. "One is to act as a sort of ambassador to support education on authentic Japanese cuisine outside of Japan, and two, to continue to develop my skills and knowledge in the culinary methodologies."
For those who can't make it to Vancouver or Japan to taste authentic ramen, Sternberg said he has has created some recipes here in qathet that folks can try: shoyu ramen, which is a clear broth; Hokkaido ramen, which is miso-based; and a plant-based ramen, which still could include a soft boiled egg, or not, if one chooses.
"Osaka is a place I strongly identify with, having spent more time there than anywhere else since I was 19 [years old]," said Sternberg. "Over time I have built a comfortable familiarity and connection with the neighbourhoods, people, food and culture."
Sternberg said after completing his learning engagement with the Japanese chef on January 14, he will be able to share more about plant-based ramen culture and what goes into making authentic ramen.
Library releases popular trends of 2024
Murder mystery genre was very popular last year for readers
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
Powell River Public Library (PRPL) has compiled a list
of most borrowed books of 2024, and other trends, among library users in qathet last year.
Strong women writers made the top ten, including local author Carole Ann Leishman for her book Under Paris Spies. Assistant chief librarian at PRPL Melani Williams, who gathered the data, said the murder mys-
tery genre was one of the most popular types of publication borrowed in 2024.
The 10 most borrowed books of 2024 for adults include:
The Women by Kristin Hannah; The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese; Resurrection Walk by Michael Connelly; Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman; Under Paris
Spies by C.A. Leishman; Tom Lake by Ann Patchett; Doppelganger by Naomi Klein; Burial of Ghosts by Ann Cleeves; Held by Anne Michaels; and The Exchange by John Grisham.
Most read authors (adult materials) include: James Patterson, Danielle Steel, David Baldacci, Ann Cleeves, John Grisham, Michael
OCEAN PLASTIC DEPOT
Connelly, Nora Roberts, John Sandford, Louise Penny and Lee Child.
Most popular children’s authors/series include: Mo Willems; Robert Munsch; Wings of Fire series by Tui Sutherland; Babysitters Club graphic novel series by various authors; Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney; Dog Man/Cat Kid series by Dav Pilkey; Big Nate series by Lincoln Peirce; Dragon Masters series by Tracey West; Geronimo Stilton series; and Garfield comics.
Throughout the year PRPL invites authors, speakers and artists into its space to hold talks and workshops. Some of the most popular programs last year included:
The annual puppet show titled, Time to Sing, had 120 attendees; My Life as an International Conductor talk, with Arthur Arnold had 102 attendees; Truth and Reconciliation, a National Film Board screening had 92 attendees overall; Medicinal and Edible Mushrooms talk, with Todd Caldecott had 89 attendees;
Death Calls, with author and former coroner in qathet, Robert Crossland, had 78 attendees; Now You Know Me, with authors Joe Gallagher and John Matterson, had 75 attendees.
Williams indicated that usage of eBooks went up from 20,592 checkouts in 2023 to 22,360 in 2024, and that eAudiobook usage went from 15,980 in 2023 to 18,632 in 2024.
"Print books are pretty steady overall with an increase in circulations [from 2023] of general adult fiction, science fiction and large print," stated Williams.
"Children’s fiction circulations have actually gone up a bit though teen circulations have dropped slightly since 2023."
Williams added that some of the highlights of the year for PRPL include, "a new silent study pod, new programs like our American Sign Language (ASL) storytimes, and seeing new groups using our space, like the mahjong players every Tuesday."
TRAINING TIME: Gold-certified Japanese cuisine chef Avi Sternberg is currently training with a famous ramen chef in Osaka, Japan. TANYA HILL PHOTO
