Property value updates released for region PAGE 5
Tla’amin signs mill site land agreement PAGE 10
Mayor enthused about
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
Powell River mayor Ron Woznow is optimistic about 2025.
Ron Woznow points to several developments that will occur this year
or iTunes
In a year-end interview, the mayor detailed several developments and plans that will be important for the city moving forward.
“The big one for Powell River is the redevelopment of the old mill,” said Woznow. “I’ve had numerous conversations with Domtar [formerly Paper Excellence], – the owners – and a range of prospective purchasers and developers.”
Get the Peak to Go iPhone app now available in the App Store or iTunes
Woznow said he wanted to use the old Santé Veritas marijuana production facility in Townsite as an example of the kind of redevelopment that has occurred successfully in the city. He said the production facility was defunct, but was purchased by a progressive company and turned into a success story, now known as 125 Meridian West Cultivation Ltd.
“They now have 25 employees, producing boutique marijuana,” said Woznow. “It’s being sold in Australia and Europe.
“It’s a success because the new owners are good businesspeople, and they understand the importance of redevelopment in a place like Powell River. So, what I am hoping for, over the next year, when the sale of the old mill site is completed, is that there will be a redevelopment opportunity.”
Woznow said over and above continuing contributions from the mill to the tax roll, there is the prospect of good-paying jobs, impacts on retailers, and other factors.
“It’s a new picture that I think can happen and will happen,” said Woznow.
The mayor said on the environmental side for the mill, there is a brownfield
Housing concerns continue
program, which will be important to the redevelopment of the old mill site, so that monies can be applied for to assist with cleanup.
“Another important point is that Randene Neill, MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast, who is a cabinet minister, will advocate strongly for Powell River,” said Woznow. “She can see the importance of a town going through a major transition. I’m very optimistic that minister Neill will be very, very helpful.”
Woznow said he is hoping in the new year that Powell River continues to be an attractive place for people to settle.
‘Families are seeing the quality of life that Powell River has to offer,” said Woznow. “In the Lower Mainland, imagine that you are commuting 90 minutes each way to work. You can come here, not commute, and there are tremendous opportunities.
“I’ve been approached by an
individual who has now moved to Powell River, who helps people that want to immigrate to Canada, using programs that are offered federally and provincially.
The fact that this individual has earmarked Powell River as a place where people can come to develop their businesses is a very good indicator.”
Another positive for the city, moving forward, is the fact that it owns so much land – approximately 160 properties. Woznow said he has spoken with about 20 mayors from around the province who are in awe of the property the city holds.
Woznow said he would like to be in a position by the end of 2025 where one to three parcels of land have been selected, and sold or leased, to start new business opportunities for the city. He added that the city hired a consultant to look at those 160 properties and distill them down to the top 25.
“There’s a lot of work and investment that has been done already,”
said Woznow. “Now, we just have to make a decision and move forward.
“I’ve been really lucky to have been mentored by excellent businesspeople who are also politicians. They have told me to look for the right opportunity and present it. If the net benefit to the residents of Powell River is significant, then it’s important to have the conviction to move forward.”
Powell River has been fortunate to have a Campbell River developer come to Powell River to build, and plan on building, apartment complexes, according to Woznow. He said the 142 units that have been constructed on Joyce Avenue, close to qathet General Hospital, will be beneficial for the rental market, and could allow medical professionals to live in proximity to their workplace.
“I’m optimistic that if we continue to develop, then it will have a positive impact,” said Woznow.
A continuing issue in 2025 will be supportive housing, about which
the mayor has expressed some concerns. Woznow said he has identified successful supportive housing ventures in other communities and would like to see those models employed here, to rework the management structure, so the existing facility is being effective for supportive housing.
“Then, I guarantee you, there will be strong support for a second one,” said Woznow. “Back in the 1970s, I was one of the initial developers of supportive housing in Fredericton for individuals who had drug addiction. We were very systematic in the approach we took. People coming into the program understood what the program could offer. They understood their responsibilities and ideally, they get back to doing things on their own.”
In terms of a possible name change for the city, Woznow said the matter will be set over until 2026, when there will be a vote on a name change connected to the municipal election.
“We recognize the importance of every voter to have an opportunity to express their opinion about whether or not there should be a name change,” said Woznow. “To do otherwise would basically be saying we are not in a democracy.”
Woznow concluded by saying he was optimistic about 2025.
“My grandkids went on the internet and found a little story about Powell River being one of the best places to live,” said Woznow. “We’ve talked many times about being able to look out over the ocean; we have the mountains, and everything in between. Just about anybody can find something to do here on a daily basis.”
He added that the people here are special, too. He said the volunteering that goes in the community is emblematic of the people living here and the care they have for the community, Woznow also pointed out that the city has excellent staff members, who are working to ensure it is a great place to live and work.
Fire destroys tree
Powell River Fire Rescue firefighters put out a fire in a cedar tree adjacent to the Willingdon Beach trail that appeared to be human caused.
“There is no other reason we can come up with for the fire, so we are determining that it was human caused,” said fire chief Martin Drakeley.
He said fires such as this one occur occasionally, with people trying to keep warm and somewhat dry. He said normally, if the fire is safe, even though it is illegal, from a humanistic standpoint, the fires are allowed. The fires cannot be on private property.
“If it turns out that it’s not safe, then we ask them to put it out,” said Drakeley. “We haven’t had a lot of them burning out of control. This is the first one on the Willingdon Beach trail.”
Drakeley said the burning tree, which was above the high-water mark on the beach, was difficult to put out. He said the fire had gone up the centre of the tree, which was hollow. Being cedar, it burned rapidly, making the tree progressively weaker. The fire
BURNS: Powell River
firefighters were called out to extinguish a tree fire on December 19 that was burning in the vicinity of the Willingdon Beach trail. The tree had to be cut down for firefighters to fully extinguish the blaze. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
progressed a significant distance up the tree, according to Drakeley, probably 60 or 70 feet inside, to the top.
“We did a risk assessment and we had a certified faller on site,” said Drakeley. “We decided to cut the tree down for the sake of park-goers. Once the tree was down, we attacked it on the ground.”
Drakeley is urging all residents to be fire safe, ensuring smoke detectors are working, and to be careful in the kitchen while preparing food.
CEDAR
Fire Rescue
Council seeks solution to rising tax levy
Councillors
vote to have staff look at options to bring property tax increase to five per cent
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
City of Powell River managers will have to sharpen their pencils after city councillors voted to see if there can be significant reduction to municipal taxation levels in 2025.
At the December 3 committee of the whole meeting, city chief financial officer Mallory Denniston outlined the first draft of the 2025 five-year financial plan, which indicates an 11.4 per cent increase in the city tax levy if council wants to maintain the same level of service as in 2024. However, at the December 17 committee of the whole meeting, councillors voted to have staff examine dropping the increase in 2025 to five per cent.
Councillor Trina Isakson moved that the committee direct staff to prepare three options for reducing the
proposed property tax levy increase to eight per cent for draft two of the city’s 2025 to 2029 financial plan bylaw budget deliberations.
Isakson said her motion was similar to a staff initiative last year of bringing back options for proposed cuts.
“They weren’t making recommendations but they were giving us a slate of options,” said Isakson. “I am trying to acknowledge that we are a city in economic transition. I expect that there will be implications for this community. I expect taxes will go up and I expect that services will feel a crunch. There’s no other way of going through an economic transition.
“The eight per cent is not super arbitrary. I was trying to get it below 10 per cent and maybe even below what I am comfortable with. I expect, when we get options back, that some of the options we won’t want to cut because those things are really important to us.”
Isakson said she was open to an amendment for councillors to provide staff with a bit more direction in terms of specific considerations.
“I felt this was a good starting place for us, but my intention is to give staff a
bit more direction,” added Isakson.
Councillor Jim Palm said he liked Isakson’s motion, and it gives multiple options when presenting the three options. He said he would like to see the eight per cent reduced to five per cent, in light of some conversations councillors have had around land sales and economic development.
“I would like to see staff work hard to get that number down to five per cent,” added Palm, who made an amendment to Isakson’s motion for five per cent.
Councillor Rob Southcott asked how much money one per cent of city taxation represents. Denniston said one per cent of city taxation is $272,000.
Councillor Cindy Elliott said a five per cent tax increase would significantly impact services, but it might be good to see what those are so councillors could pick and choose. She said it is her understanding that the bulk of the cuts to services will have to be done in discretionary areas and will impact labour. Many of those options would have to be dealt with in camera, she added.
Denniston said when staff digs into the figures,
DIFFICULT CONVERSATION: In a lengthy committee of the whole discussion, City of Powell River councillors debated the prospect of limiting the 2025 property tax increase burden on taxpayers, requesting that staff look at adjustments to limit the increase to five per cent.
PAUL GALINSKI PHOTO
there would likely be public and in camera reports for councillors.
Councillor and committee chair George Doubt said he was in favour of Palm’s amendment.
“I hear people saying they want significant reductions in their expected taxes,” said Doubt. “My feeling is that if we are going to reduce the tax increase to five per cent, we will be looking at significant changes in service. I’m willing to support this because we need to be upfront with the population of the community, and say if we want a five per cent increase, this is what it is going to cost in terms of services.”
Southcott said he would be more in favour of supporting the motion with the
Seniors advocate releases report
SANDRA THOMAS Coast Reporter
The Monitoring Seniors Services Report released by the Office of the Seniors Advocate last month had some good news and some bad news. The annual report tracks trends over time for demographics, health care, completed surgeries, home support, longterm care, housing, rent and income supports and abuse.
The good news is, BC seniors are living longer and staying healthier until later in life, with the percentage of the 85-plus population increasing by 10 per cent, while 65-plus
rose 15 per cent. The bad news is, if you break a hip or need a new knee, you’re going to be waiting a lot longer — 59 per cent and 53 per cent respectively — and those wait lists continue to grow.
Even worse news is, in 2023/2024, there were 6,500 people waiting for a publiclysubsidized, long-term care bed, a 150 per cent increase from five years ago (2,600). Elder abuse is also up significantly.
Safe, affordable housing for seniors is also a real issue. According to the report, the number of applications for seniors subsidized housing was almost 14,000 in 2023/2024,
removal of the reference to three options, and rather, have it for staff to bring back options, rather than a specific number.
“This is a significantly increased challenge, going from eight to five per cent,” said Southcott. “I would like to give staff the greatest possible freedom to do that.”
Councillors unanimously carried the amendment for staff to investigate a five per cent tax increase in the 2025 five-year financial plan, with staff to present three options.
Southcott then made an amendment to remove the reference to staff bringing back three options.
The amendment carried unanimously.
Isakson moved an amend-
a 59 per cent increase over five years, while only six per cent of total applicants received a unit last year. All of this while our aging population grows in numbers.
It’s expected the number of seniors in Canada will reach close to one-fourth of the overall population by 2040, so this might be a good time for federal, provincial and municipal governments to come up with a plan.
One group caught in the crossfire of this silver tsunami is BC Association of Social Workers, which supports the call of BC seniors advocate Dan Levitt for the province to develop a cross-ministry plan to address the
ment to the motion, with the addition of the words at the end: with an attempt to protect transfers to reserves, and minimize impacts to youth and low-income individuals. The amendment failed. Council then unanimously carried the main motion, which is for staff to prepare options for reducing the proposed property tax levy increase to five per cent for draft two of the 2025 to 2029 financial plan bylaw budget deliberations. Draft two of the 2025 fiveyear financial plan will be brought back early in the new year. Between now and then, there will be online engagement with a financial plan survey, and in-person engagement with an open house.
mashup of available services. Association president Michael Crawford said seniors deserve better and changes are needed to not only keep pace with growing demand, but to ensure all older people feel valued and socially included.
“A cross-ministry plan holds the promise of adequately meeting the needs of seniors.”
The seniors advocate pointed out that the vast majority of seniors want to age in place, so the province must do a better job of “helping people live safely at home — and out of hospital and long-term care — for as long as possible.”
Sea walk project outlined
Repairs anticipated to begin this spring
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
City of Powell River’s sea walk repair project is anticipated to get underway this coming spring.
At a committee of the whole meeting last month, director of infrastructure Tor Birtig outlined the project, which was necessitated because of storm damage in January 2022.
Birtig said preliminary design has been completed and there has been regulatory approval of the shoreline enhancement, as well as specific areas of concern having been mapped.
“Primarily, we are focusing on 400 lineal metres of the sea walk that was significantly impacted by the storm damage,” said Birtig.
“The next step will be to put the final design and project management work through a public tender process, which we anticipate to occur in January 2025.
“At that point, the successful proponent will prepare the final design to rectify slope stability concerns, as well as environmental, fisheries and archaeological considerations. Once that design is completed and approved, we’ll have to run it through the archaeological branch, as well as Tla’amin Nation, prior to commencing of the work.”
Birtig said the final design is expected to be completed by the end of March 2025. He said in addition to that, there may be some archaeological monitoring required, but that will be reliant on the extent of the design.
“At that point, we plan on putting the construction work through another public tender process, which we anticipate in March or April
2025, and once we have selected a successful contractor, we plan on having construction begin in April and having it completed by the end of June,” said Birtig.
With the anticipated construction window, daylight tides will be favourable, which should help keep construction costs down, he added.
Mayor Ron Woznow said there is a lot of keen interest from people who love hiking along the sea walk.
“The more we can communicate what you just laid out, the better it is,” said Woznow.
City councillor Cindy Elliott said she was curious if the work to date gives any concern about whether the project is possible with the current $800,000 budget, or whether Birtig had any concerns about it coming in over budget.
Birtig said the city wants to remain within budget and the focus is going to be deal-
ing with the more problematic issues. He said if budget allows, the city can work further on the aesthetics of the project, as opposed to what is necessary geotechnically. Elliott then said on the first round of construction, there was considerable involvement with Tla’amin because of the sea walk being a highvalue archaeological site. She asked, during the design phases, whether there had been contact or input from
Tla’amin that might help include the nation’s concerns in the design.
Birtig said an archaeological review had been conducted and the initial design would not impact any archaeological sites. He said, however, once the final design has been submitted, there may be some issues, and at that point, if construction is encroaching into any of the archaeological sites, the city would have
to refer to archaeologists, as well as Tla’amin.
City councillor and committee chair George Doubt said there are a lot of people in the community waiting for the sea walk to be fixed. The project has a total budget of $800,000, funded by Powell River Community Forest. According to a staff report, as of December 10, $37,085 had been spent, leaving $762,915 available in the budget.
City receives resource recovery funding request
Councillors ask for staff report into allocating funds to pay off remaining resource recovery centre debt
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
City of Powell River councillors will receive a staff report on a request from qathet Regional District regarding funding for the final costs of the new resource recovery centre.
At the December 19 city council meeting, councillors considered a request from qRD chair Clay Brander for the city and regional district to use community works funds to pay for the final $2.5 million owing on the centre. Brander forwarded a motion from the regional board that stipulated a $1,298,535 community works fund
contribution from the city and a $1,201,465 community works contribution from the regional district. If the city and regional district use community works funds for the $2.5 million remaining on the centre, the two local governments would not have to borrow, saving taxpayers money.
City councillor Cindy Elliott, who sits as a city director on the regional board, said the board had deliberated long and hard about this matter.
“What they are asking of us is, given that the $2.5 million needs to be paid to finish the resource recovery centre, that they were offering an avenue to pay that out of the community works fund,” said Elliott. “They [the regional board] have proposed a split that is based on the area populations. The alternative would be borrowing the $2.5 million, which would create taxation for the city to pay off the exact same amount as what is in the letter.
“They are asking the city to put
$1,298,535 of our community works funds toward this, rather than having them borrow and have to recoup that from taxpayers. Should we say no or not agree to send community works funds for our share, they would then put that to borrowing instead of using the community works fund.”
Councillor Trina Isakson said she would be interested in receiving a report from staff about the financial implications of the request. She made a motion that council refer Brander’s correspondence to staff for a report to council.
Councillor George Doubt, who recently resigned as a city director with the regional board, said he was on the regional board when the matter was being discussed.
“There’s a $2.5 million cost for the resource recovery centre and that will either be collected from this proposal, which is a suggestion that each local government use some community works fund money, or it will be recovered by taxes,” said Doubt. “That means
for
people in the city will see an increase in taxes on their statement from the regional district. It’s worth getting a report from the city, explaining the various things. It is an opportunity to avoid $2.5 million in extra taxation in the region.”
Councillor Jim Palm said city taxpayers would be interested to know how much they are on the hook for the centre overall.
He said his question to staff was, once council comes to grip with the funding, will the residents of the city be receiving information about the overall costing?
City chief financial officer Mallory Denniston said that would be a question for the regional district.
Councillors unanimously passed the motion for a staff report on the regional district request.
AVOIDING TAXATION: qathet Regional District chair Clay Brander sent City of Powell River a letter, requesting that the regional district and city use community works funds to pay off the remaining money owed on the resource recovery centre. Councillors have asked staff
a report on the matter. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
CONSTRUCTION PLANNED: After being extensively damaged during high winds and a high tide in January 2023, the sea walk repair project will take place in 2025, with a project manager to be hired, and a construction company to be contracted. PEAK ARCHIVE PHOTO
Property assessments available
Average value for houses in electoral areas increase
Property assessments for 2025, which reflect market value as of July 1, 2024, have been announced for property owners of nearly 400,000 properties throughout the Vancouver Island region, which covers qathet Regional District areas, including City of Powell River.
The updated property values are now available at bcassessment.ca, in addition to 2025 property assessment notices being mailed to each property owner.
“Most homeowners throughout Vancouver Island can expect minimal change with their 2025 assessment values, generally being in the range of minus-5 to plus-5 per cent," stated deputy assessor Matthew Butterfield, in a media release. “Some North Island communities, however, will see larger increases, as the recent trends in demand for those real estate markets continues to be strong."
According to BC Assessment figures, City of Powell River is holding steady, with the typical assessed value in 2024 amounting to $574,000 and typical assessed value in 2025 of $575,000. In qathet Regional District
electoral areas, the typical assessment in 2024 was $475,000, climbing three per cent to $490,000, according to BC Assessment figures.
The Catalyst Paper Tis’kwat mill is holding its value. The assessment in 2025 was $86,326,000, compared to $88,620,000 in 2024. Land was assessed at $8,024,000 and buildings were assessed at $80,302,000.
As BC's provider of property assessment information, BC Assessment collects, monitors and analyzes property data throughout the year. The newly released 2025 property assessment details can be searched and accessed any time at bcassessment.ca.
Overall, Vancouver Island's total assessments increased from over $386 billion in 2024 to almost $391 billion this year. About $4.89 billion of the region's updated assessments is from new construction, subdivisions and rezoning of properties.
BC Assessment's website includes more details about 2025 assessments, property information and trends such as lists of 2025's top valued residential properties across the province, and an interactive map.
The website also provides self-service access to a free, online property assessment search service that allows anyone to
search, check and compare 2025 property assessments for anywhere in the province.
Property owners can unlock additional property search features by registering for a free BC Assessment account to check a property's 10-year value history, store/access favourites, create comparisons and monitor neighbourhood sales.
“Property owners can find valuable information on our website, including answers to many assessment-related questions, but those who feel that their property assessment does not reflect market value as of July 1, 2024, or see incorrect information on their notice, should contact BC Assessment as indicated on their notice as soon as possible in January," stated Butterfield. “If a property owner is still concerned about their assessment after speaking to one of our appraisers, they may submit a Notice of Complaint (Appeal) by January 31, for an independent review by a property assessment review panel.”
The property assessment review panels, independent of BC Assessment, are appointed annually by the provincial government, and typically meet between February 1 and March 15 to hear formal complaints.
"It is important to understand that chang-
es in property assessments do not automatically translate into a corresponding change in property taxes," stated Butterfield. "As indicated on your assessment notice, how your assessment changes relative to the average change in your community is what may affect your property taxes."
FIGURES RELEASED: BC Assessment 2025 property assessment notices are now available online at bcassessment.ca, with the average value of a house in City of Powell River holding steady, and in qathet Regional District electoral areas increasing slightly. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
BC’s forestry practices are antiquated
By Mike P. Robinson
Walking through the clearcuts north of Lund, I’ve noticed they’re not terrible by typical standards—narrow, distant from riparian zones, with big firs left standing. But the real problem lies in what comes next: replanting.
Replanted areas aren’t forests; they’re fiber-farms—dense monocultures devoid of biodiversity. There are no birds, deer, or diverse plant life, just crowded trees competing for scarce nutrients. If we had to live off these lands, we’d starve.
Replanting is a public relations greenwash, creating biological deserts instead of ecosystems. Naturally regenerating forests, by
Power problems
contrast, begins with nitrogenfixing alders, enriched soils and balanced biodiversity. They grow stronger, support a web of life, and resist fire and disease far better than sterile tree farms.
Yet British Columbia clings to outdated forestry models focused on short-term profit. Thirdgrowth trees grow poorly, requiring fertilizer that pollutes lakes. Fiber-farms are tinderboxes, primed for catastrophic fires.
The extractive industry’s relentless push for profit continues to destroy old-growth forests, while First Nations must sue to protect their unceded lands.
Where do we start? Remember
I was hoping to express my appreciation for the BC Hydro line workers who have shown great tenacity during our recent windstorms [“Strong winds expected to hit qathet region,” December 23].
Nobody wants trees to blow over onto hydropower transmission lines, but when they do, our lives take a quick regression back to the dark ages, literally.
South of town, we have had at least four outages in the past month. These are commonly at night, during windy conditions. It must take a lot of grit to come out and tackle the problems to get the hydro up and working again.
The last one was on Christmas Eve and took till 4:30 am Christmas morning to get operational. I wouldn’t have expected the line crew to stick with the repairs for that long, but they seem very dedicated to their
We respectfully acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional and treaty lands of the Tla’amin people.
Published every Thursday by Pacific Coast Publications Limited Partnership.
REACH US
Phone 604.485.5313
publisher@prpeak.com • prpeak.com
Unit F, 4493 Marine Avenue, Powell River, BC V8A 2K3
Member of the Canadian Community Newspapers Association and the British Columbia Yukon Newspaper Association. CCNA Verified Circulation – paid.
the clear-cuts I began with? Why not replant one of them while letting others regenerate naturally? We could compare outcomes and learn something valuable.
Redirect resources toward crafting stronger legislation or exploring innovations like dirigible logging. We could listen to professional foresters and scientists rather than corporate lobbyists. BC could lead the world in forestry innovation, but only if we upgrade our economic belief systems. Continuing to enrich the wealthy while impoverishing the land we all depend on is madness. Mike P. Robinson has been a resident of Lund for 35 years.
customers and jobs. We are so lucky to have such a great crew in our area.
We also appreciate the Shaw crew coming out to fix up their lines after hydro had finished. All the best to all the line crews in our area. Please know none of you are taken for granted.
Here’s to hoping for a pleasant 2025.
Richard Klinkhamer, qathet Regional District
Reopen depot
Why is qathet Regional District making recycling so difficult and time consuming?
I live in a care home and have previously walked to the well-run recycling depot just off Joyce Avenue and Alberni Street. The depot opened weekdays and Saturdays. It is now closed and left abandoned.
My closest one now is on the highway going south toward Saltery Bay, but it is not open
SUBSCRIPTION RATES: 1 year: $68.25 incl. GST
MAILING RATES
Texada and local area:
$109.20 incl. GST
Within Canada: $191.10 incl. GST
PUBLICATIONS MAIL REG. 40069240
Office pickup available for addresses in a non-delivery area
COPYRIGHT NOTICE Full, complete and sole copyright in any advertising produced by Pacific Coast Publications Limited Partnership is vested in and belongs to Pacific Coast Publications Limited Partnership. No copyright material may
either weekend day, plus it does not recycle compost. This must be taken to partway up the hill toward Townsite [“Further borrowing recommended for resource-recovery centre,” November 28]. To my mind this makes no sense, especially when there is already too much driving which is unnecessary. Please reopen one depot in Westview.
Rose Shaw, Powell River
Solution at hand
As expected, Powell River municipal staff are recommending a double-digit tax increase for a community already struggling with the affordability crisis [“CFO reveals city’s tax forecast,” December 12] and the loss of the town’s only major industry taxpayer (the mill).
With a solution at hand - the annual multi-million dollar earnings of the Powell River Community Forest (PRCF), 100 per
cent owned by the City of Powell River - city council appears to have an incomprehensible reluctance to holding the line on taxes while maintaining services by absorbing PRCF revenue to make ends meet.
Yes, it would be a difficult move to shift PRCF revenue to core funding and break tradition. But there are literally no alternatives, at least none being articulated by the mayor and council.
We are living in unprecedented times politically, at all levels, and it is a profoundly uncomfortable moment, except for those who are comfortable. The rest of us are looking for leadership and creativity where wise, bold choices can be made if there is sufficient political will.
Hello? Mayor Woznow? Fellow council members? How about a big idea aimed at making life a little bit easier for the people of Powell River?
John Young, Wildwood
KELLY KEIL publisher SHANE CARLSON editor
Garbage disposal rates reviewed
Regional district committee studies cost increases for new two-year
contract
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
qathet Regional District (qRD) directors have given consideration to extending a contract with Republic Services for transportation and disposal of municipal solid waste for two years.
At the December 18 committee of the whole meeting, directors discussed a recommendation to execute a two-year extension, at an increase of 15 per cent a year, to transport and dispose of municipal solid waste to landfill in Washington State. Directors also considered a recommendation to explore alternative municipal solid waste transport and disposal options for the region.
Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne said the price increase was a tough pill to swallow. He said fees for solid waste disposal are paid in US dollars.
“It’s not easy, and I’m really struggling,” said Gisborne. “We have a new resource recovery centre and transfer station, and the fundamental problem, at its core, is what do we do with our garbage? This is what we have to do now. There are potentially other options in the future, but [as of] January 1, we have to send our garbage somewhere.”
In terms of sending the municipal solid waste to another site, manager of environmental services Jason Kouwenhoven said there are not a lot of other options, but qRD will need to dig in a little deeper and get more
serious in discussions with other locations. The committee voted unanimously that the board renew the contract with Republic Services for two years with a 15 per cent increase per year.
Regarding the second recommendation that the board direct staff to explore alternative municipal solid waste transport and disposal options, City of Powell River director Cindy Elliott said she was in favour of exploring those types of options.
Gisborne said the frustration he has had with how qRD has been dealing with municipal solid waste is, in that there is no local landfill or incinerator – the choice was shipping solid waste to Washington State.
“We have just dealt with a short-term contract, there are big expenses, and they are in US dollars,” said Gisborne. “It’s really time for our board to take this seriously. Cache Creek may be an option but they also have issues. We might want to consider incineration here, locally. We all want to
get to zero waste, but for some reason, the amount of municipal solid waste keeps going up. It’s costing us a lot. We keep exporting the problem.”
Electoral Area A director Jason Lennox said he dislikes sending garbage to Washington State, and that it is embarrassing.
“What are the ideas and what are the options?” asked Lennox.
Electoral Area E director Andrew Fall said he fully supported the recommendation and that it is time to look at options. He said, however, the board needs to temper any expectations that there are going to be solutions.
“Dealing with waste is expensive,” said Fall. “It might be tempting to think that not shipping it so far and having a local landfill would be a less costly solution. That is very unlikely in my view. However, I’m open to looking into it and it will be great to have the information, even if it is to put things in context with what we already have and are doing. There are not any easy
solutions.”
Elliott said in the region and in the city, there are landfills that have not been properly closed. She said presumably, any landfill options in the future would include costs of closing the landfills.
“Landfills in general are not a long-term, sustainable option, because eventually, you run out of space,” said Elliott. “If we really want to stop having to deal with needing to find new solutions for our solid waste, we need to look at sustainable options that exist in the long-term that are also environmentally feasible. I want to explore all the options.”
The committee voted to recommend the regional board direct staff to explore alternative municipal solid waste options.
According to a staff report, staff engaged extensively with Republic Services to understand the rationale behind the significant cost increases. The report stated that despite staff’s best efforts, Republic Services has indicated that the rate increases were non-negotiable.
HIGH PRICES: qathet Regional District is facing significant increases for disposal of municipal solid waste in Washington State, with Republic Services, the transportation and disposal company, recommending 15 per cent a year for two years in a new contract.
Chilly dippers take plunge
Diehards of all ages lined the shore at Willingdon Beach on January 1, welcoming the arrival of 2025 by splashing into the Salish Sea. Some participants returned to the shore as quickly as they went in, but a few lingered for a longer spell in the cool waters.
Several not-as-brave spectators were on hand for the the annual polar bear swim at the scenic location, choosing to cheer on the chilly dippers from a distance rather than take a plunge themselves. And who can blame them? Brrrr....
KATIE MATHIEU/WILD SITKA PHOTOGRAPHY
Tla’amin set to reacquire mill lands
Property consists of 16 parcels, amounting to 120 acres of the former Catalyst
Paper property
Following nearly two years of due diligence and negotiations, Tla’amin Nation is set to reacquire close to half of the former Catalyst Paper mill site at Tis’kwat.
According to a media release from Tla’amin, the reacquisition will come 146 years after the lands were alienated through the illegal sale of Lot 450 in 1878, and one year after the federal government accepted Tla’amin’s specific claim for Lot 450 for negotiation.
Tla’amin and Domtar have initialled an asset purchase agreement (APA), which is subject to approval by Tla’amin Executive Council within 60 days.
Under the terms of the APA, Domtar (formerly Paper Excellence) will return the lands to Tla’amin for its use. Tla’amin will assume responsibility for carrying costs such as maintenance, taxes and insurance upon taking ownership.
“This agreement is a step in the right direction for us to regain our
rightful place at Tis’kwat,” stated Tla’amin hegus John Hackett. “We will continue to work with Domtar and Brookfield to protect Tla’amin archaeological and stewardship interests across the entire site.”
The reacquisition lands comprise 16 parcels covering 120 acres.
The reacquired lands primarily front the river and ocean and are among the least industrialized areas at Tis’kwat. Notably, Tla’amin assumes responsibility for most of the riverfront lands. However, the reacquisition does not include the dam, which is encumbered by a bare land trust between Domtar and Brookfield Power.
“We raise our hands in deep respect for the Tla’amin elected council and their staff for their collaboration in our ongoing work together,” stated Lana Wilhelm, Domtar director of Indigenous relations. “The entire Domtar team is deeply committed to working with the Tla’amin Nation to do the right thing. We continue to work on solutions for the entirety of the site.”
To build a negotiations mandate, Tla’amin Nation engaged its citizens through a series of six public engagement sessions and a survey conducted between October 2023 and May 2024. An overwhelming 94 per cent of Tla’amin citizens who participated in the engagement process supported the re-
acquisition of Tis’kwat, with support among youth even higher at 97 per cent. At the same time, 98 per cent of citizens were concerned about the environmental legacy at Tis’kwat following a century of industrial activity. These concerns and risks are addressed in the agreement being presented to the community, the release stated.
“We are pleased that Tla’amin Nation and Domtar have initiated an asset purchase agreement for the former mill site at Tis’kwat,” stated City of Powell River mayor Ron Woznow. “This provides a first step towards repurposing the site for the benefit of Tla’amin Nation and the region.”
The reacquisition of Tis’kwat not only represents an historic step toward rectifying past injustices but also serves as a cornerstone of Tla’amin’s vision for economic prosperity, the release stated.
Reacquisition lands will support Tla’amin Management Services LP’s (TMSLP) current business interests, while creating opportunities for future development aligned with Tla’amin goals for employment, revenue generation and sustainability. This reacquisition positions TMSLP to pursue initiatives that will bring long-term benefits to Tla’amin citizens and contribute to the economic vitality of the qathet region, according to the release.
“We are committed to working together to right past wrongs and creating environmental and economic benefits for the Tla’amin Nation, the surrounding community and the whole province,” stated Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Randene Neill. “This is an important milestone in the process of working toward economic and social reconciliation, while bringing long-term benefits to Tla’amin citizens and contributing to the economic vitality of the region.”
The APA and accompanying business plan will be reviewed for recommendation by the Tla’amin finance committee and Tla’amin
economic development committee before being approved by Tla’amin’s executive council.
“Congratulations to Tla’amin Nation for the ongoing collaborative work with Domtar on Tis’kwat, a site of historical and contemporary social, cultural and economic significance for the Tla’amin people,” stated Christine Boyle, provincial minister of Indigenous relations and reconciliation. “I look forward to our government’s continued treaty partnership through our memorandum of understanding – yiχmɛtštəm Tis’kwat, which translates to: we are going to take care of Tis’kwat.
Group investigates central farmers’ market
Site in Paradise Valley will continue operating as usual
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
An idea is percolating among qathet farmers and community members that an expanded farmers' market and/or a centrally located market could be beneficial to those who want increased access to fresh food, and for
those selling that food.
A newly formed Central Farmers' Market Working Group, composed of members from Powell River Farmers’ Agricultural Institute and the community are investigating the idea of a centrally located Saturday market starting in Summer 2025, according to the working group’s recent media release.
"qathet Regional District and Powell River are exceptionally fortunate to have a vibrant farming and food production community, and our food producers say there is room
for growth," the release stated.
Community builder and local food advocate Kate Sutherland is part of the working group and cohosted a workshop last May called the Two Block Diet. Sutherland emphasized that the Powell River Farmers’ Market on McLeod Road will continue to operate as usual Saturday 10:30 am to 12:30 pm (May-September) and Sunday 12:30 to 2:30 pm (year-round).
The working group stated in the release that, "several potential downtown-city
centre sites are under review with a focus on high visibility, ample parking and easy access for those travelling by foot or bicycle, or via local transit."
For several years local farmers and food producers have been looking at ways to increase demand for locally grown and produced food.
“Our farmers can grow way more produce if we can grow our customer base," explained farmer and founder of Terra Nostra Farm Aaron Mazurek. "This would increase our region’s food
security and boost employment opportunities in our community."
Blueberry Commons founder and farmer Ron Berezan is also interested in the idea of an expanded market.
“To grow support and interest in local food would hugely benefit all of our region’s farmers and food producers, and a centrally located market would have positive spin-offs for downtown businesses," stated Berezan.
The Central Farmers’ Market Working Group has released a survey for poten-
tial customers and potential vendors. Once feedback is collected, the group says it will have a better idea about what folks want when it comes to opening another farmers' market in City of Powell River.
For updates on this initiative, or to become involved, contact Mazurek at AaronMMazurek@gmail. com, or Berezan at theurbanfarmer@shaw.ca.
Working group coordinators are Devon Hanley, devhanley@gmail.com, or 604.414.5434, and Kate Sutherland, kate@emergecollab.com or 604.314.0835.
PROTECTING INTERESTS: Tla’amin Nation is reacquiring 120 acres of lands at the former Catalyst Paper Tis’kwat mill site through an asset purchase agreement with Domtar. PEAK ARCHIVE PHOTO
Crews complete repairs to bridge
Part of Inland Lake trail system passable again
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
Crews were hard at work repairing a damaged bridge and boardwalk at Inland Lake Provincial Park last month.
Powell Lake Outdoor Learning Centre director Hugh Prichard
told the Peak that he supported some aspects of the project, but the work was conducted by Todd Nichols of Thimbleberry Contracting.
The pedestrian bridge was damaged during flooding in 2023, but it had been almost unusable for much longer than that. Provincial and federal governments have been to blame for repair delays.
A few months ago, a contract was awarded and crews began work on December 2, 2024.
Application approved for high-speed internet
Tenure issued for bringing service to rural and remote communities
Connected Coast is a multi-government project to bring high-speed internet to rural remote and First Nations coastal communities.
Once completed, 139 rural and remote communities, including 48 Indigenous communities representing 44 First Nations, will have access to fibre optic internet, according to the application licence #2412715 that includes Westview Harbour to Van Anda. The province has now approved the application and has issued tenure to the company CityWest. According to the application, "it is for a licence of occupation with the potential to lead to a statutory right of way for a term of 10 to 30 years. This application covers the Upper Sunshine Coast section of the project, from Lund to Pope Landing."
As of October 2024, approximately 96 per cent of the necessary permits have been secured, according to
Connect the Coast estimations. The ambitious project, which will bring high-speed internet to regions such as qathet and other coastal communities, will cost an estimated $45.4 million. Funding is secured through provincial and federal government programs.
The project involves laying 3,400 kilometres of subsea fiber-optic cable from Prince Rupert to Vancouver, connecting to existing infrastructure, according to the Connect the Coast website.
Although CityWest's application was approved, some sites have been removed after community consultation.
According to application details: Referrals to other agencies raised site specific issues with the following landing site locations: Myrtle Point, Barney Bay and Brew Bay. As a result those sites were removed from the application.
Sensitive habitat sites within Agamemnon Channel are being avoided and potential impacts mitigated through rerouting of the fibre optic line to address potential environmental impacts identified.
"Crews on the water will continue to deploy cable, while network activa-
COASTAL CONNECTION: A tenure to lay fibre optic cable has been issued by the BC government to the company CityWest, according to the application licence #2412715 that includes Westview Harbour to Van Anda. This photo was taken of a CityWest work vehicle at Westview’s south harbour.
TANYA HILL PHOTO
tion activities commence at newly built landing sites,” the Connect the Coast website states. “Services will become available at these landing sites over the coming months. The project’s full completion and activation is on track for March 2025.”
To see an interactive map of the project around Westview’s south harbour, go to connectedcoast.ca/map.
HAPPY HIKERS: Many qathet region residents took advantage of favourable weather on January 1 to check out the new bridge completed at Inland Lake last month.
SHANE CARLSON PHOTO
U15 players part of championship team
Four local teammates help Vancouver Island-based team top podium at tournament
In addition to their weekly ice times at home with Powell River U15A Kings, Bree Behan, Harper Berukoff, Marin Carlos and Claire Karger also play for the North Island U15 Impact Female A team.
The dedicated athletes practice with their team on Vancouver Island about twice a week, play games almost every weekend on the island and frequent tournaments across the province.
In November, they showed well in a very competitive AA/AAA tournament in Regina, Saskatchewan. Last month, the club participated in the 55th annual Kamloops International Bantam Ice Hockey Tournament. It was only the second year a female division was added to this event and teams from
across the province filled the ranks.
The tournament ran from December 18 to the 22 and North Island Impact was quickly identified as “the team to beat.” The Impact posted round-robin wins over Penticton (3-0), Vancouver (7-3), Salmon Arm (12-1), and North East BC (13-1).
Having lost only one game, 4-3 in overtime to the host Kamloops Blazers in the round-robin, the team advanced to the medal round.
After downing Penticton in the semi-final, North Island
won the Kendra Woodland Division Championship final over Vancouver Angels A1 by a score of 7-2, finishing the tournament with a six and one record. The powerhouse Impact scored 50 goals and only had 11 scored against them. All four Powell River players scored at least one goal in Kamloops.
The girls are looking forward to hosting their team here at Hap Parker Arena versus Powell River U18C Kings on January 25 and 26, and invite local hockey fans to come out and cheer them on.
Soccer community gathers for annual event
Steve Steele Charity Shield match raises funds on Boxing Day
SHANE CARLSON editor@prpeak.com
KIM LEACH PHOTOS
The annual Steve Steele Charity Shield soccer match was played at Timberlane Park on Boxing Day, featuring Tla’amin Braves challenging a Stevie’s Steelers team composed of local players. Steele, the game’s namesake, was involved in all aspects of soccer locally for many years, including as a player, coach and referee.
After he died of cancer, the soccer community dedicated the event in recognition of his achievements. His wife, Delma, presented the plaque to Cecil Hackett (Photo 1) of the Braves, who won by a score of 3-2.
After the match, Tony Leach (Photo 2), Duncan MacDougall (Photo 3) and Todd Phillips (Photo 4) each received a Lifetime Service Award for dedication and commitment to the game of soccer in the community.
The event also served as a fundraiser for the Salvation Army and Powell River Action Centre Food Bank.
The first Steve Steele Charity Shield soccer match was played in 1994.
GOLDEN GIRLS: Teammates [from left] Bree Behan, Marin Carlos, Harper Berukoff and Claire Karger helped North Island U15 Impact reach the top of the podium at a recent tournament in Kamloops. ANNIE RACINE PHOTO
Otago faces stiff competition
Port Alberni Black Sheep score big victory in rugby match at Cranberry Field
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
Powell River Otago rugby club fought hard but dropped a 65-10 decision to Port Alberni Black Sheep in a game played at Cranberry Field last month.
In perfect rugby conditions, Port Alberni brought a stacked team to Powell River. Otago spokesperson Jack Beardmore said Otago knew there was no way they were going to beat Port Alberni, but the score ended up being higher than he had hoped. Beardmore said a couple of the Port Alberni players had played for the Fijian under-21 national team, so Otago was up against first-rate players.
“One of them ended up scoring five trys on us, with his speed and his sidestepping,” said Beardmore. “However, our guys were
not disappointed. In all, I thought we played well, other than some breakdowns.
Seven of their trys were one step around one of our players, then running the length of the field. All it takes is one mistake when you’re playing that calibre of rugby.”
Beardmore said Otago’s record this year has been solid, with six wins and two losses coming into the latest contest against the Black Sheep. One of those losses came against Port Alberni, and the other against Nanaimo, with both teams fielding division one rugby players. Beardmore said Otago hasn’t lost against a division three team yet this year. In the game against the Black Sheep, Beardmore said Otago had some good ball movement and support. He said that on several occasions, Otago advanced to the Black Sheep five-metre line and “got too excited.”
“We easily could have added three more trys,” said Beardmore. “We had some knock-ons near the Black Sheep try line. Our guys were trying to do a little more than they should be doing. Instead of playing like we have trained all year, any
time they are inside of 10 metres, our players should just pick and go, pick and go, and support, even if we’re only moving one metre at a time.
“What happened was, our guys would pick, but didn’t have the support with them; they would take off, and that’s when a turnover or knock-on would occur.”
Beardmore said he is hoping Otago players learn from the experience.
“The only way to play at that level is to play at that level,” said Beardmore.
He added that the Otago effort was hampered by some injuries, but all in all, it was a good match.
Beardmore said Otago was able to get some younger, 18-year-old players into the contest, and playing against the seasoned Port Alberni team was a good experience, because, ultimately, the young players want to play at a high level.
Otago will play next at Port Alberni on February 15. Beardmore said the team is hoping to have some players back who couldn’t make the latest game.
“We’ll play a better game but I have no illusion that
we’re going to beat them,” said Beardmore. “They’ve been to the BC championship three years in a row, winning two of them. They are one of the top first division teams in the province. They have only lost one game all year.”
Moving into 2025, it’s an exciting time for Otago, which will be celebrating its 50th year as a rugby club.
Beardmore said club members have been working on next summer’s event, so a
Hockey teams keep rinks busy
Junior, senior and minor games fill schedule at recreation complex
SHANE CARLSON editor@prpeak.com
Powell River Kings responded to go-ahead goals by Cowichan Valley Capitals on two occasions in the second period but ultimately fell 4-3 at home to their opponents from Vancouver Island on January 3.
Jace Harder, who gave Powell River a brief first period lead, Brendan Giles (unassisted) and Sam Grabner (from Cruz Scanzano and Jake Westhaver) scored for
the Kings, who were outshot 3321. Westhaver had two assists on the night, combining with Max Jelavic to set up Harder’s marker.
In his return to BC Hockey League play after representing Germany at the World Junior Hockey Championships in Ottawa, Kings’ forward Noah Samanski scored the lone goal in a 5-1 loss to the visiting Capitals on January 4. Giles and Michael Mardula combined to set up Samanski’s sixth goal in eight games since joining the Kings in November. Samanski started the season with Wenatchee Wild of the Western Hockey League, where he scored once and added three assists in 12 games. He assisted on one goal in five games for Germany in
Ottawa.
Powell River managed to muster only 13 shots on goal, while goaltender Vincent Lamberti turned aside 28 of the 33 shots sent his way.
Regals return
Playoff hockey is starting early at Hap Parker Arena. Powell River Regals host game one of a threeteam McCallum Cup series to determine the west coast senior hockey championship on Saturday, January 11.
Lake Cowichan Appollos provide the opposition to open the series. The opening faceoff is scheduled for 5 pm.
Regals travel to Nanaimo to face the Steelmen in game two on
whole year of planning will go into it.
Otago is planning to produce a book that highlights and celebrates the 50 years, and the team has been collecting stories and photos from the club’s beginning, and will include features such as the United Kingdom tour in 1986.
Beardmore said the club is already starting to take reservations for next summer’s banquet, and he’s hoping to have 200 people
February 1, visit Lake Cowichan on February 15 for game four, and host Nanaimo in game five on February 22.
Game three (Lake Cowichan at Nanaimo) takes place February 9. The sixth and final game of the series features the Appollos and Steelmen in Lake Cowichan on February 28.
Podium places
Powell River U18 and U11 Kings hosted a joint tournament last weekend.
The U18 squad finished the round-robin with a 2-1 record before falling to New Westminster 8-5 in the semi-final.
Powell River lost its first game on Friday to Seattle before beat-
come to Dwight Hall for the festivities.
The 50th anniversary weekend will be held June 20 and 21, with a golf tournament and a meet and greet at the clubhouse on June 20. On June 21, there will be afternoon rugby games, with a women’s game, followed by the old boys and then a senior men’s game. The formal banquet will be at 7 pm. For more information, email otagorugbypr15@ gmail.com.
ing Cowichan and tying New Westminster on Saturday to set up a semi-final rematch on Sunday with the latter, who skated to a 8-5 win to advance to the final, where they lost by the same score to Seattle. In the U18 bronze medal game versus Cowichan, Beau Gagne scored twice for Powell River, including the eventual game winner in the third period. Noah Culos had the other marker for the Kings. U11 Kings completed the tournament with an undefeated record, including a gold medal victory on Sunday versus North Vancouver. Abel Green scored twice for Powell River in the 5-2 win. Miller Pitman, Kyle van Diemen and Calvin Pierce were the other goal scorers.
TOUGH TEAM: Powell River Otago rugby club player Shane Morrissey [in blue] tries to elude tacklers in a recent rugby game. Otago fought hard but were defeated 65-10 by a much more experienced Port Alberni Black Sheep club in a contest played in Cranberry.
PAUL GALINSKI PHOTO
MICHAELGREGORY(GREG)NORTHRUP August14,1951-December14,2024
GONEFISHING
NOSERVICEASREQUESTED
Susan Jersak
We are saddened to announce the passing of Susan Jersak on January 2, 2025.
Susan was predeceased by her two sisters Marguerite and Jane, and her brother Paul. She is survived by her son Peter; his wife Rocio; her much-loved nieces Beverly, Karol and Jennifer; and nephews Paul, Tim, Ben and Chris.
Susan was born in Toronto but moved to Powell River in the summer of 1980. During her time in Powell River, she made many friends. Susan was instrumental in bringing many projects to fruition. Life Cycle Housing, the Inland Lake Trail, Model Community Project, WOW (Work Opportunities for Women) and the BC Festival of Arts, are just some of her many accomplishments.
She was an avid lover of the arts and was a member of the Powell River Choir. She actively supported the local art community and purchased many paintings from local artists. Although she lived on a small stipend, she regularly donated to charities.
Susan was a very spiritual person who believed everyone had their own path to follow to spiritual harmony and enlightenment.
A celebration of Susan’s life is scheduled for 11 am on Friday, January 24, at Stubberfield Funeral Home, 7221 Duncan Street, Powell River, BC.
Jean Brach (nee Bodlak)
1934 - 2024
Jean passed away peacefully at home on December 19, 2024, surrounded by her family and listening to the sweet sounds of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” She was predeceased by her loving husband, Frank, in 2015.
Jean was born on March 25, 1934, in Vancouver, BC, to Helena Lis and Frank Bodlak, both Polish immigrants. After graduating from Magee Secondary School, she attended the Sprott Shaw School of Business, where she received secretarial training. Her first job was as a secretary at Tuckett Tobacco.
In 1950, Jean met her future husband, Frank, at a Polish dance shortly after his arrival in Canada from Poland. After a whirlwind courtship, they married in 1952. A few years later, the couple moved to Powell River, where Frank got a job as a welder in the local mill, and Jean dedicated herself to raising their three sons in the Townsite. She was a devoted mother, always attending her sons’ sports games and cheering them on. Jean was also known as “Queen B” by many of their friends, as she took a keen interest in their social lives.
Jean was a well-known socialite during the glory days of the local pulp and paper mill. Her social acumen and sharp intellect made her a fearsome bridge player, and she was an active member of the local Duplicate Bridge Club for many years. She travelled to out-of-town tournaments, and in 1981, she earned the title of Life Master in the bridge world. Jean’s favourite bridge partners were Dennis Bremner, Don Campbell, and her brother Stan.
As her sons grew up, Jean would visit her older brother Stan, who ran an art gallery on Granville Island. Inspired by his store, Jean opened her own shop, Paperworks, on Marine Avenue, where she was soon joined by her youngest son, Steve, in 1985. After her family and her friends, Paperworks was the joy of her life. She loved attending gift shows in Toronto and Vancouver, always on the lookout for unique gift items. A loyal friend to many, Jean had a passion for meeting new people, hearing their stories and connecting them with her own experiences. With unrelenting stamina, she continued working at Paperworks until the age of 90, when she received a cancer diagnosis. Jean could talk endlessly about fashion, pop culture trends and community goings-on. In her last days, when she was no longer able to go into the store, she would “hold court” in her living room with family, friends and care aids. She was fiercely determined to live independently in her home for as long as she could, surrounded by her award-winning Townsite heritage garden. Until the end, she did it her way.
Jean is survived by her three sons: Ken (Rose), Gerry (Liz) and Steve (Kristen); two beloved nieces; eight grandchildren; and ten greatgrandchildren. The family expresses gratitude to the Home Care Nursing Team and their special family friend, Dr. Marty Gerard (Saskatoon). Special thanks also go to the community care workers (she adored you all) and her cherished neighbours, Patti and Jack. In keeping with Jean’s wishes, there will be no service. Donations in her honour can be made to the Four Tides Hospice Society.
IngerMargretheElisabethRiberChristensen June9,1930-December20,2024
IngerMargretheElisabethRiberChristensen(neeRepstock) passedDecember20th,surroundedbylove.
Bornin1930inHillerod,Denmark,toHellaandJohan GotthardRepstock,IngeremigratedtoCanadaafterthewar, lookingforbigopenspaces.ShefollowedherbrotherBjornto northernBCandfoundcomraderyintheDanish-Canadian communityofPrinceGeorge.Shealsofoundherhusband there.HenrypredeceasedIngerfollowingafour-decade adventure.
HerfirsthomewasinSummitLake,whereshewelcomed nephewThorBjornintothefamily,swiftlyfollowedbychildren KimandAnnelise.Kathrine,ThomasandGrantwerebornafter themoveto’thelittleredhouseon7thAve’.Thefamilytoyed withtheideaofcountrylife,movingbackandforthbetween townandalogcabinontheOldSummitLakeRoadSouth beforesolidifyingInger’sdreamofaranch.Theyfoundthat paradiseinSalmonValley.Jeff,theyoungest,wasbornonthe farm.
Inadditiontoco-managingtheirbeeffarm,sheworked outsidethehomeasanaccountingclerkatPGCityHall, Jack’sTV,andBCBuildingsCorporation.Anentrepreneur,she startedandoperatedherowncleaningbusiness. Ingercreatedawonderfullifeforherchildren,andalsothe mostbeautifulgardens.Gardeningwasherpassion.She createdhergardenonthefarmfromacowpasture.Every propertysheownedafterretirementwastransformedintoa lushoasisoffruits,vegetablesandbeautifulflowers.The biggestraspberries,thecrispestapples,andthemostexotic fruitgrewinhercreations.Thegardensofhercoastalhomes inSecheltandPowellRiverwereparticularlyspectacular.
Ingeralsoenjoyedbridge,knitting,hercats,andconcrete (cementmixersareforsissies).Sheespeciallyenjoyedher grandchildrenandgreat-grandchildren.
Sheissurvivedbyherchildren,theirspouses,andher grandchildren:KimandCynthia(Christian,Beau),Annelise andCharlie(Julia,Alex),KathrineandMike(Gavin,Hannah), ThomasandBrenda(Lindsay,Jaime,Rebecca),Grantand Debbie(John,Aksel),Jeff(Daniel);byhernephewThorBjorn andJanet;aswellasheradoredgreat-grandchildrenMeiand Leif,MiloandEverett,MicahandColton,Victoriaand Charlotte,andcomingsoon,Owen.
Aprivatememorialwasheldatherpassing. "Thedeathsofkingswillbeforgottensooner." −PaulStPierre,ChilcotinHoliday
Dorothy Jessie Kay
December 22, 1923 - December 14, 2024
“If you have a garden and a library you have everything you need” (Cicero)
We are sad to have lost our beloved mother and grandmother, for she was in our lives for so very long, until almost 101 years old. Mom lives on in our hearts because to know her was to love her. She was a kind, smart, optimistic, strong, independent woman who had a big influence upon all who knew her. Mom was happiest at home, in the garden or in her kitchen, especially if there was a meal to cook up for family or friends. She loved animals and enjoyed a cuddle with a good cat. Her pies go down in history as having the flakiest pastry ever! Mom served as a cook in the Royal Canadian Air Force at Ivy Hall Convalescent Hospital in Niagara Falls during World War II. She excelled at knitting, crocheting and sewing, and created many beautiful pieces in her lifetime. Mrs. Kay may be remembered by J.C. Hill graduates for the 17 and ½ years she worked there as a teacher’s aide. She was amused by her recess supervision nickname “Kaos” back in the time of Get Smart
Mom lived in her own home until six days before passing. She loved her view of the ocean and enjoyed 59 years of glorious sunsets, storms, moon phases, boats and ferry traffic, and the annual return of eagles to their nest just off to the corner of her big picture window. Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, Martyn Lore Kay, on April 5, 1996. Mom adored her grandchildren Karyn and Adrian Lowther (Erica Rae Reid). She leaves behind two daughters, Cheryl Kay (Ray Kornelis) and Brenda Kay, sister Shirley Bailey (Gerry), sister-in-law Lois Gibbons and many nieces and nephews and greatnieces and nephews.
We are ever grateful to Mom’s wonderful neighbours, who held her in their hearts as well, her friends Val, Jacquie and Eric, Michael, and the Beys. Though her stay in hospital was short, we are thankful for the compassionate care of Dr. DuToit and the nurses who cared for her at qathet General Hospital and Vancouver Coastal Health home care staff.
TerriLynnMiller(Hogan) August9,1957-December15,2003 InlifeIlovedyoudearly,indeathIdothesame. Itdoesnotmatterhowlongagoitwas, Astome,itwillalwaysseemlikeyesterday. InLovingMemory,Brian&DerekMiller
ArthurEdwardForbes
February24,1931-December11,2024
Itiswithgreatsadnessthatwesaygoodbyetoourdeardad, Art,whopassedsurroundedbyfamilyonDecember11th.
Artwaspredeceasedbyhisparents,PearlandVernonSadler anddaughterSandi.HeissurvivedbyNormaForbes;children Patti(Dan),Ian(Anida),Brian(Stacey),andJanine(Derek); grandchildrenSadie,Brendan(Tiffany),Colin(Alex),Kateand Ruby;andgreat-grandchildrenSebastian,Blayke,Kaycie, Jhase,MayaandMax.
DadgrewupinPowellRiverandworkedinthemill,starting onthepapermachinesat17,theninthemillstoresuntil retiringin1991.Hewasadrummerinthecompanypipeband inthe1950s.
Dadwasafishermanandhunter,anexecutiveoftheRod& GunClubforyears,andtaughtthefirstCOREhunting program.Heenjoyedsquaredancing,pool,darts,pokerand winning!Hewascompetitiveandnever"let"thegrandkidswin, theyhadtobeathim!Anadventurousspirit,hetriedmany thingsinretirement,fromwhitewaterraftingtocompletingthe one-day,64kmGreatWalkbetweenGoldRiverandTahsisat 77!
DadspenthislateryearsintheComoxValleyandlovedwalks withhisdogGinger,playingpokerwithfriendsandhaving familynearby.ArtwasagreatDad-kindandhumorousand loveduswithallhisheart,aswelovedhim.Hewillbedeeply missed.
ThankstoDr.Williams,Dr.Anderson,nursesRobandKira, andmoreattheComoxValleyHospitalfortheircareand compassion.
www.telfordtoneffboyd.ca/obituary/ArthurArt−Forbes
•604-485-6994 • 604-223-1270
• 604-414-5232 (Texada)
