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is preparing for
Dark comedy includes message about dangers of complacency
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
Townsite Actors Guild is preparing for its 12th play produced in the qathet region. This time, the play will be on the stage at Magpie’s Diner, on March 14, 15, 21 and 22.
H*tler’s Tasters, directed by Stephanie Miller and produced by Stephen Miller, is a dark comedy, starring four local actors: Kaela George, Christine Cook, Stephanie Zaleski and Kelsey Roosenmaallen.
Stephen said H*tler’s Tasters was written by award-winning playwright Michelle Kholos Brooks and that it is powerful for our times.
and the coming-of-age of these teenagers. It is both lively and poignant, while at the same time, emotional, terrifying and scary.”
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Stephanie describes the play as both a period and historical piece but also very modern.
“The play was based on a little known story that came out in 2013,” said Stephanie. “She [the woman] was 94 years old, and one of Hitler’s tasters.”
The Wolf’s Lair was Hitler’s military headquarters in the eastern front during World War II, and where he spent 800 days over the course of the war. Young German women ranging from teenagers to their early 20s had the job to taste Hitler’s food to make sure it wasn’t poisoned.
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“The play is about four teenagers who are seconded by the Nazis to be the official tasters of [Adolf] Hitler’s food,” said Stephen. “The play dances between the reality of a tyrannical and oppressive regime
“There were 15 tasters in the Wolf’s Lair, which is where Hitler spent a lot of his time in the last year of the war,” said Stephanie.
“This particular woman managed to escape.”
Stephanie said as the Russians advanced [into Poland] and finally found these women, they killed all of them, except this one woman who was able to tell the tale.
THEATRE TIMES: Townsite Actors Guild
its next production that will hit the stage at Magpie’s Diner in March. Dark comedy H*tlers Tasters, will be performed by local actors [from left] Christine Cook, Stephanie Zaleski, Kelsey Roosenmaallen and Kaela George [back].
Afternoon music concert fundraiser will be full of surprises
Fourth accordion extravaganza takes place in May
TANYA HILL
thill@prpeak.com
Musicians and accordion festival co-directors Karina Inkster and Walter Martella are excited for the fourth year of squeezebox performances, workshops and community gatherings that will take place at qathet’s fourth annual Accordion Fest May 2 and 3.
However, before that fun happens, a festival fundraiser and sneak peek performance will take place on Sunday, March 9, in James Hall at Powell River Academy of Music, starting at 2 pm.
“We invite the qathet commu-
nity for a matinée concert and preview of the fourth annual qathet Accordion Fest,” said Inkster. “This one-hour performance will feature classical, jazz and tango music, including new repertoire. “
Inkster and Martella have also been busy recording an album with a five-piece tango band.
“Enjoy a sneak peek of our soonto-be-released album, and we’ll announce a bunch of exciting festival guest artists and plans,” said Inkster. “The by-donation concert is a great opportunity to hear unique music and support a local tradition.”
As usual, Martella will be on piano, with Inkster on accordion and Terry Martyniuk on percussion.
Inkster has also collaborated with local artist Teresa Harwood-Lynn, who will have her unique creations at the fundraiser on Sunday.
“She makes amazing jewellery pieces out of reclaimed materials,” said Inkster. “I gave her a 100-yearold accordion [that doesn’t work] from my little accordion museum in my teaching room, and she made these amazing jewellery pieces out of accordion parts.”
Inkster said Harwood-Lynn is donating the super-vintage upcycled pieces to be sold at the accordion festival fundraiser, with all proceeds going to the qathet Accordion Fest in May.
James Hall is located at 7280 Kemano Street. Inkster said all funds raised during the event will go toward the Accordion Fest.
Story set in 1940s Germany
ders if humanity has learned and taken heed from mistakes made in the past.
Although the play is based on a footnote in history, the story and the characters are timeless, she added.
“It [the play] presents a picture of these youthful women in a time of fear, misinformation and danger,” said Stephanie. “There is a level of innocence, because they are young, and despite the danger, they accept the unacceptableness of authority.”
The women/girls are spoon-fed reality, and taught to believe that what they are doing is an honour for their country, but they wonder if they will live through another meal.
“They still dream of romance, passion and excitement, but it’s all underpinned by this cultural context that they live in,” said Stephanie. “They have to learn, for example, how to navigate their sexuality, their friendship, their politics, their patriotism, and that’s what’s explored in the show.”
Although the play is set in 1940s Germany, the women speak in contemporary lingo and take selfies with their mobile phones.
It’s been 80 years since Hitler’s death, but the contemporary context of the play is palatable. The playwright [Kholos Brooks] won-
“The girls [in the play] are from families who didn’t resist the tide of tyranny, or they didn’t catch the signs, or worse, they accepted the inevitable and looked the other way when others [Jewish families] lost their homes, their businesses and their lives,” stated Kholos Brooks about the play on her website. “H*tler’s Tasters is a play about many things, but most importantly, it is a play about the dangers of complacency.”
Stephanie said one of the things which drew her to this piece was an obsession [by the tasters], a loyalty, an allegiance and passion to this fascist dictator.
“The contemporary part of all of this is an understanding that evil is always lurking out there, no matter what time we’re living in,” said Stephanie. “It’s an important piece, with the notion that tyrants never change, and teenagers never change, right?”
Stephen and Stephanie said they are excited to be using the stage at Magpie’s.
“It’s the perfect setting for the play,” they added.
Tickets are available at Magpie’s and Rocky Mountain Pizza and Bakery.
1« TOWNSITE ACTORS GUILD
SNEAK PEEK: qathet Accordion Fest co-directors Walter Martella [left] Karina Inkster and percussionist Terry Martyniuk. JOHN C. WATSON PHOTO
Youth services outlined
Foundry qathet will provide a space for people aged 12 to 24 to access needed services
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
City of Powell River councillors were apprised of developments geared toward youth through the establishment of Foundry qathet.
At the February 18 committee of the whole meeting, a delegation representing Youth and Family, also known as Powell River Child, Youth and Family Services Society, outlined plans for Foundry qathet, which has the mission to support young people in living a good life, and to transform access to services for young people ages 12 to 24.
According to project manager Delyth Harper, Foundry qathet is an initiative that will transform ac-
cess to care for the community’s youth.
Collette Sinkewicz, executive director of Youth and Family, said the society is the host agency for Foundry qathet. She said Youth and Family is a nonprofit and registered charity.
“Youth and Family is the leading service provider for youth in our community and these services will integrate well with Foundry programming,” said Sinkewicz. “Last year, the youth resource centre recorded more than 800 visits, and our councillors provided one-on-one support to 94 youth.
“Now, more than ever, we know youth need support. We all know of, or have had direct experience, with a young person struggling with their mental health or physical health and the lack of free, youth-friendly resources and supports.”
Harper said Foundry is a province-wide network of integrated health and wellness services for young people aged 12 to 24.
“It’s a proven solution to challenges,” said
Harper. “The development of Foundry qathet will involve the coming together of existing youth-focused services within our community, which will provide a full range of services with an integrated approach that suits our community’s needs. Foundry qathet will build capacity by becoming the community hub for integrated health or wellness services.
“Our community is lacking space for many of these services to effectively operate and Foundry qathet can be an answer to these problems.”
Through Foundry, youth can access five core services at one youth-friendly location, said Harper. These services include mental health care, substance use services, physical and sexual health care, youth and family peer supports, and social services.
“Foundry aims to reach youth by providing barrierfree services and supports before they hit crisis,” said Harper. “We want to reach young people early so we can help address the small prob-
lems before they become bigger problems.
“It’s addressing the needs of youth in our community before these problems begin to negatively impact their lives and the lives of those around them.”
Harper said a feasibility study has been performed and Foundry qathet has signed a lease proposal for 12,495 square foot, centrally located space.
“We have reached out to existing community services to see how they envision utilizing Foundry qathet,” said Harper. “We have started our capital fundraising campaign and set our target on $5 million for the renovation of the space.”
Youth and the community will be involved in the development and design.
“We are designing out a beautiful space for our community’s youth to access and creating an incredible piece of infrastructure in the heart of our town that we can all be proud of,” said Harper.
Youth advisory committee member Katherine Isert said
Liquor distillery permit sought
City committee of the whole considers temporary use designation at Beach Gardens site
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
City of Powell River Council will consider issuance of a threeyear temporary use permit for Salish Sea Distillery on the Beach Gardens property.
At the a committee of the whole meeting, director of planning services Jason Gow said he was presenting an application for a craft liquor distillery with accessory bottling use at 3225 Cariboo
Avenue. He said the applicant and owner of the subject property is Seaboard Hotels, which also owns and operates the nearby Beach Gardens Resort.
Gow said the current occupant of the building named in the permit is Salish Sea Distillery, which produces a range of craft gins and vodkas. He said the provincial liquor distribution branch classifies distilleries into craft or commercial operations. To achieve the craft designation, a BC distillery must distill and complete fermentation on site, using 100 per cent BC agricultural inputs in its products, and produce no more than 50,000 litres of finished product per year.
Gow said the distillery has operated out of its current location since 2021 following its relocation to Powell River from the
PAUL
Foundry qathet is essential for youth in the community.
“It is important for anyone, especially youth, to have readily accessible help and social services,” said Isert. “Not only is it a solution, but it’s prevention, addressing small issues before they become bigger ones.”
Rowan Welp, a youth advocate for mental health and addiction, said in the youth vital signs survey conducted in 2022, 59 per cent of respondents indicated it was difficult for them to
access essential care. She added that Foundry creates a space where youth can access mental and medical health care, acquire referral for specialized services not provided by Foundry, access youth and family services, learn skills required for life and the workforce, and hang out and have fun.
“Having a space like Foundry, offering so many essential services in a central location, will be convenient for everyone involved,” said Welp.
Kootenays. A three-year temporary use permit for this location was previously approved by city council and issued on August 9, 2021.
“That temporary use permit has now expired,” said Gow. “While temporary use permits can be renewed for a maximum of one additional three-year additional term, lapsed permits cannot be renewed. Therefore, to bring the property into conformance with the city’s zoning bylaw, a new temporary use permit application has been submitted by the applicant.”
Gow said in terms of considering the impacts of this new application, council and staff have the benefit of being able to consider the operation and any impacts the distillery has had on the surrounding neighbourhood during the
previous three years. He said the application was referred to various city departments for feedback and no concerns were noted.
In considering the issuance of a permit, the city zoning bylaw outlines that council will use conditions it deems reasonable, said Gow. The use has to be compatible with surrounding land uses in terms of use, design and operation, he added. That the ability to conduct the temporary use elsewhere in the city is limited is another consideration, according to Gow.
Gow said the applicant has indicated in the letter of intent that the current location of the distillery is a temporary home and there are plans for a permanent, purpose-built space to house the operations upon completion of the master planning process for the
Beach Gardens.
“The applicant has committed significant time and money to finding a permanent solution for the distillery,” said Gow.
He added that staff was asking council to provide notice of council’s intention to consider the issuance of a permit for the distillery with three conditions.
Councillor Earl Almeida asked that since the original permit had expired, was the distillery making and bottling spirits without a permit? Gow said it seems there was a period of time where the city and the applicant were unaware of the expiry.
The committee unanimously voted to direct staff to provide notice of council’s intention to allow the craft liquor distillery with accessory bottling use at the site.
OFFERING SUPPORT: City of Powell River councillors were briefed on the activities of Foundry qathet by [from left] project manager Delyth Harper, Youth and Family executive director Collette Sinkewicz and youth advisory committee member Katherine Isert. Foundry qathet has been established to support young people in living a good live and to transform access to services for young people aged 12 to 24.
GALINSKI PHOTO
qSD marks Pink Shirt Day
Trustees, teachers and students wear t-shirt designed by student
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
qathet School District (qSD) students, board members and trustees, teachers and the school community celebrated Pink Shirt Day on February 26. qSD sent out a message to the
community:
“Pink Shirt Day is more than a oneday event; it’s a reminder of the empathy, kindness and respect we strive to practice and instill in our students every day. While this day is designated to stand against bullying, its true value lies in the lasting impact of the conversations and the actions it inspires.
“In our schools, students engaged in activities throughout the week that promoted belonging and inclusion, and took part in school-wide assemblies raising awareness about bullying, homophobia and transphobia.”
ACT OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT: qathet School
left] qathet school board vice-chairperson Maureen
day by wearing t-shirts designed by James Thomson Elementary School grade three student Nan Voghell.
District celebrated Pink Shirt Day on February 26. [From
Mason, interim superintendent of schools Vianne Kintzinger, trustee Dale Lawson, chairperson Jacylin Miller, secretary-treasurer Steve Hopkins and trustee Kirsten Van’t Schip marked the
TANYA HILL PHOTO
Crew responds to structure fire
One man injured in blaze that consumed all floors of the home on Cook Avenue
On Saturday, February 22, at 6:40 am, Powell River Fire Rescue was dispatched by North Island 911 to a structure fire at a residence on Cook Avenue.
According to a media release from Powell River Fire Rescue, upon arrival, crews encountered a fully involved fire consuming all floors of the home.
The release stated that one adult male sustained serious burns and smoke inhalation and was
transported via air ambulance to Vancouver General Hospital for treatment. All other residents of the home were accounted for.
Deputy fire chief Rocky Swanson stated that fire crews faced significant challenges due to extremely high winds, which contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. Additionally, the fire was deeply seated within the walls, attic spaces, basement and all floors of the structure, making suppression efforts more difficult and time-consuming, he stated.
A total of 22 members of Powell River Fire Rescue, both full-time and part-time, responded to the incident with four fire apparatus, stated Swanson. Multiple agencies assisted in the response, including
Powell River RCMP, North Island 911, Red Cross emergency support services, FortisBC and BC Hydro. Emergency Health Services provided medical care on scene and set up a secondary ambulance for firefighter rehabilitation, according to Swanson.
“We extend our gratitude to the residents of Cook Avenue for their quick thinking and continued assistance during this emergency,” stated Swanson. “Their support was invaluable in ensuring the safety of those involved.
“The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation. However, preliminary findings suggest that the fire was accidental.”
Swanson stated that residents and witnesses who may have photos,
are asked to contact
videos or any relevant information about the
Townsite residence damaged in blaze
Powell River Fire Rescue manages to hold fire to main floor of house
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
A fire at a Cedar Street residence in Townsite has resulted in extensive damage to the main floor of the home.
Powell River Fire Rescue deputy chief Rocky Swanson said the fire department received notification of the fire just before 9 pm on February 26. He said the fire department was on scene within six minutes.
“It was a 2,000 square-foot home, twoand-a-half-storeys, and the fire was on the main floor,” said Swanson. “Fire damage is extensive only to the main floor. The rest of the house is basically smoke damage.
“We had a four-man career crew on at the time of the fire, so that allowed them to do an interior, aggressive attack, very quickly. It’s rare, because we usually don’t have four firefighters on shift.”
Swanson said as a result, there was a quick knockdown of the fire. He said that a search had to be conducted because occupancy of the house was unknown.
“As far as we know, there was only one gentleman living there, in his later 70s or early 80s, who had mobility issues,” said Swanson. “Between the firefighters and the
neighbours, they were able to get him away from the house. He had no serious injuries. He did not spend the night in the hospital. The paramedics checked him out.”
Swanson said the firefighters hammered the fire upon arrival, meaning it was not progressing.
“We were able to hold it,” said Swanson. “Once more auxiliary firefighters were on scene, the total time to extinguish the fire was about 20 minutes. We had about 20 of us on scene.
“We had a really good turnout. We finished training with the last group of recruits that we hired nearly three years ago. They are finally fully certified and it’s making a major difference for us.”
Swanson said there are only 15 auxiliaries
City adopts procedure bylaw
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
City of Powell River Council has adopted its updated procedure bylaw, which dictates how council will organize its agendas and conduct council business.
At a city council meeting last month, councillors unanimously voted in favour of adoption of the bylaw.
Councillor Earl Almeida said council had previously gone through three readings of the procedure bylaw and he then read the recommendation that the bylaw be adopted.
Councillor George Doubt said he wanted to point out that council has worked hard to create this new procedure bylaw, which replaces the previous one from 2015.
“There’s a huge number of changes,” said Doubt. “There’s too many to talk about in a short speech, but one of the most important things it does is that it creates more diverse opportunities for the public to have input on decisions that council is making – some of them before council actually makes a decision, which is a step in the right direction.
“If we can all stick to what the different input opportunities are, it will improve our council meetings, I’m in favour of this. Everyone on council worked long and hard to get it to this stage and I hope it passes.”
Councillor Cindy Elliott said she was in support of adoption. She said she had noted a concern about what a quorum constitutes and wondered if staff could address the section in the bylaw that talks about the quorum and how it applies.
“The concern seemed to be that the definition allowed commit-
in Powell River, and they are not always all available, but at this structure fire, and the one on Cook Avenue four days earlier, everyone was basically available.
He said that if the four career firefighters hadn’t been on duty, there is a chance the house could have burned to the ground. Fires double in size every 30 seconds, so those first 10 minutes are critical, he added. The firefighters quickly connected to the fire hydrant and had water on the fire rapidly. According to Swanson, the firefighters were completely dialed in.
Swanson said he will be investigating the cause of the fire.
“It looks to be accidental,” said Swanson. “It’s not suspicious in any way. It’s likely electrical.”
tees to have a quorum of council and make decisions,” said Elliott.
“While I know that is not what is intended by the definition, I would like for staff to explain how that definition applies to the various levels of things. It was under a title that included council and committee of the whole, and the definition was a little broader, including committees.”
Interim corporate officer Stephen Fleming said a quorum constitutes half the group plus one. He said the way the section is worded, it’s half plus one, depending on the size of the committee.
For council and committee of the whole, with seven members, a quorum is four members, he said. With committees, there are odd numbers of people on the committees, so that half plus one quorum for a committee would depend on the number of members on it. He said a quorum is needed in order for the committee to conduct business. Elliott said her understanding was that at no time is a quorum of a committee able to make decisions on behalf of city council. Fleming said a committee of council can’t make decisions for council.
fire
Powell River RCMP, or Swanson, at rswanson@powellriver.ca.
UNDER INVESTIGATION: Powell River Fire Rescue responded to a fire on Cook Avenue that consumed all floors of the home. Preliminary findings suggest the fire was accidental, according to the fire department.
PAUL GALINSKI PHOTO
Community backbone
The recent decision by City of Powell River councillors to limit nonprofit grants to just 10 per cent of a three-year rolling average of our community forest’s yearly dividends is an alarming and shortsighted move (see page eight). With councillors George Doubt, Cindy Elliott and Jim Palm standing opposed, the majority has chosen to prioritize city coffers over the vital work of our nonprofits.
This decision effectively diverts 90 per cent of our forest’s revenue away from the very organizations that sustain our community’s social fabric. Previously, the city claimed 60 per cent of these funds—already a significant portion. Now, with their share increasing to 90 per cent, our nonprofits are left scrambling to continue their work, which benefits us all.
Nonprofit organizations are the backbone of our community, providing essential services, enhancing our quality of life and ensuring the benefits of our shared resources remain with the people. These groups, powered by dedicated volunteers and directors, have long relied on funding from community forest dividends. Reducing their share to a mere fraction of what it once was not only threatens their survival but also disincentivizes those who have worked tirelessly to keep our community strong.
This is not just about funding—it’s about the principles of community stewardship, fairness and sustainability. The community forest belongs to all of us. It was never meant to serve as an unchecked revenue stream for the city’s general budget but as a resource to uplift our people. This decision risks turning a community asset into just another government cash grab.
Now is the time to take a stand. We must come together to demand that our nonprofits receive a fair share of community forest dividends.
Show up at council meetings. Speak out against this decision. Write letters, make calls and ensure that your voices are heard.
This is our community, forest and future; let’s protect it together.
LETTERS »
Goal is to inform
I am responding to Richard Armstrong’s recent letter to the Peak (and city council) criticizing Westview Ratepayers Society (WRS), based on his attendance at a single membership meeting [“Opinions have been heard,” February 27].
I attended the same meeting and do not recognize it from his inaccurate description. Furthermore, as secretary of WRS, I record and keep meeting minutes. I have a very careful and detailed record of the meeting. I am left wondering at Mr. Armstrong’s unstated motives for his seemingly deliberate misrepresentation of what transpired.
The meeting Mr. Armstrong attended was carried out in an orderly fashion. First, it was
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an opportunity for WRS members and interested citizens to be briefed by [Powell River] mayor Ron Woznow, and have questions answered on critical issues that may substantially increase city taxes this year.
Next up were reports delivered by the six WRS working group committees and a president’s report on WRS’s attempts to join the task force on homelessness. Lastly, a list of priorities for 2025 was presented and voted on by members. No merger plan with other ratepayers or plans to run an election slate were discussed. The remainder of the meeting fielded comments and questions from members on a wide range of issues. Some of these comments were critical of council, which members are entitled to express. However,
such personal opinions are not the adopted position of WRS.
It is unfortunate that Mr. Armstrong is unaware of the two years of work and many proposals that WRS has presented to council, Lift and BC Housing with respect to community concerns regarding supportive housing and homelessness.
The goal of the WRS is to research issues of importance to its members and to present different opinions about them, often with guest speakers. Our goal is always to inform members so that they can decide for themselves. If Mr. Armstrong became a member of WRS, he too would be welcome to contribute his views
Misrepresenting what transpired and publishing mistruths does not contribute to
working together for the good of this community.
Neil R. Abramson, secretary Westview Ratepayers Society
Amazing accomplishment
We just finished watching the Oscars. We used the Peak’s pullout to keep score [“Academy Award Oscar predictions,” February 20].
Stephen Miller [Peak film critic], I don’t know who you are, but you are amazing. By the end of the night, we were pulling that you would get another one right.
Our account scores you at 14 out of 17. Just wanted to say well done and thanks for the laugh.
Don and Anne Nelson Powell River
and marketing consultant
GERI ANDERSON admin/office manager
EARL ALMEIDA circulation director
TANYA HILL reporter
KELLY KEIL publisher SHANE CARLSON editor PAUL GALINSKI reporter
SANDY ADAMS
CFO outlines taxation changes
City councillors consider adjustments to 2025 five-year financial plan
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
City of Powell River Council has gone through an extensive list of recommendations to reduce city taxation, with councillors finding 2.2 per cent in savings from the first draft of the 2025 five-year financial plan.
At the February 27 special city council meeting, staff presented a series of changes that, if fully implemented, would drop the proposed 11.4 per cent tax increase in draft one of the budget down to 4.3 per cent. At draft two, after the special council meeting, the tax increase stands at 9.24 per cent, with an increase of $278 for an average singlefamily dwelling from the 2024 city taxation.
In introducing draft two, chief financial officer Mallory Denniston said the 11.4 per cent increase in draft one resulted from inflation and insufficient capital savings.
“Much of the city’s capital is due for replacement,” said Denniston. “Many decades of zero to minimal property tax increases resulted in insufficient savings for future capital costs. As a result, savings must be accelerated in the replacement and major upgrade requirements.”
Denniston said four buildings requiring major upgrades or replacement include Powell River Recreation Complex, city hall, the municipal works yard and the fire hall in Westview.
“These buildings are between 50 and 65 years old and have a cost to build and
upgrade,” said Denniston.
“There are no savings for replacing or completing major upgrades to these buildings, which are at or beyond the end of useful life.
“The capital plan does not include the cost for these projects since the buildings master plan would be required to obtain a reasonable estimate. As discussed in draft one, staff have requested a buildings master plan to be included so reasonable estimates can be forecasted. Once staff has those forecasts, those estimates can be included in the 2026 plan.”
Denniston said the majority of draft two of the plan focuses on a council motion to provide options to reduce the property tax increase in 2025 to five per cent. The first three options in the second draft included deferring the fire ladder truck purchase, for a reduction of 2.5 per cent, purchase of 6,000 automatic recycling collection carts, for an increase of 2.8 per cent, and to defer the city’s salt shed project, for a reduction of one per cent.
There were also options to amend the Powell River Community Forest fund bylaw, to decrease 2025 capital road upgrades, to eliminate the 2025 transfer to the RCMP reserve fund, to eliminate grants-in-aid and inkind to nonprofit organizations, to increase recreation program fees, to use the BC Transit COVID-19 restart grant, to cancel the cultural master plan project, to eliminate the vacant social planner position and project, to increase community forest grants to nonprofit organizations and transfer to the property tax stabilization reserve fund. Following staff’s suggestions would result in a 4.3 percent property tax increase for 2025. As for the recommended changes from staff, council
TAX TALK: At a recent special meeting, City of Powell River chief financial officer Mallory Denniston mentioned four buildings that require major upgrades or replacement, including Powell River Recreation Complex [above] and said minimal property tax increases over the years has resulted in insufficient savings for future capital costs. PEAK
voted to defer the purchase of the fire ladder truck. Council also voted to defer purchase of the automated recycling collection carts. Council then voted to defer the salt shed project. The next discussion was regarding a decrease to 2025 capital road upgrades. The staff report had the decrease from $1.7 to $1.3 million, which was a decrease of 1.9 per cent. This would mean 1,035 metres of road would be paved, rather than the budgeted 1,397 metres. The motion was amended for a one per cent tax change, with councillor George Doubt and Cindy Elliott opposed.
Elimination of the 2025 transfer to the RCMP reserve fund was the next item discussed. The recommendation was for elimination of the $400,000 transfer, resulting in a 1.6 per cent decrease in taxation. This reserve fund would cover major crime investigations and also help with the transition from paying a 70 to a 90 per cent proportion of the policing cost when Powell River’s population reaches 15,000. The elimination of the transfer was voted down.
Increases to recreation fees were recommended to be bumped by 16 per cent, which would result in a 0.5 per cent decrease in taxation. Council landed on in-
CROSSWORD
creasing the fee revenues by 10 per cent, which would reduce taxation by 0.3 per cent.
Council then had a discussion on community forest grants to nonprofit organizations. Council voted that the grants to nonprofits be limited to 10 per cent of a three-year rolling average of the community forest’s yearly dividends, with councillors Doubt, Elliott and Jim Palm opposed.
The vacant social planner’s position will not be filled and the planned cultural master plan project will be cancelled if the budget is adopted.
Councillors voted to make a $600,000 contribution to the property tax stabilization fund, which is the reserve established in 2024 from increases in the Catalyst Paper Tis’kwat mill taxation over the amount in the tax revitalization bylaw that gave the mill a break on taxes. This year’s contribution would come from all taxpayers. The concept of the plan is to hold the money in reserve to offset significant increases in taxation resulting from lowered mill taxation.
The 2025 to 2029 financial plan is scheduled to return to city council on March 20 for the first three readings. Adoption of the plan is also scheduled for March.
ARCHIVE PHOTO
Organics consolidation proposed
Regional district directors recommending discontinuation of relationship with Sunshine Disposal
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
qathet Regional District (qRD) directors are recommending that organics be processed at the resource recovery centre, discontinuing the Sunshine Disposal drop-off.
According to a staff report, since 2016, qRD has provided free compostable food and yard waste (organics) drop-off at several locations in the region, including the Town Centre recycling depot, the Tla’amin community recycling depot, and Sunshine Disposal’s facility on Franklin Avenue. All organic material collected was, and continues to be, transported by contractors to Salish Soils in Sechelt.
Manager of environmental services Jason Kouwenhoven said the pilot program has involved food and yard waste drop-off from residential properties, as well as food waste from commercial properties. He added that last year, City of Powell River initiated the
At the recent committee of the whole meeting, directors considered a recommendation that the board direct staff to discontinue the organics pilot program operations at the Sunshine Disposal facility and consolidate operations at the new waste transfer station.
full-scale curbside organics collection, with food and yard waste co-mingled.
“Overall, what the report is proposing is not to change materials; we are just proposing moving one of those collection sites from a private contractor’s
there. We need to communicate that change.
“We are not proposing material changes, we are not proposing tipping fees, we are just proposing a location change.”
Kouwenhoven said the organics drop-off at Sunshine
We are not proposing material changes, we are not proposing tipping fees, we are just proposing a location change.
JASON KOUWENHOVEN QRD ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES MANAGER
site to the qRD’s resource recovery centre,” said Kouwenhoven. “We’ve been operating with Sunshine Disposal quite successfully since 2016, so there are some habits formed there –people will be used to going
Disposal is only three days a week, so now, organics dropoff can happen six days a week, anytime the resource recovery centre is open.
COY CUP
Kouwenhoven said shipping containers with organics are leaving the waste transfer station once to twice per week. He said the expectation is, if operations are consolidated, that will increase to three or four times per week.
“Based on our current projections, we are talking about 1,600 tonnes of organic material per year,” said Kouwenhoven. “That would mean probably every second day we would be shipping a container of organics down to Sechelt.”
Kouwenhoven said the waste transfer station was built with half of it dedicated to organics drop-off. He said there are animal attractants in the organics, so materials such as food are contained inside at the waste transfer station’s organics bay. The yard waste material would be outside.
Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne asked about the proportion of yard waste in the organics collection.
“It seems to be a lot of extra organics,” said Gisborne. “How much is food diversion and how much is yard waste?”
Kouwenhoven said he would venture that 90 per cent of the organics volume is yard waste and 10 per cent is food waste.
The motion recommending that the board discontinue its relationship with Sunshine Disposal was carried unanimously. The operating agreement with Sunshine Disposal has now expired, according to the staff report.
When asked by the Peak about whether organics would have to traverse through the waste transfer station’s weigh scale, Kouwenhoven said that organics would be weighed, but there would be no charge for disposing of them.
GAME 1 FRIDAY, MARCH 7 7 PM GAME 2 SATURDAY, MARCH 8 7 PM GAME 3 SUNDAY, MARCH 9 1:30 PM (IF NEEDED)
COMMUNITY »
Writer spent childhood in logging camps
Shipwrecks, coastal ghost towns and a logger named Eight-Day Wilson are some of the overlooked stories of the Sunshine Coast chronicled in new publication
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
Stories, people and the history of the Sunshine Coast often seem scattered, overlooked and faded into the background like a black and white photo in a museum archive.
But, since 1972, writer, editor and founder of Harbour Publishing (HP) Howard White has been on a mission to document those unique, wild and often comical stories, from Sechelt to Desolation Sound, in a journal series called Raincoast Chronicles. Last November, HP celebrated 50 years of telling west coast stories by releasing a lushly illustrated collection called Raincoast Chronicles: Fifth Five.
“Raincoast Chronicles is basically an historical journal that we [wife Mary] started in 1972, because I grew up here on the Sunshine Coast, in the Sechelt area, Pender Harbour area, and also in Powell River part of the time,” said White. “As a kid in school, I was always mystified by the fact that [school books] showed children going up and down apartment buildings and elevators, walking on sidewalks and things that were totally foreign to me.”
time outdoors in the wilds of the coast, and this experience had a huge influence later in life.
“[I wondered] why aren’t there books that talk about kids that live in logging camps, and play in row boats, and fish perch off the float,” said White. “So it became sort of a lifelong project of mine to put the kind of life that we live here on the coast, into literature.”
Over the years, White said the chronicles have covered historical life on the waterfront: fishing, logging, Indigenous life and all the characters who lived up and down the 156-kilometre stretch of coastline.
“People in British Columbia, the interior as well as on the coast, love their own stories,” said White. “We were always trying to find pioneers who were good storytellers and were able to be entertaining as well as informative.”
Raincoast Chronicles: Fifth Five gathers volumes 21 through 24 of the series, along with a special essay about Portuguese Joe Silvey by historian Jean Barman.
Raincoast Chronicles 21: West Coast Wrecks and Other Maritime Tales, spans 140 years of BC’s maritime history, written by maritime historian Rick James. The chapter begins with a detailed map and list of wrecks, plus all the breakwaters on the coast, including Powell
said White. “I think the Copeland Islands are named after a confederate soldier who was hiding out from the law.”
Writer Robert Swanson details the life of early twentieth-century loggers in an excerpt from Whistle Punks and Widow-Makers: Tales of the BC Woods, including a character named Eight-Day Wilson. He was known as a fair-weather, eight-day staker, meaning, after eight-days on the job in any camp he would head back to town to go on a tear [get drunk], wrote Swanson.
[Raincoast Chronicles] is a book that you can read back to front, or front to back, or from the middle, because it’s all separate stories.
HOWARD WHITE HARBOUR PUBLISHING
River’s Hulks in Townsite.
White was raised in a series of logging camps and settlements on the BC coast, including in Powell River. As a kid, White spent much
Writer Grant Lawrence has an excerpt from his book, Adventures in Solitude: What Not to Wear to a Nude Potluck and Other Stories from Desolation Sound, included in Raincoast Chronicles 23: Stories and History of the British Columbia Coast.
“It [northern Sunshine Coast] was definitely a kind of a hideout for people who were on the lam,”
But not all the stories are about weathered sailors and scallywag loggers, they are also about the beauty of the region.
The Story of Princess Louisa Inlet is an excerpt from The Sunshine Coast: From Gibsons to Powell River, written by White.
“That’s one of my favourite places on the coast,” said White. “It’s sort of like our Yosemite [National Park]; it’s got water in it, and it has an interesting history, too.”
White said back in the early days, the Sunshine Coast was more
connected [than now] because of people travelling on steamships, because there was no road.
“People all lived on the seashore, and the way they communicated was, they had this network of ferries and steamship lines that went back and forth, up and down the coast every week,” said White. “So people would ride back and forth and it made the entire Sunshine Coast seem more like one place.”
Writer Anne Cameron, who for many years lived on a 30-acre farm
in Wildwood, has her poem titled Old Woman, also included in Fifth Five.
“[Raincoast Chronicles] is a book that you can read back to front, or front to back, or from the middle, because it’s all separate stories,” said White. “There’s no real through line, except it’s all about the coast.”
White said the storytelling in the chronicles is about overlooked but crucial aspects of the past told by some of the most iconic BC and Canadian writers.
SUNSHINE COASTER: Writer and editor Howard White was raised in logging camps on the Sunshine Coast, and now lives in Pender Harbour. He started Raincoast Chronicles and Harbour Publishing in the early 1970s. A new omnibus edition called Raincoast Chronicles: Fifth Five, was released in November of last year. HARBOUR PUBLISHING PHOTO
COASTAL HISTORY: Filmmaker Francis Barrow took a photo of Jim Spilsbury’s Five B.R. in Bute Inlet. IMAGE MCR 20110-19 COURTESY OF THE MUSEUM AT CAMPBELL RIVER
FOUNDER
Queens Cup
Players family members, friends and fans flocked to Powell River Recreation Complex over the Family Day long weekend to take in the Queens Cup. Local U11, U13 and U18 (with U15 affiliates) teams took part in the tournament, along with 10 visiting clubs, which showcased the development of women’s hockey at the grassroots level.
KATIE MATHIEU/WILD SITKA PHOTOGRAPHY
Regals advance to next round
Team posts convincing win over Nanaimo Steelmen
Powell River Regals disposed of Nanaimo Steelmen to claim the West Coast Senior Hockey League McCallum Cup championship last month.
Regals had already clinched the trophy with two earlier wins over Lake Cowichan Appollos and another over Nanaimo, but the final game meant a second or third place finish for the Steelmen.
In a game played at Hap Parker Arena on February 22, there was a strong offensive burst early, with
goals coming from Bryson Cecconi and Matteo Porchetta, giving the Regals a 2-0 lead going into the second period.
Nanaimo fought back with a pair of goals, but power play markers from Nic Porchetta, Chad Niddery and Cecconi in the third period, and a fourth goal from Trevor Burnett, rounded out the scoring, giving the Regals a convincing 7-3 victory.
The line of Cecconi, Niddery and Mac Roy combined for six points, while the Matteo Porchetta, Nic Porchetta and Mitch Williams line matched that total with a half-dozen points of their own.
Regals’ solid defence and rookie netminder Dieter MacIntosh hav-
COAST CHAMPS: Powell River Regals won the West Coast Senior Hockey League McCallum Cup and will be hosting Rossland Warriors in a three-game qualification series for the right to contest the Coy Cup BC championship.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
ing a strong game were key factors in the victory over Nanaimo.
Next up is a best of three Coy Cup qualification series versus
Rossland Warriors hosted by the Regals from March 7 to 9, with the winner advancing to the final four Coy Cup BC championship in
Swimmers post personal bests
West
Coast Wind Swim Club members have successful winter meets
West Coast Wind Swim Club members had a successful meet at the Vancouver Island Regional Championships this January.
Eight of the 11 qualified athletes attended the meet, achieving 30 best times and 17 top 10 finishes. In a media release, coach Marissa
Schweitzer stated that it is common to see swimmers rise to the occasion at championship meets, but to have this many athletes achieve so many personal best times is beyond all expectations.
According to the release, at this meet alone, two athletes, Ewan Naylor and Gabriel Mussellam, achieved the AllStar Wind Award, meaning they set a personal best time in every race they swam.
“This is a difficult award to get and generally only a handful of these awards are achieved throughout the entire season,” stated Schweitzer.
“One particular athlete – Ewan
Naylor – was able to even clinch multiple divisional time standards in the 12 and under age category, leading him to represent the team in Vancouver on the February 22 weekend, at the Island and Coastal Divisional Championships, where he swam six events: the 200m individual medley, 50m breaststroke, 200m freestyle, 100m breaststroke, 100m freestyle and 200m breaststroke.”
Schweitzer stated that as the season moves from short course to long course racing this spring, it is great to see the athletes setting their own goals and achieving personal best times.
Kings share points with Grizzlies
BCHL clubs split home-and-home series
Victoria Grizzlies (2512-7-0) drew first blood on February 28 at Hap Parker Arena thanks to a three-goal second period that paved the way to a 7-4 victory over Powell River Kings (9-31-51), who are last in BC Hockey League’s Coastal Conference standings.
After the teams traded first-period markers through 20 minutes, the second-place Grizzlies took control with
three straight goals in the second period and two more early in the third. Eli Friedman (two), Quentin Harvie and Elliot Compton replied for the Kings. The teams travelled south for a rematch at the Q Centre in Victoria the next night. The result was another three-goal victory, but this time the Kings came out on top.
Following a scoreless opening 20 minutes, Victoria scored the only goals of the second period for a 2-0 lead at intermission. Powell River rallied in the third pe-
riod with five unanswered goals from Compton, Sam Grabner, Jake Westhaver, Jackson Potulny and Brendan Giles to win 5-2. Kings return to Vancouver
Island this weekend for games in Port Alberni (March 7) and Duncan (March 8).
~ with files from Times Colonist
Prince Rupert during the last week of March. Game times are 7 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 1 pm on Sunday (if necessary).
WINS AWARD: West Coast Wind Swim Club member Ewan Naylor had personal best times in all the races he swam at the Vancouver Island Regional Championships in January, qualifying him to compete at the Island and Coastal Division Championships, where he swam six events. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Grand Concert
Saturday, March 8 • 7 pm
Evergreen Theatre
Tickets - $20 adults, $15 seniors and students
Available at Academy of Music in-person or online, the Peak or at the door
Rotary Club of Powell River
2024 SPRING CAR CARE
Although there are many drivers who understand what goes on under the hood of a vehicle and the inner workings of car mechanics, there are plenty of others who might not know a spark plug from a dipstick. For the latter group, random noises when driving can be a cause for immediate alarm. Certain noises can be innocuous and easily fixed, while others may be indicative of something more complex. Pinpointing where a noise is coming from can help vehicle owners identify the problem. Here’s a list of some common sounds and what the causes
might be, courtesy of Firestone, Geico and Nationwide.
HIGH-PITCHED SQUEALING
Screeching or squealing coming from the tires when stepping on the brakes likely means that brake pads are wearing down and the indicator is rubbing against the rotor. Although this is not an emergency situation, it does mean that brakes will need to be replaced sooner than later.
RATTLING IN THE WHEEL
If you hear rattling inside of a wheel
at low speeds which stops as you drive faster, it could mean there is a loose lug nut inside of the hub cap. That wheel wasn’t tightened properly the last time it was removed and replaced. Bring the car to a mechanic as soon as possible.
CLICKING
If you try to start the car and only hear a clicking sound instead of the car turning over, a dead battery is likely the cause. Such a noise also may indicate corroded battery terminals that are preventing the current from flowing. Terminals need to be cleaned. The bat-
»12
tery should be checked and jumped, if necessary. If a battery is not holding a charge, a new one is needed.
SQUEAKY OR SCRAPING WINDSHIELD WIPERS
Squeaking and scraping means the windshield wipers are wearing down or the windshield is dirty. Clean the windshield and inspect the wiper blades to make sure they are in working order. A bad wiper and dirty windshield can reduce visibility and make driving dangerous.
CLUNKING SOUNDS
Clunking sounds may indicate a few different issues. A clunking sound might indicate worn out shock absorbers, which absorb vibrations from the wheels. Damaged struts also can cause clunking. Worn out leaf spring shackles that help in off-roading conditions also can cause clunking when they bend or break.
2024 SPRING CAR CARE
HUMMING, WHINING OR WHIRRING
These strange noises might have different origins. Check if the differential needs to be lubricated. A wheel bearing also could be worn out and produce a noise. In more severe cases, the transmission could be failing. The best course of action is to get a professional opinion from a mechanic.
FLAPPING NOISE
A broken belt typically is the culprit when a vehicle makes a flapping or slapping noise. Something also may be interfering with the fan. Driving with a broken belt may cause severe engine damage, so it’s important to address the issue.
SQUEALING UNDER THE HOOD
Squealing can indicate worn or loose accessory belts. In newer cars it might be the serpentine belt. Belts are relatively inexpensive and easy fixes.
These are some of the sounds that vehicles can make when something is awry. Figuring out the issue can prevent further damage.
Reduce wear and tear
Avoid these common driving mistakes to keep your car in tip-top shape:
AGGRESSIVELY STOPPING AND STARTING
Rapid acceleration and sudden braking are hard on your engine, brakes and tires. Instead, accelerate gradually and coast to a stop whenever possible. This approach reduces stress on your car’s engine and extends the life of brake pads and rotors.
DRIVING WITH LOW FUEL
Frequently driving with your gas tank less than onequarter full can damage your fuel pump and draw debris
into the fuel system. Making a habit of refueling before your tank gets too low will help you maintain a cleaner fuel system.
NEGLECTING PROPER TIRE CARE
Driving with incorrect tire pressure or ignoring regular tire rotations can lead to uneven tire wear and reduced fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure monthly and have your tires rotated regularly.
IGNORING
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS
Many drivers tend to overlook warning lights, hop-
ing the issues will resolve themselves. However, ignoring these signals can lead to costly repairs and unsafe driving conditions.
FORGETTING ABOUT REGULAR MAINTENANCE
Skipping oil changes, filter replacements and inspections will lead to increased wear and tear, which can result in breakdowns. Follow the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual to prevent long-term damage.
By following these tips, you can save money on repairs and extend your car’s lifespan.
Largest selection of quality car audio in town, and everything else you need to keep your vehicle in peak condition
TedW.Wrubleski
March24,1948-February4,2025
TedWrubleskipassedawayattheageof76onFebruary4, 2025,atVancouverGeneralHospital.BornonMarch24, 1948,inWadena,Saskatchewan,Tedwasknownforhiskind, generous,andenergeticspirit.Hewasalovinghusband, father,grandfather,brother,andfriendwhomasteredmany skills,trulyajackofalltrades.
Tedissurvivedbyhiswife,Peg;children,Darrell(Debb)and Danielle(Frank);grandchildren,Hanlon,Bryson,Massimo, Siena,Samson,andJulia;brothers,Phil(Mary)andTim (Brenda);sisters,Juliette(Allan),Annette,andLucille;sistersin-law,MaryanneandDiane;andbrother-in-law,Emile.He alsoleavesbehindnumerousniecesandnephewsandwas cherishedbyPeg’sfamilyaswell.Tedwasprecededindeath byhisparents,MayandEdmund;brothers,MartinandBob; brother-in-law,Allan;andsister,Sylvia.
Professionally,Teddedicatedmanyyearstohiscraftasan electrician,acareerthatshowcasedhismeticulousattention todetailandproblem-solvingskills.Beyondhisprofessional life,Tedwasdeeplyinvolvedinhiscommunity.He volunteeredfortheTownsiteRatepayersAssociation,andthe PowellRiverATVClub,andservedasavolunteerfirefighter fortheCranberryHall,retiringasvolunteerchief.His commitmenttoservicedefinedmuchofhislifeandbrought joytothosearoundhim.
AmemorialservicetocelebrateTed’slifewillbeheldinthe spring,withthedatetobeannounced.Ted’slifewasmarked byhisdedicationtohisfamily,hiscareer,andhiscommunity, leavingalastingimpactonallwhoknewhim.
Alcoholics
June16,1957-December23,2024 Withasadheart,myfriendandbrotherhaspassedaway.
RickwaspredeceasedbyhisparentsRobertandPearl Capson,hisbrothersChrisandWesley,hissistersPatricia, MargoandLauraandtheloveofhislifeOlgaLaPlante.Rickis survivedbyhissisterLorrain(Ken),hisbrotherTimandmany nieces,nephews,grandchildren,andfriends.
Rickwasalwaysfulloflife,asmileonhisfaceandawarm welcome.Hisdoorwasalwaysopenandthecoffeebrewing.
Youwillbesadlymissedmyfriend,mybrother,andyouwill alwaysbeinourheartsandthoughts.
Untilwemeetagain.Aservicewillbeheldatalaterdate.
Powell River Community Forest Forest Stewardship Plan
PUBLIC VIEWING
Notice is hereby given that Powell River Community Forest will hold public viewing(s) and invites written comments on the proposed Forest Stewardship Plan (FSP) replacement for Community Forest Agreement K3G located within the qathet Regional District and lands of the Tla’amin Nation.
The geographic area covered by the FSP includes the Haslam FDU located within the Haslam Landscape Unit. The plan is available for review and comment for a period of 60 days starting on the date this advertisement is first published. Following the 60-day review and comment period, the plan will be submitted to the Ministry of Forests for approval. All comments received will be included in the final submission.
The FSP will be made available upon request or can be viewed on the Powell River Community Forest website at: https://prcommunityforest.ca/documents/.
Written comments can be submitted via email to chrislaing@shaw.ca or by mail to:
Subject: PRCF - Forest Stewardship Plan Attention: Chris Laing, R.P.F. 4760 Joyce Ave. Powell River, B.C. V8A 3B6
Thank you for participating in the review of the FSP for Powell River Community Forest Agreement K3G.
RichardCapson
Classified advertising is accepted on a prepaid basis only. VISA and MasterCard welcome. Peak Publishing reserves the right to classify ads under appropriate headings, set rates therefore and determine page location. Full, complete and sole copyright in any advertising produced by Peak Publishing is vested in and belongs to Peak Publishing. No copyright material may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of Peak Publishing. Any errors in advertisements must be brought to the attention of the publisher within 30 days of the first publication. It is agreed by any display or classified advertiser that the liability of the newspaper in the event of failure to publish an advertisement or in the event that errors occur in the publishing of any advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only and that there shall be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. Peak Publishing cannot be responsible for errors after the first day of publication of any advertisement. Notice of errors in the first week should immediately be called to the attention of the advertising department to be corrected for the following edition. All advertising is subject to the approval of the publisher.
Hosted by Youth & Family (Powell River Child, Youth & Family Services Society), with input from youth, caregivers and community partners.
We want to reach young people early so that we can help address small problems before they become bigger ones. Services are integrated, accessible, free, and on a drop-in basis with no referral needed. 17 centres are already open across the province of BC.
BARRIERS
FOUNDRY qathet
Foundry qathet will offer young people aged 12 to 24 health and social services
Foundry qathet aims to be an integrated hub of barrier-free health and social services that reaches youth aged 12-24 before they are in crises
No barriers means no waitlists, cost, referrals, making services accessible and comfortable for all.
WHERE TO LEARN MORE
• Check out our website: foundrybc.ca/qathet
• Find us on Facebook and Instagram @foundryqathet
• Access virtual services: foundrybc.ca/virtual
• Meet us in person at the all ages ROCK N BOWL featuring RAZORVOICE, 6 pm March 16 at the Alley
SUPPORT FOUNDRY qathet
• Tell your friends
• Hang a poster at your location
• Share our content online
• Make a donation
Youth & Family is accepting cash and in-kind donations for this project. We are happy to discuss the type of donor recognition we are able to provide within our community and inside the new Foundry qathet building. This is a great initiative to support that the community is very excited for. A charitable donation tax receipt will be issued for all donations upon request.
Scan here to donate
QUESTIONS OR WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Contact Delyth Harper, Foundry qathet Project Manager: dharper@youthandfamily.ca