qathet Living February 2024 by Sean Percy

FEBRUARY 2024

Love Stories

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ORGANICS COLLECTION IS COMING TO POWELL RIVER The City’s successful organics pilot project is ending February 1, 2024. Since 2017, over 650,000 kilograms of organic waste has been diverted from landfills from our pilot program which targeted 410 homes.

Now it’s time for the whole community to join in!

MARCH 2024

FIRST ORGANICS COLLECTION DATES*

FEB 20, 2024 ORGANIC CART DELIVERY BEGINS

From February 20, 2024 look out for your new 120L green cart which the City will deliver to your home! Weekly organics collections will start in March 2024 using the City’s automated mechanical arm truck.

Route B - March 18 Route C - March 19 Route D - March 20 Route E - March 21 Route A - March 22 *barring unforeseen circumstances

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? TO FIND OUT MORE GO TO:

DID YOU KNOW? ON AVERAGE, 42% OF POWELL RIVER’S GARBAGE IS COMPOSTABLE!

WHAT WASTE IS ORGANIC?

ORGANICS

ParticipatePR.ca powellriver.ca

or contact us opssecretary@powellriver.ca 604-485-8657 kitchen waste: meat, bones, fish, pasta,

grains, dairy products, eggs and shells, fruit, vegetables, coffee grounds and filters. Only “bag to earth” bags. yard waste: grass clippings, cones, leaves and branches under 1" diameter.

qathet Living • February 2024 • 3

CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2024 Quirky, Romantic, Joyful

Valentines / Weddings / Love

NHL Energy at The Hap

Glenn Anderson’s impressions, so far

The Coy Cup Cometh

100 years, and still a hockey family

Coal Miner’s Daughter

At 106 years, Gladys Rice is our eldest elder

Active Transportation

It’s not just lingo, it’s what’s up

Humans, not Cars

Trail from Sechelt to Lund is coming

SUPing for joy

A winter adventure, on the ocean

Climate Action Survey

Let your voice inform qL’s April Green Issue

Beauty & The Beast Jr.

Just one of this winter’s local productions

Black History Month wants you

To help celebrate Black excellence

6 12 14 17 23 28 30 34 44 47

Beyond Romance V

alentine’s Day, Family Day and Robert and Ika Hackett (Page long weekend and the start 8.) of serious wedding-planning This whole issue – qathet Living’s season all hit in February. That’s 18th anniversary month – showwhy we ran an unapologetically cases love far beyond romance. romantic image on the front of Glenn Anderson (Page 12) and Ian this magazine. MacLaine (Page 14) speak with utFull-of-feels attachments be- ter love about hockey. The qathet tween people are worth celebrat- Cycling Association is passionate ing. Every one of us has our own about walking, cycling, and transit love story because they – love stories. love their They’re an esfamilies and sential part of community the way we (Page 23), narrate our Arne GutPIETA WOOLLEY lives, bringmann adores ing us joy, meaning, grief, heart- paddleboarding – especially in the break, hope, and fury. That’s true winter, and intriguingly, at night for anyone you let into your heart: (Page 30). Local riders, including spouses, lovers, siblings, children, our very own survivor Suzi Wiebe, and friends. are cycling to raise money for canPeering into other people’s heart cer out of love for those the disstories helps illuminate our own. ease has impacted (Page 32). We’re so thrilled to bring you two There’s so much more. I hope glorious tales of love and attach- this issue of qL cracks open your ment this month: Elizabeth Challi- heart a little, and helps you feel all nor and Jean Paul Yirka (Page 6), the feels this February.

EDITOR’S MESSAGE

REGULAR FEATURES Blast from the Past What’s Up You Got This Mailbag Business Affairs Events Take a Break Last Word

11 32 35 36 38 39 52 54

Volume 19, Number 2 ISSN 2817-1667 (Print) ISSN 2817-1675 (Online)

7053E Glacier Street, Powell River, BC V8A 5J7 Tel 604-485-0003 Publisher & Managing Editor

Isabelle Southcott isabelle@prliving.ca

No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur. © 2024 Southcott Communications. We reserve the right to refuse any submission or advertisement. Complete issues and back issues are available online for free at:

Associate Publisher & Sales Manager

Sean Percy

sean@prliving.ca

qathetliving.ca

qathet Living is 100% locally owned and operated by Southcott Communications

Editor & Graphics

Pieta Woolley

pieta@prliving.ca

ON THE COVER: Jean Paul Yirka and Elizabeth Challinor‘s clear love for each other – and quirky style – have reached 8 million Instagram viewers this winter via a reel composed by a content creator in Ireland. See Page 6 for more.

Sales & Marketing

Suzi Wiebe

suzi@prliving.ca

Office Manager

Lauren Diemer

office@prliving.ca

4 February 2024 • qathetliving.ca

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada

qathet Living is a proud member of: The Magazine Association of BC The International Magazine Centre The Powell River Chamber of Commerce Tourism Powell River Coastal Women in Business

qL is your magazine! Give us your feedback

Email your comments and Letters to the Editor to isabelle@prliving.ca.

See you online

Join us on Facebook and Instagram. Visit our webpage at qathetliving.ca

Show off your community

Send a subscription to an out-oftown friend. $63 a year in Canada, including tax.

Publish your work

Pitch us an article or a photo spread. Email pieta@prliving.ca

“

-Arne Gutmann, Page 31.

FEBRUARY'S CONTRIBUTORS

Advertise with us

Contact sean@prliving.ca 604-485-0003 or suzi@prliving.ca 604-344-0208

GODSON AKHIDENOR

is a Nigerian lawyer (soon to be licensed in BC). He recently moved to Powell River with his wife, Amaka Akhidenor, an Early Childhood Educator, and their three kids. S ee Godson's story, So Much to Celebrate, on Page 47.

”

There are very few sights I can discern in the blank night. In the middle of my lake, I stop and take a moment to enjoy the solitude and peace. Waves of contentedness wash over me and I devour the moment punctuated by eerie quiet.

ARNE GUTMANN is an

avid outdoors man and passionate artist. He is also a print maker at the Patricia Letter Press in Townsite. See Arne's story, SUPing, on Page 30.

ROBERT A. HACKETT,

a qathet-based author, remains married despite writing eight books at home. He thanks the Keep Us Writing group at the library. And his spouse. See Robert's story, Lonely Wedding, on Page 8.

BILL LYTLE-MCGHEE

is a retired teacher with a Masters’ Degree in Special Education. While teaching he has referred to the ‘greenhouse effect’, then ‘global warming’, then ‘climate change’. Bill helped create the survey you’ll find on Page 34.

IAN MACLAINE is a

former Powell River high school teacher enjoying his retirement years watching the waves and the whales from his seaside perch. S ee Ian's story about the Coy Cup, on Page 14.

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Providing honest advice and professional service for 33 years qathet Living • February 2024 • 5

Two free spirits, bound by God

ean Paul Yirka and Elizabeth avail as an unseen author was weaving Challinor met each other through these two stories into one, and so finaltheir children’s involvement in ly there was a wedding day. Assumption Catholic School in 2002. Before Father Hamilton began the They had lived in Mass, he addressed vastly different worlds: those gathered: “I’m Jean Paul, a true hipsure most of us are pie from the woods, Use your phone’s QR code thinking the same living without electric- reader to see Jean Paul thing: ‘What took you ity or many worldly and Elizabeth Challinor’s so long?!’” trappings, and Eliza- Instagram reel, by Model This sacrament of beth, a probation offi- Strangers, here: marriage bound Jean cer and artist, always Paul and Elizabeth happy to be immersed tightly together, and in the vibrant energy through the years proof the city. A strange vided the grace and couple indeed. Unstrength to ride out any likely to make an easy storms of discontent. go of it. Many around A union of those two them had their doubts alone would have been about the longevity of a challenge to say the this unusual pairing. least, but a marriage They kept compabetween three [God] ny with each other nonetheless, for was a chance for perfection. months and several years. As strange as it may seem, Jean Jean Paul was, at times, like a fish Paul and Elizabeth continue to fall in caught on a hook, thrashing and fight- love with each passing year. He reing to get away. And Elizabeth would mains wild and irreverent, but she sometimes pray for divine intervention has learned to live happily with her so that she could be free from this wild woodsman. Both Jean Paul and Elizand irreverent woodsman. abeth know in their hearts that only But their interior protests were to no death will separate them.

In Living Colour

THEN AND NOW: Left, on their wedding day in 2007. They were married at Assumption Church, and went to Myrtle Rocks for photos (by wedding photographer Patricia Sparks). Below, on vacation in Ireland in late 2023. At Ballinskelligs, left, and at Derry, right. Photos from the Yirka-Challinors’ personal collection

6 February 2024 • qathetliving.ca

SOCIAL MEDIA SENSATIONS: Screen captures from the Yirka-Challinor’s Instagram reel.

Comments on Instagram @iamleoelaine “I love how naughty he is and how he brings her out of her shell and makes her laugh.” @sheenshankredemption “They both are such a perfect couple, a kind lady with the sweetest of hearts and a sarcastic guy with a great sense of humour being head over heels for her.” @_thepiscesguy “Two opposite personalities that perfectly match.” @timibold “This is how I want to grow old, carefree and happy being with the best witty man.” @huntanhuntan “My goal in life is to be half as cool as that man and hopefully marry a woman half a cool as his wife.”

quirky romantic joyful With more than 8 million views in the past two months, Jean Paul Yirka and Elizabeth Challinor are the face of qathet to the world this winter. Our Valentine’s Day diplomats. Their short video on Instagram, captured on vacation in Ireland by Christopher Ward for his Model Strangers page, reveals a marriage that is the very definition of #relationshipgoals. qathet Living • February 2024 • 7

1-STOP One very lonely Powell River’s

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wedding night In 1977, two pragmatic intellectuals found each other through a matchmaking service. True romance caught up to them soon after.

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ngelika and I spent our wedding night over 5,000 kilometres apart. We did not meet again until the following year. And had you asked me my bride’s full name the day after our wedding, I would have got it wrong. Our story began when Angelika (“Ika”), a high school language teacher in Kingston, Ontario, decided to buy a piano. Searching the classified ads under “P” in the local newspaper, she came across Prestige Introduction Bureau, a matchmaking service. Sounded intriguing. Not yet having found a suitable partner, she signed up. So had I, after months of a hermit-like existence studying for graduate school exams at Queen’s University. No Internet in 1977! Ika received calls from five gentlemen and went out on the town every evening for a week. The morning after one date, a young girl in her class piped up, “Miss, Miss! You went out with my brother last night!” Gulp. Quickly gathering her wits, Ika replied, “Yes I did, but I won’t again, because he smokes.” Ultimately, I was the lucky fellow selected, evidently because I used the word “likewise” during our initial phone chat, making me sound suave and sophisticated – at least to a language teacher! As a brilliant tactician, I avoided mentioning beer-swilling nights with my fellow political science apprentices in smoky local taverns. The following year, we moved in together. We knew we’d marry, but we procrastinated. With family in BC, Ontario and Europe, we couldn’t decide when and where to tie the knot. Until December 15, 1980. Flipping through the income tax guide, I came across a “marriage exemption” clause. If the higher-earning partner made less

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than $400 between the date of marriage and the end of the year, they could claim their mate as a dependent for the whole year. Seriously? That would save us about $850, enough in those days for a basic honeymoon. Ika asked a colleague who taught business if this was for real. “Yup,” she said, “that’s why accountants get married Looking for a wedding or Valentine’s gift? Visit us in Lund!

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Jewellery BEFORE TINDER: Bob and Angelika “Ika” Hackett at their whirlwind wedding, above, in 1980. Left, in Powell River this winter. Photos courtesy of the Hacketts’ personal collection in December!” Problem was, I had already booked a flight from Toronto on December 18, to visit my parents in Vancouver for Christmas. Ika was to leave soon afterwards for Germany to spend the holiday with her beloved grandmother. And Ontario law required a three-day waiting period between obtaining a marriage licence and the wedding. That deadline was just manageable if everything went like clockwork! Those days were intense, a scramble. Licence, arranging time off teaching (the principal agreed, provided Ika promised not to get married every day), Justice of the Peace, and two friends as witnesses in the morning, a small impromptu midday reception in the grad student pub, a three-hour bus trip to Toronto to catch my evening flight.

Some friends were to meet me at Vancouver airport and then repair to a bar for a Yuletide beverage. They didn’t know I was now a married man – long-distance calls were prohibitively expensive in those prehistoric years before cell phones. I eagerly anticipated breaking the news. Right after I left, unbeknownst to me, Ika did the paperwork to change her surname to that of her new husband. We hadn’t had time to discuss nomenclature! My flight to Vancouver seemed endless. Delayed departure – student charter airlines were low priority for take-off clearance, apparently. Strong headwinds, unscheduled stop to refuel. No decent meal, let alone a sumptuous wedding feast. It was all so sudden, almost overwhelming. I’m in a new social and legal

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qathet Living • February 2024 • 9

Where to say I do To get married in British Columbia you must purchase a marriage licence in the three months preceding your wedding. This license costs $100 and is available from the Service BC Centre on Alberni Street. If you plan to get married in a public space, such as on a beach or in a park, you will require permission and likely a permit. If you need a celebrant, visit gov.bc.ca and search for marriage commissioners. The following are some of Powell River and qathet’s popular wedding venues and destinations for weddings of various sizes. Dwight Hall Cranberry Seniors Centre RC Legion Club Bon Accueil Savary Island Myrtle Point Golf Club PR Town Centre Hotel Carlson Club Italian Club Lund Hotel The Laughing Oyster

Old Courthouse Inn The Patricia Theatre The Outdoor Learning Centre Beach Gardens The ARC Lang Bay Hall Boardwalk Restaurant Public Beaches Have we forgotten any? What’s the best place for a wedding in qathet?

category. What does that mean? Were my motives entirely honourable, or was I unduly influenced by the possibility of capturing a typist for my forthcoming 900-page dissertation? Like television’s Basil and Sybil Fawlty, would we end up feeling “manacled together”? Above all, I’m missing Ika already. Terribly. By the time the plane finally touched down, my friends had long given up waiting. I strode to the carousel where luggage was sluggishly appearing. There’s time, I thought, to dash off for a quick snack. When I returned, most of the passengers and all the baggage had disappeared. At that point, I lost it. I scampered up to the last fellow straggler, a woman at the empty carousel, and jabbered, “Where’s my suitcase? Where’s my suitcase? I just got married today and now I can’t find my suitcase!” Startled, the lady gawked at me as if I’d just escaped from an institution. “Suitcase?” she exclaimed. “Where’s your wife?!” What could I say? That maybe she’s hiding in the suitcase? Some questions just can’t be answered. Ika and I reunited in January when school in Kingston resumed, then honeymooned (together!) in Baja California during spring break. Eventually we settled in Burnaby and raised two wonderful daughters. Karina preceded our post-retirement move to Powell River, and Melanie is raising a delightful toddler. By the way, I located my suitcase in the airline’s tiny corner office. Ika typed my monster thesis on a primeval word processor. And yes, she did find a piano.

It was all so sudden, almost overwhelming. I’m in a new social and legal category. What does that mean? Were my motives entirely honourable, or was I unduly influenced by the possibility of capturing a typist for my forthcoming 900page dissertation? Like television’s Basil and Sybil Fawlty, would we end up feeling “manacled together”? - Robert Hackett

Get ready for your Wedding I’m here to help you look your best! Come celebrate Lift’s 40th birthday and raise money for the Powell River Food Bank.

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10 February 2024 • qathetliving.ca

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Valentine’s Day: A day for dancing

There are fewer dances today than in the 1940s, but you can still kick up your heels this winter

efore the Second World War, the most common Valentine’s pastime in Powell River was tea. Teas and socials were usually held at a United Church. Often these events were paired with a home cooking sale or a bazaar. This was because Valentine’s Day started off as a Christian holiday, and tea was a social event where one could exchange the newly-popular Valentine’s cards with friends and family. After the war, another pastime rose to prominence for Valentine’s Day: dancing. Dancing was a way to keep morale up during the war and its popularity continued long after. In Powell River, these dances were often held by local lodges or other groups. The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, the Oddfellows, The Oldtimer’s Dance Club, Powell River Golf Club, and the schools were among those that held these Valentine’s Day dances.

Gifts They’ll Love

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Dance #1: Love Now – Dance Party. February 9, Carlson Club Loft. DJs Claudia Medina / NeoNSkye / Riki Rocket. Advance tickets $15 at the Carlson Club, Armitage and Townskate.

DEVAN GILLARD Generally, more than one dance would take place in town during the week leading up to February 14. Everyone was encouraged to dance at these occasions, even in the high school, where boys were encouraged not to be a ‘pill’ and participate in the dance. Often a mix of ‘old-time’ and modern dances would be performed to make sure everyone could join in. Today, one is somewhat less likely to find themselves at a Valentine’s Day dance, but we still remember Valentine’s Days past. Devan Gillard is an administrative assistant at the qathet Historical Museum & Archives.

Baskets for Valentine’s Day

Dance #2: 80s Dance Party. March 9, Arc Community Event Centre. DJ The Stunt Man. $20. See ad opposite page. For Lift’s 40th anniversary. Dance #3: Latin Night. March 23, Carlson Loft. Salsa lessons, dance til midnight, food by Blue Agave. Fundraiser for the Brain Injury Association. See ad on Page 34. BOOGIE WOOGIE & JAVA JIVE: The Old Time Dance Club livens up Dwight Hall. Both photos from the 1940s. Valentine’s Day card circa 1941. Photos courtesy of the qathet Historical Museum & Archives

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qathet Living • February 2024 • 11

NHL energy at The Hap Powell River Kings Coach Glenn Anderson lets us in on his first impressions, plans, and motivations.

n December, the Birch Group named NHL Hall of Famer Glenn Anderson Coach for the Powell River Kings – as well as General Manager. The former right winger for the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers and St. Louis Blues is here to revitalize the team. Glenn is also a new resident in this community. qL caught up to him to find out how it’s going:

What have you learned about the Powell River Kings so far? Glenn • I have learned a great deal about the history of the Kings since I first came to visit and sign autographs. The thing that sticks out to me most is how much this team forms an integral part of the Powell River community. The Kings are truly a celebrated community asset and I am glad to be a part of the club’s longstanding and continuing tradition. Where does the team have promise? Where does the team need work? Glenn • All junior teams need to be developed and become cohesive groups both on and off ice. The club’s promise stems from our players’ willingness to work hard celebrating achievements and overcoming adversity on the ice. My players work hard every day and I challenge them to challenge one another and be the best they can be as players and as gentlemen. We have things to work on for sure – but with all the changes and a new system being implemented, hard work has to come with patience as well as perseverance.

The wins and losses are not something I allow to define us. Working to be on the same page and buying into our model as a tight knit group who battles hard having each others’ backs – this is an important part of what we strive for and work on daily. It’s a pleasure to watch the growth of so many young players with future potential in a community that loves and supports the squad. The Kings are currently last in the league. What do you hope to do to change that? Glenn • Like any other team, there are changes that must be made. Changes in the system and also personnel. We have been plagued by injuries over the last couple months, so we adjust. A healthy team, though, is something that takes precedence over wins and losses. My guys do not play hurt and their safety is important. When we are healthy and as adjustments get made, our record will improve. Development, player safety, and an athlete’s health are things I would never sacrifice to win. We’ll get there. We know our goals and we will continue to adapt to improve our on-ice record with these considerations in mind. My team and its players come first. The new year looks very promising with healthy players returning and new additions that bring energy and firepower to our roster. What’s your motivation to keep the Kings in Powell River? Glenn • If you’ve been to Powell River and you have listened to the fans – the community buzz - the team is celebrated in a

JUNIOR HOCKEY FOREVER: Coach Glenn Anderson (centre) and Team President Stephan Seeger Sr. accompanying Michael Mardula from Vancouver to PR for his first BCHL game with the Kings. Photo courtesy of the Powell River Kings How has junior hockey changed since you were with the Bellingham Blazers?

rich tradition – that’s all the motivation our group needs to ensure this team stays in Powell River. The team’s home is here and our group will do whatever it takes to preserve the tradition. The Kings are here to stay and I’m here enjoying a role in keeping the team here for the Kings’ community and its fans. The Birch Group has undertaken a promise to manage this team here – and to keep it here. I would have no part in a project that would lead to plucking the Kings from home. I moved here! And I’m staying with the Birch Group, the Society, and my team as long as they’ll have me and for long as it takes to make this team a marquis destination for players.

Glenn • Bellingham was a memorable part of my career – now the players have many more resources at their disposal. The game at this level has advanced enormously since the time I played in the BCHL so many years ago. Equipment and training tools have advanced beyond what I could have imagined back then. The competition for D1 commitments and other career opportunities has increased. But that’s hockey and like all other sports the athlete has to keep up with and perform with the times.

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12 February 2024 • qathetliving.ca

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“Hockey is a Canadian jewel – it is around us everywhere for a reason. The history and tradition of the game is within us all. It’s a collective heritage. It brings people and diverse cultures together.” Glenn Anderson

JUST SIX WEEKS ON THE JOB SO FAR: Left, coach Glenn Anderson conducting off ice system lessons with the team. Top right, Glenn with Mayor Ron Woznow and qathet Regional District board chair Clay Brander. Bottom right, Glenn Anderson’s first visit to Powell River during the Kings home opener on Truth and Reconciliation weekend prior to joining the Kings organization. Photo courtesy of the Powell River Kings

What do you think is exciting about watching junior hockey?

I played with in my career. It’s a here and now story. For all these years, the enduring Glenn • Junior hockey is faster and more friendships and love of the game continue. intense. The things you do for the communities you And I only wish that back then, being away come back to and the charities that you from home, it could have been such an ac- serve, it’s all amazing – it’s a legacy I emcessible game. Back then, if you didn’t have brace. parents that travelled to the rink – they I spoke with Gretz a couple of weeks ago just couldn’t see the game. Now we have and when I hung up, I thought how meangames that are streamed and available for ingful it is to me to know that while we parents, scouts and other fans to enjoy in accomplished much in hockey, the game the comfort of their own living rooms. It launched and cultivated one of the most has all just became so much more visible, important friendships of my life. and I think that’s great for the sports. Hockey brought me much in life and I apHockey fans can follow their favorite preciate it all – but the friendships and the young players throughout their careers mutual respect for all my great teammates more easily, without having to wait to see touch me every day. them on Hockey Night in Canada, if and I hope my players find this satisfaction when they make the pros and they’re on in their lives from being on the teams they television. will go on to play for at any level. I especially The true local fans come to the games – hope their roots in this philosophy are culthat’s for sure – but parents and fans on the tivated well while here in Powell River. East Coast can now watch their boys play How would you describe your coachfrom afar – it’s great. ing philosophy or leadership style? What’s your best Wayne Gretzky Glenn • Team over everything else is a big story? part of my coaching and playing philosGlenn • My favorite story about Gretz is the same as it is for all the great players

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ophy. Do and appreciate the little things. The bigger things will follow. Embrace the

fundamentals and work as a unit both on and off the ice – no one individual is bigger than the game or too smart to learn the lessons it teaches us. This is just as much a part of winning as raw skill. My teams do it together. If you’re not “in” then you’re just ”in the way!” Buy in, work hard, respect each other and the roles each player plays – this goes a long way in the recipe for success. What advice do you have for young Powell River players who dream of playing on the Kings? Glenn • To our youth hockey players who want to become Kings one day: appreciate the early mornings and the weekends that your folks give up to watch you succeed. When you work hard and act respectfully your opportunities in hockey increase. Practice and have fun doing the things that make you better at hockey – but remember also that good manners and thanking your families for all they do to see you succeed also makes you a better young lady or young man. The best teams I have been in in my career have always been full of the best young ladies and young men – win or lose.

Why should people come out to a hockey game – especially if they haven’t been in a while? Glenn • Hockey is a Canadian jewel – it is around us everywhere for a reason. The history and tradition of the game is within us all. It’s a collective heritage. It brings people and diverse cultures together. My stint in Powell River began on Truth and Reconciliation night. I met Tla’amin men and women whose pride in their culture and a long history of overcoming adversity moved me deeply. Events such as these, in many opening ceremonies in rinks around the country, educate and bind Canadians together. Come out to the game – have a hot dog, have a beer, and when the cheering begins sometimes you’ve already learned something greater than the score. I’m proud to be Canadian and to celebrate the game and the cultures it has brought together over the years – the speed, the sounds, the cheering for favourite players, and all we learn as players and fans provide a special experience for all of us. I look forward to saying hello to as many of our fans as I can at the Hap and I mean that sincerely.

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Five generations ago, a MacLaine family ancestor played at the first Coy Cup tourney – for the winning team. The hockey family is looking forward to the Senior AA event, hosted by the Regals here, March 26 to 30. BY IAN MacLAINE

ne hundred years ago, the Coy Cup was awarded for the first time – to the Enderby hockey team after they defeated the host team, the Trail Tigers, 7 goals to 5 in the two-game, total-goal final series. Fast forward to present day, when our own Powell River Regals will host the BC Hockey Championship and an interesting hockey history connection is revealed between the 1923 champions, and a current Powell River family. Playing on the first Coy Cup championship team was left winger Theodore Frances Adams. He was the grandfather of Ian MacLaine, retired Brooks teacher, the great grandfather of Ian’s son, Adam MacLaine, current Brooks teacher, and the great-great grandfather of Adam’s daughters, Illeanna and Brielle MacLaine. Adam, and his brother Arlen, grew

up playing hockey in Powell River and when they weren’t playing hockey, they both spent time refereeing. When Ian came to Powell River to begin his teaching career, he played hockey with the Gentlemen Oldtimers and he now skates with the River Rats. Son Adam enjoys playing with two teams, the River Rats, and the newly formed Dusters. Mom, Colleen, spent long cold hours in the Powell River rinks, cheering, and running score clocks. She also helped organize referee schedules, and traveled on many out-of-town weekend road trips. The one-hundred-year-old connection to hockey continues with this family as Illeanna and sister Brielle both play with the Powell River Queens hockey teams. All the MacLaines are hoping to see our Regals as champions, hoisting the Coy Cup on Powell River ice. Go Regals, Go!

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FACES OF HOCKEY 100 YEARS LATER: Top, the Enderby Hockey Club won the first Coy Cup, and Ian MacLaine’s maternal grandfather, Theodore Frances Adams, was on the team (he is first row, second from the left). Above, hockey is still an important part of the MacLaine family. Ian, Illeanna, Brielle, and Adam all play here in Powell River. Ian and Adam are wearing Theodore’s 100-year-old gloves. The five-time Coy Cup champions, the Powell River Regals, are hosting the annual BC Senior Men’s AA tourney here, March 26 to 30.

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qathet Living • February 2024 • 15

16 February 2024 • qathetliving.ca

ALWAYS GLAD, FROM NEWCASTLE TO EVERGREEN: Gladys Rice, left, in County Durham, England, on a motorcycle with her dog. Above, Gladys today, 106, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Coal miner’s daughter survives cancer, COVID, six children, and more to become our eldest elder BY ISABELLE SOUTHCOTT

At 106 years of age, Gladys Rice is the oldest person living in Powell River. On January 2, Gladys celebrated another birthday. “I quit counting them,” she said mischievously. She was visited by her children – Brian, Bob, Barry, Joan (Insley), Bill, and Bruce. All five of her sons live in the community; her daughter lives in the Lower Mainland. Gladys lives in the Evergreen Extended Care Unit now but up until seven years ago, she lived in her own home on Oak Street.

“It was nice there when the leaves were in the trees,” she said, remembering all the leaves they had to rake up in the fall! Gladys was born into a coal mining family in the small village of High Spen, southwest of Newcastle, England, in 1918. She was much younger than her three siblings – the closest in age being her brother Len, who was 14 years older. The UK economy was in a slump in the 1920s. Gladys’ father, who had visited Canada with his brother many years earlier, made rumblings about moving across the ocean. Her mother refused. She said she wouldn’t emigrate and leave Grace (her other daughter) behind. Grace was already married by then. “Grace and her husband Raylton were invited to

qathet Living • February 2024 • 17

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“Dad wasted no time. He went Monday morning to buy seven tickets. That’s how we ended up in Canada in 1925. My sister, her husband, and my parents never saw England again.” - Gladys Rice, who was then 7 years old

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dinner one Sunday night and dad brought the subject up. They liked the idea and said they would be game. Dad wasted no time. He went Monday morning to buy seven tickets. That’s how we ended up in Canada in 1925. My sister, her husband and my parents never saw England again.” The family crossed the Atlantic by ship. When they arrived, they took a train across Canada landing in Vancouver and then on to Nanaimo. “Being coal miners, I guess they must have felt that it was familiar territory. Dad and my brothers soon got jobs in the mines and worked there for two years,” said Gladys, on a sunny January afternoon SURROUNDED BY MEN IN DANGEOUS JOBS: Top, not long after her birthday. In the summer of 1927, Raylton heard that the Gladys Rice with her husband Les Rice in their wedPowell River Company was hiring. The wages were ding photo, July 4, 1943, during the Second World good and conditions were better than those in the War. He started working at the mill afterwards, as jobs were held for returning servicemen. mine so the family moved once again. “The men all got work at the mill – all except Dad Above, Gladys as a toddler in about 1920. Her father – they said he was too old at 54. He managed to get and brothers were coal miners during a particularwork on the road crews and with the municipality.” ly deadly era in the industry. Major coal mining diIn 1928, Raylton purchased an acre of land on sasters happened in 1906 (Northern France, 1,099 what is now Burnaby Street. There was only a skid dead); 1913 (South Wales, UK, 436 dead); and 1914 road leading there at that time. It had been logged (Kyushu, Japan, 687 dead).

CLASS PHOTO: Gladys Rice (nee Robinson) with her Grade 10 class at Brooks High School. but needed to be cleared. “My folks paid for half the property, and it was subdivided into two equal lots. The men got to work clearing the land and building two homes on it for us to live in. We moved into our new house in 1929.” Gladys attended Westview Elementary School and then Brooks High School. She walked to and from school from the family home on Burnaby Street, rain

or shine, and didn’t think anything of it. Walking was part of life here. “We’d go through the beach trail to Townsite,” she said. Gladys had red hair and glasses and as a child, she was often teased. One day a boy tried to pick on her, but Gladys could hold her own. “Although he was older and bigger than she was, she beat the crap out of him,” son Barry recounted.

After finishing school, she worked for Ev and Em’s, at their clothing store on Marine Avenue (where Rockit Music is located today). She saved her money and bought a piece of land on Michigan Avenue with the intention of building a house on it someday. Les, her husband to be, came to Powell River to work at the mill, and boarded at Gladys’ sister’s house. Gladys met Les and they began to date.

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80th ANNUAL

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7 pm Tuesday, March 5, Evergreen Theatre

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Tickets for Anniversary Concert or Grand Concert: $20 each for adults, $15 for student/seniors Tickets at the Academy of Music, Peak office & at the door Anniversary concert free for strings and piano youth participants.

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20 February 2024 • qathetliving.ca

During World War II, Les attended Shaughnessy Military Academy in Vancouver for basic training. Prior to deployment, he came down with pneumonia and was hospitalized. After his release, he was assigned duties at Shaughnessy rather than being sent overseas. On July 4, 1943, he came back to Powell River while on leave and the couple got married. When the war was over, Les returned to Powell River to claim his job at the mill as the company held jobs for returning servicemen. Les wasn’t interested in building a house, preferring to rent, so Gladys sold her property on Michigan Avenue. After a while, the couple moved to Oak Street in the Townsite as rents were reasonable and it was a good place to raise a family. When the millowned Townsite homes came up for sale in 1955, those living in them got the first option to buy. “We decided to buy it as our family had grown to four kids by then. The purchase price was $3,900,” she recalled. “Life was much simpler back then. We managed with what we had, no credit cards. You paid for everything up front in those days except for large items such as a car or a house.” With six children, Gladys had to budget carefully. “I put a little bit of money away each month starting first paycheque in January to save for things other than everyday expenses – such as dental care, insurance and Christmas. We had a garden to help

“Life was much simpler back then. We managed with what we had, no credit cards. You paid for everything up front in those days except for large items such as a car or a house [which was $3,900 in 1955, or about $43,500 in 2023 dollars].” - Gladys Rice out and I watched out for sales.” Gladys enjoyed knitting and Barry remembers how she knitted them all sweaters. Les died in 1980, not long after he retired. “I was 62 at the time and the way the pension was

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The custom mobile app will notify and deliver service reminders, alerts and all the information you need about solid waste and recycling, making it easier than ever to stay connected and Garbage, Organics & Recycling Calendar informed.

City of Powell River 2024 Garbage Day:

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ORGANICS MARCH CURBSIDE Note COLLECTION organics COLLECTION S M TIS COMING W T ORGANICS GOES TO POWELL RIVER will be IMPORTANT 2024 DATES: picked up CITY-WIDE pilot project stops INweekly MARCH!3 Organics 4 5 6 7

starting Organic cart 18 delivery will March

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Note S M T W T F S garbage S M T W will be GLADYS IS 8 YEARS OLDER THAN THIS CAR: Gladys Rice, in the summer of 2022, in Brian Crilly’s 1926 Chevrolet left, and picked up her younger 1 self 2 in front 3 of4the 5 Garbage 6 1 Day: family home on Burnaby Street, above. Photos courtesy Michelle Pennell biweekly Organics and Organics and APR IL C A B D E A B C D and9Gladys Rice’s11 family E12 Recycle 7 8Day: 10 13 Note Garbage Day: 5 6 7 8S starting S M T W T F S garbage APRIL MbeA Y JUNE will 2 picked up structured, there was little to live on.April ings,” of people out the big window as

The two youngest were still at home at the time.” When Gladys finally did get her pension, she traveled with longtime friend Dorothy. To say she’s witnessed many changes in her 106 years on earth is an understatement. She remembers telephone party lines, going to Vancouver on the Union Steamship, and the time before screens. Gladys enjoyed spending time at Willingdon Beach in the summer, gardening and belonging to a bowling team. What’s her secret to a long life? She doesn’t smoke, she explained. “I tried it like all the other kids,” she said, “but it didn’t do anything for me, it cost a lot of money, and it smells.” But when it comes to the occasional glass of wine, that’s another thing entirely – although it must be white! She likes doing puzzles – an unfinished puzzle sits on the table beside her at the Extended Care Unit, and watching all the “comings and go-

9T W 10 11 T F S

7 8 9 10 11 they walk up the street across from the 114 15 16 17 18 1 2 3 4 5 6 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 1 2 3 4 12 13 ECU. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 “Mother was, and still is, an inspira- 5 6 7 8 921 1022 1123 24 9 251026112712 1319 1420 1521 22 23 24 25 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 28 17 29 18 30 12 13 14 15 16 26 27 28 29 30 31 tion,” says Barry.21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 For all inquires, call Public 604-485-8657 She’s had pneumonia 23 Works 24 25 26 27 28 29 28 29 30 at least four 26 27 28 29 30 31 30 times in her senior years, fractured biweekly starting April 2

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For all inquires, Public Works 604-485-8657 For all inquires, call call Public Works 604-485-8657 both her hips, beaten COVID, survived breast cancer, and made it through emergency surgery after the family was told she might not make it. Today, her biggest joy comes from seeing her family. Besides her six children, she has eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren – three of whom were born in the last five months. “Even a couple of hour drives around town gives her great pleasure,” said Barry. “We try to break her out of jail, as she jokingly calls it, as often as we can.” And with that, he helps his mother up and they head outside to the car for an afternoon drive down memory lane. || isabelle@prliving.ca

M A R C H*BARRING UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES

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Recycle Day:

Note organics S M T W T F will be picked up 1 QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? weekly 3 4POWELLRIVER.CA 5 6 7 8 startingSEE WEBSITE EMAIL March 18 OPSSECRETARY@POWELLRIVER.CA

1 2 13 3 4 14 5 6 15 2 3 18 4 14 15S M16T W17T F18S 19 20 12 16 1 17 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S Note garbage will be picked up biweekly starting April 2

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W T F S 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 152 163 17picked 1 2 3 4 5 6 11 12 13 114 215 16 17 14 18 up19 20 weekly 3 4 518 619 720 821 922 23 24 4 5 6 7 21 8 229 23 10 24 starting 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 25 26 27 March 18 10 11 1225 13 11 12 13 14 28 15 29 16 30 17 31 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 26 1427 1528 1629 18 19 20 a21 22 or23City holiday 18 19 20 21 Please 22 note 23 that 24 your collection day17advances 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 following statutory 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 28 29 30 31 Organics and Organics and 31 C A B D Please note that your collection day advances following a statutory or City holiday E S

organics S M S 9 10 will 11be 12 13

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begin February 20, but wait, collection will not begin until March 2024.

FEBR UARY Organics and A S M T W T F S T E W T F S FEBRUARY MARCH Recycle Day: 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 JANUARY

Garbage and Recycle Day:

Organic cart delivery starts

Visit participatepr.ca City of Powell River 2024 31 or scan Garbage, Organics & Recycling Calendar Please note that your collection day advances following a statutory or City holiday biweekly garbage collection starts City of Powell River 2024 for Recycle more information Garbage and Day: Garbage Day: Garbage, Organics & Recycling Calendar

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qathet Living • February 2024 • 21

I MADE THE MOVE

be a space where people could drop in to use for personal use, share skills and for community projects. I don’t think there should be any point in life where we decide we are beyond learning.

Wood fibre and good vibes drew this artist

What aspect of your previous community do you think would benefit qathet? Kelsey • On Quadra Island at the Heriot Bay Inn Pub there is a “U of Q” every Wednesday night where people present something that is important to them or something they’re currently working on. Was a nice chance to connect with people, and also for tourists to connect with the locals’ lifestyle.

elsey Oksanen is the owner and maker behind Tapiola Design. Born in Northwestern Ontario, she grew up beside a small lake and trapline and so became fascinated with what nature has to provide. Studying forest ecosystem management and working in BC’s logging industry, she learned about the importance of the forest’s supportive ecological and economic communities. This importance led her to look at clear-cuts and “waste” wood in a new light. She started utilizing and artistically up-cycling abandoned fibres that were once forest.

Why did you choose to move to qathet? Kelsey • A mix of work and play reasons: there’s a combination of small town lifestyle with things happening throughout the year and easy access to the backcountry. There seemed to be a really active art and music scene here which I look for as a business owner and for my own lifestyle. There’s also plenty of wood around! When? Where from? Kelsey • I moved a few months ago, the beginning of November, from Quadra Island. I was renting a woodworking shop on Quadra for a couple years where I was doing my artwork. Previous to that I lived in the Comox Valley for four years. What surprised you about qathet? Kelsey • So many lakes. I grew up next to a small lake outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario. I like lakes. What made you decide to move to qathet? Kelsey • A friend of mine who I worked with in forestry up in Smithers had recently moved here with his partner. They commissioned a live-edge table from me for their first new home. I was thinking about where to plant some long-term

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FOREST ARTIST: Kelsey Oksanen, Tapiola Design.

Kelsey • Finding workspace was a little tricky. There is a bit of lack of infrastructure in town for spaces like this. I decided to reach out to the community online and got an amazing response. I met a number of people even willing to share their private garages and personal workspaces. I now rent a garage bay from Sydney and Callum at Mini Monster Excavating that I’m so grateful for.

roots, and when they came to Quadra to pick up their table, they had nothing but good things to say about qathet.

If you were mayor, what would you do?

Where is your favourite place in qathet?

What are qathet’s best assets?

Kelsey • One of my favourite places in qathet during these dark months has been the rec center – particularly the gym and sauna. I was really impressed by it when I first moved here. Appleton Creek Trail is also a recent favourite for some nature inspiration.

Kelsey • The people, for sure. I have moved around BC a bit with different travel and work opportunities, and qathet’s people definitely have something unique in a wholesome and welcoming sense.

How did you first hear about qathet?

Kelsey • Lately, I have been getting a nice sandwich from 32 Lakes Bakery with BRUT’s cured meat and taking it to the beach, or out near Lois Lake where I spend the afternoon salvaging wood rounds for printing.

Kelsey • I was taking a skipper sailing course with Stowaway Adventures based in Comox, and we were cruising our way to Desolation Sound for a week. The instructor said qathet was worth checking out by land – even for a day. On the way back we stopped in Lund for a treat at Nancy’s Bakery, I remember feeling a good vibe. What would make qathet a nicer community? Kelsey • A community maker’s space or co-op would be neat. A space that maybe had different woodworking machines, traditional boat building, blacksmithing? It could

Kelsey • Probably make everyone else mayor, too.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Which talent or superpower would you most like to have? Kelsey • Oh, definitely fly. A bird’s eye view over the forests and being close to the canopy layer is such a beautiful perspective. From that larger viewpoint, you can really see how the topography, surface water, and forest ecosystems work together in full-circle.

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Road rave WOULD YOU SEND YOUR KIDS BIKING HERE?: Highway 101, near Lund, is notorious for speeding drivers, blind corners, harsh shadow, and glare. And that’s on a nice day. It’s also a school bus and cycling route.

Why active transportation advocates believe commuting is about to get better for everyone: even drivers. BY PIETA WOOLLEY | LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE

Twice a week, Christopher Lightfoot cycles 28 kilometres from his home in Lund to downtown Powell River, along the curvy, fast-moving Highway 101. Pickup trucks barrel past him at 100 km an hour. Gravel flies. In the winter, it’s dark and often wet so he doesn’t ride, preferring to miss the precarious experience of exposing his unprotected body to the no-man’s-land of the road. “I do it for the fun factor,” said Chris unironically. He’s a speech-language pathologist who is also a world-travelling, experienced cyclist. “One of the best parts of my day is riding to and from work. But I would never recommend it to someone else.” That’s because it’s dangerous. And also, in many

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ways, awful. Although there is a painted white line separating trucks and cars from the few cyclists and pedestrians who brave the shoulder, the highway was clearly planned for fast-moving vehicles, rather than slower, more vulnerable humans. Chris believes many, many more people would reduce their car trips in favour of biking, e-biking, or walking, if the experience of doing so was reasonable. Or, to dream, enjoyable. As the active transportation director for the qathet Regional Cycling Association, Chris is at the helm of a movement pushing local governments to help locals make better transportation choices – by just making our roads and trails safer. He doesn’t need to push that hard. Both the City and Regional District have already committed, on paper, to doing just that – through the City’s 2021 Official Community Plan, and through the Regional District’s Parks and Trails Strategy, among other documents. To Chris, this work is a no-brainer. He learned to love commuting by bike in Vancouver. He’s the dad of two kids who cycle, ages 7 and 9. When he later lived in the seaside town of Prince Rupert – with a population almost exactly the size of Powell River’s – he started advocating for better infrastructure. “Prince Rupert is very densely populated, hemmed in by mountains and water,” he explained, “so it’s compact. It only takes a few minutes to drive across town. Many people just walk – they don’t even own cars. I started to ride my bike to work there, which was only 15 minutes. I just put my work clothes on under my rain gear.” Of course, things there could have been better, too. He and a friend, who uses a wheelchair, got together and organized “Complete Streets for Prince Rupert,” a volunteer-led group advocating for inclu-

Think & talk like a transportation planner: Active Transportation Walking, cycling, or taking transit – often all three, at different times. Whatever gets you out of your single-occupancy vehicle and into the community.

Experiential Value The benefits gained beyond just moving from Point A to Point B. The mental health, fitness, social, and other personal impacts of active transportation.

AAA All Ages and Abilities. Creating transportation infrastructure that keeps everyone safe and enthusiastic about walking, cycling and taking transit.

Modal Share Fair sharing of publicly-funded infrastructure. How much tax dollars, space, and pollution do cars get to take up on roads, versus cyclists, pedestrians and transit vehicles?

Patterns How each of us structures how we normally move around during our day. If we normally take our car, that’s a habit that can be hard to break.

WALKING THE STRIP: Left, to get from Joyce and Alberni to the mall, these walkers will travel over a sidewalk that is interrupted several times by driveways with cars ducking in and out. Into this mess are mobility scooters and cyclists, too. Cars take up the vast majority of this public space. Right, a decade-old map, part of the City of Powell River’s Official Community Plan, outlining plans for new active transportation routes. Some are imminent. sive, safe, ,enjoyable transportation infrastructure for all – not just drivers. “The topic really resonated and struck a nerve with everyone,” he said. “Everyone wanted to share their near-miss story or the time they were hit, or the time someone they knew was killed. Some stories were truly tragic. Everyone thought this could be done better.” When he moved to qathet two years ago, Chris was struck by two differences from Prince Rupert. The first is, unlike Prince Rupert’s compact urban design, this town is spread out along the coastline (and Texada) for dozens of kilometres; even within the City limits, neighbourhoods are spread out without protected pathways between them. The second is, qathet already has a large and growing number of people who walk, bike and e-bike, and are great self-advocates. As someone who wants to lobby for a better active transportation system in qathet, Chris has no problem outlining his top priorities. His first priority, and one the City has control over, is to complete a cycling network in the City limits that’s safe and easy for eight- to 80-year-olds alike, as outlined in the 2021 Bicycle Network Strategy. People want a safer, more comfortable experience on Joyce Avenue, he says. Number two priority, surprisingly, is better transit. Active transportation, he explained, is not just about bikes. It’s about creating systems so people can realistically choose to reduce their car driving. What’s needed, he said, is a smooth, seamless, en-

joyable, dependable network of transit and paths. When it’s torrential out, the bus is a better option for most folks than cycling or walking, he said. But only if it comes regularly, and goes where they’re going. Number two, for governments to invest in a “AAA” path along Highway 101 – that is, something that is useable for “All Ages & Abilities.” Not just super-cyclists, but also children, seniors, people with dogs, and just regular folks (see story on Page 28).

If you look only at Facebook, you might think this region hates active transportation. Or, at least, hates the infrastructure that supports it. The protected four-way stop on Manson and Duncan was a target for online rage, mostly about public tax dollar spending. The bike lane near Mitchell Brothers, similarly, attracted so much ire it was removed. And discussion around the Maple and Sycamore Safer Streets initiative, which was designed to calm traffic along the side streets where children and teens walk and bike to Henderson and Brooks, degenerated into a neighbour-versus-neighbour relationship-destroying conflict. Paralleling that online venom is some reality. The economy is shifting. Cars are expensive. Running a basic, no-payments, fuel-efficient car costs at least $500 a month, including fuel, insurance and maintenance. Running anything swisher can swiftly cost over $1,000 a month. If a family needs two basic cars to function, that’s at least $12,000 out of a median qathet household income of about $56,000 a year – before taxes. Or, $1,000 out of a monthly

income of about $4,500 a month. More reality: climate change is causing catastrophic impacts in the form of wildfires, storms, and more. According to qathet Climate Alliance, private vehicles here are responsible for about 70% of CO2 emissions. And even more reality: lots of people just prefer walking and cycling over driving. And they pay taxes too. How much infrastructure spending do they deserve? How much of the road are they entitled to?

These are questions that director of planning services, Jason Gow, grapples with at his desk at Powell River City Hall. Jason is charged with re-imagining a City centre that was designed in another era – one that believed the single-occupancy vehicle was universal, and forever. Townsite and Marine Avenue business district were built before the 1960s car mania, he explained, so they’re relatively enjoyable to stroll or cycle. But Joyce Avenue – the long stretch of residential leading up from the highway, through the centre where the grocery stores, banks, doctors offices and other essential services are, to the recreation complex, hospital and large, dense, new residential developments – this should be exactly where folks feel most comfortable circulating. Instead, he said, it’s uninviting. “I just don’t think the experience of the pedestrian was ever considered,” he said. “It’s dangerous and unpleasant to cross on foot.” Jason has seen umpteen people riding mobility

qathet Living • February 2024 • 25

scooters wedged between the traffic and the sidewalk; there are so many driveways along Joyce – places where cars cross pedestrian paths – it makes riding in a wheelchair on the uneven sidewalk nearly impossible. Even for pedestrians walking near the malls on Joyce, negotiating around cars constantly crossing sidewalks makes the experience alarming. People living in the new 24-unit building across from the Visitor Centre and the CRC sometimes choose to drive across the street to the mall, he says, rather than go down to the crosswalks to get across the three lanes on Joyce. Some active transportation solutions are relatively easy because they’re tucked away from the main streets. For example, the mid-level connector project aims to be completed this year. That’s the path that connects Brooks Secondary to the recreation complex through the forest. It is funded with money from the province and the Powell River Community Forest, mostly. New trails through the Resource Recovery Centre near Willingdon Beach are also relatively easy, as those are part of a project already in the works. But some projects are less straight forward. Anything that impacts drivers is tough, he said.

YOU’RE PROBABLY NOT THIS HARDCORE: A triathlete bikes Highway 101 near Lund in sunny conditions. Beyond commuting, active transportation is how many tourists choose to experience this region (see Page 28). Photo by Miles Arbour

“It can be hard to gain support for change because the vast majority of our community rely on getting around using single-occupancy vehicles,” Jason said. But Joyce is on the City’s radar, as it is identified as a key active transportation route in the City’s Bicycle Network Strategy and Official Community Plan. Addressing this corridor will require significant grappling on the part of all City staff. It is three-lanes wide, with a long two-direction turning lane in the middle. All that space for cars means pedestrians, cyclists, and those on mobility scooters lose their protection. There is no room for trees that

might separate those out of cars from those in cars. Sidewalks are narrow. Cyclists have to navigate through a wild maze of cars turning into and out of the malls, or around corners. Jason said he has learned a lot, as a planner, from the experience with public engagement around the Mitchell Brothers bike lane and the Manson four-way stop. Building new infrastructure is expensive, and that’s a stumbling block for many citizens, he noted. Although, Jason pointed out, the City has a limited budget for active transportation; nearly all money comes from other levels of government in the form of grants, and from

the Community Forest. “We have to remember that change is hard for some. We are changing. But it’s about how we manage change,” Jason noted. “Can we be more open or receptive to those individuals who might not want to see any investment in any infrastructure that they don’t use? I also think we need to make sure people understand where the money is coming from, as it may ease some tensions.” It’s also hard to sell a future to people who can’t imagine things working differently. Jason grew up on Vancouver’s North Shore, a landscape physically much like Powell River. However, much of the forest was preserved, and little trails connected neighbourhood to neighbourhood, all the way across the municipalities. “I always felt so free,” he recalls, noting that the trails made bike commuting at least as time efficient as driving. “This is what we’re trying to achieve with the mid-level connector and Willingdon Beach Trail.” Ultimately, Jason said, active transportation planning is about safety for everyone: pedestrians, cyclists, those using mobility scooters, and drivers. || pieta@prliving.ca

qathet international

March 1–9 2024 Festival Guide included with this issue has all the details. Festival Passes, Individual Tickets, and Trailers all online at qathetfilm.ca Also available at the Patricia Box Office

26 February 2024 • qathetliving.ca

Understanding the qathet Regional District Financial Services Department The qathet Regional District Finance Department is responsible for financial administration of the services qathet Regional District provides to its residents. Finance activities include: financial planning and reporting, banking and investments, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable and utility billings. The Finance Department also manages financial administration for the Regional Hospital District. Photo Courtesy of Zoe Leech

Annual Budgeting Process

Regional Hospital District

qathet Regional District (qRD) administration and operations are governed by the Local Government Act and Community Charter. Each year the qathet Regional District must undergo an annual budgeting process which includes opportunities for public input.

The Province of British Columbia established Regional Hospital Districts as a means of financing a local contribution to the costs of constructing or renovating major health care facilities such as acute care hospitals or long-term care facilities.

The annual budgeting process provides a road map to the organization, and assists in the day-to-day management of the qRD. The budgeting process enables the qRD to set their service tax rates for the year, assess liabilities, capital financing and manage assets sustainably. In addition, the annual budgeting process feeds the Five-Year Financial Plan, which outlines five-year projections for operations, capital project planning, and asset management for the entire region. The qRD will meet to consider the proposed 2024 budgets and the 20242028 Financial Plan at the Finance Committee meetings with adoption of the budget and the Five-Year Financial Plan scheduled to occur at the February Board meeting. Whenever possible, the qRD works collaboratively with local key actors, as well as the Provincial and Federal government to acquire grant funding to help pay for services and projects to reduce the tax burden on our residents. The public are welcome to attend budget meetings. A schedule of meetings is available at qathet.ca/2024-budget.

Financial Assistance The qRD can provide financial assistance to community organizations for special projects, events, capital or general operating expenses. More information on intake dates and application requirements are available by visiting qathet.ca/financial-assistance. The qRD also considers applications from societies and not-for-profit organizations for permissive tax exemptions in recognition of these organization’s community contributions. Permissive Tax Exemption application forms must be submitted by August 1st, to be considered for a tax exemption in the following year.

Regional Hospital Districts are governed by the Hospital District Act. The main purposes of the Regional Hospital District are to establish, acquire, construct, reconstruct, enlarge, operate and maintain hospitals and hospital facilities, and provide grant aid for the establishment, acquisition, reconstruction, enlargement, operation and maintenance of hospitals and hospital facilities. The Powell River Regional Hospital District will meet to consider draft two of the proposed 2024-2028 Financial Plan at the Regional Hospital District Board meeting on January 28, 2024. The financial plan is required to be adopted by March 31 each year.

Parcel Tax Rolls Each year, the qRD prepares parcel tax rolls for the Lund Sewer Local Service Area, Myrtle Pond Water Local Service Area and Savary Island Marine Facilities Service Area as required by Section 208 of the Community Charter. The parcel tax roll lists the parcels eligible to be taxed for each of the above noted services in 2024. This is an annual process to review the roll to ensure that the properties to be taxed are correct. Property owners within these service areas can request to view the parcel tax rolls or request information regarding an amendment by contacting finance@qathet.ca or calling 604-485-2260. Requests for an amendment to the parcel tax roll must be in writing and received no later than Friday, February 23, 2024 at 4:30 pm.

administration@qathet.ca | 604-485-2260 qathet.ca

qathet Living • February 2024 • 27

@qathetRD

A new route from Sechelt to Lund:

for humans, not cars

BY PIETA WOOLLEY LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE For the past few years, Sunshine Coast Tourism has been working on a plan to connect Sechelt to Lund with a safe, efficient route for cyclists, pedestrians, people using mobility scooters, and other folks choosing active transportation. It’s for commuters, tourists, and anyone who wants to enjoy the coast outside of a vehicle. In January, GJD Planning released the project’s second report. It breaks down the coast into 20 segments, and proposes infrastructure for each one. It also proposes which segments should get top priority. And, it notes that this will cost about $4 million per kilometre. Benefits include “the potential for improved emergency access in the event of damage to the Highway, improved population health and fitness, reduced emissions of air and water pollution, increased tourism revenue and improved access to shops and services for those with less ability or desire to drive, such as children, the elderly and people living in poverty.” Local people on the working group are Charlie Latimer (Lund Cycling Association), Charlie Mace (Sustainability Planner, City of Powell River), Christopher Lightfoot (Director, qathet Regional Cycling Association), Daniella Fergusson (Manager of Planning Services, City of PR), and Jason Gow, (Director of Planning Services, City of PR), along with several reps from the Lower Coast. Here, Sunshine Coast Tourism’s

Destination Development Manager Paul Kamon outlines why Connect the Coast is the right vision for this place, right now:

What’s your own experience with active transportation? Were you always a walker and cyclist? Paul • When my family moved to Powell River in 2011, we first lived in Townsite and I would ride my bicycle to work in Westview using the Willingdon Beach Trail. Unfortunately, I did not have an e-bike back then and the hill up to Joyce was admittedly a bit taxing. Today, I walk my dogs daily on the many great trails in the area.

GETTING AROUND CAN GET BETTER: Above, a so-called “cycling route” along Highway 101 reveals a weakness: trucks barelling by within an arms-length of cyclists. Right, Tofino’s recent project to twin the highway with a wide active transportation path. Far right, Preliminary Design Report for Connect the Coast: An All Ages and Abilities Active Transportation Route Linking Sechelt and Lund. Sunshine Coast Tourism’s Paul Kamon. Cycling on the protected path at Inland Lake. Photos courtesy of Sunshine Coast Tourism

What struck you about trying to walk and cycle in Westview and across the region when you first moved to PR? Paul • The neighbourhoods in Powell River were built during different eras of the City’s development and it can be difficult to find a good walking route as many streets in Westview (in particular) have long blocks and end with cul-de-sacs that are clearly designed for cars, not pedestrians. Cycling was also quite limited 10 years ago by the lack of safe cycling infrastructure and the many steep hills in the area. The City has made some great improvements with the infrastructure and the proliferation of electric bikes has made cycling more accessible to more people. What piece of Connect the Coast’s many projects are you most excited about? And why? Paul • The BIG vision! Developing an endto-end multi-use pathway along Highway 101 from Langdale to Lund would be a game changer for the entire region – significantly

improving accessibility and safety for both visitors and residents, while simultaneously reducing highway and even ferry congestion. It would also be an extraordinary draw for cycle tourism to the region.

Why should qathet folks be excited about Connect the Coast? Paul • We live in a beautiful place with incredible ocean views. Having a dedicated

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active transportation corridor along HWY 101 would showcase our region in a new and spectacular way and provide the community with a world-class transportation amenity that helps connect our communities.

projects in Tofino and Metro Vancouver) then the local government is only responsible for construction costs of less than $1.5 million per kilometre – and that seems like a smart investment for our community’s future health and wealth.

The estimated $4 million per kilometre made coffee come out my nose a little. What would you say to locals who are just horrified by how much this will cost?

What will Connect the Coast do for tourism?

Paul • Infrastructure of this nature should really focus on the long-term return on investment. Active Transportation has proven benefits in terms of our public health care costs, quality of life, and environmental benefits, plus great potential to support further economic activity as a tourist attraction. But also keep in mind that this is about half the cost of adding a lane of highway in each direction. Moreover, if provincial and federal governments each cover 1/3rd of the costs (as they did for recent

Paul • The initiative will stimulate a new market of cycling tourism and make the entire Sunshine Coast more attractive to visitors who prefer eco-friendly modes of transportation. Linking our ferry terminals with an active transportation corridor encourages more walk-on and bike-only ferry passengers, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient transportation system. The qathet area has many excellent tourism offerings, but it’s no secret that most visitors are currently dependent on car travel to get around, and this could change that significantly!

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What will Connect the Coast do for residents? Paul • For residents, Connect the Coast will provide safer, more accessible transportation options, especially important for seniors and those without a driver’s license. It also aims to reduce reliance on private automobiles, promoting healthier, safer and more environmentally friendly commuting opportunities. Locally, cycling infrastructure has been really controversial: the fourway stop at Manson and Duncan, the proposed changes on Maple, the path across from Mitchell Bros. Why is Connect the Coast different? Is this a project everyone can get on board with? Paul • Connect the Coast has a much broader scope and potential for community benefit. This initiative is about creating a fully separated multi-use path connect-

ing all the communities of the region, not just looking at one intersection. This path would cater to a diverse range of users, including pedestrians, cyclists, those with mobility challenges, families with strollers, and young children. What would you tell locals about how Joyce Avenue will work better for everyone including drivers, with better active transportation infrastructure? Paul • An active transportation route along Joyce Avenue would be very difficult because of how busy the street is with daily motor vehicle traffic and the space limitations of the road itself. The active transportation route we are advocating for within the Connect the Coast initiative is along the waterfront on Highway 101 where there is more space and opportunity for a separated pathway that can provide incredible scenic views without disrupting car traffic. || pieta@prliving.ca

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SUPing for joy in BY ARNE GUTMANN

t’s Friday after work and I am sitting with friends on a cold, dark, starless night, talking after a hard day. During the conversation, my mind begins to wander and I realize I should do something I really enjoy: stand up paddle board camping. I head home to get ready for my mini adventure. Being the end of January, most people would not be excited about going stand up paddle boarding or camping in winter. I am! Racing into the house at 7 pm, I yell to my wife, “I am going to sleep on Frog Island for the night!” She looks at me and says, “Serious?” I say “Yup, temperature and opportunity are ripe.” She looks at me and shakes her head while she smiles. She knows me better than anybody and just chuckles at my impetuousness. But, she knows I am serious. I don’t take this kind of foray without calculated consideration and knowledge and experience. I have been there many times before, in winter and summer, and it is relatively close with only a half hour drive and a half hour paddle. Setting my priorities, I start to assemble my kit. For a quick over nighter I will use two 35-litre dry bags. The contents will be simple. A -10°C sleeping

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A 14-HOUR RETREAT: From left, Arne Gutmann returns from his late-January solo overnight. He paddled in the dark on the way there. Arne, mid-lake. Hammock camping under the stars. Early morning campsite and still waters. Arne is a paddle board instructor, and welcomes your questions at arne@boardstars.com.

n the cold and dark of this West Coast winter bag, my hammock, tarp, and under quilt, which is rated at -10°C as well. Food, emergency kit, and toiletries. Water, lights, poop shovel with extra TP, and, of course, a good book. Not forgetting warm socks and an extra jacket. Just in case. The socks are a really nice treat to put on before you go to bed in the cold winter nights. Bag packed and partial dinner scarfed down, I head out the door with leftovers and my board lashed to the roof of my car. I tear down the street and into the back country. Rallying down the dirt road to my destination in the lonely black night I see no other cars passing me. Once I got to my put-in location, a huge smile came over me as I knew I would have a fantastic quick adventure ahead. The paddle is under three kilometres, not daunting at all. A simple, flat water paddle, albeit in the dark of the winter months. I take a few pics and text the missus that I am leaving the shore and heading off. I turn my headlight and beacon on, and shove off. The black night welcomes me as I leave the comfort of my car and the shore while making my way to my outdoor retreat. A lot of people ask me what it is about SUP camping that appeals to me. I usually state the freedom and isolation are the captivators.

Travelling solo has its rewards and I get to greedily enjoy and absorb all the sights and sounds to myself. Nature holds no bounds. Once a short distance from shore, I feel the connection as strong as ever, even though there are very few sights I can discern in the blank night. In the middle of my lake, I stop and take a moment to enjoy the solitude and peace. I even turn my lights off for a quick minute and completely absorb my environment. Waves of contentedness wash over me and I devour the moment punctuated by eerie quiet. I hear a distant owl hooting. A fish splashes, or what I thought was a fish, and I wish I had my fishing rod. After a short paddle I get to my little island and immediately set up my hammock. There is no need for a tarp tonight as there is no rain expected and I get my wish of literally sleeping under the stars. That is the beauty of some hammocks like mine that have an integrated bug net built in so you have an almost open view to the night sky. Once everything is dialed in, I tuck into the remaining meal from home. After that, I brush my teeth and snuggle into the hammock. Cold air chills my face, but I smile as I lie for a short time contemplating what I am doing and why, and how lucky I am to be able to do this.

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Slowly I fade off to la-la land and a deep sleep that is unlike most outdoor experiences. Sheer bliss to me. Doing what I want to do when I want and how I want. In the morning, my sombre sleep is gently broken by birds chirping around me, welcoming another day after a beautiful night in the hammock. I eat breakfast quickly as it is cooler than the night before, and I get ready to head back. The return to the car is a gorgeous paddle, as the sun came out to guide me back and welcome me. I got back to the car in no time, drove home and was there before 9 am. The missus asked how it was and I said almost perfect. She said, “Why not perfect?” I said, “Because you were not there.” Just so everyone knows, I am not a complete mad individual, but a certified ocean touring stand up paddle board instructor with many years of ocean experience under my belt and many firsts in the BC waters. I enjoy paddle boarding like nothing else, as it affords me the adventure, exercise, and opportunities to explore and visit all these wonderful spots in the qathet region.

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qathet Living • February 2024 • 31

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THE CURE: Above, Tour de Friends’ Sarah Bonsor, Kim Leahy, Mary Payne, Kim Leach, Tara Schmunk and Sue Scholtz will ride in the Tour de Cure this August. Below, Suzi and Rod Wiebe will also ride in the Tour. We’ll keep you posted on their fundraising efforts this spring and summer.

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Embracing the Challenge: locals ride for Tour de Cure In August, qathet residents will take part in Tour de Cure, a 200-kilometre cycle from Cloverdale to Hope. Tour de Cure is BC’s biggest cycling fundraiser, supporting research through the BC Cancer Foundation. Cancer research and innovations in treatment are important to six “Tour de Friends” members. Tara Schmunk’s husband, Dave, is living with an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma. Kim Leach is a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor. Kim Leahy, Sarah Bonsor, and Sue Scholtz are RNs who serve clients receiving cancer treatments. Mary Payne lost her older sister to uterine cancer. Two other locals, Suzi and Rod Wiebe, will ride for Bell Media/Team CTV. This will be their fourth tour. “For me, its personal,” says Suzi, a breast cancer survivor. “I’m celebrating six years cancer free.” Funds raised through the Tour de Cure will support life-saving research and enhancements for care at BC Cancer. “I’m here today because of that research. I will be forever grateful to all our family, friends and community that have helped us raise money in support of critical research. We pay it forward and Ride On to Hope!” said Suzi. You can donate to the Tour de Friends at tourdecure.ca/fundraiser/tourdefriends or to Rod and Suzi’s teams at tourdecure.ca/fundraiser/suzi or tourdecure.ca/fundraiser/rod

The BladeRunners youth employment program is accepting applications for its next session, running March 4th – 22nd. The provincially funded program, run locally by Lift Community Services, offers employment supports for youth aged 15 – 30 who face multiple barriers to employment which could include housing instability, mental health challenges, being a youth in care, criminal justice involvement, incomplete high school education, or lived or living experience of substance use. The program provides job readiness skills such as interview role-plays and resume building, certification like WHMIS, First Aid Level 1, and Serving it Right, job coaching and support, workplace communication skills, life skills training, and job placement opportunities. The program is accepting applications from interested youth who are keen to enter the workforce, and can commit to the three weeks of training. For more information please contact Mikayla Likar, BladeRunners Facilitator, at Mikayla.likar@liftcommunityservices.org, or 604208-7166

Heritage Week at the Mall During Heritage Week the Townsite Heritage Society will be bringing history to the Town Centre Mall in the atrium just inside the doors at the Walmart Entrance. Visit the stall from 11 am–3 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, February 20–24. See historic poster-size photos of the Townsite, a slide show, and photo albums to browse, along with a collection of historic Digester newsletters from the old days. This is a convenient time to purchase Karen Southern’s House History Books, Our Historic Powell River Cook Book, or Bev Falconer’s new release With Good Company. You can also pick up a free Fall/Winter Digester, and renew or become a new member ($10/ year). Also available for sale are Townsite Heritage Society T-shirts emblazoned with the “History Gives us Roots” design.

POWELL RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BUSINESS AWARDS

This space sponsored by:

NO M I NAT I O N FO RM

ENTREPRENEUR(S) OF THE YEAR

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

HOME-BASED BUSINESS AWARD

A home-operated business that consistently shows excellence and quality in service and/or merchandise. These businesses include those operating online only or selling in markets or from home addresses.

TOURISM AWARD

This business provides and promotes an outstanding visitor experience and actively encourages the growth of Powell River and the area as a destination

BUSINESS NAME

OWNER/MANAGER/CONTACT NAME

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

A business operating for not less than 1 year and not more than 2 years that has gained an expanding positive reputation.

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

A business with fewer than 20 employees that has demonstrated superior quality in all aspects of its operations.

SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

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

BUSINESS NAME

OWNER/MANAGER/CONTACT NAME

ABORIGINAL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

This award goes to an Aboriginal-owned and operated business in the community.

FORESTRY SECTOR AWARD

This business shows excellence and innovation in communications and sustainability in forestry, forest management or forestrelated industry.

BUSINESS NAME

OWNER/MANAGER/CONTACT NAME

NOT FOR PROFIT EXCELLENCE AWARD

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

AGRICULTURAL AWARD

This award will be presented to any individual or agriculturerelated business that has made outstanding contributions within the community.

BUSINESS NAME

OWNER/MANAGER/CONTACT NAME

BANQUET & AWARDS PRESENTATION

Enter only one business per category on this form. Duplicate nomination forms for the same business are not necessary. All entries will be submitted to a judging panel for final decision.

DWIGHT HALL • 6 PM

Tickets: $70 each Reserve your tickets by emailing office@powellriverchamber.com or pick up at the Chamber office on Wharf Street

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

CUSTOMER SERVICE - HOSPITALITY

As above, but specifically for the hospitality industry (hotels, restaurants, event planners, food vendors, etc.)

BUSINESS NAME

CUSTOMER SERVICE - PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

ORGANIZATION NAME

SATURDAY, April 20, 2024

CUSTOMER SERVICE - RETAIL

Deadline for nominations is 5 pm, Friday March 15, 2024. Businesses must have been operating for a minimum of 12 months to be nominated. Mail or drop off your completed nomination form to Powell River Chamber, 6807 Wharf Street, V8A 1T9. Or enter online at powellriverchamber.com. Multiple submissions are permitted. Enter now! Enter often!

Your name: Phone #:

As above, but specifically for professional services (lawyers, spa services, hair salons, real estate, etc.) BUSINESS NAME

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

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

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

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

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

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD

A business that has been in operation for more than 5 years, has consistently offered outstanding service and/or product to its customers, and displays a strong commitment to community involvement.

qathet Living • February 2024 • 33

LATIN

NIGHT

Powell River Brain Injury Society Fundraiser Carlson Club Loft over 19 ONLY Salsa Lessons at 7 pm Dancing from 8-midnight, Food by Blue Agave Tequila Grill Silent Auction and much more!

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people are composting at home? How many are reducing their meat consumption? How many are restricting their air travel?

We know that the recycling and composting facility behind RONA is quite heavily used. We know that the registrations of electric vehicles has grown fourfold in the last five years. But there are several important dimensions of climate action that are not so easy to evaluate, such as how many

There are so many things individuals can do to reduce their carbon footprint in both big and small ways, it would be impossible to include them all in a survey such as this. We simply want to get a general impression of the current level of involvement among qathet residents - and we will report our findings in the April “Green” issue of qathet Living magazine.

e at qathet Climate Alliance often discuss the prevalence of voluntary personal climate action amongst the local population and have concluded that this is very difficult to assess.

Please circle whether (Y) yes, you are doing the action, (N) no you are not presently doing the action, or (C) you are considering doing the action.

6 PM

Ticket Entry

Climate Action Survey

$35 Tickets available at: PRBIG@TELUS.NET 604-485-6065

FOR A FREE ESTIMATE CALL RIVERCITY MINI EXCAVATING! Landscaping • Retaining Walls • Excavation Site Preparation • Trenching • Backfilling • Drainage Driveways • Water, Sewer & Storm Repairs

Do not use fossil fuels for home heating (eg. electricity or wood)

Y/N/C

Have converted to the use of a heat pump for home heating

Y/N/C

Use an electric vehicle or plug in hybrid for transportation

Y/N/C

Have installed solar panels on or around my home

Y/N/C

Use public transportation and/or bicycle on a regular basis

Y/N/C

Have divested from investments in the fossil fuel industry

Y/N/C

Have reduced personal meat consumption

Y/N/C

Have changed to a vegetarian or vegan diet

Y/N/C

Compost all food waste and organic material

Y/N/C

Have reduced or eliminated personal air travel

Y/N/C

Sign online petitions which promote various climate actions

Y/N/C

Contribute to climate action organizations with time and/or money

Y/N/C

Talk to others about the need to reduce carbon emissions

Y/N/C

Have reduced use of plastics, in packaging in particular

Y/N/C

Frequent thrift stores in an effort to lower consumption of new items Y / N / C Have written to politicians about the importance of climate action

Y/N/C

Experience climate anxiety

Y/N/C

Have decided against having children

Y/N/C

Please comment on the above questions, or tell us other climate actions you may be employing:

6797 Cranberry St • RivercityMiniExcavating.com • 604-483-6366 By March 1, please either: • Take a photo of your filled-out survey and send it to 250-515-2650 or blytlemcghee@gmail.com or send to 203-4477 Michigan Avenue V8A 2S4 • Drop it off at qL office: 7053 E Franklin Street. Thank you for participating!

34 February 2024 • qathetliving.ca

Preparing for the Preparing unexpected for the unexpected

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Most letters you’ll see in ʔayʔaǰuθəm are familiar. Pronounce them as you normally would, with the exception of the vowels and “y,” which are always pronounced:

a e

i o u y

ay as in May

oh oo y as in yell

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This orthography is based on the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). This guide offers a simplified version of the sounds; for an authentic accent, listen at firstvoices.com.

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Toban.DeRooy@ig.ca Toban.DeRooy@ig.ca Trademarks, including IG Wealth Management, arebyowned by IGM Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. Trademarks, including IGToban.DeRooy@ig.ca Wealth Management, areby owned bylicensed IGM Financial Inc.toand licensed to its subsidiary corporations. Trademarks, including IG Wealth Management, are owned IGMowned Financial Inc.Financial and to itslicensed subsidiary corporations. Trademarks, including IG Wealth Management, are IGM Financial Inc. and its subsidiary corporations. Toban.DeRooy@ig.ca Investors Group Inc.Group 2020 (01/2020) ©Investors Investors Group Inc. 2020 RET2112MA_E (01/2020) ©©Investors Group Inc. 2020 RET2112MA_E (01/2020) © Inc.RET2112MA_E 2020 RET2112MA_E (01/2020) Trademarks, including IG Wealth Management, areManagement, owned by IGM and licensedInc. to and its subsidiary Trademarks, including IG Wealth areFinancial ownedand byInc. IGM Financial licensed tocorporations. its subsidiarycorporations. corporations. Trademarks, including IG Wealth Management, are owned by IGM Financial Inc. licensed to its subsidiary ©Inc. Investors Inc. 2020 RET2112MA_E (01/2020) © Investors Group 2020 Group RET2112MA_E (01/2020) © Investors Group Inc. 2020 RET2112MA_E (01/2020)

POWELL RIVER POWELL RIVER

HEARING HEARING Heartotomake makeaadidifference inyour your life. life. Hear erence in

popping t t-th tl th wh (like in who) Hhhh

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qathet Living • February 2024 • 35

Rachel Blaney, MP 4683 Marine Ave 604 489 2286 Rachel.Blaney@parl.gc.ca

YOUR POWELL RIVER REPRESENTATIVES

AFTER THE CUT: From left to right, the forest with five years growth after re-planting, after 15 years, and after 75 years. Below, a view of the Powell River Forest District. Photos submitted by Verne Kinley Sr.

Nicholas Simons, MLA

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36 February 2024 • qathetliving.ca

To the editor, Re: A Letter from the Slash, December, 2023. Here in Powell River, we live in one of the most beautiful scenic areas in the world, surrounded by vast forests, lakes, and mountains. Forests are a passionate topic for many of us and there are many views on how our local forest should appear and be managed. The forests of BC are incredibly critical to maintaining the environment, wildlife, climate and the wellbeing of the people of this area and beyond. Fortunately, we are world leaders in managing forests and protecting BC forests and ecosystems. BC forests are vast, bigger than France and Germany combined, 149 million acres. This takes an extensive collection of professionals from foresters to biologists to community partners coming together to design a plan that will protect our incredible resources for this generation and for future ones. Every Canadian can – and should – support one of the world’s best forest sectors. These world-leading procedures ensure that the sector operates with only the highest environmental standards. For instance, the equivalent of 12 million football fields of old-growth forest is protected in the province – land which will never be harvested by industry. BC is home to beautiful parks and expansive protected areas. Much of the natural beauty of the province is derived from its forests, which make up 62% of the province’s land base. According to the BC Ministry of Forests website, less than one third of 1% of forested land in the province is harvested each year. Before each tree is harvested an exhaustive environmental review is conducted and following har-

MAIL BAG We welcome feedback from our readers. Letters may be edited for length. Email your comments to isabelle@prliving.ca, or mail an old-school letter in the post to qathet Living, 7053E Glacier St, Powell River, BC V8A 5J7. vest, three trees are planted for every tree harvested. These trees that are harvested play a critical role in helping Canada meet its carbon emissions commitments, through low carbon forest products. Carbon remains in the wood not only for the life of the tree, but for decades after in products such as lumber, millwork, or furniture. Much of the employment from operating in the BC forest industry is located in smaller, affordable communities like Powell River, where we enjoy short commutes, beautiful scenery, and a good work-life balance. The recreational opportunities in Powell River are boundless and the forest is its base. Through co-operative management this will continue to excel for generations to come. Numerous hiking, biking, and ATV trails abound within the Powell River Forest District. Sustained yield harvesting provides employment and beautiful forests for years to come. The back bone of smaller communities and First Nations is the harvesting of forests for the benefit of all of us. Next time you see a tree stump, or watch a logging truck drive by, you can be assured that our forests are in good hands. – Verne Kinley Sr.

MAIL BAG CONTINUED… Does it matter whether the tax dollars used are local? To the editor, I read through your story in the January edition of qathet Living and wanted to provide a bit more context on the ridership information BC Transit originally provided and correct one point about the taxpayer cost per trip graphic included in your article. The ridership data BC Transit provided in your story comes from our Annual Performance Summary data that is compiled each fiscal year (April 1 – March 31). Our strongest ridership recovery provincially occurred in 2023, and the fiscal year data we provided only captured three of the 12 months of 2023. When we review the most updated ridership data supplied by our partners in transit, the City of Powell River, it paints a clearer picture of transit ridership and recovery in the region. In the 2023 calendar year, the Powell River conventional transit system saw 219,995 trips, an increase of 12% compared to 2022 and a 9% increase over 2019 when ridership was 201,888. That was just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly and negatively impacted ridership for more than two years. In addition we would like to highlight a correction with regards to your graph that compared the cost to taxpayer per trip for each of the current transit services in the Powell River region. Your formula divided ridership data by the total cost of running each transit system, as opposed to the portion of the transit costs that the local government partner and in turn the local taxpayers are responsible for. BC Transit works in partnership with communities across the province on providing local transit services. As part of that partnership and shared services model, BC Transit facilitates provincial funding that sees the City of Powell River pay for only 53.31% of conventional transit total costs and only 33.31% of handyDART transit total costs. To get a true apples to apples comparison of the cost per trip between conventional, handyDART and Zunga bus services, the true costs to local government and the taxpayers of the region should be considered. As outlined in a recent City of Powell River staff report to council this past December, if the true local government cost of transit was used to convey the cost to local taxpayer per trip, the resulting figures would have shown a significantly less cost per trip for BC Transit supported services than was outlined in your article. This report outlined the cost of conventional transit at $4 per ride, Zunga Bus at $13 per ride and HandyDART at $22 per ride. BC Transit apologies for any confusion or lack of clarity that was provided on our part. - Rob Ringma, Senior Manager Government Relations, BC Transit Editor’s note: Rob is right that local governments pay for only part of the conventional and HandyDart transit systems, whereas the City pays the full amount of the Zunga bus. However, we stand by our numbers on the total costs of these services and costs per trip, and remind readers that provincial transit subsidies still come out of their wallets, just spread out and shared more via provincial and federal taxes, instead of local property taxes. Watch for updated numbers in future issues.

Zunga is not a bus RE: Transportation and Zunga Bus/Article in qathet Living January 2024 I found this 8 page report/article conflicting and disturbing. The reasons are stated here. The Zunga Bus is not operating as a bus; it is operating as a taxi in direct conflict with the local taxi/ cab company and other privately operated transportation companies. The Zunga Bus takes people door to door for $2.25. In the article it states that it costs the municipality about $13 per ride; this is not consistent with the figures quoted in the article and it appears it is costing the municipality $20.30 per trip. It caters to a small percentage of the people in a small area of town. Within Westview most taxi fares are around and up to $20. I see this Zunga vehicle sitting around empty frequently waiting for a trip. It is obvious after three years that this pilot project has failed. The municipality could help the community better by working with the local taxi company by providing discount coupons for people to take taxis. The Zunga Bus should be doing a scheduled route consistently, or be dropped. In the article it lists the “get around gang” which includes Powell River Taxi. This is not a valid name of a taxi company in Powell River. The taxi company in Powell River changed hands just before covid and the name was changed to “Coast Taxi”. The information confuses the public and does not promote the local company which has operated in Powell River for over 20 years. Coast Taxi provides direct service in Powell River; it is based in this community and is not from other outlying areas such as Coastal Rides or Sunshine Coast Connector which are from Sechelt. The article promotes the latter companies, which seems biased. Coast Taxi provides an essential service to the community and was hit hard during COVID, just like the bus company and other small businesses. It has been struggling to get back on track again and it is not just a shortage of drivers; it is a shortage of business. Most of the bars and restaurants close by 10 pm, and all people, not just a select few are making cutbacks due to rising costs. More business, more drivers. It is very sad to see qathet Living demean the local taxi company. Bad reporting. Description of a bus: a vehicle providing local transportation for larger numbers of people on a scheduled route for the general public. Description of a taxi: a vehicle used for a single person or small group of passengers door to door. Description of a shuttle: a vehicle used for small groups of passengers for specific purpose providing service to a specific place. - Hollie Davis

Pipe Dreams Hi Isabelle, Thank you so much for the good article you wrote in the latest edition of qathet Living. As Bob Farrell’s son, I grew up with the pipes. They were a major part of our family life… Dad’s practicing at home, his participation in many events with the pipe band and at quartet & solo events.

While my personal musical journey took a different direction, the pipes were a major force in my early years. I’m glad my dad’s treasured pipes are in good hands. - Al Farrell

More Goals Hi Isabelle, I just finished reading this month’s magazine. Every month I faithfully read them and save them for when my kids come home from Italy. This month I’m very impressed with your contribution “ Last Word”. Your reasoning is so much like mine as I’ve always relied on a planner to keep track of my goals. Your thoughts about dreams were very helpful to me. I must take more time on goals rather than dreams. Thank you very much. - Darlene Haigh

Eclipsed by our own excitement To the editor, Point 6 on page 16 of the January issue [12 Things to Look Forward To, January 2024) needs a few corrections: The 2024 total solar eclipse will not be visible from here as a total eclipse, but only as a partial eclipse. It will be total in Alberta and parts of the far north. This year’s April 8 eclipse will not be total here. It will be total over eastern Canada. The sky will not darken here at all, as only about a quarter of the sun will be covered by the moon. Much less than this past (clouded-out) October 14. No change in lighting will be noticeable. No near-total darkness. But good idea to observe it anyhow with special eclipse glasses. The times are correct. True – our very dark skies encourage celestial observers, but the eclipse is in the daytime! - Ika Hackett

BC Ferries has great moments, too Re: BC Ferries coverage in the October issue. On the 6th of January, from Comox to PR, I came home on the 9:50 am ferry. I’m a senior and the ferry crew couldn’t have been more helpful. Over Christmas you have so much stuff – the crew took my bag, put it where it was safe and put a wheel block under it, so I wouldn’t have to worry about it. When I got off the ferry the crew helped me, and another gentleman helped me. We should start praising people who do nice things. BC Ferries is having a bad rap right now. That crew that looked after me – I’m 80. They were so good and kind. They didn’t seem upset because I needed the help. I so appreciated it. - Jenny Duker, Texada Island

Corrections • In the January issue, we incorrectly spelled “Whiskey” with an e – the spelling associated with Irish Whiskey. The Scottish spelling – which should be used when referring to drinking on Robbie Burns Day – is “Whisky,” with no “e.” • In the January issue, we incorrectly named Rick Hopper as head coach for the Powell River Regals.

qathet Living • February 2024 • 37

Vanderkemp gas becomes Canco Big changes are underway at one of qathet’s landmark businesses – Vanderkemp Sales & Service. After 41 years, Dick Vanderkemp is retiring. Johnny Vanderkemp will continue serving the qathet area and has moved his service operations into their new storage building at the back of the property. John, Brian Satermo and Nancie Omand will continue offering vehicle and electrical repairs, RV services, storage and U-Haul rentals. The gas station has been leased to Canco who started providing gas and propane sales Feb 1. Canco, an independent service station company, which is also operating the Black Point store and the Top of the Hill gas station, has been expanding rapidly in Western Canada. Columbia Fuels cardlock remains unchanged.

Office place gets bigger office Westview Office has moved into a bigger space at the top of Duncan Street. Westview Office Technology quickly outgrew their old spot on Duncan Street, so as of January 1st they moved in to the suite freed up when Coast Fitness downsized to just half their old space. Westview is now in Suite 102 at 7385 Duncan Street, while Coast Fitness is now solely in Suite 101. Westview is Powell River’s only authorized sales and service provider for copiers, printers, and general office equipment. Along with the needed extra space for the copier setup/repair shop and supply storage, the new space also provides for a showroom where clients can come in and “kick the tires” on the

BUSINESS AFFAIRS

space has been renamed Vape & Joy and has more room for more products, such as cigars and bongs.

SEAN PERCY

When Dustin Miller recently moved to town, he brought his business, Valley Exterior Maintenance, with him from the Comox Valley. Dustin has done a lot of different jobs, and decided to put all those skills into one business. “I do gutters, siding, windows, fix rot, build decks -– a little bit of everything.” His services also include power washing, cleaning soffits and siding, repairing siding, building fences, and more. Contact Dustin at 778-585-0634 or email valleyexteriormaintenance@gmail.com.

different brands on offer, said owner Romina Pavel. Westview Office will hold an open house during the first week of March, when everyone will be welcome to check out the new place. Open house hours are 9 am to 1 pm from Monday to Wednesday, and noon to 5 pm on Thursday and Friday. Or call 604-3442074 or email sales@westviewoffice.com to set up a private showing.

PRISMA to Townsite PRISMA has moved its office from the Town Centre mall to the Townsite Market at 113-5831 Ash Ave (lower level, next to Townsite Fruit & Veg). Office hours are by appointment only as the space is undergoing renovations.

Vape at Joyce finds Joy The former Vape on Joyce has moved, but not far. The shop was part of the Shell gas station, but that combination is no longer allowed under provincial rules. Fortunately for Anmol Kalsi and his partners, the former Chrysalis Flower shop space came available, allowing them to move the vape operations just across the parking lot in Crossroads Village. Anmol will continue to manage both operations. The new

“Valley” still works

Changes bowl over Kingfisher Books Plans to revitalize the bowling alley building are forcing a move for Kingfisher Books, which has occupied part of that building for 20 years. “We’re looking for somewhere with reasonable rent,” said owner Sharon Deane. Kingfisher occupies 2,000 square feet of the Marine Avenue building. “If we can’t find a space, we’ll have to shut down.” Ryan Hanson of Hanson Land & Sea, who manages the building in partnership with Persephone Brewing, says losing the bookstore is an unfortunate casualty of the big plans they have for the property. They have already added an apartment to the top floor, and have plans for three more residential units upstairs. He says plans for the Kingfisher space are not yet public. || sean@prliving.ca

Here’s To YOU!

Thanks to the amazing staff at Powell River A&W ® and the quick adoption of the One Cup by our wonderful customers, we’ve kept thousands of disposable cups out of the landfills.

This is part of the team that has helped local residents use the One Cup. More One Cup refills have been served at the Powell River A&W ® than in any other A&W ® restaurant in the province! Environmental sustainability takes practice and participation from both our staff and guests, so thank-you for helping make a difference.

Not a One Cup user yet? Simply pay $3 for your first reusable A&W ® cup and sip away. Then, exchange your cup the next time you order and enjoy a 20¢ discount on your next A&W ® beverage.

Open at 6 am, 7 days a week 4696 Joyce Ave • 604 485-6277

38 February 2024 • qathetliving.ca

January in qathet

Flock to Crucible Gallery for Hospice

Hospice houses

This metal and wood birdhouse using a mask theme is a duplex with two separate dwellings for our avian friends. Its opening will suit chickadees, nuthatches, and downy woodpeckers. - Robert Mackle

Whimsical birdhouses for Hospice are still showing off! All aflutter at Artique in January, a new flock arrives at Crucible Gallery, February 7 to 29. A Silent Auction for all birdhouses will be at qathet ART, March 5 to 9. Check the Hospice website for details. fourtideshospice.org

My big old cat Maki is the model for my birdhouse. He has never been much of a hunter, in fact we saw him lying on the porch this fall watching the resi-

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dent squirrel drinking out of his water dish. The only way he would ever catch a bird is by having them fly into his mouth by mistake — Hence this birdhouse painting. —MP - Maggie Poole, Artist - Kirk Franske, Architect, builder My project was inspired by the incredible insight and effort of Eagle Walz, Scott Glaspey, Don Krompocker, Jim Stutt, and

too many others to name in the development of the Sunshine Coast Trail. With many material off-cuts at hand and acquired knowledge of SCT hut building, Tin Hat seemed like a good choice. Anna May Bennett contributed beautiful brush work. — KM - Ken McLeish, Architect, builder - Anna May Bennett, artist

POWELL RIVER | SUNSHINE COAST | VANCOUVER

604.485.8100 CITYTRANSFER.COM qathet Living • February 2024 • 39

FEBRUARY EVENTS CLU

B BON ACCUEIL

Festival

Francophone de qathet

CÉLÉB

2024

R E Z L A F R A N C O P H O NIE!

LIVE MUSIC WORKSHOPS & CRAFTS MAPLE SUGAR SHACK AND MUCH MORE!

À faire

LE 9 & 10 MARS MUSIQUE ATELIERS & ARTISANAT CABANE À SUCRE ET BEAUCOUP PLUS!

VISITEZ WWW.CLUBBONACCUEIL.COM

Thursday

Film • Mami Wata

7 pm, The Patricia. qathet film society presents a members-only screening of Mami Wata, with free admission for all Film Festival pass holders. And as a bonus, you can bring a friend along for free admission as well! You can also purchase a pass at the screening and get in free. Because this film is not rated in BC, Film Society membership is required to attend. Festival pricing is in effect $10/$12. Kick off the Film Festival and celebrate Black History Month.

Friday

Piano Heist opens

7 pm, Max Cameron. $30. Nico Rhodes and Patrick Courtin deliver everything from classical piano raptures to bombastic boogie woogie, from romantic piano ballads to 80’s keyboard synth battles in their show Piano Heist! What ensues is a mishmash of theatrical wonder, comedy, audience participation, heartfelt stories, a pinch of history, and a world of musical madness.

Film • Poor Things

Take-Out | Dine-In | Patio

7 pm, The Patricia. The incredible story and fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter (Emma Stone), a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Baxter (Willem Dafoe).

Saturday

Tuesday

Musical Theatre Workshop with the Piano Heist guys

Film • Poor Things

Piano Heist

Medicinal Plants of the qathet Region

1 to 2:30 pm, Max Cameron. Learn performance strategies and techniques with working artists Nico Rhodes and Patrick Courtin. $5 plus a free ticket to the 7 pm show. 7 pm, Max Cameron. $30.

Opening reception: Peter Gynd painting show, 10989 Dunlop Rd 6 pm, qathet Art Centre. See story on Page 49.

Film • Poor Things

1:30 pm matinee and 7 pm, The Patricia.

Sunday

Burger & Beer for Laszlo Tamasik’s competitive dance 4 to 8 pm, Carlson Club. $20 tickets.

Film • Poor Things 7 pm, The Patricia.

Monday

Sunshine Coast Music Festival Information Meeting

7 pm, 4639 Michigan Ave. Urgent help needed for grant writing, fund raising, hospitality lounge coordination, merch booth crew, board members. zemyna63@gmail.com.

Film • Poor Things

7 pm, The Patricia.

Friday

7 pm, Library. Professional herbalist and author, Todd Caldecott, will identify and discuss the properties and clinical uses of some key medicinal herbs found in our region.

Love Now: A Valentine’s Dance Party

8 pm, Carlson Community Club. Featuring local DJs Claudia Medina / NeoNSkye / Riki Rocket. Bar – no minors. Advance tickets $15 at Carlson Club, Townskate, Armitage. $20 at the door.

Medusa

7 pm, Cranberry Hall. A re-imagined Western string quartet, Medusa is Georgia Hathaway, Lea Kirstein, Marta Sołek, and Saskia Tomkins, whose style cross-pollinates the sounds of Middle Eastern, Scandinavian, Celtic, Appalachian, and Eastern European music. Tickets ($20/$25) available at Nutcracker, Magpie’s and Eventbrite.

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

5:30 pm doors, 6:30 pm films. Different program each night. Max Cameron Theatre. Hosted by CMA students and their families. Cash bar, silent auction, appies available. $25, tickets at Brooks, Taws, 32 Lakes, and The Peak.

7 pm, The Patricia.

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Winter Hours: Mon–Sat 11:30–8 • Sunday 3:30–8

40 February 2024 • qathetliving.ca

Films Nightly 7 PM

T H E AT R E

New Films Weekly

For movie schedules, visit our website or see the events section in this issue

PATRICIATHEATRE.COM • 604-483-9345

Monday

American Fiction

Film at 7 pm, at the Patricia

SCENES FROM A LIFE: Leslie and Lincoln Davidson, and Lincoln with their grandson.

Rural BC author shares memoir of her marriage’s dementia journey

met my husband, Lincoln in 1974 in Williams Lake. After bouncing around the province, we put down roots, raised our family, and taught school in Grand Forks, BC. Retirement found us volunteering, enjoying our friends, and travelling. In 2011, during a trip to Costa Rica it became obvious that Lincoln was not okay … and neither was I. My left foot dragged; my left hand and arm began to tremor. “You have Parkinson’s disease,” a neurologist told me. Soon after, our family doctor, shaken by Lincoln’s poor performance on a cognitive assessment told us, “Dementia. Probably Alzheimer’s.” Later, Lincoln’s diagnosis changed to Lewy Body dementia. He went into care three years post-diagnosis, and we moved to Revelstoke where our daughters and their families lived. Lincoln died in the sum-

mer of 2017 and the following winter I spent 10 days in a writing residency, part of the CBC prize for creative nonfiction I had won for an essay, “Adaptation” about our life with Parkinson’s and dementia. I wrote and wept…until I found the laughter that was the sound of our marriage. When Covid hit, I organized all my starts and stops, the emails I had written, and with additions and deletions, I had a book. Maybe. Publisher Brindle and Glass (Touchwood Editions), thought so, too. Dancing In Small Spaces was born. I would love to tell you more of our story. Please join me at Powell River Public Library, February 22 at 11 am for a public reading of Dancing in Small Spaces: One Couple’s Journey with Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. - by Leslie A Davidson

Rocks of Ages Curling Bonspiel begins

Hosted by Barb Creber & Kyla Mazurak. $2 entry, kids under 12 free. Rocks, gems, crystals, jewelry. Silent auction & kids corner.

The Music of Burt Bacharach

Kings vs. Langley Rivermen

7 pm, James Hall. Miles Black on piano, Don Stewart on vocals, Walter Martella on trumpet. See ad on Page 53.

American Fiction

The Wonder of Whimsical Birdhouses

At the Curling Club

7pm Hap Parker

Film at 7 pm, at the Patricia

Saturday

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

Opening reception: 5-7 pm Crucible Gallery Tiskwat. Four Tides Hospice Society fundraising exhibition. See more on Page 8.

Whisper of the Senses Art Exhibit

2 to 8 pm, #13-4312 Franklin Ave. Art exhibit by Patricia Sparks.

5:30 pm doors, 6:30 pm films. Different program each night. See Page 46.

New Moon

Rocks of Ages

First annual Rock & gem Show

Bonpiel at the Curling Club

Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon.

Best time for observing faint objects in the sky.

10 til 5 pm Saturday, 10 til 4 pm Sunday at the Legion.

Tuesday

American Fiction

Film at 7 pm, at the Patricia

Wednesday

Valentine’s Day

Secure your sugar now

Special Valentine’s Day hours at Bloom Therapy See ad on Page 9.

Valentine’s Dinner at the Boardwalk 5 pm and 7 pm seatings. Special menu. See ad on Page 12.

Valentine’s Day Event at The Patricia TBA. See more at qathetfilm.ca.

Thursday

Kings vs. Langley Rivermen 7pm Hap Parker

American Fiction

Film at 7 pm, at the Patricia

Sunday

An Afternoon of Romance with the qathet Symphony Orchestra

2 pm at Max Cameron Theatre. By donation. Love and romance-themed music for the whole family, from Disney movie themes

for the kids through classical overtures and waltzes to Elizabethan madrigals. Come listen to YOUR orchestra play music by Bernstein, Tchaikovsky, Elgar, Lehar, Johann Strauss, ABBA, Gilbert & Sullivan and more. Featuring cello soloist Arthur Arnold and vocal group Vox Madrigal.

Rocks of Ages Curling Bonspiel At the Curling Club

First annual Rock & gen Show

10 til 5 pm Saturday, 10 til 4 pm Sunday at the Legion. Hosted by Barb Creber & Kyla Mazurak. $2 entry, kids under 12 free. Rocks, gems, crystals, jewelry. Silent auction & kids corner.

American Fiction

Film at 1:30 and 7 pm, at the Patricia

Beanstalk production of Beauty & The Beast Jr. begins At the Evergreen Theatre. See story on Page 44.

16 Friday

qathet School District Pro-D Day

No school through Monday, Family Day.

Beanstalk production of Beauty & The Beast Jr. At the Evergreen Theatre.

Sticky Fingers: Rolling Stones Experience Tribute

7 pm, Carlson Loft. $35 advance, $40 at the door.

Saturday

PR Villa vs. Gorge United 1:30 pm Timberlane.

Beanstalk production of Beauty & The Beast Jr. At the Evergreen Theatre.

Lang Bay Hall Market 10 am to 1 pm.

Monday

Family Day

A day off for most workers. Most students also get the Friday off, making it a fourday weekend.

Community Spaghetti Dinner

4:30 Powell River United Church. By Donation. 4932 Crofton (near 7-11).

20 Tuesday

Under Paris Spies reading with author CaroleAnn Leishman

7 pm Library. Local author CaroleAnn Leishman will read from her new novel, Under Paris Spies, a totally gripping sexy spy thriller with shocking twists. For information contact Mark at mmerlino@prpl.ca

Thursday

Dancing in Small Spaces reading: a story about dementia 11 am, Library. Author Leslie Davidson presents her powerful memoir – a love story, stitched with honesty and touched with humour, about one couple’s journey with Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. See more on Page 41.

qathet Living • February 2024 • 41

FEBRUARY EVENTS

BTU in Concert: Barney Bentall, Tom Taylor, Shari Ulrich

Black History Month celebration

Friday

Funny. Sexy. Fierce. Unapologetic!

Shield Maiden

7pm, March 8 International Womens’ Day www.shieldmaidenplay.com A 10th century Viking TED Talk on what it means to be a Viking warrior woman. Written and Performed by Melanie Teichroeb, her character empowers women to reclaim the warrior archetype in our modern world. One-hour show with a talkback afterwards. Language warning.

ALL SEATS $25. GET YOUR TICKETS

ONLINE: MaxCameronTheatre.ca IN PERSON at The PEAK 4400 Marine Ave, THE NUTCRACKER MARKET on Marine or the ACADEMY OF MUSIC 7280 Kemano St 604.485.9633 or at THE DOOR 30 minutes prior, 5400 Marine Ave

Is your sweetheart dreaming of a renovation or garden project?

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42 February 2024 • qathetliving.ca

7 pm at the Max Cameron. Cranberry Hall and the Max Cameron Theatre present an unforgettable night. Tickets ($30/$35) at Nutcracker & Magpie’s and on Eventbrite. Check us out on Facebook or email info@cranhall.org

“A Stage Full of Stars” Laszlo Tamasik Dance Academy show 7 pm each night, Evergreen.Company fundraising show. Tickets at the Peak Paper & the door. Enjoy all genres of dance to include hiphop, ballet, musical theatre, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and Latin. All proceeds from this show go towards the dancers’ competition fees.

Kings vs. Alberni Valley Bulldogs 7pm Hap Parker

Friends of the Library Book Drive

Poetry reading: The Slough at Albion

Saturday

Carlson Community Club. Everyone is invited to celebrate black history, black culture and black people. See story on Page 47.

“A Stage Full of Stars” Laszlo Tamasik Dance Academy show

7 pm each night, Evergreen Theatre. Company fundraising show. Tickets at the Peak and the door.

Full Moon Snow moon

Cinematic Saturday: Beauty and the Beast

Monday

Tuesday

The Friends of the Library host a book drive from 3-5 pm at the Library to collect book donations from the community.

ASL Story Hour for Kids

3:30 pm, Library. Join deaf storyteller and ASL specialist Jolene Gallagher and children’s services coordinator Sonia Zagwyn for stories presented in both American Sign Language and English. See ad on Page 35.

1 pm, Library. Movie-loving youth, adults, and families are invited for a free midweek matinee at PRPL. Get out of the weather and enjoy a film at PRPL. Popcorn provided! Free.

7 pm Library. Local poet Hannah Main-Van Der Kamp is presenting her new book, featuring her evocative poems about the natural life on the coast as seen through the changing seasons.

Garden Club meeting Doors open 6:45, Cranberry Seniors Centre. All welcome.

Wednesday

80th Powell River Festival of Performing Arts begins

Hosted by the Rotary Club of Powell River. Through March 9. See Page 20 for ad and Page 48 for story.

Kings vs. Alberni Valley Bulldogs 7pm Hap Parker

MAPLE SYRUP ON ICE: A sweet, family-friendly good time.

Photo courtesy of Club Bon Accueil

Sugar shack & tunes: qathet’s Francophone Fest

his year, the annual Francophone Festival organized by Club Bon Accueil, will be taking place on March 9th and 10th at 5110 Manson Avenue. This will be the 14th edition of the festival which was previously known as the Salmon Festival. The event celebrates the language and culture of francophones and francophiles, as well as creates an opportunity for the community to gather and socialize. The festival will start at 1 pm on Saturday, with a variety of fun family-friendly activities, food, live music, silent auction, crafts, and workshops until 5 pm. In the evening from 7 to 9 pm, you are invited to join the world folk music duo, Kouskous, for a magical and mysterious musical tour of folk songs from the French-speaking world.

The entrance fee for the evening event will be free for members or $10 for non-members to purchase at the door. It will include French-inspired appetizers to enjoy with the music. Sunday morning, the sugar shack is back! From 10 am to noon, a traditional brunch will be served along with live music and maple taffy on snow. Grab your tickets for the brunch online via a presale throughout the month of February: tickets cost $20 for adults, $14 for children 12 and under, and free for children 4 and under. Club Bon Accueil looks forward to welcoming the community for this celebration and welcomes everyone to take part in the festivities! For more information and tickets visit their website at clubbonaccueil.com.

EVENTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO March 1

March 5

Tom Petty Tribute

7 pm doors, Carlson Club. $30 advance, $35 at the door.

Big West Wrestling

Festival of Performing Arts 80th Anniversary Special Concert

6:30 pm, The Arc. Tickets at Blue Agave and Top of the Hill. $15 advance, $20 door.

7 pm, Evergreen. A collaboration with PRISMA, with special guests Cuore Piano Trio. $15/$20. See ad on Page 20.

March 1 to 9

March 8

See qathetfilm.ca and the program guide, inserted into this issue of qL.

7 pm, Max Cameron. Tickets available at the Peak, Academy of Music, at the door 30 minutes prior. See ad on Page 42.

qathet Film Festival

March 1, 2, 8 & 9 Live theatre: Gibson & Sons

March 9 and 10

7 pm each night at Forest Bistro. What do you get when you have two Russian mail-order brides showing up at a family-run small town funeral parlour? $25. Carvery buffet each night at 5 pm. See more at right.

March 2

Comedy Night: Class of 2024 Dry Grad Fundraiser

Dwight Hall. Tickets available at Massullo Motors, qathet Living, Pacific Cannabis. $60, five comedians. Ryan Williams is the headliner.

PR Villa vs.Westcastle International Academy 1:30 pm, Timberlane.

Festival Francophone at Club Bon Accueil Live music, workshops, crafts, food, maple sugar shack and more! See ad on Page 42.

March 9

Seedy Saturday

Recreation Complex

Cranberry Hall Presents Joanna Finch and Ashley Sykes “Songs of the Sisterhood” in celebration of Women’s Day.

7 pm Cran Hall. Tickets $20/$25.

Festival of Performing Arts Grand Concert Evergreen Theatre

March 3

Community Garage Sale

10 am to 3 pm, The Arc. Over 30 sellers. To book a table email powellriverevents@consultant.com

March 4 to 8

Westview Office Technology Open House

Shield Maiden

New office at 7385 Duncan Street. See ad on Page 38.

80s Dance: a celebration of Lift’s 40th anniversary

Doors at 7 pm, The Arc. See ad on Page 10.

March 10

Vocal Workshop and Sound Bath Sunday with Joanna Finch and Ashley Sykes 1 pm Cran Hall. Sliding scale $25-$45. info@ cranhall.org

March 15

Deadline to submit your Chamber nomination form See form on Page 35.

March 23

Latin Night: PR Brain Injury Association Fundraiser

6 pm, Carlson Loft. Salsa lessons at 7 pm, dancing until midnight, food by Blue Agave. $35. See ad on Page 34.

March 26-30

Coy Cup: BC Senior Mens AA Provincial Championship Final on March 30.

March 16 to April 1 Spring Break

Ends with Easter weekend this year.

March 27

Cran Hall Presents Daniel Champagne

7:30 pm, Cran Hall. This Australian musician is a rocketing star that is not to be missed. Eventbrite tickets already live; printed tickets at Nutcracker and Magpie’s ($25/$30).

April 11 to 14

Townsite Jazz Fest

Headliners include Canadian jazz all-stars Phil Dwyer, PJ Perry and Brad Turner, and the Cory Weeds Quartet featuring New York City organist/pianist Brian Charette.Tickets are available on Eventbrite. townsitejazz.com.

April 19

Spring Cabaret Concert

7:30 pm, James Hall, $30.

April 20

Chamber of Commerce Business Awards See ad on Page 52.

IN THE MAIL: Top, Michelle Morris and Christine Cook. Left, Wes Brown. Right, Rob Baird and Jeremy Buhay. Directed by Stephanie Miller.

Comedy & carvery liven up the end of winter

hat do you get when two Russian mail-order brides show up in a small-town funeral parlour? A hilarious comedy! Gibson & Sons, written by Canadian playright, Kristen Da Silva, is the latest offering by the Townsite Actors Guild. The funeral parlour is family run by the father, Wes Brown, and one of his sons, played by Rob Baird. The family misses their mother who was a pillar of strength both emotionally and in the business. The son, who is desiring companionship, goes online and orders up a Russian mail-order bride. Russians Katya, played by Christine Cook, and her sister Eva, played by Michelle Morris, show up at the funeral parlour and all mayhem breaks loose. The two cultures, North American and Russian, collide in a frenzy of assumptions, wishes and expectations. Relationships that appear normal

GIBSON & SONS When and where: March 1, 2, 8, 9 at Forest Bistro. What: Townsite Actors Guild production of the original Kristen Da Silva play. Carvery buffet offered at Forest Bistro each night starting at 5 pm. Tickets: $25 each for the play (buffet is separate). Available at Rocky Mountain Pizza and Bakery, and at Forest Bistro. are tossed up in the air and come down in the most unexpected ways. Directed by Stephanie Miller, this all-qathet cast features Jeremy Buhay, Wes Brown, Michelle Morris, Christine Cook, Stephanie Zaleski, Rob Baird, and Tricia Andrews. - Stephen Miller

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Top 5 reasons to get a Pollen Sweater for your Valentine

Top Ten Reasons Wear A Pollen Sweater

1. Because he/she is so worth it. 2. He/she is so snuggly in a wool sweater. Makes were him/her 90%making more handsome. No pop 3. bottles hurt Pollen Sweaters. Not that she/he needs it, of course. You’ll be4.helping sheep stay cool in summer. Available in the colour of chocolate. The pure5.wool staysevidence warmsuggests even when wet.get Anecdotal people who Sweaters as giftsto most often end up Non-itchy,Pollen and soft enough wear next to not sensitive skin. wearing them that night. Nudge, nudge.

Machine washable and dryer safe at moderate temperature. more fun, washable sweaters, We put theForlabel onand the insidewoolwhere itponchos belongs. and toques, along with books and jewelry, Designed to layer under orLund. over other garments. find smoothly us above Nancy’s Bakery in No offshore sweatshops. Ours is here at home. If it ever wears out compost it. Makes you 50 to 90% more handsome. (results may vary)

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Custom Sewing Classes - Beginning Where You Are! $$45 / 2 hours. Call for appt.

Do you provide health services in qathet? Contact Sean Percy before September 5 to get your free listing in ZEST magazine/directory.

sean@prliving.ca or 604-485-0003

Lund Water Taxi 604-483-9749 Daily runs to Savary Island • Charters serving Savary Island & surrounding areas, including Sunshine Coast Trail • Phone for reservations • Phone hours 8 am – 5 pm

44 February 2024 • qathetliving.ca

THERE’S NO MAN IN TOWN HALF AS MANLY: James Leishman, foreground, as Gaston in Beanstalk Theatre Company’s production of Beauty & The Beast Jr. Photo by Michelle Morris

From Poppins to the Beast: Beanstalk is back

cast of 28 young triple-threats will bring Beauty and the Beast Jr. to life this month at the Evergreen Theatre. This is director Sydney Spenst’s second project as owner of Beanstalk Theatre Company – last year she produced Mary Poppins Jr. The musical features classic Disney songs, such as “Be Our Guest” and “Gaston”. Lily Frost, who plays one of the “silly girls” who chases the buff Gaston, reveals that rehearsing for the show is as important as what happens on stage. “The connections that form backstage and the community that develops around these rehearsals and performances is unlike anything else I’ve ever been a part of. I’ve enjoyed being in Beanstalk because they help you become a great performer in a fun and safe way while also feeling very organized

BEAUTY & THE BEAST JR When & Where: February 15 to 17 nightly at 7 pm, at The Evergreen Theatre (rec complex) What: The Disney musical classic, put on by Sydney Spenst’s Beanstalk Theatre Company. Tickets: $25 at 32 Lakes and Personal Touch Flooring – and at the door if not sold out. and professional.” Lydia Parsons, who plays The Enchantress and other roles, says, “Beanstalk has provided me a great creative space to grow as an artist. I’m so glad to be a part of such a great team.”

Beanstalk Theatre Company’s Beauty & The Beast cast Blair Babcock – Ensemble Jacob Babcock – The Prince/Beast Mira Blacklaws – Lumiere Maya Burnett – Wolf/Ensemble Gabriel Chartier – Lefou Bronwyn Chernove – Madame D’Arque/Ensemble Emily Dunn – Ensemble Howard Durnin – Cogsworth Portia Dyck – Ensemble Safiyah Dyck – Colette (Silly Girl)/Ensemble June Hilleren – Ensemble Abi Fitzgibbon – Maurice/Ensemble Lily Frost – Eloide (Silly Girl)/Ensemble Isaac Greene – Wolf/Ensemble

Esiana Hargrave – Baker/Wolf/Ensemble Katherine Isert – Mrs. Potts James Leishman – Gaston Feather Macdonald – Chip/Ensemble Indy Morwood – Babette/Ensemble Lydia Parsons – The Enchantress/Wolf/Ensemble Kaitlyn Penson – Belle Panagiota Rounis – Madame de la Grande Bouche/ Ensemble Edwin Solowan – Bookseller/Ensemble Willa Venselaar – Ensemble Danielle Welp-Ellis – Fleur (Silly Girl)/Ensemble Abi Woolley – Narrator/Ensemble Owen Wuthrich – Ensemble

FEBRUARY’S ART SHOWS Through February Theo Angell, Mythinformation

Library. Mythinformation ventures into the realms of history, AI ascendancy, and the paradoxical complexities of both ideological and material security. It is an odyssey into the gravitational pull of recycled myths, unraveling through tangible off-cast goods, entwining past and present narratives within innovative and unforeseen artistic expressions.

Feburary 3 to March 10

Peter Gynd: ‘10989 Dunlop Road’

qathet Art Centre. Opening reception 6 pm February 3. See story on Page 49.

February 7 to 29 The Wonder of Whimsical Birdhouses

LIBRARY, AT THE LIBRARY: Burning of the Library at Alexandria, by Theo Angell. Mythinformation is on at the PR Public Library through February. talents of over 30 local artists are in full display in service of our avian friends and the Sanctuary Gardens at Hospice House. This delightful array of one of a kind birdhouses and birdfeeders will be auctioned in early March with all proceeds dedicated to Hospice House. See Page 39.

Crucible Gallery, Townsite Market. Opening reception on Saturday February 10, 5-7 pm. The creative

qathet Living’s

REAL ESTATE section Why read it? The internet and real estate guides can tell you about listings. But to get the inside story and a deeper analysis, turn to the journalists you trust at qathet Living. Read about the trends, statistics, expectations and predictions for our community in qathet Living’s real estate feature sections in each issue from March through September.

Why advertise in it? qL reaches: • Regular local readers • Independent tourists • Family / friends tourists • 7,000 households each month (there are about 9,400 households in qathet total) People choose to pick up the magazine - so they read it. People like to do business with people they know. Whether someone is listing, selling, or looking to build, they’re looking for professionals they can trust. Not a listing or a slogan. A real person. Your presence in qathet Living positions you as an established, personal professional – not just a salesperson. Informed clients are engaged clients. So whether you’re a realtor, a lawyer, a lender, a home inspector, a builder, or anyone else involved in real estate, advertise in qathet Living to reach your future clients.

To book your spot contact: Sean Percy at sean@prliving.ca or 604-485-0003 or Suzi Wiebe at suzi@prliving.ca or 604-344-0208

Februrary 10

Whisper of the Senses Art Exhibit

2 to 8 pm, #13-4312 Franklin Ave. Art exhibit by Patricia Sparks. Indulge your senses at our exclusive art show. Immerse yourself in a captivating display of artistic expression, complemented by a curated selection of exquisite wines and decadent chocolates. Enjoy an evening of sophistication, where each sip and bite

harmonize with the beauty of the exhibits.

February 29

Deadline for TRS art contest

The Townsite Ratepayers Society is holding an art competition for artwork that can be digitally wrapped onto two large green metal water main units on Hemlock Avenue in Townsite. The two winners of the competition will each receive a $400

honourarium for the use of their artwork and public recognition. Images can be new or created in the past and can be submitted in digital form to us. Images can be in the form of photos or original artwork created in oils, acrylic or watercolour. To receive the rules and official entry form, artists should email a request to: townsiteratepayersociety@gmail.com.

“Austyn puts you at so much ease during what is usually a tense process and works tirelessly to find you the perfect home... there’s no exhaustin’ Austyn!” - Woot Bassman Welcome to Powell River

There’s No Place Like Home

Find Austyn and fellow 460 Realty agents at Springtime Market March 30 & 31.

Austyn MacKinnon 778-986-1691 • austyn460@gmail.com

austynprhomes.com qathet Living • February 2024 • 45

February’s film frenzy Tax services

Helping you through tax time with

Both the Banff Mountain Film Fest and the qathet International Film Fest are on the horizon. Here are five films to get you dreaming about popcorn and politics. Mami Wata

Starting at:

February 1, 7 pm At The Patricia Theatre A free preview for festival members and guests. In honour of Black History Month. Mami Wata is a West African fantasy/thriller about revenge.

$70. General tax return $50. Senior $50. Student

safety & security

Bookkeeping services available

Tax time is well underway! We make it easy. Here are 3 ways to get your taxes done: 1. Phone us It’s very simple by phone. We’ll set up a phone appointment, and walk you through the process! We can access your Revenue Canada information on-line and get any other information we need from you over the phone. Call 604-485-7009.

Leo & Chester February 9, 6:30 pm BMFF at The Max Cameron Theatre Part of the “Paintbrush” program with eight other films, Leo & Chester is about one man’s decision to leave rock & roll to pursue a life on the land.

2. Go online

Subterranean

Email us to set up an appointment to handle your tax return. Email: jonathan@bydandbusinesstax.ca

February 10, 6:30 pm BMFF at The Max Cameron Theatre Part of the “Yarrow” program with seven other films, Subterranean follows cavers setting records exploring Canada’s deepest caves – where no one has been.

3. Mail us Mail your tax information and receipts to us and we will call you to process! Mail to: Bydand Tax Shop, PO Box 1022, Powell River, BC, V8A 0T5.

Or come see us at our new location behind Quality Foods! 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Friday and 10 am to 2 pm Saturdays. Scan this code to easily make an appointment!

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46 February 2024 • qathetliving.ca

March 2, 7 pm qIFF at The Patricia Theatre A middle-aged Tokyo man who has pared down his life to a routine of service and small pleasures in this delicate character study.

Common Ground

604-485-7009 @bydandbusinesstax

Perfect Days

March 5, 1:30 pm qIFF at The Patricia Theatre A documentary that unveils a dark web of money, power, and politics behind our broken food system. And also, the hope in regenerative agriculture.

So much to celebrate February is Black History Month in Canada. This year, Pastor and lawyer Godson Akhidenor is helming the organizing committee for what may be qathet’s first BHM public gathering: Celebrating Black Excellence, a free event, open to all, at the Carlson Community Club February 24 (see inset).

BY GODSON AKHIDENOR

he theme of the event is Celebrating Black Excellence: A Black History Month event in the qathet region. The objectives of the Black History Month Celebration Day in the qathet region are listed here:

Promote Understanding and Inclusivity Black History Month fosters understanding and promotes inclusivity by acknowledging and appreciating the diverse experiences, cultures, and perspectives within the Black community with the aim of promoting cohesiveness and social integration of Black people spotlighting the qathet region due to the sharp increase of Black population in the community and to encourage dialogue and mutual respect among people of different backgrounds.

Educate and Raise Awareness We seek to use the opportunity to educate people about the often-overlooked or underrepresented history of Black people and to raise awareness about significant events, figures,

EVERYONE CAN CELEBRATE BLACK EXCELLENCE: The organizing committee for (likely) qathet’s first Black History Month event – and their families. Photo courtesy of Godson Akhidenor

CELEBRATING BLACK EXCELLENCE When: Saturday, February 24, starting at noon. What: A celebration of Black History Month, organized by qathet’s Black community. The event includes fashion, dance, food, a keynote speech, photography and much more. Where: Carlson Community Club It’s free, there are no tickets: Just show up! and movements that have shaped the world and influenced societies with the aim of fostering harmony and assimilation of Black people in the qathet region.

Celebrate Achievements Black History Month aims to celebrate the rich history and numerous achievements of African and people of African descent. To highlight the positive contributions of individuals

sean@prliving.ca or 604-485-0003 suzi@prliving.ca or 603-344-0208

Black History Month seeks to empower individuals, especially those within the Black community, by showcasing stories of resilience, strength, and achievement. It will also serve as a source of inspiration for people of all backgrounds to overcome challenges and pursue their goals.

Combat Stereotypes and Prejudice By highlighting the achievements and contributions of Black individuals, the month seeks to challenge and break down stereotypes and prejudices that may exist. It aims to foster a more accurate and positive perception of the Black community.

Promote Social Justice and Equality Black History Month is a sprout of the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality. It will serve as a reminder of the historical and contemporary issues faced by the Black community, encouraging individuals and communities to work towards a more just and equitable society.

Preserve Cultural Heritage To promote the collective values, culture, tradition, fashion, music, entertainment, and cuisine of Black people. Black History Month will help in preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of African people and people of African descent, such as tradition, art, music, literature, and other aspects that contribute to the rich tapestry of Black culture.

Go where the readers are. Each month, 7,000 copies of qathet Living are picked up in Powell River and around the qathet region. Many of those magazines get shared around. Does your business want to reach all those readers? Let our award-winning team create a message that will help local residents know about your services.

Empowerment and Inspiration

and communities in various fields, including arts, sciences, politics, sports, and more with specific emphasis on the contribution and achievements of Black people in the qathet region and Canada at large.

Overall, Black History Month is a time to honour the past, celebrate the present, and envision a future where diversity, equality, and understanding prevail.

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BREAKING FREE: The Sing Outside the Shower ensemble is taking their new techniques to the stage at Festival of Performing Arts. Photo by Theresa Hargraves

Out of the shower & into the Festival of Performing Arts FESTIVAL OF PERFORMING ARTS

BY SUSAN LINES & THERESA HARGRAVES “Sing Outside the Shower” courses help participants develop a practical understanding of singing techniques to enable them to enjoy singing more. We teach singing techniques such as vocal onset, breath support, resonance, diction, rhythm, range, and interpretation as part of these courses. I created “SOTS” prior to moving here in 2019. When I met Theresa, we discovered that we shared a passion for singing, exploring singing techniques and a profound belief in the power of singing to positively affect mental health. Fourteen enthusiastic participants from the SOTS singing courses are busy rehearsing “Blue Skies” and “I See the Light” using their newly-learned vocal techniques. It was a natural development for course participants to graduate to using these singing techniques in a performance setting. Consequently, the SOTS Ensemble will be taking part in the Powell River Festival of the Performing Arts in February 2024 in the Adult Ensemble

When & Where: February 28 to March 9, Evergreen Theatre. Special Anniversary Concert March 5, Grand Concert March 9. What: The 80th Powell River Festival includes adjudicated performances in singing, band & instrumental, choral, piano, strings, speech arts and dance. See events.solarislive.com/PRFestival for the full schedule. See ad on Page 20. Class. The festival provides a wonderful supportive atmosphere for amateur musicians to explore their artistic development in performance. Singing in an ensemble provides an opportunity to work together as a team, build trust, share something beautiful, and create musical moments together. Judging by the musicality, joy, commitment, creativity, and laughter at courses and rehearsals, stepping outside the shower to sing is not only popular but incredibly fulfilling.

Meet Valerie McRae, who will be Singing Outside the Shower with the ensemble at Festival this year: What was your singing background before Sing Outside the Shower? Valerie • In my life, wherever I was, I was singing in plays or a choir. But I stopped singing a number of years ago. After moving to Powell River, I was encouraged by friends to join the Powell River Chorus and did so three years ago. However, my voice had changed and I had to move from singing the alto part to tenor. Tenor is challenging, so I decided I needed some voice training. Why did you choose to try SOTS? Valerie • Instead of private lessons, the SOTS is a group lesson, I had no idea what to expect. What surprised you about the class? About yourself? Valerie • I had never taken voice lessons before, and frankly, was shocked. How had I sung all my life without the skills that are taught at SOS? It is really fun to learn how to breathe! How to enunciate! How to warm up. I had no idea what I didn’t know! The way Susan and Theresa teach is totally fun. They are patient yet challenge us to improve our techniques. Anyone can join, there is no competition because ev-

eryone there is learning in a different way that is appropriate to their own level. How do you feel about performing at Festival of Performing Arts? Valerie • After performing with the PR Chorus in my first concert, I remembered that I love to perform. It is thrilling to be on stage with people smiling at you! However, performing at Festival is a very different experience. Perfection is expected. We will not be conducted. Everything must be memorized… and probably there are things I still don’t know. But it is a good goal to work toward, and a great growing experience. Oh, and what will we wear? What do you like about singing? Valerie • Singing is multi-tasking: there is the challenge of learning new music; there is the camaraderie and shared accomplishment of learning together. Singing lifts the spirit and takes one away from troubles. You can only be in the present when you are learning and performing. I am always smiling when I go home.

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he paintings of my mother’s garden first emerged in the summer of 2020. My wife and I lived in New York City when the pandemic hit and our apartment was located on the Brooklyn/Queens border between a hospital and a graveyard. Suffice to say it was not the most pleasant place to be during that time so we decided to pack our belongings into storage and come back to the West Coast for a few months while things calmed down. My mother had moved to Powell River in 2001 after finding her dream waterfront property on Dunlop Road in Lang Bay. I’d originally come up with her at the time to help paint the house and settle her

in. I immediately fell in love with the area and the community as well. At the time however the town was in the midst of an economic downturn and there wasn’t any work to be found. Life ended up taking me other places and I eventually settled in NYC for over a decade. I went there to study art and also became an independent exhibition curator and the director at a respected Manhattan gallery. I’d always held a special place in my heart and my mind for Powell River, though, and came back often for visits with hopes to one day spend more time here. Returning in the summer of 2020, my wife Vanessa and I also brought our new

CURATOR, GLASS BLOWER, PAINTER: Peter Gynd with Stormy Daniels – a Bronx rescue – in front of That which cannot exist except Within Minds, 2023, Oil on Canvas, 39.25 x 30 inches – inspired by his COVID time in Lang Bay.

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“The palette also pulls influence from my own history as an artist… The pink, yellow and cobalt blue shapes I can see emerging from colours I used as a glassblower 20 years ago.” - Peter Gynd dog Stormy Daniels—a Pitbull rescue from a puppy mill in the Bronx. All three of us had the intent to stay for just a few months but ended up here for almost a year. It was an incredible year of artmaking, cooking, hiking, and telling stories. I was able to slow down again and reconnect with nature, a difficult thing to do in New York. There was a magical simplicity to that time and it was then that I started on the garden paintings.

My mother, Ursula Medley, has always taught painting classes from her home studio. She and I have also taught plein air oil painting workshops together in Italy and Mexico. Our largest tour saw a group of 16 artists from Powell River join us for art historical excursions in Italy complete with museums in Florence, a week of plein air oil painting at a villa in Tuscany and several days of art and culinary adventures in Venice. Just prior to the pandemic in 2020, we’d taken an intimate group to the backroads of the Yucatan in Mexico for a week of plein air painting and cultural immersion. We decided to take advantage of the time together during COVID to offer another workshop – this time at her property in Lang Bay. Wearing masks and keeping several feet apart, a small group of local artists came together in her garden on September 12, 2020, for a weekend to learn, bond, and express themselves creatively in a socially distant way. The first garden painting I did was a demo for this workshop. That kicked it off. In the fall of 2020, I was to begin my Master’s degree in painting at Brooklyn College in New York. I’d already left my role as gallery director to pursue the path and, being that classes were online, we decided to stay in Lang Bay. I’d get up at 6 am to Zoom into a morning class in New York, joined by other students from around the world in similar situations. It was a great way to stay present in our communities, but also connected to New York. After a winter of online classes I had to leave qathet as my school was to go back in person. Vanessa had also applied and been accepted to a fully-funded Masters program in creative writing in Houston, Texas. We packed up to head south with the intent to return; and brought as much of qathet with us as we could. Back in the studio in Brooklyn I expanded on a series of large-scale, qathet-inspired paintings. This body of work comprised my thesis project—The For-

50 February 2024 • qathetliving.ca

IN URSULA’S GARDEN: Above, Peter Gynd paints plein air in his mother’s garden at Lang Bay – what inspired the works for this exhibit. He has been working on them here, in Houston and in New York City for the past three years. Top right: Peter’s palette is just 10 colours, including cadmium yellow, quinacridone pink and cobalt blue. Right, with Ursula Medley, also an artist and instructor (ursulamedley.ca), in Lang Bay. est from Afar—and included an 8’x4’ foot painting of one of my mom’s trees. Iconic in its simplicity, this tree then began to take on the role of a central character in the work. The series evolved over 2022 when we returned for the summer. I had a work project curating a 30,000 square foot exhibition of Banksy’s artwork in Philadelphia that took up much of my time that summer, so photographing the garden became my creative focus. After the Banksy show was installed later that fall, I found myself in Houston with my wife and set up a home studio there. The first paintings that emerged there were based on these garden photographs. I used the photographic images along with my

own memories and emotions of Lang Bay to place myself in the mindset to paint the work—much the way an actor would draw on past personal experiences to induce emotion into their scenes. I made a series of 30 abstracted and playful paintings in Houston based on the garden images and what quickly emerged was a focus on the view from the top of the driveway looking towards Dunlop Road. A couple of these paintings were exhibited at exhibitions in Houston and several were sent off to New York last spring for exhibitions there. This past September, I also teamed up with New York-based artist Jody MacDonald – who also has ties to the Sunshine Coast – and co-presented with her an immersive exhibition of our work at the acclaimed SPRING/

10989 DUNLOP ROAD When: Feb 3 to March 10. Opening reception February 3, 6 to 8 pm. Artist talk at 7 pm. What: Solo exhibit by New York artist Peter Gynd, inspired by his mother’s garden in Lang Bay. See more at petergynd.com. Where: qathet Art Centre, above the Library.

BREAK Art Fair in Manhattan. Several of these garden paintings, along with plein air paintings made at Mermaid Cove were exhibited there. A few thousand people came through the exhibition during its one week run and many of the paintings went home to collectors from across Canada and the US. Concurrent to all this I’d been in discussions with Karen Kamon from the qathet Art Centre above the library about an exhibition there at some point in 2024. When we decided upon exhibition dates of February 3 – March 10, 2024, I knew I would like to develop more paintings of my mother’s garden for the show. Coming back to qathet after the New York show in September, I set about making 30 new paintings for the February exhibition. I wanted these to be joyful and luscious expressions of optimism and abstracted just enough to offer a visual puzzle of sorts for which to solve.

My palette for the works really pulls influence from art history and personal history. I’m heavily influenced by artists such as Emily Carr, Diego Rivera, Bob Thompson, Kerry James Marshall, Henri Matisse, Paul Gauguin, Giotto, A.Y. Jackson, and Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun. In New York I used to spend countless hours every

week at the Metropolitan Museum, the MoMA, the Whitney, and the other great museums and galleries studying paintings of the greats. In my early 30s ,I also had a job with an internationally travelling exhibition which took me around the world. I was able to sneak off into museums and historical places during down times to soak in the art and culture there. As the director of Lesley Heller Gallery in New York and my other various professional roles, I had the great pleasure to work with and interact with some of the greatest artists working today. All of this has influenced my choices and opinions as an artist; and as a human being. The specific tube colours I am using now—a palette of ten colours plus white—is something I’ve been refining over the last three years. From these I can mix anything, but I have my go-to colours which I keep coming back to. These can be seen in the cadmium yellow deep, quinacridone pink, and cobalt blue abstract shapes and gestural brush marks found throughout the paintings in this series. The palette also pulls influence from my own history as an artist. I was a glassblower for many years in the early 2000s and the process continues to shape the way I approach painting. What’s been interesting to me—and I would imagine is interesting to most artists—is to look back at the history of my creative output and see just how far back certain ideas and choices go. The pink, yellow, and cobalt blue shapes I can see emerging from colours I used as a glassblower 20 years ago.

My studio practice has been focused on landscape for 16 years now. There is a connection between ourselves and all things of the natural world—a connection which keeps me coming back with more questions of belonging, impact, and where I fit within it. While my primary inspiration is nature, I’m not really concerned with reproducing scenes in a “life-like” way. I’m interested in offering my interpretation and celebration of the places I connect with. Nature is my source material, it is my muse, and it is my meditation. Presented in this exhibition—which I’ve titled after my mother’s south-of-town address—are 30 paintings made mostly on location this past summer and fall. The paintings range in scale from intimate 10 x 8 inches plein air works up to 4 x 3 foot impactful studio paintings. They offer interpretations of the same garden scene; depicting in their imagery a place where the magical and divine dwell. My hope is that the paintings convey this magnificence and joyful exuberance onto those who spend time with them; and that their imagery and energy offer a portal of sorts for one’s own meditative journey.

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TAKE A BREAK Four ways to feel grounded without going outside RETURN TO REVERENCE

eeling “grounded” or fully embodied, calmly present in the moment, and settled into the space that we are in, is a state that many of us strive to attain. Particularly when we feel dissociated or over stimulated, are processing big emotions, torn between hard choices, managing pain, or otherwise are unable to regulate ourselves. Science shows us that physically touching the earth or spending time in nature helps regulate our nervous system and promotes physical and mental well-being. But what about when we are unable to go outside? When the weather is too rough or life situations prevent us? Here are four alternative ways to help feel grounded, reduce stress, and become present in body and mind. Gently massaging your earlobes and lightly pulling the shell of your ears up, down, and away from your head. This technique not only feels surprisingly good and releases endorphins, but stimulates the vagus nerve for greater relaxation, pain reduction, and elevated mood. Safe touch also encourages our awareness to inhabit our body. Follow this up by rubbing our hands, squeezing our fingers, even softly tugging and ever so slightly twisting our toes for extra effect. Becoming aware of the physical connection that our body is making with the chair that we are sitting in (or bed we are lying in, floor we are standing on.) Taking a moment to really melt into this safety, allow our seat to be cradled, and thighs rest against the chair. Paying attention to these feelings of being physically held and supported, and resting into that holding, moves us into the present moment while tangibly informing our emotional body that we indeed have something real to “lean on.” This is excellent while at the office, when riding public transit, or during emotional conversations. Grounding meditations and visualizations where you are connecting with the natural world. A

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common one is to envision “roots” extending from our bodies and growing deep down into the earth for sending our excess energy into and drawing support back up through. Another is to imagine a beautiful place in nature that you have previously been to, making it as real as possible by noticing details and engaging your senses. A thing about brains is that they react similarly to perceived experiences as they do to real ones. Drinking water and mindfully eating a healthy snack is an effective way to return to the home of our physical body when we feel scattered, spaced out, or disconnected. Excellent for after spirit work or meditations. Juliette Jarvis is a best selling author offering sacred living support, devotional arts, and divination sessions. Find her at SelkieSanctuary.com

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qathet Living • February 2024 • 53

June 2006 Volume One, Number 5

Will you marry me Elizabeth?

“Celebrating the people and stories of our region”

Life after a brain injury The Roger Whittaker story

Floating gardens

How does your garden grow?

Racing for glory Soapbox family fun

PRINT ADVERTISING REALLY DOES WORK: In the fifth issue of PRL ever, Jean Paul Yirka took out a full-page ad asking Elizabeth Challinor to marry him. Now, they’re international romance celebrities (see Page 6), and have been married for 17 luscious years.

for the grandchildren

ISSN 1718-8601

Showcasing the best of Powell River

POwEll RIVER lIVINg : june 2006

18 years and counting. Who woulda guessed? Happy Birthday to us!

River Living magazine back in February of 2006, I didn’t think about how or what this magazine would look like in 2024. I didn’t even think about what my two sons, Matthew, then seven, and Alexander, five, would be like or what they’d be doing 18 years in I’m finding it hard to wrap my brain around the the future. fact that we have been publishing for 18 years, when Time seems to have a way of slipping away. One it seems like only yesterday the first issue rolled off day your kids are in diapers, the next they’re drivthe press. But I’m also struggling with fact that I’m ing the family car. The same goes for the magazine; in my 60s and my boys are now grown men with when I look back at that first issue with Liechen and independent lives. Steyn Naude dressed in When a human being their hockey gear on the reaches the significant cover, I was trying to figmilestone of 18 years ure out who we were and of age, they legally behow we could best serve come an adult and can this community. We were ISABELLE SOUTHCOTT do things, like vote in like a newborn in those an election, get a credit days with tiny steps and card and sign things for themselves. Turning 18 for tentative plans, so grateful for the community’s supa community magazine is also a milestone and a rea- port along the way. son to celebrate. Bit by bit, with the help of our readers, advertisers, In Canada, only 50% of all small businesses sur- and staff, we found our voice and figured out who vive for five years and only one third get to celebrate we were and what our role was. We have never tried 10 years in business, says the website MadeInCa.ca. to be a newspaper – the community has a newspaper According to Statistics Canada, as of December here whose job it is to cover the hard news. 2021, there were 1.21 million employer businesses I did enough of the “if it bleeds, it leads,” reporting in Canada. Of this number, 1.19 million were small early on in my career as a journalist with daily newsbusinesses. As of 2021, small businesses employed papers. I wanted a product that could look at stories 8.2 million individuals in Canada or 67.7% of the and issues differently and in a more positive light. total private labour force. I wanted to look for possible solutions and provide Small businesses are the backbone of the Cana- hope to our community. dian economy. Not only do they make significant We have tried our very best to evolve with the contributions towards the Canadian gross domestic times and I know we haven’t always got it right beproduct, but they are vital in keeping employment cause we are human and as my brother likes to say: numbers up in Canada. “People make mistakes and mistakes make people.” qathet Living magazine is proud to be a 100% lo- Still, we have tried to be inclusive by keeping our cally-owned small businesses that employs local in- magazine free to readers and working hard to individuals. We have the very best team and couldn’t clude as many voices as possible. be prouder of how everyone works together to create I’m proud of our magazine and I’m proud of how this magazine month after month. qathet Living has grown up. When I first launched what was then called Powell Happy Birthday!

Your community magazine, qathet Living, turns 18 this month.

LAST WORD

54 February 2024 • qathetliving.ca

For the Love of Salmon Heartfelt thanks to all our donors, contributors & supporters Aero Trading Co. Ltd. Area F Troll Association BC Hydro BC Nothern Trollers Association Brookfield Renewable C-Force Marine Ltd./Nicole Lopez Chinook Scaffolding Systems City Transfer Inc. Dave & Marg Hodgins Doug & Christine Mavin Ed Vizzutti Bruce & Mary Anderson Diana Arkell Edward & Mary Crivea Friends of Lang Creek Native Plant Garden Gail & Gerry Scholefield Grant Fischer Isabelle Armstrong Jackie Durling Jocelyn Palmer Lesley & Robert Dizazzo Marguerite Unger Michael Cameron Muriel Carriere Neil & Sydney Park qathet Living Renée Bullock Seabreeze Resort - Elaine Thoma Stephen Robertson Steven Brach T&R Contracting Tom & Inge-Lore Freeman Tourism Powell River Underwriters Insurance Agencies

Mosaic North Delta Seafood Pacific Boat Brokers Inc. Pacific Prawn Fishermen’s Association Pacific Salmon Foundation Powell River Community Foundation Powell River Community Forest Powell River Divers Ltd. Powell River Energy Inc. qathet Regional District

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Small: $200 • Large: $500 • Corporate: $1,000 Scan the QR Code

e-mail: info@salmonpreservation.org Visit salmonpreservation.org to 604-483-9440 learn more or scan this code:

You can also email: info@salmonpreservation.org Or call: 604-483-9440

Thanks to all for caring, and for stepping up to walk the walk! From the directors of: The Powell River Salmon Society & The Salmon Preservation Foundation

And thanks to these businesses and organizations for allowing us to display our posters:

Royal Bank of Canada Rural Septic Services SM Products/Carl Nordman Sunshine Transport Telus Three B’s Fishing Toba Montrose Partnership Trend Diesel Wendy Halliday Western Forest Products

SALMON PRESERVATION FOUNDATION

Memorialize thebusiness, loss oforganization, a loved one or to commemorate a family event. of your or club salmon preservation. Donate a custom engraved paver to show the dedication of your business, Order your custom paver today! organization, or club to salmon preservation.

Pathway Committee: Doug Mavin Ed Oldfield Peter Giroday Gail Scholefield Shane Dobler Phil Nakatsu Tyler Bartfai Diane Louke Celidh Mavin Gerry Scholefield Bruce Anderson Jacque Scholtz Bill Whyard Laura Johnson Shireen Morton Monty Drake Teslara Johnson Jamie Zroback Cory Carr David Morris

Aaron Service & Supply Aero Services/Kal Tire Artique - Artists Cooperative Black Point Store Capone’s Cellar City of Powell River City Transfer Inc. Costa del Sol Cranberry Seniors’ Centre Dogwood Kennels IG Wealth Management

Evelyn Pollen/Pollen Sweaters Inc. Evolugen First Credit Union Fortis BC French Creek Seafood George Illes Grieg Seafood Innergex John & Judy Ring Foundation Keltic Seafoods Limited

Julie’s Airport Cafe Koleszar Marine & Power Lang Bay Store Lund Water Taxi Magpie’s Diner Marine Traders Massullo Motors Ltd. McDonald Marine Mitchell Brothers Modern Windows Mother Nature Myrtle Point Golf Club Nancy’s Bakery Pacific Coastal Airlines Paperworks Gift Gallery

The Peak Pet Valu Pollen Sweaters Inc. Powell River Outdoors Powell River Public Library Powell River Rod & Gun Club Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association Powell River Veterinary Hospital PowTown Crossfit qathet Schools RBC River City Coffee Rocky Mountain Pizza Scizzors Salon & Body Works SPCA

Anne Scholefield BAGGs Bev Bligh Burnaby Fire Station #1 Carlson Community Club Carol & Chris Hearder Deborah Watson Donald Evans George & Dale Bell Jacque & Pierre Scholtz Jamie Smilie John & Marjorie King Kelly Creek Community Association Lang Bay Community Club Lisa Dickson Luke & Connie Raffin Powell River Girl Guides Sandra Christensen Savanna Dee Sherry Sakamoto Tari & Guy Chiasson Ted & Janis Rodonets Wayne Hanson Wendy Halliday & Clancy Cross qathet School District 47 Brooks Secondary School Edgehill Elementary School Henderson Elementary School James Thomson Elementary School Kelly Creek Community School Texada Elementary School Westview Elementary School Partners in Education PIE Pathway Work Crew: qPAWS - qathet Parks & Wilderness Society Ed Oldfield Peter Giroday Fred Morton Matthew Neall Jennifer Layeraft Eli Hanson-Mahy Mel Waldron Colin Duffy Ray Lambert John Sinclair Dave & Marg Hodgins and family Springtime Garden Centre Sunshine Coast Fuel Ltd. Swanson Trucking Tempco The Dollar Store & More Thunder Bay Saw Shop Ltd. Tla’amin Convenience Store Tla’amin Nation Office Top of the Hill Solutions Top Shelf Feeds Two Wheel Tech Valley Building Supplies Ltd. Valley Marine Westview Veterinary Hospital

Sincere apologies to anyone who may have been missed – our salmon will thank you for qathet generations! Living • February 2024 • 55

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© Investors Group Inc. 2020 RET2112MA_E Trademarks, including IG Wealth Management, are owned by IGM Financial Inc. and(01/2020) licensed to its subsidiary corporations. Trademarks, including IG Wealth Management, are owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. Group Inc. 2024 © Investors Group Inc. 2020 RET2112MA_E (01/2020) © Investors Investors Group Inc. 2019 RET2099MA_E (11/2019) February 2024 • qathetliving.ca

qathet Living February 2024

Articles inside

One very lonely wedding night

quirky romantic joyful

A new route from Sechelt to Lund

Road rave

A day for dancing