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Putting ‘Pride’ on stage WCT bringing Jane Austin classic to life
Soccer all-star staying home
Cason Scott to remain local with the Wolfpack
Lifelabs workers remain on picket lines
Sean Brady
Striking LifeLabs workers have been on the picket lines for nearly two months, calling for wages on par with those in the hospital system, adequate staffing, and questioning why an American for-profit company is playing a role in B.C.’s public health care system.
Workers for the laboratory testing company have been without a collective agreement for the past year. After Quest Diagnostics acquired the company in July 2024, unionized LifeLabs workers voted to give the company an “overwhelming mandate” for strike action, according to Paul Finch, president of the BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU).
“Fundamentally, this is about preventing an American for-profit health-care company from eroding wages and working conditions for members who deliver critical services, and through that, from eroding patient care,” Finch told the Chronicle.
In B.C. there are approximately 1,200 unionized LifeLabs workers, including 30 in Kamloops — although that number has declined by 12 over the past year, according to Wendy Cummer, bargaining committee representative for Kamloops and other parts of the B.C. interior.
Although workers are months into a strike, the two parties have done little bargaining. Cummer said the two sides are still “too far apart.”
ers say they feel constantly understaffed and overworked as a result.
“Our biggest issue is we have a crisis with both recruiting and retaining professional staff, and until we can improve both the wages and the working conditions, we’re not going to be able to correct that,” Cummer said.
company, which he attributed to the for-profit nature of the company.
“And that’s not just from the overall political climate. It is what we are seeing specifically in terms of the measures Quest Diagnostics is bringing in to squeeze higher profit margins out of patients and the workforce,” Finch said.
Mainland, adding to the time it takes for patients to get results, and therefore get a diagnosis and treatment.
De Fields agreed that the current political climate has galvanized the union’s members, and she thinks the public is taking notice, too.
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Currently, LifeLabs employees are striking at one location each day.
Closures are noted each day on the LifeLabs website.
In Kamloops, wages for LifeLabs workers is between four and 16 percent lower than those doing the same work in the hospital laboratory system, according to Cummer. This has led to issues with worker retention and recruitment, and LifeLabs work-
The company was previously owned by Ontario public pension fund, OMERS, which acted as steward for the company for 17 years. After it was sold to Quest, questions arose over foreign ownership of a company that plays a vital role in the health care systems of B.C. and Ontario.
“We think that, especially now, it’s completely inappropriate to have an American for-profit company running a critical aspect of our health care system,” Finch said.
Finch pointed to long wait times and the “almost assembly-line-like approach” to scheduling taken by the
At a rally held on March 30 in downtown Kamloops, bargaining committee chair Mandy De Fields told the Chronicle that the changes made by the company’s new ownership have resulted in longer wait times for patients, especially when it comes to results.
“One of the first things Quest did when they took over was to shut down a number of departments and laboratories around the province, including here in Kamloops,” she said.
De Fields said with microbiology labs removed from Kamloops, test samples need to be sent to the Lower
“I think our timing is really good for this. We do believe it’s time for the provincial government to stand up and take notice of where our laboratory services in this province is being directed from,” De Fields said.
A statement provided by LifeLabs said the company’s highest priority “is to ensure the continuity of care for the people of British Columbia,” and that the company “respects the negotiation process and employees’ rights to pursue their interests,” and hopes to reach an agreement that is mutually acceptable.
Finch said the union is currently planning a campaign to highlight public versus private models of health-care services.
WATCH FOR OUR Special APRIL 18
The Kamloops Chronicle is publishing a special Election Edition on April 18 in advance of the Canadian Federal Election set for April 28. Read up on our local candidates and some of the issues upon which the electorate is focusing. Be sure to vote and do so armed with knowledge and awareness.
Interested in advertising in this special edition of the Kamloops Chronicle? Contact Arjun at info@kamloopschronicle.ca before April 9.
FEDERAL ELECTION CALLED
Canadians will go to the polls on Monday, April 28, with two new ridings in Kamloops set to be used for the very first time.
This will be the first federal election with the city split in two, with the new Kamloops-Shuswap-Central Rockies riding created in 2023 seeing candidates for the first time.
Previously, Kamloops was entirely within the KamloopsThompson-Cariboo riding, while the Shuswap was separate, incorporated with the North Okanagan.
In the city, the two ridings are split along the downtown core at Sixth Avenue, with everything to the east in the KamloopsShuswap-Central Rockies riding, and everything to the west in Kamloops-Thompson-Nicola. While Upper Sahali now falls in the new riding, Lower Sahali remains in the old, with Highway 5A and Highway 1 as boundaries.
The new riding to the east already has a full suite of candidates, including Kennith Robertson for the Liberal Party of Canada, Mel Arnold for the Conservative Party of Canada, Phaedra Idzan for the New Democratic Party, Owen Madden for the Green Party, and Michael Henry for the People’s Party of Canada.
In Kamloops-Thompson-Nicola, four candidates were known as of Chronicle press time, including Iain Currie for the Liberals, incumbent Frank Caputo for the Conservatives, Miguel Godau for the NDP and Chris Enns for the People’s Party of Canada.
Further candidates can be declared until April 7, while advance polling will begin on April 18, running until April 21. The deadline to vote by mail is April 22.
The Chronicle will be interviewing candidates and providing further election information in a special edition due out on April 18. For more information until then, go online to elections.ca.
Kamloops-Shuswap-Central Rockies
Mel Arnold
Conservative Party of Canada (250) 851-6752 (Kamloops) (778) 200-7209 (Shuswap-Rockies)
Kennith Robertson
Liberal Party of Canada ken@kenrobertson ca
Phaedra Idzan
New Democratic Party 250-833-8543
phaedra idzan@ndp ca
Owen Madden
Green Party of Canada
Michael Henry People’s Party of Canada
michael henry@teamppc ca
Kamloops-Thompson-Nicola
Frank Caputo
Conservative Party of Canada 250-280-7510
votefrankcaputo@gmail com
Iain Currie
Liberal Party of Canada iain@iaincurrie ca
Miguel Godau
New Democratic Party kamloopsthompsonnicola@gmail com
Chris Enns
People’s Party of Canada chris enns@teamppc .ca
Batchelor school plan update
By Tara Copeland
A few years ago, Kamloops heard the first rumblings of a potential school in Batchelor Heights. With Westmount Elementary School bursting at the seams due to enrollment numbers beyond its capacity, the Chronicle has reached out to both School District 73 and the Chair of School District 73 Parent Advisory Council (PAC), Bonnie McBride, for an update.
When asked if this school is needed, Bonnie McBride was quick to comment, “Absolutely. We’re long overdue for it.”
“Right now, in situations like we have in Bachelor Heights, Westmount elementary is operating at 165 percent capacity. They’ve been able to manage by adding portables,” said McBride.
As for an update on the school plans, the District provided a statement with the following: “The District has received Crown Grant approval for the new elementary school in Batchelor Heights. This capital project is now in the Project Definition Report process with the Ministry of Education and Child Care. Once funding approval is received for a school, it is likely to take about three years for design and construction.
“The plan is for the new school in Batchelor Heights to be an elementa-
ry school (kindergarten to grade seven). School specifics and / or specialties would not be determined until closer to a new school’s opening.”
When asked if a new school would create budgetary issues for School District 73, the District responded with the following: “New schools are funded by the Ministry of Education and Child Care.”
McBride was quick to add that the new school would reduce costs, as many students are currently being bussed to other locations, because Westmount can’t meet the enrollment demand.
The District’s statement also touched briefly on potential traffic ramifications for Batchelor Heights residents: “The District has already had discussions with the City regarding impacts on traffic.”
When asked if the PAC believes there was proper consultation from School District 73, McBride replied with the following, “We’re working hard to hold the district to a high level of meaningful consultation.”
School District 73 will be posting updates on Batchelor Heights Elementary School progress on their website. For more information, check out www. sd73.bc.ca/en/our-district-board/batchelor-heights-advocacy-priority.aspx or Google School District 73 Bachelor Heights advocacy.
Search and Rescue in the friendly skies
Tara Copeland
Lost outdoor enthusiasts, plane crashes, people in crisis — there are multiple reasons why people go missing. In Kamloops, we have several groups of volunteers working hard to save lives and give families closure. One of those groups is PEP Air Search and Rescue, the British Columbia chapter of Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA).
“I got involved because I like flying and I like the idea of being able to help people who are lost and may need help,” said Steve Van Wagoner, Kamloops manager for PEP Air.
Van Wagoner has been involved with PEP Air for 18 years.
“The number of callouts we get is declining, which is good,” said Van Wagoner. “We used to get a lot more calls to help search for missing aircraft. 10 years ago, we’d get about three calls a year here in Kamloops alone. Now, we only get calls for missing planes once every three to four years. Flying has become safer.
“Most of our calls now are for missing people.”
Given Kamloops is surrounded by mountains and wilderness, there are some situations where PEP Air Search will have an edge over ground search teams in locating missing people.
“We can cover large areas quickly,” said Van Wagoner. “There was one missing person search where the RCMP along with ground SAR teams had been out for a few days.
The person’s dog had been located, but the dog wasn’t in a place where the person was expected to be. Then we were called to assist. We found the person’s car in 12 minutes. It had been driven way off the local dirt road. We then radioed the ground teams, provided the location and they attended to the scene.
“We’re also working on new high-tech systems. We can now locate people with their cell phone signals, provided the phone is on and the battery isn’t dead. An aerial photography system is in development that will allow digital movies taken from our aircraft to be computer analyzed very quickly to locate a missing person or aircraft that might be missed by the human eye.”
Of course, not all searches end well. The team has searches that haunt them and cases they will never give up on.
“In the search I mentioned, although we found the person’s vehicle, we still couldn’t locate the person. Even after flying the area again a few weeks later, the person
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remains missing.
“In the cases where we don’t get the results we want, we are providing support for families. We try to give them answers and we try to provide closure. But most times, we do succeed — we are helping those in need and we are saving lives. It’s great to be part of that,” said Van Wagoner.
Disclaimer: Tara Copeland is volunteer with PEP Air. When she is not contributing to community journalism or working at her day job, she is a spotter and she works with drones.
Above: A CC-130H Hercules.
Right: A Cormorant helicopter.
Terry-Lynn Stone
For the over 400 guests who attended the Daybreak Rotary Crabfest, the focus was on having fun and eating as much crab as possible! And by that criterion, it was a very successful evening.
But the success of Crabfest runs much deeper! Thanks to all the volunteers who worked long hours to set up, take down and make the evening run smoothly; and thanks to all the guests who not only had fun eating, but also bought 50/50 tickets, bid on live auction items
and attempted to outbid each other on silent auction, items, Daybreak Rotary was able to donate $22,500.00 to the YMCA-Kamloops for its Mental Wellness Programme.
Supporting people at all stages of life— from children and youth wellness to post partum wellness, to mental wellbeing for seniors, the Y provides these vital services which are always free.
Special thanks to the YMCA for all you do for our community. Thank you to Daybreak for supporting our community.
Celebrate National Volunteer Week:
April 27 to May 3, 2025
Terry-Lynn Stone
National Volunteer Week, taking place from April 27 to May 3, 2025, is a time to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions volunteers make to our communities. From local organizations here in Kamloops to those across British Columbia, Canada, and around the world, volunteers play a crucial role in strengthening the fabric of society. Their dedication brings comfort, support, and joy to countless individuals and communities.
Volunteers are often the heart and soul of organizations. They offer their time, skills, and compassion to causes that matter. Non-profits, charities, hospitals, schools, and environmental organizations rely heavily on the efforts of volunteers to carry out their missions. Without them, many essential services would be impossible to maintain. Whether it’s mentoring youth, delivering meals to seniors, cleaning up parks, or supporting fundraising events, volunteers make an immeasurable difference.
Here in Kamloops, numerous organizations benefit from the efforts of dedicated volunteers. The Kamloops Food Bank, St. John’s Ambulance, and local animal shelters are just a few examples.
Across British Columbia, volunteers are essential in supporting health care, education, and environmental initiatives.
“Across British Columbia volunteers are essential in supporting health care, education, and environmental initiatives.”
Nationally, organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, and the Canadian Cancer Society rely on volunteers to fulfill their missions.
Globally, humanitarian organizations such as the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders depend on volunteers to provide aid in times of crisis.
A significant portion of volunteers are retirees. After decades in the workforce, many older adults find themselves with newfound free time and a desire to stay active and engaged. Volunteering offers a meaningful way to spend this time, fostering a sense of purpose and community connection. It also provides opportunities for lifelong learning, making new friends, and sharing valuable skills and experience.
While older adults form a vital part of the volunteer force, it’s equally important to involve younger generations. Young people bring energy, creativity, and fresh perspectives to volunteer projects. Their innovative ideas and technological skills can offer solutions to modern challenges that older generations may not have considered. Additionally,
volunteering helps youth develop leadership skills, gain experience, and build a stronger sense of social responsibility.
During National Volunteer Week, take the time to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of volunteers. A simple thank you can go a long way in making volunteers feel appreciated and valued. Whether it’s a heartfelt note, a public acknowledgment, or a celebratory event, recognizing volunteers’ contributions encourages them to continue their invaluable work. Communities thrive when people come together to support one another. This National Volunteer Week, let’s celebrate the spirit of giving that drives our volunteers. Their generosity of time and energy makes the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time. If you know a volunteer, be sure to express your gratitude. And if you’ve ever considered volunteering, there’s no better time to get involved and make a difference.
Visit www.volunteerkamloops.org to find out how you can help.
Sharing food, feeding hope: A look at the Kamloops Food Bank
June Corcoran
Mission: Sharing food. Feeding hope; Vision: We believe in a hunger-free community; our Values: Respecting, integrity and compassion.
These things are the basis of the Kamloops Food Bank today.
It all began in 1981 when Hank Woodland established the Kamloops Food Bank via the Kamloops United Church with the goal of assisting people experiencing difficulty during the high inflation rates of the 1980s.
“Good things come about when a group of people put aside their bias and work towards a common goal,” said Alex Backmeyer, (deceased) President of the Society at the opening of the Kamloops Foodbank and Outreach Society Drop-in Centre on Oct. 22, 1989.
Seven people from the United, Anglican and Catholic congregations in Kamloops came together to serve the less fortunate. Vice-president Paul Corcoran acknowledged the paramount need at the time was providing food for welfare recipients whose cheque just didn’t stretch to the end of the month.
The next targeted group were those who didn’t have a permanent residence and needed a place to feel at home. Their third identified need included an information/counseling service.
Corcoran, one of the last surviving founding members of the society, explained the food bank outlet in the United Church became too small to meet the needs of the clients. It was decided to form a non-profit society that would encompass the food bank and a dropin-center where the marginalized could be welcomed with coffee and warmth.
To fulfill these goals they rented a space at 116 Seymour Street, setting up a drop-in center and food bank.
Luckily the Unemployment Action Committee shared the space with the center. This added another service for visitors.
Unfortunately, that first building was purchased and they needed a new center. They found an older house in need of repair, but which met their needs, and a fundraising campaign began.
Businesses, service organizations, church congregations, private donors, and the Catholic Credit union provided seed funding, and $35,000 was raised and the house was purchased.
Improvements to the house at 422 Lorne Street were achieved by volunteers in the community and the clients themselves. The Kamloops Fire Department donated a $1,500 cheque to the Centre.
MP Nelson Riis presented an opening commemoration plaque and Bud Smith, BC Attorney General, congratulated the organizers for attending to the needs of those who
“don’t fit into the agency slots.”
Corcoran said food banks aren’t the answer to the problem; however, the food bank helps about 300 to 400 people a month (in 1992).
The Food Bank of today acknowledges that it operates on Tk’emlupus te Secwe’pemc territory in the unceded ancestral lands of the Secwe’pemc people.
Today’s Food Bank, the fourth building, serves families, seniors, single parents, and singles and couples who find themselves in need of a little help.
One example of help is the foodSHARE Program which distributes good food, that would otherwise be destined for landfills, to students. At a school’s request a food truck delivers the food which is offered to students who could benefit from a mid-morning snack.
This program received the Recycle BC
Environmental Award in 2024, for its continued environmental commitment, and the Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence award. Further, the Food Bank also received the King Charles III Coronation medal for environmental concerns. It was presented by MLA Peter Milobar.
‘Past use’ food products are offered to farmers who pick up the perishable products to feed their animals, thus contributing to sustainable practices and supporting local agriculture.
The Food Bank also initiated the Basics for Babies held every year in November. Needed formula, diapers, baby food, and hygiene products and more are collected at Delta Hotel by B-100 and CFJC-Midday. This way mothers experience support while dealing with financial difficulties.
Another innovation of the Food Bank was the Rotary Spring Food Drive held some time in April. Drivers comb Kamloops looking for the Food Bank bags filled by the generous citizens of Kamloops and then unload the bags at the Food Bank collection center. Every year the citizens of Kamloops respond generously.
The Starfish Backpack program came about by way of the Abbotsford Rotary Club. The backpack idea came to Kamloops in 2016 through the Rotary Club of Kamloops. Together with the Kamloops Food Bank, School District 73, dozens of local businesses, and many volunteers working together, 250 back packs are filled with enough food for a family for the weekend. These backpacks are delivered to 30 schools on Friday morning to be taken home for the weekend.
Food is also gathered when the CPKC Holiday Train comes through Kamloops and is attended by some 4000 people. This train gathers donations of food across Canada during the Christmas season which is distributed to the cities Food Bank.
Olsen Imaging photo
MEET OUR TEAM
Kamloops Local News Society Board of Directors:
Tom Dickinson, Interim Chair, Lois Hollstedt, Scott Montagliani, Casandra Karpiak, Radhika Tabrez, Teresa Betts, Melissa Damini
Editorial Contributors:
Sean Brady, Casandra Karpiak, Radhika Tabrez, Juli Harland, Marty Hastings, Tara Copeland, TerryLynn Stone, June Corcoran, Corrine Giesbrecht, Stacy Olson-Steele, Amy Tucker
OPINION
The federal election is in our hands
AS MUCH AS WE criticize our elected leaders and representatives, they really reflect us back to ourselves. Political campaigns often go negative because campaign managers and candidates know negativity can absolutely and powerfully motivate support.
When we are our best selves, however, I would like to think most people would want to support positive visions, collaborative approaches, and a focus on policy and not personal attacks.
On a wonderful run / walk in Mac Park last week, I asked some of my fellow runclubbers what they would like to know about the local campaigns in this federal election campaign. One very beloved power walker said, “No slagging, just policies.” This is a sentiment I hear relatively often.
Twenty-five years ago, at the start of the 2000 Federal election, the late great Angelo Iacobucci, legendary Radio NL broadcaster, shared with me that if voters in Kamloops did not vote for an MP from the gov-
erning party that we would get less money and attention from Ottawa.
Angelo was sharing a reality he learned from a lifetime to covering elections. I was depressed that our federal government, once elected, wasn’t truly a government for all Canadians.
Now, in the thick of the 2025 federal election campaign, Kamloopsians are joining Canadians from coast to coast to coast in showcasing patriotism and pride in our country. The only real opinion poll is on election day but it seems now that Canadians are looking for leaders to bring us together to fight back against the tariffs and “51st state” threats from Donald Trump.
There is only one thing, however, that is truly certain in a Canadian election. That is that the election results are completely in our collec-
tive hands. Hopefully that’s a lot of hands. And an individual vote rarely decides an election. Your vote is a contribution to the collective voice.
Politics has become way too polarized and personal and I fervently hope we can dial that back several notches.
Today’s partisan politics almost never produces the collaboration our current national opportunities and challenges demand.
This brings me to a word about our local candidates. I greatly appreciate and respect people who agree to stand for public office. It hasn’t gotten any easier over the years. Huge thanks for stepping up to Frank Caputo, Iain Currie, Miguel Godau, Chris Enns, Mel Arnold, Kennnith Robertson, Phaedra Idzan, and Owen Madden!
My advice to voters: be respectful and feel free to be tough on the issues. Ask yourselves what is most important to you in this election, get your information from a variety of reputable sources (local media is a great starting point), contact the candidates with your questions and follow up if you’re not satisfied you got a good answer. And I encourage you, even if it is a tough choice, to vote if you are eligible to do so.
Election developments happen daily and I would recommend our great friends at CBC Kamloops Radio, Radio NL, CFJC-TV, Castanet Kamloops, Infotel Kamloops, and the Wren for their coverage of the election locally and regionally as well. Castanet and CFJC are partnering with local business associations for a live streamed election forum, currently scheduled for April 22nd.
The Chronicle will be publishing a special federal election issue, with lots of local coverage, on or near April 18th. Please feel free to be in touch with ideas on news and views you would like to see covered.
not forget our earth amdist the
chaos
Email editor@kamloopschronicle com
Please include your name and a contact phone number and/or email Please try to limit letters to a maximum word count of 300 Letters may be edited for length and clarity Please include ‘Intended for publication’ in the subject line
PHONE: 250-851-9630 news@kamloopschronicle com editor@kamloopschronicle .com info@kamloopschronicle com
For 15 years, I’ve been living in an intensely urbanized world, declaring I love bus fumes, sirens, squealing cars and the clatter of dumpster divers at 5:00 a.m. But for most of my life, nature has been sacred and accesssible to me, not a thing apart. To use a John Denver phrase, nature filled up my senses.
Now, I’m aged and disabled, unable to be in nature except on rare occasions.
In 2024 and in the first two months of 2025, my head has burst with both terror and possibilities.
In April, Earth Day looms and I reflect on our planet and the responsiblity for its survival as part of the web of life. It’s a once-a-year time to remind us about climate change. It’s 40 years since we poured over Rachel Carson’s best seller Silent Spring where she spells out harmful consequences of the cry of the earth. We said, “Thank God, we’ll have time to fix this.”
more than leaked into the Canadian psyche and dislodged the the impact of global warming on world climates that have already resulted in devastating droughts, floods, and fires, and the loss of animal and human habitats.
WENDY WESEEN Guest Editorial
Global conflicts are monumental. I’m confused about truth and what is real. I’m feeling discouraged, hopeless, and helpless, I’m doing very little planet advocacy to make the world a better place. Upcoming earth month is shaking me with questions of my role now. But if the earth goes belly up in a sea of sludge and ants, I want to have done my best with hope in my heart. I want reassurance my children, grandchildren and their children will endure on this fantastic planet.
whelmed? We know we can no longer view ourselves as isolated individuals and competing nations. Nonetheless, amid enormous diversity of opinions, science shines through. We have the opportunity to see our profound connectedness and need for interdependence and kinship on a global scale.
We cannot do that without changing the competitive way we have been taught to think. Is it too late?
We are fiercely possessive of individual rights and freedoms. But freedom requires equal responsibility to a wider community and the insight that long term happiness is more than momentary possession of material goods.
ing, and we have an opportunity to practice reducing material acquisitions. There really is no other way.
I’ve had to reduce community volunteering and accept what I can realistically do. I want to face the moldy cheese I have forgotten in the back of my fridge, keep better tabs on my pantry, and make sure I recycle. It will be harder to be kinder, forgiving, and available to hold affirming space and encouragment for other people.
We must have the courage to re-examine the big questions. Is our decent nature strong enough to overcome greed and aggression from under the strain of high-technology, and the persuasive brainwashing of advertising designed to make us buy unnecesary things.
Now those 40 years are gone, and there is overwhelming, distracting chaos in the United States, that has
Can we overcome the political self-interests into adopting collaboration and compassion instead? How can we tackle the mess we’re in if we can’t even think about it and are distracted into political dysfunction, multiple addictions and banal entertainment. How can we hang on to hope? Let’s
Where do we rebegin to overcome the acute sense of being over-
Why did we expect it would be easy? Why when governments attempt leadership do we protest?
Now boycotts and tariffs are loom-
Todd Sullivan Interim Editor
Tom Dickinson Interim Chair Arjun Singh Interim Exec. Dir.
Kamloops Local News Society
Let’s share the road
Dear Editor:
I’m an active cyclist and a vehicle owner. I’d like to see us all get along much better. I’m tired of horns honking, finger gestures, and scary moments.
First of all, the Motor Vehicle Act, section 183, mandates that bicycles use the roads and specifically mentions not using sidewalks. So legally, I am required to share the road with vehicles.
In terms of paying for the roads, many studies show that gas taxes and vehicle insurance only fund a small portion of our roads. Most cyclists own vehicles, so we are helping pay for roads. Funding also comes from myriad other municipal and provincial sources to which we also contribute. Thus, contrary to popular opinion, we do pay for the roads we share.
Here are four reasons to like bicycles. One, the line-up at traffic lights is shorter. Two, there’s less competition for that prime parking spot. Three, roads need less maintenance when there are fewer vehicles on them. Four, doctor visits are less frequent because of our fitness (but visits jump significantly if a vehicle hits us). There are more but that’s enough.
I’d rather not be close to moving vehicles. Since the law prevents me from riding on sidewalks, it would be great if vehicle owners could help with our lobbying efforts to get separated bike paths. Since sidewalks are sometimes the only safe place, pedestrians could also help with this lobbying. Reduced conflict is in all of our interests.
The cycling season is here! I look forward to some friendly smiles and waves as we share our transportation infrastructure!
— Tom Rankin Kamloops
Sovereignty and MAID
Dear Editor:
With the important upcoming election, I feel that there are many issues important to Canadian citizens, the number one of course is our continuing sovereignty. I also believe the services of MAID are of utmost importance as well. The choice to make decisions for your end of life care and general health are important to all Canadians. — Joann Wood Canim Lake
Save the CBC
Dear Editor:
With a federal election fast approaching, I am writing to draw your readers’ attention to an imminent threat to Canada’s cultural sovereignty – one whose urgency grows by the day, as President Donald Trump continues his unprovoked economic attacks on our country.
Following decades of underfunding and institutional neglect from governments of all political stripes, the CBC now finds itself in the crosshairs of Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives, who are promising to
defund it altogether.
We cannot stand by and let this happen. Canadians rely on the CBC for information, news, and entertainment that speaks to their daily realities and reaffirms their shared values. Defunding our national public broadcaster would inflict immeasurable harm on our communities, on our Canadian identity, and on our democratic health as a country.
Thankfully, the CBC doesn’t belong to the politicians. It belongs to us, the Canadian public – and it’s time we put our foot down. At this critical moment in history, Canadians from all walks of life are closing ranks around our storied institutions. And we expect our elected officials to do the same. We won’t stand for vague promises, and we certainly won’t tolerate any more threats to our shared way of life – foreign or domestic.
That’s why I am standing with Friends of Canadian Media and its hundreds of thousands of supporters this election. When we head to the polls, we’ll be voting to save the CBC. If the federal party leaders want to secure our vote, they have to stand up and support our national public broadcaster. — Isabel Sinclair Salmon Arm
Editor’s Note: The above letter was also sent to us by Denise Williams of Merritt, Michele Deon of Sorrento, and Wendy Livesey of Merritt.
Don’t save the CBC
Dear Editor:
With a federal election fast approaching, I am writing to draw your readers’ attention to an imminent threat to Canada’s cultural sovereignty — one whose urgency grows by the day, as President Donald Trump continues his economic attacks on our country, BECAUSE OF OUR LEAKY BORDERS ALLOWING DEADLY DRUG TRAFFICKING AND US CITIZEN DEATHS.
Following decades of MUNIPULATION AND OVER funding and institutional neglect from governments of all political stripes, the CBC now finds itself in the crosshairs of Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives, who are promising to defund it altogether.
We can stand by and let this happen. Canadians USED TO rely on the CBC for information, news, and entertainment that speaks to their daily realities and reaffirms their shared values, HOWEVER DUE TO GOVERNMENT INTEREFENCE THIS IS NO LONGER THE CASE. Defunding our national public broadcaster would inflict NEEDED harm on CBC.
That’s why I am NOT standing with Friends of Canadian Media and its hundreds of thousands of supporters this election. When we head to the polls, we’ll be voting to DEFUND the CBC. If the federal party leaders want to secure our vote, they have to stand up and DEFUND our ONCE national public broadcaster.
— Ernest Moniz Sorrento
Aberdeen
Fairfield by Marriott | 1475 Hugh Allan Dr
Hampton Inn | 1245 Rogers Way
Chopped Leaf Aberdeen | 1180 Columbia St W G115
On the Rocks | 1265 Rogers Way
Gold Leaf Pastries | 14-1415 Hillside Dr
Pizza Now | 1415 Hillside Dr #2
Runners Sole | 1395 Hillside Dr #74
Tim Hortons | 1285 Rogers Way
Tim Hortons | 1120 Rogers Way
Pharmasave Aberdeen | 68 - 1395 Hillside Dr
Straight 8 barbers Aberdeen | 1390 Hillside Dr #5
Twin Rivers Market | Unit A1420, 1420 Hugh Allan Dr Unit A
Brocklehurst
Flutter Buys Thrift Store | 1800 Tranquille Rd #14
Parkcrest Neighbourhood Store | 2091 Parkcrest Ave
Pogue Mahone Irish Alehouse | 843 Desmond St
Riverbend Pharmasave | 760 Mayfair St #3
Dallas
Glass Hair Salon | Dallas Towne Centre
Market Fresh | Dallas Towne Centre
Super Save Gas - Dallas | Dallas Drive
Downtown
Andres Tire World | 341 Victoria St W
Downtown Kamloops BIA | 246 2nd Ave
Nutters | 440 Seymour Street
Amplified Cafe | 465 Victoria St
Brownstone Restaurant | 118 Victoria St
Cafe Motivo | 29 Victoria St
Carlos O’Bryan’s Neighborhood Pub | 357 Victoria St
Central Station Pub | 126 4 Ave
Columbia Street Pharmacy | 112-300 Columbia St
Frankly Coffee And Bistro | 437 Lansdowne St
Frick and Frack | 577 Victoria Street
Kamloops Brain Injury Association | 408 Victoria St
Mauryas Restaurant | 165 Victoria St
Nandis Restaurant | 340 Victoria Street
RBC Dominion Securities | 186 Victoria St Suite 402
Wilson Beck Insurance | 574 Lorne St
Kamloops Community YMCA-YWCA | 400 Battle Street
He Brew’s Ahava Coffee Inc | 210 Victoria St
Kirstens Hideout Café | 1390 Columbia St
The Noble Pig | 650 Victoria St
Royal Inland Hospital | 311 Columbia St W
7-Eleven | 615 Seymour St & 6th
London Drugs | 450 Lansdowne St #216
Save-On-Foods Downtown | 450 Lansdowne St #200
The Vic Downtown | 377 Victoria St
Continental Barber Shop | 319 Victoria St
Kipp-Mallery Pharmacy (Downtown) | 3rd Avenue & Victoria St
Ms Whimsy Gift Emporirum | 448 Victoria St
The Art We Are Cafe | 246 Victoria St
The Book Place | 248 3 Ave
The London Creative | 250 3 Ave
Paramount Theatre | 503 Victoria Street
Daana Paani - The Indian Grocery Store | 414 Seymour St
Juniper Ridge
Juniper Market | 301 Highland Rd #2049
North Kamloops
Edo Japan | 700 Tranquille Rd #46
No Limits Fitness | 905 8th St
Chopped Leaf North Hills | 700 Tranquille Rd #45a
Sikh Cultural Society | 700 Cambridge Crescent
Gords Appliances + Mattress Centre | 948 Tranquille Rd
The Westsyder Neighbourhood Pub | 3369 Westsyde Rd
Save On Westsyde
More locations added frequently.
Check KamloopsChronicle.com for the complete list.
CITY PAGE
Council Calendar
April 8, 2025
1:30 pm - Regular Meeting
7:00 pm - Public Hearing
April 10, 2025
10:00 am - Livability and Sustainability Select Committee
April 15, 2025
1:30 pm - Regular Meeting
View the 2025 Council Calendar online. Kamloops.ca/Council
Council Meeting Recap
Sign up for the Council Meeting Agendas and Highlights e -newsletter. Kamloops.ca/Subscribe
It’s Bear Smart Season—Care About Bears
Hungry bears are emerging from hibernation. Unmanaged bear attractants around homes can unintentionally attract bears into neighbourhoods. Remember, a fed bear is a dead bear. Your actions can save a bear’s life.
Help keep our community and the local bear populations safe by following these Bear Smart tips:
• Properly manage solid waste. TIP: Store meat and strong-smelling food scraps in the freezer or in an airtight container and transfer them to your cart on collection day.
• Keep pet food/containers indoors.
• Keep barbecues clean.
• Remove bird feeders from May to November.
• Pick ripe fruit quickly, clean up fallen fruit, and remove unwanted fruit trees.
• Manage backyard composters properly.
Communications Survey
We want to hear from YOU! Please take our quick ve minute Communications Survey and help us improve how we share City updates. Your feedback is anonymous and helps us Make Kamloops Shine.
Take the survey at LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/Communications
Report an Issue
Have a non-emergency issue you want to report to the City, such as a pothole or a broken street light?
• Call 250-828-3461
For after-hours emergencies, press 1.
• MyKamloops™ Mobile App
Download the mobile app to easily report an issue right from your smart phone.
• Visit KamloopsBC.CitySourced.ca
Create an account or log in with your existing account to use our online reporting tool.
Kamloops is a designated Bear Smart Community. This means we work to address the root causes of human-bear con ict and help keep our community and the local bear populations safe.
Learn more at Kamloops.ca/BearSmart
eBilling with the City Makes Life Easy
With utility bills and tax notices coming out in May and national postal unions still negotiating contracts, there has never been a better to time to sign up for eBilling with the City. eBilling is quick and secure, it saves taxpayer dollars, and it’s great for the environment.
eBilling allows you to access your property tax and utility account information online. There are no printouts to manage, and over time, you can compare statements from one billing cycle to another. Learn more at Kamloops.ca/eBill or visit City Hall for in-person support getting set up.
Scan the QR code for the City’s up-to-date news and events
Tree Coupons Now Available
The Tree Coupon program supports the City’s goal of increasing our community’s tree canopy from the current 15% to 20%, as identi ed in the Urban Forestry Management Strategy.
Urban trees provide many social, health, environmental, and economic bene ts, including removing atmospheric carbon dioxide, absorbing air pollutants, reducing energy consumption, and increasing property values.
Coupons are available at participating nurseries until June 11, 2025, while quantities last. Coupons allow residents to receive either a $20 or $50 discount, depending on the price of the tree.
For more information, visit Kamloops.ca/TreeCoupons
Please join Mayor and Council at the
Annual Volunteer Appreciation BBQ
Celebrate the volunteers who build, maintain, and grow healthy communities.
April 17, 2025 | 11:30 am–1:30 pm Sandman Centre, 300 Lorne Street
Thank you for making a di erence in Kamloops! Learn more at Kamloops.ca
Let’s Talk Kamloops is our engagement website where you can share your voice and shape our city. We know you have ideas about our city, and we are committed to working more closely with you to improve engagement and better guide our planning and decision making.
LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca
Spring soil prep: The key to a thriving garden
Master Gardeners are part of a network of not-for-profit associations throughout North America. Members share a common interest – a passion for gardening and a willingness to share (at no cost) environmentally responsible gardening knowledge within their communities. Operating under the umbrella of the British Columbia Master Gardeners, the Thompson Shuswap Master Gardeners chapter was established in 2010 and its members have volunteered 10,000 plus hours throughout the Thompson-Shuswap region.
As the snow melts and temperatures rise, gardeners eagerly anticipate the growing season. One of the most crucial steps to ensure a productive garden is proper soil preparation. Healthy soil sets the foundation for strong plants, increased yields, and reduced maintenance throughout the season.
Many beneficial insects, such as solitary bees, butterflies, and ladybugs rely on plant debris and leaf litter for winter shelter. One of the first steps to spring soil prep is to remove any remaining debris from the previous season. If done too early, it can disturb these pollinators and
natural pest controllers before they have emerged. A good rule of thumb is to wait until daytime temperatures consistently reach 10°C (50°F) for at least a week before heavy cleanup, ensuring most overwintering insects have safely emerged.
In colder regions, this may mean delaying full garden preparation until mid to late spring. To support both soil health and biodiversity, clear garden beds in stages — starting with areas you’ll plant first while leaving some sections undisturbed a bit longer. This gradual approach supports a thriving insect population while allowing you to prepare the soil effectively for the growing season.
Before planting, it’s important to understand the composition of your soil. A simple soil test can reveal pH levels, and nutrient deficiencies. Testing kits are available at garden centers, or you can send a sample to a local agricultural extension office
for detailed analysis. Your test results will guide you in choosing the right amendments to enhance soil health.
Organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, will enrich the soil by adding nutrients, improving drainage, and enhancing moisture retention. Spread a two-to-three inch layer over your garden beds or gently incorporate it into the topsoil to support beneficial soil organisms. When planning which amendments to add, keep in mind that it is easier to increase soil pH than to lower it. Introduce pH increasing amendments slowly to prevent negative effects on nutrient availability, soil structure, and beneficial microbes. If you’re starting your garden from scratch and need to improve the soil, we recommend mixing in compost down to a depth of eight inches. For established gardens, use a no-dig approach by leaving the compost on the surface. This minimiz-
es weed seed exposure and preserves the soil structure. Let the worms do the work of incorporating it for you! You can loosen the soil gently with a garden fork or broadfork to improve air circulation and root growth while minimizing disturbance of the seed bank.
It is important to understand how the seed bank, living in the top oneto-two inches of soil, can negatively impact your garden. This is why we recommend no-dig gardening when and where possible. The seed bank contains dormant seeds that will germinate under the right conditions. Excessive disturbance can trigger these often-unwanted seeds to grow, disrupting desirable plants. To prevent this, avoid over-digging, which can unearth and activate dormant seeds. Instead, gently aerate the soil to promote healthy growth without upsetting its natural balance.
In a climate like Kamloops, applying mulch early in the season helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Choose organic options like shredded leaves, straw, or fire-safe mulches, keeping the mulch a few inches away from plant stems to prevent rot and pests. By taking these steps in early spring, you’ll create an optimal growing environment for your plants. Healthy soil means healthier plants, fewer issues with pests and disease, and a more enjoyable gardening experience.
Happy planting!
Corrine G is an avid gardener who feels like an imposter, but loves to learn and doesn’t mind failing forward every season. She has a yard where for years she ignored the impact of disturbing the seed bank and created some monster weed problems.
EasterBrunchBuffet
870 Westminster Avenue
Tickets are $25
Join us for our Easter Brunch Buffett, and discover why retirement living at The Shores Retirement Residence is about living fully, every day. We would love to answer your questions and give you a tour of the residence.
R.S.V.P: Email Delena.Smith@siennaliving.ca or call 250-376-0315 by April 14th 10 am or 11:30 am
ASPIRALIFE.CA
Tips for solving problems together
Stacey Olson-Steele
Our ability to work together successfully has never felt more important than it does now. With the return of Trump’s leadership and the political tensions the world over, tariffs and the economy are on everyone’s radar. We have big problems to face. And not just at the federal level, but in every community across Canada. We need all hands on deck to find innovative solutions to ensure Canadians thrive.
As a corporate facilitator who helps people navigate the challenges of working together, I have three tips you can try to make solving problems together a success.
The first tip I suggest is to invite as many people to the discussion as possible. We are all equal pioneers on today’s issues, so we need to focus on being inclusive instead of exclusive. We never know who will have the next idea that leads to the solution, and we cannot make good deci-
sions unless we have all the information. So, invite anyone who has experience with the issue because diverse perspectives bring more information and more value.
The second suggestion is to support each other through the process. This is where things inevitably get messy. I firmly believe that we don’t need conflict management training to leverage diverse perspectives and diffuse difficult group dynamics. We simply need to create a safe space
for people to collaborate. To do this, I think of one of the foundations of democracy: equal rights and equal responsibilities. We all have the right to a seat at the table, which also means we all have the responsibility to bring our best selves to the process. There are several ways I encourage positive interactions in the meetings I facilitate:
Building a sense of community within the group is vital to encourage positive participation. I do this by celebrating successes and sharing good news, no matter how small. I often start by asking people to introduce themselves and share one good thing with the group.
I ensure everyone gets one turn to talk before asking participants to share additional thoughts. People feel they belong when their voice is respected and heard. Honour everyone’s voice by sharing the mic equally.
I encourage safe participation by providing the “Right to Pass.” It’s okay to be a lis-
tening participant. Listening is still learning.
The third suggestion to make working together a success is to encourage participants to let go of their ego and expectations. Innovating solutions requires new ideas to mix and simmer with other ideas, which doesn’t happen when our ego is focused on one specific solution. Enforce a “Zero Judgement Zone” to ensure everyone sets their ego aside and lets ideas flow freely. Don’t form an opinion until after all the information is presented. Obviously, letting go of expectations is easier said than done so encourage people to concentrate on opportunities, options, and possibilities. Finding solutions to complex challenges happens when we create an environment that encourages strong relationships and leverages diverse perspectives. Working together is fundamental for success — especially now.
Stacey Olson-Steele is a local corporate facilitator. Read more at www.collaborativelead.ca
Questions to Ask an Investment Advisor
Over the past few months, we have had the pleasure to meet with some great families who were looking for an advisor. We love getting to meet new people and learn about them.
Like any good relationship, it should be a two-way street and we get asked many questions as well. Some folks ask very pointed questions, while others admit they are not sure if they are asking the right questions. Given this, we feel some important questions to ask your current or prospective investment advisor are listed below in no particular order:
1. What services do you and your team offer?
An advisor should outline what his or her team looks like and the services they include. How often will you meet? Will you get a financial or retirement plan? What reports will they provide? Do they offer additional services such as insurance solutions, tax or estate planning strategies?
2. How much money do you manage and how many clients do you have?
We find most clients want to deal with an advisor who will be there for years to come. This question should provide insight as to what their typical client looks like and if the advisor has capacity to take on additional families. We feel it is important to know if you fit within their target market or existing clientele.
3. What products do you offer?
Many advisors work for firms where they can only off only offer in house products thus limiting options and truly not offering an unbiased recommendation. Historically, the “Big Banks” acted as brokerages. Now they are typically known as Wealth Management offices and can offer several investment products including, but not limited to: stocks, bonds, alternative investments, commodities and insurance. Generally, brokerages are not limited to offering their own products, thereby giving investors more choices and limiting potential bias.
4. What fees will I pay?
Regulators have worked hard to amend disclosure requirements to ensure that costs are transparent however, there tends to still be misunderstanding around fees. It is important for investors to understand all costs to investing and what they are getting in return. Are there any hidden, embedded or deferred sales charges (rear loads)? Does the advisor use lower cost products where suitable? It can be worthwhile to ask what the fees are in terms of dollars and percentages.
5. How are you compensated?
Today, there are many ways for advisors to make money. Salary, commissions, bonuses and fee-based are typically the most common. More and more, our industry is moving more towards the fee-based model where investors pay a percentage fee on the assets they have with an advisor. Typically, services such as building and maintaining portfolios, wealth planning and trading costs are included.
There are numerous reasons for the shift towards fee-based compensation, among the most important is removing any “hidden”
compensation. This ensures recommendations are always made in the best interest of a client.
6. What are your credentials?
There are far too many credentials and titles in our industry for us to list. However, it is worth knowing that the “Portfolio Manager” title is the only one which carries a duty to act in the client’s best interest. Similar to doctors and lawyers, they are legally bound to always put their clients’ interests first.
Another important credential that we feel advisors should have is either the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) or Personal Financial Planner (PFP) designation as this means that they have completed substantial training and certification specific to financial planning.
7. What is your investment philosophy?
Advisors should be able to explain their strategies in a simple way. What is their process for selecting investments? What research do they do? For example, we put our “Investment Philosophy and 10 Core Beliefs” in writing.
Above all, you should feel comfortable with your advisor and have a good personality match. The best relationships are ones where people share their information, goals and work together towards achieving what truly matters to them and their families.
The above questions are by no means exhaustive, but will hopefully give you a better understanding of the advisor(s) you are meeting with.
Until next time… Invest Well. Live Well.
Written By Keith & Eric
The accidental athlete’s April awakening: Keep showing up
For several weeks I dragged myself through life feeling like a phone stuck on 1 percent battery — barely functioning, desperately needing a recharge, and somehow still expected to perform. It turns out I had walking pneumonia, which, despite the name, is less “casually strolling through” and more “dragging yourself forward while questioning every life decision,” as my mother so kindly pointed out.
But did I rest? Did I listen to my body like a responsible adult? Of course not. Instead, I convinced myself I could juggle work, training, social obligations, and the general chaos of life while pretending my body wasn’t waving a giant red flag. Slowing down felt like failure. So, I pushed harder.
Spoiler alert: This was a terrible plan.
Eventually, my body made the decision for me — complete exhaustion, brain fog, and an inability to function
forced me to stop. So, I did something terrifying: I let go.
At first, resting felt unnatural, like I was breaking some unwritten rule that says we must always be productive and striving. But slowly, I realized that recovery wasn’t weakness, it was wisdom. When I finally got the all-clear from my doctor to start moving again, I took it slow, focusing on what my body could do rather than what I thought it should do.
Then, in a moment of what can only be described as questionable decision-making, I signed up for a local 10K race. I embraced a walk-run strategy to soak in the experience rather than chase a finish time.
No surprise — I came in dead last.
Not “somewhere in the back” or “toward the end.”
No — dead last. If there had been a parade float behind me, I would have been holding a sign that said The End. Nothing is more hum-
felt like freedom. I ran (and walked) on my own terms, without pressure, without expectation — just gratitude for the simple joy of moving forward. It was humbling, yes, but also exhilarating. There should be medals for coming in last.
Keep showing up.
— Amy Tucker is a University Instructor at Thompson Rivers University and proudly calls herself an “accidental athlete.” As a senior swimmer and long-distance open-water enthusiast, she has represented Team Canada on the Age-Group Triathlon Team for the past three years. Amy is passionate about encouraging others to embrace fitness and wellness at any stage of life, proving it’s never too late to chase new challenges.
bling than having the entire sweep team escort you into the finish corral.
But here’s what surprised me: It was one of the best races of my life.
I’ve been on the other side of this. I’ve raced at peak performance, hit personal bests, stood on podiums — and felt completely empty at the finish line. I’ve crossed the tape exhausted, burnt out, and wondering why I didn’t feel the pride I expected.
This time, finishing last didn’t feel like failure. It
Too often, we equate success with speed, strength, or finishing first. But true success is showing up, even when progress feels slow. It’s knowing when to rest and when to push forward.
To anyone feeling like they’re falling behind — whether in fitness, work, or life — hear this: Your pace is your pace. Moving forward, no matter how slow, is still moving forward. Prioritize your health.
Listen to your body. And remember, if you ever find yourself crossing the finish line last, do it with your head held high — because finishing, at any speed, is always worth celebrating. You are not alone in this journey.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Kamloops Chamber Musicians:
A symphony of passion and talent
Radhika Tabrez
As a music lover and advocate for the arts, I’ve always been fascinated by the impact live performances have on a community. Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Joanne Dennstedt, Vice President of the Chamber Musicians of Kamloops (CMK), to discuss the organization’s journey, its contributions to Kamloops’ cultural landscape, and the importance of chamber music in our daily lives. For those unfamiliar with the term, chamber music is a genre that features small ensembles of musicians — often a string quartet, piano trio, or similar group — performing in an intimate setting. Unlike grand orchestral works, which rely on a conductor and large sections of instruments, chamber music is defined by its conversational nature. Each musician plays an independent part, creating a deeply engaging and dynamic listening experience. This genre allows for subtle nuances, musical interplay, and an emotional connection between performers and audiences that is truly unique.
At its core, CMK is dedicated to ensuring that the rich and intimate sound of chamber music continues to thrive in Kamloops and
the Thompson-Okanagan region. Whether through spellbinding live performances, collaborations with local artists, or mentoring young musicians, CMK keeps this timeless genre alive.
“Music, arts, and culture are food for our souls,” Dennstedt told me passionately. “They inspire us and connect us to each other.”
As we talk, I realize how deeply music is woven into the fabric of a healthy and connected community. Live performances don’t just entertain; they bring people together across generations and backgrounds, creating a shared experience that strengthens the social fabric of the city. Studies have shown that exposure to music enhances emotional well-being, fosters empathy, and cultivates a sense of belonging—something CMK embodies in every performance.
Beyond their concerts, CMK actively fosters the next generation of musicians. They partner with the Kamloops Festival of the Performing Arts (KFPA) to recognize and support young chamber musicians, while also collaborating with members of the Kamloops Symphony. By doing so, CMK ensures that the classical tradition remains a vibrant force in our community.
I asked Dennstedt about some of the standout performances from recent years, and her face lit up. She recalled the opening concert of the 2023–2024 season, a dazzling tribute to Canadian composer Imant Raminsh. Another unforgettable performance was Mistral: Songs of the Mediterranean, where hauntingly beautiful melodies met the fiery rhythms of flamenco, Moroccan, Turkish, and Greek Sephardic ballads. “It was a feast for both the ears and the soul,” Dennstedt reminisced.
Looking ahead to the 2024–2025 season, CMK’s Musical Explorations theme promises to take audiences on a sonic adventure. “We are engaging both professional and amateur musicians, as well as young performers,” she explained.
“Youth involvement is key to making our concerts more accessible and inspiring the next generation of artists.”
Like any arts organization, CMK has faced its share of challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic forced them to pivot to live-streamed performanc-
es, ensuring that music remained a source of comfort and connection even in isolation. Despite these obstacles, CMK emerged stronger, with an increased focus on youth participation.
“I was recently invited to play saxophone with the Chamber Musicians of Kamloops,” shared young performer Johan Campsall. “It was incredibly cool to play with professional musicians. It has really inspired me to get involved in chamber music in the future.”
See CMK on A20
A December concert featuring The Midnight Clear.
WCT puts different spin on classic story
Sean Brady
A punched-up adaptation of the Jane Austen classic Pride and Prejudice will soon hit the Sagebrush Theatre stage as Western Canada Theatre’s latest production.
According to director Scott Bellis, the adaptation by playwright Kate Hamill maintains the core messages of the story many know and love, and many of the classic lines are intact. But where it differs is its approach to the more comedic aspects.
“It’s definitely designed for the stage, to simultaneously honour the genre of the story but also send it up at the same time,” Bellis told the Chronicle.
Bellis said there has been a “massive” injection of comedy and energy into Hamill’s play. But while the comedy has been elevated, other elements of the story have stayed the same, including its mid-regency-era setting and themes that explore the social rules du jour.
Bellis said work on the production began with research, including social norms of yore and all the social rules people had to live by at the time.
“Do the women curtsy first? Do the men bow? Take off their hats? How did people sit on chairs? We worked on that,” Bellis said.
Much like the timeless titular themes of the story, Bellis said the social themes are also timeless in a way, prompting us to question how we behave in the modern era.
“It makes you wonder what sort of rules we have to live by in the year 2025,” Bellis said.
A cast of just eight will cover a bevy of characters — 15 in all. That will mean quick changes abound and the extra element of comedy that comes with them.
“There’s a lot of that. We’ve got a lot of places where people have to
change their clothes right on stage,” Bellis said.
One of those playing multiple roles is Kamloops actor Rem Murray, whose whole career came to fruition in the river city. As a young teen, Murray found himself in the ensemble cast of WCT’s Fiddler on the Roof in 2013, where he said he fell in love with acting.
Murray later attended Thompson Rivers University, where he studied acting and affirmed his love for it through the school’s theatre arts program.
“As I was going through my degree I kind of just felt like everything else I was studying doesn’t interest me nearly as much as acting did,” Murray said.
He’s been working on and off ever since, landing roles in a few other WCT productions, including The Wizard of Oz, Hurry Hard, Grease and Shrek the Musical.
“Every time I’m able to act in this town, it makes me feel very proud,” he said.
Murray is the only local cast member, joined by stage and screen actor Greg Armstrong-Morris, Kate Besworth, Merewyn Comeau, Dylan Floyde, Chris Walters, Melissa Oei and WCT veteran Anita Wittenberg, who has at least nine credits with the company.
Another local can be found on the play’s creative team. Kamloops’ own Lukas Vanderlip is once again heading up sound design and musical arrangements.
Although Murray understudied for a play at the Chemainus Theatre Festival, Murray has yet to take the stage outside of Kamloops. But soon, that will change, with WCT taking Pride and Prejudice on the road, set to play at the Gateway Theatre in Richmond from April 17 to April 26, following its run in Kamloops.
Sean Brady photo Above: Melissa Oei reacts to another actor during rehearsals for Pride and Prejudice.
Right: Melissa Oei and Kate Besworth get a little dramatic.
But before that run, Murray is even more excited to hit the stage as strange Bennet daughter Mary and as the lovable Mr. Bingley, his two assigned roles. Pride and Prejudice opens on April 3, running until April 13 at the Sagebrush Theatre. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. for evening shows, 2 p.m. for weekend matinees. For tickets and additional show information, go online to wctlive.ca/pride.
Kamloops Players keeping theatre alive and well in city
Juli Harland
Kamloops Players Theatre Society has been bringing community theatre productions to the stage in Kamloops since 1967. Completely volunteer driven, Kamloops Players is dedicated to bringing quality, affordable live theatre to the city while also encouraging new members to join them both on and off stage to keep theatre alive here in Kamloops.
Currently they are getting ready for two new shows in their 2025 season. First up is the Norm Foster play, Halfway There directed by Laurel Brewer, playing from April 9–13 at the Pavilion Theatre. Following in June will be a summer Shakespeare production of Julius Caesar, directed by Andrew Robertson.
Halfway There is a completely Canadian production. “Canadian playwright, Canadian publishing house, it’s all Canadian money,” says producer Rod Deboice, who says that keeping it local is even more important in the political times we are in. “We are leaning more and more to that kind of production where all of the money we spend stays local.”
The show is a classic Norm Foster
A captured moment from a recent rehearsal of Halfway There. Pictured from left, Nicole Jung, Chelsey Jackson, Lauren Motschman, Andisha Sabri, and Keenan Carey
character-driven comedy set in the small town of Stewiacke, Nova Scotia, known for being halfway between the North Pole and the equator. The story revolves around four close-knit friends — Vi, Rita, Mary Ellen, and Janine — who meet daily at the local diner to gossip and share their lives. Their small town
lives are disrupted when Sean, a heartbroken doctor, moves to town for a temporary job at the clinic. As relationship mayhem ensues, in typical Foster mastery, their friendships and loyalties are put to the test.
Julius Caesar comes to the stage June 18 through to the 22, again, at the Pavilion Theatre. “It is rele-
vant to our times, relevant to our culture in so many ways,” says director Andrew Robertson. He describes the atmosphere that the play was written in, and the ability of Shakespeare to write such obvious criticism of politics under the guise of it being from another culture. Queen Elizabeth I was such
an ardent fan that Shakespeare got away with such audacious writing in a time where criticism of the monarchy could land you in jail. Or worse.
Robertson says he chose this play because of its potential to dig into social dynamics, because it isn’t one of the more popular Shakespeare plays, and because of its relevance. A relevance, he says, that has just become more and more so since he chose this play. Crazy politics aside, Robertson is aiming to find the humour in Julius Caesar, and from the laughter that is prevalent in rehearsals so far, it is a fair bet that he will succeed in doing just that.
So, whether you are checking out a production, dying to get involved in community theatre, or just want to help keep theatre alive and well, Kamloops Players are working hard to keep theatre thriving. “We are non-profit, it’s all about paying for the productions, playing for the community, and getting more people involved in acting, or directing, etc.,” says Deboice.
“If you want to keep community theatre around and support Kamloops Players and keep theatre alive, come out to a show!”
River Cole photo
NIGHTLIFE
April 5 @ 7 and 9 pm at The Effie Arts Collective: Kamloops Burlesque presents: The Guilded Tassel. Kamloops Burlesque extends your gilded invitation to a night of gold, glitz, and glamour! The lineup of local talent includes Ivy Nyx, CocoA-Gogo, Babe Maverick, The Cream Puffs, The Laps of Luxury, Ms Coco Creme, The Rainbow Puffs, with debut solo performances from Lila Honey, Angel Flame, and Martini A La Mode! And, of course, emcee Misty Vine!
April 12 @ 7:00 pm at 1031 Lorne Street: Live Band Karaoke at KRC! Ever wanted to front a live band? Now’s your chance! Killerpillows will be backing YOU up as you take the mic and belt out your favorite tunes. No backing tracks—just real musicians playing alongside your rockstar moment. $20 admission at the door.
April 13 @ 6:00 pm at Yew Street Food Hall, Rebellious Unicorns presents: The Pink Pony Power Hour! Hosted by the fabulous Ella Lamoureux and the electrifying LBee, this dynamic duo is bringing all the pink pony power straight to you! 16+ show - adult humour - all minors must be present with a legal guardian. Tickets are $19 and do not include food or drinks.
April 16 @ 7:00 pm at Bright Eye Brewing: Ella’s Naughty Bingo. Join an entertaining evening of bingo hosted by Ella. Doors open at 7:00 PM, with the game starting at 7:30 PM. This 19+ event promises fun and excitement.
April 26 @ 7:00 pm at The Fox and Hound’s Pub: Disney Renaissance Trivia! Deafeat 5 rounds of Disney Trivia dedicated to the movies you love. Your team of up to 8 people will compete for your share of over $250 in prizes! There will be lots of mini games, door prizes, and a costume contest to make sure everyone gets a shot at walking away a winner. Tickets $20 each.
MUSIC
April 6 @ 7:30 to 9:45 at The Effie Arts Collective: Christie Lenée Live. Experience the captivating performance of “Acoustic Guitarist of the Year” and celebrated singer/songwriter Christie Lenée. Her music blends transcendental folk-pop with virtuosic instrumentals, promising an unforgettable evening.
April 6 @ 6:00 pm at SkyView Theatre: Calling All Captains with Gutter King and IDIOFAME! Enjoy an energetic evening of live music featuring Calling All Captains, Gutter King, and IDIOFAME. Experience the dynamic performances of these bands in an intimate setting.
April 11 @ 8:00 pm @ The Night Shift on Fifth: Dear Rouge: The Lonesome High Canadian Tour. Hot on the heels of their new album release Lonesome High, JUNO Award-winning Canadian alternative-rock duo Dear Rouge is excited to be adding Kamloops as a stop on their 2025 Lonesome High Canadian tour. Tickets are $30 plus fees and taxes.
April 24 @ 7:30 pm at Sagebrush Theatre: Trooper! Sherpa Group Events is proud to present Juno Award-winning Band of the Year and “Canadian rock heroes of the first order ... the best performing band in Canada” Trooper
May 7 @ 7:30 to 9:00pm at Kamloops Full Gospel Tabernacle: Music In Bloom. Celebrate the beauty of spring with “Music In Bloom,” an annual musical event featuring a bouquet of musical treats that reflect the season’s rebirth and renewal.
THEATRE/FILM
April 9 to 13 @ 7:00 pm nightly with 1:00 pm matinees Saturday and Sunday at the Pavillion Theatre, Kamloops Players Society presents: ‘Halfway There’ by Norm Foster. “Halfway There” is a heartwarming comedy set in the small town of Stewiacke, Nova Scotia, known for being halfway between the North Pole and the equator. The story revolves around four close-knit friends who meet daily at the local diner to gossip and share their lives. Tickets at Kamloops Live Box Office.
May 5 @ 6:00 pm at Delta Hotels by Mariott Kamloops: Vancouver Film School Info Session Tour. VFS is coming to Kamloops with an informative session about their industry-leading training programs. If you’re interested in training for the creative industries, they want to meet you! Learn how VFS launches successful creative careers in 1 short year. The session is free, pre-registration is required. Info on Eventbrite.
DANCE
April 4, 11, 18, 25 @ 7:00 to 10:30 pm at Kelson Hall Center for Arts and Education: Lindy in the Loops weekly social dances. The first hour will be a beginner’s class followed by a social dance from 8 to 10:30 pm. Tickets range from $7 to $10 at the door. Partners are not required, and all skill levels are welcome.
April 12 @ 6:30 pm at Let’s Dance Music Studio: Ecstatic Dance. Ecstatic dance is a form of dance in which the dancers, sometimes without the need to follow specific steps, abandon themselves to the rhythm and move freely as the music takes them, leading to trance and a feeling of ecstasy.
ART
April 12 @ 1:00 pm at Kamloops Art Gallery: In Dialogue: Ithin-ehwuk—we place ourselves at the center: James Nicholas and Sandra Semchuk. Come for an afternoon of conversation alongside artist Sandra Semchuk and Secwépemc educator Colleen Seymour. Participants will have an opportunity to connect with the artist and are invited to share how the exhibition resonates with them. The event is free of charge, and no pre-registration is required.
FOOD
April 14 @ 6:00 pm at TRU Conference Center: Chefs in the City. For $95 you get: Culinary creations from 21 Local Chefs and Caterers; Wine and beer tasting from 11 Wineries, Breweries and Distilleries; Vote for the Peoples Choice Award for best chef of 2025; Live Jazz Music; Amazing quantities of Food, Fun and Fellowship all packed into one great evening! All funds raised go to help youth, feed the hungry, and support projects in our local community. This is a 19+ event - no minors. Tickets at chefs2025.brownpapertickets.com
COMMUNITY
April 5 @ 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at McArthur Island Sport & Event Centre: Kamloops Spring Home Show 2025. Explore the latest trends in home improvement, renovation, and decor at the Kamloops Spring
Home Show. Connect with local contractors and designers to bring your home projects to life. Admission is free.
April 6 @ 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at McArthur Island Sport & Event Centre: Kamloops Creative Trends Spring Artisan & Lifestyle Market 2025. Discover unique products from local artisans and lifestyle brands at this vibrant market. It’s an excellent opportunity to support local creators and find one-of-a-kind items. Admission is free.
April 10 and May 8 @ 6:00 pm at Pogue Mahone Irish Alehouse: Rainbrews. Come out for an evening filled with great music, lively energy, and great company. Rainbrews isn’t just an event; it’s a safe and welcoming space for the 2SLGBTQPIA+ community and allies to connect and build friendships. Flying solo or bringing your crew? Look for the pride flags on our tables – that’s where the fun begins!
April 12 @ 10 am to 2:00 pm at Sahali Mall: Spring Pop-Up Markets. Come out for a series of well-attended, must-shop Spring Markets, incredible vendors, and locally made treasures! Whether you’re looking for fresh spring finds, handcrafted gifts, or seasonal musthaves, our markets are always worth a visit.
April 12 @ 5:00 pm at 450 Mount Paul Center Way: Bollywood Affair 2025. Get ready for an unforgettable night filled with Lights, Camera and Flavour featuring: 32 Indian Micro Dishes expertly crafted by the renowned Nandi’s, Indian-Inspired Cocktails to delight your taste buds, Energetic Drummers & Dazzling Dancers to keep the vibe alive, Spacious Dance Floor—bring your best moves, Cozy Hookah Lounge for a touch of relaxation, and a Silent & Live Auctions with incredible prizes.
April 13 @ 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at Riverside Park: Clean the Beach Day! This family-friendly gathering invites residents to come together in a collective effort to clean our riverbanks. Volunteers will work to collect litter on specific routes along the shoreline near Riverside Park and Overlander Park. Stick around afterwards for a Volunteer Appreciation BBQ and educational booths. Collection materials provided. Register at Kamloops.ca/cleanthebeach.
May 4, @ 12:00 pm at Riverside Park: KBIA Turtle River Race. Participate in the annual KBIA Turtle River Race at Riverside Park. Enjoy a day of fun and competition along the scenic riverfront.
May 8 to 11 at Aberdeen Mall: Westcoast Amusements Fair! Canada’s biggest travelling carnival is back and is coming to Kamloops! For hours & pricing, please visit their website at westcoastamusements.com. Hours are dependent on weather and guest attendance.
BUSINESS
April 14 @ 4:00 to 8:00 pm at 348 Tranquille Road: April NSBIA Business Mixer. Get ready for our next exciting NSBIA Business Mixer! We’re thrilled to be hosting it at The Standard Office Space and would love for you to join us in checking out this fantastic location! The Bamboo Inn will be serving up their delectable Chinese cuisine, and Joseph Simon, owner of Lightning Rubbish Removal, will be providing the beverages! If you are part of an NSBIA Business - owners, managers, and staff, all are welcome. Come enjoy some fabulous networking with us! Watch for your invites!! rsvp to patti@nsbia.com
SPORTS
April 26 and 27 @ 1:00 to 4:00 pm at McArthur Island Lawn Bowling Club: Try it, Lawn Bowling! Join the Fun at McArthur Island between the Baseball Stadium and the Skateboard Park. Looking for a fun, social, and active way to enjoy the outdoors? Try lawn bowling at McArthur Park Lawn Bowling Club!
WELLNESS
April 12 @ 11 am to 6:00 pm at Haus of Misfit: In-house Tarot Reading with Miai Sky Art. Welcome spring with a personalized tarot reading with Maia Sky Art! Tarot readings are first come, first served, and are by donation/ pay what you can (cash or e-transfer).
PLEASE NOTE: Events are listed for the upcoming calendar month and beyond, but due to limited space, priority is given to events occurring closest to the publishing date of the current issue. Event listings are free of charge and can be sent by email to events@kamloopschronicle.com
SPORTS
Soccer all-star remaining in Kamloops
Cason Scott is staying home.
The 6-foot-7, 195pound Westsyde Whundas’ high school basketball star had the pick of about 15 post-secondary institutions — including every Canada West school in B.C. — and chose to play for the TRU WolfPack.
“When I got hired two years ago, one of the things that was really important to me and my vision was making sure that we were able to keep the very best talent from Kamloops in Kamloops,” WolfPack head coach Chad Jacobson said.
“He was our No. 1 recruiting target for the last two years. I certainly hope that it’s going to have a positive impact with other recruits and,
hopefully, really show that local kids can stay here in Kamloops and do the things that they want to do right here at TRU.”
Scott was named a first-team all-star at the B.C. School Sports AA Basketball Championship in March in Langley and represented B.C. at the 17-and-under Men’s Basketball National Championship last summer in Ontario.
Kamloops high school graduates with that sort of pedigree (see Maddy Gobeil) do not always opt to pursue education in their own backyard and it’s no fun for TRU when they return each year to whack the Pack.
“Inevitably, it was TRU, but it was a tough decision, obviously, because
it’s going to be what my life is for the next five years,” Scott said.
“It was stressful, but I tried my hardest to enjoy the time because it’s a pretty cool time in my life. I did want to hear everyone out and make sure I did end up making the right decision.”
The WolfPack appear to be on upward trajectory under Jacobson, who in February guided the program to its first post-season victory since 2017.
Improving results — the team was 10-10 last season after posting a 6-14 record in 2023–2024 — are good for recruiting pitches and Scott appreciated Jacobson’s approach, which wasn’t exactly a full-court press.
“Showed a lot of interest, but never made me feel like I was rushed,” Scott said. “He invited me out to stuff that he thought I’d fit in with and I got into some scrim-
See SOCCER on A19
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Roger Joseph Meunier was born February 26, 1942 in Edmonton Alberta and passed away
peacefully on February 10, 2025 in Salmon Arm BC. A celebration of life will be held at Bowers Funeral Home on April 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rogers Memory may be made to Search and Rescue Salmon Arm or Shuswap Community Foundation. To leave an online message of condolence, and to view the full obituary, please visit www. bowersfuneralservice.com. Roger Meunier
Soccer is part of the family for Scott
Contined from A18
mages. It made it almost seem like I was wanted more than anywhere else just by the way everyone treated me when I was around them.”
Jacobson had recruiting help from players, alumni, TRU administration and WolfPack staff — and perhaps tacitly from Scott’s parents, both of whom toiled for the University College of the Cariboo Sun Demons in the 1990s.
His father, Steve, played soccer and his mother, Kirstine, was a two-sport athlete, playing soccer and basketball.
“Deep down, I know they were hoping it was going to be TRU,” Scott said with a laugh. “Obviously, just me staying home and, selfishly, they get to come watch all the games and stuff. But they were super great about making sure it was my choice.”
Jacobson was asked how he plans to deploy Scott positionally.
“I mean, he’s 6-foot-7 and he’s really athletic and long, but yet he’s got the skillset of a guard,” Jacobson said. “He can handle it, he can shoot it, he can pass, he can defend, he can rebound … he can
do a lot of different things.”
The WolfPack do not make a habit of hosting press conferences to announce recruit commitments, but they held one on April 2 at Westsyde secondary to trumpet Scott’s decision.
He’s taking his talents to TRU.
“There’s always the appeal for someone to leave home and play at one of those bigger programs,” Jacobson said.
“He’s the type of individual that doesn’t come around very often. To get somebody like that in our program that’s from Kamloops, it’s huge.”
As per the Integrated Pest Management Regulation of British Columbia, Section 61(1) this is Public Notification that: FortisBC Inc. and FortisBC Energy Inc. (collectively referred to as FortisBC) is renewing their Gas Facilities and Right of Way , Electric Facilities and Right of Way and Wood Structure Maintenance Integrated Pest Management Plans (IPMPs). Under these regulations, these plans are required to be updated every 5 years (the proposed term of the IPMP is five years from June 5, 2025 to June 4, 2030).
The purpose of this renewal is to support an integrated approach to managing and controlling pests and/or vegetation associated with gas and electrical facilities, rights of way, wood structures (poles) and related operating infrastructure. The overarching goal of the program is to support the safety and reliability of FortisBC’s gas and electric infrastructure. These IPMPs will cover FortisBC’s service and operating areas in British Columbia. Gas operations include communities on Vancouver Island, Greater Vancouver, Sunshine Coast, Whistler, Fraser Valley, Okanagan, Similkameen, Thompson-Nicola, Columbia-Shuswap, Kootenays, Cariboo, Prince George, Chetwynd, Hudson Hope, Mackenzie and Fort Nelson. Electrical operations include communities within south and south-east BC, including the Okanagan, Similkameen and Kootenays.
Using the principles of integrated pest management (IPM), the pest management methods proposed for use may include, but not be limited to, tree falling, cutting, brushing (mowing, slashing, manual hand tools), seeding-revegetation, biological control, and the use of pesticides by ground application (backpack selective plant, and/or handgun foliar). The use of pesticides is intended within the area to which the IPMP applies.
Trade names and active ingredients of the pesticides proposed for use under these plans may include:
• Pesticides Proposed for use in facilities and right of ways: 2,4-D Amine, Navius VM, Rinskor, Telar XP, Kerb SC, VP480, Garlon XRT, Arsenal Powerline, Esplanade SC, Clearview, Milestone, Torpedo EZ, Detail, Octtain XL, Tordon 22K, Lontrel 360 (Active ingredients: Dimethylamine Salt (2,4-D), Aminocyclopyrachlor, Florpyrauxifen-benzyl, Chlorsulfuron, Propyzamide, Glyphosate, Triclopyr, Imazapyr, Indaziflam, Aminopyralid, Metsulfuron-methyl, Pyroxasulfone, Flumioxazin, Saflufenacil, Fluroxypyr, Picloram, Clopyralid)
Draft copies of these IPMP documents are available at: https://www.fortisbc.com/pestmanagement
Map(s) are available upon request.
For more information, please contact: FortisBC
Attn: Vegetation Management Department
Address: 750 Vaughan Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 7E4
Phone Number: 1.866.436.7847
Email: pestmanagement@fortisbc.com
A person wishing to contribute information about a proposed treatment area, relevant to the development of this IPMP may send copies of the information to the applicant or email address above within 30 days of the publication of this notice.
CMK looking to broaden its horizons in coming years
Continued from A14
Since introducing free concert admission for attendees under 19 in December 2022, CMK has welcomed an influx of young audience members. By featuring youth performers in their concerts, they are not only providing mentorship but also building a future generation of music lovers and artists.
As a non-profit, CMK relies heavily on community support. “We would like to see more financial support from our patrons and the community,” Dennstedt admitted.
“As a volunteer-led organization, our resources are lim-
A force of nature has vanished. Born in northern Quebec, she grew up in the mining town of Val D’Or, playing with an ethnic variety of miners’ boys (girls’ games were too boring). She escaped the clutches of the Catholic church, after the priest admonished her that if she had nothing more interesting to report, not to bother to come to confession.
Wanting to perfect her English, she enrolled in Canada’s only bilingual school of nursing. An Adams river salmon run documentary convinced her to move to Kamloops, as well as a look at a map (she liked maps), where she noticed that there were two major highways as well as an airport. She arrived in 1977 and worked in
ited, but we are committed to making chamber music accessible to all.”
Fundraising is a critical component of CMK’s ability to continue delivering high-quality performances.
While grants help sustain operations, individual and business contributions are essential to ensuring longterm growth. Sponsorships, donations, and ticket sales directly impact the organization’s ability to engage musicians, book venues, and offer accessible pricing for audiences.
But financial support isn’t the only way to help.
OBITUARY
Lise Heroux, RN
1953
- 2024
every department of Royal Inland Hospital, where she also met her second husband George, and their second marriages were a striking improvement on their first ones.
Lise went through a very rough patch when her young teenage daughter engaged on a dangerously destructive path. Lise fought like a ferocious tigress to steer the daughter to a very successful life. Lise went with George on two missions in the highlands of Guatemala, where practicing medicine under primitive conditions proved satisfying, as well as it was interesting that the indigenous natives were not of mixed race, as they usually are in Canada. Lise was always game to volunteer, whether it be campaigning door to door for a political party, Senior Games, hospice, or leading hikes for octogenarian women. Fifteen years ago she was introduced to the Kamloops Outdoor Club and her beloved backcountry skiing and convinced George to join this under leadership of Helen and Wesley. She diligently managed
Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of CMK’s concert series. From assisting with marketing and promotions to helping with event logistics and ushering at performances, there are plenty of opportunities for community members to get involved. “We are always looking for passionate individuals who want to support live music in Kamloops,” Dennstedt said. “Every small effort contributes to keeping chamber music alive in our city.”
The benefits of a thriving music scene extend far beyond the performers and audiences. Local businesses,
her own finances knowing that this leads to increased marital happiness! She travelled in BC and exotically. In India she visited and donated generously to the Jaipur Foot Institute, the world’s largest provider of prostheses for the poor. And the highlight of her trip to Mongolia was her interacting with a hunting eagle. She was an accomplished cook and hardworking organizer. But then a black cloud descended in the form of dementia, and it blunted her sunny disposition, which had often manifested itself in the past with frequent bellylaughs. Her mother and both brothers had already suffered from dementia. Medical science offers much research but little relief. In the last dismal year of her life she found solace in the sensible philosophy of the buddhist nun Anila and fearlessly she designed her final exit. So after a three hour dinner party organized by her daughter, where George blew her a classic blues on his horn, Lise went to sleep forever with medical assistance, holding hands and with a smile on her face.
schools, and cultural institutions all gain from an active arts community. Restaurants and cafes see increased traffic on concert nights, while schools benefit from enriched arts education programs. Vibrant public spaces filled with live music create a more inviting and dynamic city for residents and visitors alike.
Looking to the future, CMK is eager to broaden its musical horizons by incorporating jazz musicians into the 2025–2026 season. “We’re always looking for new ways to evolve and keep our programming fresh and exciting,” Joanne told me. “The more diverse our concerts, the more people we can inspire.”
My conversation with Joanne made one thing abundantly clear: CMK is more than just an organization — it’s a cultural heartbeat that keeps the spirit of live music alive in Kamloops. By providing a space for artists to
collaborate, grow, and share their craft, CMK helps shape the city’s artistic identity.
“Supporting the arts enhances and builds our community,” she said. “It makes Kamloops a better place to live.”
The role of music in society is undeniable — it has the power to heal, unite, and inspire. As Kamloops continues to grow, organizations like CMK will play an increasingly important role in maintaining the city’s vibrancy. Attending concerts, supporting local musicians, volunteering, and advocating arts funding are just some of the ways residents can ensure that music remains a vital and enriching part of their community.
For those eager to experience the magic of live chamber music, CMK’s upcoming concert promises to be a thrilling musical journey. Partners in Crime will take audiences from 18th-century Europe to modern-day Canada, fea-
turing music by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach and his daughter Anna Carolina Philippina, as well as Leopold Mozart and his famous son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
The concert will take place May 31 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and feature performers Anika Howell (soprano), Ivan Vutev (countertenor), Cvetozar Vutev (violin), and Curtis Howell (harpsichord/ organ). Tickets are $25, $20 for CMK members, free for students under 19.
As I wrapped up my conversation with Joanne, I couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of appreciation for chamber music and the dedicated individuals who keep it alive. CMK is not just about concerts — it’s about community, education, and the transformative power of music. If you haven’t yet attended one of their performances, now is the perfect time to start. Let’s keep the music playing, Kamloops.
Food bank continues to help
Continued from A7
When called to step up to the plate, the Kamloops
Food Bank was there through the pandemic, inflation, high interest rates
OBITUARY
Marlin Brietzke
February 2, 1947 - February 22, 2025
passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends after a 4 year battle with cancer.
Marlin is survived by his wife Doris, his 2 sons Alec (Jes) and Dwayne, his 2 grandchildren Christopher and Phoenix, and many cousins (notably Gwen), nieces and nephews.
The family is grateful to Adam and Laura Brietzke for their unwavering support over the years, particularly during Marlin’s battle with cancer.
We would like to give special thanks to Dr. Farran and the staff at Trinity Hospice Unit at Overlander Extended Care for their outstanding work with Marlin in his final days.
Marlin’s celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 1:00-5:00 pm at Cottonwood Manor in the Dogwood Room.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Kamloops Hospice Association in his honor.
and the Shuswap, Kelowna, and Lake Country fires, providing support, especially for seniors and children under five years of age.
Bernadette Siracky, Director, acknowledges the dedication of the staff, Board of Directors and Volunteers. Volunteers can give back to the community in a fun environment which is supportive and has flexible scheduling.
“As we pursue a better world, we move forward with the conviction that our collective efforts truly matter. Here’s to another year of resilience, compassion and meaningful change,” said Siracky, who has guided the Food Bank for the last 15 years.
A few interesting Stats: 25 foodSHARE retail partners; 8,755 people served, 73,980 food bank visits; 25,400,000 lbs of food diverted from the landfill since 2007 ($91,000,000 value).
Marlin
Have clubs, will travel
Casandra Karpiak
GOLF IN CANADA is experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity. Canadians played over 74 million rounds last year— an astonishing 24 percent increase from the last study in 2019. This surge has propelled golf travel to new heights, contributing to a staggering $14.2 billion industry.
According to industry reports, golf-related travel now accounts for a significant portion of the market, with domestic and international tourists seeking highend golf experiences that blend sport with world-class hospitality, fine dining, and scenic landscapes.
Media exposure also fuels golf’s popularity, with Netflix’s hit documentary series Full Swing bringing the sport to a broader audience. The series, which offers an inside look at the lives of professional golfers on and off the course, has enthralled both avid golf fans and newcomers to the sport. As golf tourism flourishes, the cultural impact of such media coverage continues to drive interest in professional tournaments and destination golf experiences worldwide.
Canada is the third-largest golfing nation in the world, boasting 2,363 golf facilities, 921 of which are ninehole courses. The provinces of Ontario and Quebec, home to around 60 percent of the nation’s population, contain just under half of all golf facilities. Mirroring the welcoming nature of most Canadians, almost 90 percent of all courses in the country are open to the general golfing public, making the sport widely accessible and a significant draw for golf tourists.
One of the most notable local developments is the recent acquisition of Tobiano Golf Course by JK World Group, a Coquitlambased company. This premier Kamloops course, consistently ranked among Canada’s best public golf destinations, opened on March 28 for the 2025 season under new ownership and a new name, the GreenTee Country Club Tobiano.
According to Tobiano’s head golf professional, Shannon McGeady, the operation will be very similar to past years in terms of membership, bookings, and tee times. This will be McGeady’s
TRAVEL
11th season at Tobiano, and she is excited about the upcoming golf season.
“I think for me, personally, and for a lot of the management team, it’s just a bit of excitement about the future and having a company that wants to grow the brand. They’re about luxury and customer service, and it’s exciting to be a part of something different, something new, something that I think is going to be really beneficial for Tobiano and take it to that next level. I’m grateful that I’m still a part of it and hope to continue with that.”
Multi-course itineraries in Canada
For avid golfers, the chance to play at Canada’s most celebrated courses is a dream come true. As McGeady, a seasoned golfer who has competed nationally, put it, “I’ve been fortunate enough that I’ve got to play some pretty iconic courses in Vancouver; I mean, Capilano and Shaughnessy have to be right up there. They’re pretty amazing golf courses.”
But she also highlighted the charm of lesser-known gems, adding, “I think some of the
Stunning Northwest BC (EB)
ones I played growing up in North Saskatchewan don’t get a good rap, but White Bear and Kenosee are beautiful golf courses. If no one’s experienced that, it’s amazing.”
McGeady, who has played across Canada, recalled one of her most challenging yet memorable rounds at KenWo Golf Club in Nova Scotia.
“It kicked my ass, but it was a gorgeous golf course, for sure. That would definitely be one of my favorites.” The allure of challenging layouts and stunning scenery make golf travel in Canada an extraordinary experience for players of all levels. In British Columbia, McGeady acknowledged that Tobiano is in a league of its own, stating, “I mean, Tobiano, how do you not say this? It’s one of the top golf courses in the country, North America, and the world, right? It is quite an amazing golf course.” Yet, for a more casual, fun round, she suggested Chinook Cove Golf Club in Barrier, a unique course with two distinct styles of golf with four holes one way and five the other. “It’s such a cool little golf course. The back nine at Sun Peaks is
July 9 14 daays $5995
Westtern Newfoundlland & Labrrador July 30 13 daays $7185
Bella a Coola & Tweedsmuir r Park (EB) Aug 11 6 daays $2965 Blue
Continued on A22
Tobiano Golf photo
TRAVEL
Canada’s East coast features great golf destinations
Continued from A21
also one of my absolute favorites. It’s so much fun and has a really cool layout.”
A multi-course trip itinerary offers the perfect blend of flexibility, variety, and scenic beauty for travelers looking to tee off in Canada’s most
of Kamloops to the windswept coastlines of Nova Scotia. This summer will be McGeady’s first golf road trip, and she’s heading to the Kootenays for back-to-back days of golf. “We’ve booked six or seven rounds in eight days, and we’re going through the
will do that, and I’m so excited about it,” said McGeady.
The Vancouver Island Golf Trail offers championship courses set against stunning coastal scenery. Bear Mountain Resort in Victoria features two Jack Nicklausdesigned courses, while
dations, and Storey Creek Golf Club in Campbell River is a hidden gem surrounded by old-growth forests.
The Canadian Rockies provide awe-inspiring courses for golfers who love dramatic landscapes. Banff Springs Golf Course, a Stanley Thompson
CRISIS? OR
A PERSON IN CRISIS?
Kamloops now has a mobile crisis support service available for your family, friends, and community members who are 13+ years of age The Peer Assisted Care Team (PACT) is a community-driven and trauma-informed response to mental health challenges.
A golf road trip through Ontario unveils some of the country’s most iconic courses, blending championship layouts with stunning scenery. Muskoka Bay Club in Gravenhurst is nestled among Muskoka’s famous granite rock and forests, offering a visually stunning challenge.
The National Golf Club of Canada in Woodbridge is one of the most demanding courses in the country, while Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, a former host of the Canadian Open, features Jack Nicklaus’ renowned “Valley Holes.”
Cobble Beach Golf Links in Owen Sound provides a scenic, links-style experience with sweeping views of Georgian Bay.
Quebec offers a mix of championship golf, rich history, and French-inspired cuisine. Le Diable and Le Géant in Mont-Tremblant feature mountain back-
drops and challenging layouts. Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu in Charlevoix sits perched above the St. Lawrence River with breathtaking views. Club de Golf La Tempête in Quebec City is a premier private course that allows visitors to play by booking three days in advance.
Nova Scotia’s iconic Cabot Trail offers some of Canada’s most lauded and picturesque golf destinations. Cabot Cliffs and Cabot Links in Inverness offer Scotland-inspired, oceanfront golf, while Highlands Links in Cape Breton is a Stanley Thompson classic that embraces the rugged coastal beauty.
Canada’s golf travel scene is thriving like never before. So, pack your clubs, hit the road, and experience Canada’s booming golf travel industry one spectacular course at a time.
OBITUARY
Sandra (Sandi) Ann Barber
July 20, 1944 - March 6, 2025
Our trained crisis workers respond to mental health crises, offering immediate assistance, de-escalation, and follow-up support
HOURS OF OPERATION
All community members are welcome, and we recognize the barriers faced by marginalized communities such as LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, houseless, and immigrants CONSENSUAL SERVICE
members are welcome, and we recognize the barriers faced by marginalized communities such as LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, houseless, and immigrants
HOURS OF OPERATION
Tuesday to Wednesday 12pm- 8pm, hours of operation will be extended on March 31, 2025 to: Monday to Friday 11 am to 11 pm
Tuesday to Wednesday 12pm- 8pm, hours of operation will be extended on March 31, 2025 to: Monday to Friday 11 am to 11 pm
The
offers services without identifiable markers to avert attention
Dispatch will triage the call and send a team to respond to the person in crisis
*Use this number to text us on WhatsApp
EMAIL: PACT@KAFS CA
For immediate danger please call 911
On March 6, 2025, the world lost a genuine and caring spirit when Sandra Ann Barber passed away. Sandi, as she was known to her family and friends, was born in Vancouver on July 20, 1944, and after a short stop in the Similkameen region, she made her home in Kamloops. Sandi volunteered with many organizations but her favourite was the SPCA. She never met a ‘kitty’ that she didn’t love and fostered many. Sandi had a strong sense of community and approached life
with strength, honesty, compassion and respect for others. She will be greatly missed by all those that who had the pleasure of knowing her. Sandi was predeceased by her brothers Roy and Ed, her daughter Sherry and son Scott. Her passing has left a huge emptiness in the lives of her nieces Andrea and Courtney and her nephew Gary, her great nieces and nephews Eric, Karra, Roen, Rory and Noah, and her sister-in-law Sharon. Sandi was the best Auntie ever! The extended Plater, Hopkins and Maxwell families will also greatly miss her playful nature, laughter and love. The family would like to express a special thank-you to all of Sandi’s friends who supported her over the years and especially during her unexpected illness, and a heartfelt thank you to her physicians and care providers at Kamloops Hospice.
We work with over 60 B.C. local farmers and food producers!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for our latest flyers and sales!
LOCAL FOOD LOCAL OWNERS
Find the same great fresh, affordable food at Nu Leaf Market and Gourmet Greens Market! Now under the same local ownership. Thanks for supporting local!
