Olsen Imaging photo
CITY PAGE
Council Calendar
February 11, 2025
9:00 am - Committee of the Whole
February 12, 2025
5:00 pm - Joint Meeting with School District No. 73
February 13, 2025
10:00 am - Safety and Security
Select Committee
February 25, 2025
1:30 pm - Regular Council Meeting
February 27, 2025
10:00 am - Economic Health
Select Committee
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
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
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.
Scan the QR code for the City’s up-to-date news and events
Cross-Country Ski Loop Now Open
The 1-km cross-country ski loop at West Highlands Park is now open! The regularly groomed loop circles the soccer fields and community centre. The unsupervised trail is open 7 days/week provided there is sufficient snow to use it safely. The washroom at West Highlands Community Centre are open daily during the winter months.
For more information, visit Kamloops.ca/WestHighlandsPark
Where Does This Go?
Take the guesswork out of sorting solid waste. Get the Waste Wise Kamloops app and use the Waste Wizard to look up where hundreds of items go, and whether they belong in the recycling, organics, or garbage cart or are accepted at a specified recycling depot.
Learn more at Kamloops.ca/WasteWise
Exemplary Service Awards Call for Nominations
Do you know an outstanding citizen of Kamloops who deserves recognition for their community contributions?
Nomination period opens February 14, 2025. The deadline for nominations at 4:30 pm on March 14, 2025.
Learn how to nominate them for an award at Kamloops.ca/ExemplaryServiceAward.
City Budget Information Session
Learn about and have your say on the supplemental items being considered in the City’s budget.
Thursday, February 13, 2025 | 6:00 pm–8:00 pm Sports Centre Lounge, McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre
More to explore on Let’s Talk:
• Pose a question through the Q&A.
• Find informational resources including videos, infographics, presentations, and reports.
• Check key dates and track progress on the timeline.
• Subscribe for updates when future surveys and forums go live.
To continue the conversation, visit LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/Budget2025
Susan Helly
West Highlands Park
local nearby spot makes an exciting
Embrace self-care This February why not be your own valentine?
City hall business playing out in courthouse
Much of the news around mayor and council in the past month has taken place at the courthouse, rather than city hall.
O’REILLY RESPONDS
A B.C. Supreme Court petition to disqualify Coun. Mike O’Reilly from his office will be heard in March. A group of 10 petitioners is alleging that O’Reilly is in a conflict of interest as the CEO of Comet Industries, which is developing a plot of land approximately four kilometres from the site of a new arena multiplex in Dufferin.
PHONE: 250-851-9630
news@kamloopschronicle com
editor@kamloopschronicle com
info@kamloopschronicle com
PO BOX 814
Main Post Office
Kamloops BC V2C 5M8
In a court-filed response from O’Reilly, the councillor said he didn’t stand to gain financially from the development, and that the petitioners have not shown any evidence of that. The claim will be heard on March 10.
MAYOR DEFERS SUIT HE STARTED
Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson was scheduled to represent himself in court in late January as part of his defamation suit against Coun. Katie Neustaeter, but the mayor filed an application to adjourn the
case due to lack of funds and preparation. The mayor parted ways with a second lawyer on the case in December and has represented himself since, but now plans to once again hire a lawyer.
The case concerns a statement read out by Neustaeter at a city hall media event in 2023, in which the councillor read a group statement that called out the mayor’s “violations of personal and professional boundaries.” Hamer-Jackson claims the statement was false and defamatory and maliciously unspecific.
Future court dates remain unclear.
MAYOR’S TROUBLE MAY PROMPT CHANGE
Minister of Municipal Affairs Ravi Kahlon visited Kamloops in mid-January, bringing news that the province is considering new legislation affecting local governments.
Speaking with Castanet Kamloops, Kahlon pointed to Kamloops as a prime example where mayor and council are not co-operating.
Changes would likely revolve around municipalities’ codes of conduct, which may become mandated by the provincial government, rather than
set locally. The removal or disqualification of those elected, however, is not being considered.
ARENA PLAN A GO
While the process is ultimately held up in court over a lawsuit concerning the city’s use of the alternate approval process, council has approved a design plan to build a four-rink arena multiplex in Dufferin. The city plans to borrow up to $135 million for the project.
POLICE MATTERS
While council considers approving a bylaw that would allow it to borrow up to $150 million for a new RCMP detachment, the decision has been made to defer the annual hiring of five officers in order to bring down the expected property tax rate increase.
At a committee of the whole meeting on Jan. 21, council opted to hire members later in 2025 than usual, which it determined would bring the property tax rate increase down to 7.49 percent.
PUBLIC INQUIRIES PAUSED
A two-month pause on public inquiries has been put in place by council, with plans to make changes to the process. A motion by Coun. Margot Middleton asked staff to bring recommendations on how inquiries should be handled in the future.
APARTMENTS APPROVED
A 128-unit rental building on Notre Dame Drive has been approved by council. The six-storey building will rise at 925 Notre Dame Dr. next to Petland. A&T Project Developments plans to demolish the building currently at that address.
Meanwhile, another A&T development was also approved by council in late January, but vociferous opposition to the project may put its future in peril. While the new 120-unit build in the 2000-block of Glenwood Drive has been approved by council, neighbourhood organizers plan to mount a legal defense against it. A GoFundMe launched by Valleyview resident Craig Jefferson has raised $1,200 to date in order to fund a lawsuit against the city.
Western Canada Theatre parts ways with artistic director
James MacDonald is no longer the creative head of Western Canada Theatre, following his departure from the local theatre company in late January.
MacDonald’s absence comes in the midst of Western Canada Theatre’s 2024–2025 season, just days before the debut of its latest production, Liars at a Funeral. Four more productions are scheduled before May, when the season ends.
One of those productions, Pride and Prejudice, was set to be directed by MacDonald. Scott Bellis, who directed WCT’s Elf The Musical and Educating Rita, will step in to fill that role.
Following his arrival for the 2017–2018 season, MacDonald has taken the directorial reins on a number of big WCT productions, including Glory, Vimy, The Sound of Music, The Wizard of Oz, Shrek and Jesus Christ Superstar MacDonald’s time at WCT included its
survival during the pandemic, with several streamed performances in lieu of live audiences, and the company’s transition to its new rehearsal, office, and education space at Kelson Hall. He also sits on the board of the Kamloops Centre for the Arts, an organizing group for the planned performing arts centre.
When he was hired in 2017, WCT’s founding artistic director, Tom Kerr, praised the decision, calling MacDonald “an excellent choice.”
In a press release from the company, WCT board president Chrystie Stewart called MacDonald a talented actor and director and wished him well. The release did not include a statement from MacDonald, and acknowledged that his absence “will leave a palpable space.”
Upcoming productions include Little Red Warrior and his Lawyer, which will run from Feb. 20 to March 2, and Juliet: A Revenge Comedy, which will debut on March 4.
This winter, benefit from the warmth of friendship and community at a Chartwell residence, as well as delicious chef-prepared meals, engaging activities and entertainment, housekeeping and transportation services, and flexible options if your needs change.
Leaked report causing further trouble for mayor
Sean Brady
Further legal trouble has emerged for Kamloops Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson, with the province filing suit at the end of January to force him to destroy or return all copies of a report concerning his behavior.
B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma filed a petition in B.C. Supreme Court on Jan. 30, seeking a court order that would force the mayor to return or destroy all copies of a report in his possession and provide the names of everyone to whom he distributed the report.
Because the report contains personal information, the attorney general contends the mayor cannot lawfully possess it, having received it anonymously in his mailbox from an unknown sender in Tofino in 2024.
Hamer-Jackson told media how he had received the report, distributed copies of the report to media and also said he would use it to “clear his name,” according to the petition.
Known as the Honcharuk report, the 100-page document details workplace complaints made about the mayor’s conduct in late 2022 and early 2023, just months after he took office. The complaints were investigated in February and May of 2023 by an independent investigator and then compiled into a report by Terry Honcharuk of
the Integrity Group. According to the petition, information within the report includes the names of everyone interviewed, including the complainants and witnesses, details of personal interactions and experiences, personal views of those involved and employment histories of various people.
The report was first provided to the city’s legal counsel in June 2023 and was shortly thereafter provided to city council for consideration during a closed council meeting. Council’s electronic copies of the report had security measures in place that prevented it from being saved, shared or printed.
Hamer-Jackson did not receive a copy of the report as the city considered him in conflict of interest, “among other reasons,” according to the petition.
Council later imposed a restriction on the mayor, prohibiting him from one-on-one communication with certain city staff members as a result of his violations of the city’s code of conduct, as detailed in the Honcharuk report.
After the mayor’s announcement that he had the report, the city repeatedly demanded its return or destruction, sending letters to the mayor in early April.
Dollar Tells A Story!
Your donations make the headlines. Your support will help us continue to tell our community’s stories, whether it’s an occasional or regular donation. So many readers have expressed how happy they are to have a local newspaper again. Let’s keep the pages rolling off the press. Please scan the QR code or send donation cheques made out to the “Kamloops Local News Society” to: PO Box 814, Main Post Office, Kamloops, BC V2C 5M8 or visit: kamloopschronicle.com
“To date, the Mayor has not returned the report to the city nor confirmed his destruction of the report in his possession,” the petition reads.
Later, in November 2024, Sharma also entered a request to the mayor to return or destroy the report.
In the petition, the province argues that the city’s collection of personal information was
lawful, but the mayor’s possession of the report is not.
Under B.C.’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), an officer of a public body, which includes the mayor, can only collect, use or disclose personal information in specific ways, and Hamer-Jackson’s purpose of “clearing his name,” is not an authorized use under the act.
The province also pointed to section 117 of the Community Charter, which requires the mayor to keep, in confidence, any record held by the municipality and any information considered in a closed council meeting.
“If the Mayor continues to use the report, he does so contrary to s. 117 of the Community Charter,” the petition reads.
Sharma is also seeking costs for taking HamerJackson to court over the matter.
Hamer-Jackson has 21 days to respond to the petition.
Shortly before Chronicle press time and after news of the petition, the mayor indicated to media his intention to hand over the report, but had not yet done so.
with great food, live entertainment, and the coronation of The Shores King and Queen. Dress in red and receive an extra entry for the door prize.
Council of the Blind milestone
rave to Paramedics, emergency room nurses and doctors, all the nurses in ICU as well as nurses aids, cleaning staff as well as all cardiologists involved. With all the negativity we hear daily of the medical system they certainly were there when you needed them. Thank you for the care, you are all angels.”
TRU has received $321,359 for the third phase of its work creating a process to assess micro-credentials for additional credit options. A micro-credential might sound like it’s small, but it can have a big impact. Students who complete a micro-credential gain in-demand skills for employment. This project helps learners use their micro-credentials for additional learning to improve their qualifications and expand their career opportunities.
Lynne Borle, with the Blue House Recovery Society, shares “We have now opened our women’s second stage
recovery home, Willow House! We have four women living in the home and they are all so grateful for the chance to live here.
Willow House is a safe, supportive space for women on their journey to healing and growth and we can’t be happier to to provide this home.”
Local MP Frank Caputo awarded King Charles III Coronation medals to amazing community volunteers: Dianne Barker, Joshua Burneau, Deborah Buszard, Ambo Dhaliwal, James Fedorak, Jill Hayward, Bryce Herman, Diena Jules, Dianne Keir, Oleksandr Kondrashov, John Kuharski, Garry Limpright, Enzo Lizzi, Janice MacDonald, Daniel Martin, Cassie McNutt, Rowena Muglich, Terry Murphy, Mona Murray, Andy Philpot, Mike Ritcey, Gordon Sands, Ramona Sands, Muriel Sasakamoose, Leah Scott,
Terry Shupe, Danica Wilkinson, Keegan Willey, and Ruth Williams
Massive appreciation to the Kamloops Chapter of 100 Women Who Care. They have raised over $390,000 in 11 years in support of many deserving local charities. To find out more visit www.100womenkamloops.com or call Bobbie Harrison at 250 377 4291.
Kamloops is an amazing community with a long-standing culture of kindness and looking out for one another. We need to talk about this more, give it more attention, and keep strengthening our collective goodness. We, at the Kamloops Chronicle, feel it’s so important to share good news regularly and that’s what this space is about. We encourage you to submit your good news by calling 250 851-9630, emailing us at info@kamloopschronicle.com or sending us mail to PO Box 814, Station Main, Kamloops BC, V2C 5M8.
What is Temporary Use Permit No. TUP 75?
TUP 75 will enable two (2) sites within the existing Cherry Creek Mobile Home Park to be used for yearround recreational vehicle (RV) living at 4796 TransCanada Hwy (PID: 018632-424), as shown outlined on the inset map.
All persons who believe that their interest in property may be affected by the proposed Temporary Use Permit and wish to comment may do so by making a written submission to the Board of Directors via the options
be
prior to noon on February 18, 2025. The entire content of
and form part of the public record.
How do I get more information?
Copies of the proposed Temporary Use Permit and all supporting information can be inspected from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday (except statutory holidays) at
from
20, 2025, until 1:30 p.m. on February 20, 2025, or please
The Board of Directors of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District gives notice that it intends to issue a Temporary Use Permit for TUP 75 in the TNRD Boardroom, 4th Floor
Yesterday and gone: A history of the Red Bridge HISTORY
The heritage sign marking the former location of the Red Bridge.
June Corcoran
Now, it is a big empty space. A long chain link black fence surrounds part of the Rivers Trail and Pioneer Park walking path.
Instead of dogs and people there now stand cranes and vehicles and workers. People still go for a walk via the Rivers Trail. They walk their dogs. They walk in groups or pairs. They run. They bike. Still doing things they did before. Before the fire.
And that is a good thing.
While I have read the heritage sign posted on the trail, I stopped to read it one more time. How long would the sign remain? The Red Bridge no longer stands. That got me thinking, how much history did I know of the Red Bridge?
Luckily, I found a lecture concerning the Red Bridge given by Colleen Stainton, who has examined the history surrounding the bridge
via her work with the Lorne St. Entrance Project for the Communities in Bloom Bicentennial Committee in 2012.
Before the bridge, a fur trading post was built in 1812. The indigenous people were traders with others in the territory and crossed the river by using a ferry system consisting of a rowboat and barge. Wagons and goods were loaded onto a barge and horses swam alongside. The crossing could be dangerous; especially during flooding or when ice was forming or breaking up. By the 1880s people understood the need for a bridge to connect the town, the TK’emlups Reserve, and the ranches in the North Thompson district. It was not until the Canadian Pacific Railway divisional headquarters came to the city in 1887 and gave status to the need for a bridge. This allowed
“The bridge was named Government Bridge; but the locals referred to it as the Red Bridge due to the red Douglas Fir trees used to build the bridge. ”
George P. Vernon, Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works, enough support to acquire funding for a bridge to be built.
Hli-hleh-Kan; Chief Louis, guided his people in “adjusting to the settlement of a white population,” said Stainton.
The bridge was built by Dan Adams from Victoria. He used the Howe straining wooden beam trusses and suspension stay road. The bridge was finished in two months.
“It was 100 feet long with a main span of 120 feet and a 50-foot swing span to allow paddlewheel steamers to travel between Kamloops and the Shuswap Lakes.”
The bridge was named Government Bridge; but the locals referred to it as the Red Bridge due to the red Douglas Fir trees used to build the bridge. The bridge was an important link between the TK’emlups Band, Kamloops merchants and ranchers.
The flood of 1894 tested the bridge. Arthur Stevenson led volunteers who hauled rocks onto the bridge at both ends which held the decking down. The bridge may have swayed, but it remained intact. However, bridges downstream were not so lucky.
By 1910 the bridge needed to be replaced so in 1912 a new bridge was completed. This time with a higher clearance to accommodate the larger paddle-wheelers that were now sailing downriver. The south side of the bridge was burned and condemned in 1931. The Government planned to build another bridge as it was an important transportation connection. Therefore, the second Red Bridge was built in 1932
and continued operation until replaced.
The third Red Bridge was built in 1936. Built in five months the foreman Paul McMasters said the bridge, “should be good for more than 30 years.” However, in 1968 the bridge faced demolition due to the Yellowhead Bridge construction. Mayor Peter Wing pointed out that the bridge was a necessary link to Reserve land and its expanding industrial area, and the Government was convinced to carry out repairs, said Stainton.
Nineteen-seventy found the bridge closed for three months for reconstruction work which extended its life and at this time the walkway railing was painted red at the suggestion of the Downtown Business Association.
Two thousand four found the bridge closed for three weeks while steel piers were driven into the riverbed. These improvements along with the repair of the superstructure prolonged the life of the bridge by 20 years; explained Stainton.
Then, 2024; the bridge burned down.
Premier David Eby and MLA Petrer Milobar have said the bridge would be replaced. I, for one, see a gaping emptiness. I hope the history of people, buggies and cattle driven across the bridge will
be remembered as an important part of Kamloops transportation history.
NOTE: “William Howe Truss designed and patented the Howe truss in 1840. The design consisted of crossed timbers in a “X” pattern, similar to Stephen Long’s truss except Howe replaced the upright vertical timbers with metal rods which could be adjusted by tightening the nuts or turnbuckles thus retaining the strength of the truss during and after construction. He was also the first to use metal components as primary members. His method made it possible for bridges to withstand heavy loads used by railways. However, his bridge was expensive to build, and it ended the need for the Long Truss.” (Google) Submitted by June Corcoran
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, Marty Hastings, Michael Caveney, Alisa Coquet, June Corcoran, Tammie Oram, Amy Tucker
HAVE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR?
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
PO BOX 814
Main Post Office
Kamloops BC V2C 5M8
OPINION
unite as Canadians
ONE OF THE THINGS that was important to us when we were making plans for what the Kamloops Chronicle would be was to try to focus as exclusively as possible on news and information for Kamloops. We wanted to be local first and formost.
Which is why it is with a certain amount of embarassment that I sit down to write an editorial in this fourth issue that’s focused on the national political scene. This is something that, I swear, you will not find myself doing very often. But as a trade war may be on the cusp of breaking out between our country and our friends to the south, it seems like it would be foolish to write about anything else at the moment.
As of the moment I write this, U.S. President Donald Trump has temporarily paused the tariffs that were set to commence on Feb. 4. It’s a temporary reprieve of just 30 days. Who knows what’ll happen after.
I’ve spent some time on Facebook over the past few days and amongst all the advertising, the AI content, and propaganda disguised as
memes, I saw a number of real people discussing the pending trade dispute. There was a lot of potentially good information being shared, particularly around the subject of trying to ensure people support Canadian brands following the tariffs.
Posts included lists of known Canadian brands, as well as advice to look for the words “Made in Canada” or “Product of Canada” on the labels.
Others were more light-hearted, making jokes about how we were probably polite even as we told Trump what he could do with his tariffs.
But then there were others that disappointed me, and then later kind of troubled me.
They were posts about how we shouldn’t be so worried about tariffs when there was a pending increase to the carbon tax, and look how stupid Trudeau is.
And then some — and these were the most surprising — seemed to be siding with Donald Trump, saying things like, “If only Trudeau had listened to him,” or, “Trump’ s press
TODD SULLIVAN
Sully’s
secretary said so-and-so.”
I get it. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau isn’t particularly popular right now. I suspect that’s probably why he resigned. But I really think that, for the present moment, we really need to do our best to put our political differences aside and focus on the one thing that unites us all. We’re Canadian. We’re friendly and we’re polite, but holy cow, do we not like it when our friends are jerks. And that’s exactly what is happening with the country south of us that we considered a friend.
And while we might say, “Sorry,” when we push back on those tariffs, we absolutely have to push back on them. Whether you like him or not, the fact is that Trudeau is in charge still, and it’s in his hands to deal with the situation. Can we please just support him as he tries to navigate this pretty unprecedented turmoil bubbling away at the border?
At the moment I’m not convinced that the reprieve will be any more than temporary, and quite frankly a part of me is pretty sure Trump will renege on the deal before the 30 days are even up.
But maybe we’ll be lucky. Maybe this is a sign that he’s come to his senses and listened to some economic advisers and we can all get back to normal again.
But for at least the next 30 days, please, can we just stop fighting amongst ourselves and remember the thing that is most important? The fact that we’re all Canadian, and live in the greatest country on earth.
Besides, there’s an election later this year. There’s plenty of time for bipartisan battles still to come.
Dealing with Trump’s tariffs in Kamloops
MOST MONDAYS, I have lunch with a group of community minded people at the Delta Marriott Hotel downtown. This is the Rotary Club of Kamloops weekly meeting. I’ve been a member for almost 25 years.
Early on in my time with the club, I noticed a bit of a dip in attendance during the winter months. A few members off to Hawaii, others off to Arizona or Southern California. The U.S. was (and currently still is) a popular snowbird destination.
Over the years, we’ve had club members with dual Canada / U.S. citizenship. We have had club members who travel to the U.S. on business. Many of us have close family in the U.S. We even had one member with season tickets to the Dallas Cowboys. We maintain close friendships with many Rotarians in the State of Washington through joint club activities and projects.
I know many Kamloopsians
share this experience of close ties with Americans.
I remind myself of all these wonderful connections as Donald Trump launches a brutal trade war against Canada — imposing huge new tariffs on Canadian products sold in the U.S.
Justifiably our government has retaliated by imposing tariffs on American goods sold in Canada. Trump is so unpredictable that,
by the time you read these words, the tariffs might have been cancelled. However, Trump’s tariffs’ impact on Kamloops will, and probably should, have significant impacts well beyond the price increases at the grocery store.
The price increases could definitely be significant. And looking for Canadian, and indeed local, alternatives to American products is important. It will also help our community build long term resilience. If our highway or railway access gets cut off, it would only take a few days for store shelves to empty.
The good news is we have a strong food producing sector in Kamloops. We have a thriving Farmers’ Market (winter market every Sat. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 140 Laburnum St until March 1).
Your favourite grocers can point you to locally made products.
And what about the relationships many of us have built with
Americans. Kamloops people are good at building good friendships in my experience. I am definitely hoping to keep my friendships and ties in the U.S. I have very close family there, for example. And, also, I strongly believe if you want to have any chance of convincing Americans that this trade war is destructive and ineffective, you never will if you don’t have some sort of relationship and goodwill. What about travel to the U.S.? I am a bit worried about this, mostly because I have a big mouth that likes to talk politics. And right now, this seems like it could lead to conflict and trouble. Thankfully, again, we have good local travel experts who can advise on how to still enjoy travel to the U.S. without getting into hot water.
I would welcome your thoughts, whether you agree, disagree, or otherwise, on our local response to Trump’s tariffs and unpredictable behaviour.
Todd Sullivan Interim Editor
Tom Dickinson Interim Chair Arjun Singh Interim Exec. Dir.
Kamloops Local News Society
Dear Editor:
On June 19, 2016 Jessie Simpson’s rights were stripped away.
Section 7 in Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms states: Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice, and to respect the basic principles of justice whenever they intrude on those rights.
Right to life: autonomy (legal right to decide own destiny) and quality of life are properly treated as liberty.
Right to liberty: to enjoy individual dignity and independence.
Right to security: includes a person’s right to control his/her own bodily integrity, and defined as when ‘action causes severe psychological harm to the individual’.
In a horrific manner, Jessie’s freedom came to a halt.
Sue Simpson fights for simple justice, for her son, for herself. She has lived this nightmare for 102 months — or, to define it, each and every moment for 3,145+ days. And it continues.
Jessie is entitled to simple dignity of his person from those that care for him, which is required 24/7 for the past 3,145+ days, and it continues.
The costs are staggering, no matter how you calculate it. His supervision goes beyond what is ‘funded’ financially, and facility resident staff physically and mentally. Without family support who know him best, his guardianship would be a dire picture.
A derogatory comment was made online with regards to an editorial, of Jessie and his family’s ‘lifestyle’ and all that encompasses it. The ending sentence included ‘consequences of our actions and choices’.
Jessie, his mother, his family, had no choice. Whatsoever. And that is just wrong.
Mr. Teichrieb’s actions made that definite. And the consequences for Jessie and his family is overwhelming.
Should all the funds currently held by the court be released, it amounts to 4.3% of the total awarded to Jessie. I imagine no one would agree to 4.3% of anything, yet Sue Simpson has battled for almost nine years to perhaps come to this paltry amount.
Jessie and his family deserve no less than the basest of fundamental justice.
Dear Editor:
— Sharlene Klein
Yes, I value having a local paper, picked this one up recently.
I am 89, do not get out much, so enjoyed reading about what is going on around
Kamloops. Many years ago I had a small business in town.
I am mailing a token one time donation in appreciation for the work you do.
— Barbara MacManus
Editor’s note: Last issue’s letter from Bret Jolliffe inspired a few responses from the community:
Dear Editor,
I applaud your commitment to local journalism and thank you for your efforts.
I have seen some comments alleging censorship and it is infuriating but not unexpected. We’ve witnessed a very vocal minority of Kamloops residents attempt to dominate public discourse with views that most of us might consider extremist.
They don’t need another platform. They have plenty of other opportunities to assert their opposition to progressive ideals and to continue expressing their victimhood. Thank you for maintaining your stance.
— Tyrone Joseph Kamloops
Dear Editor
What rock did this person crawl out from under? Sounds like he needs to move to the USA. Preferably to a state where it is OK to marry your sister, or where you brush one tooth. This is the 21st century, he needs to catch up.
— Lorne Wood Kamloops
Dear Editor:
If Mr. Jolliffe’s published letter had included the N-word, would you have published it? He certainly insulted other groups whose human rights are in jeopardy. Ugly opinions and name-calling based in bigotry and ignorance don’t belong in public discourse.
Jolliffe’s letter was inflammatory and outright mean. If the local paper will allow the same level of divisive and cruel language as social media, what’s the point of a print paper?
Most major news outlets no longer allow commentary because of voices like Mr. Jolliffe’s. Just because someone accuses you of censorship doesn’t mean you have to bite the worm on the hook! That this also has to do with another discussion and platform entirely should have disqualified this letter from publication.
— A Concerned Citizen Name withheld by request
Editor’s note: while we’re happy to have printed these repsonses, we’d also like to put this particular conversation to rest. Thanks. — T.S.
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
Manshadi Pharmacy | 374 Tranquille Rd
The Shore Cannabiz Shop | 399 Tranquille Rd
Bailey’s Pub | 1050 8th St
Bright Eye Brewing | 292 Tranquille Rd
Sandbar Grill | 177 Tranquille Rd Unit #10
5Bean Brewbar | 289 Tranquille Rd
Harvest Moon Bakery | 107 Yew Street
Hasty Mart | 1105 8th St
Josey’s Hair Salon | 665 Tranquille Rd
Melon Hair Lounge | 860 8th St
Red Beard Cafe | 449 Tranquille Rd
Sarah’s Independent Grocers | 700 Tranquille Rd #49
Scotiabank on the Shore | 781 Tranquille Rd
Senior Froggy’s North Shore | 724 Sydney Ave #9
Straight 8 barbers – Northills Mall | 3-700 Tranquille Rd
The Cutting Board Bakery & Bistro | 750 Fortune Dr Unit 21
The Salvation Army | 344 Poplar St
Yew Street Food Hall | 107 Yew Street
The Printing Place | 552 Tranquille Rd
John Tod Centre Y | 150 Wood St
Rayleigh
Rayleigh Pub | 4309 Old Highway 5 Rd
Sahali
Earls | 1210 Summit Dr
Vista Inn | 628 Columbia St W
Fox and Hounds Pub | Sahali Mall, 945 W Columbia St #20
Tim Hortons | 910 Columbia St W
Nature’s Fare Markets - Kamloops | 500 Notre Dame Dr #100
Save-On-Foods Summit Dr | 1210 Summit Dr #100
Shoppers Drug Mart | 1210 Summit Dr
5Bean Brewbar | 900-1210 Summit Dr
Stock Pot Cafe | 7 - 970 Laval
Tkemlups
Sweláps Market | 100 - 302 Yellowhead Highway
Valleyview
Amsterdam Cafe | 111 Oriole Rd Unit 1 Office Pub | 2020 Falcon Rd
Valleyview Barbershop | 2172 Flamingo Rd
Riders Motor Inn | 1759 Trans-Canada Hwy
Tim Hortons | 1723 East Trans-Canada Hwy
Tim Hortons | 3200 Valleyview Dr #301
Shoppers Drug Mart | Valleyview
Straight 8 barbers Valleyview | 168 Oriole Rd
Volkswagen Kamloops
Westsyde
Oak Hills One Stop | 2501 Sandpiper Dr
The Westsyder Neighbourhood Pub | 3369 Westsyde Rd
Save On Westsyde
More locations added frequently.
Check KamloopsChronicle.com for the complete list.
donation of just $10.
COLUMBIA STREET BREAKFAST
Choice of bacon, sausage or back bacon 2 eggs, hash-browns, toast.
Four
STACKS ON STACKS
Fluffy buttermilk flapjacks, whipped cream, strawberry, blackberry, blueberry and raspberry sauce.
BURGERS SANDWICHES SPECIAL EVENTS
DOUBLE DOUBLE
2 smash patties, potato bun, American cheese, onion, pickle, lettuce, tomato
SMASH BURGER
Potato bun, American cheese, onion, pickle, lettuce, tomato, special sauce.
*Sub Beyond Meat patty (V)
HABANERO HOT CHICKEN
Crispy chicken breast dipped in red hot spices, brioche bun, habanero ranch sauce, coleslaw and pickles. Side of milk.
HOME-RUN
Footlong all beef frank, bacon bits, pickled jalapeno, cheese sauce, flammin’ hot Cheetos.
THE ULTIMATE GRILLED CHEESE (V)
Texas toast griddled in garlic butter, cheddar, mozzarella and American cheeses, Tomato soup Add bacon
SALADS
BACKYARD CAESAR SALAD
Bacon & roasted garlic dressing, sourdough croutons, parmesan cheese
SOUTHWEST CHOP SALAD (VG) (GF)
Iceberg lettuce, avocado, corn, peppers, black beans, tomato, cilantro lime vinaigrette, green onion, crispy tortilla.
DESSERTS
BANANAS FOSTER SPLIT
Fried
APPLE OF MY PIE
Available for a limited time only because love should be as sweet as our shakes! WE
DRINKS
banana, vanilla ice cream, buttered rum caramel, toasted almond, whipped cream.
Okanagan apples, vanilla ice cream, topped with caramel kettle corn.
BANANA CRUNCH FRENCH TOAST (V)
pieces of Texas toast Cornflake crusted Texas toast, fresh bananas. Topped with powdered sugar.
ONION BAHJI (V)
Crispy onion pakora, spicy tomato jam
FREE Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows by Nestle with Breakfast
Strengthen your relationship with these 10 tips
Tammie Oram
Building a fulfilling and joyful relationship takes effort, curiosity, and a willingness to grow together. While every relationship has its ups and downs, small, intentional actions can create a big impact. Here are 10 actionable ways to deepen your connection and build a love that lasts.
1. Stay Curious
When your partner’s emotions feel overwhelming or frustrating, replace judgment with curiosity. Instead of thinking, “Here we go again,” ask yourself questions like: What triggered this emotion? Or what unmet need might they be expressing? By approaching their feelings with empathy and understanding, you can diffuse tension and strengthen your emotional bond.
2. Create Rituals Rituals are the glue that
holds relationships together. They foster security and connection. Start with something simple, like a morning hug, a bedtime check-in, or a goodbye kiss. These small moments build a foundation of love and consistency that can weather any storm.
3. Focus on the Good
It’s easy to notice your partner’s quirks or mistakes, but what happens when you train your brain to find the positives? Start keeping track of the little things they do that make you smile. Did they make your coffee just the way you like it? Celebrate those shiny gold nuggets — they’re the treasures of a happy relationship.
4. Invest Your Attention Set aside intentional, distraction-free time with your partner. Whether it’s a candlelit dinner or a walk in the park, focus on connection. Put away phones, pause
work, and truly listen to each other. Share dreams, laugh together, and prioritize this sacred time.
5. Learn Their Love Language
Understanding your partner’s love language is like discovering a secret map to their heart. Do they feel loved through words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, gifts, or physical touch? Speaking their language can transform your relationship into something truly magical.
6. Add Playfulness
Playfulness is the spark of safety and connection in a relationship. Go on adventures, cook together, or play a silly game of truth or dare. Being playful reminds you to enjoy each other and keeps your bond lighthearted and fun.
7. Talk About Money
Money can be a tricky topic, but open conversations about finances are key to avoiding stress and resentment. Regularly discuss shared goals, financial responsibilities, and future plans. Approach these talks with honesty, compromise, and a spirit of teamwork.
8. Show Appreciation Expressing gratitude regularly keeps love alive. Whether it’s a heartfelt “thank you” or a specific acknowledgment of something they did, showing
appreciation helps your partner feel seen and valued.
9. Respond to Bids
Bids are small moments when your partner seeks connection — a touch, a smile, or a comment. Responding positively to these bids, even in simple ways, builds trust and intimacy. Over time, these small acts of attentiveness create a deeply connected relationship.
10. Take Care of Yourself
When you prioritize personal growth, your relation-
ship benefits. Becoming more self-aware and emotionally mature allows you to communicate effectively and resolve conflicts with ease. As you grow, your partner may feel inspired to do the same, leading to mutual understanding and deeper love.
By practicing these small but meaningful steps, you’ll not only nurture your relationship but create a partnership rooted in love, respect, and connection.
Tammie Oram is a Therapist and Relationship Coach.
NOTICE OF INTENT TO TREAT:
The Ministry of Forests, Thompson Okanagan Region, is planning to aerially treat up to 40,000 hectares of Douglas-fir forest to reduce damage caused by the western spruce budworm (Choristoneura freemani).
The biological insecticide Foray 48B (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki) will be applied by rotary-wing aircraft (315B Lama, Hiller UH12ET) once on each site at 2.4 litres/ha from approximately June 5 to July 5, 2025, depending on insect development and weather conditions.
The proposed treatment sites are located within the Kamloops and Merritt Timber Supply Areas (TSA).
Kamloops TSA:
• Veasy Lake
Merritt TSA:
• Prospect Creek
• Coldwater Creek
• Mt. McInnes
• Tulameen
All sites proposed for treatment are covered by the Southern Interior Area Forest Health Program Pest Management Plan #2022-2027 confirmation #402-0685-22-27.
The Pest Management Plan and maps of proposed treatment areas may be viewed online, at https://ow.ly/6Lpf50UMKWK or in-person, at Ministry of Forests, Thompson Okanagan Region, Forest Health, 441 Columbia Street, Kamloops, B.C., V2C 2T3.
Anyone wishing to contribute information about the proposed treatment sites may send comments by mail to the address above or by email to Lorraine Maclauchlan at Lorraine.Maclauchlan@gov.bc.ca until April 25, 2025.
Kamloops Film Society proudly presents the
FESTIVAL TICKETS & PASSES
Prices include taxes and fees.
*Senior (65+) *Child (3-13) *Students must present valid Student ID at the door For more information and to purchase tickets kamloopsfilmfest.ca
BOOK YOUR STAY
STAY IN THE HEART OF KAMLOOPS FOR JUST $149/NIGHT *
Delta Hotels by Marriott Kamloops is the KFF 2025 host hotel.
Located across the street from the Paramount Theatre at 540
Victoria Street, Delta features cozy guestrooms and suites, free wi-fi, 24-hour fitness room, heated rooftop pool, and jacuzzi. Cordo Resto Bar is our onsite restaurant hosting special events during the festival.
Book now: Kamloopsfilmfest.ca
*Subject to availability
March 6-15, 2025
10-film pass: $115
5-film pass: $65
DarkFest pass: $25
Learn About Film 2-Day Industry Pass: $54.50
Met Opera tickets $29-$31
Closing Night Party Tickets $35
*KFF passes valid for movie screenings only.
A ten-day event that pairs the best of local wine, food, and film in downtown Kamloops.
Choose from a variety of specially prepared menus at participating restaurants to enjoy before or after the film festival screening of your choice.
For menu details and reservations, please contact individual restaurants.
SCHEDULE AT A G LANCE
THURSDAY, MARCH 6
5:30pm – Red Carpet Reception with Local Wine Tasting
7:00pm – Drive Back Home & post-film discussion with producer Brian Mason
FRIDAY, MARCH 7
9:00am – 5:00pm – Learn About Film
5:00pm – 6:30pm – Learn About Film Reception at Underbelly
2:00pm – Queer
6:30pm – The End
7:00pm – Incandescence with Filmmaker Panel
SATURDAY, MARCH 8
9:00am – 5:00pm – Learn About Film
1:00pm – Family Event
2:00pm – Flow (Kids 12 & under free!)
6:30pm – Seeds, preceded by We Came From the Sea with Jeremy Lutter
7:00pm – Anora
SUNDAY, MARCH 9
1:00pm – 3:00pm – Kamloops Independent Short Shorts (KISS) Fest
1:30pm – La Cocina
3:00pm – 4:30pm – KISS Filmmaker Reception
6:30pm – Baby Girl
7:00pm – Universal Language
MONDAY, MARCH 10
6:30pm – To be announced
7:00pm – Knee Cap
TUESDAY, MARCH 11
10:00am – Flow (School Screening)
6:15pm – Panel: The Importance of Local News and How to Spot Misinformation
6:30pm – Bird
7:00pm – Oh, Canada
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12
6:30pm – Rumours
7:00pm – Vermiglio
8:30pm – Wine–ing Discussion at Cordo
THURSDAY, MARCH 13
1:00pm – Steeping Discussion: Protecting Yourself from Financial Fraud
2:00pm – Thelma
2:30pm – KFF Encore Screening
6:30pm – Thursday Film Series presents Red Rooms
7:00pm – Dahomey
8:45pm – Brew–ing Discussion at The Noble Pig
FRIDAY, MARCH 14
6:30pm – Queer
7:00pm – Singing Back the Buffalo
9:00pm – KFF Presents Movie Trivia Night
SATURDAY, MARCH 15
10:00am – Met Opera: Live in HD presents Fidelio
1:00pm – The Brutalist
6:30pm – All We Imagine As Light
7:00pm – Nosferatu With Radiohead: A Silents Synced Film
8:30pm – Closing Night Party
Choosing the right savings vehicle for you
Alisa Coquet
Canadians have a variety of registered savings plans at their disposal, each with unique tax advantages. For British Columbians, understanding the benefits of Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs), Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs), and the newer First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is crucial for maximizing your savings potential.
For most of our clients, we recommend contributing to all registered accounts available to them to take advantage
“Setting financial goals for yourself and working with a team of professionals to create a plan to meet these goals is a great place to start on your financial journey. ”
of the tax-sheltered growth these accounts provide. By eliminating the tax on any interest, dividends or capital gains earned on these savings, you can significantly increase your after-tax rate of returns. Setting financial goals for yourself and working with a team of professionals to cre-
ate a plan to meet these goals is a great place to start on your financial journey. With this roadmap in place, the next step is determining how registered savings plans can play an important role in achieving your goals. Here are some of the key features of registered plans to consider:
RRSPs:
Tax Deductible
Contributions: The primary benefit of RRSPs is that contributions are tax-deductible in the year they are made, reducing your taxable income.
Tax-Deferred
Growth: Investments within an RRSP grow tax-free until withdrawn.
Retirement Focus: RRSPs are primarily designed for retirement savings, with withdrawals taxed as income. Keep in mind your tax rate is typically lower in retirement.
TFSAs:
Tax-Free Growth and Withdrawals: The key advantage of TFSAs lies in their tax-free nature. Investments grow tax-free, and withdrawals are not subject to income tax.
Flexibility: TFSAs offer greater flexibility than RRSPs, allowing for withdrawals for any purpose without tax implications. Your contribution room also continues to
grow every year regardless of withdrawals.
Long-Term Growth: TFSAs are well-suited for long-term savings goals, including retirement, but also for shorter-term objectives like down payments or major purchases.
FHSAs:
Homebuyer Focus: The FHSA is a relatively new option specifically designed to assist first-time homebuyers.
Tax-Deductible
Contributions and TaxFree Withdrawals: Similar to RRSPs, contributions are tax-deductible. However, withdrawals for a qualifying home purchase are also taxfree, offering a unique combination of benefits.
Limited Contribution Room: FHSAs have an annual contribution limit of $8,000 and a lifetime contribution limit of $40,000, making them most suitable for those actively saving for a down payment.
Choosing the Right Account:
The best choice depends on individual circumstances: Prioritize Retirement: If retirement savings are the primary focus or you are in a high tax bracket, an RRSP may be the most advantageous. Setting up regular, ongoing contributions to an RRSP can also give you peace of mind knowing that you are saving for the future.
Flexibility and Tax-Free Growth: If you need flexibility and prioritize tax-free withdrawals, a TFSA may be
the best place to focus your savings – at least in the shortterm.
First-Time Homebuyer: If you are actively saving for a down payment and meet the eligibility criteria, the FHSA offers a compelling option.
Important Considerations:
Consult with Professionals: a qualified financial advisor can work with you to assess your individual financial situation, tax bracket, and long-term goals. Contribution Limits: Be aware of the contribution limits for each account type and track your contributions carefully. Overcontributions can result in significant CRA penalties.
Investment Strategies: All registered accounts can be held in a wide variety of savings and investment vehicles including interest earning savings account, mutual funds, exchange traded funds (ETFs) and professionally managed investment accounts. Your risk tolerance and investment timeline are the key considerations when choosing appropriate investments.
By carefully considering these factors and seeking professional guidance, you can make informed decisions about how to maximize your savings potential and achieve your financial goals.
Alisa Coquet is a Wealth Associate for Comazzetto Group at BMO Private Wealth
Be your own valentine: A simple guide to self care
February has rolled around again, bringing its usual lineup of heart-shaped chocolates, flower deliveries, and over-the-top declarations of love. And while that’s all fine and good, not everyone’s looking for the Hollywood version of Valentine’s Day.
This year, let me pitch an idea: why not make yourself a valentine?
Think of it like this — you wouldn’t let your car run on fumes, so why let yourself?
Now, before you roll your eyes at the term “self-care,” let me clarify. This isn’t about turning your life into a wellness retreat or buying into anything that involves crystals or $20 smoothies. Real self-care is more practical — and often more hilarious. It’s about the small, meaningful things you do to keep yourself grounded when life is chaotic. And trust me, February is the prime chaos season.
Take it from me: I once found myself in mid-Feb-
ruary staring out my back door, holding a cup of coffee and watching a bird feeder like it was a Netflix drama. It wasn’t a grand plan to “reconnect with nature”; it was just a moment to pause. And you know what? It worked. Those five minutes reminded me that self-care doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy. Sometimes, it’s just about giving yourself permission to stop.
So, how do you show yourself some love this Valentine’s Day? Start with the basics: fresh air. I know it’s February and stepping outside feels like entering a walk-in freezer, but it’s worth it. Even a short walk or standing on your porch with a hot drink can do wonders for your brain. For those of us who wrestle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (or just miss the sun), daylight — what little there is — helps. And if the sky refuses to cooperate, a light therapy lamp can work magic. Pair it with a
AMY TUCKER
Welcoming Wellness
strong coffee and a daydream about being somewhere tropical, and you’ve got yourself a decent substitute.
Next, move your body, but make it fun. This doesn’t have to involve a gym, a personal trainer, or Lycra. One of the best workouts I’ve ever had was chasing my dog through the yard after she stole a sock. Another time, I danced around the kitchen while waiting for my toast. Was it graceful? Absolutely not. But it was effective.
Move in a way that makes you smile — whether that’s a
walk, stretching, or attempting yoga while the cat judges you from across the room.
Then there’s food. Self-care doesn’t mean reinventing your entire diet, but it does mean feeding yourself properly. Cook something simple and satisfying — a grilled sandwich, a hearty stew, or even a steak with a baked potato. Bonus points if you toss in something green. And yes, dessert is always on the table because nothing says “I care about me” like chocolate.
The point is this: self-care isn’t about grand gestures or flawless routines. It’s about showing up for yourself, even in small ways.
So, this Valentine’s Day, don’t stress about who’s bringing you roses. Take care of yourself. Because when you do, life feels just a little easier — and a whole lot sweeter.
Submitted by Amy Tucker. She 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 pas-
sionate about encouraging others to embrace fitness and wellness at any stage of life, proving it’s never too late to chase new challenges.
This is one of the most frequent questions we get from prospective retirees in our office. Choosing a suitable withdrawal or “burn rate“ from your portfolio can be the single most important factor affecting your nest egg. The right withdrawal rate can ensure your money lasts at least as long as you do. Lifespan, inflation and market returns are all beyond your control; however, your asset allocation and withdrawals are within your control. As you approach retirement, it is critical that your portfolio is adjusted for the income phase.
Typically, the 5-10 years on either end of your retirement date are known as the “retirement risk zone”, during which you are more sensitive to portfolio shocks. If a portfolio experiences a sharp decline combined with withdrawals, it can permanently impair your wealth and retirement. We feel the best solution for the unpredictable nature of the stock market is:
1. Set aside a contingency
2. Build a diversified portfolio
3. Limit withdrawals
Source: Manulife Investment Management
We often encourage investors to have one to three years’ worth of needs set aside in low-risk investments. For example, if you require $20,000 a year from your portfolio, there could be $60,000 set aside in bonds or Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs). In the event of a market downturn, the portfolio can be left to recover and the contingency can be used to maintain one’s lifestyle.
Traditionally, asset allocation meant what percentage you have in equities (stocks) and income (bonds). An old guideline suggested portfolios should have one’s age in bonds. For example: If you are 60 years old, then 60% should be in bonds versus if you are 40 years old, you could have 40% in bonds and the remainder in equities. These were merely quick guides that were developed when interest rates were much higher and didn’t take into account any other personal circumstances.
Asset allocation can have an impact on the performance of
your portfolio throughout your retirement. Too conservative a portfolio risks not keeping up with inflation and might not meet long term needs, while too aggressive a strategy can risk depleting capital at a time a retiree can least afford it.
William Bergen, a financial pioneer, calculated that investors can safely withdrawal 4% from a balanced portfolio (60% stock + 40% bonds) in the first year and increase annually with inflation. Bergen’s theory, also called the Safemax, had proven this 4% withdrawal rate was sustainable over every 30-year period since 1926.
FP Canada regularly publishes financial planning assumptions and guidelines. As of April 2024, they project that traditional 60% stock/40% bond portfolio is forecast to return approximately 5.3% before fees.
The bottom line is despite many methodologies, we feel retirees should build a retirement plan customized to their specific circumstance and needs. Over the last 20 years, we have built a customized Retirement Roadmap process that helps illustrate how much cash flow retirees will likely have after-tax. In addition, we may determine that you only require a 3% return to help meet your goals and thus recommend a portfolio with typically less risk. After all, if you can meet your goals why take more risk?
Until next time, Invest Well. Live Well.
Written by Eric
Local News, Local Impact
Your Support Keeps the Kamloops Chronicle Going!
The Kamloops Chronicle represents a collaborative effort on behalf of our community in sustaining local journalism. Our goal is to have a minimum of 1,000 regular donors to ensure the regular publication of our local newspaper. Your support will help us continue to tell our community’s stories, whether it’s a one time, occasional or monthly donation.
There are many ways to donate:
Please scan the QR code above or send donation cheques to the “Kamloops Local News Society” at PO Box 814, Main Post Office, Kamloops, BC V2C 5M8 or visit: kamloopschronicle.com
What if community was also family?
Dr. Michael Caveney
This month our province celebrates Family Day on the third Monday. It feels like a much-needed break during winter. It is a chance to reflect and give thanks for our families — those who love and support us. We might be celebrating our birth families or our families of choice, our friends.
I wonder, though, about the concept of Family Day. What about those in our community who don’t have a family, or for whom family is not a pleasant experience? What about those in our community who are experiencing a sense of disconnectedness? Statistics Canada in 2021 reported that “more than one in ten people in Canada are always or often lonely.”
Family Day isn’t called that in every province. Both Manitoba and Nova Scotia encourage people to reflect upon the history of their communities, calling it Louis Riel Day in Manitoba and Heritage Day in Nova Scotia. Prince Edward Island calls it Islander Day, which seems like an encouragement for people to think about their involvement in their island community. I like this idea.
What if we expanded our concept of family to include not just those in our immediate circle or even distant relatives, but saw our entire
“What if we expanded our concept of family to include not just those in our immediate circle or even distant relatives, but saw our entire Kamloops community as a family?”
Kamloops community as a family? Where every member of that community is cherished and treasured.
Like any family, our community has its ups and downs. There are the relations we don’t understand but still care for. In a healthy family, we are tolerant of those who do things differently, and we still value them. In a good family, we get the feeling that we are all pulling together in the same direction for the common good of all.
I think of the one in ten of our community family who will be lonely this Family Day. What can we do to make people feel a part of our community, which is so rich and wonderful and has much to offer every one of us?
The Irish poet Yeats said, “There are no strangers, only friends you haven’t met yet.”
There are many new people in our community, trying to make a home in Kamloops. There are international students and workers, and those from other parts of Canada, away from their home families, who are seeking a sense
of belonging and contact with those of us who have been here a while.
This week, one woman, a longtime resident of Kamloops, told me that in her apartment there is a young man, 25 years old, from Alberta who is working on the pipeline. She has gotten to know him, and every other Friday she cooks dinner for him. A friendship has blossomed with someone she thought she had nothing in common with, and yet every other week, they have plenty to talk about. A little bit of family for each of them.
Welcome doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. It could be something as simple as smiling and chatting with the barista who is making your latte. There are many forces, especially today, which seek to divide and polarize people in our society. We wonder what we can do in these times. Perhaps it is as simple as seeing that stranger as a friend, a part of the Kamloops family.
Happy Family Day!
Dr. Michael Caveney is lead minister at Kamloops United Church
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Art Exposed promises creativity without boundaries
Radhika Tabrez
THE HIGHLY ANTICI-
PATED Art Exposed exhibition in Kamloops is set to open its doors this year with an exciting emphasis on inclusivity and creativity. As an open-call event, Art Exposed invites artists of all ages, experiences, and mediums to showcase their work, ensuring that everyone with a passion for art has a platform.
This year’s exhibition reinforces the belief that art should not be confined to traditional definitions, celebrating the full spectrum of creative expression. To learn more about this exciting exhibition and all the work that goes into a project like this, I sat down with Tanya Nielsen, Executive Director of Kamloops Art Council.
“Art Exposed is always about celebrating ALL artists in the region,” stated Nielsen. “It’s about creating art and possibility without defining what is and is not art.”
This philosophy is reflected in the diversity of submissions, with works ranging from intricate sculptures and vibrant paintings to innovative textiles and handcrafted jewelry. Each piece displayed will contribute to a rich tapestry of artistic expression that mirrors the community’s creativity.
What sets this year’s Art Exposed apart from previous editions are the exciting new features being introduced. While the full details are still a closely guarded secret, Tanya confirmed that they are in the process of booking live performers for the opening night.
“It will be hard to beat last year’s jazz band and spoken word poet, but we are committed to bringing something fresh and engaging,” Nielsen said.
Additionally, a unique closing-day coffee event is scheduled, allowing attendees to engage in meaningful conversations with artists about their creative processes and inspirations.
Throughout the exhibition, a silent auction will run, featuring a variety of fun prizes, including the opportunity to win a significant grand prize. This engaging element not only adds excitement but also supports local artists, as a portion of the auction proceeds will go back to the community. Art Exposed serves as a mirror reflecting the local arts scene in Kamloops and the
surrounding region. Each year, the exhibition welcomes both returning artists and new talents, creating a blend of familiar and innovative works. “We see artists submitting a range of mediums, and it’s always interesting to see how they surprise us with something completely different from what they normally present,” Nielsen noted. The inspiration for these works often stems from the regional landscape, community events, and personal experiences, adding layers of meaning to each piece.
As the exhibition continues to grow, the Kamloops Art Council is committed to ensuring that all artists feel valued and welcomed. “We are excited about every artist we feature,” she said.
The selection process for the exhibition is rigorous and
fair, with a capacity for 200–300 works depending on size. Artists who submit multiple pieces are encouraged to choose their best work, allowing for a diverse display that represents the breadth of creativity in the community. A panel of three jurors, tasked with reviewing all submitted works, engages in thoughtful discussions based on creativity, technique, skill, and composition.
“It’s a group discussion, and it’s always difficult. They deliberated for over six hours last year,” Nielsen said, highlighting the dedication to ensuring that the best works are showcased.
Art Exposed is not just an exhibition; it is a free event that fosters a sense of community and connection among attendees and artists alike. The
open format allows for interactions and discussions, promoting a welcoming environment for art enthusiasts of all backgrounds.
“People are often amazed at the talent we have here and what our community is capable of making,” she said.
The exhibition has become a beloved tradition, where seasoned art lovers and newcomers alike can appreciate the artistic endeavors of their neighbors.
The support for Art Exposed comes from various local businesses, sponsors, and government partners, including the City of Kamloops and the BC Arts Council. This backing is essential to the success of the exhibition, enabling it to remain accessible to the public while providing a platform for local artists.
“We are always looking for more sponsors,” the representative added, inviting community members to contribute to the arts scene.
Looking ahead, the Kamloops Art Council has ambitious plans to enhance the impact of Art Exposed Discussions are underway for potential collaborations with local performing arts organizations, as well as a desire to revisit past initiatives such as Taste Exposed, which celebrated local cuisine alongside artistry.
“We’re building on these ideas, so who knows what the future holds?” Nielsen mused, hinting at the ongoing evolution of this beloved exhibition.
In a world where art often feels exclusive, Art Exposed stands as a testament to the idea that creativity is for everyone. Through this exhibition, the Kamloops Art Council seeks to inspire emerging artists and encourage them to continue creating, connecting, and showcasing their talents. “Our goal is to give artists the courage to keep making art and to foster opportunities for them within the community,” Nielsen concluded. With its commitment to accessibility, creativity, and community engagement, Art Exposed is set to be a highlight of the local arts calendar, reminding us all of the vital role art plays in our lives and in bringing a community together.
For more information visit www.kamlooparts.ca
NIGHTLIFE
February 13 @ 6:00 pm at Bright Eye Brewery, co-hosted by Haus of Misfit: Ru Paul Drag Race Trivia Night. Buckle up and start your engines, RuPaul’s Drag Race Trivia is BACK on February 13th, hosted by new local drag artist, Stevie Nips! To top things off, the night will also include a couple of numbers, so feel free to bring some $5 bills to tip the performer. Cover is $10 per person, teams of 2-10 are permitted. Teams must pre-register!
February 14 @ 8:00 pm at the Effie Theatre: Jared Nathan’s Westcoast Comedy Tour. Jared Nathan, is a comedian with special needs based out of Toronto. Jared’s meteoric rise to fame began when he took the comedy world by storm on Kill Tony, becoming one of the show’s first Golden Ticket winners. His razor-sharp wit, infectious charm, and fearless approach to comedy have won over audiences globally. Having already shared the stage with comedy heavyweights such as Shane Gillis, Andrew Dice Clay, Joe Rogan, and Adam Ray, Jared is back touring Canada’s West Coast.
MUSIC
February 16 @ 7:00 pm at the Blue Grotto: Dendros Record Release Party. We laughed, we cried, we wanted to claw each other’s eyes out at times but we recorded an album. Come out and help us celebrate putting together our first fulllength without actually causing each other bodily harm. We couldn’t be happier than to share the night with our longtime homies Gregorious and Burn it all. Doors at 7
February 28 @ 8:00 pm at The Rock’n Firkin welcomes Shattered Blue. Shattered Blue can’t wait to get in the Firkin for a great evening of amazing tunes, excellent drinks, and fabulous affordable food. We’ll be playing your favorite songs and they have some new ones for you too!
THEATRE
February 7 and 8 at Old Paramount Theatre: David
Lynch Tribute Weekend: In honour of the late great man himself, Drunk in a Graveyard and Kamloops Film Society are so pleased to be offering up a special Tribute weekend of Lynch screenings so we can all gather to admire and mourn the loss of this true auteur and artist. Friday @ 6:30 - MULHOLLAND DRIVE, Saturday @ 6:00ERASERHEAD, and 7:45 - BLUE VELVET. Please come early for some trivia and prizes.
February 26 to March 1 @ 7:30 pm at Old Main Black Box Theatre TRU Campus: The Comedy of Errors. Join TRU’s Actors Workshop Theatre as it celebrates its 40th anniversary season. In this version of William Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors, directed and adapted by Catriona Leger, two sets of identical twins, separated at birth, find themselves in the same town, leading to a series of mistaken identities. Purchase your tickets today.
DANCE
February 14 @ 8:00 pm at Kelson Hall Center: Lindy in the Loops Valentine’s Day Dance. Join us for a night of dancing, community, and fun! We are having our annual Valentine’s Day Dance on February 14th, the night begins with a beginner lesson followed by social dancing until 10:30. Our DJ will enchant you and keep you grooving all night! Tickets are $15.
ART
February 8 @ 6:00 pm at McCracken Station Pub: Enchanted Forest Sip and Paint. Hosted by Kamloops Art Party Step into the magic of an enchanted forest with us at McCracken Station Pub!
Join us on Saturday, February 8th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, for an evening of creativity and relaxation. Under the guidance of the incredible local artist Liz Thiessen, you’ll create your very own stunning acrylic masterpiece inspired by nature’s charm. $55 per person, all materials included. McCracken’s delicious food and drink options, available for purchase before, during, or after the event.
February 21 @ 6:00 pm at Kamloops Art Party 8-177 Tranquille Road: Seaside Paws Charcuterie: A resin and acrylic workshop. Dive into creativity with our Seaside Paws Charcuterie Workshop! Join us for a delightful evening of art, where you will craft your own unique charcuterie board adorned with charming paw prints and beachy themes using acrylic and resin techniques. $69 per ticket.
LITERATURE
February 6 @ 1:00-2:30 pm at Old Main, OM 3652 (Reading Room) TRU Campus: Hòt’a! Enough! Book Launch. Dene leader Georges Erasmus comes to TRU to discuss his new book in person. Join the Faculty of Education and Social Work, the Office of Indigenous Education and the Faculty of Law as we honour this new work, Hòt’a! Enough! Georges Erasmus’s Fifty-Year Battle for Indigenous Rights. The book chronicles his political life and experiences. No registration required. Books available for order from Dundurn Press
February 13 @ 4:00 – 5:00 p.m at Clock Tower, Alumni Theatre TRU Campus. Dangling in the Glimmer of Hope Book Launch. An education professor with a focus on leadership, Tory Handford will share her recent project, co-led with retired cultural advisor and Secwépemc poet Garry Gottfriedson, to address leadership on Truth and Reconciliation through writing. Hosted by the Faculty of Education and Social Work and the Office of Indigenous Education. No registration is required.
February 19 @ 6:30 – 9:00 pm at Campus Activity Centre, Mountain Room, TRU Campus: Science Revealed Dean’s Lecture series features journalist Gwynne Dyer. Renowned historian and journalist Gwynne Dyer discusses his new book, Intervention Earth, and geoengineering. Reserve your seat today.
COMMUNITY
February - onward at Kamloops Legion 425 Landsdowne: Weekly
Dinners, Open Mic, Meat Draws, and a safe and economical space for seniors and veterans to socialize, play cards, darts, and enjoy fellowship. Weekly dinners at 5:30 pm Thursdays followed by Open Mic at 7 pm. Open at 1 pm Thurs - Sun, featuring meat draws every weekend at 2:30 pm. The Legion is a not-for-profit membership-based organization that relies on community support to survive. Non-members are welcome into the Branch. For more information go to www. kamloopslegion.com, or follow us on Facebook.
February 5 onward. Various locations around the city: The Kamloops Adult Learners Society continues its series of low-cost , non credit field trips, courses, and workshops.Take advantage of ongoing registration for February courses such as A Beginner’s Guide to Chemistry; Read the Manual: Exploring the Human Hand in Fiction and Culture; Come to the Concert: Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony. See www. kals.ca for more information and to register.
February 6 and 7 at TRU Kamloops campus.The TRU
February 8 @ 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at 140 Laburnum Street: KFM Winter Indoor Market. The indoor market is a fun little microcosm of the summer markets. It’s got everything people love, like fresh veggies, delicious baked goods, and more; it just comes in a smaller package. Stop by for good vibes and good local food and crafts!
February 9 @ 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Sandman Center, Kia Lounge 300 Lorne St., Kamloops, Spring Festival Gala – TRU Chinese Students and Scholars Association Join us for the 2025 Spring Festival Gala, celebrating the Year of the Snake. Enjoy a delicious Chinese-style dinner.
March 6 @ 7:00 pm at Big Little Science Center: Adult BIG Night Out: The Science of Food and Wine. Why do certain wines pair better with certain foods? What flavours make your Riesling sing and Cabernet Franc fall flat? Returning for a second year, Monte Creek is taking their wine and knowledge to the BIG Little Science Centre for an adult-only BIG night out! Join us, as we dive into the science of wine and this year take it one step further with
as well as delicious food from Farros Pizza & Greek food. This event is open to all NSBIA business members, owners, managers, and staff. Please RSVP to patti@nsbia.com
February 13 @ 6:00 pm at Yew Street Food Hall: Kamloops Networking at Night. Come hang out with the coolest business people in Kamloops! This is for local business people to come on out, meet some new biz besties, and have a casual night of conversation. There is no cost to attend this meeting, but it is encouraged to support the vendors at Yew Street Food Hall while we’re there. Please come prepared to talk about your business for 1-2 minutes, bring business cards and swag if you have it, and have fun!
SPORTS
February 9 @ 9:45 am at Stake Lake Ski Trails: Dirty Feet Snowshoe Run/Walk #2. Snowshoe fun run/walk at Stake Lake Nordic trails! Bring your friends and enjoy a 5km run/walk or a 10km run through the beautiful trees and snow at Stake Lake Nordic Center! Win draw prizes and enjoy hot drinks after the snowshoe. Snowshoes are mandatory for this event.
February 7, 8, 11, 14, 17, 26, March 1, 8, 12 at Sandman take to the ice. Come support your local team in the final
February 15, 16, 21 at McArthur Park Arena: Kamloops Storm takes to Come and cheer on the final games of this season with
Cogi and Don are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, surrounded by their family of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren…and still growing. The couple attributes their lasting marriage to qualities such as compassion, respect, faith, patience, love, care, gratitude, and sharing. Their family and friends express their admiration and best wishes for the couple’s continued happiness and adventures in this golden era.
Love always, your family & friends
A big month ahead for curling in Kamloops
Erin Pincott’s wins and wounds provide vantage for pebbled-ice profundity, her thoughts shared during a month eagerly anticipated by Kamloops curling aficionados.
The Team Brown third spoke of nurturing love for the game when it feels unrequited, the hard-times devotion required in the wake of tormenting defeat, the faithfulness that preceded catharsis.
After back-to-back losses in B.C. Women’s Curling Championship finals — including the soul crusher that kept the beloved Kamloops Curling Club rink from competing on home ice in the national championship in 2023 — Team Brown prevailed over Victoria-based Team MacMillan last month in the provincial title tilt in Langley.
“It definitely feels like a bit of a weight lifted in a way, a sense of accomplishment after having the disappointment the last couple years and really continuing to work at it even after coming up short a couple of times,” said Pincott, noting it felt exorcising to trump MacMillan, the team that had Brown’s number in 2023 and 2024, albeit with a different skip (Clancy Grandy). “Curling sometimes feels tough. As much as you love it, sometimes it doesn’t love you back.”
With its first women’s provincial championship victory since 2020, Team Brown punched its ticket to the national Scotties Tournament of Hearts, which gets underway on Valentine’s Day in Thunder Bay, Ont. The tournament will mark the fourth Scotties appearance for Team Brown, but the third for lead Samantha Fisher, who was on curling hiatus when the rink claimed its only other women’s B.C. title in 2020.
“It’s been a long time since Corryn, Erin, and I won provincials together (2015 in the junior ranks), so to have that group hug again and know we did it — it was just awesome,”
MARTY HASTINGS
The Tattle of Hastings
Fisher said. “The girls just had the best reaction and that really got my heart rate going.”
Team Brown fodder for Scotties analysts includes Corryn Brown skipping the squad while carrying her first child and lead Sarah Koltun — new to the team this season — helping the rink overcome demons en route to her 10th national championship appearance.
“I like to think one of my strongest aspects as an athlete is I’m a great teammate and I really tried to find out where I could support these girls and fill some missing gaps and try to get them to the next step because we all wanted to get there,” Koltun said.
Close-to-home storylines on the national curling scene this month are not exclusive to the women’s game.
The men’s national championship (the Montana’s Brier) is scheduled to get underway on Feb. 28 in Kelowna, a stone’s throw for Kamloops fans travelling to support snakebitten Sheriff Matt Dunstone.
Dunstone, Pincott’s significant other, appears poised to break through at the Brier, helming a Manitoba team that is thriving — ranked first in Canada and second in the world — since a shocking mid-season lineup change (parting ways with third B.J. Neufeld to reunite Brush Brothers E.J. and Ryan Harnden).
“We’re starting to go on stretches now, beating teams we’re going to want to beat at
the Brier and the worlds, ultimately,” said Winnipeg-born Dunstone, a Kamloops resident since 2018. “We’re getting more and more confident every weekend.”
Having spoken to Dunstone following shattering Brier defeats in Kingston, Ont., in 2020, Calgary in 2021 and London, Ont., in 2023, I’ve heard the sound of sorrow and echoes of imbibing teammates in lonely dressing rooms.
Reward for unrequited love would taste sweet in the Little Apple, a sparkling Okanagan delight perhaps served best chilled in Tankard.
Meanwhile, the Holly Hafeli rink of the Kamloops Curling Club is the toast of junior curling in the province after dispatching another team (Ava Arndt) teeming with Kamloops representatives in the Under-20 B.C. Women’s Curling Championship final on Dec. 30 in Cloverdale.
Next up: A shot at national junior gold in March in Summerside, P.E.I.
The youthful Hafeli rink has dropped round-robin games to Team Brown at the past two women’s B.C. championships and fell short of the playoffs both years.
Earlier this month in Calgary, its TRU WolfPack iteration got a taste of gold medal game misery at the Canada West Curling Championships.
Similar and necessary lumps have been absorbed by Dunstone and Brown, tough love that can lead to gratifying redemption.
“I’m feeling old. Not going to lie,” Pincott said with a laugh when asked about the Hafeli rink nipping at its heels. “It feels like just yesterday that they were all in little rocks, shorter than me, and now they’re in university. They’re down here [at the KCC] just as much as we are, practising a ton, so it’s nice to see they’re putting in the work and it’s paying off.”
Amanda Wong photo
From left: Corryn Brown, Erin Pincott, Jim Cotter, Sarah Koltun, and Samantha Fisher of Team Brown won gold at the B.C. Women’s Curling Championship last month in Langley.
TRAVEL
Sun Peaks rises higher while Europe brings value and legendary terrain
Casandra Karpiak
Winter has arrived, and with it, the promise of an unforgettable ski season. For Kamloops residents, Sun Peaks Resort is more than just a ski hill — it’s the heart of our winter culture.
This year, the resort has taken its on-mountain experience to new heights with the launch of the West Bowl Express, a $12 million highspeed quad chairlift transforming Tod Mountain’s upper reaches.
Replacing the old T-bar, this state-of-the-art lift triples the skiable terrain in the West Bowl zone, now offering access to 169 acres of pristine slopes. At 800 meters longer than its predecessor, the chairlift climbs to an elevation of 2,093 meters, making it the highest at Sun Peaks.
“On days with inversions (lower elevation cloud cover), the upper reaches of Tod Mountain are where you want to ski, and now we have more of this alpine terrain available for guests,” said Christina Antoniak, Director of Communications at Sun Peaks Resort.
“An additional high-speed quad lift in the alpine spreads skiers out, so there is less demand for the Crystal Quad and Burfield Quad mid-station, meaning reduced wait times during peak periods.”
With a ride time of just 5.5 minutes, skiers can now spend less time in transit and more time carving turns on intermediate runs like the newly extended 5 Mile or exploring trails like Whyte’s Ryde, named in honor of Tod Mountain’s early visionary Donald Whyte.
The buzz doesn’t stop there. Sun Peaks’ opening weekend kicked off with a robust 78-centimetre snow base — far surpassing last year’s rocky start. With all 13 chairlifts and over 100 trails open, it’s shaping up to be a season to remember.
“This season, we had a record-breaking opening day on Nov. 23 and an all-time record-breaking day on Dec. 29, with the most skiers on a mountain in one day,” shares Antoniak”
The balance between international and domestic guests has remained
steady. While international markets have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, there has been strong demand from key drive markets, particularly in British Columbia and Washington.
Skiing Europe’s Ultimate Playground
While a European ski vacation may sound luxurious, it often pro-
vides better value for money compared to North American resorts. Lift passes, equipment rentals, ski lessons, dining, and accommodations are generally more affordable, especially in Austria and Italy, where hospitality is top-notch and the mountain cuisine rivals fine dining.
Early snowfalls blanketed iconic slopes across France, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy, setting the stage for an unforgettable ski season. Some resorts are reporting their best
start in years.
Europe’s ski resorts are vast, often connecting multiple mountains and countries through efficient lift systems. For instance, Les Trois Vallées in France—the largest interconnected ski area in the world — offers 600 kilometers of pistes, linking the chic villages of Courchevel, Méribel, and Val Thorens. Similarly, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, which straddles Switzerland and Italy, allows skiers to glide across interna-
tional borders.
Europe’s appeal extends far beyond the slopes. Imagine skiing down a perfectly groomed run to a charming alpine village, where après-ski involves sipping vin chaud (hot wine) or indulging in fondue at a mountain hut with panoramic views. European resorts excel in offering diverse activities, from sledging and snowshoeing to exploring historic towns ensconced in the mountains.
With favourable options for any budget, skiing in Europe this year is not just a bucket-list experience but a practical one. Standout destinations include St. Anton, Austria, renowned for its challenging terrain and vibrant après-ski scene. Zermatt, Switzerland, is home to the iconic Matterhorn and world-class ski runs. Dolomiti Superski, Italy, offers a network of 12 ski areas with stunning views of the Dolomites.
Europe’s ski resorts proudly showcase a rich history and tradition that’s hard to match. These villages have welcomed skiers for over a century, infusing their heritage into everything from architecture to cuisine. Italy wins in the food department (naturally). Think pasta and risotto paired with Alpine classics like polenta and venison. Combine that with unbeatable views and affordable lodging options, and it’s clear why the Dolomites continue to enamor visitors.
World-Class Slopes Close to Home
For those seeking a European-style ski experience without crossing the Atlantic, North America offers exceptional ski destinations that rival the best in the world.
Big Sky Resort is the closest thing to a European mega-resort in North America. Thanks to a massive multiyear investment in infrastructure, it now boasts the most modern lift system in the United States. Upgrades include state-of-the-art gondolas, bubble chairs, and a new tram to whisk skiers to the top of Lone Peak,
Casandra Karpiak photo Sun Peaks village.
Tamarack Resort worth checking out
offering breathtaking views and challenging terrain.
What sets Big Sky apart is its sheer size and lack of crowds. With over 5,800 acres of skiable terrain and some of the lowest skier densities in the country, you’ll feel like you have the mountain to yourself. It’s the perfect stateside alternative to the Alps.
For skiers from Kamloops, Tamarack Resort is an underrated gem that’s easy to reach. A short connecting flight from Kelowna via Seattle to Boise puts you within a twohour drive of this boutique resort in central Idaho’s rugged mountains.
Tamarack is perfect for families and those seeking a relaxed, uncrowded ski expe
rain for advanced skiers. Its quaint village features cozy dining options, and you can enjoy après-ski while soaking in stunning views of Lake Cascade.
Tamarack Resort is earning recognition as a must-visit destination, recently ranked the #1 up-and-coming ski resort by Powder Magazine and highlighted by Forbes as a top multi-adventure ski vacation spot. Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers Choice Awards also named it one of the top U.S. ski resorts.
Adding to the accolades, The Reserve, Tamarack’s on-site restaurant, was voted #1 Ski Restaurant in North America by USA Today’s 10Best Readers Choice 2023.
Jackson Hole delivers on
and backcountry access, Jackson Hole attracts expert skiers and snowboarders from around the world. Corbet’s Couloir, the resort’s legendary run, is a rite of passage for thrill-seekers.
But Jackson Hole isn’t just for adrenaline junkies. The resort also offers plenty of intermediate terrain and a picturesque village brimming with Western charm. After a day on the slopes, unwind at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole, which combines rustic elegance with world-class amenities. Slopeside hot tubs, gourmet dining options, and in-room fireplaces make for a cozy ski retreat.
No matter where you choose to hit the slopes, one
Orca Kayaking in Johnstone Straight
Sherri Harkin photo Skiing at Tamarack Resort.
Paul Besson photo
Lunch at Pépé Nicolas, between Les Menuires and Val Thorens.
Difficulty: Easy ©2025 KrazyDad.com
Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column, and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9. Use logic and solve the puzzle without guesswork. For puzzle solving tips, and more puzzles, visit KrazyDad.com
SUDOKU
By KrazyDad
In memory of
Kamloops Krossword ───────────
By Scott Montagliani
Ed was born in Andrew, AB & grew up on a farm in Hylo, Alberta. Ed passed away and reunited with June, his wife of 58 years. Ed will be greatly missed by his siblings, daughters, grandchildren & friends.
Ed was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed golfing,
hunting, fishing, skiing and snowmobiling. In his early years he played baseball and together with June he bowled and curled. He especially enjoyed taking his grandchildren fishing and giving them rides on his ATV. His other interests included reading, gardening and camping.
Ed spent his entire career in the banking industry and even in retirement he would lend a hand to former clients on their farms or ranches. He was a cowboy at heart.
A celebration of his life will be held on February 27, 2025 at 1pm at Summit Drive Church.
Lucy Melise Vandenberg
May 11, 1960 - January 15, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Lucy Vandenberg of Bluesky, Alberta.
Lucy passed away at the Fairview Health Complex on January 15, 2025, at the age of 64 years.
Lucy is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Dan; her daughters Danielle and Helena; grandson Memphis Daniel Wood; as well as brothers and sisters from her
maternal and paternal family. She was predeceased by her son Kyle, and her sister Avrielle.
Lucy was an excellent mother to three children, and her husband Dan’s best friend. As a family, they went through many hardships together but always came out stronger. Her presence in our lives will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Lucy’s Life will be held at Bluesky Christian Fellowship, date and time to be announced at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Lung Association www. lung.ca/donate Care entrusted to Peace Valley Funeral Home (Kristi Heck) 780-835-3306 www. peacevalleyfuneral.ca
Kamloops finally woke to this crosswalk in 2019
Kamloops Alum maker
