February 23 - 2023

Merritt City Council voted unanimously to extend their TNRD fire protection services agreement. —

A photo journalist creates a docu-series in search of big foot, making a stop in the Nicola Valley along the way. —

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2876 Cranna Crescent

Merritt extends fire services agreement with TNRD

After unexpectedly losing fire protection services last summer, many Lower Nicola area residents found themselves with increased insurance premiums and a lack of basic exterior structural protection during a hot and dry summer, until the City of Merritt agreed to provide fire protection services to 482 addresses in the Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD).

At their recent regular meeting, Merritt City Council voted unanimously to extend that agreement under new terms after a TNRD Fire Services Review showed that the City of Merritt was being underfunded compared to other jurisdictions in the TNRD. The City will now receive a total sum of $270,000 from the regional district for their one-year agreement, compared to the previous $81,753 and additional monthly rate of $12,050 after Council moved to add Lower Nicola to the agreement at the end of June. Merritt’s Fire Chief told council the City looks to further negotiate for a potential multi-year agreement down the road.

“Obviously, time was of the essence

last year with respect to providing the residents of Lower Nicola a level of fire suppression services,” said Chief David Tomkinson to council at their February 14th regular meeting.

“As we move this year, we are committed to negotiating further with the regional district with respect to the terms and the dollar value of future fire suppression agreements.”

The City of Merritt will now continue to provide select addresses in TNRD Electoral Areas ‘M’ and ‘N,’ including the 482 addresses in the Lower Nicola area, with exterior fire protection services until December 21, 2023. Tomkinson indicated to Council that a multi-year deal could be reached at that point. His report also noted that updated contract language and indemnification protects the City, with the new pricing model more equally sharing the cost of operating the Merritt Fire Rescue Department (MFRD).

The City’s total annual revenue from their Fire Service Agreement in 2022 was $154,053, meaning the new agreement saw a 57 percent increase in total fees collected. Tomkinson’s report noted that MFRD crews only respond to an average of 15 fire emergencies per year in the established service area. The suppression

of forest fires and response to medical incidents are excluded from the City’s agreement with the TNRD. Tomkinson noted that the agreement benefits property owners in a number of ways.

“These agreements benefit the population living on rural properties adjacent to the City by offering firefighting services where the Merritt Fire Rescue Department (MFRD) provides an ‘Exterior Operations Level’ response that corresponds with the BC Structure Firefighter Minimum Training Standard, namely for the purpose of property conservation,” added Tomkinson’s report.

“Additionally, these homeowners often see significant reductions in their insurance premiums. The service is limited to residential structure fires, incipient stage wildfires, and motor vehicle fires when they threaten infrastructure.”

Council passed the new agreement unanimously, and could potentially see themselves negotiating a multi-year agreement with the TNRD in early 2024. The regional district also recently received $270,000 from the provincial government’s Community Emergency Preparedness Fund for their regional emergency preparedness fire department training and equipment project.

Classifieds -----------21-22

WEATHER

WEATHER

Feb. 23: Partly Cloudy -7°/-16°C

Feb. 24: Partly Cloudy -5°/-20°C

Feb. 25: Cloudy 2°/-12°C

Feb. 26: 70% Snow 3°/-6°C

Feb. 27: Cloudy 4°/-7°C

Feb. 28: 40% Snow 4/-7°C

On February 10-12, 15 teams met up in Merritt to compete at the annual hockey tournament, which is making its return from inactivity due to COVID19 restrictions.

While the finishing touches and licensing process will likely mean the Merritt Youth and Family Resource Society (MYFRS) won’t open its new childcare programs until June, locals will see the building completed in the coming days.

Merritt City Council unanimously passed the City’s new Fire Services Agreement with the Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD). Photo/ Herald File

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Albas co-chairs regulatory committee

both the House of Commons and the Senate,” he explained. “This is to make sure that all members of the committee feel that they can raise questions. As Co-Chair, I work with all parties from the house side to make sure from our view that our house of parliament is respected.”

The COLDES T NIGHT OF THE YEAR comes to Merritt once again

The Nicola Valley Food Bank is encouraging Merrittonians to once again team up, fund raise, and walk in the third annual Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY).

This family -friendly, winterrific fundraising walk with a vir tual option available that takes place on the evening of Februar y 25, 2023 The event will be star ting at the Food Bank, and teams can choose to walk either two or five kilometer s to suppor t people experiencing hunger, hur t, and homelessness in Merritt.

Central Okanagan –Similkameen –Nicola Member of Parliament Dan Albas was recently appointed as the new Co-Chair for a regulatory committee.

The Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations appointed Albas to the new role on February 13.

As Co-Chair he will work opposite Independent Senators Group’s Hon. Yuen Pau Woo.

“I am thankful to my leader, Pierre Poilievre, our Opposition Whip, KerryLynne Findlay and my Conservative

Party of Canada colleagues for their support as I take on this new role,” said Dan Albas. “I look forward to working with all MPs & Senators on this important committee.”

Prior to his appointment, Albas was working with the committee as a member. He succeeds fellow Conservative, and Banff-Airdrie MP Blake Richards.

The Scrutiny of Regulations committee began it’s work in the early 1970s. The committee is made up of members from the House of Commons and the Senate. They are mandated to

review and scrutinize government regulations.

“To ensure that these government bodies remain accountable to Parliament, the Committee reviews hundreds of regulations and other statutory instruments each year,” the committee explained in their website.

As Co-Chair, Albas will direct the business of the committee, performing some administrative work such as writing to different government bodies and taking their responses to the subject that the committee is reviewing.

“The way it works is you have a Co-Chair from

Albas added that the committee works by consensus, focusing only on addressing any inconsistencies within regulations reviewed by their independent council.

“Whenever there is a drafting error, or a body exceeds their authority, we can bring the officials in and ask the tough questions. We can even report to the House of Commons and disallow those regulations, but this rarely happens.”

Albas began his Co-Chair duties during the same meeting on February 13 when he was appointed. His next meeting will be on March 6. For more information about the committee, please visit https:// www.parl.ca/ Committees/en/ REGS

Izaiah Reyes

NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Central Okanagan – Similkameen – Nicola MP Dan Albas. Photo/Herald File

EDITORIAL

Thanks Merritt

It has been exactly a year yesterday since I was brought on by the Herald to become its new Editor. Fresh out of university, I was extremely excited to take this opportunity and challenge myself to become the best Editor I can be. Fast forward to now, and I can confidently say that I have accomplished what I had set out to do.

Tomorrow will be my last day at the paper, and replacing me at the helm will be my Reporter, Marius Auer.

Through his thoughtful approach, and impressive knowledge of the lay of the land, I have no doubt that the editorial team will be in good hands.

There was a lot of growth both personally and professionally that I’ve done within this past year, all thanks to my experience living in Merritt and working for the Herald. Throughout my stay here, I feel as though I had become self sufficient, discerning, and a little bit wiser.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to experience and cover everything that I did, from the city’s flood recovery, to the return of community events, municipal elections, and everything in between.

My success with the paper wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance of my team. I would like to thank my Publisher Theresa Arnold, Office Manager Ken Couture, and Reporter Marius Auer for my time at the paper. You have all truly made working at the Herald an amazing experience.

Though I’m moving away, there will be a part of Merritt that I will keep with me; the lessons I’ve learned, the friends I’ve made, and most importantly the stories I’ve told. Thank you Merritt, it has been a pleasure getting to know you.

IZAIAH REYES HERALD EDITOR

Herald Junior Reporters

Dirt Riders end season with cross country race series

emony with the following achievements:

• Ostyn Fox-

Expert: 2nd

• Eva GalbraithWomens

Intermediate: 2nd

• Carter Shackelly-

Intermediate: 5th

• Gavin Shackelly-

Intermediate: 1st

• Noah Galbraith-

Intermediate: 3rd

MSS

The Nicola Valley Dirt Riders Association ended their 2022 season with outstanding performances from all its members at the Pacific North West Motorcycle Association (PNWMA) CrossCountry Race Series. This series consisted of 9 races throughout the season, with 15 Merritt members bringing home great results at the year-end awards cer-

• Lexi GalbraithWomen’s am: 1st

• Aleck Henry- Kids

Intermediate: 3rd

• Graycin NichollsJunior Over: 16th

• Ty Jackson- Junior Under: 12th

All of the members would like to thank the PNWMA and their sponsors for an amazing awards night and a great season. The Nicola Valley

Dirt Riders Association and their amazing supporter, Nicola Motorsports, are very proud of each and every member and the progress they have shown. The

association and its members are looking forward to more races in the upcoming 2023 season.

Auer: ‘Movies or Series? That should not be a question, it’s movies all the way’

From the Herald archives: February, 2015

BEAR SIGHTING

A rare February bear sighting in Merritt has the conservation office reminding people to manage their attractants. A mother bear and her cub were reported at Rotary Park on Monday afternoon at about 12:30 p.m. to the City of Merritt, which then notified conservation. Conservation officer John Paquin responded to the call but the bears had left by the time he arrived on scene.

LETTERS POLICY

Is there anything more annoying than the current trend of turning everything into a series rather than a 2-hour

movie? After sequels came the prequels and then the reimaginings and now we’ve apparently moved on to dragging out stories that could be told in two hours to 8-10 hours. And let’s not forget about adding additional episodes to seasons and extending them from 10 to 14, like the

current season of Yellowstone.

I’m not a fan of Yellowstone but I warmed up to it somewhat when my husband watched season four, only to be annoyed with the current season where the story could have been told in half the time.

Then I came across 1883, the

prequel series to Yellowstone, and

I loved it - even though it checks two of the boxes that annoy me (prequels, now called origin stories, and series).

When I thought about why I loved it so much I realized it’s because (almost) everyone dies in the end. Which is tragic, of course, but that’s

life and it also means that there won’t be another season.

Encouraged by 1883, my husband and I started watching 1923, the next Yellowstone saga.

I’m already over it because it is dragging on and I read somewhere that there will be a second season. Enough already!

What to watch?

I might have to go back to re-watching the best movies of all time, you know, from when I was young. Forrest Gump, Fried Green Tomatoes, Amazon Women on the Moon, Terminator 2, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Amazing, right?!? It feels like everything new

is geared towards continuing on, no matter how boring it becomes. It’s nice to have something that has a beginning and an end - life is already hard enough and we don’t need to add multi-season underwhelm to the list.

The Merritt Herald welcomes your letters, on any subject, addressed to the editor. Letters must be signed and include the writer’s name and address. Letters may be edited for length, taste and clarity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less. Email letters to: newsroom@ merrittherald. com.

MAYA STARRS

The Dirt Bikers Association members pose with their awards at the year-end ceremony. Back row from left to right: Noah Galbraith, Gavin Shackelly, Ostyn Fox, Carter Shackelly, Ty Jackson, Graycin Nicholls. Front Row from left to right: Lexi Galbraith, Aleck Henry, Eva Galbraith, John Galbraith. Not in the above photo: Wade Rauch- Junior Over: 4th, Owen Sigurdson- Junior Under: 4th, James Stewart- Junior Under: 5th, Charlie Ware- Junior Under: 9th, Shane Charters- Junior Under: 21st, Lane ShultzJunior Under: 25th. Photo/Nicola Valley Dirt Riders Association

B.C. announces new forest stewardship initiatives

shift in B.C.’s forestry policies.

“The BC First Nations Forestry Council is looking forward to continuing working with the Province to modernize forest policy in B.C.,” said Lennard Joe, CEO of the First Nations Forestry Council and Merritt resident.

Planning opportunities for First Nations are both vital to increasing the participation of First Nations in the forest sector as

full partners.”

The province also announced it is doubling the new BC

Manufacturing Jobs Fund to $180 million and expanding eligibility provincewide.

Story continues on Page 10

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Amidst uncertain times for B.C.’s forestry sector as a whole, the provincial government has made a slew of announcements aimed at protecting old growth and collaborating with First Nations to “better care” for the province’s forests. The announcement of the new eight point plan is $25 million in funding for new Forest Landscape Planning (FLP) tables, which the province said will drive improved management of old-growth forests, while keeping community priorities and incorporating local knowledge.

The eight new regional FLP tables will include the participation of approximately 50 B.C. First Nations, who requested more indepth discussions

and collaboration around the issue of old-growth

forests. The tables will rule out certain areas for the harvesting of old-growth forests, and provide more

certainty about the areas where sustainable cutting can occur. The changes come as part of an overall

“The forestry council will continue to support Nations in efforts to increase their role in the governance and stewardship of forest lands and resources. The Province’s commitment to continue implementation of the Old Growth Strategic Review and to increase Forest Landscape

invites you to our ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING March 22, 2023 at 6:30 pm at the Civic Centre, room 4 OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS

Memberships are $5 00 can be e-transfered to foodbank@telus net Please contact the Food Bank at Foodbank@telus.net

The Cit y of Merritt intends to bring for ward Zoning Amendment Bylaw No 23 47, 2023, for First Reading and subsequent readings at the Februar y 28, 2023 Regular Council Meeting.

The purpose of this Zoning Bylaw is to incorporate tex t for the Comprehensive Development CD2 and CD3 Zones of the Cit y When these bylaws were adopted in 2022 , the tex t was inadver tently not incorporated into the main zoning bylaw. The lands that are subjec t to this are the lands already zoned CD2 and CD3 at and adjacent to the former Visitor Centre by E xit 286, identified on the enclosed map

The proposed bylaw is consistent with the Official Communit y Plan, due to Amending Bylaws No. 2310, 2021, and 2327, 2021 A s a result , no Public Hearing is proposed.

The proposed bylaw may be inspec ted at Cit y Hall during ordinar y business hours ( Tuesday-Friday, 8:0 0am to midday & 1:15pm to 5:45pm), and any time online at w w w merritt ca

The provincial government has announced new protection measures designed to protect old growth forests, and plans to collaborate with First Nations on stewardship. Photo/Herald File

• Full-time Kindergarten – must be 5 yrs by Dec 31, 2023

• Bus Services provided to all areas of Merritt

HEAD START SERVICES:

• 3 & 4 year old Program (K4 must be 4 yrs old by Dec 31, 2023)

• Home Visiting Program

• Transportation provided for all Head Start program

• Mom’s & Tot’s Services 0 to 6 years old

CURRICULUM:

• New BC Curriculum

• Nle?kepmx

• Cultural Studies

• Field Trips

• Learning Assistance Program

• School supplies provided

• SKATING/HOCKEY PROGRAM

• Joyful Literacy

FACILITIES:

• Full-Size Gymnasium

• Library

• Baseball/Soccer Field

Lower Nicola Band School

From Page 8

The new fund will support industrial and manufacturing projects, such as the purchasing of new equipment, allowing mills to process smaller-diameter trees and manufacture other types of wood products. An additional $10 million in a silviculture innovation program fund and $2.4 million provided to the First Nations Forestry Council to codevelop new forestry policy were

also announced by the provincial government.

Despite the new support and funding, Aspen Planers in Merritt continues to operate on imported logs after a nearly two month closure, and its ownership has said it could close again by the end of February if new cutting permits aren’t issued.

Aspen Planers employees, along with local forestry contractors and employees, recently began protests at the Ministry of Forests’ Merritt

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

office.

“As we work to protect more old growth, we know we need to accelerate our efforts to build a stronger, more innovative forestry industry that better shares the benefits with workers and communities. Forestry is a foundation of B.C.’s economy,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests.

“That’s why we are doubling provincial investments to help mills retrofit to get off old-growth logs and manufacture

more high-value wood products right here in B.C., so we create more jobs from every tree.”

Ralston’s office has declined multiple requests for interviews on the subject of forestry in the Nicola Valley and possible concerns by local First Nations on the cutting permit approval process in the area, opting to provide statements instead. The Ministry of Forests has told the Herald it is working with Aspen Planers,

B.C.’s top employers of 2023

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

On Tuesday February 14, the top 100 employers in B.C. were announced. Businesses and organizations from across the province were recognized for their exceptional workplaces, including some that hire and serve residents of the Nicola Valley.

Known for fostering exceptional employee performance and promoting great work

flexibility, Interior Health is recognized as one of B.C.’s top employers for 2023.

Mark Bagabuyo is the Clinical Operations Manager for Gillis House, a senior home in Merritt operated by Interior Health. He praised Interior Health’s wide array of opportunities for growth within their ranks.

“Interior

Health offers lots of educational opportunities and employment opportunities,” he said. “If you are planning on moving somewhere within the region, there’s bound to be an Interior Health site that you could apply to.”

Bagabuyo began working for Interior Health in 2012. He worked as a nurse in Overlander Residential Care

in Kamloops, then would continue working for the local health authority, moving to Ponderosa, Royal Inland Hospital, then Gillis House where he became a Team Lead and eventually Clinical Operations Manager.

“This is such a professional environment,” said Bagabuyo. “Their hiring process is very professional, all my managers

Story continues on Page 11

First Nations, and local governments on solutions to concerns around cutting permits. The Ministry also noted that they

are engaging local communities on an approach to forestry management that they expect will lead to collaborative

decisions for the region.

For more information on the provincial government’s new announce-

ment, including the full details of their new plan, visit news.gov. bc.ca/28240.

4th Meridian Art & Auctions

Online Auctions • Retail Galler y of Ar t, Potter y, Textiles, Accessories

Online Galler y & Shop: w w w 4 t h m e r i d i a n c a info@4thmeridian.ca

Visit in person: Thurs - Sat

CALL or check Website for current hours #104 1475 Fair view Rd, Penticton inside the historic Canner y Trade Centre

Accepting Consignments: ART, POTTERY small furnishings

WELCOME TO

KINDERGARTEN 2023 STUDENT REGISTRATION

The Board of Education of School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen)

Kindergar ten establishes a strong foundation for lifelong learning , as teachers provide dynamic, play-based oppor tunities to help each child grow and learn. Our child-centered programs de velop a sense of well-being and belonging and offer oppor tunities for exploring , creative play, de veloping language and literacy while focusing on social responsibility and cultural diversity

Kindergar ten provides our young learners with an enriched learning experience at their own unique de velopmental le vel. We look forward to working with each Kindergar ten child’s family as we welcome you to your child’s ne w school community

Please visit our website www.sd58.bc.ca for a complete overvie w of our online registration process.

REGISTRATION SCHEDULE

Monday to Friday: March 6 to 17, 2023

For September, 2023:

To register, a child must be 5 years of age on, or before, December 31, 2023.

Parents should register their child at the neighbourhood school.

Please visit our website www.sd58.bc.ca for a complete overvie w of our online registration process.

If you are unable to register online, please contact your neighbourhood school.

When registering online you will need your child’s Bir th Cer tificate, immunization record, Care Card and proof of address when registering

Parents interested in a Kindergar ten distance education program for their child, can contact the South Central Interior Distance Education School at 250-378-4245

Parents wishing to enrol their child in the French Immersion Program are required to register at Collettville Elementary

If you have any questions, please contact your neighbourhood school:

DIAMOND VALE ELEMENTARY

MERRITT BENCH ELEMENTARY

• 250 - 378 - 2514

• 250 - 378 - 2528

MERRITT CENTRAL ELEMENTARY

NICOLA-CANFORD ELEMENTARY

COLLETTVILLE ELEMENTARY

• 250 - 378 - 9931

• 250 - 378 - 2172

• 250 - 378 - 2230

Interior Health was awarded both B.C. Top Employer of 2023 and Canada’s Top Employers for Young People 2023. Photo/Interior Health

ANTI-BULLYING Campaign 2023 PINK SHIRT DAY in recognition of How parents can help address bullying STOP Bullying

Bullying is a global issue that affects children every day. A 2018 study from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics found that nearly one-third of teens worldwide had recently experienced bullying. Even more troubling is that the same study found that, in countries where children reported the highest incidences of bullying, 65 percent of girls and 62 percent of boys reported bullying.

Preventing bullying is a community-wide responsibility. Parents can do their part by taking the following measures to address bullying.

• Address aggressive behavior. According to StopBullying. gov, a website managed by

the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, aggressive behavior in young children is very common. Failure to address such behavior can lead to bullying, and children whose aggressive behavior goes unchecked may experience other problems with their peers. Whether their children have exhibited aggressive behaviors or not, parents can encourage cooperative behaviors like helping, sharing and problem-solving.

• Engage with your children. Various studies have shown that children are more likely to bully other kids if their parents spend little time with them or do not regularly supervise their activities. But studies also have found that students are less likely to bully

other children if their parents warmly engage with them.

• Learn about bullying. Parents who learn about bullying are in better position to prevent it. Various myths prevail about bullying, and it’s important that parents recognize these myths. No child is immune from bullying, as StopBullying.gov indicates that children from all racial and ethnic backgrounds are vulnerable to bullying, which also affects kids of all ages. In addition, any child can engage in bullying. Parents who recognize these facts are in better position to identify signs their child is being bullied or even bullying other students.

• Teach by example. Children reflect the attitudes and behaviors of their parents. If parents

exhibit disrespectful behaviors toward one another or other people, children are more likely to follow suit. In addition, a 2001 study published in the Journal of Clinical Child Psychology found that abused children are more likely to bully others and be bullied by others than children who are not abused. Maintaining a home environment in which every individual, including children, is respected can reduce the likelihood that kids will bully or be bullied by others. These are just a handful of strategies parents can employ to address bullying with their children. More information is available at www.StopBullying.gov.

PREVENTING BULLYING TIPS FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS

IF MY CHILD IS BEING BULLIED:

• Listen to your child entirely before reacting

• Involve your child in finding solutions

• With your child’s help, create a team of support for you and your child (teachers, schoolcounselors, trusted family members, etc.)

• Help your child learn how to cope with stress and anxiety

• Build your child’s capacity to respond effectively to the bullying by:

• Abstaining from violence

• Not counter-bullying

• Help your child to build their self-esteem by:

• Engaging them in activities they enjoy

• Praising their good efforts and accomplishments

• Remind your child that you love them

• Know when the problem is getting too big for them, and seek appropriate intervention

• To get help: Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 or kidshelpphone.ca

IF MY CHILD IS ENGAGING IN BULLYING BEHAVIOUR:

• Stay calm and be firm—let your child know that bullying is not acceptable

• Find out what motivates your child to bully, and encourage an open and honest discussion

• Use non-violent and age-appropriate consequences; set rules

• Discuss how your child can take steps to repair the damage caused by the bullying behaviour

• With your child’s help, create a team of support for the both of you (teachers, school counselors, trusted family members, etc.)

• Be a positive role model in your child’s life by being aware of how you use your own power

IF MY CHILD IS WITNESSING BULLYING:

• Explore the different options for your child to stand up against bullying

• Educate your child to intervene immediately to stop the bullying, but to get an adult to help with the intervention if it’s unsafe to act without an adult present

• Approach the person being bullied to provide support

• Explain the difference between “tattling” on someone as opposed to reporting in order to stop someone from getting hurt

• Encourage your child to come up with creative ways to intervene in a bullying situation, such as changing the subject or starting a game

• Set a good example for your child by showing that you care about others

Information provided by redcross.ca/ respecteducation

Skyla Miller-Voinette

Survey B.C. Seniors seeks local volunteers

FREE Physical Literac y Program

Ages 4 t o 6

Drop -in sessions follow the school calendar and run Mondays from 3 :30 to 4:15 pm at the Merrit Civic Centre

Each

use, along with informing the recommendations of B.C.’s Seniors Advocate, Isobel Mackenzie, to the provincial government.

A province wide survey looks to engage those living in B.C.’s long-term care facilities, with the provincial Ministry of Health now seeking volunteers to connect with residents at Merritt’s Gillis House and collect their experiences and perspectives.

Survey BC Seniors is an initiative of the Ministry of Health, through its Office of Patient-Centred Measurement. An initial survey conducted in 2016 saw 43 percent of the province’s long-term care residents give responses, which informed the B.C. Seniors Advocate’s official recommendations to the provincial government on needed policy and procedural changes needed in B.C.’s long-term care system. The survey came with a stipulation to resurvey in roughly five years, the process of which is now underway.

“The goal is to approach every resident in long-term care in the province and give them an opportunity to share their experiences about their quality of life,” said Emily Jurek, regional engagement lead with the Office of Patient-Centred Measurement.

“We’re asking questions about everything from food and meals, to activities, to visits with family and friends, and we’re wanting to give each one of those residents the opportunity to share their perspective, so that we can see how things are going.”

A total of 29,284 residents currently live in 294 publicly-funded care homes, and the survey hopes to connect with each one of them, and provide their families with opportunities for feedback as well. In Merritt, Gillis House is the only publiclyfunded long-term care facility. Volunteer surveyors will connect with Gillis House residents over the coming months to go over survey questions, and provide a social connection for survey respondents.

Surveys are currently underway until May 2023, and the results will be distributed to each care facility for their internal

It is expected that Mackenzie’s report will be released sometime in the fall of 2023. Jurek said it was important to resurvey, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic and its various effects on healthcare.

“Things have changed through the pandemic, and it’s important that we be able to assess how things are going as we are moving out of the pandemic, [know] how that has affected long-term care, and how we can approach those changes that may have happened,” added Jurek.

Jurek noted that in the previous survey, staffing shortages were identified as one of the challenges facing long-term care facilities in the province. Following the survey, and the recommendation to government for increased staffing, a reassessment of the issue in 2020 found that direct care staffing hours per bed increased 8 percent across all five of the province’s health regions.

Along with the opportunity for those in the system to provide insight and feedback on their experiences in long-term care, Jurek said it provides volunteer surveyors the opportunity to connect with residents on a personal level while assisting them in accessing the survey.

“We know that having a person there to sit down with the resident and work through the questions with them not only has the positive effect of just brightening their day, they get to have a visitor, but also really increases their ability to participate in the response rate that we’re getting,” noted Jurek.

For more information on the survey, visit www.surveybcseniors.org. To volunteer as one of the surveyors engaging with nearly 100 residents at Merritt’s Gillis House over the coming months, visit the website, or contact Emily Jurek via email at ejurek@providencehealth.bc.ca or phone at 778-675-8873.

WorkBC will help you find training, resources and financial support to advance your career

Learn more at WorkBC.ca/FindYourPath.

Plus, get one-on-one job support at your local WorkBC Centre

Gillis House on Tutill Court is Merritt’s only provincially funded long-term care facility, with their 74 beds falling under Interior Health’s jurisdiction. Marius Auer/Herald

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Sasquatch docu-series shoots episode in the Nicola Valley

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

A photo journalist creates a docuseries in search of big foot, making a stop in the Nicola Valley along the way.

Jason Kenzie has been a wildlife photojournalist for 30 years. His work has taken him to all corners of the globe but as the lockdowns happened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the veteran photographer turned his lenses from the natural to the unexplained. Kenzie began looking for the mythological creature known as ‘Bigfoot’, and his pursuit has turned into a docu-series that was picked up by major distributors, Kenzie’s ‘Searching for Sasquatch’ is an ongoing series that documents the adventurers travels around North America as he finds the fabled creature.

“I’ve been an adventurer for my entire life, traveling the world,” said Kenzie. “Moving to this documentary made sense. I started interviewing eye witnesses, joining bigfoot groups in the U.S. and Canada, and just joining them in the hopes to find it.”

In the first episode of the documentary, Kenzie features the Nicola Valley as he investigates an eyewitness account.

“I drove just outside of Merritt to interview a truck driver saying he was driving down to the coast during one snowy night,” said Kenzie.

“He was coming down the highway and all of a sudden he had to slam his breaks because these large hooved animals jumped out onto the highway. Behind them, just about 20 feet, were these two giant sasquatches who came running after them and also jumped onto the road.”

Kenzie’s journey started out with him as a wedding and event photographer. One day someone approached him asking for a photoshoot with his dog.

“I met up with him and had the photoshoot, and he explained his love for his dog,” Kenzie recalled. “The incredible stories I heard from him really touched my heart so I wanted to see if other pet owners had similar stories.”

After this shoot Kenzie began his path of photographing animals, which led to him shooting wild animals.

“I’ve filmed tigers, bears, alligators, and wolves,” he said. “There are no cages, that’s my motto. If I’m going to film and take photos, there can’t be any cages, I have to be able to hug the animal.”

Throughout his adventures around the world, Kenzie heard murmurs about the existence of sasquatch, but it wasn’t until the COVID-19 lockdowns that he would actively investigate the matter.

“When we got into lockdowns, I wasn’t able to do my animal adven -

tures,” he explained. “Over the years I’ve always heard about sasquatch. So out of curiosity, I met up with an eyewitness and interviewed them, and they sent me to others who had their own experiences with the creature.”

Through his search, Kenzie found bizarre things in the wild such as trees jammed onto the ground upside down, and unexplained giant footprints.

“Being an animal expert, it blows my mind because whatever I’m seeing out there doesn’t emit any animal behaviour,” he said. “Most animals, upon hearing the human voice, will run, but when we’re out there making noise, these creatures watch you.”

This pet project of Kenzie began gaining traction when it was picked up for distribution by the following streaming platforms:

• Tubi

• Nuclear Home Video

• PlayNowMedia

• Amazon Prime Video

• Plex.tv

• Kinorium

“I couldn’t believe it,” said Kenzie. “I’m very humbled to be recognized and have all this stuff happen to me. All of a sudden I get companies that have faith in me and my ability to bring something entertaining to people. I just want to bring happiness and highlight

the wonders of the forest.”

With Episode 8 expected to

release next month, Kenzie is already working on Ep. 9 and 10. ‘Searching for Sasquatch’ is streaming now on all applicable streaming platforms.

Set shot for the ‘Searching for Sasquatch’ docu-series. Photo/Jason Kenzie

Historical Nicola Valley hotel chronicled in posthumous book

When Trains Ruled the Rockies

“He ‘sets the table’ as if you were a participant, developing a sense of place for the reader. Room at the Inn is an enjoyable stroll through early BC. Mr. Mofford, you will be missed. RIP Glen.”

now available for pre-order online. Please

visit https://www. heritagehouse.ca/ book/room-at-

A posthumous book is set to release in May, and it discusses the many historic hotels in the Southern Interior of B.C., including one in the Nicola Valley.

Author Glen A. Mofford, wrote the book ‘Room at the Inn: Historic Hotels of British Columbia’s Southern Interior’. The Manuscript featured a number of hotels and the history of each one’s inception. Out of the forty entries in Mofford’s work, the Driard Hotel stands out as it highlights the early years of the Nicola Valley.

“Publishing a book is usually a highly collaborative process between author and publisher. With Glen’s passing, we were sadly robbed of his insight and expertise during the editorial process; however, it was extremely

important to us—and to his family—to see the project through and to honour Glen’s vision,” said Lara Kordic, Acquisitions and Editorial Director for Heritage House.

“Glen’s meticulous research and wealth of knowledge made what could have been an extremely daunting process into a relatively seamless one. Although we did not get the chance to work closely with Glen himself, we are grateful for all the work and passion he put into this project, and we hope that his family and his many supporters will be satisfied with his final contribution to BC history.”

In Chapter 1 of the Room at the Inn, Mofford discusses the different hotels within the Nicola, Thompson, and Shuswap region. Coming in as the

fourth entry was the Driard Hotel, which later would be called the Nicola Hotel.

Located 11 kilometres east of Merritt, the Driard opened its doors in 1890 and operated until its eventual closing in 1923. In the book, Mofford chronicled the history of the hotel through its founder, a pioneer of the Nicola Valley, Albert Elgin Howse. Through his ambition, the savvy businessman started many ventures in the valley which helped establish its economy.

“Albert Elgin Howse is a fascinating figure in the history of the Nicola Valley,” said Nicola Valley Museum and Archives Manager Cameron Bridge.

“He chose the Nicola Valley to live thanks to its people and its beauty, and from that point on the industrious Howse worked hard to craft himself a life in the valley.

By the end of his life he also owned the Driard Hotel, a steam mill, the second roller flour mill in British Columbia, and general stores in Merritt, Lower Nicola, Headley, Granite Creek, and Princeton.”

With a 336 page count, the book is a fairly short read. The content and themes of the book are in line with Mofford’s previous work

‘Along the E&N: A Journey Back to the Historic Hotels of Vancouver Island’, a B.C. bestseller, making it to the top 20 best selling books of 2019.

“Glen Mofford brings a unique insight to the history of British Columbia, weaving together fascinating stories of the famous hotels and intrepid entrepreneurs who built them in the 1890s and early 1900s,” said Terry Gainer, author of When Trains Ruled the Kootenays and

Mofford graduated from Simon Fraser University, becoming a historian and a writer with a passion for sharing the social history of British Columbia. The author found many platforms to share his work. He was a regular history columnist for Port Alberni Valley Vibe and published articles for the likes of Times-Colonist (Victoria), BC History magazine, The Valley Times (Port Alberni), and Coastal Vibe Magazine (Sechelt). Online, Mofford also established a great platform, moderating the Facebook group, ‘Historic Hotels & Pubs of British Columbia’. The page features 10,000 members who regularly engages with its daily content.

Unfortunately, Mofford passed away in 2022, before seeing Room at the Inn get published, but with the support of his family, the publishing company Heritage House got his work published and ready for release this year. The book will be released on May 16, but is

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Historical photo of the Driard Hotel. Photo/NVMA

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Cents lose two straight as season winds down

After a series of tough wide-margin losses, the Merritt Centennials find themselves approaching the end of their season with an 11–27–3–2 record. With only 11 games left, the Cents are 12 points behind the Trail Smoke Eaters who currently hold the bottom playoff spot in the league’s Interior Division. Following their loss to Penticton and West Kelowna this week, the Cents have now lost three games in a row by five or more points.

Cents at Vees - Home Game, February 18

The Cents first game of the week was against the league leading Penticton Vees, who hold an impressive record of 39 wins in 43 games. The Vees visited the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena, where starting goalie Conor Sullivan and the rest of the Centennials team awaited them. The first period did not go entirely in the Cents favour, which became an unfortunate theme throughout the night. The Vees opened up scoring 8 minutes into the period with a goal by Owen Simpson, opening up the floodgates. Just four minutes later, the Vees found the back of the net again in top BCHL scorer Aydar Suniev, who scored his 29th goal of the season to make it 2-0. Shortly after, the Cents found themselves at a man-advantage following a cross-checking penalty against Penticton defenseman Frank Djurasevic. Unfortunately for Merritt, it was one half of the powerhouse Nadeau brothers, Bradly, that scored during the power play, making the score 3-0 for the Vees. The remainder of the period was scoreless.

It was the Cents that would come out swinging in the second frame, with Captain Christian Lowe finding the twine first at the 6:57 mark and making it 3-1. Merritt’s defense held up slightly better in the second period, only allowing two goals late in the final

minutes. Following a holding call and two minute penalty against Centennial Jackson Murphy-Johnson, Aydar Suniev for the Vees would make it two for the night and an even 30 for the season with another goal at the 17:26 mark. Just 29 seconds later, Billy Norcross would bump it up to 5-1 for Penticton before the period came to a close.

Josh Nadeau matched his brother’s one goal for the night with a fast one past Sullivan just 32 seconds into the third period’s play for a 6-1 score. After some back and forth, the Cents managed to keep control of the puck long enough for defenseman Kyle Isenberg to find a chance and plant the puck behind undefeated Vees goalie Hank Levy. That concluded the competitive hockey action for the night, with the only other scoring being an empty net goal by Penticton’s Jackson Nieuwendyk to make the final score 7-2. Conor Sullivan saved 36/43 in the losing effort. The Cents had 22 shots on goal during the game.

Cents at Warriors - Road Game, West Kelowna, February 20

After their loss to the Vees, the Cents headed to West Kelowna’s Royal LePage Place for a Monday game against the Warriors. Conor Sullivan started the game behind the crease for Merritt once again, with West Kelowna opting to start Cayden Hamming. Things were off to a rough start in the first period when Centennials forward Jackson Krill garnered a two minute penalty for tripping within the first minute of play. Just moments later, Luke Devlin with the Warriors opened up scoring to make it 1-0. The next score would again come during a power play, this time after an interference call against Jacob Smith of the Cents, when Riley Sharun capitalized to make the score 2-0 for West Kelowna. Besides a fight that saw three penalties for the Warriors and two for the Cents, no more action took place until the 13:41 mark, when Rylee Hlusiak put one in the back of the net for a 3-0 score. After letting in another goal to make the game 4-0, this

time the score from Jaiden Moriello, Conor Sullivan was replaced with AP goalie Merik Erickson. The Cents’ Kyle Isenberg then garnered a roughing penalty, with the Warriors once again capitalizing on the man-advantage by way of Christopher Duclair to make the score 5-0. The Cents made themselves heard just nine seconds later, when Connor Farren found the back of the net for a 5-1 score.

The second period began with the Warriors opting to temporarily replace their goalie with #37 Justin Katz before making the first move during the frame of play. Just half of a minute into the period, Riley Sharun scored for the second time that night to make the score 6-1. Less than a minute later, the score would become 7-1 when the Warriors’ Brennan Nelson found the twine behind Erickson. The Cents defense played better in the second frame, with no action for the remainder of the period, besides Hamming once again replacing Katz behind the crease for West Kelowna.

The third period was a strong defensive performance by both teams, with no scoring taking place until the Warriors’ Luke Devlin scored to make the score

8-1 at the 15:25 mark. The next goal would once again come less than one minute later, with Michael Salandra for West Kelowna finding the back of the net for the final score of 9-1. Conor Sullivan saved 4/8 in the losing effort, with Merik Erickson saving 34/39.

Next week - Cents at Silverbacks and Wild (Mental Health Awareness Night)

This week, the Cents hit the road to visit the Silverbacks in Salmon Arm for a 7:00pm game, before hosting the Wenatchee Wild in Merritt for Saturday’s Mental Health Awareness Night in support of the Ty Pozzobon Foundation. The foundation was created six years ago following the tragic death of Merrittonian Ty Pozzobon, a pro bull rider who achieved international success before tragically taking his own life after a battle with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Saturday’s game will feature a ceremonial puck drop by the Pozzobon family, ‘chuck a puck’ by donation with proceeds going to the foundation, and plenty of opportunities to learn more and get involved. For more information on the Ty Pozzobon Foundation, visit www.typozzobon.com.

Photo/Merritt Centennials

Marius Auer REPORTER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Chili Run and poker fun: Merritt Snowmobile Club hosts annual fundraiser

biles 14 kilometers up Thynne Mountain to reach Andy’s Lake. At the lake, they were greeted with warm food, warm drinks, and heartwarming fun for all.

This year there were nearly 90 participants as part of the annual event, made up of both members and nonmembers alike. Organizers told the Herald that the number of participants was encouraging and necessary for the longevity of the club. The interest and happiness of the community is what makes it all worth it in the eyes of the Merritt Snowmobile Club, and they say that is why they have been able to host such a great event.

members and nonmembers alike.

Every grooming session takes 400 liters of fuel and these are done not only prior to an event, but throughout the whole season. Simon Rizzardo, a vice-president of the club alongside Adam Douthwright, gives his special thanks to the community of Merritt and the volunteers that help make events like this possible.

“Without the interest and support of the community by donating their own time, energy, and vehicles to make this happen, the cost would be too much,” said Rizzardo.

collection hut near Brookmere, and build new emergency warmup huts in the area.

On February 19, 2023, the Merritt Snowmobile Club (MSC) hosted their annual Chili Run event at Andy’s Lake. The event saw participants gather at the Brookmere exit and ride their snowmo-

All of the trails in the area had been groomed prior to the event by the many volunteers within the club; Mat Selzer, Adam McDonald, Adam Douthwright, Lindsay Tighe, Grant Klassen, and Ryan Porada to name a few. These selfless individuals finish their day jobs and then volunteer their time, typically between two and three in the morning when the snow is crystalline and light, to maintain the MSC’s extensive network of trails for

The proceeds from this event and others like it go towards maintaining current facilities and expanding the club’s technology. Last year, the club was able to attach a GPS tracking system to their snow groomer. The club said this added a safety layer for the volunteers while they maintain the tracks at multiple locations. In addition to the funds from fundraisers, the club has received multiple grants from the BC Snowmobile Federation (BCSF) to upgrade their communications in the fee

Currently, the BCSF has multiple MSC annual award nominations open for voting through email until February 26th. The categories up for nomination include: Groomer of the Year, Youth of the Year, Club of the Year, Family of the Year, Tourism Promotion & Development, Dealer of the Year, Snowmobiler of the Year. For more information on these nominations see the Merritt Snowmobile Club’s Facebook page. Simon Rizzardo from the Merritt Snowmobile Club will be speaking at the awards event in March of this year to explain how their recent upgrades in technology have impacted the safety and functionality of their club.

As the Club celebrates their 50th year, they invite everyone to join them at their Spring Fling dinner and silent auction at the Merritt Legion on April 1st, and for a ride up Thynne Mountain on April 2nd. For more information, visit www.sledmerritt.ca.

Gracie Graham meets the young players of Merritt Minor Hockey

After winning with Team Canada at the 2023 IIHF World Women’s U18 Championships, Defenceman Gracie Graham paid a visit to the players of the Merritt Minor Hockey Association.

On Wednesday, February 15, Merritt Minor Hockey hosted a meet and greet with Gracie Graham at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena. Over 20 players from the different age groups gathered to get autographs and take photos with Graham.

“It was such a really great experience for me,” she said. “The girls understand what I’d done so it was really cool for me when I heard that they look up to me.”

“This is an excellent opportunity to showcase one of our former Merritt Minor Hockey athletes to show where she’s taken hockey in her life,” said Merritt Minor Hockey Vice President Jenny Stirling.

“Becoming a gold medallist and representing her country is such an amazing accomplishment and we want to celebrate that, as well as inspire our own skaters.”

Graham started her playing career as a player for Merritt Minor Hockey. Since the age of five, she has been lacing up her skates playing competitively with other kids.

“I was usually the only girl on the teams I played on and the boys were always very supportive. It was a great experience playing in Merritt.”

It wasn’t until Graham joined Rink Hockey Academy in Kelowna that she had an opportunity to play with fellow girls in her age bracket.

“Playing with all of your friends is just one of the best things,” she said. “The girls game is a little bit different, compared to the boys game. I feel that experiencing that different mental game with the girls team has really benefited me.”

After meeting the current players for Merritt Minor Hockey, Graham was very happy to see that the female membership has grown among the different age brackets since her playing time there.

“Merritt is definitely a great place for skill development,” she said. “Personally, playing with the guys when I was here gave me a hockey family. Everyone knew each other from school and they all helped me learn when I was just starting out with my playing career.”

“We always try to find ways to retain girls in hockey,” said Stirling. “When they start to get older, we start to see a division between the boys and girls. In smaller towns such as Merritt, we find it harder to have enough girls for a team, and unfortunately not all girls feel comfortable or confident enough to play on the boys team.”

Graham’s visit consisted of a meet and greet in the locker room at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena. It was then followed by ice time with the players. Having the girls hover around her during the ice time was Graham’s favourite memory from the event.

“I think when I was at that age that I would’ve done the exact same thing if my idol was there,” she said. “It is just so awesome that I was the one there that the girls wanted to be with.”

With the goal of the visit being to inspire girls of the future generation, Graham shared these words to the players she met.

“Just dream big,” she said. “No mat-

ter where you start, you can achieve your dreams. I never thought that I would wear the Team Canada jersey, but here we are.”

Graham will have a very busy week as she heads down to Prince Edward Island with Team BC for the Canada Winter Games. She hopes to continue developing as a player, making it back onto Team Canada next year.

Chili Run at Andy’s Lake. Photo/Merritt Snowmobile Club

Gracie Graham showing her IIHF Championship medal to one of the young players of Merritt Minor hockey. Izaiah Reyes/Herald

Lane Robinson Contributed

Izaiah Reyes NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM

Do

Coldest Night of the Year charity walk supporting food bank efforts

community service it benefits.

On February 25, participants will gather at the food bank on Quilchena Avenue to embark on their walk. Two route options are available, in two and five kilometre distances, round trip from the food bank to Century 21 and McDonalds, respectively.

grow each year,” Hewton added.

While the food bank’s main fundraising focus is their capital campaign to secure a new facility, having outgrown their current home, they continue to seek donations of food, big and small.

“It doesn’t have to be a lot, but it helps us,” noted Hewton.

2026 Quilchena Avenue, and can be reached at 250378-2282.

CONTAIN-IT

Food bank organizers are hopeful their third annual Coldest Night of the Year charity walk will rally support for their ongoing programming and new building campaign. Photo/Nicola Valley Food Bank

Merrittonians will once again head out into the cold this weekend to raise awareness and funds in support of those facing housing and food insecurity, as part of the Nicola Valley Food Bank (NVFB) third annual Coldest Night of the Year charity walk. The walk encourages participants to share their registration with family, friends, and coworkers in an effort to raise

funds for the food bank, which is currently raising money to build a new facility. On Saturday, February 25, participants will gather at the food bank and set out on either a two or five kilometer walk in the cold winter air, knowing they will end their excursion with a warm meal, unlike many in the province currently facing financial hardship.

“It’s a walk that is nationwide, put on by the Blue

IS

Sea Foundation, and across Canada it helps about 135 different charities like the food banks, shelters, and any charity that qualifies,” said NVFB Manager Derlanda Hewton when describing the event.

“People can go on our Facebook page, there’s a link, and they can join in as a walker or a volunteer, and then they just ask family and friends to support their walk for the people that are facing homelessness, food insecu -

rity, any financial hardship.”

The food bank’s Coldest Night of the Year event raised over $14,000 through 121 walkers amidst great turnout and high community participation. As of 6 days before the walk, the food bank has raised just 7 percent of its $20,000 goal for the 2023 event. Hewton is calling on individuals and businesses alike to participate, donate, and spread the word about the walk and the important

Those looking to participate in the walk must be registered, and it is suggested that they bring water, a cell phone, and wear weather appropriate clothing. Check in opens at 4:00pm, with the opening remarks and walk taking place at 5:00pm. A light meal will be served for 6:00pm. Plans are in the works for amenities such as portable toilets, Hewton said, adding the event is sure to be a great chance for community involvement.

“I haven’t heard any negativity about this event in the past years – it is a fun community outing, and we’re just looking forward to having it

For more information on the Coldest Night of

■ A p p r o v e d m i n i - s t o r a g e ■ O n - s i t e r e n t a ■ S e c u r e d ■ S a l e o f N e w & U s e d s t o r a g e c o n t a i n e r s

Phone: 250-315-3000

Ser vice Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m

Merritt Baptist Church 2499 Coutlee Avenue (at Omre)

Sunday ser vice 10 am, Phone (250)378-2464

Merritt Lutheran Fellowship in St. Michael's Anglican Hall • 250-378-9899

Ser vice Time: 3rd Sunday each month 1:00 p m

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Mass Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m.

St. Michael’s Anglican Church 1990 Chapman St • 250-378-3772

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Ser vice Time ever y Sunday - 10 am

Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave. ( The Cadet Hall)

Sunday Ser vice Time: 4:00 pm • 250-280-1268

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1950 Max well St • 250-378-9502

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Deadline for placing a classified ad is 5 p.m. on Monday. To place an ad please call 250-378-4241 or email: publisher@merrittherald.com

Rayella May Parr

September 30, 1969 - February 10, 2023

Rayella May Parr 53, born September 30 1969 in Calgary Alberta, passed away in the early morning of Feb 10, 2023 in the city of Merritt

Rayella is survived by her three sons; Michael Kenneth Parr, Mark Clayton Dewar, Matthew R, Racine Parr, and her countless loving family and friends

Rayella’s family will be hosting her celebration of life at the Elks lodge; SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2023 FROM 1 PM – 3 PM for anyone who wants to say their goodbyes

Merritt Funeral

2113 Granite Ave.,Mer ritt, BC 250-378-2141 or 1-800-668-3379

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HELP WANTED

Please apply in person with resume to City Furniture, 2025 Coutlee Ave , Merritt or by email: sonny@cityfurnituremerritt ca

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Route ME25 Canford, Cleasby, Coldwater, Hamilton, Spring, Wilson St 120 Papers Behind MSS

Route ME26 Main St & Quilchena 52 Papers Towards the Cit y Works Yard

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P le as e be ad v is e d that Weye r h a e us e r C o m pa ny Li m i t e d a n d S t u w i x Res ou r c es Lt d intend to submit a For es t Stewar dship

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