February 4 - 2021

Nicola Valley’s News Voice Since 1905

MERRITT HERALD THIS WEEK

THURSDAY, February 4, 2021 •

themerrittherald •

NEW HOMES

A possible development on Forksdale Ave. took the next step at last Council.

/PAGE 3

> www.merrittherald.com

LESS CRIME

the board in 2020.

Reported crime to RCMP in Merritt was down almost across

/PAGE 8

FREE

TOP SITE

The Baillie House remained Merritt’s number-one Trip Advisor site last year.

/PAGE 9

Kids and their parents had opportunities both on and offline to learn about literacy during last week’s Family Literacy Week. STORY: PG. 10

FAMILY LEARNING 42-254 HIGHWAY 8 2020 mobile home in Lower Nicola Mobile Home Park.16x66 mobile has 2 bedrooms, master bedroom has walk-in closet with a 3 pce ensuite. Mobile home has 10 year warranty. Comes with natural gas S/S stove, S/S refrigerator and S/S dishwasher, kitchen has walk-In pantry. Also comes with new washer/dryer. All flooring is laminate. Has natural gas forced air furnace and natural gas hot water tank.

MLS#159854

$205,900

Moving Real Estate BC Ltd. http://karen-yakimchuk.c21.ca

250-378-6166

Karen Yakimchuk Sales Associate 250-315-3076

2 • THURSDAY, February 4, 2021

www.merrittherald.com

Your local RE/MAX Legacy Experts providing you with the highest level of care.

250.378.6941 https://legacy.britishcolumbia.remax.ca/ #113-1700 Garcia Street Box 2257 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 1585 Chestnut Avenue

MLS#160061

$109,900

Build your dream home on this nice lot in popular Country Pines Estate. This subdivision is in a nice central location w/ quality homes surrounding. Water and sewer services run along the road and will need to be connected into the lot at the time of permit application.

4250 Falcon Crest Drive

Janis Post

Karen Bonneteau

PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

250-315-3672

2713 Eagle Cres

MLS#153195

$110,900

Panoramic views of the beautiful Nicola Valley. Build your dream home in the up & coming Bench subdivision. City services need to be connected at time of permit. No requirement to build by a certain date.

6415 Monck Park Road

250-315-5178

Ray Thompson

Brenda Thompson

Valerie Kynoch

Sarah Dickie

REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL

REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL

REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL

REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL

250-315-3377

2767 Eagle Cres

MLS#153190

$110,900

Panoramic views of the beautiful Nicola Valley. Build your dream home in the up and coming Bench subdivision. City services need to be connected at time of permit. No requirements to build by a certain date .

201-2295 Blair Street

SOLD MLS#157597 $119,900 .29 ACRE Lot. Make a Fresh Start in this beautiful Grandview heights subdivision! Rest your eyes on the peaceful Nicola Val-

MLS#157320 $179,000 1 Acre lake view lot located in the Nicola Lake Shore Estates, just 2.5 hours from Lower Mainland, 1 hour from Kamloops & 1.5 hours from Kelowna. Crown Land backs onto this lot, easy access for ATV’S, walking & exploring.

Very nice, move-in ready 2 bed, 1 bath ground floor apartment, located close to downtown Merritt, in the Sandpiper Apartments. This home has been renovated & it is a must see.

1481 Miller Road

2152 Merritt Ave

436 Brenton Ave

SOLD

SOLD

ley’s panoramic views. Choose the home you want to build in this preferred neighbourhood of new homes in Merritt. No GST

MLS#158244 $260,000 Just over 10 acre located in beautiful Miller Estates, a

MLS#159066

$325,000

subdivision of custom built executive homes, just 10 minutes west of Merritt. Fantastic treed property to build your dream home and enjoy the Views.

Good starter home in a nice central location. This home has 3 beds, a nice large lot w/ detached garage/workshop.

Home needs some TLC, but is the perfect opportunity for your next fixer upper.

8244 Highway 5A

1428 Collett Street

MLS#159710

$179,000

NEW MLS#160168 $335,000 Investors take note! Very cute 2 bed, 1 bath home w/ lots of potential located in the desired Lower Nicola, approx. 15 minutes from downtown Merritt.

377 Merritt Spences Bridge

2706 Eagle Cres

MLS#153192

$112,900

Panoramic views of the beautiful Nicola Valley. Build your dream home in the up & coming Bench subdivision. City services need to be connected at the time of permit.

101-1701 Menzies Street

250-280-0835

REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL

250-280-2353

2736 Eagle Crescent

MLS#153193

$112,900

Panoramic views of the beautiful Nicola Valley. Build your dream home in the up and coming Bench subdivision. City services need to be connected at the time of permit.

302-1701 Menzies Street

SOLD MLS#159211

$219,000

2 beds, 2 baths strata apartment. This home features an open design, a great entertaining kitchen w/ lots of cabinets, a center island with eating car, A/C & a nice patio located off kitchen/dining area

2698 Irvine Ave

MLS# 160155 $389,000 Spacious 3 bed, possibly 4, 2 bath family home w/ fully fenced back yard, tons of storage space & ample parking. Location is walking distance to groceries, shops, and elementary school.

6408 Monck Park Road

NEW

MLS#157733 $429,900 COUNTRY HOME or GET AWAY right across from trophy fishing Kidd Lake! 1700 sq ft of recently updated 2 bed main plus unfinished basement home, 16 x 30 garage for all your toys, & more.

MLS#160191 $429,900 Enjoy this2 bed + den rancher home on quiet street w/ views of the historic Collett Ranch. House is completely wheelchair accessible w/ a covered ramp to access the home, wide hallway and doors.

MLS#158376 $438,000 Investors! Just minutes from Merritt in the Lower Nicola area, this 1.2 acre parcel of land offers 6 income producing homes. The property is pre-existing, non-conforming for the current zoning.

2276 Garcia Street

370 Logan Lane

SOLD MLS#159194 $679,000 Expansive 3 bed, 2 bath rancher style home on .59 acre lot in Merritt’s premier subdivision. Carrington Heights offers a rural living experience moments away from the city center.

250-280-0994

MLS#160070 $225,000 Nice 2 bed, 1.5 bath apt located in The Summit strata development. This apt features an open kitchen to dining room and living room.

1843 Nicola Ave

NEW

NEW

MLS#158488 $599,900 HERITAGE 1920’s craftsman home reflecting the Art Deco era. This 5 + 1 beds 4 bath home is located on a double lot within walking distance to restaurants, downtown, parks, & recreation centre!

250-315-8377

Jordyn Chenier

MLS#160162

MLS#160035 $399,900 4 bedroom, 2 bath family home in a nice downtown location. House has 2 beds up & 2 down. New roof in 2016, front windows 2019 & hot water tank in 2018.

1741 Lindley Creek Road

SOLD $439,900

This spectacular waterfront lot on Nicola Lake offers over 1 acre of lakeside living at its best! This is a rare opportunity to purchase one of the last lake front lots located in Phase 1 of the Nicola Lakeshore Estates development.

MLS#150722 $485,000 Attention: Developers and Investors! Rare R3 acreages available. The lot size is 1.84 acres with medium density residential zoning. The location of the property is in the Country Pine Estates development.

2360 Willgoose Road

129 Coldwater Road

1464 Miller Road

SOLD

SOLD

MLS#159658

$749,900

This 4 bed 2 bath country dream is waiting for you! Check out the 9.26+/-acre flat parcel complete w/ fenced horse paddocks, small animal pens, chicken coop, approx. 5 acres of hay fields & more!

MLS#158342 $885,000 Custom-built Log post and beam house on 10 acres of nice usable land and only 10 minutes from Merritt. This home is nestled in the beautiful Nicola Valley with trails and lakes.

MLS#159274 $1,499,000 RETREAT & SERENITY in Miller Estates, panoramic views in an area of custom built homes and equestrian estate properties. Oversized great room with vaulted ceilings to complement bright open living area. Delightful decor.

THURSDAY, February 4, 2021 • 3

www.merrittherald.com

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

Forksdale development carried at Council Council was quite split on the decision, but it was eventually carried four to three.

Opinion --------------------- 6-7 Sports ----------------------- 18 Weather -------------------- 19 Classifieds ---------- 20-22

Online

Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER At the regular council meeting of Jan. 26, Mayor and Council gave Third Reading to an OCP and Zoning Bylaw Amendment, which will allow a development on Forksdale Ave. to take the next step in the development process.

Council gave First and Second Reading to the OCP Amendment Bylaw and Zoning Amendment Bylaw at the council meeting of Dec. 15, 2020, with the amendment that the proposed High Density Residential (R8) be replaced with Medium Density Residential (R7).

Prior to the start of the Jan. 26 council meeting a Public Hearing was held in which many letters were submitted in opposition to the development.

One resident raised concerns about the suitability of the land itself for a large construction project, citing slippage and geotechnical issues on nearby Spring Bank Ave. “I strongly urge you to identify the area in question as a geotechnical area, and require submissions of geotechnical reports prior to any further development in the North Entry area for the following reasons,” reads the submitted letter.

“1. The ground in question is mostly clay composition (source: D. McArthur, North Entry OCP meeting Nov. 19, 2020), 2. There already have been problems with land slippage

INSIDE THE HERALD

merrittherald.com A sign is posted in the area of Forksdale Avenue outlining the proposal to rezone a section of the land. Morgan Hampton/Herald

towards the river on at least one Spring Bank property, 3. Several homes in our strata have had foundation cracks and significant settling issues, 4. Like Parker Drive, there is a higher than usual amount of underground water flow towards the Nicola River, including observable water movement in the underground water cistern/ pipes at River Ranch Rd. and Spring Bank Avenue, even during the driest/hottest of seasons, 5. There are very few storm sewers for ground water runoff throughout the developed portions of the neighbourhood, with water from rainstorms and snow melting having little egress except to create small mud flows on the sidewalk on Spring Bank Avenue (north side) and water flows over the banks to the Nicola River south of Spring Bank Avenue.”

This issue was also raised by Councillor Travis Fehr at the council meeting.

“Just to reiterate, the importance that I think a geotechnical survey represents in this area, and I know that we can’t require one of the developer, but I want to bring it up again so that the

developer is aware of this discussion and how important this is in this area,” said Fehr.

“That at least is something we can do, perhaps there’s something more, I don’t know.”

Planning and Development Services Manager Don MacArthur did outline additional steps that could be taken to ensure that the development was geotechnically-sound, explaining that staff would certainly request and strongly suggest a geotechnical analysis.

If they determine that such a report would be in the public’s best interest, staff may require one at subdivision stage and not approve a subdivision permit until it had been completed.

“Being that it’s a multi-family development, most multi-family developers would do it as per their normal course of construction,” said MacArthur.

“Further to that if the development does not happen in the next while, the new OCP may, depending on what council decides, may identify this as a geotechnical development permit area.”

The City’s new OCP is set to be discussed at a Committee

of the Whole meeting in March and ideally adopted in the fall of this year.

Most of the opponents of the development were not so much concerned with the developing of the area itself as they were with the density of the proposed development, and the fact that it would change the ‘character’ of the neighbourhood. Some worried about increased traffic in the area, and more new students than Bench Elementary could handle.

Councillor Kurt Christopherson spoke to the difficulties that Mayor and Council faced trying to determine and approve developments that would be appropriate for Merritt.

“I know it’s tempting to want to keep things the same, that’s our comfort level, but we’re in a difficult position,” said Christopherson.

“We have way too much reliance on residential taxation, people complain about high taxes constantly, they complain about a lack of an industrial base, unemployment, taxation

SICK BC BIRDS

The BC SPCA is asking bird lovers to temporarily take down their bird feeders, as a Salmonella outbreak in birds is currently spreading throughout the Province.

Search ‘SALMONELLA’

MONEY BACK ICBC customers will receive onetime rebates averaging $190 this spring, Premier John Horgan announced on Tuesday, in a total rebate payout of around $600-million.

Search ‘ICBC’

CASE UPDATE

The Upper Nicola Band confirmed three new cases of COVID-19 within the community, last week.

See ‘DENSITY’ Page 5

Search ‘UNB’

rejuvenate, refresh, unleash your inner beauty!

Laser Treatments Valentine’s Special

25% OFF

Valid Feb. 4 - 17

ALL SPA SERVICES

Manicure, Pedicure, Micro-blading, Eyelash Extensions, Waxing. GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

www.tcessentialoils.com •

:TC Hair MedSpa

Reveal Glowing Complexion ................

Skin Revitalization

Uncover Touchable Skin ................

Laser Hair Removal

Bare Your Legs Again ................

Laser Leg Vein Removal

Refresh Your Skin ................

Laser Skin Renewal

#118 - 1700 Garcia St. • 250-315-8282

,

ce of ly in or

ds ce as g p

s, ng d a

40 to en p s/

4 • THURSDAY, July 30, 2020 4 • THURSDAY, February 4, 2021

www.merrittherald.com www.merrittherald.com

4 • THURSDAY, June 13, 2019

www.merrittherald.com

City of Merritt

CITY

to meet with Mayor Brown every YOU’RE INVITED! Wednesday 10:00 to meetfrom with Mayor Brownam everyto 1:00 pm

COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE City Meetings have resumed residents are All Council City Council Meetings will nowin-person be held and online with live Regular Council Meeting - June 11, 2019 strongly links encouraged toat watch online via www.merritt.ca streaming available www.merritt.ca and on the City

of Merritt social media channels.

Public questions/ Regular Council Meeting - Juneinput 2019 Regular Council Meeting - Febuary 925, - 7:00 PM information can be submitted prior to the Council Regular Council Meeting - July Community 9, 2019 Committee of the Whole Meeting Official Plan meetings to communications@merritt.ca Regular Council Meeting July 23, 2019 February 16 - Draft PolicyMeeting Development 2:00 – 4:00 PM Regular Council - August 4 -PM 7 pm Regular Council Meeting - August 18 - 7 pm

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

PUBLIC NOTICE

Position: The City of Merritt is inviting applications for the position of CASUAL LIFEGUARD/ INSTRUCTOR I.

PUBLIC TUESDAY 4th, For complete HEARING details, visit Cityon of Merritt website atAugust www.merritt.ca

2020 at 7:00PM

Current resumes reflecting applicants’ knowledge, skills and abilities relevant to the position; detailing educationisand qualifications, andthat proof of andwill licenses be accepted prior to Notice hereby given a required Publiceducation Hearing be will held on Tuesday 4:00 p.m. 4th, Friday,2020 July 12,in2019 August theby:Council Chambers at Merritt City Hall, located at 2185 Voght Street, Merritt, BC with respect to the following proposed Carole Fraser, Deputy Clerk/Human Resources Manager PO Box 189, 21852284, Voght Street, Zoning Bylaw 2020.Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Or by email: cfraser@merritt.ca We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be Acontacted. copy of the proposed the Bylaw and other relevant documents may be viewed during normal business hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on Thursday Date Posted: Monday, June 17, 2019 July 23rd to Tuesday August 4th, 2020 at City Hall, 2185 Voght Street, Merritt Posting Expires: Friday, July 12, 2019 BC, or online at www.merritt.ca

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

Anyone who wishes to address the above Bylaw will be given the opportunity at the Public Hearing to be heard in person, by a representative, WHAT: Summer Nights Market or by written submission, onMerritt all matters contained in the proposed Bylaw.

WHEN: every Friday June 28th to August 30th 5:00pm to 10:00pm If you are unable to attend the Public Hearing, written submission must be WHERE: 2000-2100 Block Quilchena Avenue received NO LATER THAN 12:00PM THURSDAY, JULY 30th, 2020, to ensure their availability to Council at the Public Hearing.

Written submission can be provided by any of the following methods: Don McArthur, Planning & Development Services Manager dmcarthur@merritt.ca PO Box 189, 2185 Voght Street, Merritt, BC, V1K 1B8 All submissions must include your name and street address. No letter, report or representation from the public will be received by Council after the conclusion of the Public Hearing. All written submissions are public information pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. For more information, please contact the Planning & Development Services Manager at 250-378-8620 or at dmcarthur@merritt. ca

page

in the Mayor’s Office at City Hall (second floor), 2185 Voght Street

Wednesday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

In-person areHall currently phone in the Mayor’s meetings Office at City (secondpaused, floor), but 2185 Voghtand Street. video calls are encouraged to discuss issues and opportunities.

Interested citizens are welcome to stop by, say250-378-8634 hello and discuss Booking an appointment ahead of time is required by calling

issues and opportunities for the City, its residents and businesses.

If you would like to schedule a particular time to meet with the Mayor please contact Corporate Services at 250-378-8614

PLEASE A NOTICE OF PUBLIC CITY HALL NOTE COVID-19 HOURS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY City Hall will HEARING be reopened with SCHEDULED FOR hours.

Position: The limited City of Merritt is inviting applications for the position of PUBLIC WORKS SEASONAL AUGUST 4, 2020 AT 7:00 PM IS ON PAGE 5 LABOURER. City Hall will be open to the public from details, 10:00 visit am City to noon.

For complete of Merritt website at www.merritt.ca Although thereflecting Merrittapplicants’ City Hallknowledge, is Current resumes skills and abilities relevant to the position; detailing open, residents are encouraged education and qualifications, and proof oftorequired education and licenses will be accepted prior to 4:00 p.m.

Monday, via July phone 08, 2019orby:email. send inquires Payments can be made online Carole Fraser, Deputy Clerk/Human Resources Manager at www.merritt.ca/city-services/ PO Box 189, 2185 Voght Street, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Or by email: cfraser@merritt.ca

online-payment-options We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Date Posted: June 21, 2019PROGRAM NEW PET Friday, LICENCING Posting Expires: Monday, July 08, 2019 STARTING FEBRUARY 15

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

The City of Merritt is moving to a new Pet Licencing program.

This system will be ready in January, so the pet licencing deadline has been extended to February 28, 2021. MSS GRAD WALK WHAT: The new Docupet system will allow you to register online,pm by to mail, WHEN: June 20, 2019 6:30 7:00 pm by phone, or in person at City Hall.

WHERE: Merritt Senior Secondary High School to Nicola Valley Memorial Arena In addition, the new tags will be permanent tags with a choice of our standard municipal tag or choose from hundreds of designer tags for your dog.

We will be mailing/emailing all current Pet Owners a letter with a registration code and will be sending out updates via the City of Merritt social media channels.

More info is available at www.docupet.com/ca

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

WHAT: MSS GRAD CAR PARADE WHEN: June 21, 2019 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm WHERE: Merritt Rotary Park (2000 Block of Voght Street) to Merritt Civic Centre Mamette Avenue) A benefits package with paid statutory(1950 holidays & vacation, medical/dental/RRSP plan commensurate NOTE: Parking will be reserved at Rotary Park and thewill Church from with hours earned and seniority. Up to five days paid familiarization training be provided.

2:00 pm to 6:00 pm on June 22, 2019 Requirements: Minimum Class 4 Unrestricted Driver’s License, be in good health, have cell phone

Merritt Transit Job Posting - BUS DRIVER

and current email address.

WATERING RESTRICTIONS

Bus Driver responsibilities: • Drive 21 passenger city transit bus in a safe, courteous, professional, and reliable manner throughout the Merritt Transit System within an assigned time schedule • Perform pre/post trip vehicle inspections as required • Stop at designated points to board and let off customers • Properly secure wheelchairs and scooters • Report to the manager; bus route deviations, customer overloads, vehicle accidents, customer incidents, medical issues, behavioral issues, bus mechanical and electrical issue • Advise customer of rules and regulations when necessary • Complete and submit written reports concerning customers, bus damage, incidents and accidents • Possess either a valid Class 1, a Class 2, or a Class 4 Unrestricted driver’s license • Good communication skills • Able to work long shift hours without a scheduled coffee or lunch break • Daily and weekly bus cleaning routines All candidates subject to a pre-employment background and criminal records check.

To Apply contact Frank at 250-378-4080 or in person at: 2185 Voght Street, Merritt (downstairs City Hall – please call in advance). Bring resume and current commercial drivers abstract.

6:00AM - 8:00AM and 7:00PM - 10:00PM

EVEN ADDRESSES Mon/Wed/Fri ODD ADDRESSES Tues/Thurs/Sat Community Policing Office Reopens AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS: As of Monday, July 27th, 2020 the City of Merritt Community Policing Office on your respective days (CPO) will reopen to the public. The Community Policing Office will be open by appointment only for bike registrations, crime prevention information, Closing date is Sunday, February 28, 2021 at 3:00 pm midnight to 4:00 AM and program inquiries.

Tourism Merritt VISIT MERRITT *NO SPRINKLING SUNDAYS � ToConnect book an appointment phone thewebsite 250-378-3955 orTOURISM email with us on our new tourism and social media.cpo@merritt.ca.

TOURISM FOR MORE TO SEE AND DO www.tourismmerritt.com • #ExploreMerritt TH For more information on the CPO programs and services please visit Effective May 1ST to September T 30T www.merritt.ca/community-policing

Including safe visiting advice and local services www.tourismmerritt.ca

VISIT TOURISM MERRITT VISIT TOURISM MERRITT FOR MORE TO SEE AND DO

#ExploreMerritt

� � TOURISM

www.merrittherald.com

THURSDAY, February 4, 2021 • 5

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Spring Bank rezoning to come to public hearing Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER Council has given First and Second Reading to both an OCP and Zoning Bylaw amendment, which will potentially permit a new housing development on Spring Bank Ave. This is the third time the subject property has been rezoned to accommodate a potential development.

“In 2000 the 1995 zoning bylaw was amended first

to change the zoning from the property from P1 to P3, and P3 at the time was the institutional zone which was called public use,” explained Manager of Planning and Development Services, Don McArthur.

“And the intention there was to allow the property owner to develop a senior’s care facility on the parcel, that was always the intention when that happened, when that rezoning went ahead. However, when the property owner then went

to apply to BC Housing for financial support, BC Housing informed them that without multi-family as a permitted use in the zone that they wouldn’t be eligible or they wouldn’t qualify for funding.”

At that time, the property owner came back to the City and requested a second rezoning, which was granted in May of 2000, at that time, ‘Seniors Housing’ was also added as a permit-

See ‘WATER’ Page 12

Density of Forksdale development an issue with citizens From Page 3 repercussions, we have concerns about water availability and restrictions and yet we resist higher density developments, which are more water conservative than simply having low density big yards do lots of watering. We lack housing options, for all sorts of people in town that need different options, aging people. We resist growth and yet we want to make sure that our hospital

serves us well and expands, we moan and groan about our city centre and all the businesses that are out of business and vacant stores, and the leakage. We complain about our aging water supply system and concerns about our sewer system and our roads and our snow removal and our public amenities that need upkeep,” continued Christopherson.

“Basically, what I’m trying to say is we need to change, we need to grow, we

need to take chances or Merritt is going to die. We need to have growth, and that means coming with change and instead of complaining about doing nothing about taxes and all the rest, we need to look at some options and I think that’s what we’re doing tonight.

So, it’s taking a step forward, but it’s not without its difficulties.”

Councillor Mike Bhangu was opposed to the development.

“I was elected

to represent Merrittonians, that’s my job, and in this case, there seems to be overwhelming opposition form the neighbourhood and for that reason I cannot see this moving forward,” he said.

The Third Reading of the OCP Amendment Bylaw and Third Reading of the Zoning Amendment Bylaw were carried four – three with Councillors Melvina White, Mike Bhangu and Adam Etchart opposed.

A sign is posted in the area of Spring Bank Avenue outlining the proposal to rezone a section of the land. Morgan Hampton/Herald VALENTINE’S DAY/FAMILY WEEKEND February 12, 13, 14 & 15 5 pm til 10 pm

Your Hometown Hospitality Specialists

Join us for Chef Don’s

Sweet Hearts DINNER

Half Chicken Dinner for Two

Roasted Half Chicken brined in house spices, served with Mushroom Peppercorn sauce, Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Asparagus. Start with a Salad and Finish with a Red Wine Poached Pear (to share) served with Vanilla Ice Cream….. $25.00 for Two Not quite that hungry? Try our new

Half Sized Charcuterie Tray for Two On this Tray: Deli Meats & Cheeses; Assorted Breads & Crackers; Jelly; Gherkins & Fruits. Served with 2 Martini’s…. $22.00

WIN

either of these Valentine’s Features:

Send us your Valentine’s Photos now, to www.facebook.ca/GrandPub. Winners will be announced Feb 11th, by phone or Text Message.

RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED. With your reservation a table will be specially pre-set for you.

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING THE GRAND!

OPEN DAILY: 11:30 am to 10 pm

www.facebook.com/GrandPubGrill/ 250-378-4618 • 2099 Garcia St., Merritt, BC

REGISTERED PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICES IN MERRITT! Call 250-376-1141 for appointment

NORTH KAMLOOPS PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC Manual Therapy • Exercise Therapy • Post-Surgical or Post-Fracture Rehabilitation • Sports Injuries • Dry Needling • Home Exercise Programs

Email: nkamloopsphysio@gmail.com • www.northkamloopsphysiotherapy.com

6 • THURSDAY, February 4, 2021

GOVERNMENT

Local tourism will be a cornerstone of economic recovery Throughout COVID, our tourism sector has been one of our province’s hardest-hit industries. For our communities that depend JACKIE TEGART heavily on tour- VIEW FROM ism, this impact LEGISLATURE has hit home for many of our businesses and families.

Luckily, some forms of outdoor tourism are still able to be experienced, given the ability to stay socially distanced from one another. I hope many British Columbians have developed a newfound appreciation and love for the beauty to be found in our own backyards during this period of isolation.

Fraser-Nicola in particular has fantastic scenery and wildlife to take in, in ways that are COVID-safe of course.

As the year unfolds, we hope it will be one of recovery for B.C.’s tourism industry and other struggling sectors.

Our communities are asking government to commit to two key actions that will ensure our tourism industry can make a full recovery as soon as

See ‘BUSINESSES’ Page 7

Publisher Theresa Arnold publisher@merrittherald.com 250-378-4241

MERRITT HERALD

VIEWPOINT

www.merrittherald.com

STUDENTS AND TEACHERS: SEND US YOUR ART FOR A CHANCE TO BE FEATURED EACH WEEK! (ELIJAH JULIAO-YEE, GRADE 12, MERRITT SECONDARY.) SUBMISSIONS ARE PRINTED ON A FIRST COME, FIRST

BC, Canada falling behind on vaccines On January 25th, documents tabled in the House of Commons from Global Affairs Canada revealed some troubling DAN ALBAS information.

VIEW FROM Prime THE HILL Minister Trudeau announced at a press conference on May 16, 2020 that his Government had made a deal with China

Editor Jake Courtepatte newsroom@merrittherald.com 250-378-4241

based CanSino Biologics related to developing a COVID vaccine.

The documents produced last week reveal that just three days later, on May 19, 2020, the Trudeau Liberal Government was advised by Global Affairs Canada that “a shipment of Ad5-nCoV vaccine candidate seeds destined for Canada was being held by the General Administration of Customs of China at Beijing Capital International Airport”.

In other words, the Chinese State Government was refusing to issue the required approval allowing the export of this vaccine to Canada, effectively blocking

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Morgan Hampton reporter@merrittherald.com 250-378-4241

the shipment.

While this information was known to the Prime Minister and his Cabinet, it was hidden from Canadians and not publicly disclosed until July 6, 2020.

48 days later.

Prime Minister Trudeau did almost daily news conferences throughout June from Rideau Cottage (while the House of Commons was not in session) and not once did the Prime Minister disclose this important information to Canadians.

Why not?

Despite knowing the China based CanSino See ‘FEDS’ Page 7 Sales Representative Office Administrator Ken Couture kcouture@aberdeenpublishing.com 250-378-4241 Making Advertising Work For You.

2090 Granite Ave., PO Box 9, Merritt, B.C. Phone (250) 378-4241 Fax (250) 378-6818

Copyright subsists in all display advertising in this edition of the Merritt Herald. Permission to reproduce in any form, must be obtained in writing from the publisher. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.

This Merritt Herald is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact newsroom@merrittherald.com or call (250) 378-4241. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at www.mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

THURSDAY Date, 2021 • 7

www.merrittherald.com

OPINION Businesses must LETTERS to the editor Illegal stoves a problem be ready when tourism reopens Dear Editor,

From Page 6 our communities are open to travel once again.

Firstly, we need to do everything we can to promote B.C. tourism as soon as it is safe to do so in order to grow the demand for local, interprovincial, and international travel to B.C. as soon as our borders have re-opened.

Secondly, our communities need

to have the necessary supports so they can survive this season and will be ready to accommodate and benefit from the growing demand for B.C. tourism once the industry is free to safely operate at prepandemic levels.

I maintain my commitment to local businesses to hold government to account and ensure the needs of our region are met.

As soon as our tourism industries can safely welcome visitors once again, our businesses must be ready to meet the growing demand for tourism so we can put our communities on the road to recovery as quickly as possible. For those of us who live here in Fraser Nicola, we know it is a fantastic place to visit, but an even better place to call home.

I live in Lower Nicola where we seem to have a lot of garage wood burning stoves that do not have any EPA standard compliance. I recently had to call the RAPP hotline on a neighbor who was billowing black smoke from his stove less than a kilometre from the Nicola Canford Elementary School. The fire started around 9:00 am and continued until after noon, by then the whole valley was full of smoke. Many of the people on my block are seniors with serious health conditions like, asthma, COPD, MS, stroke, cancer and the school is less than a kilometre from the

problem home. I went for a walk this morning and had to call another person who was burning behind their garage, black smoke billowing into the nice blue sky. I have contacted the Evironmental department, RRAP, TNRD, MLA, Fire Commissioner all of them either send me to another department or tell me there is nothing they can do because the garage is private property, and it would be an invasion of property to go into the residence. I would like to know where our right to have fresh air stands?

Since the wildfire smoke is so bad in the summer it is nice to have some reprieve in the winter. Most homes have inspected EPA wood

stoves, which are compliant to emission standards.

A few people who don’t care about the air affects all the rest of us, especially the children in school.

With the health of our lungs being so important during this COVID outbreak, and carbon taxes imposed on us, it is important to have stricter laws around wood burning. I understand it is an important form of heating for some people, but many can afford cleaner heating fuels, are just being cheap.

It really is shortening our life span as the study reveals.

Darlene Deutch

Feds dropped the ball on blocked shipment From Page 6 vaccine virus was blocked on May 19, 2020, it would not be until the beginning of August that Procurement Minister Anita Anand finally announced a deal with Pfizer for vaccine supply.

By this point countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States and Japan had already made agreements with Pfizer for the COVID vaccine.

Why does this matter?

Because this week Canada will receive no Pfizer vaccine at all and over the next four weeks, Canada’s Pfizer vaccine deliveries will be cut in half with up to 400,000 doses delayed.

Here in British Columbia, currently 85% of all received vaccine has now been administered.

As a result of the lack of supply, B.C. must now

delay the required second dose to 42 days after the first dose.

For the record, Pfizer indicates the required 2nd dose is to be administered 21 days after the first dose.

In short B.C., much like the rest of Canada is now falling behind other countries.

In fact at the time of this week’s report, in terms of total number of vaccination doses administered, Canada currently ranks in 13th behind such countries as India, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey, Italy and others.

For some added context, Washington State (population 7.6 million) has now administered 500,000 doses of vaccine and it currently stepping up vaccination rates.

By comparison B.C. (population 5.07 million), at of the time of this report, has administered 122,359 doses.

Unfortunately, with B.C. almost running out of current vaccine supply and with future supply shortages unique to Canada, this problem will only get worse.

Other countries with agreements with Pfizer have not been anywhere near as adversely impacted by this current supply shortage, as compared to Canada.

The Federal Government continues to maintain that Canada has the “most diverse portfolio of any country for vaccines” and that delivery will be on schedule.

My question this week: Are you satisfied with the performance of the Federal Government in procuring COVID vaccine?

I can be reached at Dan.Albas@parl.gc.ca or call toll free 1-800-665-8711.

Speak up You can comment on any story you read @ merrittherald.com

From the Herald archives: Feb., 1979

HIGHER WAGES AT MINE The workers at the Craigmont copper mine have voted to accept a new contract for 1979.

82% of the union members voted Tuesday to accept the proposed contract, Bob Baird, President of the United Steelworkers of America local 6523, said.

The wage increase means a hike in the base rate to $7.01 an hour, from $6.38. The top hourly wage now will be $9.49, up from $8.77. The Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) clause will raise the rates to $7.15 and $9.68 an hour.

LETTERS POLICY 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.

John Isaac

250-378-1586

Johnisaac@telus.net

www.realestatemerritt.com

Ph: 250-378-6181 F: 250-378-6184

www.royallepage.ca/merritt 3499 Voght Street, Merritt, BC 2499 PRIEST: Four bay 3,856 square foot shop with 600 amp service, gas heaters, office area and loads of room to work and store equipment.

M E R R I T T

$425,000

#309 ALDER: Good return on investment for this one bedroom condo with good and well established tenant in place, fees include landscaping, maintenance plus hot water. $117,900

2743 EAGLE CRESCENT: Large corner lot with view of valley below. Located in the newer Merritt bench subdivision. All underground services at the street. $100,000.

8 • THURSDAY, February 4, 2021

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

POLICE FILES

Adopt a Pet

Worker killed at mine Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER A worker at the New Afton Mine near Kamloops was killed in a workplace accident early Tuesday morning, with two other New Gold employees receiving non-life threatening injuries.

The company reports that an underground mudslide occurred at the copper and gold mine around 1:40 a.m.

The on-site emergency management system was activated and RCMP and provincial safety authorities were notified imme-

diately. Members of the Kamloops rural detachment were called at 2:24 a.m. to help fire and ambulance crews at the mudslide, which was located in the 4000block of the TransCanada Highway.

All activity on the site will be suspended until the company and authorities investigate the incident.

“The thoughts of the board of directors and management are with the family, friends and colleagues that have been impacted by this unfortunate incident,” the company said in a statement.

Crime down 20% in Merritt

www.merrittherald.com

Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation has issued a statement following the tragic loss of the contract driller.

“I was saddened to hear of the tragic incident at the New Afton mine early this morning,” said Ralston.

“A contractor was one of three workers at the mine who became trapped by an unexpected underground mudslide. While the other two were rescued and transported to hospital, the third individual is presumed dead. The New Afton

Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@ MERRITTHERALD. COM Overall criminal occurrences in Merritt were down 20% in 2020 compared to 2019, the largest per capita drop within the entire RCMP

View your feature best friend @ www.angelsanimalrescue.ca

Mine and those who work there are familiar to me, being one of the first sites I visited at the start of my tenure as minister,” Ralston continued.

“I send my sincerest condolences to the individual’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. Work at the mine site has been suspended and the chief inspector of mines has initiated an investigation and is in contact with RCMP and the coroner’s office.

As always, our top priority is the health and safety of all British Columbians.”

To make an appointment to meet your new best friend Phone/text: (250) 378-5223 (250) 574-1316 email: aarsrescue@gmail.com

“Breaking the Chain of Abuse” Donations can be to made to The Angel’s Animal Rescue Society by cheque, etransfer or PayPal. We are a Registered Charity - 847488269RR0001.

This feature brought to you by...

WELCOME TO

Southeast District.

Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey of the RCMP’s Southeast District released a report on Friday afternoon that indicated a 13% decline in reported assaults between the two years. 145

KINDERGARTEN 2021 STUDENT REGISTRATION

See ‘RCMP’ Page 9

The Board of Education of School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen) Kindergarten establishes a strong foundation for lifelong learning, as teachers provide dynamic, play-based opportunities to help each child grow and learn. Our child-centered programs develop a sense of well-being and belonging and offer opportunities for exploring, creative play, developing language and literacy while focusing on social responsibility and cultural diversity.

Kindergarten provides our young learners with an enriched learning experience at their own unique developmental level. We look forward to working with each Kindergarten child’s family as we welcome you to your child’s new school community.

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

REGISTRATION SCHEDULE Monday to Friday: March 1 to 12, 2021

For September, 2021

Reservations Recommended

• • • •

To register, a child must be 5 years of age on, or before, December 31, 2021.

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

If you are unable to register online, please contact John Allison.

When registering online you will need your child’s Birth Certificate, immunization record, Care Card and proof of address when registering.

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

If you have any questions, please contact John Allison 250-295-6727

THURSDAY, February 4, 2021 • 9

www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

OPEN FOR VIRTUAL

RCMP release 2020 crime stats From Page 8 were reported in 2020, while 2019 saw 167 assault cases.

Commercial break and enters were also down 4% in 2020. The police saw a 21% decrease in break-ins to homes, having responded to 29 residential break and enters in 2020, compared to 37 during 2019.

Property crime in Merritt dropped a whopping 30%, having fallen from 1,207 reports in 2019 to 841 occurrences in 2020.

Weapon and drug trafficking charges, however, rose steadily in the one-year period, something that O’Donaghey said is “a testament to the pro-active enforcement and targeted interdiction being carried out by the Merritt RCMP front line and specialized RCMP support units.”

Weapon charges rose from 26 up to 39, while drug trafficking charges went from 11 up to 43.

O’Donaghey added that the reductions in the region may be largely due to the

Year-end numbers released for Baillie House

COVID-19 pandemic, which saw more residents staying at home, and avoiding public gatherings for most of 2020.

Merritt Staff Sergeant Major Steph Drouin also provided his own statement about the drop in crime rates.

“I’m very pleased with how our front line officers, support units and detachment staff have adapted seamlessly, despite the new challenges posed by a global pandemic, to continue to deliver a high quality of policing service to the community and surrounding areas. This information is intended to create better awareness and understanding of the incidence of crime in our community, and help enable community engagement and further promote crime prevention.”

Total calls for policing services in Merritt dropped in 2020 by 478 filings compared to 2019.

Since it is early in 2021, O’Donaghey admitted that these numbers are subject to change when the Statistics Canada report is finalized later this year, though they believe these to be very accurate.

• • • • •

Resumes & Cover Letters Current Job Postings Career Planning 1 on 1 Workshops Skills Training

• • • • •

Work Clothing & Gear Job Search Assistance Disability Supports Self Employment Resource Room

Employer Wage Subsidies WorkBC offers FREE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES, and one-on-one assistance with an Employment Advisor.

Contact us TODAY!

Tel: 250-378-5151 • Email: info@merrittesc.ca @workbcmerritt

This program is funded by the Government of Canada

Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM Baillie House visitations dropped in 2020, though they still outnumbered the majority of neighbouring visitor centres.

The City of Merritt released the visitor centre’s year-end report at the Jan. 26 council meeting, outlining the various stats collected throughout the year.

For the See ‘BAILLIE’ Page 11 fourth quarter

Information 2021

When: Monday, February 8 to Friday, February 19, 2021 Where: Register online at www.sd58.bc.ca

everyone on

Roses, mixed bouquets, arrangements and dressed up plants and planters.

All for your sweetheart

❤

Book early so you are not disappointed.

Early French Immersion

Kindergarten Registration Information 2021

French Immersion Kindergarten Registration:

something for your list.

Early French Immersion

Kindergarten Registration

A special

❤

LIMITED IN-PERSON SERVICES. PLEASE CALL AHEAD.

How does registration take place?

Registration for Kindergarten French Immersion will take place earlier than neighborhood school registration. This will allow for equitable access and better planning. Collettville Elementary is a school of choice with limited registration and as a result, if needed, a lottery will take place to determine registration. Please visit our website www.sd58.bc.ca for a complete overview of Monday, the process.February 8 to Friday, February 19, 2021

French Immersion Kindergarten Registration: When: Where:

Register online at www.sd58.bc.ca

For more information or if you have questions please contact Collettville Elementary School at 250-378-2230 or email the Acting Principal, Ms. Becky Puterbough at bputerbough@365.sd58.bc.ca

How does registration take place?

Thank you and Welcome

250-378-5575

2052B Quilchena Avenue - Merritt, BC

to Registra7on for Kindergarten French Immersion will take place earlier than School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen). neighborhood school registra7on. This will allow for equitable access and beBer planning. ColleBville Elementary a school ~ of Today choiceand withTomorrow limited registra7on an Success for ALL isLearners as a result, if needed, a loBery will take place to determine registra7on. Please visit our website www.sd58.bc.ca for a complete overview of the process.

10 • THURSDAY, February 4, 2021

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Petition popular regarding Aspen Grove speeding The petition has garnered 115 signatures from concerned citizens.

Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

that the vehicles were travelling at much higher speeds through the 70 km/hr zone.

“The propane truck guy said this is an awful place to deliver to, because he has to back in from the road,” Oakey added.

Oakey said that her neighbours have nearly been hit coming out of their driveway on more than one occasion, and that dogs have been killed by speeding vehicles as well. Although passenger vehicles aren’t obeying the speed limit in many cases, Oakey believes the commercial trucks such as semis and logging trucks

Jenny Oakey, a resident of Aspen Grove, is hoping to call attention to the problem of vehicles speeding through the residential area in which she lives.

A small community just 30 kilometres southeast of Merritt, Aspen Grove is situated on Hwy 5A, a route that connects Princeton with Merritt and Hwy 97C the Okanagan Connector.

Although the speed limit through the settlement is 70 km/hr, Oakey notes that vehicles often exceed the limit, travelling 100 or 120 km/hr.

Oakey began gathering signatures for a petition to address this issue, hoping to improve road safety in the area. An RCMP officer’s wife signed and informed her husband, who decided to head out and investigate.

“The RCMP came up, they’ve been up there a couple of times since,” said Oakey.

Aspen Grove resident Jenny Oakey holds “He said, oh my gosh up a petition she circulated regarding you are so right, these speeding vehicles in the community. people are going 30 kms Morgan Hampton/Herald over the limit, and my hand is sore from writing are a big issue. tickets.”

“Typically, when the Oakey used to ride her big trucks are coming from horse down the highway Princeton through to 97C, in order to access Crown they’ve gone through a lot Land, but said she has now of winding road prior to stopped the practice as she this, the road is tough, it’s a fears being struck down by tricky road,” said Oakey. speeding vehicles. Instead, “And now they’ve got she has installed a new gate a straight away from Kidd on her property that allows Lake, and it says 70, but her to cross the highway they’re not going 70. They directly onto Tillery Rd. come over that hill and The labourer who police are clocking them installed her fencing, as well at 100. Is it going to take as BC Hydro crews working something happening? An in the area, both observed accident up there? The

kids are little right now, but when they get on bikes and stuff, can you imagine a semi coming down there and a kid happens to be on the road?”

Oakey’s petition lists several possible ways to counteract the speeding, including lowering the speed limit to 50 km/hr, using a flashing speed sign to inform people they are over the posted limit, moving the speed limit sign on the approach to the residential area further back to encompass a longer stretch of road, upping RCMP enforcement, or installing speed bumps.

“Obviously more enforcement is key,” said Oakey.

“I would love to see the speed limit reduced, I would love to see a flashing solar sign that says, you know, this is your speed slow down.

Speed bumps would be amazing, people might pay attention. It’s 70 there for a reason, but nobody’s doing it, that’s my whole beef. Do we have to get it reduced to 50 so you guys go 70? Or do we put speed bumps, what do we do here? Or do we have regular enforcement so maybe you’ll pay attention and know that there’s going to be patrol out here, so you have to slow down or you’re going to get a ticket?”

So far, the petition, which Oakey has submitted to RCMP and Ian Pilkington, Chief Engineer of Highway Operations with MOTI, has garnered 115 signatures, something that Oakey said was no easy feat during COVID. Pilkington replied and informed her that he was going to pass her concerns and the petition along to those responsible for the area. Oakey hopes to see something sooner rather than later.

“We need to do something about it or else someone is going to get hurt… it’s just a matter of time.”

www.merrittherald.com

FRIENDS & Neighbours Perfecting literacy through art during FLW

Hailey and Joanne Woods get hands-on in learning about art literacy at the Merritt Art Gallery. Morgan Hampton/Herald

Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD.COM It may have looked different this year, but another Family Literacy Week has come and gone in Merritt.

There were plenty of virtual activities scheduled for the last week of January. There was a virtual pajama storytime, a “Come Read

With Me” program for parents to hone their skills in teaching their little ones, some virtual trivia, and even a Zoom dance party.

Jan. 28’s schedule featured one of the few in-person events (held with proper social restrictions, of course): art literacy at the Merritt Art Gallery, where participants were invited to create some hands-on arts and crafts while learning about the ins and outs of the artistic world.

“Friendly, professional service, from people who care.” √ Pharmacy Service √ Medication Consults & Reviews √ Compliance Packaging √ Ostomy & Incontinence Supplies √ Home Health Care

Serving the community for over 50 years. √ Giftware & Souvenirs √ Travel Vaccinations √ Mobility Aids & Compression Therapy √ Asthma & Diabetic Supplies √ Lottery

FREE Delivery for Seniors & Those With Restricted Mobility

2037 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt, BC

250-378-2155

www.merrittherald.com

THURSDAY, February 4, 2021 • 11

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Baillie House remains number one on Trip Advisor From Page 9 from October to early December, 3,207 visitors stopped by the Baillie House. That marks 17,584 total visitors for 2020.

Numbers for other nearby visiting centres: Kelowna: 19,186 Hope: 15,017 Princeton: 12,014 Penticton: 3,561 Keremeos: 2,000 Kamloops: Closed since Feb 2020.

It does, however, still mark a 42.9% decrease of visitors to the Baillie House from 2019.

The visitor centre was closed from March 15 to May 31, when staff strictly took emails and phone calls.

“For the majority of 2020, the American border has been closed to vehicle traffic and there were only a few travellers from Europe and Australia,” reads the report from the Nicola Valley Heritage Society, who added that those particular travellers were probably due to quarantine requirements upon arrival as well as the pandemic. “The vast majority of travellers were from BC with some Albertans every day. Canadians

from other provinces travelled through Merritt every week as well. The majority of Albertans were here to enjoy outdoor activities (camping, fishing).”

The exact numbers show that 74% of visitors were from within BC, with 20%

The Visitor Centre at the Baillie House remained the number one local attraction on Trip Advisor. Some select reviews from the website: “I love this place! Aside from visitor information like maps and brochures, the

coming from Alberta. The rest of Canada made up 5% of the visitors, with “other” at 1%.

It was also noted that this was the first year that every month had a decrease in the number of visitors to downtown Merritt.

passionate staff are super helpful about what to see and do in Merritt and in the surrounding area. I could hang out in the backyard for hours in the summer. Make sure you go on one of the tours of the house in the summer. Added bonus of some really cool collectables which are for

Melody Simon

Fresh Gift Ideas for Valentine’s Day Huge selection of unique potted plants, fresh cut bouquets, mixed planters and much more.

“Your Merritt Real Estate Professional” 7-1098 HOUSTON STREET 1500 sqft modular that has undergone a rebuild in 2007. The home consisted of 2 possibly 5 bedrooms and a massive kitchen and living area. Outside walls are all 2X6 fir construction with all vinyl windows and drywall throughout.

The house needs some finishing, has a new electrical upgrade. melodyproperty2@gmail.com This home is located in the desirable SPECIALIZING IN: Riverside Trailer Park.

Residential, Commercial & Farm

Cell: 250-315-8539

RE/MAX Real Estate (Kamloops) 258 Seymour St, Kamloops, BC

sale. Well done!”

“My boyfriend and I have been to this visitor centre several times and each time we have been greeted by friendly staff.

This visitor centre has a lovely garden where we sit and eat lunch in the sun.

They offer a free beverage; a glass of lemonade, a tea or a coffee. What I love is the ice cream. This centre also sells great little souvenirs and has a great selection of maps.”

“This place has the most friendliest and welcoming staff. It is a must visit when in Merritt. Great visitors information. Thank you.”

The report also provided a percentage breakdown of the reasons for people to visit the centre and inquire about: Site Facilities: 53% Maps/directions: 15% Shopping: 9% Attractions: 7% Adventure/recreation: 7% Food/beverage: 5% Accommodation: 2% Transportation: 1% Parks: 1%.

As for looking towards the 2021 season, the Nicola Valley Heritage Society will be applying for a Heritage BC grant to help paint the buildings on site.

MLS#159472

$99,900

Largest Floral Selection in Town Let us add the perfect touch of beauty and elegance to your

Valentine’s Day Celebration Open 8 am ‘til 9 pm, 7 days a week

250-378-5564 Railyard Mall (1700 Garcia St.) ONLINE SHOPPING AND CURBSIDE PICKUP NOW AVAILABLE

12 • THURSDAY, February 4, 2021

www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Water supply not an issue in possible rezoning, says City CAO From Page 5 ted use.

“So, the intention for that property when it was rezoned to public use or to the Institutional Zone, the P3 Zone was not for it to be an institutional facility of any kind, rather to be a seniors care facility or a housing facility,” McArthur continued.

The property owner has now re-envisioned the development, not as a seniorsonly model but as inter-generational affordable housing, which would see units for elders and families, as well as approximately five units set aside for youth.

There had been some suggestions from residents in the area that the site should be designated as a school. However, the City spoke to representatives from School District (SD) No. 58 Nicola-Similkameen and they indicated that they had no plans to build a school on the property, and similarly NVIT had no interest in establishing a satellite campus at this location. The steep slope of the property also makes it unsuitable for a school with playgrounds and playing fields.

Should it become necessary, SD No. 58 has expressed interest in constructing a school in the North Bench neighbourhood, when that area becomes developed, and in the meantime they plan to continue to direct students in the area to the Bench Elementary.

“They are currently discussing a potential expansion to Bench Elementary,” explained McArthur, which would address any additional students that the development may bring should they exceed the capacity of the current school.

The City also hopes to connect Spring Bank Ave. to Grimmett St. in future, which SD No. 58 supports, as it would make it easier and safer for students to walk to and from school at Bench Elementary.

For the several proposed developments in the city, geotechnical concerns have been raised by citizens, and this property is no exception. Although the City cannot require a geotechnical analysis, the developer has indicated that one will be completed as this is one of the requirements by BC Housing in order to approve funding for the project.

Mayor and council debated the OCP and Zoning Bylaw amendments at length, bringing up their own concerns with the project. The issue of water availability and consumption was raised, as Merritt has experienced strict watering restrictions during the past several summers.

“I’m not comfortable with any traffic plans and water; every single person keeps saying where is the water going to come from, and I don’t even know where the water’s going to come from, maybe someone can answer that question for me,” said Councillor White.

City CAO Sean Smith assured Council

that the Nicola Valley had sufficient water, and that citizens of Merritt had drastically reduced their water consumption, using roughly 1.2 million fewer cubic metres per year than they had in 2006.

“This isn’t a matter of us running out of

water, we have plenty of water in our aquifers to sustain a much larger population, even with our existing infrastructure, than we currently have,” explained Smith.

“The issue is that we need to find a way to better support Coldwater River flows,

particularly during the peak drought season of August, and so I want to hone in that that is really the concern that we need to be narrowing in on.”

He also noted See ‘Cllrs’. Page 17 that much water

WE NEED YOU

ARE YOU LISTED IN OUR CONNECTOR PHONE BOOK? THE CONNE Business

Director y | City Ma

ps | Calen dar

2020 LOC

AL TELEP

CTOR

HONE DIR

CITY MAPS : FIRST NATIO MERRITT – LOWER NIC UTILITY SE NS GOVERNMENT OF OLA – LOGAN LA KE RVICE NUMB FIC SERVING: ERS | EMER ES MERRITT, LOGAN LA GENCY SERVICE NU KE, QUILC MBERS HE NA, DOUG

LAS LAKE

& LOWER

of events

NICOLA

E C T O RY

TELUS LISTINGS ARE ACCUMULATED ANNUALLY AND ASSEMBLED TO GIVE YOU A FREE LOCAL BUSINESS & RESIDENTIAL TELEPHONE DIRECTORY. IF YOU WERE NOT IN LAST YEARS CONNECTOR PHONE BOOK, WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE YOUR CELL PHONE #, OR HAVE UPDATED INFORMATION, PLEASE

CALL 250.378.4241 EMAIL PUBLISHER@MERRITTHERALD.COM

THURSDAY, February 4, 2021 • 13

www.merrittherald.com

CEN TURY 21 Moving Real Estate Don Gossoo, Managing Broker

movingrealestate.c21.ca

250-378-6166 |1-877-841-2100

®

BC LTD.

Doug Beech (Owner) 250-378-7392

#102, 2840 Voght Street, Box 236 Merritt, B.C. V1K 1B8

Melonie Ivanic 778-803-6554

Jared Thomas 778-694-6804

Brad Yakimchuk

Karen Yakimchuk 250-315-3076

Personal Real Estate Corporation

250-315-3043

6581 MONCK PARK ROAD

1975 2ND AVE.

390 COYLE PLACE

#42, 254 HWY. 8

1926 QUILCHENA AVE

2380 NICOLA AVE.

On 1 acre overlooking Nicola Lake. This West Coast contemporary home features open design, 3 bedrms on main + 2 down, 4 baths, S/S appliances, vaulted ceilings and walkout bsmt.

Great 3 bedrm, 2 bath family home on a quiet street in central location. Lots of options for carport, shop or carriage house. Lots of storage. 2 wrap around decks overlooking large back yard.

Riverfront property in nice Lower Nicola location on approx. 2 acres with great shop with 3 phase power supply. Comes with unfinished rancher of 1686 sq.ft. House is framed and with roof. Home plans available.

Septic is installed.

Established & well maintained Dry Cleaning and Coin Laundry, a turnkey business. 3200 sq.ft. concrete block building with steel truss roof with possibility of expansion to include living quarters.

Great opportunity for a good family business.

Former auto repair shop in a highly visible location. 3 bay shop with 1 bay with 12 ft door & hoist, other 2 have 10 ft doors. Has storage room & office with reception area. 2608 sq.ft. building with parking. Call for details.

#3212

#3228

#3208

2020 mobile home with 2 bedrms, master bedrm with W/I closet and 3 pce ensuite.

Home has 10 yr warranty. Comes with natural gas S/S stove, S/S fridge & dishwasher, and new washer/dryer. Laminate flooring

#3236

#3238

#3197

$1,099,000

2800 MCLEAN PLACE

$429,000

$450,000

1802 BLAIR ST

2749 PEREGRINE WAY

$205,900

1550 WALNUT AVENUE

2663 QUILCHENA AVENUE

NEW 5 bedrm, 4 bath home, very clean with some upgrades. Private living & dining room , spacious kitchen that opens to family room.Basement has big rec.rm, 2 bedrms & bathrm. Large sundeck in fenced backyard, nicely landscaped. RV parking

New custom executive home with fantastic views. 3 bedrms on the main with open concept floor plan. Master has 4 pce ensuite & W/I closet. Large private deck in back off the family room.

Investors – side by side duplex in downtown Merritt close to shopping & amenities. Great revenue property. Each side has 2 bedrms, carport & laundry plus separate meters.

Close to bus route

#3233

#3204

#3237

$489,900

2770 PEREGRINE WAY

$639,900+ GST

2760 PEREGRINE WAY

$295,000

FOR LEASE 2845 NEILSON ST

D

SOL

Great family home features 3 bedrms, 1 bath, built-in wine rack in the kitchen and a sliding barn door on master bedrm. Enjoy sitting in the sun room overlooking the deck & nicely landscaped yard. Has shop in back.

#3241

$299,500

1561 MILLER ROAD

2861 MCLEAN PLACE

$495,000

Close to half acre lot with city utilities with a 46x28 shop with power and 2 pce bathroom. Shop has high ceiling clearance. Quiet location near end of no-thru street. Great place to have a home with your own shop! Call for more details

15.9 acre RV Park zoning bordering the Coldwater River. Hookups in place & future set of plans for expansion available. Has city services. Has small rental home with long term tenants.

#3222

#3090

$200,000

2288 BURGESS AVE

$1,650,000.

1863 MENZIES STREET

NEW

D

SOL Spacious new home with open concept floor plan, spectacular views & high quality finishing. 2 bedrms up, master on the main & 2 more down, 4 baths & full unfin. Bsmt. New Home Warranty.

Double garage

New executive family home on the Bench with views. 3 bedrms, 2 baths, designer kitchen with quartz counters, gas F/P in living room, 5 pce ensuite & a full unfinished basement. GST applies

Level lot in quiet area within few minutes drive of all amenities. Zoned R2, could build a duplex or single family home with legal suite.

Finished homes in this area selling in $500,000 range.

Spectacular 76 acre property in Miller Estates with fantastic panoramic views of the river and valley below. Has Cooperative water system & power at lot line. GST applies.

A rare waterfront lot of 0.94 acres waiting for development with over 50 metres of river frontage, not subdividable. In neighbourhood of high end custom homes. Call for more details.

3 bedrm townhouse with newer roof in 2016.

Kitchen, laundry & living room on main floor.

Kitchen has access to fenced back yard.

Spacious master bedroom plus 2 other bedrooms up & 4 pce bath. Extra parking in back. Quick possession.

#3205

#3203

#3239

#3240

#3235

#3243

$739,9000 + GST

6433 MONCK PARK ROAD

$739,900

6427 MONCK PARK ROAD

$105,000

900 KANE VALLEY RD

$475,000

2625 JACKSON AVENUE

200 VEALE ROAD

Build your lakeview dream home on this 1 acre lot overlooking Nicola Lake with views of the valley. Boat launch is just minutes sway. Great lake for swimming, boating, waterskiing & fishing. Just 2.5 hrs from Lower Mainland.

Lake view 1 acre lot with 180 degree views of Nicola Lake. 2.5 hrs from the coast and just 20 minutes from Merritt. Boat launch just minutes away. Build your dream home or vacation getaway

This 10.53 acre property is ready for your cabin getaway from the city. Power is at the paved road. Great recreational area to x-country skiing, fishing, hiking, biking. Has seasonal creek.

Easy access from Coquihalla Hwy. at Exit 256

11 acres with drilled well, fenced with good potential and fantastic views. Easy access, located off Coldwater Rd just 10 minutes south of Merritt. Great place to build your dream home.

#3181

#3210

#3231

#3167

$124,900

SELLERS

$279,900

$285,000

1101 MIDDAY VALLEY RD

5 bedrooms family home with 2 baths, upstairs has new floors installed, newer HW tank & boiler furnace. Large lot with tons of parking. Access to back yard from front. All appliances included

#3242

$425,000

10 acre site with CD-1 zoning. Has City Service not yet connected. Lots of potential located near truck route. Bring your ideas.

#2958

$699,000

Grandview Heights

Spius Creek Estates

NOW is the time to list your home.

Call us for a FREE Market Evaluation.

$229,900

NEW

D

SOL

$165,000

$210,000

ONLY 3 LEFT!

Located Off Petit Creek Road Prices starting at $279,000 Country living at its best!

Approx. 10 acres lots located 15

minutest west of Merritt in the beautiful Sunshine Valley. These properties have stunning views of the valley. Great area for horseback riding, biking, hiking and more. Call for full details. #3145

GST applies.

movingrealestate.c21.ca

•

378-6166

•

RESIDENTIAL VIEW LOTS Prices Starting at $104,000 + GST Fully serviced residential lots with fantastic views of the Nicola Valley and surrounding mountains. Choose your lot, bring your plans & start building your future! Close to shopping.

#3213

movingrealestate.c21.ca

14 • THURSDAY, February 4, 2021

www.merrittherald.com

Courtesy Corner

Bullying is Whack, Get On The Right Track 407 Highway 8, Lower Nicola • 250-378-9457

We onlyA have 1 world. , D N T S AMake it a happy one. !

TAKE D N A H A LEND Stop Bullying, STOP Start Supporting

BULLYING NOW

Office Hours: Monday - Friday

New patients always welcome! 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM 2088 Quilchena Avenue PO Box 3090, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Call Today to Book Your Appointment.

Ph:

250-378-5877

BULLIES tear down.

FRIENDS

build up.

Jackson’s Welding 1970 Hill Street

250-378-4332

How about “NO” TO BULLYING.........

It isn’t BIG to make others feel

Stand together to

SMALL

Cascade Family Dental Located in the Railyard Mall

National

BULLYING PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH

NICOLA VALLEY COMMUNITY JUSTICE SERVICES SOCIETY RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PROGRAM

Restorative Justice and Bullying Restorative justice is an approach to justice that offers the chance to bring victims, offenders, their support people, and community members together to talk about what happened, how they have been affected, and what can be done to repair the harm done.

As Restorative Justice views crimes as a violation of people and relationships, it is important to consider the benefits it has when dealing with bullying. For instance, using restorative prac-

tices in the classroom teaches children problem-solving skills, ways to develop a sense of community, how to treat others with empathy and respect, and it can help reduce fear and mistrust between peers.

Key features of Restorative Justice in schools and addressing bullying: IT IS FOCUSED ON PROBLEM SOLVING. • What can be done to change negative and harmful behaviour?

• What ways can restorative

NICOLA VALLEY COMMUNITY JUSTICE SERVICES SOCIETY

#110 - 1700 Garcia justice help everyone involved find peace and allow them to heal?

• What can be done differently to build strategies for addressing misbehaviour?

• Punishment does not work in the school environment, are there better ways to teach children respectful and pro-social behaviours?

IT ENCOURAGES MEANINGFUL DIALOGUE. • It gives everyone a voice in the process.

• The victim (bullied child) would be able to express how the harm they have suffered has affected them. It would give them the chance to heal and overcome their fears and allow them to feel confident again.

• The offender (bully) is encouraged to talk about their experiences, what could have led to this behaviour, and what help they need to overcome issues they are facing in their own lives.

• It gives their families and supporters a chance to discuss and restore the broken relationship between their children.

• Restorative Justice gives parents and teachers a chance to investigate the root of the bullying behaviour and find ways to repair it. It allows people to discuss this topic and build a

378-4000 stronger and safer community.

IT BUILDS UNDERSTANDING AND EQUALITY. • It takes away the power imbalance between those involved and brings them together as equals.

• It builds humility between the offender and victim.

• By using Restorative Justice practices to address bullying, we can see the causes of the behaviour, how it has affected others, and what options there are to repair the relationship.

IT PROMOTES OFFENDER ACCOUNTABILITY. • It gives the offender the chance to take responsibility for their actions.

• It offers the chance for the offender to be supported in their efforts to make things right.

• Childhood is a critical time for the development of human values. By promoting accountability, restorative justice practices can teach children social skills that can resolve problems within their relationships and how to restore them.

IT PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR HEALING, REPARATION, AND REINTEGRATION. • For the victim, it can empower and build confidence.

It can take away fear and allow

Let’s Stand Together

To

END

Bullying This message is brought to you by Success for ALL Learners ~ Today and Tomorrow

BOX 819, MERRITT, BC V1K 1B8 TEL: 250-378-5010 • FX: 250-378-5014

Lower Nicola Band School

THURSDAY, February 4, 2021 • 15

www.merrittherald.com

Online has an

Vision Quest Optical & Gifts Authentic Native Art Gallery

HARASSMENT

OFF-LINE IMPACT BE KIND!

CONTAIN-IT STORAGE

2001 Quilchena Ave. • Ph: 250-378-2022 them to move past the harm they suffered.

• For the offender, it can help them develop respect for others and understand how their actions can affect others. Instead of punishment, it gives them the opportunity to repair the harm in a positive and moral way.

• It allows the offender to return to their community a better person, which in turn can build a stronger and safer environment for others.

• therefore, it can reduce bullying and negative behaviours in schools.

Restorative questions for bullying What happened? What would you like others to understand? Who was involved? What could you have done differently?

How has this affected you?

What are your needs? What ways have others been affected?

What can be done to make things right?

What are the ways can the offender repair the harm done?

• In-person or letter of apology.

• Community work such as helping teachers clean and tidy classrooms, assisting in the cafeteria during lunch-time hours and working in the school library.

• Attending youth groups that assists children for dealing with anger management and ways to increase positive behaviour.

• Ask the offender to research and understand the effects of bullying and what are the ways to prevent it.

1750 Hill Street

Bullying By using circles to address bullying, we would be able to bring everyone involved together and to give them the opportunity to participate in conflict resolution and create an atmosphere of trust. Circles bring people together to see each other as

Community RESTORATIVE

JUSTICE Offender It is important for everyone involved to understand that suspension or expulsion does not solve or fix negative and bullying behaviours; in fact, it can further increase the harms the offender (bully) is going through. The offender (bully) needs a positive support in place for themselves to work on themselves and change their behaviour.

Using Circles to Address

human beings, it gives them the chance to talk about what matters to them and how the impact of the situation has affected their lives. Circles use the personal values of its participants to find solutions to fixing the harm done. It gives the victim and offender the opportunity to be understand, listened to, and be appreciated. There are many benefits to using circles to address bullying, the main ones

are: they build relationships, they acknowledge responsibility, they address the deeper causes of conflict and offer empowerment for the victim.

What can the Nicola Valley Restorative Justice Program do?

As the Restorative Justice Coordinator for our program, I can take community referrals from schools and other organizations in the local area that need help with conflict resolution. I would be able to work with everyone involved, including the offender and victim, their family, and teachers, to find ways to resolve and repair the situation.

I can help schools and organizations incorporate Restorative Justice practices into their day-to-day operations.

I can provide information about restorative justice and offer workshops to the public.

If you need help, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

We are here to help and give everyone the opportunity to help better themselves and their community.

More information can be found at our website: nvcjss.com I can also be reached at 250378-5010.

can make all the difference.

This message brought to you by

N’Kwala School Take a Stand Lend a Hand

BULLYING DENTISTRY @ MERRITT www.dentistryatmerritt.ca 2731 Forksdale Ave., Merritt

250-378-4888

Bullying is not okay.

Make a difference and help stop it.

Scw’exmx Child & Family Services Society “Our Children, Our Responsibility”

Phone: (250) 378-2771 Fax: (250) 378-2799 Toll Free: (877) 378-2773 Children’s Help Line: 310-1234

www.scwexmx.com

Conayt Alcohol & Drug Program

NO ONE AGREES WITH

STAND UP · SPEAK OUT This message brought to you by

Nicola Valley Radiator 2775 Marian Avenue, Merritt, B.C.

Victim

Ph: 250-315-3000

Showing and receiving

250-378-1366

United we STAND, Divided we FALL Conayt is very concerned about our children and being bullied.

LET OUR COMMUNITY STAND TOGETHER

16 • THURSDAY, February 4, 2021

www.merrittherald.com

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

MOVING MERRITT

West Merritt Active Transportation Path moves forward A funding application for the West Merritt Active Transportation Path was carried unanimously by Council at their last meeting.

Morgan Hampton LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER At the last Council meeting, staff once again brought forward a grant application to Mayor and Council regarding

funding for the West Merritt Active Transportation Path.

On Sept. 29, 2020, council directed staff to submit a grant application for the path through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) – Community, Culture and Recreation stream.

However, under that grant, the City would be required to pay more than $600,000 as they would be responsible for 26.67% of the total project costs.

Since that time, a new funding stream

has been created through the ICIP, for COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure (CVRIS). The difference is that this stream offers 100% funding for a number of projects, including Active Transportation.

City CAO Sean Smith made a presentation to council suggesting that they also submit an application under this new stream for the West Merritt Active Transportation Path, although originally they had hoped to use it to assist in some of the City’s water woes.

“We were hoping to have a Kengard well application actually for this,

Sean Smith

CAO, City of Merritt

under the Disaster Mitigation component,” explained

Smith.

“It became evident that that wasn’t going to be successful and so we have pivoted.”

However, at the Jan. 12 council meeting, council directed staff to apply for $80,496 in funding to repair the KVR Pedestrian Bridge through the CVRIS – Adaption, Resilience and Disaster Mitigation Program.

As that funding also falls under this new stream, the City would not receive funding for both.

Smith said that when it comes down to it, it is a “double

dip”.

“We don’t know which one we would get in under, we hope we would get in under one or the other and if we get one, we hope it’s this one, because it’s 100% covered vs. the $600,000 some odd dollars that the city would be required to cover if we get in under the other stream.”

The City of Kelowna recently did the same thing, submitting an application for their own Active Transportation paths under this stream hoping for 100%

Digital Online Advertising services.

• website design and tracking • social media management • blog management • community display • paid search and so much more!

Taking care of all your advertising needs to keep your business up to date!

CONTACT THERESA

for more information at 250-378-4241 email: publisher@merrittherald.com

funding as opposed to 75% coverage.

Smith did explain that while the City would have to cover the cost of the KVR Pedestrian Bridge out of pocket should they receive the funding for the West Merritt Active Transportation Path, the overall savings would still be more than $520,000.

There was no debate on the topic

by Mayor and Council, and the motion to direct staff to submit the application for grant funding was carried unanimously.

www.merrittherald.com

THURSDAY, February 4, 2021 • 17

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

Cllrs. Etchart, Bhangu, White oppose bylaw amendments consumption in rural areas stem from outdoor watering, and that higher density housing would reduce water use on a perperson basis.

Councillor Adam Etchart echoed traffic concerns.

“With all the increased traffic that we’re proposing I’m a little nervous about what’s happening there with what’s on the street right now and what’s coming, if this goes through.”

Councillors Mike Bhangu and Melvina White both objected to the High Density (R8) Zoning.

“There’s R8 in the surrounding areas and if we rezone this to R8 as well, what will the entire area look like at the end of it all?” said Bhangu.

“And for that reason, I will not be supporting this.”

Councillor White objected to the type of housing as well, which would offer residents subsidized rent as it would be designated as affordable housing.

“As much as I know that we need affordable housing and we need it badly, I really feel that this isn’t the area for it… it’s subsidized housing in amongst half milliondollar homes, and I just don’t think it fits into the area,” said White.

Mayor Brown said that while she understood the apprehension, she was eager to see the project move to a Public Hearing.

“There is a lot of high density going into this area, and it does make us all a little bit nervous, but we have looked at the OCP, which from north of the Nicola River to south of Irvine Ave. is mixed residential use, and if we look at that area now, it’s mainly single family housing… but I think, in the concept of our OCP, that this area can handle higher density,” said Mayor Brown.

“Now, there’s things that we have to fix, and we know that. We have to look at the roadways from Grimmett to Spring Bank and we know that’s also part of the OCP. We have to negotiate with BC Hydro to pull that roadway through. There are other roads that have to be fixed, and there’s roundabouts that we need on Voght St, those too are in our Voght St. Phase Two Plan that hopefully we get funding for this year, or if not this year then next year,” Brown continued.

“But, these will come together at some point in time. The water, we also have grants out and we’re looking for ways to find water. It will come together, I have no doubt that it will come together, but we have to continue to ask those hard questions and we also have to be able to assure the property owners that they aren’t going to be adversely affected by this subdivision, and I think I can clearly do that. Supportive housing is needed in the city, desperately needed, and I certainly would like to see this being taken to a public hearing because I think

there are a lot of individuals who want to have their say in a public hearing and I think we as council need to hear that.”

When it came time to vote, the First and Second Reading of the OCP Bylaw Amendment which would change the land

use designation from Future Development to Residential was carried four to three with councillors Etchart, Bhangu and White opposed.

The First and Second Reading of the Zoning Bylaw Amendment was also car-

ried four to three with Councillors Etchart, Bhangu and White opposed.

A motion to direct staff to schedule a Public Hearing regarding the development was carried with Councillors White and Etchart opposed.

THANK YOU! to our donors for making it possible to bring back our printed edition of the newspaper. We would not have been able to do it without you.

Nicola Valley’s News Voice Since 1905

♥

MERRITT HERALD THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021 •

THIS WEEK

From Page 12

MSS CASES

MSS has been confirmed to have seen two positive COVID-19 cases in its community.

themerrittherald •

> www.merrittherald.com

STABBING

/PAGE 3

A stabbing at Rocky Pines sent one man into emergency surgery at Royal Inland Hospital.

/PAGE 5

FREE

CENTS TALK

a Kamloops native.

The Centennials added to their blue line by bringing in

/PAGE 15

NEW BEGINNING

RISING FROM THE ASHES: Work is moving fast on rebuilding the historic Murray Church, after the church’s committee reached it’s fundraising goal two years after it was burned to the ground by arson. STORY /PAGE 10

Merritt Funeral Chapel Celebrating each life like no other

A Division of Service Corporation International (Canada) ULC

Local & Caring. Proudly supporting our community since 1929.

Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri.: 10:00am - 3:00pm • Wednesday 1:00pm - 6:00pm / 2113 Granite Ave., Merritt, BC

On-call 24 Hrs. a day: 250-378-2141 or 1-800-668-3379 • www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com

Speciaalnk You Th to all the businesses who have continued to support us throughout these difficult times.

Please remember to support local shopping.

Supporting local helps everyone thrive.

LIST OF DONORS • Robin Clarke • Karen Szabo • Corinne Pitt • Maureen Lisle • Mark Remming • Charles Pimms • Jurgen Lutter • Beth Guthro • Betty Stone • Brian Wuensche • Gertrude Leslie * Mary Anderson • Haley Rutherford • Community Futures Nicola Valley • Anne Wray

• Kristyna Murphy • Linda Brown• In memory of Walter Evans, Love Callie, Zach & Maria • Janet Hohner • Joanne Woods • Stephanie Troughton • Chris de Haan • Miss Vicki’s Petals & Plants • Clemens Kummerlaender • Ho Ka Fai Simon • Gillian Rose • Mike Hilton

• Callie Langlois-Torgerson • Alex Doll • Jana Rosenberg • Bill and Tina Mikita • Joyce Crosina • Elizabeth Perdok-Waboose • Janet Hohner • Amy & Bradley Courtepatte • Naga Shunmugam • Carolyn Wainwright • Steve & Pat Gontar • Elizabeth Nel • Evan Walsh

• Charmaine Staley • Hans Treis • Carmen Fairley • Terence Grams • James A Clark • Sheila Butler • Matthew Starr • Stacey Krajci • Elizabeth Nel • Peter Spencer • Rod & Sharon Courtepatte • Mary Macgregor • Ross Horrocks • Sarah Sandusky • Emily Wessel

• Marise Sasges • Jeanette & Mike Matthias • Terrence Neilson • Lavinia Wilson • Dara Hill • Jurgen Lutter • Ellen Nast • Ka Fai Simon Ho • M.Cooper BCYR Fundraising Coordinator • Brent Campbell • Scentman • Anne Wray • Shirley Dumma

• Ben Klassen • Margaret Carlson • Alice Murray • James Murdoch • Cole Wagner • Gayle Munz • Barinder Chauhan • Joan Negrin • Betty Ann Mcdonnell • Ted Lund • Extra Foods • Gordon Swan • Diane Quinn • Plus a few generous anonymous donors

If you would like to donate, please go to support.merrittherald.com or drop by the office at 2090 Granite Avenue

18 • THURSDAY, February 4, 2021

SPORTS

www.merrittherald.com

Have a sports story tip? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing newsroom@merrittherald.com.

JUNIOR HOCKEY

Getting to know the coach: Sweet-Coulter A contributor spoke one-on-one with the head coach of the Merritt Centennials.

Callie Langlois CONTRIBUTOR How did you become interested in coaching?

First of all I have always loved the game and hockey has always played a major role in my life.

I owe a lot to the game. When I was done playing I knew I wanted to stay in the game and give back, and if you can’t play, the next best thing is coaching.

Coaching helped me stay in the game, I started coaching Junior

hockey when I was 22.

How does one become a coach?

Hard work and passion. If you have a passion for the game and want to pursue coaching you can start at any time. Playing experience is an asset of course but it’s not mandatory. There are many ways to get into coaching and there are multiple positions available on a coaching staff. The one thing I would recommend is making sure you complete coaching courses through Hockey Canada which will help prepare you for the current level you will be coaching. There are also certain courses you will have to take to become an approved certified coach.

What do you love about coaching? What don’t you like (if anything) about

coaching?

I love the relationships that you are able to build and the impact you can have on a person’s life. Helping someone attain their goals is a special feeling and true life fulfillment that I get to experience. Every day I wake up I am truly grateful to be a coach, there are no bad days.

The only thing I don’t like about coaching is having to tell a player that they didn’t make the team.

Where did you grow up and did you have any hockey idols?

I grew up in the Cowichan Valley in between Duncan and Lake Cowichan BC. Mario Lemieux was my idol as a kid.

I love listening to your after game interviews, you’re always so positive.

How do you think of different answers every single game?

Thank you for the kind words.

Every game is unique. Much like life there are always new lessons to be learned and I have always believed in being a positive person in tough situations. It’s easy to be positive when everything is going well but adversity reveals your true character.

What do you see for the Merritt Centennials’ future?

I see a great group of young men that have gone through a lot this year. We have practiced and trained hard now for almost 6 months without real games.

The resilience our group has shown to continue on amongst all the uncertainty during the pandemic has been truly amazing.

We believe we have some great

pieces here moving forward and we can’t wait to play games. We also can’t wait to be back helping out in our community. Covid-19 restrictions have held us back from serving our community this season and we look forward to seeing everyone soon.

What is your favourite thing to do when you’re not going to practice or getting ready for a game?

I enjoy working out, reading, watching movies, connecting with friends and other coaches, and of course watching NHL games.

Who is your favourite hockey player, past or present, in any league?

I have two. Mario Lemieux and Pavel Bure.

Kamloops and Kelowna are the proposed hub cities.

The five B.C. Division teams are on the hook for costs associated with the bubble plan.

“We’ve got to make sure we do this right, so we’re not sparing any expense with respect to what it’s going to require to make sure these hubs meet all the requirements health authorities will have,” Robison told Bartel.

If the plan is approved, the Blazers and Prince George Cougars would play out of Sandman Centre and reside in the Sandman Signature Hotel.

Tom Gaglardi is majority owner of the Blazers and chairman of Sandman Hotel Group.

The Victoria Royals and Rockets would play out of

Prospera Place in Kelowna and reside in the Coast Capri Hotel.

Graham Lee owns the Royals and is president and CEO of GSL Group, which owns Prospera Place and the Coast Capri Hotel.

The Giants’ home base is yet to be determined.

Robison told Bartel the league does not require approval from the City of Kamloops to go ahead with the bubble plan.

“We do require their support, however, to use their facilities and provide the exclusivities we need for the protection of the players and teams participating because, of course, there will be no spectators and the facilities will be closed, for the most part, outside of the participating teams and a number of people who are required to be

in the facility,” Robison told Bartel, noting both the City of Kamloops and City of Kelowna have been supportive of the league.

B.C. health orders are expected to be updated on Friday, Feb. 5, or earlier.

The tone of government officials, including Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, suggests the widespread relaxation of sporting and travel restrictions is unlikely, but a special exemption made south of the border sets precedent for something similar in B.C. Washington state on Monday updated its Sporting Activities COVID-19 Requirements, adding a major junior hockey section that paves the way for WHL action.

Clubs in two of the league’s six jurisdictions — Washington

state and Alberta — have approval from their respective governments to begin play, in both cases without spectators in the stands.

“It [B.C.] could be our last jurisdiction we’ll be dealing with,” Robison told Bartel. “We believe we have some very good discussions taking place right now in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. But, at the end of the day, we need the approval in those provinces, as well.”

There will be no inter-divisional play during the regular season.

In Alberta, league action will begin on Feb. 26. Each Central Division team will play a 24-game schedule that allows for a maximum of one opponent per week, with five-day breaks between weekend games.

Kelowna, Kamloops potential WHL hub cities

Marty Hastings KAMLOOPS THIS WEEK

The Western Hockey League is working on a plan that could see league play in B.C. begin in March.

WHL commissioner Ron Robison told Kelowna Rockets’ play-by-play man Regan Bartel the league expects to submit its proposal to B.C. health authorities on either Tuesday or Wednesday.

In B.C., current travel and sports restrictions do not allow for major junior hockey action, but the WHL has identified a hub city plan that includes a commitment to weekly polymerase chain reaction COVID-19 testing, a concept that could earn special exemption from the province.

GOLF TALK

Merritt’s Roger Sloan earned a nice five-figure payday last weekend at the Farmers Insurance Open.

The golfer reached the weekend rounds on the back of an impressive opening round of 68 followed by a Friday score of 73. He fell apart in the third round by

shooting a 78, before returning to form with a final round score of 70 to close out the tournament at one over par.

He earned a prize of just under $18,000.

THURSDAY, February 4, 2021 • 19

www.merrittherald.com

BUSINESS FEATURE

Do you want to nominate a business? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing reporter@merrittherald.com.

Shaylis Johnson has taken her creativity to the next level and turned her hobby into a business, launching shaysstampingstyles, which offers custom metal stamping for a variety of objects.

Johnson was browsing Instagram one day when she saw a photo of a cute, metal stamped keychain. She liked the idea so much that she reached out to the owner of the account to see if she could have a custom one made for herself.

“One day I stumbled onto a lady’s Instagram that made cute keychains,” Johnson explained.

“I really wanted one for the keyring for my truck keys.

I messaged her

asking to place an order and soon she accepted. Two weeks later I messaged her for a follow up to see how my keychain was coming along, she read my message and did not respond. I let a week pass because I understand life can get busy, I proceeded to message her again and to no avail. She did not respond again.”

Disappointed but not daunted, Johnson had her heart set on a metal stamped keychain and decided to explore the craft for herself.

“I decided to do some research and figure out how metal stamping works,” said Johnson.

“I decided that

if she was not going to be able to help me that I will do it myself! I headed to Kamloops on the search for metal stamping equipment and supplies.

I purchased everything I needed and decided to make some pet tags first.

I posted it on my Facebook and right away I was asked to make some for other’s pets.”

It made sense that Johnson’s first project involved pets, as she is a self professed animal lover, and dog mom to two: Kane and Jax, both of which are now employed part time as models for Johnson’s creations, sporting custom tags of their own.

“To my surprise, a small business

arose from this beautiful hobby that I love so dearly,” said Johnson, who has expanded her offerings to include more than just keychains and dog tags.

Here I can stamp letters, numbers, and designs into many types and colours and shapes of metal. Currently we offer custom dog tags, cat tags, horse bridle tags, rings, necklaces, bracelets, keychains & decorative tags along with anything anyone can think of or want.”

Johnson, a Lower Mainland transplant who moved from Langley to the Nicola Valley in 2016, is currently juggling her metal stamping business with the studies required as a fulltime student.

“I am currently a full-time student pursuing my Criminology Diploma and will be furthering my studies into a Forestry Diploma.”

In addition to running shaysstampingstyles and pursuing her post secondary education, Johnson enjoys the outdoors and exploring the Nicola Valley.

“If I am not completing orders, I am out with my two dogs Kane

and Jax either hiking, 4x4ing or just enjoying the great outdoors Merritt has to offer,” said Johnson.

“My passions include skiing, dirt biking, mountain biking and camping to name a few.

I also help with the local rescues which has been a deep passion of mine since most of my fur kids have been rescues.”

Johnson welcomes the opportunity to experiment and create one-ofa-kind pieces for customers, with each coming out completely unique.

“When I create an individual order, nothing is the same,” said Johnson.

“Even if a customer orders three of the same thing they will never come out one like the other. Each letter, number and design are individually hand stamped by me. So, if I fumble up on the last letter I must start again. It was frustrating at first but now with some experience, I absolutely love watching the creative ideas my clients bring to me blossom. I love the support the community in Merritt has given me so far and I am beyond grateful!”

To see what

Shaylis is creating, you can follow her Facebook page ‘shaysstampingstyles’, on Instagram under the same name, via email at shaylisj@gmail. com and through Shopify.

If you would like to see her work in person, you can view a selection of Johnson’s work at Miss Vicki’s Petals and Plants and Fetch Grooming in downtown Merritt, as well as Purr-fect Paws Pet Supplies in Logan Lake and Shaylon’s Grooming in Kamloops.

Fri. Feb. 5

Sat. Feb. 6

Sun. Feb. 7

Mon. Feb. 8

Tues. Feb. 9

Approved mini-storage ■ On-site rentals ■ Secured ■ Sale of New & Used storage containers ■

1750 Hill Street ■ Phone: 250-315-3000

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER.

THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WELCOME YOU Crossroads Community Church

2990 Voght St. • 250-378-2911• Service Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m.

Merritt Lutheran Fellowship

in St. Michael's Anglican Hall • 250-378-9899 Service Time: 3rd Sunday each month 1:00 p.m.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Corner of Jackson & Blair • 250-378-2919 Mass Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m.

St. Michael’s Anglican Church

1990 Chapman St. • 250-378-3772 Service Times: 2nd and 4th Sundays only - 10:00 a.m.

Trinity United Church

Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735 Service Time 2nd & 4th Sundays/ Sunday School (K-Gr. 4) - 10 am

Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave. (The Cadet Hall) Sunday Service Time: 3:30 pm • 250-280-1268

Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church 1950 Maxwell St. • 250-378-9502 Service Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

Merritt Baptist Church

Services temporarily suspended - for prayer and counselling call 250-378-2464

7 Day Weather Forecast for Merritt, BC - Thursday, Feb. 4 - Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021 Thurs. Feb. 4

CONTAIN-IT STORAGE

Wed. Feb. 10

Stain Glass by

Almerina Rizzardo

• • • • Snow High 3˚C Low: -6˚C

Mianly Sunny High: 3˚C Low: -7˚C

Mix of Sun & Clouds High: 1˚C Low: -9˚C

Light Flurries High: -1˚C Low: -9˚C

Cloudy w/Sunny Breaks High:-2˚C Low: -12˚C

Mainly Sunny High: 2˚C Low: -12˚C

Mix of Sun & Clouds High: -1˚C Low: -10˚C

STAIN GLASS SUN CATCHERS NIGHT LIGHTS PICTURE FRAMES

Creative Company 2074 Quilchena Ave. Merritt, BC Monday - Saturday Ph: 250-378-0813 Available at

20 • THURSDAY, February 4, 2021

www.merrittherald.com

CLASSIFIEDS

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 Announcements

For Sale

GET RESULTS! Post a classified in 95 newspapers in just a few clicks. Reach almost 2 million people for only $395 week for 25-word text ad or $995 for small display ad.

Choose your province or all across Canada. Best value. Save over 85% compared to booking individually. www.bccommunitynews .com/advertise or 1-866-669-9222

ORGANIC EGGS Free Running, Non GMO Fed Hens, OPEN Mondays & Fridays 12-5pm @ 1408 Pine St. $5.00/dozen

Powell River Film Festival goes online Feb 5 to 16. Streaming this gem of a festival across BC! Passes, tickets & FREE shorts. Watch online prfilmfestival.ca

Wanted Cash for gold and silver! Also buying coin collections, old money, old jewelry Contact Todd 1250-864-3521.

GET RESULTS! Reach almost 2 million people in 95 papers for only $395/week for a 25-word text ad, or $995/week for a formatted display ad bccommunitynews.com/ advertise 1-866-669-9222

Book by province or whole country and save over 85%!

Birthdays

Share your event with the community KamloopsThisWeek.com merrittherald.com /events

Birthdays

65 and fabulous!

Happy Birthday

Jenny

Special Events

Special Events

PLEASE PLEASE RECYCLE RECYCLE THIS THIS NEWSPAPER. NEWSPAPER.

Follow us

@MerrittHerald @KamThisWeek

Obituaries

Obituaries

William James Strande

Obituaries

Obituaries

MERRITT & DISTRICT HOSPICE SOCIETY

Jan. 20, 1989 - Nov. 19, 2020

Gone but not forgotten.

Billy’s life was a hard & complicated one. As a young boy he lost his mother, Candace Venuti (Thomson) much like gravity, the influence strongest and most grounding inuence in his young life to cancer. He was adopted by his aunt and uncle, Donna and Doug Mikalishen and cousin Nathan Forgaard. Throughout his life he always took responsibility for who he was. To his friends and family he will always be remembered as a generous, loving, honest and honourable soul.

Written by William (Billy) GROWING OUT OF THE STREET Growing out on the streets, you’d think was hard. But it wasn’t, it was the easiest thing I’ve ever done.

What was hard was not knowing what to do, If the only thing you’re good at is the ruin of you.

I’ve seen red on white, even cold blue, i’ve lived on such crazy units, they’re called the zoo.

31 years made me a rock, even though at 13 I graduated to the block.

Homie’s used to say, how can you throw such stats away, my reply; When you’re a boss you’ll always know the way.

No one believes it, and they’ll say it’s a con, but life on the streets you’re only a John, no wife to love you nobody is there.

A man with value is a man that lasts, but a boy with money will turned ash.

Seeing what’s real shows the importance of couth, integrity, self worth is my new truth, it gives me power more mighty than Zeus.

In Williams last months he wrote a letter to a longtime friend. Asking how and if it was possible for him to become involved with at risk youth. Speaking about his in life experiences, to help guide young men and women in a positive way. Hopefully helping detour some of them from making the same choices he had made.

His burgeoning quest ultimately never came to fruition.

William is survived by his father, Rick Strande, his sister, Milan Venuti, brother, Jessie Eller, adopted mother and father, (auntie and uncle) Donna and Doug Mikalishen. His adopted brother, (cousin) Nathan Forgaard, and many more aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, nieces and nephews. Many of whom are too young to ever get to know him, see and remember his unique bright light.

He is loved and will be missed.

ADVANCE CARE PLANNING is a choice that allows individuals to make health care decisions now, in case they cannot give consent for treatments offered in the future P: 250-280-1701

www.merritthospice.org Email: merritthospice@shaw.ca

Merritt Funeral Chapel A Division of Service Corporation International (Canada) ULC

Celebrating each life like no other REGULAR OFFICE HOURS On Call 24 Hours A Day

Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Fri.: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m

www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com 2113 Granite Ave., Merritt, BC

250-378-2141 or 1-800-668-3379 Employment

Employment

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 58 (NICOLA-SIMILKAMEEN)

STRONGSTART COORDINATOR Applications are invited for the StrongStart Coordinator position at Merritt Central Elementary School.

The successful applicant will be responsible for facilitating an early childhood parent/caregiver participation program that encourages early learning and provides parental support.

For information regarding responsibilities and qualications, please refer to the district’s website under Job Code # 2972996.

Electronic application submissions are accepted at www.sd58.bc.ca.

Applications, including a detailed resume with a minimum of three references, will be accepted until February 12, 2021 with a start date of February 22, 2021. Please forward to: Attention: Lindsey Henderson Manager of Human Resources School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen) P.O. Box 4100, 1550 Chapman Street Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Fax: (250) 378-6263 sblonde@365.sd58.bc.ca Only those applicants being interviewed will be contacted.

Call to advertise at: 250-378-4241

Employment

Employment

Nlha’7kapmx Child and Family Services Ofce Location: 987 George Road, Lytton, BC, V0K 1Z0 Phone: 250-455-2118/1-888-228-2118

Employment Opportunity

CASE MANAGER

We are seeking a fully qualied and dynamic individual, with a diversied background in various aspects of child welfare protection to deliver services to all the children living in communities afliated with the agency.

The Caseworker will develop and supervise a comprehensive plan of care that will ensure the safety and well-being of children in permanent care ranging from 0-18 years of age. The Caseworker will ensure that cultural and traditional experiences will be incorporated into the child’s learning and plans for transition to adulthood. The Caseworker will develop positive working relationships with the extended family, foster families, community and create a meaningful relationship with the child in care.

Qualifications/Requirements: • Bachelor of Social Work Degree, with C-6 Delegation or can be delegated, under the current Child, Family and Community Service Act legislative authority; minimum two years’ experience in child protection or Human Service eld.

• Understanding of Nlaka’pamux culture and traditions to respond to a child’s cultural identity and support participation in community activities and events.

• Ensure safety standards of care are being followed and comply to quality assurance standards.

• Receive and investigate all reports of child abuse, neglect and abandonment.

• Ensure appropriate placements are supervised and monitored appropriately.

• File information on the child’s placement, progress, health and education is maintained and all required legal documents are kept current.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills to work independently or collaboratively in a community-based environment.

• Procient using a variety of computer applications in Microsoft and ability to learn and use new software systems and social media platforms or networking sites..

Conditions of Employment: • A valid BC Driver License if required.

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check is a requirement for all NCFSS positions.

• Candidate must be willing to travel to six communities afliated with agency.

• Non-standard hours of work for on-call or emergency response.

Salary: Relevant experience and qualications will be evaluated. .

Closing Date: Review of applications will continue until the position is lled.

Submit by Fax or Email: Letter of application, resume and two reference letters. Fax: 250-455-2117 or Email: laverne@n7xservices.com Preference will rst be awarded to internal candidates, individuals with Aboriginal ancestry, and community members meeting the requirements. Thank you for your interest in this position, only those applicants shortlisted, will be contacted for an interview.

THURSDAY, February 4, 2021 • 21

www.merrittherald.com Employment

Employment

Nlha’7kapmx Child and Family Services Ofce Location: 987 George Road, Lytton, BC, V0K 1Z0 Phone: 250-455-2118/1-888-228-2118

Employment Opportunity

TEAM LEADER

We are seeking a fully qualied and dynamic individual to be responsible for the management and delivery of the child protection services in accordance with policies and procedures established by the agency. The Team Leader plans, organizes, directs and controls the dayto-day operations for child protection, in accordance with the mandate, provided by the Board of Directors and as required by the Child, Family and Community Services Act and other applicable legislation. The Team Leader will ensure child focused services are done in consultation with any one of the six Nlaka’pamux communities afliated with the agency.

Qualifications/Requirements: • Bachelor of Social Work degree or a Masters designation is preferred; minimum of ve years’ experience in a leadership role involving operations management, within a delegated Aboriginal agency or social service organization, delivering child welfare services to Aboriginal communities.

• Leading and planning, development and monitoring of the agency’s child protection, alternative care, wellness and addictions, and mental health services.

• Assist in the development of social work policies and procedures and make recommendations to meet the goals and objectives established by the agency.

• Anticipates the needs and types of resources required by the agency to provide the services, programs and activities of the agency and consults with the Executive Director to negotiate funding proposals to meet the needs of the communities and to identify specied resources.

• Ensures programs meet contractual expectations, cultural and traditional needs of families and communities and legislative and professional requirements.

• Championing the management process by providing supervision to ensure expectations are met in decision making by setting goals, planning, organizing, leading and controlling the course of action being taken.

• Works with the Practice Analyst to ensure a coordinated approach to review quality assurance activities, the practice audits and case review programs.

• Ensure all child protection, resources, addictions, mental health and prevention programs and services are delivered in a culturally appropriate manner and the case plans contain specic Nlaka’pamux cultural components.

Conditions of Employment: • A valid BC Driver’s License.

• A Criminal Record Check is a requirement for all NCFSS positions.

• Candidate must be willing to travel to six communities afliated with agency.

• Non-standard hours of work for on-call or emergency response.

Salary: Relevant experience and qualications will be evaluated.

Employment

Employment

Employment

Employment

Employment

Employment

Scw’exmx Tribal Council (STC)

#202-2090 COUTLEE AVENUE P.O. BOX 188, MERRITT, BC V1K 1B8 Phone (250) 378-4235 Fax (250) 378-9119 e-mail: administration@scwexmxtribal.org

Internal/External Posting Employment Placement Specialist The Scw’exmx Tribal Council, also known as the STC, was formed as an effort of the Scw’exmx Chiefs to advance the issues of aboriginal rights. We are looking for an Employment Placement Specialist to work out of the Merritt WorkBC ofce and provide career/employment counselling support to clients as well as promoting employment and training programs in a friendly, courteous and helpful manner.

The Position: The Scw’exmx Tribal Council is looking for a dynamic individual for the position of Employment Counsellor. The Employment Placement Advisor will serve as an advocate and link for clients of the Indigenous Skills Employment and Training Program. This is a full-time term position starting on April 1, 2021 and ending on March 31, 2022.

Relevant Knowledge and Abilities • Knowledge of business machine operations: fax, photocopier, computer and scanner; • Prepare training contract documents for approval; • Work with clients to develop return to work action plans and maintain; • Develop progress and continuous development strategies and goals for each participant; • Evaluates client eligibility for programs and services; • Demonstrate ability to multi-task, set priorities effectively under tight deadlines and problem solve; • Interviews clients and identies interests, skills, suitability and job readiness; • Experience in public speaking and group facilitation.

Requirements and Qualications: • Minimum of diploma in social sciences discipline (education, social work) or career practitioner certication, with 2-¬3 years of experience or the equivalent combination of education and work experience; • Strong technical competency of computer skills and knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft applications, Outlook and database; • A valid BC Drivers’ license with a drivers’ abstract, reliable vehicle and willingness to travel on STC business are required; • Work experience with Aboriginal organizations; • Maintain condentiality on all client les and other relevant information; • Provide itinerant services to outlying regions on a regular basis.

In accordance with the STC Human Resource Policy, the rst priority will be to hire qualied persons of Scw’exmx ancestry.

Pursuant to the Aboriginal Employment Preferences Policy within the Canadian Human Rights Act, preference may be given to applicants of Aboriginal ancestry.

If you are interested in a career like this with a great organization, please submit your resume, cover letter, and references (saved as one Word document) referencing EmploymentPlacement Specialist in the email subject line to director@scwexmtribal.org by noon February 19, 2021.

Following position is now available at the Best Western Plus Merritt Hotel.

GUEST SERVICES Looking for an enthusiastic individual to join the Best Western team.

Must be eager to learn, self-motivating and have great time management skills.

Strong interpersonal skills are required for guest interaction.

Please respond with resume in person.

VALUE ADDED LUMBER REMANUFACTURING PLANT

PRODUCTION WORKERS

• Good wages • Steady day shift • Students welcome to apply • No experience necessary • Will train

TRUCK DRIVERS WITH CLASS 1

FULL & PART TIME WAITRESSES WANTED No phone calls please Please drop off resume to: 2052 Quilchena, Avenue, Merritt, B.C.

Local steady work

LICENCED SECURITY GUARDS CERTIFIED FORKLIFT OPERATORS CARPENTERS Please submit resume in person to 1195 Houston Street, Merritt B.C. 250-378-6161

Your Community Newspaper

The Scw’exmx Tribal Council thanks all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Attention

Inventors!

Ideas wanted!

Call Davison today!

1.800.218.2909 or visit us at

inventing.davison.com/BC

Free inventor’s guide!

Catch your next job in our employment section.

TODAY'S PUZZLE ANSWERS

Closing Date: Review of applications will continue until the position is lled.

Submit by Fax or Email: Letter of application, resume and two reference letters. Fax: 250-455-2117 or Email: laverne@n7xservices.com Preference will rst be awarded to internal candidates, individuals with Aboriginal ancestry, and community members meeting the requirements. Thank you for your interest in this position, only those applicants shortlisted, will be contacted for an interview.

250-378-4241

call to place your ad

To advertise in To advertise in Employment Employment call 604-630-3300 Call 250-378-4241

22 • THURSDAY, February 4, 2021

www.merrittherald.com

Merritt’s

SUDOKU

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a Sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.

PUZZLE ANSWERS ON SEPARATE PAGE

ACROSS

1. Nuclear near reach weapon 5. Of she 8. Hyperbolic function 12. Rice dish 14.Ateam’s best pitcher 15. Strong and healthy 16. Induces 18. Popular manga series 19. From a distance 20. Split 21. Consumed 22. Cushions 23.All over

DOWN

1. Prevents oil spills 2. Monetary unit 3. The color of the sky 4. Dough used to make tortillas 5. Popular comic strip character 6. Distinct form of a plant 7. Replenishment 8. Has its own altar 9. Expedition to see animals 10. Group of related organisms 11. His and __ 13. Frenetically 17. Small integer 24. Unit of energy

26. One who provides food 30. St. __ Girl, brand of beer 31. Walking slowly 32. Wood 33. Semitic gods 34. Bugle 39. 60-minute periods (abbr.)

42. Congressman 44. Plant of the heath family 46. Subdivision of an army 47. Having many different forms 49. Shellfish 50. Latin for hail

51. Between sixth and seventh 56. Maori war dance 57. Precious or semiprecious stone 58. Teeter totter 59. Deity 60.Amajor division of geological time 61. Fishing net 62. Small Caribbean bird 63. Field force unit 64. Japanese beverage

25. Studies of culture 26. Taxi 27. Doctors’group 28. Don’t know when yet 29. Former measure of length 35. Popular CBS series 36. Skin condition 37. Christian creator and ruler of the universe 38. They __ 40. Caused severe damage 41. Work done under harsh conditions for no pay 42. One point east of due south

43. Sea eagles 44. Drenched 45. State capital 47. Italian city 48. Sweetheart (archaic) 49. Brief talk 52. Popular disco group: Bee __ 53. First Chinese dynasty 54. Military vehicle 55. Chinese Moslem

Please thoroughly wash your hands to keep everyone healthy.

STORAGE FACILITY

rates • RV storage • Secured • Great rage units available • Container or sto it te for entry and ex • Coded electric ga

ONE FOR RENT NEED A SHOP WE HAVE 250-280-8704 ail.com istorage@gm

nicolavalleymin

ACCOUNTING SERVICLES

OFESSIONA FOR ALL YOUR PR OKKEEPING ACCOUNTING & BO NEEDS COME SEE

are.ca

A, CA • www.carriew

c, CP Carrie Ware, BS t, BC V1K 1B8 na Avenue, Merrit

1964 Quilche rrieware.ca 5 • reception@ca Tel: (250) 378-221

EDUCATION BURSARIES

THURSDAY, February 4, 2021 • 23

Local Business Directory MORTGAGE BROKER

Buying a home? me?

Refinancing your ho

Colleen Way

u!

1.800.487.9035

.com colleenMway@gmail

cialist

LICENSED CANNABIS Quilchena Cannabis Co.

MU

HERE FOR YOU!

• Tune Ups • Brakes • Exhaust • Suspension • Lube/Oil •Radiator Service • Shocks & Struts • Air Conditioning Service 2026 Mamette Avenue

250-378-1322

Toll Free: 1-800-665-8711 www.danalbas.com

PLUMBING & HEATING

g n i t a e H & g n i b m Nicola Plu

DENTIST

Plumbing, Heating, Bonded Gas Fitters.

Service Work & Furnace Service.

Custom Sheet Metal Atlas RV Parts & Repairs

NEW PATIENTS & WALK-INS WELCOME

GENERAL DENTISTS & SPECIALIST ORTHODONTISTS AVAILABLE

PHONE: 250-378-4943

S T BE

19+

Call

2064 Coutlee Ave., Merritt, BC

Call 250-378-5 420 Unit B-1937 Quilchena Ave., Merritt BC

CLEANING SERVICES

OVAL ATE ASBESTOS REM CERTIFIED IN MODER

250-378-9410

ING CARPET CLEATN OU CLEANING – UPHOLSTERY & TILE & GR FLOOD & JANITORIAL SERVICES m co

gandrestoration.

www.tbmcleanin

DanAlbas4COSN

@DanAlbas

Fully Qualied Tradesmen in..

Quilchena Canna Company

BOOK TODAY!

FRANK’S MECHANICAL SERVICE OLD OR NEW WE HAVE WARRANTY APPROVED MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONS FOR EVERYONE

best Mor tgage for yo

Your Merritt Mortgage Spe

ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE

250-378-4888 to book your appointment.

HOURS

Tuesday: 9 am - 6 pm Wednesday - Thursday: 9 am - 5 pm Friday and Saturday: 9 am - 4 pm Dr. J. Sarao-DMD, Dr. S. Malhotra-DDS, Dr. R. Dutt-DMD

2731 Forksdale Avenue, V1K 1R9

www.dentistryatmerritt.ca

INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

TREE SERVICE

COMFORT, CLARITY AND CONFIDENCE

JIM POTTER

THROUGH A COMPLETE

MERRITT TREE SERVICE

FINANCIAL PLAN Cashflow and Insurance Planning Portfolio Management Tax and Estate Planning

• Fully insured, certified faller • WSBC covered • Dangerous tree assessment

Contact Kyle for your plan today!

➤Schedule your FREE Estimate Cell Phone: 250-879-6306 • Office: 250-372-2955 Ext. 259 e-mail: Kyle.schell@ig.ca • Website: http://advisor.investorsgroup.com/en/kyle_schell

CALL JIM at 250-378-4212

09 TF: 1-877-612-09

Solutions for your tree problems!

ADVERTISING

21, 2021 • 27 THURSDAY, January

GET YOUR BUSINESS NOTICED!

ory Y ou r Local Business Direct

y to A brighter da MECHANIC ve make a mo FRANK’S MECHANICAL SERVICE

APPROVED OLD OR NEW WE HAVE WARRANTY FOR EVERYONE MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONS BC. I have relocated to Merritt, Investmen•ts.Tune Ups and I am pleased to announce • Brakes • Exhaust of experience in Insurance visit me at• Suspension • Lube/Oil I bring with me 18 years to meeting you, please & Struts forward Shocks • looking really Service I am •Radiator Service • Air Conditioning 1988 Quilchena Avenue.

250-378-1322 for Life.

2026 Mamette Avenue hter day to Let’s talk about Money

PRIME ADVERTISING LOCATION!

® * Leslee Lucy CFP CPCA

A brig e make a mov INVESTMENT/INSURANCE

ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE

under the sun

1988 Quilchena for Life.

Let’s talk about Money *

Quilchena y Canna Compan

@DanAlbas

DanAlbas4COSN

-8711 Toll Free: 1-800-665 www.danalbas.com

IF YOUR READING THIS, THEN YOU KNOW IT WORKS!

CPCA

Investment Services (Canada)

by of the Sun Life Financial Mutual funds distributed of Canada is a member 2017.

Sun Life Assurance Company Company of Canada, © Sun Life Assurance

GENERAL ONTISTS AVAILABLE HOURS pm SPECIALIST ORTHOD -6 Tuesday: 9 am

Ave.,

CLEANING SERVICES

4241 250-378-ublishing .com

kcouture@aberdeenp

BOOK TODAY!

REMOVAL

250-378-9410

CARPET CLEANING UPHOLSTERY & TILE & GROUT CLEANING – FLOOD & JANITORIAL SERVICES

www.tbmcleaningandrestoration.com

appointment.

250-378-4888 Avenue, V1K 1R9 to book your

2731 Forksdale

itt.ca www.dentistryatmerr, Dr. R. Dutt-DMD

Dr. J. Sarao-DMD,

CERTIFIED IN MODERATE ASBESTOS

ation For more inform contact Ken at:

DENTIST

Call

-4943 PHONE: 250-378Merritt, BC

2064 Coutlee

s!

Advertising work in our Place your ad ctory!

Business Dire

420

Call 250-378-5 a Ave., Merritt BC Unit B-1937 Quilchen

S WELCOME NEW PATIENTS & WALK-IN DENTISTS &

Inc.

ADVERTISING ALD MERRITT HER

BE

19+

& He ati Pl um bin g

funds distributed sun by Sun Life Financial Mutual the Services (Canada) Inc. Life’s brighter under group of companies.

Sun Life Financial Investment

Be sure to give me a call if you want to reserve your advertisement in this spot.

Ask for ken or TheresA• 250-378-4241

®

3499 Voght Street P.O. Box 639 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8

Nic ola

ST

NG PLUMBING & HEATI ng

Plumbing, Furnace Service.

Service Work & Custom Sheet Metal Repairs Atlas RV Parts &

Life’s brighter Leslee Lucy CFP Services (Canada) Inc. of companies.

by Sun Life Financial Investment Tel: 250-574-4730 the Sun Life Financial group Mutual funds distributed of Canada is a member of leslee.lucy@sunlife.com Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2017. www.sunlife.ca/leslee.lucy © Sun Life Assurance Company

bis Co.

Quilchena Canna

Tel: 250-574-4730 leslee.lucy@sunlife.com cy www.sunlife.ca/leslee.lu Merritt, BC. I have relocated to Investments.

3499 Voght Street talk about Let’sand I am pleased to announce in Insurance at years of experience me Life for visit n in..

Money I bring with me 18 you, please P.O. Box 639 forward to meeting Fully Qualied Tradesme I am really looking Gas Fitters.

Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 Heating, Bonded Avenue.

This is a full colour business card size space on a 1, 3, 6 month or more contract.

LICENSED CANNABIS

HERE FOR YOU!

MU

My Goal: Find the

MECHANIC

Wednesday - Thursday: 9 am - 5 pm Friday and Saturday: 9 am - 4 pm

Dr. S. Malhotra-DDS

TEGIES INVESTMENT STRA

CLARITY COMFORT, IDENCE AND CONF LETE A COMP THROUGH

L PLAN

FINANCIA

Insurance Planning Cashflow and ent Portfolio Managem Planning Tax and Estate

plan today! for your Contact Kyle

Ext. 259 hell • Office: 250-372-2955 om/en/kyle_sc nvestorsgroup.c Cell Phone: 250-879-6306 http://advisor.i ca • Website: e-mail: Kyle.schell@ig.

TF: 1-877-612-0909

TREE SERVICE JIM POTTER

E MERRITT TREE SERVIC

faller • Fully insured, certified • WSBC covered assessmen t • Dangerous tree FREE Estimate ➤Schedule your 8-4212 CALL JIM at 250-37problems!

tree Solutions for your

ADVERTISING

nding Are you expa t base? your clien

way an accessible Looking for to find you? for people ” page Directory “Local Business Full Colour!

Herald’s Always JOIN theEvery nt Thursday, committme 1 month

*with minimum each week.

5330 readers Reach over or 250-378-4241 .com Theresa at Contact r@merrittherald Email: publishe

24 • THURSDAY, February 4, 2021

www.merrittherald.com

MerrittMerritt Real Estate Services Ltd.Ltd. HELPING SERVING MERRITT & AREA FOR 40 YEARS! HELPINGYOU YOU IS IS WHAT WHAT WE WE DO! SERVING MERRITT & AREA FOR 40 YEARS! Real Estate Services

A Home Changes Everything!

Visit: www.royallepage.ca/merritt for a complete list of current listings

3499 Voght St. Merritt BC V1K 1C6

250-378-6181

email: rlpmerit@telus.net

4830 SADDLE CRESCENT

$110,000 248 CALCITE DRIVE LOGAN LAKE

$449,900

3 BEDROOM 2 BATH NEWLY DESIGNED HOME with a walk out basement in beautiful Logan Lake is nearing the finishing stages. Open concept design with a large 11 X 15 deck out the back overlooking the Highland Valley. Home has a double garage, and a 1300 sqft unfinished basement for the handyman. 30 min from Kamloops or 40 min from MLS# 159811 Merritt.

TRANQUILITY IN THE AREA OF MILE HIGH RESORT. Thinking of building that retirement home, summer get away or just building your dream home.

Then look no further as this .29 acre lot is for you.

Easy access to Face lake. The lake boasts rainbow trout averaging 1.5-2 LBS. In winter, skating on the lake provides a picturesque view.

MLS# 155423

FREDERICK SINGER (LOGAN LAKE): • 250-318-8392 •email: fred.singer@royallepage.ca

2915 TRANS CANADA HWY

$1,050,000 2264 COUTLEE AVENUE

$399,000

LARGE 2 STOREY HOME LOCATED NEAR ALL AMENITIES IN AN EXCELLENT LOCATION. Plenty of room for your family with the main floor consisting of 3 beds and 1 baths, large kitchen with a newer gas range.

The lower level has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. The home is currently occupied by long-term tenants. Newer roof, hwt 2020 and home has central air.

MLS# 160105

AMAZING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY LOCATED RIGHT ON THE TRANS CANADA HWY JUST OUTSIDE OF LYTTON. This 37.96 Acre property boasts endless opportunities for anyone looking to run their own business. This large commercial building was operational as the famous Shaw Springs 60 seat Restaurant with 32 site full hook RV park.

MLS# 160180

JENNIFER KIGHTLEY: • 250-315-3256 •email: jenniferkightley@royallepage.ca

$100,000 2499 PRIEST AVENUE

2742 EAGLE CRESCENT

$425,000 FOUR BAY 3,856 SQUARE FOOT SHOP WITH 600 AMP SERVICE, GAS HEATERS, OFFICE AREA AND LOADS OF ROOM TO WORK AND STORE EQUIPMENT. Each bay has good sized doors and 60 amp service. 45 foot C can at back stays with building

LOT IN NEWER BENCH AREA OF MERRITT. HAS 58 FEET OF FRONTAGE AND IS LOCATED IN AN AREA OF NEWER HOMES. Close to shops and a number of trails in the area. All underground services are at road.

MLS# #160186

MLS# 160233 Managing Broker

JOHN ISAAC: • 250-378-1586 •email: johnisaac@telus.net

2672 GRANITE AVENUE

D

L SO

$519,500 7-1401 NICOLA AVENUE

$80,900

THIS WELL KEPT 1992 MANUFACTURED HOME IS LOCATED IN A CENTRAL LOCATION CLOSE TO THE DOWNTOWN CORE. This mobile has a 24 X 12 addition which includes a mudroom and enclosed 14 X 11 deck. There is also a small garden shed and enclosed area for your small pet. This is a tenanted unit.

HURRY! THIS WELL MAINTAINED AND SPACIOUS 7 BEDROOM, 4 1/2 BATHROOM FAMILY HOME WILL NOT LAST LONG. The home has many features including a a nicely finished 2 bdrm legal suite on the ground level and a separate area for guests.

MLS# 159099

MLS# 159910

TONY LUCK: • 604-217-5825 •email: tjluck@royallepage.ca

2455 BURGESS AVENUE

$210,000 2223 BURGESS AVENUE

ENJOY THE COUNTRY ATMOSPHERE RIGHT WITHIN THE CITY ON THIS .77 ACRE LOT located in a prestigious neighborhood on a quiet cul de sac. This lot is offers over 200 feet of river frontage and is located within walking distance to Central Park, churches and the downtown core.

D

L SO

$719,000

GORGEOUS CUSTOM DESIGN RANCHER WITH LEGAL SUITE ON .51 ACRES IN ONE OF MERRITT’S MOST SOUGHT AFTER NEIGHBORHOODS. This stunning home boasts a gourmet kitchen with granite counter tops, hickory cabinets and amazing walk-in pantry MLS#159094

MLS# 157710 Personal Real Estate Corporation

DEBRA SCHINDLER: • 250-315-3548 •email: debbieschindler2@gmail.com

$229,900 1320 VOGHT STREET

2125B CLARKE AVENUE

$169,900

THIS 2000 SQFT, 3 BED, 2 FULL BATH 1/2 DUPLEX could be nicely updated for a growing family with the basement waiting for your ideas. 42 x 130 ft lot with access to the backyard. Close to schools and shopping! Currently tenanted.

THIS 70 X 254 FT LOT IS ZONED R2 WHICH ALLOWS FOR DUPLEX OR MULTI-FAMILY USE. New zoning amendments allow for more lot coverage or build your home and have a carriage house above the garage for additional income!

MLS# 159813

MLS# 160031

DENISE DESILETS: • 250-315-8395 •email: denisedesilets@royallepage.ca

111 VEALE ROAD

Owner/Broker

$799,000 441 BAILEY ROAD

$549,900

RETIRE IN STYLE ON THIS 9.88 ACREAGE AND HORSE PROPERTY JUST 4 MINUTES FROM MERRITT. Home built in 2020 and offers outstanding quality. You will fall in love with the views from the large master bedroom with beautiful ensuite, walk in closet and french doors onto the deck.

ONE LOOK WILL DO! UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS, INSIDE AND OUTSIDE EVERYTHING WILL PLEASE YOU in this distinctive 3 bedroom, 3 bath country home with solid maple floors and kitchen cabinets with large island and beautiful crown moldings.

MLS#159378

MLS# 159022

CLAUDETTE EDENOSTE: • 250-280-0689 •email: claudetteedenoste@royallepage.ca