SOCKS
Local family delivers socks, support and joy to children in Guatemala in memory of lost daughter.
THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2025
A SMALL CITY WITH BIG WATER SOLUTIONS
Mayor Mike Goetz highlights local action during visit from B.C.’s water minister, including infrastructure plans and community-wide conservation
LAÍSA CONDÉ editor@merrittherald.com
Mayor Mike Goetz says Merritt is stepping up as a leader in water conservation, following a recent visit from B.C.’s new Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Randene Neill.
Neill visited the Nicola Valley earlier this month on what the mayor described as a “fact-finding mission.”
Goetz said he and other officials first joined her at Nicola Lake for a watershed governance ceremony, before returning to Merritt to discuss the city’s water management strategies and long-term drought response.
“She’s new to the role, and she’s out there listening, trying to understand what communities are dealing with,” Goetz said. “She was impressed that we’ve voluntarily moved into a constant Level 3 water restriction.”
While much of the province waited for provincial direction to trigger higher water
MINISTER: continued on page 3
BUS SERVICE EXPANSION
BC Transit is looking to expand operations in Merritt and the Nicola Valley.
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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS
CHANGING ATTITUDES, ONE DROP AT A TIME
: continued from page 1
restrictions during last year’s extreme drought, Merritt chose to implement Level 3 protocols early and stuck with them all year. According to Goetz, this proactive stance helped the city avoid slipping into Level 4 or Level 5, which are the most severe restriction level.
“We found that staying at Level 3 the whole year helped us save water. And it worked, while most of the province moved to Level 4, we didn’t have to,” he said. Fixing infrastructure and planning ahead
The mayor also raised the issue of a deep well near Kengard that could help bolster Merritt’s water supply, but remains offline due to high levels of manganese. A treatment system estimated at $3.5 million would be required to make the water usable.
“We asked the minister to look at ways to help us fund a small processing plant so we can bring that well online,” said Goetz. “It’s a 500-foot well, and we’re the only ones drawing from it. It’s an untapped resource.”
Another significant step the city is taking is the installation of water meters across the community. Goetz, a former critic of water meters, now sees them as vital tools in identifying leaks and improving efficiency.
“For the first few years, it’ll just be data collection,” he explained. “We’ve been listed as one of the biggest water losers for a city our size for 15 years. We want to find out where we’re losing it and fix that.”
The meters were funded through a federal grant received two years ago and are being installed at no cost to residents.
Collaborating with First Nations and farmers
Water conservation is not just a municipal issue, it involves regional cooperation. Goetz
said the City of Merritt continues to collaborate with the Nicola Watershed Governance Partnership, which includes First Nations, TNRD directors, and the province.
“Every time a new business or project comes in, the first question people ask is:
‘Do we have enough water?’” he said. “We need to show that we’re managing this resource seriously.”
As agricultural operations often face public criticism during drought, Goetz is seeking clarity on farmers’ water licenses to ensure fair public understanding.
“They’re under different licenses than we are,” he said. “We’re meeting with some of the agricultural folks to get factual information, not just what comes through social media.”
Responding to algae blooms and future storage
Goetz and Minister Neill also discussed the worsening algae bloom in Nicola Lake. While the lake itself is outside Merritt’s jurisdiction, its health directly affects the Nicola River and the community’s longstanding recreational use of Monck Park.
“This bloom is worse than anything I’ve seen since I moved here in 1977,” Goetz said. “We need better monitoring and early warnings from the province. The alarm wasn’t really raised until after an animal died.”
City officials are also considering water storage strategies to improve long-term drought resilience. Goetz acknowledged the complexity of balancing environmental protection—such as fish habitat—with storage needs.
“We talked about things like putting water back into the ground or using fallow fields for water storage,” he said. “We know we
can’t put in dams, but we need creative solutions.”
Conservation-focused growth
As Merritt continues to grow, Goetz said the city is prioritizing developments with low water usage.
For example, the incoming Bell AI Centre will rely on a closed-loop water cooling system, and other upcoming businesses, such as Mako Furniture factory, are also expected to have minimal water demands.
“Light industrial is easier on our water resources,” he said. “That’s what we’re looking for, businesses that can thrive here without putting more pressure on the aquifer.”
The city has also started adapting its own landscaping by using drought-resistant and native plants. Merritt now grows many of its municipal flowers in a city-owned greenhouse, with plans to expand that program in the coming years.
Changing attitudes, one resident at a time
Goetz said attitudes toward water have shifted dramatically in the 18 years he’s
been in local government.
“When I came onto council in 2008, nobody talked about water,” he said. “Now it’s almost the number one topic. People here are passionate about it, and they’re paying attention.”
He urged residents to follow the city’s watering rules, which allow for twice-a-week watering and unlimited hand watering, and to avoid tactics like running drip hoses outside designated days.
“It’s not about depriving anyone,” Goetz said. “It’s about using water wisely so we can all continue living here. Without water, we don’t have a community.”
Goetz said he expects to continue discussions with Minister Neill at the upcoming Union of BC Municipalities convention in September. In the meantime, the city will keep moving forward with conservation strategies and regional partnerships.
“Be mindful,” he said. “If we all do our part, we can shed that old label and show the rest of the province how a small city can lead on water.”
PHOTO/CITY OF MERRITT
B.C. Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Randene Neill met up with Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz and city staff to talk about water conservation.
AQUIFERS DROP, RIVERS SHRINK: DROUGHT CATCHES VALLEY OFF GUARD
been average on the scale.
After a decent snowpack in the spring, drought seemed to hit the valley with surprise as groundwater levels in the aquifers and streamflow levels in the Coldwater River are reaching their minimum levels within recent years.
“Drought sort of snuck up on us,” said Patrick Farmer, a water authorizations specialist with the ministry of forests. Farmer works with the Nk’e?xep Management Committee within the Nicola Watershed Governance Partnership agreement to regulate water usage within the valley. He said his role is to look at long-term drought effects and preventative solutions, while working with Indigenous knowledge.
Farmer said snowpack levels looked decent in the early part of the year, with the Coldwater River getting fine amounts of snow and the watershed getting a good amount of water.
An early melting of the snow - with the freshet happening in March instead of late April or May - changed that trend, Farmer said.
“The story of this season so far is the early melt of the snow,” he said. “Our streams are really low, they’re very low for this time of year. Most of them are setting records for how low they are.”
He pointed at groundwater levels for the aquifer under Airport Road, and how the depth level is dropping as summer started. Usually it is not supposed to plummet steeply, he said, instead a normal curve for levels to go up-and-down.
Farmer said this downward trend in water-levels is likely to continue as current levels aren’t at their minimum for the near future months.
Still, he said there is a slim hope for water levels, as recent precipitation levels have
But he said “average” won’t be able to pull them out of the current water decline, and saying he wouldn’t count on rain levels increasing.
“If we continue to get rain, that will lessen the impacts of drought for sure,” he said.
Farmer said the heat tends to lead to exponential water use, with higher temperatures not only contributing to drought naturally, but with leading people to use more water through recreational and luxury use, like using the pool more often or lawn watering, for example.
With these issues straining water supply, food supply tends to struggle as well, especially for the wildlife.
He said all wildlife struggle from low water levels, from the Chinook, who are expected to suffer from the low streamflow, to the beavers who tend to gravitate to these rivers for their dams.
According to both the city and Farmer’s data, there are different high water users throughout the city.
Highland Valley Copper is one that Farmer gave an example of at the beginning of the presentation, who withdrew 145,770 ml of water for their operations in 2023 - a majority of which being from surface and groundwater sources.
Highland Valley Copper’s recent expansion will require even more water to support the additional demand, according to an information fact sheet from 2022.
While industries like mining and cattle don’t adhere to regulations imposed by the City of Merritt, experts say they are happy to work within water regulations.
According to the B.C. Government, Highland Valley Copper has 17 legally-binding conditions which ties them to First Nations interests which includes watershed management.
PHOTO/TY LIM
Nicola Valley faces water crunch after early snow melt and high temperatures.
Burning wooden pallet found by the fire crew.
CREWS CONTAIN HUMAN-CAUSED FIRE
LAÍSA CONDÉ
editor@merrittherald.com
A fast-moving wildfire on the west side of Merritt prompted a rapid emergency response late Thursday night (July 24) after flames were spotted dangerously close to residential areas.
The blaze, which broke out near Lookout Access Road off Juniper Drive, was reported at 11:35 p.m. on July 24. Merritt Fire Rescue Department deployed 19 firefighters to the scene, supported by BC Wildfire Service Initial Attack crews.
Thanks to the swift action, the fire – estimated at 0.5 hectares – was quickly brought under control and fully contained by 1 a.m. on July 25.
Fire crews found burning wooden pallets that ignited nearby grass and brush, sparking the wildfire.
Authorities have confirmed the fire was human-caused, and the Merritt RCMP has
launched an investigation into the circumstances. Those who have any information about the fire are asked to contact the RCMP.
“This fire on the west side of the city had the potential to spread rapidly, and we’re fortunate it was reported quickly and brought under control before it escalated,”
Fire Chief Dave Tomkinson said in a press release. “The presence of burning pallets is deeply concerning.”
Officials are reminding the public that wildfire risk remains high throughout the region.
A category 2 and 3 open fire ban remains in effect across the Kamloops Fire Centre, including Merritt. While small category 1 campfires are still permitted within city limits, a valid permit is required.
The public is also reminded that unauthorized burning is strictly prohibited and any suspicious fire activity should be reported immediately.
‘IT’S ABOUT WATER CONSERVATION’
WATER: continued from page 4
Auston Chhor, an biologist with Raincoast, who recently conducted a study on streamflow in the Coldwater River, said the agriculture sector has been “very compliant” with warnings that water levels or stream flows are low.
Farmer said the city has done good “tightening their belt” around water restrictions and conservation efforts, including the highly-discussed water meter system which sees people measuring and paying for the water they use individually.
Mayor Mike Goetz said another way the city manages water use is by putting Level 3 water restrictions year-round in order to avoid going to a Level 5 restriction.
The city said some of its high water users, like the hospital and school board, are also regularly contacted to fall back into water restrictions. Still, Goetz mentioned in a July 14 council meeting that he sees the school district watering their lawn most of the year.
Farmer said there is more to be done by both governments and local people.
“In the short term, it’s about water
conservation,” he said. “It’s about education, making sure people understand how much water they use and how they can use less.”
He said it’s key to understand that Merritt doesn’t have a year-round water problem but a seasonal one. This means using less water during dry months and to install plants on your land that use less water (xeriscaping).
Through xeriscaping, residences will use less water to keep their lawn green, but Farmer said some residences may be going overboard with the concept, he said, seeing lawns replaced entirely with gravel and rocks.
“Gravel is great in that it doesn’t need any water, but gravel does a very poor job of storing water,” he said, advocating for use of plants and trees that require minimal amounts of water, like yellow or ponderosa pines.
For long-term efforts - which would largely be conducted by governing bodies - Farmer suggested looking into further water storage.
NICOLA VALLEY VIEWPOINT
SOME LESSONS FROM A FISHING AFFAIR
NARAYAN MITRA You Gotta Have Faith
My favourite intake of daily protein is a dish of (preferably) fresh fish. More than meat, I can gorge on fish at any meal.
Not being a fisherman myself, this is the time of the year when I languish around some of my fishing buddies with pitying glances so that their camping or fishing trips may pay dividends to my aching ‘fishy’ stomach.
As the summer days have got longer, the choir of my friendly anglers started singing in unison: Where have all the fish gone?
Reading the Bible, I was recently enlightened by Jesus’ outmaneuvering Peter in his own expertise of catching fish (Luke 5:1-11).
Once, after working all night, Peter, a highly experience fisherman, caught nothing. Then Jesus commanded him to lower the net on the other side of the boat.
In that scriptural passage, the depth of the Greek language offers additional insights.
Peter knew full well that fishing in the morning would be
worse than a futile night of toil. He experienced a degree of honest doubt about the fishing competence of the carpenterturned-preacher Jesus, but really did not want Him to fail.
Peter was increasingly aware of the Lord’s total authority and was willing to trust Him in untested water.
Consequently, we read of a mixture of faith and incredulity in Peter’s voice “but because you said so” (v.5).
“…because you said so!”
Now there’s a pregnant phrase unpacking at least two tiers of Jesus’ authority:
1. His authority over the natural realm: “In spite of my expertise in fishing and your apparent lack, I will, at your word, let down the nets.”
Later, at the miraculous provision, Peter recognized his sin of unbelief (v. 8).
2. His authority over personal lives: “In spite of my self-awareness and your apparent risks with me, I am willing, simply because you said so, to obey you.”
Peter moved from confession of unbelief to leaving everything and following Jesus into an unknown personal mission. May I, like Peter, confess my own personal shortcomings in the faith journey?
As part of my spiritual development, often doubting Christ’s expectations of me, coupled with some other Christian
TY’S MOVIE REVIEW: 28 YEARS LATER
TY LIM MOVIES’ CORNER
Horrormoviesare always a good watch for my father and I, particularly zombie movies, in which the theme can encompass so many different genres from action to thriller.
That’s why when 28 Years Later was released in cinemas last month, my dad and I knew we had to see it.
28 Years Later is the third film in the English zombie franchise and a return to the series for director Danny Boyle, who’s directed other critically acclaimed movies like Slumdog Millionaire and Trainspotting.
28 Years Later is very much a different movie from the
2003 original.
Years sees the entire British Isles put into a quarantine zone to prevent the virus from reaching mainland Europe or the rest of the world.
The EU regularly patrols the sea and channels to keep the survivors from the U.K. trapped on the island.
For those survivors, their style of living has regressed - in one generation - back to a fusion of tribal society while living in the ruins of modern society.
The wild has overtaken the British countryside, the only communities left are in isolated hamlets.
As obvious as it may seem, the movie is distinctly English. Not just the setting, but the camera work, the references and some of the lighting and costume design all feel like it was brought out of an early 2000s British rock music video.
For the main characters, they each must find their place in
leaders’ rantings who rationalize self-seeking penchants with ‘Bible’ verses, I sometimes fall into the same error as Peter did – the sin of unbelief.
I am so afraid of selfish presumption disguised as faith that I fall into the opposite transgression of disguising unbelief as wisdom.
The only way to break my proneness to these and other errors of presumption and unbelief is not to assume, manipulate, or obligate God in my way or any way.
When I sense God stirring in my heart to “catch men,” I must first pray though it, seek counsel from His Word and His people, take stock of costs and implications and follow Him into the unknown mission.
What is unspecified in the English language is implicit in the Greek: There need be no delay in following Him.
Since their unlikely morning catch was too great, Peter urgently motioned others to help him reel the haul in. Both the boats began to sink with success.
Yes, I have had unbelief in my soul but, in growing appreciation of the Lord’s dealings with me, I have often motioned to others to join me in the ‘catching’ of souls for eternity. And, at times, the catch has overwhelmed us.
In my heart I now subscribe to a “because He said so” philosophy of ministry that demands “everything immediately” as a fisher of men.
this changed world. Years is more of an adventure/comingof-age movie than a horror film and at times, the blend of zombies in this kind of movie feels a bit disconnected, and a bit unfocused.
Characters come and go throughout the film that makes it hard to connect with many of them in the amount of screentime they have.
Of course, that may be completely intentional, given the movie’s themes of death, birth and the cycle of life.
Still, the lack of focus left me feeling a little underwhelmed by the end.
Personally, I would compare this movie to Apocalypse Now in terms of its structure. If you’re looking for a traditional, survival-horror movie, look elsewhere because 28 Years Later is trying to reinvent the wheel.
31ST ANNUAL SHOW N’ SHINE
Jennifer Lisle, 14, and Lisa Goetz, 16, of the Merritt Otters Swim Club, will represnet this area at the B.C. Summer Games this weekend in Maple Ridge.
Nine girls and nine boys have been chosen from each of the nine B.C. zones to compete. Jennifer and Lisa are part of the Okanagan Zone 2 team.
JULY 27, 1983
EXPROPRIATION CITY’S LAST RESORT
Although Council passed a bylaw for the expropriation of 17 acres of Collett land at last night’s meeting, Mayor Jim Rabbitt saiad today that Council is still trying to negotiate a price with owner John Collett.
The city has been making offers for the land needed for Merritt sewage treatment exfiltraition system on the basis of two appraisals that is has recieved on the value of the land.
Marmot REDUCING IMPACTS TO THECEMETERY
YELLOW-BELLIEDMARMOTS continue to causeconsiderabledamage to grave sites,landscaping,andretainingstructuresintheCityofMerritt Cemetery. Controllingpopulationsintheareais difficult,asmarmotsare attracted to the flat,open terrain,whichprovidesclear sightlines forsafetyandsurveillance
&GoBag to keep at home,work, or vehicle.
•FOOD (R EA DY-TO-EATSNACK S) ANDWATER
•PHONECHA RG ER &E XTRA BATTERIE S
•FLA SHLIGHT& RA DIO& WHIS TLE
•WARMBLA NK ET &SEA SONAL CLOTHING
•BASIC TOILETRIES ANDPER SONAL ITEMS (H ANDSANITIZER ,TOOTHBRUSH,
trappingandrelocation of these animalsfromthe cemetery.
While yellow-belliedmarmotsare a protectedspecies,they aredesignated as‘ScheduleB wildlife’ underthe BC WildlifeAct,whichmeanstheycanbe trappedand relocatedifthey arecausing propertydamage.
Overtheyears,theCityhas testedseveraldeterrentstrategies. Most recently, theCityemployeddecoy predatorsand coyote urine,whichhasprovenineffectual. In previousyears,theCityemployed trappingand relocation combined withdeactivatingburrows,untilthose services were nolongerlocally available.Whiletrappingand relocatingis nota permanentsolution,ithasproven somewhateffectual,butittakesseveral seasons to achieve population control.
On July8,2025,City Councilapproved a$10,000budget forhiringqualified professionals to implement targeted
WhiletheCitywillmove forwardwith marmot relocation,staff will continue to investigateotheroptions,monitor effectiveness,andadaptmethodsas needed.Ifrequired,futureandmore robustsolutions couldincludedisrupting sightlines,installing fencing,andactive monitoring.
TheCityiscommittedtobalancing cemeterypreservationwith responsible andlawfulwildlifemanagement. We appreciate thepublic’s understandingand cooperationinsupportingthese efforts.
THEPROVINCEOFBC advocates water conser vationa nd expect smunicipal ities to su ppor tthe se effor ts throughmeasu re ssuch as watering restrictionsandpublic education Usingcostlytreated waterdesignedfor human consumption to irrigate plants canbeconsidered wasteful.While lawnsand gardensare permittedtobewatered 2timesa week,droughttolerant xeriscapingisa preferrableoption. TheCitycontinuestosupport watering of vegetable gardens. Learnmoreabout xeriscaping andwateringrestrictions on theCity’swebsite.
4MERRITT.CA/GRABBAG
1,500 SOCKS, ONE LEGACY
The Fulchers deliver socks, support, and joy to children in Guatemala in memory
LAÍSA CONDÉ editor@merrittherald.com
In a small classroom in a small village in Guatemala, as balloons bounced through the air and the shrill sound of kazoos filled the space, Carol Fulcher stood in the middle of it all — overwhelmed, exhausted, and profoundly moved.
For Fulcher and her daughter Ashley, this summer’s trip to Central America was not their first. But this time, it carried a weight unlike any before. They went to honour Megan, Carol’s daughter and Ashley’s sister, who passed away suddenly earlier this year.
“Megan loved Guatemala. She loved the people, the children,” Carol said. “She was a social worker, and she really had a heart for those in need. When she went down before, she was always trying to fix things, help however she could. There’s this one picture of her using duct tape to fix a kid’s rubber boot, and when the other kids saw, they all lined up too. She realized none of them even had socks. That really stayed with her.”
So when Megan died earlier this year, her family turned their grief into action. At Megan’s celebration of life, they asked people not to bring flowers, but socks.
“People always say, ‘What can I do?’” Carol recalled. “Well, we didn’t know what we needed. But socks, socks were tangible, practical, and they meant something to Megan.”
The response was overwhelming. What started as a small request became a movement. More than 1,500 pairs of socks — colourful, wild, brand-new socks — poured in from across the Merritt
of lost daughter
community.
Some came with stickers that read “Love for Megan.” They were packed into six massive duffel bags and brought to Guatemala by Carol and Ashley as part of a short-term mission with Impact Ministries.
The Fulchers joined a medical team serving families in rural areas around Tactic. For four and a half days, the team operated a clinic at a local school, providing assessments, medication, and care to people who often go without any form of treatment. Ashley, a nurse practitioner, was able to offer clinical support alongside four doctors.
“It was really special to be there with her,” said Carol. “It was different this time
— harder, more emotional. But also really meaningful.”
The socks were distributed among students and patients. The school principal, grieving recent losses of his own, brought in children class by class to choose two pairs each.
“They couldn’t believe it. They were laughing, pointing, picking out their favorite colours or superhero patterns,” Carol said. “Even by the fifth day, we were still pulling vacuum-sealed bags open, and everything was still perfect and new. It wasn’t second-hand, it was the best because we believe these kids deserve the best.”
The gifts didn’t stop at socks. The Fulchers brought along baby layettes sewn
by local quilting groups, balloons, pencils, face paints, and kazoos. One of the loudest, most joyful moments came on the final day as the children learned to play the kazoos amid pounding rain on the school’s tin roof — a deafening, chaotic, beautiful scene Carol said she’ll never forget.
They also visited Megan’s sponsored child, bringing some of Megan’s belongings and sharing memories with the girl, who had corresponded with Megan for years.
“It was emotional, but it felt like something coming full circle,” Carol said.
Carol has served in Guatemala eight times, and this trip marked the 25th anniversary of Impact Ministries, an organization committed to growing godly leaders and transforming both Guatemalan communities and North American visitors through service and spiritual growth. But this time, the impact felt closer to home.
“For years, we were the ones giving, organizing, leading. But this past year has been different. Between Megan’s passing and the flood that took Ashley’s house, we’ve been on the receiving end of help, and it’s humbling,” said Carol. “We’ve learned what it means to be vulnerable. It’s hard, but people have surrounded us with grace.”
Though the road ahead remains uncertain, the Fulchers know one thing for sure: they’ll always support Impact Ministries, and they’ll keep finding ways to serve — even if it’s one sock at a time. As Carol puts it: “It wasn’t us. It was our community. We just carried the bags.”
CITY WEIGHS FOUR OPTIONS AS HOUSING FUNDS NEAR EXPIRY
trailers to one of their other properties.
then support the housing program.
The City of Merritt’s indecision on what to do with a 2022 Housing fund from the provincial government will force them to make fast decisions.
Almost half of a $11 million housing fund given by the province for housing building measures in response to the 2021 flood is about to expire, which would force the city to return the money, as the province has not seen a plan in place to use it.
Over half of the original money was used to buy 31 mobile homes which are now sitting in the Diamond Vale Mobile Home Park. With only one unit of the mobile homes sold in the last three years, and the lease on the trailer park about to expire, the city would have to relocate these
During a July 22 city council meeting, four options were recommended which would deal with both situations.
Option 1 would be to invest the remaining money into an affordable housing program with a partner agency.
Option 2 would be to invest in a home ownership program, essentially allowing buyers to purchase the land and the mobile home as a package in what it calls a “rent to own” model.
Option 3 would be to allocate the funds to a non-profit society, which would take the development off the city’s workload. In this option, it was suggested that the development could partner with a commercial space owned by the city so the city can make money, which would
Option 4 would be to be one of the investors in new affordable housing projects, working closely with the developer.
City council and staff had both uncertainties and saw the benefit in each of the options. New ideas were brought to the floor as well, with Mayor Mike Goetz speaking about a modular home developer.
What remained consistent was council’s urgency to sell the mobile homes, which are currently on the market for $175,000 each.
“This is not an easy time to be selling anything,” Goetz said. “It just seems the longer we hang onto them it’s just going to cost (more).”
Since purchasing the units in 2022, the mobile homes have cost the city $468,000 for maintenance and pad rental, all of which was covered by the housing fund.
Coun. Dana Egan and Wendy Charney said a “fire sale” of these units would be a good course of action.
“We didn’t pay for them, it’s money in the bank that we could use again. The longer we hold onto them, they’re just doing nothing for the city. So I think we have to get rid of the trailers as quickly as we can,” Charney said.
Council has moved the decision on which option to take for a later date, saying they want to look at all the options. Currently, they plan to meet again on Aug. 26 to make a decision.
PHOTO/CAROL FULCHER
The Fulchers delivered 1,500 socks to kids in Guatemala in memory of Megan Fulcher.
ALGAE BLOOM IN DOUGLAS LAKE
LAÍSA CONDÉ editor@merrittherald.com
The Upper Nicola Band is warning of an algae bloom in Douglas Lake.
A post on the Upper Nicola Band social media page confirms the presence of the blue-green algae cyanobacterial bloom at the lake, which can produce toxins which are harmful to humans, pets and livestock.
The warning was issued July 27 for the lake and the band is advising people to minimize their exposure to the toxic mess.
Algal blooms sometimes make the water
look like thick pea soup or paint with floating clumps or scum and may have a strong, foul odour.
People are advised to avoid direct contact with the bloom, do not consume the water and keep pets and livestock away from the water source.
Anyone who has come in contact with the algae should wash immediately and watch for symptoms of illness that include nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, joint pain and diarrhea.
TOURISM TICKS UP IN MERRITT
TY
LIM reporter@merrittherald.com
Tourism may be back as a viable business in Merritt after new statistics from the visitor information centre shows an increase in people coming to town.
For the last few years, visitor numbers in Merritt were declining each season in both winter and summer, showing a decline in the city’s attractiveness.
The first half of 2025 might be changing the narrative as the visitor centre at the Baillie House recorded an eight per cent increase in visitors in the second quarter of the year compared to last year.
While a majority of visitors were still recorded to have stayed for only a single or less than a day, there may have been an uptick in money spent in local businesses.
In their 2025 Q2 report, the visitor centre noted 51 per cent of tourists were
asking for shopping recommendations.
The report said more people were asking for local attractions as well.
The visitor centre said this increase in activity could be related to things out of Merritt’s control.
One such example is that more tourists are staying within Canada because of the political situation between Canada and the U.S.
The visitor information centre said more tourists were taking time to sightsee in Merritt, and more people were camping in the area and looking for directions.
For Merritt’s own impact on tourism, the visitor information centre suggested the opening of the Claybanks RV Park brought more visitors. At the same time, the organization said algae in Monck Park could have deterred people from staying.
CMHA LAUNCHES MENTAL HEALTH PROJECT FOR MERRITT
TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com
Merritt will be having an upcoming program to support mental health soon. Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kamloops is launching a Nicola Valley based project that will provide the public with free mental health training.
CMHA is an organization that promotes mental wellness and supports programming, education and individuals who advocate mental wellness.
Their project is set to help residents along all stretches of the Coldwater River who were subject to the devastating flood in November 2021.
To build their programming for the training, CMHA Kamloops has been trying to meet with community members, such as the five Nicola First Nations or the city, to get feedback on what would
work best.
“We want to ensure the training we provide is relevant and impactful,” said Brett Mineer, communications and engagement coordinator of CMHA Kamloops. “By listening to the community, we can help build resiliency and strong supports in Merritt and the region – especially as people continue to recover from the compounding trauma of successive natural disasters.”
The program is still being planned and will be using funds from the Canadian Red Cross to be developed.
Currently, it will provide training in; mental health first aid, applied suicide intervention skills training, trauma informed care, awareness in anxiety and depression and how to establish workplace boundaries.
PHOTO/BRIAN HOLMES/UPPER NICOLA BAND
A picture of Douglas Lake taken on July 27, 2025, shows the presence of algal bloom.
ENHANCE MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION
MENTAL HEALTH: continued from page 10
“This program is part of CMHA Kamloops’ broader commitment to enhancing mental health education and access throughout the Thompson-Nicola region,” says Alfred Achoba, executive director, CMHA Kamloops. “This includes a special focus on rural and underserved areas.”
Previously, CMHA Kamloops stated that the program could start as early as this fall, but that timeline has been pushed back to January 2026.
The program would be open to resident, Indigenous communities, organizations and service providers.
For updates or to participate in the community needs assessment, you can also contact: (250) 374 0440 ext. 102
Ferry support before committing to BC Transit expansion plan.
BC TRANSIT EYES EXPANSION IN MERRITT
TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com
BC Transit is looking to expand operations in Merritt and the Nicola Valley.
Statistics provided from BC Transit show that more people are using the bus service at levels not seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
BC Transit said there were 66,000 riders last year, prompting them to look at expanding service to underserved areas that the community wants.
The areas of focus are; deeper routes in the Bench area, deeper routes in the Diamond Vale area to include Armstrong Street and more hours of operation in Lower Nicola.
Increased service into Lower Nicola would be the first option with it being the most demanded by the public. Service would be increased on Sunday and would go through late night for weekdays and Saturdays.
This expansion would be of 900 extra hours every year and add one bus to service.
There is also talk of an expansion through the Bench neighbourhood, adding another route. This new route would run through Juniper Road, instead of Voght and the Princeton-Kamloops Highway, until it reaches NVIT. The route would cover areas such as Parker Drive, Grimmett Street, Reid Avenue and Walters Street. It would take at least three years for this
B.C.’S LARGEST COPPER MINE TO EXPAND THROUGH 2046
JOSH DAWSON Castanet
Teck’s board has officially given the green light to a $2-billion expansion at the Highland Valley Copper mine in Logan Lake — the richest mining project in B.C. history, according to the company.
route to be implemented as a part of BC Transit’s medium-term plan.
This route would add an additional 625 annual service hours and another vehicle. The other option would be a reduced service option of this route which would only run on weekdays, which would add 450 hours instead.
The expansion onto Armstrong St. would take longer, as a low priority plan for BC Transit.
This would be a route expansion of route three which runs through Diamond Vale, adding another 550 service hours per year.
The route would take an additional 10 minutes to complete, as the bus would leave Menzies Street onto Nicola Avenue before turning into Armstrong Street. This route would add another 550 annual service hours.
Daynika White, government relations manager with BC Transit, said the average cost per hour for the Merritt transit system is $92 per hour, with new vehicles potentially adding to that cost. The cost is split between the province and the city.
Still, council was worried that the ridership increase isn’t enough to justify an expansion, especially to Lower Nicola, which makes up only 12 per cent of current ridership.
Council wants to discuss potential cost-sharing agreements with ThompsonNicola Regional District and Cook’s Ferry Indian Band before endorsing the plan.
The project will extend the life of Canada’s largest open-pit mine, located about 50 kilometres south of Kamloops, from 2028 to 2046. The company said it will result in 1,526 hectares of new land disturbance.
In a news release, Teck said construction is set to commence in full in August and will consist of upgrades and increased capacity requirements, as well
as a mine pushback that will require more “waste-stripping to access highquality ore within the Valley Pit.”
Teck said the capital investment in the project will be the largest critical minerals investment in B.C. history — between $2.1 and $2.4 billion.
“This project capital investment includes the development of site infrastructure and facilities, expansion of the mine fleet, grinding circuit upgrades, increased tailings storage capacity, and enhancements to power and water systems,” the news release said.
The project will see the mine transition from its current Valley and Lornex pits beginning in 2028 to satellite orebodies and lower grade ore while the Valley Pit
MINE: continued on page 12
PHOTO/HERALD FILE City seeks TNRD and Cook’s
PHOTO/TECK
Teck’s Highland Valley Copper mine.
MAJOR INVESTMENT EXTENDS MINE LIFE TO 2046 AND BRINGS SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC IMPACTS TO REGION
MINE: continued from page 11
pushback is being completed.
By 2034, Teck said the Valley Pit will become the dominant ore source until 2046 “and is a long-term source of high-quality ore.”
According to Teck, the mine will average 132,000 tonnes of copper production per year over its life.
The project was fully permitted by the province in June and Teck said additional technical and engineering work has been completed ahead of approval, engineering is nearly 70 per cent complete and contracting and procurement is “well advanced.”
‘Significant’ economic impact
Teck said the mine will maintain approximately 1,500 direct jobs, up from 1,300, and $500 million in annual GDP from operations. During the construction phase of the project, Teck said it expects to generate around 2,900 jobs and $435 million in additional GDP.
Thompson Rivers University professor and chair of the economics department at the Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics, Laura Lamb said the failure of the extension to proceed would have had a “significant negative effect on the Kamloops region.”
With the extension moving ahead, she said the additional economic activity would primarily come from maintaining existing jobs, adding new ones and the spending to operate the mine itself.
“There’s 1,500 households, assuming that a worker is part of a household and whether they live on their own or have a partner and child, so you think of all the spending,” she said.
“Those people need to pay to live, whether they’re purchasing or renting, they’re buying groceries, they’re buying clothing and footwear, they’re going out of dinner. So it has significant effects on the economy.”
She said the extension could mean more spending on local goods and services for mine operations, meaning more money being put into the local economy.
Lamb said another impact would be on government revenue, adding that the mine likely pays “some pretty healthy taxes.”
She said the construction phase of the project could see an influx of economic activity. The largest area of employment growth in Kamloops lat month was in construction.
“That tells me or suggests there’s probably a shortage of trades people here
right now,” Lamb said.
“It seems reasonable to me that [the project] is going to bring more people to Kamloops, whether those people stay here indefinitely or whether they’re just here for a term to work on the construction.”
‘It’s about more than jobs’
In Teck’s news release, CEO Johnathan Price said the project is “foundational” to the mining giant’s plan to double copper production by the end of the decade.
“Given the strong demand for copper as an energy transition metal, the Highland Valley Copper mine life extension will generate a robust IRR [internal rate of return] and secure access to this critical mineral for the next two decades,” he said.
“The project will strengthen Canada’s critical minerals sector, generate new economic activity and support the continuation of the jobs and community benefits that HVC generates for many more years to come.”
Logan Lake Mayor Robin Smith said the mine has shaped the community for generations, and now there’s certainty it will continue to do just that.
“It’s about more than jobs — it’s about legacy, continuity, and a shared vision for generations come,” she said.
Christine Walkem, Chief of Cook’s Ferry Indian Band and chair of Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly, said the project was a defining moment for the assembly’s eight participating bands.
“Through our Nekepmx Impact Assessment and as authors of our own sections into the Environmental Assessment application, the CNA established a new precedent in Canada,” Walkem said.
“One where Indigenous law, Indigenous governance, and Indigenous authority are not just consulted, but embedded at the heart of decision-making about our lands, waters, and people.”
The Stk’emlúpsemc te Secwépemc Nation, a governance group made up of the Skeetchestn and Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc bands, said last year it was opposed to the expansion. They said it would leave further impacts on the environment and would reduce the amount of land available for traditional practices.
Price said Teck is looking forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Indigenous governments, local communities and stakeholders to “responsibly secure the long-term future” of the mine.
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PHOTOS/TY LIM
Highlights from the Jackpot Barrel Series at the Nicola Valley Rodeo Grounds last Thursday, July 24. Fans and families gathered at the Nicola Valley Rodeo Grounds to watch riders vie for top times in the latest round of the series.
PHOTOS/TY
Kolton Bridgen (left) and Ethan Pickering
NICOLA VALLEY COMMUNITY
LOCAL ACTOR LANDS ROLE IN NETFLIX’S AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER
LAÍSA CONDÉ editor@merrittherald.com
Local actor Kindall Charters has landed a role in Season 3 of Netflix’s live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender, marking a major milestone in his acting journey.
While Charters remains tight-lipped about many details, he confirmed that his character will appear in episode 2 of the upcoming season.
Charters, who describes himself as a character actor, said the opportunity came as a shock.
“I was thrilled. I was amazed, because I didn’t expect it to happen. I was just happy I got the part,” he said. “I was just on set the other day to do hair and makeup tests and wardrobe tests. They put a wig on me, and they were surprised about my long beard that I actually was able to grow.”
Although not deeply familiar with the original animated series, Charters has seen clips on TikTok and says one of the scenes he appears in is already floating around online.
“I can’t say more, but yeah—it’s out there.”
Charters’ appearance will bring a “Jason Momoa, Aquaman-type” character to life, complete with a custom-designed, wavy wig that stylists selected after testing several options.
“They brought out this special one they were saving, it just worked perfectly,” he said. “All the hair and makeup people were like ‘wow, it’s going to work out pretty good.”
His costume fitting, he added, was unusually thorough.
“They took every measurement imaginable, and two times around my head! It took almost half an hour,” he laughed. “But once I stepped into the wardrobe, I felt like I became the character. Everything shifted into place.”
Charters, who was born in Merritt and spent much of his life in British Columbia, says the natural landscape and his Indigenous background have helped him ground himself in the spiritual side of acting.
“I didn’t grow up within my culture, but I’ve learned a few things over time. Merritt shaped me to be adventurous and open to nature,” he said. “That sense of spirituality definitely helps me connect with a character.”
His path to acting wasn’t a straight one. In 2009, Charters attended an open casting call in Kelowna for New Moon, part of the Twilight saga.
Though he didn’t land a lead role, the experience lit a spark. “That casting call took over my life. I knew then, I want to be an actor.”
Since then, Charters has appeared in The Flash (as Godspeed in 2019), Alaska Daily with Hilary Swank, and even made a brief but memorable appearance in Altered Carbon. “It’s only like 10 seconds, but they focus on me. There were 300 extras around, and I had to hold my character while everyone’s watching,” he recalled. “It gave me confidence.”
Charters credits his perseverance and the support he’s received for helping him carve out a career in acting. “I used to bounce from job to job every six months. It wasn’t until I chased acting that I found my purpose,” he said. “I lived at Covenant House in Vancouver for two years, and they helped me go to acting school, gave me food, even rent I could afford. That time shaped who I am.”
Though many from his first acting class have since left the industry, Charters is still standing—and thriving. “Out of 20 people, I’m the only one still acting,” he said. “It’s not for everybody, but it makes me feel like I’m in the right direction.”
Looking ahead, Charters is also working on a script of his own. “It’s taking a long time, but I’d love to see it developed and published. It’s something I really want to challenge myself with.”
For now, he’s soaking in the surreal feeling of being part of a beloved franchise. “Even though it’s just a little part, a little skip here and there—it feels good to be part of something. I know I’m exactly where I need to be.”
Season 3 of Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender is currently in production and expected to premiere in late 2026.
■ Approved mini-storage ■ On-siterentals ■ Secured ■ SaleofNew&Used storagecontainers
THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WELCOME YOU
Crossroads Community Church
2990 Voght St. • 250-378-2911
Service Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m.
Merritt Baptist Church
2499 Coutlee Avenue (at Orme) Sunday service 10 am, Phone (250)378-2464
Merritt Lutheran Fellowship in St. Michael's Anglican Hall • 250-378-9899
Service Time: 3rd Sunday each month 1:30 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 every Sunday - 10 am
Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave. (The Cadet Hall) Sunday Service Time: 4:00 pm • 250-280-1268 Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church 1950 Maxwell St. • 250-378-9502
Service Times: Sunday 10 am
PHOTO/KINDALL CHARTERS
Merritt’s Kindall Charters joins Netflix’s Avatar cast.
CLASSIFIEDS
Williams,Elizabeth(Beth) Carol(neeDeneef)
December5,1957 -June25,2025
Itiswithgreatsadnessthatweannouncethesudden passingofBethWilliamsonJune25,2025atherhome inMerritt,BC.
Beth wasbornandraisedinKamloops,BC.Shespentmany yearslivinginthelowermainland, eventuallymovingtoMerritt.Sheloved fishing,camping, watchingfootball,andspendingtimewithher family. Beth waspredeceasedbyher fatherGeraldin1997,hermotherElsiein 2019,andlatehusbandDavidKwitkowskiin2003.Bethisrememberedand missedbyherlovinghusbandDave Williams,daughterChristine(Andy), son Kevin(Becky),step-sonJohn,step-daughterJulie,grandchildren Sophie,Kaitlyn,Daniel,Abbey, andKhloe,sistersDebbie(Jerry)and Karen(Ken)aswellashernieceLindsay(Toby),nephewTyler(Darcy) hergreatnieceandnephews,andmanycousinsandfriends.
GrandChief BobPasco
April20,1940 -July21,2025
Anintimate family gatheringwillbeheldat alaterdate. Inlieuofflowers,donationsmaybemadeinmemoryofBethtothe Heart &StrokeFoundation,DiabetesCanada,orFibromyalgiaAssociation Canada.
GrandChiefBobPasco,fromNtequem,an honouredleaderoftheNlaka’pamuxNation,passed onJuly21,2025.Hislegacywillliveonandcontinue tobe afoundationandguidingforcefortheNlaka’pamux Nation.GrandChiefPascofoughttirelesslytodefendandadvancethetitle andrightsoftheNlaka’pamuxwhileatthesametimebeing achampionsteer wrestler, rancher, friendandbelovedmemberofhisfamily. Hisspiritwillliveon inallhehastaughtandshared.
ThelifeofGrandChiefPascowascelebratedatthePascoRanch,Ntequem, onSunday,July27that9:00am. ViewingwasheldatthePascoRanchonFriday andSaturdayJuly25thand26thfrom5:00to8:00pm.
Henri‘Reg’ Reginald Vallee November29,1960 -July4,2025
Henri‘Reg’Reginald ValleepassedawayonJuly4, 2025,aftera longhard-foughtbattlewithbraincancer. Hewas64.Regissurvivedbyhislovingwifeof37years, Renata Vallee,sonsKaylan TurchinetzofMerritt,BC, Zhan(Kristen)ValleeofGrandForks,BC,granddaughters
ColdwaterSchool
We arecurrentlyhiring forthe followingpositions forthe upcoming 2025-2026schoolyear:
auline riends llee
asborninBonneyville,AlbertaonNovember29,1960.Hisoldestsister ethenameHenri,soshestartedusing‘Reg’anditstuckthroughout hislifetime.In1971hisfamilypackedupthecarandmovedtoMerritt,BC.He dschoolinMerrittandgraduatedfromMerrittSeniorSecondarySchool in1979.HeenteredthetradesprogramforCarpentryandlaterreceivedhisRed tfortheMillwrighttrade.
ADivisionofServiceCorporationInternational(Canada)ULC Celebratingeachlifelikenoother
tartedoutworkingbuildinghomesintheMerrittarea.In1984to1986he workedontheCoquihallaBridgeCrew(Phase1),whichincluded7bridgesand theGreatBearSnowShed.RegwentontobecomeHeadMillwrightforArdew WoodProductsLtduntil2013andafterasMillwrightforTolkoIndustriesLtd. In2017hestartedworkingforKlassenWoodCoLtdandenjoyedthechallenge ofhelpingtoshapethenewlyformedplantwithco-workersintothecurrent operationitistoday.
1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com
OnCall 24Hours ADay Merritt FuneralChapel www.merritthospice.org
Regwas ahighlyskilled,experiencedandregularlysoughtaftertradesman forhisyearsofknowledgeandexpertiseinthetrade.Hewasknownforhishard work,dedicationandcommitmentto aprojectandingettinga jobdonewell.He establishedandmaintainedhiscontactsandfriendships,alwayskeepingintouch withthemanytradesandindustryexpertsduringhiscareer.
2113Granite Ave.,Merritt,BC 250-378-2141
Reghadanexceptionalsenseofhumorandcouldalwaysrelateagoodstoryor experience.Hewaspassionateaboutgettingoutdoors,toappreciatehisCreator ’s amazingplayground,usinghisvastknowledgeoftheareatoexploreevery opportunityhecould.Whetherskiing(backcountry,downhillorx-country), paddling(kayakorcanoe),hiking,mountainbiking,campingor aroadtripon hismotorbikewithfriends.A favoritephraseofhiswas“whatyouskitoday, you paddletomorrow.”
As afather, hewasalwayswillingtolenda handorsuggest adifferentideaon howtodosomething.Hewasalwaysavailabletotalktoandeagertohearabout whatwasnewwiththem.Dadwasfair, reasonableandencouraginginanything thekidswantedtotry.Growingup,witnesstoallhisyearsofhardworkand instilledthesamevaluesofworkethic,integrityandhonestyinbothofhissons. Heespeciallyenjoyedspendingtimewithhissons;motorbiking,hiking,camping orjustsittingaroundthefireandwatchinghisgrandkidsplay.
Reg’s faith,kindness,generosity,andloveforhisfamilyandfriendswill foreverremainintheheartsofthosewhoknewhim.Regwasa realpeople person,able toeasilycommunicateandstrikeup aconversationwithjustabout anyone.Hebelievedinbuildingandvaluingrelationshipsandcreatinglasting memories.Wewillcarryonhiswillandcontinuetostaystrongas afamily,until wemeetagain.
Thefamilywouldliketopassona specialandheartfeltthankyoutoDr. Nguyen,Dr.Owen(KelownaCancerClinic),Dr.EwartandDr. Sieberhagen (KamloopsCancerClinic),Dr.LaliandMerrittHomeSupportnursesErin, JessicaandBaileea sincerethankyoufortheexcellentandcompassionatecare andsupportyouprovidedforRegandI.Aswell,toourcaringfamilyandfriends thatstoppedbyfor avisit,a chat,toofferencouragementortoshare alaugh. We aresotrulygrateful.
Inlieuofflowersthefamilyasksthat adonationbemadetotheCanadian CancerSociety.
AmemorialservicewillbeheldonSaturdayAugust2,2025,attheKingdom HallofJehovah’sWitnesses,1505Sunset Ave,Merritt,BCat2:00pm.The servicewillalsobeavailableonlineviaZOOM,pleaseemailrenvallee@icloud. comforinfo.
On-linecondolencesmaybeexpressedatwww.MerrittFuneralChapel.com
ProudlyrecognizedasMerritt'sBestBookkeeper/Accountantofthe2019,2020,and2021 People'sChoiceAwards.It'sbeenourpleasureandprivilegetoserveourcommunityforover20 yearsandwelookforwardtobringinganothercommunitymembertojoinouroffice.Attentionto detailandbeingateamplayerisparamount.Salarywillbedependantonexperience.
Maintaingeneralledgersandfinancialstatements. Calculateandpreparechequesforpayroll. Prepareotherstatistical,financial,andaccounting reports. Keepfinancialrecordsandestablish,maintain,and balancevariousaccountsusingSage50.
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Please email resumeto cjrbook@telus.net, or mail to Attn.ConnieRauch(Owner) CJRBookkeeping&TaxServicesInc. POBox2402.Merritt,BC.V1K1B8
ShulusEnterprisesLimited FULLCYCLEBOOKKEEPER
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rioustasks,asrequired
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Public Notice / Avis Public
Proposed TELUS Telecommunications Facility 32.0-Meter Tall Self-Support Tower Structure Projet D'Installation De Télécommunications TELUS Structure de tour autoportante de 32,0 mètres de haut
319LindleyCreekRoad
Saturday9–2,Sunday10–2
May24,25•June14,28&29 July12,13,26&27•August9&10
DonationsgratefullyacceptedonGiant YardSaleDates andThursdaymorningsfrom10am-1pm.
Tower Location/Emplacement de la Tour:
724 Coldwater Road, Thompson-Nicola N, BC V1K 1C1
Coordinates/Coordonnées:
50.083439, -120.778275
Any person may comment by close of business September 12 with respect to this matter. Please submit any comments to the following contact:
Toute personne commentaires sur ce sujet avant la fin de la journée ouvrable du Veuillez adresser vos commentaires à l'adresse suivante :
TELUS Contact / Coordonnées du Représentant de TELUS:
SitePath Consulting Ltd.
Brian Gregg, MCIP, RPP PO Box 20138, Vancouver RPO Fairview, BC V5Z 0C1
Mobile: 778-870-1388
Email: briangregg@sitepathconsulting.com
Développement économique Canada (ISDE) et le District régional de Thompson-Nicola (DRTN),
d'installation de télécommunications comprenant hauteur et de l'équipement radio auxiliaire situé
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