What would make Powell River a nicer community? Nate • Having an artisan space for wood-working, welding and the like.
Don’t stress out. We’ve got you!
What aspect of your previous community do you think would benefit Powell River? Nate • Vancouver has invested significant resources towards developing bike lanes. It would be fantastic to see a wider shoulder lane designated for cyclists along highway 101. In an ideal world, it would start at Saltery Bay and extend to Lund. What challenges did you face in trying to make a life for yourself here? Keely • We knew we needed to be resourceful in the way we earned a living. It also meant making an effort to meet people and make new friends here. Nate • For me, the challenge was to find a new career path. I enrolled in the 9-month heavy-duty diesel mechanics foundation course in Campbell River. It was a dramatic shift to go from travelling extensively as a construction manager for mass-scale projects to returning back to school to learn a trade in an environment where I am twice the age of everyone else. I am currently living on our sailboat for the duration of the course and commuting to Powell River on the weekends. Keely • In an effort to meet people and make new friends, I have tried to stretch out of my comfort zone. Alone, I attend theatre productions, poetry readings, hockey games, fitness classes and slowly I am meeting people and making friends. I have found people inclusive and willing to chat. It’s a nice change! That kind of warm reception is non-existent in Vancouver. Keely • I also needed to find new streams of income. I formerly earned the majority of my income performing. With a decision to perform less, I shifted more focus and energy on teaching. Introducing people to the physically demanding and stunning aerial arts is a total joy. Seeing people discover their artistic voices through richness in movement never ceases to thrill me. In partnership with the gymnastics gym, four engineered aerial points were then fabricated and installed by ACDC welding - a local fabricating company we worked with. I am now teaching weekly aerial silk, hoop and trapeze classes for children, teens and adults at the gymnastics gym. Additionally, I continue to develop my freelance copywriting career, enabling me to earn further income online. In that field, my focus is writing professional development and educational articles for businesses. If you were mayor of Powell River, what would you do? Nate • Strive to assist the local business community in marketing to other geographical areas. What are Powell River’s greatest assets? Keely • The perfect blend of heritage and modern, along with the stunning scenery. What is your greatest extravagance? Nate • Our sailboat. A well-known acronym for BOAT.... Bring On Another Thousand. Which talent or superpower would you most like to have? Nate • The ability to fly. Keely • Teletransportation.
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HIGH FLIERS: Keely and Nate Sills met in the air. But with their relocation to Powell River, they’ll need all their feet firmly on the ground - if only metaphorically. POWELL RIVER LIVING • december 2017 •
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