University awaits Western Hockey League player PAGE 8 ANNUAL AWARENESS
Partners plan Red Dress Day walk and ceremony PAGE 13
PROVIDING ANSWERS:
Powell River Chamber of Commerce sponsored an all candidates meeting, with [from left] moderator Nanette Kapitan, New Democratic Party’s Tenille Johnston, the Green Party’s Jessica Wegg, Liberal Party of Canada’s Jennifer Lash and independent Glen Staples. About 300 people showed up for the event, which was not attended by Conservative Party of Canada’s Aaron Gunn and People’s Party of Canada’s Paul Macknight.
Powell River Chamber of Commerce event draws four of the six candidates running for federal office
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
Powell River Chamber of Commerce’s all candidates meeting drew four of the six candidates contesting the North Island-Powell River riding, with 16 questions being posed
during the two-hour session on April 17.
Held in the Powell River Recreation Complex Evergreen Theatre with about 300 people present, the forum included the New Democratic Party’s Tanille Johnston, the Liberal Party of Canada’s Jennifer Lash, independent candidate Glen Staples, and Green Party of Canada’s Jessica Wegg. Conservative Party of Canada candidate Aaron Gunn and People’s Party of Canada candidate Paul Macknight were not in attendance for the meeting.
and that Canadians want honesty and transparency. The questioner asked: what will you do to stand up to your party when there isn’t honesty being shared with the public? You are working for us, and you represent us, so being honest is critical. What will you be doing to ensure honesty and transparency in the government?
Wegg said there is a poem by Rudyard Kipling that she recites to herself daily, and there is a line in the poem that says: “or being lied about, don’t deal in lies.”
“I don’t tolerate lies at all,” said Wegg. “Transparency is absolutely important. We need to make sure we are all accountable to the people who put us in office, and that we make FUTURE FOCUS
One of the questions from the audience was about transparency. The questioner said that lying and alternative facts have been introduced into politics as acceptable behaviour,
Unity brought to forefront
ourselves available.
“You can count on me to always be honest. If I make a mistake, I own up to it and I apologize when needed. That’s the only way to make this country work.”
Wegg said there needs to be an adjustment on social media, and that social media companies should have to qualify as publishers, so that the truth must be told.
Johnston said she acknowledges transparency as one of her core values.
“When we are putting stuff out on social media, when we are putting it out in a newsletter, I need to know where that statement is coming from,” said Johnston. “If someone wants me to make a statement, I need a link to the article. I want to know who wrote the article and what it was based on, because if it is not fact-based, I am not behind it. It’s something I have stood by strong and true, even through this campaign.
“You absolutely have my word that I will stick to the truth, and accessibility is huge for me. I have tried very hard to answer all your emails that are coming in, all your Facebook messages and Instagram messages. I want you to know that I will always strive to be as responsive as possible.”
Staples said that long ago in the past, leaders were selected by the people according to who was honest and who was wise.
“Our system has evolved into this top-down system where it is all about large-scale media campaigns,” he added. “In [former United States president Ronald] Reagan’s time, he discovered that it didn’t really matter if you told the truth, as long as you repeated it often enough. If we could get back to a bottom-up system where you choose people as leaders, who you trust, we can rebuild a system that is more honest.”
Lash said that honesty, transparency and kindness are core values of hers.
“It is important as the elected official to be accountable to all of you, so to listen to what you are saying to me and to communicate back to you very clearly what I’m doing in Ottawa,” added Lash. “There’s a real level of accountability that I would live up to.
“There’s also a responsibility for a member of parliament to keep their colleagues honest and transparent as well, and that is something I would be striving for very hard, because good government requires all elected officials to be very honest and transparent about what they are doing. Government works for the people, so we need to make sure that I, as your elected official, would be accountable back to you.”
There was also a question about Canadian unity. The questioner said: what are you going to do about Canadian unity, with what is going on in Saskatchewan and Alberta, with statements coming out threatening our unity; threatening separatism?
Lash said US president Donald Trump is actually unifying Canada in a way that hasn’t been seen before. She said when Mark Carney became prime minister, he was able to get all the premiers together and get them to agree to breaking down interprovincial trade barriers.
“I have never seen a prime minister get all the premiers together in a room and come to an agreement,” said Lash. “We need to continue doing that. We need a leader who can bring all those premiers together and work on the problems that need to be addressed in each region, and build consensus.”
Wegg said Canada is a special place and there are things that keep Canadians connected.
“There is something in the people of this country that is very special and it holds us together,” said Wegg. “If I started singing the national anthem, every single one of us in here would stand up and put our hands on our hearts.”
Johnston said one of her great-
est skill sets is working across differences, which she has done as a social worker.
“You meet very personal challenges head-on and you work with that challenge, coming to a place of understanding and moving forward together,” added Johnston. “That’s what we need to do with our colleagues around the government table. That’s the role, arguably, that the NDP plays, being the social conscience of government. I would love to take my skill set to Ottawa and to do the work of bringing us together and moving forward in a good way.”
Staples also said the best thing for Canadian unity was Trump.
“We’ll get through this one because the forces of unity right now are so strong that I think we are going to make it. We are going to be okay. So, go, Canada, go.
General election day is Monday, April 28. For more coverage of the all candidates meeting and other election stories, go to prpeak. com/2025-canada-votes.
Tax rates bylaw gets three readings
City taxes on an average singlefamily dwelling estimated to be 7.2 per cent over 2024
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
City of Powell River councillors were presented the 2025 property tax rate bylaw, which will result in an estimated 7.2 per cent tax increase for an average single-family city dwelling.
At the April 17 city council meeting, chief financial officer Mallory Denniston presented the bylaw for first three readings.
Denniston said the Community Charter requires a five-year financial plan bylaw, and then a property tax rates bylaw to be adopted before May 15, annually. She said council adopted the five-year financial plan bylaw on March 27 to establish the 2025 property tax levy. She said next, on April 11, the city’s committee of the whole directed staff to prepare the 2025
property tax rates bylaw.
Denniston said the city’s average single-family dwelling taxes would increase an estimated $322 over 2024, or 8.6 per cent. She added that other authorities, such as qathet School District, qathet Regional District, qathet Regional Hospital District and others, also levy taxes.
“Council does not set the taxes for these authorities, but the city administers collection of these taxes on behalf of the other taxing authorities,” said Denniston.
“These funds are remitted to the other taxing authorities and are not retained by the city.”
Denniston said the other tax collections would result in an additional $64 over 2024, for an estimated 3.9 per cent increase.
She said combining the city taxes and the taxation from other authorities, the estimated average single family dwelling would increase by $386, to an estimated $5,766 in 2025, or 7.2 per cent.
Denniston said if council voted for first three readings of the bylaw at the April 17 council meeting, it would be referred to the May 8 council meeting for adop-
tion, to meet the legislated May 15 deadline.
“Property tax notices will then be prepared, and in the meantime, residents may use the city’s online property tax calculator to estimate their residential property tax,” said Denniston.
Councillor Trina Isakson said she wanted to mention that around this time, there is discussion in the community about how Powell River taxes are compared to other communities. She said she had data from last year to indicate where the city sits, comparatively.
Isakson said looking at total municipal taxes per capita, out of the 159 communities that report, municipal taxes on a representative house was 53rd, with combined taxes, the city was 48th, and total taxes on a representative house was 59th out of 159.
“I want to make sure the public has access to that sort of information in terms of how we compare to other communities in the province,” said Isakson.
Councillor George Doubt said the city was getting close to the end of the budgetary process. He said wherever he goes, talking to peo-
FIGURES REVEALED: City of Powell River chief financial officer Mallory Denniston outlined the city’s tax rate bylaw for councillors, with taxpayers of an average single-family dwelling facing an estimated $386 increase in taxation over 2024.
ple, everyone tells him they feel taxes are higher than they would like them to be.
“I understand that, but every time the city gets together and talks about taxes, it’s a question of balance,” said Doubt. “We have to balance the services with the costs. Council has gone through quite a bit of work, with staff going through a lot of work, to try to narrow this down to as low a tax increase as we can have, while
Emergency sheltering report requested
Committee of the whole wants staff to look for buildings or lands to use on interim basis
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
City of Powell River Council’s committee of the whole has directed staff to report to council regarding city-owned buildings, bare lands or parking lots that may be suitable as an interim measure for emergency sheltering. At a meeting last month, councillor Trina Isakson, in response to a media release from Lift Community Services regarding the shelter’s closure, said she would like to hear from staff on any city-related solutions as an interim measure, and made the motion for the staff report.
“The emergency shelter, which has 20 beds, has an expiring lease and they are closing on March 26,” said Isakson. “While we passed a council motion, giving BC Housing
notification that we are willing to let them investigate the Barnet Street site for a temporary emergency shelter and long-term affordable housing, it wouldn’t be in place in six days from now.”
Isakson said she knows Lift has been working hard to secure a new spot for a shelter, and has not been successful, so there is going to be a gap in services.
“What I anticipate this resulting in is impact for a number of different segments of our population,” said Isakson. “There have been 56 unique individuals who have used shelter services this year, so those people will have to find different arrangements to sleep overnight. For some people, that may mean sheltering in places that are just not very suitable or healthy. My intention for this is to understand if there are city sites that could be appropriate as an interim measure.”
Councillor George Doubt said there is going to be a group of people sheltered at the time who are not going to be sheltered in the future.
“The people who are running the shelter have been looking for appropriate places
they could rent or lease,” said Doubt, “and now they are appealing to the city for locations.”
Mayor Ron Woznow said the city owns 160 properties, and since November 2022, he has been urging council to look at the report that the city paid $40,000 for, which distilled 160 units down to 25. He said it carefully laid out potential uses for those properties.
“Had we decided to utilize just one of those properties, we could have included a number of requirements, including shelter,” said Woznow. “I am going to urge council to go back and look at the 160 properties, read the report, and be ready to make a decision.”
Councillor Rob Southcott said what is happening regarding the closure of the emergency shelter has been feared for years. He said he recognizes that the motion addresses an emergency.
“I’m hoping the weather gets warmer, because people are in tents, and people are going to be outside, and that is going to have a greater impact than anything that people have noticed so far,” said Southcott. “I hope there are some opportunities we can em-
trying to get the appropriate balance of service for members of the community.
“I support the process that we have been through, and to me the taxes reflect an appropriate balance for the kind of services we need to have to make this coastal community one of the best places to live in the world.”
Council unanimously carried first three readings of the 2025 property tax rates bylaw.
LOCATION CLOSING: With the imminent closure of the emergency shelter on Joyce Avenue, City of Powell River councillors have requested a staff report into potential sites that may be suitable as an interim measure for emergency sheltering. PEAK ARCHIVE PHOTO
brace when staff brings us back a report.”
Council unanimously endorsed staff bring back a report to council on city locations suitable as an interim measure for emergency sheltering.
Brew Bay development paused
Regional
district staff will meet with proponents over dedication of subdivision parkland or cash-in-lieu
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
qathet Regional District (qRD) will take a second look at a proposed subdivision in the Lang Creek area.
At the April 8 regional board meeting, Polaris Land Survey professional land surveyor Michael Rogers appeared before the board regarding the 46-lot phased bare land strata in the Brew Bay area by Lang Creek.
“The intent of the presentation today is to encourage the board to send the application back to staff,” said Rogers. “There are two reasons for this. One is procedural, and the other reason has to do with the land itself and the value of the land.”
At the March 25 planning committee meeting, there was a recommendation that the committee recommends to the board that qRD supports the application for the bare land strata, with con-
ditions. One of the conditions was that the applicant provides dedicated parkland for the subdivision area and pays cash-in-lieu of parkland dedication in the amount of 1.62 per cent of the total land value.
In an interview, Rogers said the whole reason for the regional board presentation was to outline what the official community plan (OCP) shows regarding the dedication of land or cashin-lieu for the subdivision.
He said the work that has been done is based on the OCP for the lands along Lang Creek being dedicated as park.
“It came as a surprise at that last [planning] meeting when the planning committee opted for something that was not consistent with the OCP,” said Rogers. “What the OCP shows is that area, upon further development, would be park.
“All of this is subject to section 510 of the Local Government Act, when it comes to either land or cash-in-lieu.”
Section 510 stipulates that an owner of land being subdivided must, at the owner’s option, provide parkland of an amount and in a location acceptable to the local government, or pay to the local government an amount
that equals the market value of the land that may be required for parkland purposes.
“If the local government has adopted an OCP, then it’s local government’s choice, whether it’s cash or parkland,” said Rogers. “In this case, there is an OCP that does speak to parkland. The OCP shows it as parkland.”
At the regional board meeting, regarding the procedural question, Rogers said the OCP shows the land adjacent to Lang Creek as park. He said to get to that designation, there was a previous amendment to the OCP that involves previous landowners, staff and the public.
“All those entities contributed to that area being designated as park – those lands adjacent to Lang Creek,” said Rogers. “When we look at the OCP, there are two principal reasons that we have. One is to guide staff to make decisions, and the other is for the public to look at what local government is going to expect if they are going to develop land.
“Right now, the OCP shows the land adjacent to Land Creek as creek. The question regarding procedure has to do with section 478 of the Local Government Act that states that once an
OCP CONSISTENCY: qathet Regional District directors heard a delegation requesting that a subdivision proposal go back to staff to clarify rules around whether the developer has to provide parkland or cash-in-lieu. The proponents indicate the area’s official community plan stipulates that parkland be dedicated. PEAK ARCHIVE PHOTO
OCP is adopted, committees and board members must make decisions that are consistent with the OCP.”
Rogers said the regional district requesting cash-inlieu of land raises procedural questions as to the Local Government Act. He said the second reason for the application to go back to staff has to do with park potential and value of those lands in question. He said looking at the lands, from a habitat standpoint, from a cultural standpoint and from an environmental standpoint, there is value in the land being in public hands.
“Lang Creek is one of the few watercourses on the up-
per Sunshine Coast that has a salmon run,” said Rogers. “Culturally, there are signs that there has been human activity on Lang Creek, right up to Haslam Lake, for thousands of years. From an environmental standpoint, the lands that are adjacent to a watercourse come with species of special nature –ones that contribute to the habitat.
“Those lands are potentially valuable as parkland. We are not talking about a city park, but a nature-type park.”
Rogers said for these two reasons, the regional board is being encouraged to put the application back to the
planning committee.
Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne asked if the application is moved back to staff, are there opportunities for additional parkland in other locations within the project?
Rogers said a meeting has been scheduled with the regional district’s planning staff. He said he would not speak on what the landowners are willing to consider, but there is a meeting to look at the application, and in particular, the parkland question that has come up.
The regional board carried a motion to refer the item to staff. The motion carried unanimously.
Emergency preparedness funding recommended
Regional district finance committee suggests regional board should apply for $40,000 to update plans
PAUL
GALINSKI
reporter@prpeak.com
qathet Regional District’s (qRD) finance committee is recommending that the regional board endorse an application for community
emergency preparedness.
At the April 8 finance committee meeting, directors considered a report recommending the board approve application for a $40,000 grant to the 2025 community emergency preparedness fund (CEPF) public notification and evacuation route planning, administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.
According to a staff report, the public notification and evacuation route planning fund is intended to support development of new or updated community evacuation route plans and new or updated community alerting plans.
The report stated that qRD first accessed CEPF evacuation route funding in 2018. The funding allowed qRD to contract services of the evacuation planning assistant, leading to the series of engagements and workshops with community members and agencies across the region, and led to the development in 2020 of qRD's first community evacuation plans and community evacuation guidance material.
The review, maintenance, updating and public engagement regarding community evacuation plans is an ongoing process, the report stated. If the grant application is
successful, the 2025 CEPF public notification and evacuation route planning fund will provide qRD with $40,000 of provincial funding to review and update evacuation plans for all areas of the regional district, including City of Powell River.
Staff intend to use the funding to contract services of the evacuation planning assistant to engage with community members, relevant agencies and regional emergency operations centre staff to ensure plans are current and understood by all parties, according to the report.
Community notification plans
for impending emergency events are an important aspect to any community evacuation plan, the report stated. qRD provides a community notification system residents can register with to receive important information via email, phone or text message. The work to maintain and update plans and training for use of the system is an ongoing effort. Staff intend to use some of the grant funding to review community notification plans for all qRD areas, to coordinate these plans with Tla'amin Nation and the city, and to ensure public awareness of notification plans, according to the report.
ELECTION 2025 »
Business support addressed by candidates
Audience question draws responses on how to help entrepreneurs
SHANE CARLSON editor@prpeak.com
Four of the six candidates vying to represent the North IslandPowell River riding as MP took part in an all-candidates meeting in Evergreen Theatre on Thursday, April 18. General election day is April 28.
Questions from Powell River Chamber of Commerce, which hosted the event, and from audience members were fielded by Jessica Wegg (Green Party of Canada), Glen Staples (Independent), Jennifer Lash (Liberal Party of Canada) and Tanille Johnston (NDP).
In opening statements, Staples emphasized his respect for all candidates and his stance on environmental issues. Lash highlighted her deep connection to the community and her experience in reconciliation, economy, climate change and conservation.
Wegg shared her background as a lawyer and her work in the United States, emphasizing her commitment to mental health, addiction treatment and youth activities. Johnston discussed her
background in social work and her experience in health care, emphasizing her core values of respect, honesty, integrity and truth. Aaron Gunn (Conservative Party of Canada) and Paul Macknight (People’s Party of Canada) did not attend the evening event. One of the questions from an audience member focused on how to help small businesses: “I’m a small business owner, and I’m wondering, given the trade wars going on right now, what’s your plan to support local businesses, both in the region and in the province?
JESSICA WEGG, GREEN PARTY
“The Green Party thinks small
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businesses need to be considered with every piece of legislation that comes down to see what’s going to be the effect. We have a ‘think small first bill’ which recognizes that small and medium-sized businesses employ more than 60 per cent of Canadians, and this amends the Department of Industry Act to establish mandatory review of the potential impact of any proposed government regulation or law and what the impact would be on small businesses.
“I know we’re all trying to support small businesses where we can, and really support Canadian artisans and entrepreneurs where we can and shopping locally. We
need to continue to support that and make sure our communities have what they need to continue to represent their businesses and continue to thrive in our communities with what they need.”
GLEN STAPLES, INDEPENDENT
“I have terrific reverence for small business people. Entrepreneurship is what we need a lot more of. I think the entrepreneurs will figure out ways through this, probably better than the government will. I’ve heard some ideas from the liberals on how to help small businesses, but I believe in the small business people more than I believe in the government.”
JENNIFER LASH, LIBERAL PARTY
“One of my best nights of the whole campaign was when I got to attend the Chamber of Commerce awards for small businesses here in Powell River. It was amazing, and you could really see how that is the heartbeat of this community, so thank you for that.
“Absolutely support small businesses. They do not get the headlines the big industries get in this country. They don’t get quick attention. We can’t afford to lose our small businesses because it is such a vital part of every single community.
“A couple things I mentioned ear-
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SANDY
CANDIDATES CONVERGE: North Island-Powell River candidates [from left] Tanille Johnston, Jennifer Lash, Glen Staples and Jessica Wegg participated in an all-candidates meeting at Powell River Recreation Complex on April 18. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
Minor hockey product heading to college
Luke Shipley is leaving the WHL Brandon Wheat Kings to attend University of Massachusetts
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
Powell River Minor Hockey product Luke Shipley has just completed a great season with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL) and is now university-bound.
Shipley, who was nominated for the defenceman of the year in the WHL, will be attending University of Massachusetts Lowell to play for the River Hawks in NCAA Division 1 this fall. He is excited about his hockey future.
Shipley, who was born in Campbell River but moved to Powell River at a very young age and entered the local minor hockey system.
“I started playing here when I was five until, I want to say, 13-years-old, then I moved away to West Vancouver to play for an academy team,” said Shipley. “I ended up coming back to Powell River that same year and finished the season with the bantam team in Powell River Minor Hockey. I moved away to the academy and that probably got my name out there, and I did well with the bantams. I had some scouts come to the games.”
Shipley, a right-handed defenceman, was drafted by Victoria Royals of the WHL at the age of 14. He went to play for the Royals when he was 16. Shipley said this was during the COVID-19 lockdown, so they played 20-odd games in the bubble city of Kelowna.
However, after playing for the Royals, he asked to be traded.
“We didn’t have that strong of a team and I felt that I needed a fresh start and a new beginning to help me get back to being the player I wanted to become,” said Shipley. “Sometimes change is hard, but it can be good. So, I’m happy that it happened. It was a difficult decision, but ultimately, it was a good decision.”
Shipley, who was traded to the Brandon Wheat Kings when he was 18, said it was an adjustment being in Manitoba, so far away from home, but for his hockey career, the move worked out exceptionally well.
“They were a younger team and there was definitely an opportunity to be had there,” said Shipley. “So, I was excited to be traded. I didn’t know anything about Brandon, or Manitoba, but they are rich in their hockey history and have a lot of alumni who have played in the National Hockey League and done really well.”
Shipley improved steadily in Brandon, recording seven goals and 14 assists in 43 games in his first season. In his second season with the team, he scored nine goals and 25 points, and in the recently concluded season, he had 20 goals and 57 points.
“I came in and wanted to be an important player on the team,” said Shipley. “Each year you play, it gets easier. You mature, and you also figure out what you can do and what you can’t do, and ultimately, that comes from the trust of the coaching staff.
“I’ve always just needed the opportunity. I felt my skill set was there, so I just needed the chance to show myself and prove to the coaches I can be trusted in any situation.”
In his last year in Brandon, in addition to scoring 20 goals, Shipley also led the team in plus-minus.
“It feels good to have that trust from the coaches and to be that guy, when you’re out there in all situations, that you are contributing to the team’s success every night. Looking back on it, scoring 20 goals was pretty special, because not many defencemen get that many. So, I’m proud of it. It’s to do with the work that I’ve put in throughout the years and it is paying off.”
This past season, the NCAA expanded its eligibility for hockey players. In years past, college-bound players came to teams like the Powell River Kings of the BCHL, because major junior hockey players were excluded from university hockey. Now, with the eligibility rules allowing major junior players, Shipley, who at 20 has aged out of junior hockey, has continued hockey opportunities.
Shipley said when he was 15 and making the decision on what junior league he would play in, he thought major junior was the best league and the best opportunity for advancement of his career.
“It produced more players who went off and played professionally, and that was my goal,” said Shipley. “I made the decision to go with the WHL and I don’t regret it. Now, we are super fortunate with the rules change that we’re able to
Women celebrate title
Canadian team finished undefeated at hockey tournament in Florida
A player from Powell River was on the roster for the Canadian Coast-to-Coast women’s hockey team, which recently celebrated a victory at the USA Hockey Adult National Championships in Tampa, Florida.
In addition to Suzi Wiebe of Powell River,
Coast-to-Coast was a collective of Vancouver, Vancouver Island and New Brunswick players coached by Mal Stelck of Parksville.
Coast-to-Coast went undefeated in the 60plus women’s division against three United States teams, winning 6-0 over the Really Old Jets, 5-0 versus the Cape Cod Black Dogs and edging Minnesota Lady Slippers by a score of 3-2 in overtime. The Canadian team faced Minnesota again in the final and skated to a 3-0 shutout win to clinch the 2025 championship title.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
go and play at the next level and also get a degree.” Shipley’s transition to UMass is a work in progress. He is still determining what he would like to study through his scholarship, but he is thinking of something in the realm of exercise science or kinesiology.
“It’s going to be hard to balance hockey and school at the same time but it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to,” said Shipley.
He said the NCAA produces players who have been drafted into the NHL. He said he wants to play professional hockey, but if things don’t work out on the ice, he always has the backup plan stemming from a university degree and starting out well in life.
“So, it’s kind of a win-win in all situations, playing at my best level and also getting a degree,” said Shipley.
He said playing professional hockey has always been a dream and the prospect of being able to make it to the NHL would take it one step further. To prepare himself for the coming hockey season and his future, he is going to train hard this summer, as has been the case in previous seasons.
“I’d love to be in Powell River over the summer, because it’s beautiful here, and I love it, but there’s no ice and not much for training, so I think I’ll head back to Brandon,” said Shipley, who recently returned to Powell River.
He said he is grateful for the help he has received along the way, starting with his family, who made the sacrifices so he could live his dream. He said there are tonnes of other people to thank for the support, helping him to chase his aspirations and succeed.
GREAT OPPORTUNITY: Brandon Wheat Kings defender Luke Shipley, who started playing hockey in Powell River at the age of five, is leaving the Brandon Wheat Kings to play university hockey with University of Massachusetts Lowell.
CANADIAN COLLECTIVE: Powell River and Vancouver Island members of the Canadian Coast-to-Coast women’s hockey team included [from left] Suzi Wiebe, Liza Furney, Sue Maltby, Tracy Hurley and Michele Claveau, and coach Mal Stelck. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Otago wins rugby tournament
Three teams take to Cranberry Field to contest 10-a-side games
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
Powell River Otago Rugby Club won another 10-aside rugby tournament, this time in Powell River. At Cranberry Field on April 12, teams from Victoria and Cowichan travelled here to take to the rugby pitch in perfect weather.
The first game for Otago was against Rising Tide from Victoria.
“They wanted to beat us so badly,” said Otago spokesperson Jack Beardmore. “They haven’t beaten us once in the last year. This was our fourth game against them. The final score of the game was 33-5.
“Our guys came out fired up. The boys played the way we have been practising all month. They stuck to the plan and they worked the plan.”
Beardmore said he was pleased with how Otago team members were there in support of one another.
“It almost looked like we were a first division side because we were playing so tight,” said Beardmore. “That said, you get up against the first division side and you find you're not quite there, exactly.”
Beardmore said in the second game, Rising Tide had to play back-to-back, going up against Cowichan, which made it tough for the Victoria team.
“Cowichan is a good side –there’s no two ways around it,” said Beardmore. “They put it to Rising tide pretty well, with the final score being 30-10. Cowichan had quite a few younger players and a couple are playing first division, so they were good. Rising Tide, by the end, ran out of gas and that is when Cowichan put a few more
trys on them.”
The third game of the tournament featured Otago against Cowichan. Beardmore said Cowichan beat Otago pretty handily in a 10-a-side tournament in Cowichan in March. He added that Otago coach Geoff Matheson wanted his players to come out strongly against the opposition.
“It ended up with Sawyer Gowan making some phenomenal runs and breakthroughs and two trys were scored in the first half, with one of them converted; so, at halftime, it was 12-0 for Powell River,” said Beardmore. “In the second half, Cowichan came out quickly and scored a try and the score was 12-5, but we went right back and answered, so we moved up to 17-5. They returned another try, and we answered late in the game to put it away with our fourth try, winning the game 22-10, and taking the tournament. That was great. Geoff was so happy.”
Beardmore said the team was disciplined, sticking to the training and practice it has been conducting. He said Otago was tight defensively and team members were good at taking the opposition’s space. Other than a dropped ball resulting in one of Cowichan’s speedy players picking it up and running about 40 metres for the try, Otago played flawlessly, according to Beardmore.
At the end of 10-a-side play, one more game was organized. It was supposed to be a conventional 15-aside game, but the travelling teams were banged up, so could only field 13 players. Otago played a 13-a-side game against the combined Cowichan and Rising Tide squads. Beardmore said Otago, just having played a game against Cowichan, was tired. In the first half, the Island opposition team went up 12-7.
“We were right there with
them,” said Beardmore. “However, in the second half, you could see, because we played back-to-back, that our guys were getting tired. The Island players put up another try on us early in the second half to extend the lead to 17-7, but Edward Best, our captain, scored a lovely try, putting us just one try down.”
The Island opposition team, however, came on strong at the end of the game and put together one more good drive for a final score of 22-12.
“They had their best players out there, the younger guys, and we were running out of gas,” said Beardmore. “We were able to stick with them until the very end.
“It was a great day of rugby. Afterward, the camaraderie was phenomenal. A lot of the Island players had never been to Powell River before and they were just in awe of our clubhouse, taking pictures of themselves there. I gave a little history and explained to them how the clubhouse was paid for by us. They were really impressed.”
Otago still has some rugby action ahead. Beardmore said on May 10, Otago will be travelling to Victoria to take part in the final 10-aside spring tournament, which is being organized
by the Rising Tide. He said the three teams that played here will be in the tournament, along with Victoria Castaway Wanderers.
“They will all be gunning for us,” said Beardmore. “Otago has been dominant so far in the last year with these tournaments. We played three tournaments last fall and won all three. We played in Cowichan earlier this year and they beat us, but with us winning the Powell River tournament, we’ve won four out of five so far.”
After the final 10-a-side, Otago will be travelling to
Port Alberni on May 31 to face the Black Sheep.
“It’s going to be a tough, tough match for us,” said Beardmore. “They have a very strong first division side and we’ll probably be up against some of them.”
Beardmore said it will be a full 15s game against Port Alberni.
Also on the calendar is the Otago 50th anniversary weekend on June 20 and 21. Beardmore said along with attracting Otago players, Otago alumni and rugby fans, there will be teams travelling to Powell River to take part. Cowichan is
coming with a full old boys side, as will Ebb Tide, from Victoria. Nanaimo is sending some players, as will a team from Burnaby.
“All of a sudden, we have 50 more people coming to the banquet that weren’t expected,” said Beardmore. “It’s going to make for a phenomenal weekend, with some great rugby on June 21. I’m so excited about it. It’s going to be fun. The team has been working hard to make it a success, organizing it and getting things done. It’s a real Otago club effort, straight across the board.”
BEST TEAM: Powell River Otago Rugby Club won its spring tournament, beating Rising Tide from Victoria, and a side from Cowichan. The tournament was played in perfect weather, with many fans coming out to watch the tournament action.
PAUL GALINSKI PHOTO
National Volunteer Week
Volunteers start coho clipping campaign
Salmon society’s goal is to have 300,000 adipose fins clipped
Powell River Salmon Society’s coho clipping campaign began on Monday, April 14. Volunteers and community members are attempting to clip the adipose fins of approximately 300,000 fry coho salmon this month.
Training prior to clipping is taking place at the hatchery, located at the former Catalyst Paper Tis’kwat site. Anglers are allowed to retain hatchery coho salmon with the adipose fin clipped.
Anyone who wants to help can email clippingprsalmon@gmail.com, or call 604.483.9440.
Six out of 10 Canadians have volunteered at some point in their lives, typically either early or late in life.
Canadians between age 15 and 18 have the highest rate of volunteerism while those between 65 and 74 volunteer the most total hours.
61 per cent of Canadians who do not volunteer claim they are unable to make long-term commitments. Luckily, between social media and national efforts by groups such as Volunteer Canada, it is easier than ever to connect with organizations and people who need help in a way that fits any schedule.
This year, Volunteer Canada’s National Volunteer Week runs from April 27 to May 3. It is an annual effort to get the word out about how and where Canadians can volunteer to help their communities. The theme in 2025 is Volunteers Make Waves.
Like a wave, volunteering is movement building, according to Volunteer Canada: “Water is in constant motion, always flowing, shifting and transforming with every powerful wave or quiet ripple. And so is each volunteer’s contribution toward creating impact in our communities.”
Many Canadians think they cannot volunteer their time because, between family and work, they are not able to make additional commitments. One way Canadians who do not have a lot of time can become more involved is by micro-volunteering. This kind of
volunteering is based on the idea of crowdsourcing.
Big projects are broken down into small pieces a large number of people can contribute to in small ways. These contributions are often done via computer or smartphone and may take only a couple of hours or even a few minutes of time.
Micro-volunteering is based on the notion that people are more likely to volunteer their time in short, convenient bursts. It refers to volunteer tasks that take no more than an hour or two to complete and can be done whenever they fit into the person’s schedule. Importantly, micro-volunteering doesn’t require an application, training process or any ongoing commitment.
The main benefit of micro-volunteering is that it’s flexible. This makes it a great option for those who have a busy schedule and would otherwise forgo volunteering because of a lack of time. And since the majority of microvolunteering happens online, people can have an impact from virtually anywhere.
Although only 44 per cent of Canadians volunteer at any given time, 82 per cent do some kind of informal volunteering, which means helping their community outside of a formal volunteer organization.
Various activities come to mind related to volunteering: serving hot meals to people in need, cleaning up polluted
Volunteers Make Waves April 27 to May 3, 2025
beaches, donating time to events such as International Choral Kathaumixw and Pacific Region International Summer Music Association, or helping out with minor sports associations in the qathet region. Donating time to such causes can also have a significant impact on advancing a person’s career.
If decision-makers at a place of work know a worker is a volunteer coach during their spare time, they may be more inclined to offer them a new position.
Most jobs require at least some experience, and volunteer work can come to the rescue for recent graduates. Anyone who has donated time to special projects, humanitarian causes or cultural events during their studies might end up with an interview based on those experiences, and maybe even the job.
Volunteering is also a great way to expand a network of contacts. For instance, a volunteer member of an organization in charge of planning a charitable event regularly meets with people from all walks of life. Informal meetings might grow into a profitable partnership later on.
Volunteers obtain a sense of belonging from engaging with their community and expanding their social network, and a sense of meaning and purpose from their perception that they’re making a positive difference.
What do you have time for to make a difference in the community?
Housing society moves closer to breaking ground
Focus groups, capital gains fundraising and maintaining community support vital to project
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
High land costs, lengthy approval processes and zoning bylaws are just some of the hurdles faced by those trying to build housing in BC. Building homes specifically for seniors that are affordable, accessible and ready in a timely manner on a remote Gulf Island, that's a whole other set of hurdles and circumstances.
Since 2019, Texada Island Non-Profit Seniors Housing Society (TINSHS) has been working toward creating affordable and senior-friendly housing on Texada.
"All government processes are taking longer than we thought they would, but we're being told ‘we're working at light speed,’" said TINSHS president Cathy Brown.
The Peak previously reported that the group's biggest obstacle to building seniors housing on Texada was obtaining title to buildable land. The nonprofit had its eye on an eight-acre parcel of land owned by Selkirk Mountain Forest Limited within Gillies Bay Improvement District that was suitable for development. Fast forward to April 2025 and progress has been made toward getting shovels in the ground.
Last November the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) granted conditional approval of TINSHS's Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) exclusion ap-
plication. Brown said there are conditions to be met but they have up to five years to complete them. Brown said she feels confident that TINSHS will meet the requirements.
"We have a signed purchase agreement but it's conditional to the subdivision of the property from Selkirk Mountain Forest Limited from the main parcel, but the process takes time, but it will go through," said Brown.
"The conditional exclusion is that we must put a fence and vegetative barrier the length of the new division between the new parcel and the old Selkirk Mountain Forest Limited remaining parcel."
Last April, TINSHS hosted a successful online/live auc-
tial and affordability issues.
"We originally looked at 40 units as our goal," said Brown. "Kate is going to help us talk to people about how many [people] are actually willing to move in if the opportunity comes up."
Brown said the design will most likely be single-storey, rancher-style rental units.
"Sadly, some people, with how long this takes, have passed away or left the island because they just haven't been able to wait for it," said Brown. "Right now we are trying to look at how affordability concerns can be addressed."
Sadly, some people, with how long this takes, have passed away or left the island because
they just
haven’t been able to wait for it.
CATHY BROWN
TEXADA ISLAND NON-PROFIT SENIORS HOUSING SOCIETY
tion and a high tea event that raised $11,958 toward the capital goal. As of now, the housing society has raised $202,848 from a capital campaign community fundraiser for a land purchase goal of $250,000. Brown said the community on Texada has been very supportive of the seniors housing project so far.
Expert in seniors housing and health care Kate Mancer was invited to take part in two focus groups on Thursday, April 10, at the Gillies Bay seniors hall and April 11 at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 232 in Van Anda.
The discussion focused on topics such as how many units are needed, what kind of design features are essen-
Currently there is little rental stock on Texada, so for those wanting to age in place or downsize on the island, there are not many options.
"We're investigating prefabricated modular housing," said Brown. "It has become the new way nationally as a way to put in place affordable housing."
Brown said the society still wants to hire as many people as possible locally for site preparation and deck building.
"There's a few very good construction people on the island, but they're very backed up as well," said Brown.
In the meantime, the TINSHS team is planning more fundraising events and working diligently and meticulously through the obstacles until building can begin.
FOCUS GROUP: Texada Island Non-Profit Seniors Housing Society has held multiple focus groups over the years in order to understand housing needs of seniors on the island. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Walk honours female victims
Tl'amin members, qathet SAFE and women's group will lead community ceremony at Willingdon Beach
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
A walk in honour of National Day for Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited People (MMIWG2S), also known as Red Dress Day, will take place on Friday, May 2, starting from Tis’kwat and ending at Willingdon Beach.
Organizer and social worker/counsellor Cyndi Pallen said this is the seventh year the Red Dress walk and ceremony has taken place in qathet, which invites the community to join in a day of honouring and healing. The walk and ceremony is in partnership with Tla'amin Nation, qathet SAFE and for the first time, a women's group named šɛʔgat, or lifting spirits.
"Our elders who have supported us yearly
are Doreen Point and John Louie and myself, and with our [qathet SAFE executive director] Ann [Kurtz], we will implement the candlelight ceremony to send our positive regards prayers to the four directions at Willingdon Beach," said Pallen. "Other volunteers are Gillian and Jen of qathet SAFE, and Phil Russell, who has put up the red dresses over the years."
The use of red dresses to represent missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls was originated by Métis artist Jaime Black in 2010. According to the Assembly of First Nations, Indigenous women make up 16 per cent of all female homicide victims, and 11 per cent of missing women, yet Indigenous people make up only 4.3 per cent of the population of Canada.
"We will create a safe space for Indigenous peoples and our allies to share in a ceremony," said Pallen. "We will acknowledge the atrocities toward Indigenous women, girls and two-spirits, as well as those impacted by violence or those who have experienced tragic loss of loved ones who have gone missing."
Pallen encourages folks to "wear red and join the walk to bring light to this day for all." The walk begins at 3 pm.
Experienced Advocate: Jessica is a lawyer specialized in defending human & civil rights against corporations and governments.
Passionate Changemaker: For a safer, cleaner, more just world for our kids, today and for future generations.
Local and Relatable: Jessica has 2 young kids, is president of the PTA, she loves dogs, cold water swimming and singing.
Pallen, qathet SAFE and Sally Louie from Tla’amin family support service have been working closely together since January 2025, with šɛʔgat (lifting spirits) women’s group, which continues until June.
"The group was taught how to speak in Tla’amin language and learned about the protocols of Tla’amin that strengthen identity and self," said Pallen. "These practices will help strengthen participants’ sense of belonging,
self-esteem and šɛʔgat (lifting spirits)."
Pallen said the group is looking forward to walking in honour of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirited people.
"All women will be wearing regalia made for the group, along with using the new drums women made within the group together," said Pallen. "The group will be composing a new song and drumming for the walk."
CHANGE Vote For It
WHAT GREENS VALUE
Our platform is fully costed by the Parliamentary Budget Office, and addresses the major issues facing us today. Some examples:
Housing That’s Affordable
We’ll launch the largest public housing program since the 1970s—creating local jobs & capping rents at 30% of family income.
More Health Care
We’ll invest universal health care with long-term funding, more staff, expanded home care, and end for-profit takeovers.
Revitalizing Canada’s Forest Industry
We’ll invest in a well-paid sustainable & value-added forest industry, stop raw log exports, and preserve old growth forests.
Fair Taxation
Families earning less than $40K will pay no federal income tax.
NORTH
COMMUNITY WALK: A walk on Friday, May 2, in honour of National Day for Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited People is being organized in partnership with Tla’amin Nation, qathet SAFE and led by Cyndi Pallen [front left].
TANYA HILL PHOTO
Make your smile shine
Good oral hygiene starts with brushing your teeth twice a day. With so many toothbrush and toothpaste options on the market, how do you choose the right oral care products? Here are some key considerations to help you make the best choices.
Manual toothbrush
A soft-bristled toothbrush provides effective cleaning and is gentle on your gums and enamel. A brush with a small head can help you clean hard-to-reach areas like your molars.
Electric toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes are excellent for deep cleaning your teeth, especially if you have limited hand mobility. The rotating or vibrating head can remove more plaque than a manual brush. Electric toothbrushes also often come with a timer to ensure you brush for the recommended two minutes.
Toothpaste
Choose a toothpaste that meets your specific needs. If your teeth
are healthy, a standard toothpaste will work just fine. If you have specific concerns, such as a higher risk of cavities, tooth sensitivity or gum issues like gingivitis, or if you want a whitening effect, choose a toothpaste specifically formulated to address those needs.
Investing in the right toothbrush and toothpaste is a crucial step toward achieving optimal oral health. If you’re unsure where to start, ask your dentist for personalized advice.
UPTOWN DENTAL CENTRE
Maintaining oral health is simple and easy
BY CHRISTOPHER BECIR
National Oral Health
Month (April) is here. It’s an important reminder of the importance oral health has to our overall health and well-being.
Too often our teeth, gums and soft tissues are overlooked, which can lead to unnecessary discomfort and pain. The positive news is that maintaining good oral health is simple and easy. With a few consistent habits most oral health complications can be avoided and even corrected. These habits include:
Brushing your teeth twice a day with either a manual or electric toothbrush. This will help reduce cavities forming on the surfaces of your teeth.
Cleaning between your teeth at least once a day with floss or other interdental devices. This will help reduce cavities forming between
your teeth and improve periodontal health.
Using a saltwater or antibacterial mouth rinse once a day. This will help in reducing oral inflammation.
Improving healthy food choices. Reducing the amount of sugar consumed will reduce the chances of new cavities forming.
Minimizing alcohol and tobacco use. This has a major impact at reducing oral diseases, including oral cancer. Seeing a dentist and hy-
gienist at least once a year. This allows dental professionals to perform an oral exam ensuring your teeth, gums and soft tissues are healthy.
The key to good oral health is consistency. By brushing and flossing your teeth every day, making good dietary/lifestyle choices and seeing dental professionals every year, we can drastically improve our patients oral health and prevent the issues we so often see.
We want all of our patients to be happy and healthy, and taking proper care of our oral health is an excellent place to start.
Dr. Christopher Becir holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of British Columbia and a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Western Ontario. He is based in Comox. For more information, go to arbordentalcomox.com.
SERVING THE COMOX VALLEY FOR 30 YEARS
Dr. Phil and his staff are committed
Currently accepting new clients
Christopher Becir
How can you prevent periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a serious gum disease that can have major repercussions on your oral health, especially if not detected and treated promptly. Fortunately, many cases can be prevented through a few simple habits. Here’s an overview.
Definition
Periodontitis is a severe infection that affects the tissues supporting your teeth, including the gums, periodontal ligament, cementum and alveolar jawbone. It often begins as gingivitis, mild gum inflammation caused by plaque buildup. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which can result in irreversible damage.
Causes and symptoms
The main causes of periodontitis
include poor oral hygiene, smoking and certain health conditions such as diabetes. Common symptoms include red, swollen or easily bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, loosening teeth and, in more advanced cases, severe pain or abscesses.
Treatments
Treating periodontitis involves removing bacteria from below the gum line and eliminating tartar. Common techniques include scaling and root planing. In severe cases, surgical intervention or antibiotics may be necessary to control the infection and preserve the supporting tissues of the teeth.
Prevention
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to preventing this disease. Remember these habits:
smile
• Brush twice a day using a softbristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
• Floss or use an interdental brush to clean the spaces between your teeth
• Schedule regular check-ups and cleanings with your dentist
You can reduce your risk of developing periodontitis by adopting healthy lifestyle practices. Quit smoking if you do currently. Additionally, eat balanced meals and drink plenty of water to encourage saliva production, a natural defence against bacteria.
Take good care of your teeth and gums to help prevent periodontitis and numerous other oral health issues. If you notice any symptoms of gingivitis or periodontitis, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
Land Act: Notice of Application for a Disposition of
Crown Land
Take notice that I, F. Bruce Shepherd, from Vancouver and Powell River, BC have applied to the British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS), South Coast Region, for a Residential Private Moorage situated on Provincial Crown land located at 12600 Lancelot Inlet.
WLRS invites comments on this application. The Lands File is 241 2830. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to the Senior Land Officer, South Coast Region, WLRS, at Suite 200 - 10428 153rd Street, Surrey BC V3R 1E1. Comments will be received by WLRS up to May 23, 2025. WLRS may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the Applications, Comments and Reasons for Decision Database website at http://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ for more information.
Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/ freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submissions.
EMPOWERING LIVES, THROUGH
MOBILITY & INNOVATION
HME Home Health offers a vast array of mobility and accessibility devices and medical equipment. Items include wheelchairs, power chairs, walkers, hospital beds, mattresses, other durable medical equipment, stairlifts, vertical platform lifts, ramps, and other installed products.
$3,195
JAZZY PASSPORT CARBON
The Jazzy Carbon Transport Power Chair combines easy portability with rugged wheels, front-end suspension, and a comfortable seat, making it perfect for both everyday use and travel adventures.
Large Jazzy Carbon stock available on the HME E-Store
Removable joystick for transporting with built in USB charger
POWER LIFT RECLINERS & CHAIRS
Designed to help lift you from a seated position to a standing position effortlessly while still providing comfort and support.
Precise combination of function, style and comfort
Your Lift Chair will be delivered and setup at your home by our in-house delivery & technician teams!
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Browse our full product catalog and find all the details you need to make the best choice at:
