City of Powell River’s parks, recreation and culture department has published its digital Fall Active Living Guide. Program registration will open at 8 am on Monday, August 18. The season offers new classes, returning favourites and special events designed for every age and ability.
A wide range of water-based classes headline the fall lineup at the aquatic centre. Aquatic programs supervisor Tami Wood says the schedule is built to welcome both new and experienced swimmers.
“We are excited about the debut of artistic swimming this fall,” says Wood. “People can learn the basics in beginner swim lessons, or level up to intermediate lessons, or perhaps explore new challenges in our artistic swimming program. We have also added aqua yoga on Friday mornings to go with our regular Tuesday and Thursday options.”
Wood adds that qualified instructors will help participants “build confidence, refine technique and have a great time in the pool.” In the classroom there is opportunity to learn Emergency First Aid or Standard First.
Sea Snake Saturdays return on the last Saturday of each month, giving swimmers a chance to test their balance on the giant inflatable sea snake from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Dates are September 27, October 25, November 29 and December 27.
Sport and recreation coordinator Alex Craig invites residents to take part in the seasonal favourites and brand-new activities.
“Our mushroom and salal picking programs are always a hit in the fall,” says Craig.
“This year, we are adding Monday Creations Club, which mixes crafts and science for 10 weeks, and Whisk Takers, where young bakers can experiment with everything from cookies to pretzels.”
For skaters, October brings the return of rec skate lessons, a great way to help children learn the basics of ice skating. Craig notes
Recreation Complex will run both drop-in and registered fitness options.
“Our drop-in schedule lets people come when it works for them,” says Parsley. “Early risers can join 6:15 am classes three days a week, and longtime favourites such as Zumba, spin and yoga are back.”
The seniors wellness class meets Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 to 2 pm, focusing on strength, mobility and social connection. Parents up to two years postpartum can try Core and Cradle on Sundays, where premobile babies are welcome.
that a new Sensory Skate will offer a quieter midweek ice time for those who prefer a calmer atmosphere.
A laser skate will light up the complex on Saturday, November 1, taking place from 7 to 9 pm.
Interim health and fitness program coordinator Melissa Parsley says Powell River
Registered offerings this season include trail running, Drums Alive, Prenatal Fitness, a vedic meditation series and Tai Chi. Parsley highlights two special dates: a Glow-in-theDark Zumba Party on Saturday, October 25, and the Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, November 8.
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“The fair will feature vendors, demonstrations and door prize draws,” explains Parsley.
The department also hosts a monthly seniors together luncheon with rotating guest speakers.
Full schedules, program details and the online registration portal are available at powellriverprc.ca. Residents can also sign up by calling 604.485.2891 or visiting the recreation complex in person.
For the latest updates and reminders, follow the city’s parks, recreation and culture department at facebook.com/ PowellRiverParksRecCulture and instagram. com/powellriverparksrecculture.
Fire potential concerns residents
Early detection technology being explored further on Savary Island
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
What if a potential fire could be detected even before it starts?
Using artificial intelligence to do such a task is no longer a future science-fiction endeavour. It is here now and could be a game changer for public safety and conservation, according to Savary Island Early Fire Detection Evaluation Committee member Liz Webster. Fire was the main concern for Savary islanders in an Association of the Savary Island Community survey from 2023.
On August 6, fire detection committee members Peter Armstrong, Nancy Zoehner, Brian Craddock and Webster, along with Savary Island Volunteer Fire Department (SIVFD) deputy chief Doug Corbett and fire chief Chris Philpot, took a representative from a Vancouver-based company called SenseNet on a tour to explore the practicality of adopting such a tool. The company uses advanced integration of artificial intelligence, ground sensors, cameras and satellite data to provide immediate detection of wildfires in real time.
Insurance and risk management expert Sandy Millar has a seasonal home on Savary and is currently helping guide the committee on this technology exploration process.
“I’m a partner in a national insurance brokerage, so we have a lot of interaction with property underwriters, particularly for insurance markets; wildfire, fire risk, fire exposure is the number one concern,” said Millar. “It’s certainly the case on an unprotected island like Savary; this technology came up and obviously is being considered for application.”
Webster, who is also executive director of Savary Island Land Trust (SILT), said because early fire detection aligns with conservation goals, the SILT board passed a motion that the group would help to raise the funds.
“The fundraising has been underway for a few weeks and we now have $220,000 in pledges and donations toward the $375,000 goal,” said Webster.
Some people are wary of adopting new technology, especially artificial intelligence, but anecdotally, Savary residents are curious
they actually see the size of technology.”
Municipalities such as Vernon and Harrison Hot Springs have adopted the SenseNet technology after trial runs.
“Fire insurance is available [on Savary], but it has certainly become more expensive, “ said Millar. “Premiums have increased, and that’s sort of a universal thing, particularly for any properties in an exposed area.”
He said there were questions from residents around whether there would be discounts available if this technology were to be deployed.
“The real benefit, from an insurance perspective, is sustainability; the ability to get fire insurance over the longer term,” said Millar. “From an insurance perspective [the technology] goes a long way to ensuring sustainability and ongoing access to insurance.”
There are three fire stations on Savary. Webster
egy. Let’s support the SIVFD with the best tools available to protect us.”
The department often gets called out to false alarm fires, which can be quite disruptive.
“These are all volunteers, and they’re being taken away from their dinner or whatever they’re doing, and sometimes it’s a false call out,” said Webster. “So that was one benefit, apart from stopping fires quickly. One of the other benefits they saw was they may go out to fewer calls, because they’ll be able to identify whether it really is an issue or not using the technology.”
He said he took a walk to check out where the smell of smoke was coming from, but couldn’t find anything.
“But it was pretty obvious to me that if there were a network of AI sensors connected, it could very quickly identify the source, if it was a potential wildfire situation, or a fire that’s going to escalate,” said Millar. “It would also identify if it was somebody having a fire in their home, in a fireplace or wood stove, or if it was a barbecue.”
chief executive officer was showing us how it worked from his house in West Vancouver; it’s really quite extraordinary.”
The technology uses highend cameras and sensors that can see and detect fire from more than 30 kilometres away. The fire stations would be hooked up to a dashboard that SIVFD members could monitor in real time.
about the tool used for early fire detection.
“I was surprised, but the sensor was much smaller than I thought,” said Webster. “So, I think some people might think, ‘Oh, it’s going to be too intrusive,’ but I think they’re going to be surprised when
said fire department members are excited about integrating the technology into their work.
“We all know we are going to have a fire; we need to have the tools to be able to react quickly,” said Corbett, while on the August 6 tour. “Waiting is not a good strat-
Millar said while at his seasonal home on Savary last week, he and his wife smelled smoke.
“We both turned to another at the same moment, thinking, ‘did you smell that?’” said Millar. “It really smelled like smoke, and this was well before the recent rain.”
On August 6, the fire department, committee members and SenseNet representative Leila Verjee identified potential spots for camera sites.
“It’s not concluded yet, but it seemed at the end of the meeting that the consensus was that we would need three cameras, not four, and the three would most likely be located off island, not on the island,” said Webster. “The
“It takes one errant cigarette, and that’s all,” said Millar, about the vulnerability of fires on Savary. “The main thing is to improve firefighting outcomes, so they’re able to pinpoint very quickly without having to go and sniff around to try and find the source.”
To make a donation to the fundraising campaign, go to canadahelps.org/ en/dn/133996 and select number three, Savary Island Early Fire Detection Technology. Each donor will receive a tax receipt.
TECHNOLOGY WANTED: [From left] SenseNet representative Leila Verjee, Savary Island Land Trust executive director Liz Webster, Savary Island Volunteer Fire Department deputy chief Doug Corbett and fire chief Chris Philpot recently went on an island tour to investigate the possibility of investing in early fire detection technology. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
DON’T MISS THIS WEEK
SATURDAY AUGUST 16
AUTHOR PRESENTATION/READING
Lana Cullis will present The Spiritual Life Writing Workbook and Isabella Mori will read from Believe Me, a hopeful book on mental health, trauma and addiction. The presentation and reading will start at 2 pm in Powell River Public Library. For information, email Mark at mmerlino@prpl.ca.
Mountain dog waits for adoption
Gentle senior sidekick seeks forever home
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
Who’s looking for a lowmaintenance best friend?
Staff at BC SPCA qathet describe Siren as a gentle, female, 11-year-old Formosan mountain dog. She is waiting to be adopted at qathet Community Animal Centre, located at 7558 Duncan Street.
According to BC SPCA qathet, this older dog is the definition of easy-breezy.
"This lovely senior lady is quiet, calm and already house-trained; she’s the kind of companion who brings a soft, grounding energy to any home," stated BC SPCA qathet, on its website. "Siren loves people and enjoys being around her humans, though she’s not
overly needy. She’ll gladly share a couch or even your bed if invited, offering gentle kisses and the occasional majestic spin move when she’s feeling playful."
According to BC SPCA qathet, despite her age, she has some surprising speed and a serious love for scent games.
"While she’s great with other respectful dogs, Siren prefers a chill vibe and isn’t into rowdy play," stated BC SPCA qathet. "She walks beautifully on a leash, adores car rides and finds joy just lying in the grass soaking up the world."
Siren is mostly deaf, so she takes in the world at her own pace, but she’s tuned into what really matters: treats, naps and love.
BC SPCA qathet recommends a feline-free home, although Siren could happily coexist with another calm, like-minded dog.
Anyone looking for a lowmaintenance best friend
ADOPTABLE PET OF THE MONTH
with a heart of gold and a soul full of grace, might find Siren to be the perfect match.
Siren has been in care for just over a month. She is black/brown and weighs
12.2 kilograms. BC SPCA has an online pre-adoption questionnaire at spca.bc.ca/ adoption/dog-pre-adoptionquestionnaire. Spay or neuter surgery is included with the adoption of all dogs, cats and rabbits. For more information, call 604.485.9252 or email powellriver@spca.bc.ca.
Plethora of humpbacks spotted
Whales’ fin slapping and breaching observed, trumpeting heard
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
The month of July was a busy one for humpback whales in the qathet region, and for folks reporting sightings of the giant cetaceans, which have been recorded on the Wild Ocean Whale Society's (WOWS) interactive map. There has been a concentration of sightings off Willingdon Beach and the south tip of Ahgykson Island in the Malaspina Strait. WOWS executive director Susan MacKay observed humpback breaches and blows that she said lit up in the sunshine in mid-July.
On July 26, at approximately 5:45 pm, Glynis Higgins observed and re-
ported two to three humpback whales playing mid-channel in front of Westview, “including a mom and calf all having a great time rolling around, pec slaps," Higgins stated in her report.
Colin Griffinson from Pacific Yellowfin Charters reported seeing humpback whales taking long dives between Rebecca Rocks and Malaspina Strait. Heather Harbord reported seeing humpbacks south of the former mill property in Townsite at the end of July.
"Similar to the first half of July, many humpback whales were observed in many areas of British Columbia over the past two weeks," wrote WOWS volunteer Ivan Ng, in a recent report about whale sightings in qathet. "Humpback whales were observed in Juan de Fuca Strait and in many areas of the Georgia Strait. Many humpbacks were seen breaching. A few humpbacks were observed slapping their tails or their pectoral fins, and a few were observed
feeding, specifically lunge feeding." Ng stated that one humpback was heard trumpeting, which means the whale forced air out of its blowholes to produce a sound, similar to musicians blowing into the mouthpiece of a brass instrument.
"During the same reporting period, there were some sightings of transient orca and northern resident orca, as well as a few sightings of Pacific whitesided dolphins and one sea otter," reported Ng.
WOWS reminds boaters to be aware of the presence of whales and dolphins. Signs of their presence may include blows of the cetaceans and seeing other boats stopped or moving slowly in an area.
Boats and other water craft must remain at least 400 metres away from all orca and at least 100 metres away from other species.
To report a whale or dolphin sighting, go to whalesanddolphinsbc.com.
SENIOR PUP: Siren is a female senior canine in need of a home. She is waiting at BC SPCA qathet to be adopted. QATHET COMMUNITY ANIMAL CENTRE PHOTO
Heavy rains cause flooding and damage
Unprecedented amount of precipitation fell in last week's storm
TANYA HILL
thill@prpeak.com
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issued a severe thunderstorm warning for sḵelhp (Saltery Bay) to Powell River on Wednesday, August 6. However, many residents and businesses were caught off guard with just how much heavy rain fell in a short amount of time, causing roof and road damage and flooding.
Darren Nivens told the Peak he was driving in the Quality Foods area in Westview when he saw a very high tide, which he said didn't allow storm drains to empty; the drains backed up as a result.
Aires Forster was driving in the Powell River Town Centre mall area when she took a video of high waters accumulating near
Winners. The mall posted to social media on August 7 that most of its businesses were closed, but Walmart had reopened.
Shopper Kristy Roux said she ended up trapped in Winners due to flooding in the mall during the downpour.
“[We] went to grab one single thing,” said Roux. “[We were] in there for not even 10 minutes. It happened so fast.
“All doors were locked from inside and outside. They couldn’t let us out that way because the mall was closed. Finally, once Winners’ manager felt they could leave, they went to see if Walmart could open their doors for us to go through to exit.”
Forest Bistro and Lounge owner John Walls reported to the Peak that some roof damage at his Marine Avenue location was caused by the heavy rain and wind. He said the roof may need to be replaced or patched up.
Meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada Brian Proctor said that 44.1 millimetres of precipitation was recorded at Powell River Airport (YPW).
NOTICE TO MARINE AVENUE RESIDENTSAND BUSINESSES
Pleasebeadvisedthatthisyear’s Blackberry Festival Street Party will take place Friday,August15, from 6to10pm This eventoccupies theentireMarineAvenuefromAlberni to Duncan Streets, beginning at 4pm,blockingall thru-vehic trafficand access to some driveways. We thankyou foryou patienceand accommodation of this festival to bringlocal andvisitorstogether forthisfun-filledevening of shopping, food andentertainment
Powell RiverChamber of Commerce
Rotary Club of Powell River prblackberryfestival@gmail.com
"It really all fell in about a two to three hour period," added Proctor. "The majority of that precipitation fell in a one hour period, which gives you an idea of why we saw some of that flooding in some of the areas around Powell River."
He said although this amount of rain is unusual in general terms, the ground needed it.
"We needed that moisture," said Proctor. "So it's probably a good news story in the longer term."
Proctor told the Peak that the previous daily record for August 6 was 41.1 millimetres of precipitation falling in Powell River, set in 1953.
"The all time record for Powell River was 46.5 millimetres, set on August 31 in 1936," said Proctor.
He said it was unusual for this area to see this kind of heavy rainfall.
"What it was due to, in this context, was a really vigorous thunderstorm that came down the eastern slopes of Vancouver Island forming north of the Comox/Campbell River area," said Proctor. "It then swept across
FLASH FLOODING: Heavy rainfall on Wednesday, August 6, damaged portions of Algerine Place [above] in Westview. Several businesses and residences in the qathet region were flooded during the late afternoon and evening deluge.
northern Georgia Strait and came on shore again in the Powell River area."
He said it's not usual for the northern Sunshine Coast to see this sort of thunderstorm coming in with the northwest flow. "It's not typically something we see,” said Proctor, “but to see this amount of precipitation in this short of a period of time was very, very impressive.”
DANIELLE DUNBAR PHOTO
Vote for local your go to’s and be entered to win a $150 gift card to a local restaurant
Choral history on display at museum
Archive video, photos and gathering of song timeline exhibited
TANYA HILL
thill@prpeak.com
Singers from around the world have gathered for International Choral qat̓ᶿaymɩxʷ (Kathaumixw) in qathet every two years since 1984, with a slight hiccup due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
That rich history is now on display at qathet Museum and Archives in an exhibit called, Gathering in Song: International Choral qat̓ᶿaymɩxʷ throughout the decades.
Choral festival archive photos, video and a timeline going back to the beginning and up to the present was
curated by museum manager Ava Hansen in partnership with qathet Academy of Music and Arts, formerly Powell River Academy of Music.
Museum assistant Deven Gillard spoke with the Peak about the exhibit.
"Ava wanted to create the exhibit now because the festival happened this year," said Gillard. "[The music academy] provided all the old pamphlets, programs, videos and photos."
Some of the archive videos from the festival had to be digitally transferred and/or copied from DVD and old VHS tapes.
"The timeline starts with Don James, well known in the choir and the choral world," said Gillard. "He wanted to do a music festival and eventually it became an internationally recognized gathering for artists from around the world."
FESTIVAL EXHIBIT: In partnership with qathet Academy of Music and Arts, qathet Museum and Archives has historical items, archive video and photos on display until the end of August. TANYA HILL PHOTO
Gillard said the museum has been very busy this summer. She said staff are noticing more Canadians coming in, most likely due to folks wanting to travel local at this time.
The museum is located at 4798 Marine Avenue and is open Wednesday to Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm.
Islanders bid high for art and conservation
TANYA HILL
thill@prpeak.com
Savary Island residents came out to show how much they love the 7.5 ki-
lometre island in the Salish Sea at a live art auction last month for Savary Island Land Trust (SILT). A total of $33,500 was raised.
One standout bid was for artist Trish Jodoin's work titled, Fading Light at Sutherland Beach, which sold for $5,000.
The annual auction was in-person for the first time since the COVID-19 pan-
SILT executive director Liz Webster posted a message on social media to the Savary community:
"Thank you, Savary Islanders, for a very successful art auction raising $33,500 for land conservation on your favourite island."
demic. It was hosted by SILT founding director Wynn Woodward and auctioneer Tanya Alexander.
Wildfires teach lessons
cal evacuation planning projects, such as updating evacuation route plans and the community’s public notification plan.
North Island Dental
TANYA HILL
thill@prpeak.com
Last week on Vancouver Island, a 538-hectare wildfire was out of control at Wesley Ridge/Cameron Lake, between Port Alberni and Qualicum Beach, forcing hundreds to flee their homes.
According to the Coastal Fire Centre there are 124 active wildfires in BC right now; 13 started in the last 24 hours, 96 started by lightning strikes and 20 are suspected to be human caused.
Although the qathet region had been fairly quiet on the wildfire front until this past week, a few human caused blazes earlier this summer caused concern, especially on the one year anniversary of the Jasper wildfire that saw the town destroyed in July 2024. "It’s been good to see the amount of coverage on the anniversary of the Jasper fire; certainly a historic and a very difficult event for that community," said qathet Regional District (qRD) general manager of emergency services Ryan Thoms, in a message to the Peak. "We’re nearing delivery of an updated Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan (CWRP) that will update the plan delivered 10 years ago."
In July, Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Randene Neill announced that qRD would receive $40,000 of provincial funding for lo-
"The CWRP will guide our preparedness, mitigation and response measures across the qRD," said Thoms. "It’s a little premature yet to talk about the direction, given the CWRP is not yet received, but safe to say we’ll continue to look at our coastal environment with our fuels, topography, weather and development patterns and how that results in a fire risk unique to here."
More specifically, said Thoms, instead of the Jasper fire with its interior pine ecosystem they will likely continue to look more at coastal fires.
"The current fire at Cameron Lake is a good example to learn from," added Thoms. "qRD is continuing to offer a FireSmart Program, offering free advice for residential property owners across the region."
Thoms also mentioned that qRD's evacuation planning assistant will be working over the coming year to engage with the many agencies involved in community emergency response.
"We are working toward updated evacuation routes and notification plans in partnership with: BC Ferries, ministry of transportation, fire departments, BC Wildfire Service, health authorities, Canadian Red Cross, to name just a few," said Thoms. "Many of these agencies have their own emergency planning requirements and coordinating together is a lot of effort, but we have a really great collaborative community here and that’s what will make these plans work."
Volunteer Tutors Needed
Flood to flame
qathet residents are no strangers to rain, but the August 6 storm was something else entirely.
Over a period of 60 minutes, more than 44 millimetres fell, shattering the previous local daily record and leaving behind flooded roads and basements, damaged roofs and stranded shoppers. The sheer force of the downpour was a surprise for many people, despite a warning from Environment and Climate Change Canada earlier in the day.
For some shoppers in Town Centre mall, floodwater blocked exits, turning quick stops into lengthier stays due to doors being shut and locked to keep the water out. Several businesses are now facing costly repairs, and the city confirmed localized road damage in several areas.
Days later, attention turned from water to fire. A one hectare wildfire burned out of control on Powell Lake near Townsite and Wildwood in the afternoon on August 10. It continues to be monitored after BC Wildfire Service, Powell
River Fire Rescue and RCMP worked together to contain the flames, even asking boaters to steer clear so helicopters could safely refill.
These back-to-back events underline a reality that, like much of the province, this region must grapple with severe weather becoming more unpredictable. Climate extremes do not wait their turn.
Preparation is key. That means heeding official warnings, having an emergency plan and making sure homes and businesses are ready for whatever comes. For authorities, it means ensuring communication is clear and rapid, and that resources are in place to respond to multiple crises at once.
Weather cannot be controlled, but responding to extremes can be. The recent rain storm and wildfire should prompt everyone to ask whether they are ready for the next surprise nature delivers.
It’s not a question of if the unexpected will happen, but when.
AI psychosis is a real thing
I previously wrote an article when artificial intelligence (AI) was loitering around the edges of life. The title was: Artificial Intelligence and Natural Trepidation. At the time (2023), I thought the title was clever.
With this current article, I intended to update any ideas or thoughts regarding the subject of AI in a general way. When I peeled back a couple layers while researching Large Language Models (LLMs), which are a type of AI trained on massive amounts of data to understand, create and express information in a very human sounding way, I immediately saw the potential catastrophic problems there may be in the near
HEALTHY LIVING
By Robert Skender
future for individual and collective mental health.
A primary caution or concern is an amplification of delusions for people who are already experiencing this as a symptom of existing mental illnesses such as, for example, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Heavy use of ChatGPT, the most popular app for AI, provides an echo-chamber-like scenario where the AI model validates and affirms disillusionary and potentially dangerous thoughts.
The very nature of LLMs is not to challenge the user’s input. Instead there is a serious sycophantic na-
ture which confirms rather than confronts irrational thinking. There is potential for a new “AI psychosis” with the individual totally breaking with reality. This is all so new and already deeply integrated into our lives that there are only anecdotal reports from mental-health professionals about an AI psychosis where individuals with little or no prior mental illness are afflicted.
Without a reality test, as in with human interaction, grandiose, paranoid and even romantic delusions could be created and increase with prolonged, intense AI interaction.
AI hallucinations and misinformation is a frightening trend already experienced with regularity.
People vulnerable or overwhelmed by relentless information begin to see AI as a God-like, omnipresent force in their life.
The results of this deep separation with reality can have consequences like loss of employment and relationships, which then can spiral downward to suicide ideation.
Of course, like any new technology with revolutionary potential impact on our lives, individually or collectively, there is an opportunity for a remarkable amount of good as well. One example is possibly scanning for abnormalities with existing technology, which could mean many cancers and other devastating diseases could be spotted when easily treatable.
In a general sense, we are the test subjects of AI, and that is the unpredictable and potentially apocalyptic worst-case scenario which, unfortunately, is not a science fiction plot for the newest blockbuster film.
Humans are the “natural ingredient” to artificial intelligence. At this point in time, we can decide if the outcome is beneficial, or disastrous to the new, all-encompassing technology.
Now is the time to act. If we look to a possible future, the choice may be made for us, without our best interest considered.
Robert Skender is a qathet region freelance writer and health commentator.
We respectfully acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional and treaty lands of the Tla’amin people.
Published every Thursday by Pacific Coast Publications Limited Partnership.
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KELLY KEIL
SHANE CARLSON
Dialogue, ethical agency and green communities
Today’s techno-saturated AI mindset is obsessed with the idea that we will be able to “engineer” our way out of civilizational collapse. This obsession with technological fixes is just fantasy consolation—a more refined species of climate warming denial.
The tragic irony is that in this present moment, when we need desperately to consume less and start living within planetary limits, we continue to elect corporatecaptured governments more interested in accelerating the extraction and burning of fossil fuels.
Technological innovation, untethered from a moral and ecological understanding, will not save us. It cannot resolve the deeper crisis of meaning, values and relational disconnection that underpins the environmental crisis. What is required is not more innovation, but the cultivation of individual and global environmentally grounded ethical agency—a shared commitment to care, responsibility and ecological stewardship.
This kind of ethical agency encourages participation of people from all walks of life, inspires new ways of green thinking and being, and mobilizes individual and community action in the fight against profit-driven extractive industries that
see the earth as a mere commodity.
But what is “ethical agency” and how is this latter notion related to “dialogue,” the cultivation of environmental consciousness and the building of green communities?
Agency is the power or capacity to act thoughtfully and intentionally, to initiate actions and take responsibility for their outcomes.
Ethical agency is the capacity to act intentionally and responsibly in ways that
By Fred Guerin
world. Environmental ethical agency extends this idea into the ecological realm: it involves making decisions and taking actions that safeguard the integrity, resilience and flourishing of Earth’s ecosystems.
It enjoins us to see the earth not as property to be owned or exploited, but as a living community of interconnected, interdependent lifeforms.
The realization of agency is through dialogue with others. Dialogue is not sim-
In the face of extractive systems, building ethical agency through dialogue is a radical and necessary act.
reflect moral and ethical awareness.
This is not merely about making choices, but about making the right choices at the right time for the right reasons—choices that sustain life and protect the vulnerable. Ethical agency is a developmental and deeply relational capacity.
We become ethical agents not in isolation, but in dialogue with others—with people, communities and the more-than-human
ply talking or exchanging views—it is the deliberate, often uncomfortable practice of learning to see through another’s eyes, confronting denial and disconnection, and co-creating new narratives of meaning and belonging. Dialogue fosters critical thinking and awareness. It invites reflection. It builds trust. It is through dialogue that ethical agency becomes contagious—emanating outward, creating new bonds of soli-
Blind solutions
I have just read the very upsetting article regarding a new temporary shelter on Barnet Street in Powell River [“Province, city announce plan to open new shelter,” August 7].
I have lived in the smaller cities on Vancouver Island: Duncan, Nanaimo, Courtenay and Victoria. All lovely communities. But now travelling through the ones that have been devastated by drug use, homeless sites, encampments, overdose prevention sites and shelters, I can only say that Powell River is the next target for destruction of the downtown core.
darity and action.
Green communities emerge where dialogue and ethical agency intersect. These are communities rooted in mutual care, ecological wisdom and shared responsibility. They are not utopias, but experiments in living differently—places where alternatives to the present are imagined, enacted and defended.
In the face of extractive systems, building ethical agency through dialogue is a radical and necessary act. It is the groundwork of resistance, the seedbed of renewal and possibility. And it is how we begin—together—to turn away from denial toward the difficult, beautiful work of sustaining life.
One of the principal goals of qathet Climate Alliance (qCA) is to bring people together through dialogue and develop the kind of individual and communal ethical agency required to build a healthier, greener world. qCA members are excited to be organizing a dialogue circle at the TalksandTides.ca event being held at the VIU tiwšɛmawtxʷ campus on Saturday, August 16. RSVPs are recommended; we hope to see you there.
Fred Guerin is a member of the qathet Climate Alliance Writers Group.
British brew
Thicken
Clasp
Large coffeepot
Bee home
Track event
Hitter’s
The more services that are offered to active addicts that support their lifestyle of choice the more who will arrive here. I am not unfamiliar to this situation as I worked in this field in Nanaimo and saw the deterioration and failure of these expensive and blind solutions to this issue.
I am a senior living in the Kiwanis complex and am grateful for this very helpful and beneficial support to seniors, who are also very at risk of homelessness. Build more of these and care for the ones who have contributed to society.
Please don't saturate this lovely town with these places. Sharon Shelton Powell River
Saturday,September 13
11 am to 3 pm
Dwight Hall
This
Sandwich shop marks milestone
Chef uses recipes passed down from greatgrandfather
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
When chef Ruby and his wife Sorrel visited the qathet region a while back, they noticed something was missing as they drove down Marine Avenue.
"There wasn't a place to grab a sandwich; a homemade one," said Ruby.
The couple took the leap and opened Saint Amore International Sandwiches one year ago, and said the shop has been more successful than expected.
"July 20 was our shop's one year anniversary, which was a big step for us," said Ruby. "When we were looking for a place to live, we saw that the former Great Balls of Wool space on Marine Avenue was for rent, which is also attached to a living space."
Sorrel is from qathet, but moved away years ago. Ruby grew up in Toronto, but said they both felt something special about the area where Sorrel grew up.
"One thing led to another, and we wound up getting the building," said Ruby. "We're actually just ready to expand; we want to tear down the wall in the middle right and expand over to the other side and do live music and get a licence."
Many of Ruby's recipes are more than 100 years old, from his Portuguese greatgrandfather's recipe book. All of the meat used is grassfed and slow-cooked.
"I make my own hot sauce, and I only use organic hot
peppers, and that's hard," said Ruby. "I use 14 fresh peppers, and it takes a day."
Ruby said his dad's side is Portuguese and his mom is Italian, so the aesthetic of the shop is a vintage, “kitchi-style” shop that would fit right into a Little Italy in Montreal or Toronto.
"When my grandpa died, his cookbook, which belonged to his dad – they were both red seal chefs – got passed onto me," said Ruby. "My great-grandpa worked for the number-one general in the army in Portugal."
That same general, said Ruby, was able to get his dad out of Portugal before he was drafted into the army to fight in the Angolan war.
"My grandpa owned the first Portuguese restaurant in Toronto," said Ruby. "He opened that in 1958 and he sold the business in 1975; it was kind of pivotal in the Portuguese community, because there were no other Portuguese restaurants in those days."
He said his marinara sauce for the meatball sandwich is from a 125-year-old recipe.
"I'm making it more like my great-grandpa did, with fresh basil," said Ruby.
"The cookbook is written in Portuguese; my parents forced me to go to Portuguese school when I was a kid, so we learned how
to read and write."
The kitchen is European style, with lots of room to move around. Since opening they said they have been overwhelmed by community support.
"I know for a small town, when you open up a business, it's not like opening in the city, but in the same breath, the local people tend to be more supportive," said Ruby.
Sorrel said her mom and grandma were both born in Powell River. She moved away, but is happy to be back.
"We came back for a visit, and we took a walk down Marine Avenue and saw the for-rent sign; he [Ruby] is the thinker behind it, because I would have never looked at a wool shop and thought 'I want to turn that into a sandwich shop.'"
Sorrel said owning a business and it being her first one, the learning curve has been steep, but going smoother than she thought. Some businesses are closed on Sunday and Monday on Marine Avenue, so they decided to open on those days, which has been a hit with customers.
"Potentially, we want to expand and offer lunch and dinner," said Ruby. "We envision the space to be more like a cozy pub or lounge with live music."
EYEING EXPANSION: Owners of Saint Amore International Sandwiches chef Ruby [right] and Sorrel are planning to expand their shop to include a lounge and stage. TANYA HILL PHOTO
SPORTS »
Racing spirit flows through family
Jenna Mitchell continues tradition at world bathtub race championship
SHANE CARLSON editor@prpeak.com
Smooth sailing was expected during the recent Great International World Championship Bathtub Race in Nanaimo. The ocean had other plans for an entrant from the qathet region.
“It was supposed to be really calm water,” Jenna Mitchell told the Peak in an interview after the race. “We [racers] were all getting really excited.”
Mitchell, a longtime tubber with deep family roots in the sport, had prepped thoroughly. She coordinated with her escort boat before the race, sharing her hand signals and mapping out a meeting point once she cleared the harbour. But when the race began, the plan began to unravel.
“I managed to get out of the harbour at the front of the rest of the pack,” she said. “I tried looking for my escort boat, and I couldn’t find them. So I just kept going.”
Alone and heading for Entrance Island, Mitchell pushed ahead. That’s when the weather turned.
“It was unexpectedly windy,” she said. “None of us were really expecting it to get that bad. It kind of came out of nowhere.”
Despite the building waves and still without an escort in sight, she powered on, buoyed by the sound of a strong engine and her own determination.
“I said to myself, ‘I didn’t get this far just to get this far,’” she added. “I got tossed
around inside the tub a little bit.”
That mantra carried her to the Winchelsea Islands, catching up to several other racers along the route, including friends who were staying in the same hotel that she recognized by the bright orange colours on their tubs.
“Seeing my friends ahead of me gave me a bit of a push,” said Mitchell. “I thought, ‘I can catch them, this’ll be awesome.’ And I did.”
There were waves and salutes exchanged on the water as she powered past the other tubs. But the celebration was brief. The sea wasn’t done with her yet.
“The wind picked up even more, and it was coming right at us,” she explained. “It got even worse.”
As she rounded the Winchelseas and began her return to Nanaimo Harbour, Mitchell slowed her pace to preserve her strength for the beach landing.
“The body can only take so much,” she said. “And I wanted to make sure I could run up the beach at the end.”
Her strategy was working, until just shy of Departure Bay. With the finish line practically in sight, her engine died.
“At first, I thought something had gone wrong mechanically, but it turns out I’d just run out of gas.”
Adrift and alone, Mitchell was eventually approached by a spectator in a small inflatable dinghy.
“He asked, ‘Are you okay?’. I said, ‘Yeah, do you have a radio?’” she recalled. “I called up headquarters and told them where I was.”
It was then that her escort boat finally found her and began towing her to shore, but not before a final surprise. As she climbed aboard, Mitchell realized her
wet suit was soaked through with fuel. The gas had leaked into the bottom of the tub.
“I didn’t realize it; I was too hyped up on adrenaline and just racing. When I got into the escort boat, I said, ‘Oh, I’m burning.’”
She ended the day with a mild chemical burn, but no regrets.
“It’s going to heal up just fine. It just sucks that the gas didn’t stay in the tank. Maybe I would’ve made it all the way.”
Despite the challenges, Mitchell considers the experience a win.
“I was really close,” she said. “It felt like the finish line was just around the corner. But that’s the tubs.”
It wasn’t her first time in the iconic Nanaimo race — she previously competed in 2019 and finished — nor is she new to bathtub racing. Her family has been racing for generations, and the tradition runs deep.
“My family’s been racing since before I was born,” she said. “I grew up knowing that every summer, this is what we do. I remember being a kid playing on the beach with the rest of these other bathtub kids and families, and knowing that dad [Melvin Mitchell] is getting
ready to jump in the tub, and he's going to go out and he's going to race. It was something we always did.”
In her teens, Jenna had her first experience on the water, helping out as part of escort teams and safety boats.
“I was about 14 when I was allowed to be on the escort boat for the big race,” she said. “I saw the rough water up close, and apparently it didn’t scare me away.”
In 2014, she began racing herself in the stock class and immediately made waves, taking first place in sanction points during her rookie year. Since then, she’s been hooked.
“It’s pretty fun; it’s addictive,” she said. “And the community is amazing. I’m really thankful for all the friends that we’ve made.”
Jenna’s not done yet. She’s planning to race again at the Labour Day weekend circuit race at Hornby Lake, a smaller, calmer event to round out the season.
As for the Nanaimo experience?
“Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing,” she said. “It was wild and rough and kind of chaotic, but that’s what makes bathtub racing so awesome.”
FIRE WISE DAY FIRE WISE DAY
FIRE WISE DAY FIRE WISE
FIRE WISE DAY FIRE WISE
Saturday, August 16 2025 th 10:00am - 1:00pm
Saturday, August 16 2025
Saturday, August 16 2025 th 10:00am - 1:00pm
Central
Central Farmer ’s Market @Willingdon Field
Central Farmer ’s Market @Willingdon Field Prizes! Meet
Proper Wood Stove Installation
Fire Smarting your Home
Fire
Wood Stove Exchange OR Decommissioning Rebate
SUDOKU
JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF FRENCH BAROQUE MUSIC AUGUST 16TH 7PM Featuring
Kyran Assing (Montréal), viola da gamba Abraham Ross, (Vancouver/Montréal), keyed lyre harpsichord violinist Albano Berberi and lutenist Joya Muma
POWELL RIVER UNITED CHURCH 6932 CROFTON STREET
$25 AT THE DOOR 604-486-7012 FOR MORE INFO
TUBBING TOUR: Jenna Mitchell cruised out of Nanaimo Harbour [above] at the start of the 2025 Great International World Championship Bathtub Race and was at the front of the pack before strong winds slowed her pace along the course. TFALKCHALMERS PHOTOGRAPHY
Coach to resume playing career
Michael McNiven retired before joining the Kings at the start of last season
SAM LASKARIS
Windspeaker.com
Michael McNiven has had a change of heart.
A year ago, McNiven, who was 27 at the time, opted to hang up his goaltending pads after seven years of playing pro hockey. He accepted an assistant coaching position with the Powell River Kings.
But McNiven, whose Métis birth mother was born in Winnipeg, has opted to come out of retirement and start playing again. He’s signed a contract to suit up for Blue Devils Weiden, which competes in Germany’s second highest level of pro hockey in a circuit called DEL2.
McNiven said people shouldn’t be surprised that he has resumed his playing career.
“This was always an option for me,” he said. “If the chance came, I was going to take it.”
Truth be told, McNiven, a
once-promising goalie who played just one game in the National Hockey League with the Montreal Canadiens during the 2021/2022 season, had not been really keen to retire last year.
He was kind of forced into the situation after he put up some less-than-impressive numbers during the 2023/2024 campaign when he played for three different clubs. That included two minor pro squads in North America’s ECHL (formerly East Coast Hockey League) before finishing off the season with Gap HC, a team in France’s top hockey league.
McNiven’s sub-par play could be attributed to the fact he entered that season coming off knee surgery.
He said he had hoped to land with a club in Europe last year, but no offers materialized.
“So, I kind of had an ultimatum with myself,” he said. “It was sit around and wait an amount of time again for a job or get to work. I had a coaching opportunity and a good league in the BCHL. And I thought it was fitting for the time and the situation.”
While on the Kings’ bench this past season, McNiven couldn’t help but have his mind wander to thoughts of
playing again.
“At the end of the day, I was retiring at 27 years old,” he said. “I'm still very young and I still have all the energy to do it and I have the mindset to play the game. And I love it.
“I really do miss being with the guys every day. I like working towards a common goal. And I'm just trying to be a better person and a better hockey player day in and day out.”
McNiven flew to Germany earlier this month to join his new club. Team members were scheduled to report for physicals and meetings on August 4.
Like his birth mother, McNiven was born in Winnipeg, but shortly after he was born he moved to Georgetown in Ontario, where he was raised by his paternal grandparents.
During his junior days he played three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League, starring with the Owen Sound Attack, before he turned pro.
Although he was a highlytouted prospect, McNiven bounced around to nine different minor pro squads in North America over seven years before briefly trying his luck in France. He’s thrilled to be getting anoth
er opportunity to showcase his skills in Germany.
“It will be a good challenge for me,” he said. “I've been skating a lot. I've been training really hard this summer so I'm not really worried on the playing side of things. Now I have seven years of pro under my belt and I have the experience. It's just putting that experience in my game a bit more and focusing on that side of things and I think it will take care of itself.”
His contract is for one year, but the brass of Blue Devils Weiden has not given him any indication of how much he’ll play.
my job,” he said. “If they give me five games, they give me five games. If I play all 50, then I will play all 50.”
McNiven said he still aspires to make it back to the NHL one day.
“I don't think it's ever out of the cards,” he said. “There's always opportunities. But my goal right now is to play solid at the level I'm at, show everyone I can still play and then, you know, in a year or two or three, maybe that could be part of a conversation.
“For now, I'm just focused on getting back into things and just enjoying the game
people that I'm around.”
And then at some point down the line, McNiven said he will return to coaching.
“I understand that side of it now, and it's not as easy as a lot of people may think,” he said. “Even myself, before getting into coaching, I thought it would just be very natural for me just being in the game for so long. It's definitely a little bit of a transition. But the knowledge and the experience that I've built over the years definitely helped me through it.”
This story was made possible by the Local Journalism
Run
the
Rock event looking for new director
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
Like so many organizations and events in the qathet region, volunteers are the backbone. For more than a decade runners from near and far took part in the Run the Rock marathon on Texada Island, which took place each August, but not this year.
Back in January, Texada Arts Culture and Tourism (TACT) put out a call looking
for someone to help coordinate the event. It's a big job, but past directors have pulled off coordinating the eight-kilometre, half-marathon and marathon race routes while managing race participants and volunteers.
TACT stated in a message on social media that, "without a coordinator this event will unfortunately be cancelled. There is money available to make this a fantastic memorable event."
The Peak reached out to TACT about the cancellation and received the following re ply: "We are hoping to have someone run it next year in 2026; email texada.org@gmail. com for more information."
CONTINUING CAREER: Michael McNiven [left], who served as assistant coach with the Powell River Kings last year, will resume his playing career in Germany this coming season. CONTIBUTED PHOTO
SCENE
AROUNDTOWN
Potluck picnic
A community appreciation potluck picnic was held at Lang Bay Community Hall earlier this month. Members, volunteers and visitors played lawn games and indulged in summer treats, including hot dogs, at the family friendly event.
MADELINE BURT PHOTOS
A day to recognize those that build a stronger community, one act of service at a time
Cost of living increases lead to rise in number of clients
Food bank users have doubled since 2019
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
August 17 is recognized as National Nonprofit Day, a time to acknowledge and celebrate ongoing efforts of nonprofit organizations that serve the community and improve the lives of those who live in it.
Many folks in the qathet region rely on nonprofit charities such as Powell River Action Centre Food Bank, especially with the rise in the cost of living, including higher food prices.
Food bank manager Savanna Dee said it is busier than ever, and the
number of clients accessing the services has doubled since 2019.
"We have seniors and mostly working families coming here," said Dee. "We're the only program in town where you can come every month."
Although clients and needs are up, Dee said donations have been down, most likely due to economic uncertainty and high rent and living costs.
However, local farms such as Terra Nostra and Blueberry Commons grow food specifically for the food bank. This provides clients with fresh lettuce, zucchini and other seasonal produce.
"We offer a 25 per cent farm tax credit for farmers," said Dee. "It's important to get that information out there, because farmers can get quite a bit of money back, and that helps them stay in business."
While staff members have been busy with clients, Dee has also been in charge of getting the lo-
On National Non-Profit Day we recognize and celebrate the irreplaceable service provided by our community non-profit organizations. The Powell River Hospital Foundation is proud to be included among the qathet region’s many groups dedicated to improving daily life for our fellow citizens. Through generous donations from corporations, individuals and estates the Foundation purchases top-quality medical equipment and training for qathet General Hospital, Willingdon Creek Village and other VCH facilities in the qathet Regional District. Visit us at www.prhospitalfoundation.com
Lift Community Services works with community partners and people facing barriers to create equity and hope in qathet, through sustainable housing and employment and by providing a range of inclusive, supportive services
Show your support by signing up as a member. It’s free and takes 2 minutes!
www.liftcommunityservices.org/membership
@liftcommunityservices
cal food bank accredited through Food Banks Canada's Standards of Excellence program.
"This accreditation is a testament to our team's hard work and dedication to providing our clients with
DEDICATED STAFF: Powell River Action Centre Food Bank manager Savanna Dee [middle] with busy staff preparing bags of fresh produce for pickup by clients. TANYA HILL
Accreditation enhances impact
Dee. "We could feed people for quite a while out of here."
the highest quality of service," said Dee. "This process has taken over a year of policy writing by a professional, then myself, and the rest of the team fulfilling the policies."
These standards are designed as a baseline set of guidelines that will be used to benchmark future performance improvements such as client service, food operations and safe food handling.
"By becoming accredited, we can advance to an even stronger and more agile food banking system, activate shared learning and amplify the network's collective impact on Canada's food insecurity problem," said Dee. "A big corporation is not going to donate millions of dollars unless you're accredited."
Dee said emergency procedures have to be put in place, such as backup generators.
Although all of this is good news, Dee said in the past few years big donations have been down, and the food bank had to cut back on staff.
"We have fresh produce in the summer but in the winter we buy potatoes, onions, carrots, garlic, things that people can make soup out of," said Dee. "We do glutenfree, diabetic and vegetarian [diets], and if somebody can't cook, we'll make them a special bag of things you just add some water to, or easy to open and eat meals."
According to the Powell River Action Centre Food Bank March 2025 hunger count, the local food bank has 376 clients: 366 are existing clients and 10 are new; 289 are adults and 87 are children under the age of 18 years old. Most clients are either employed
Some have no income.
A majority of folks using food bank services in qathet are in rental units, but more than 15 clients own their own home; none are unhoused.
"They've got to knock these rents down, they have to do something to stop these reno-evictions and these outrageous rents that people are being charged," said Dee. "One bag of groceries is $100 now; it's ridiculous in this day and age, with the amount of food that we can grow."
The food bank also has a food recovery program.
"The sandwich shop here, they have fresh bread; every day they make it," said Dee. "If they have leftovers, they donate."
Dee added that most of the staff members are on some sort of disability, so the food bank is also helping employ people.
"We are giving people on disability a job that helps them get back on their feet," said Dee. "I don't
think the government's doing its job to keep these prices down. We can't blame everything on Trump, this happened before him."
Powell River Action Centre Food Bank is located at 7616B Alberni
“Foundry is community, it’s connection, and it’s life-saving.”
~Tiera
“Foundry family services have transformed our parenting.”
“Foundry is always welcoming, making it easy for youth to engage in their health and mental well-being. They are great wrap around services for individuals in need.”
Street. It is open three days per week, Tuesday to Thursday, throughout the year.
For more information, go to powellriverfoodbank.com, or call 604.485.9166.
What is Foundry qathet?
Foundry's vision is to transform how young people a ged 1 2-24, and their families, find the resources and su pport they need. Foundry will enable young people in our community to have the resources necessary to thrive with outstanding, coordinated, timely and accessible ser vices.
Once open, Foundry centres receive guaranteed operational funding from the province. Foundry qathet is fundraising for the capital build phase to get the doors open. We have applied for many grants locally, provincially, and federally. Now we look to the community to get behind the project and support better care for youth! Learn more at www.foundrybc.ca/qathet
Enjoy a great meal while supporting our fundraiser: Garden Court - One piece Fish & Chips A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Foundry qathet.
Thank you for your support!
Our website / Donate now
FRESH PRODUCE: Blueberry Commons, Terra Nostra Farm and some bakeries in town donate fresh food to Powell River Action Centre Food Bank. TANYA HILL PHOTO
Much-needed service in limbo
Health equipment loan program looking for volunteers
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
The Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP) provides a muchneeded service to those who need items for home care after major surgeries or a break.
The Red Cross cupboard, as it is known, is a nonprofit located in the basement of qathet General Hospital. It is run solely by volunteers and through donations; equipment rentals are free of charge.
"We lend equipment on a short-term basis by medical referral from a health-care professional," said longtime and lead Red Cross HELP volunteer Chris Becker. "A variety of equipment is available to borrow, from crutches, bath chairs and wheelchairs to walkers."
August 17 is recognized as National Nonprofit Day, and a great time to remember that so many organizations depend on donations and volunteers to provide services to the community.
"We are also seeking ad-
ditional volunteers to keep our service running; if we lose this service in our community, people will have to travel to Courtenay to access equipment," said Becker. "It has been three years since the program has had volunteers."
However, because of a recent call-out made on social media, a few folks have applied. Volunteer-in-training Catherine Anderson is one such applicant.
"I want to give back to my community," said Anderson. "I had to help my dad [with
ment," said Becker. "That's including equipment that is picked up by health-care workers and taken to the client’s home for them."
Becker said it would be a hardship for the community if the service wasn't offered here.
"They're more than welcome to go to Vancouver Island or down to the Lower Mainland and get equipment from Red Cross offices," said Becker. "Now that's a hardship; you've got to pay the money to go on the ferry and it's basically a day out of
If we lose this service in our community, people will have to travel to Courtenay to access equipment.
CHRIS BECKER
RED CROSS VOLUNTEER
equipment]; he recently passed away."
The equipment loan cupboard is more of a room, but it is packed full of crutches, wheelchairs, walkers and other things people need after surgery, or for home care.
"The numbers tell you everything: on a monthly basis, we could have anywhere from 50 to 80 people come and get pieces of equip-
your life."
She said some folks are getting quite elderly and may not have access to a vehicle.
"I've been volunteering here for 10 years," said Becker. "If you're recovering from a surgery, people usually need a walker or crutches or a cane, or sometimes a raised toilet seat, because of a hip joint or a knee joint."
Red Cross HELP services
can be found across Canada. The community-based service relies on support from provincial governments, community grants, health authorities, donated equipment and financial contributions from donors.
Becker said she would be happy to have more volunteers on board.
To find out how to volunteer or to make a donation, go to redcross.ca/volunteer, or call 604.485.3211, extension 4361. Hours of operation are Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 am to 12 pm.
learn
IMPORTANT SERVICE: Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program lead volunteer Chris Becker [left] and volunteer Cathrine Anderson inside the equipment cupboard at qathet General Hospital. TANYA HILL PHOTO
TO BOOK YOUR AD »
CLASSIFICATIONS
You’re Invited to a Celebration of Life for Helen and Hugh Mackenzie
Please join us as we gather to celebrate the lives and lasting impact of Helen and Hugh Mackenzie on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at 8471 Highway 1 (beside Five Firs)
Helen and Hugh touched so many lives with their war mth, generosit y, and spir it We know ever yone has a stor y funny, hear tfelt, or unforgettable to share And we want to hear them all
In the moment, it can be hard to find the words, so we invite you to take a little time to wr ite down your memor ies in advance Whether it’s just a few lines or a longer tr ibute, your words will help br ing the celebration to life Messages will be read aloud (by us or by you, if you’d like) and displayed alongside cher ished photos of Helen and Hugh
Please email your stor ies to Graham ahead of time (wafer@live ca) your contr ibution will make this celebration even more meaningful
Let’s fill the day with laughter, love, and beautiful memories
James William Morr ison
July 21, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we say a loving farewell to our dearest son, James William Morr ison James died suddenly on July 21, 2025 He entered our lives in joy, and depar ts in sorrow, and will always be remembered in our hear ts - Russ, Lin and Celine Morr ison
Edith Lilley Lee 1934 - 2025
Eadie was bor n March 24, 1934, a home bir th at Lime Kiln Bay, Texada Island
She passed away peacefully July 26, 2025, at her home in VanAnda, Texada Island, with family by her side
Eadie will be deeply missed by her family, Dianna (Jim), Gale (Doug), David (Kim), Sharon (Dave) and stepson Paul, as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, niece Sandi and nephews Ron (Brandi) and John Plus many close fr iends near and dear to her
Eadie was bor n on Texada, but then spent a good par t of her youth along with brother Eino in Vancouver, where parents Ar t and Olga Akre had a boarding house while her Dad wor ked at the Vancouver shipyard
Eventually, they moved back to Texada At 18, she marr ied Bud Lee, moving to Mill Bay on Vancouver Island, raising their family and also helping with Bud Lee Contracting
Eadie followed her hear t back to Texada, settling in VanAnda, where she wor ked hard picking salal and pine mushrooms
There were many cher ished family and fr iend visits, over open pit fires with a cold Rainer and summer vacation clambakes and visits to Shelter Point with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren
So many wonderful memor ies of our beautiful, loving Mom, Mama Bear, Mumuu, sister, Auntie and fr iend
Italina McNab, a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and Nana, passed away on July 19, 2025 Italina was bor n in Bagnoli del Tr igno, Italy, on November 11, 1935, to Car lo and Annina (Anna) Ciar niello Italina was predeceased by her father in 1983, her mother in 2009, her husband John James (Scott y) in 1977, her son Grant in 2021, and her four-legged best fr iend, Brody, in 2024
A “New Beginning” for the Ciar niello Family was official on July 11, 1949, when they immigrated to Powell River, BC. Italina and Scott y marr ied in 1953, having three children. Italina wor ked at the Powell River General Hospital, and once she retired, she enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, walking around the Wildwood block, watching Young & the Restless with a cup of coffee in hand, swimming at the local pool and hosting many family dinners and gather ings in her home Italina sold her family home and relocated to Duncan in 2016 to be closer to her family
Italina leaves behind her t wo daughters, Johanna and Carol (Dan) Grandchildren Amanda (Thor in), Br yce (Heidi), Cather ine (James) and t wo ador ing great-grandchildren, Luke and Austin, or as Nana would call them, Luciano and Augustino. She also leaves behind t wo sisters, Mar ia Ciar niello, Anita (Bill) Osbor ne, t wo nieces, Alanna (Ken), Er in (Devin) and their families, as well as extended cousins and fr iends
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 1:00pm at the Italian Community Hall in Powell River, BC Please join us to celebrate Italina’s life, and bring your stories to share Elisab eth Welp
March 30, 1953 - August 10, 2000
25 years since we lost this vivacious and rascally woman. Teller of tall tales; creative bright energy who lit up the room
Miss you and love you, Rene.
Hear tfelt thank you to Dr Kevin Black, Dr Rothan, granddaughter Brandi Miller, the clinic staff and the wonderful homecare staff
Italina McNab
SPCA - Adopt a Pet CHEWBACA - (chewy) super handsome 5 yr old male Shepherd mix
HARVIE - handsome, male feline, also the king of loafing!
SASHIMI - super sweet kitten This boy is a superstar!
Dennis Richard Mason
Dennis Richard Mason
Febr uar y 25, 1974 - June 17, 2025
Febr uar y 25, 1974 - June 17, 2025
With the heaviest hear ts, we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, husband, father, fr iend, and so much more, Dennis Richard Mason
With the heaviest hear ts, we announce the passing f our beloved son, brother, husband, father, fr iend, nd so much more, Dennis Richard Mason
Bor n at Vancouver General Hospital, Dennis was welcomed into the wor ld with love and joy He was raised in a close-knit and car ing family, surrounded by his devoted mother, Wendy Budgell, his grandparents Len and Gladys Mason, and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins, all of whom played a special role in his life
RESOURCE RECOVERY
CENTRE
or n at Vancouver General Hospital, Dennis was welcomed into the wor ld with love and joy He was aised in a close-knit and car ing family, surrounded y his devoted mother, Wendy Budgell, his randparents Len and Gladys Mason, and a large xtended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins, all of whom played a special role in his life
Dennis spent most of his years in Powell River, where he found joy in outdoor adventures like fishing, quadding, and 4x4-ing He was always up for a good time, especially when it meant shar ing laughs with family and fr iends
Throughout his life, Dennis wore many hats, from ear ly mor ning donut shifts to roofing in the summer heat, but for the past 25 years, he was most recognized behind the wheel of a gravel or logging tr uck Rain or shine, he was known for his fr iendly smile and wave to anyone he passed on the road
Dennis spent most of his years in Powell River, where he found joy in outdoor adventures like shing, quadding, and 4x4-ing. He was always up or a good time, especially when it meant shar aughs with family and fr iends.
Dennis is deeply missed by his t wo beautiful children, Kieran and Makayla Mason, his hear tbroken wife Patr icia Hugenschmidt, his loving mother and stepfather, Wendy and Mar k Budgell, sisters Melody Tur ner and Jenny OsterholmMacleod, brothers Shane Simard and Michael Simard, and many extended family members and fr iends who will forever carr y his memor y in their hear ts
hroughout his life, Dennis wore many hats, from ar ly mor ning donut shifts to roofing in the summer eat, but for the past 25 years, he was most ecognized behind the wheel of a gravel or logging uck Rain or shine, he was known for his fr iendly mile and wave to anyone he passed on the road.
Rest easy, my love
A Celebration of Life will be held on August 23, 2025, at 7055 Quesnel Street at 1pm All who knew and loved Dennis are welcome
Dennis is deeply missed by his t wo beautiful hildren, Kieran and Makayla Mason, his ear tbroken wife Patr icia Hugenschmidt, his loving mother and stepfather, Wendy and Mar k Budgell, isters Melody Tur ner and Jenny OsterholmMacleod, brothers Shane Simard and Michael imard, and many extended family members and iends who will forever carr y his memor y in their ear ts.
Rest easy, my love.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
BAGHEERA - a lil young male panther! Stunning young cat!
BECKIE - Young black & white cat - female feline royalt y!!
STEWIE & WINSTON - 2year-old bonded brother rats Super fr iendly, easy to handle cuties!
JELLYBEAN & JUNIOR MINT - check out our super cute kittens! Best deal in town!
SOPHIE - quiet, prett y, snuggling Guinea Pig seeking matching humans!
BOO-BOO - Green eyed, mature, prett y, fr iendly, black cat-welcomes visitors!
DAISY - Gorgeous, prett y white & gray, super senior seeking her matching super senior human!
FRANK SINATRA, & ELVISSweet n playful, cute over load! Corso/Mastiff mix puppies
MAVIS - Stunning, sweet, kidloving, 4 yr old Mastiff mix
OREO - Affectionate white & black stunner! This young boy needs a new family!
SPCA 604-485-9252
A Celebration of Life will be held on August 23, 2025, at 7055 Quesnel Street at 1pm. All who knew and loved Dennis are welcome
NANCY: 604 849 5777
Wake up to endless ocean views in this cozy home, perfectly positioned in one of Powell River’s most sought-after neighbourhoods.
2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 738 sq ft
4444 OMINECA AVENUE
$399,900 MLS®19173
778 986 1691
Westview rancher duplex is ready to go. Well maintained one level living with bright natural light throughout.
2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,120 sq ft
B-4042 SAVARY PLACE
$479,900 MLS®19203
KATIE: 604 344 0055
Character home on a corner lot, low-maintenance featuring established flower beds, hot tub, workshop with power, and a greenhouse.
3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2,266 sq ft
6479 SUTHERLAND AVENUE
$599,900 MLS®19137
DUSTIN: 604 358 2473
Perfect for families seeking comfort, space, and convenience, located close to schools, marina, grocer, cafe and trails.
5 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2,213 sq ft
3433 SELKIRK AVENUE
$624,900 MLS®19145
AUSTYN: 778 986 1691
Great value for waterfront home with suite. Quiet neighbourhood, this home is ideal for those seeking both tranquillity and fine craftsmanship.
3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 3,197 sq ft
4810 SANDERSON ROAD
$945,000 MLS®18993
NANCY: 604 849 5777
Private year-round oceanfront retreat on 1.7 serene acres on Savary Island, bordering 350 acres of trust lands with 180° views of the strait.
3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,718 sq ft 1900 VANCOUVER BOULEVARD
$1,100,000 MLS®18687
Friday, August 15 • 6 to 10 pm •
KATIE: 604 344 0055
Beautifully crafted, brand-new townhome! Environmentally sustainable, this energyefficient home has a zero carbon footprint.
3 bedroom, 3 bathroom
CREEKSIDE LIVING TOWNHOUSES
5191 Manson Avenue • Starting at $499,900
DUSTIN: 604 358 2473
Located on a corner lot in a sought-after neighbourhood, this level-entry ocean view home blends elegance and functionality
3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2,846 sq ft 3890 ONTARIO AVENUE
$914,900 MLS®19257
view from enclosed sunroom. Available now. 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom $1,795/MONTH www.prpm.ca
