The Peak - August 7, 2025

FINE FELLOW

Rotarian receives honour for

TASTY TRIPS

Backcountry eating expert shares tips PAGE 18

Master craftsman draws on 25 years of expertise

Westview Kitchen and Bath is bringing a fresh approach to cabinetry design in the qathet region, pairing big-city expertise with small-town service.

Owner David Norquist, who handles kitchen sales and design, launched the dealership after decades of creating kitchens for other firms.

“I have done designing and installing for other businesses for years,” he says. “I have started this new business because I want to be more involved in the way the project unfolds, from early concept stage to completion. With setting up my own dealership, I am better able to achieve this.”

Norquist’s 25 years in cabinetry and carpentry give him an uncommon perspective on what can—and cannot—be built.

“My experience in construction, cabinet making and designing allows me to have a good grasp of what is possible to better meet the customers’ vision,” he adds.

Norquist says the skilled instructors and carpenters he was trained by provided him with the solid foundation he continues to build on today.

“My training allows me to deliver a high level of craftsmanship to the client.”

To fit a range of budgets, Westview Kitchen and Bath offers several product lines from Kelowna-based Westwood Fine Cabinetry. They range from cabinets that come unassembled and packaged flat, to high-end custom cabinets,” says Norquist. “During the initial consulting phase, I will work to determine which product line is best suited based on the client’s space and budget.”

Each project begins with an inhome visit.

“I will meet the customer at their home to discuss their vision; we will discuss different ideas to improve the space.”

Measurements are taken, then detailed 3D renderings are created, allowing homeowners to see multiple options and their costs.

“After a plan is finalized and the quote is accepted, we can order the

cabinets and schedule an install date.”

Homeowners often look for truly one-of-a-kind solutions, and custom sizing tops the list.

“Custom-size cabinetry is a common request, often in areas that stock cabinetry won’t work,” explains Norquist. “Custom colours are a common request, too. Working side by side with clients in design software lets them experi-

ment with different ideas until the perfect look emerges.”

Recent aesthetics favour clean lines, floating shelves and mixed materials, yet Norquist cautions homeowners not to chase trends blindly.

“I believe it’s important for the customer to focus on a style they want to see in their kitchen that works with the rest of the house design, not necessarily what the newest trend may be.”

Although he hails from Vancouver, Norquist is firmly rooted in his new community.

“I love the sense of community here and seeing so many people you know in your daily travels, and being able to commute around the Powell River area without getting stuck in traffic.”

Whether a project is a blankslate new build or a renovation that comes with hidden quirks, the design process stays the same, guided by his mix of creativity and practical know-how.

“I enjoy the whole design process with the customer, and it is particularly satisfying for me to see the completed project and a happy client.”

For more information, call 604.413.3833, or go to westviewkitchenandbath.com.

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Blackberry festival lives on

Summer celebration a legacy started by Ken and Larraine Kemper

TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com

By mid-August blackberries will be plentiful and ready to harvest. Some say south of town is a sweet spot for picking, due to a supposed microclimate.

The qathet region’s beloved Blackberry Festival, a celebration of the mouth-watering berry, was an idea spurred into reality by Ken and Larraine Kemper in the mid1980s, but only lasted a couple summers. The festival went on hiatus until it was revived as a street party in August 1993, organized by Shelley Halliday.

The festival, now called the Blackberry Festival Street Party, returns Friday, August 15, from 6 to 10 pm, on Marine Avenue, hosted by Powell River Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Powell River.

Ken and Larraine spoke with the Peak about the early days of the festival and how it came to be.

“I lived in Powell River from 1983 to 1991, when I was the manager

of what was then known as the Canada Employment Centre,” explained Ken. “In 1985, the Expo 86 [organizing committee] encouraged communities in BC to launch projects to promote tourism in their areas, mistakenly [as it turned out] anticipating that international tourists attending Expo 86 [World’s Fair] would take the opportunity to travel throughout BC.”

Ken and Larraine brainstormed one evening to think up things they found unique and appealing about the region. Being new arrivals from Alberta, they were enthralled with blackberries.

“We baked with them, made syrup and made wine, which local people had been doing for generations,” said Ken. “So why not a blackberry festival?”

A significant part of Ken’s mandate was to engage with business and community development organizations.

“I approached a number of people, including the late Bob Butkus, then the principal of Malaspina College [formerly Vancouver Island University], and [former Peak publisher] Joyce Carlson,” said Ken. “Bob and I attended a town council meeting where [former] mayor Colin Palmer proclaimed Powell River the Blackberry Capital of the Universe.”

Larraine said she gives credit to the Okanagan area and the people organizing wine festivals there.

“We really didn’t know how to organize a festival,” added Larraine.

“So I contacted the people organizing the wine fest and got some ideas from them, but we also just brainstormed the things we’d like to do that involved a wide swath of the population.”

The first Blackberry Festival was held in August 1985 as a trial run through preparatory to the 1986 event.

“We had a baking contest, a wine contest, art on the beach and the big event, the Blackberry Olympics at Willingdon Beach,” said Ken. “As a fundraiser we published the Berry Best Cook Book, with help from Joyce and also Peter Chan, owner and chef of Chanterelles Restaurant, who did the calligraphy.”

He said the cookbook sold well and the proceeds helped augment the funding from Expo 86.

“I still have my copy of the Best Berry Cook Book,” said Carlson. “Two of my nieces, Kelley and Cheryl Milne, have recipes in the book, as do I.”

Ken said after the local Expo 86 committee wrapped up they approached several service clubs and other organizations hoping to find

a new sponsor to keep the festival alive.

“We had a balance of $800 to pass onto a new committee,” said Ken. “Sadly, none were able to take it on at the time.”

Ken and Larraine eventually moved to Comox for work.

“Several years later, after we had moved, I was approached asking for background information and thoughts to help reignite the fun that has continued now as the Blackberry Festival,” said Ken.

“Many of the original committee members are no longer with us,

and sadly, my 81-year-old memory is struggling to remember others, but we had one fantastic time putting it all together and making it all work. “

Ken and Larraine said they miss living in qathet, but they frequently return to visit old friends. Carlson relives the festival’s origins annually.

“Each year when Blackberry Festival comes around, I think back on the Kempers’ original idea, the fact I was part of the beginning, and take pride in that it is happening 40 years later,” said Carlson.

Art-related grants distributed by province

Five organizations and an individual receive money from fund

Provincial funding for local artists, arts organizations and events is helping to make communities more vibrant and connected, according to Powell River-Sunshine Coast

MLA Randene Neill.

“[The riding] is known around the world for its vibrant, talented arts community,"

stated Neill, in a media release. “By providing funding for the arts, we are creating opportunities for visitors and residents alike to come together, whether at a gallery, a concert, a book launch or a musical, and enjoy what makes their community great.”

A total of 25 organizations in Neill’s constituency are receiving more than $700,000 for the 2024/2025 intake.

PRISMA is receiving a total of $100,000 through four different funding streams. qathet Arts Council was granted $69,000 though four funding streams. Artist Annie

Robinson was allocated a $2,850 grant.

qathet Film Society’s grant total came to $15,000. Townsite Jazz Festival is the recipient of $25,000, and Tla’amin Nation is receiving a $30,000 grant.

Several organizations on the lower Sunshine Coast also received funding.

Across BC, more than $37 million in grant funding was distributed to 1,303 arts organizations, events and individual artists through BC Arts Council (BCAC).

According to the release, BCAC is an agency of the provincial government that nur-

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tures and supports arts and cultural activity in communities throughout BC, and administers provincial funding to community arts in rural and urban centres, to individual artists, professional performing arts companies, Indigenous artists and cultural organizations, art galleries, local museums and music festivals, supporting a range of activities, while engaging with artists and communities to inform policies and programs.

The provincial government has increased the BCAC budget from $24 million in 2016/2017 to more than $40 million in 2025/2026.

PARTY PLACE: Vendors and hungry Blackberry Festival attendees will be gathering once again along Marine Avenue on Friday, August 15. PEAK ARCHIVE PHOTO

Province, city announce plan to open new shelter

and support services. It will also have security measures in place, including fenced grounds, controlled access, security cameras and lighting.

If approved by city council, it is expected to open this winter as the province works to deliver more housing options in the community.

TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com

The province, through BC Housing, in partnership with City of Powell River, is providing $4.6 million toward construction of a new 40-bed temporary shelter in the community, according to a July 30 media release.

The funding is from the province's Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) program. The province will also provide $1.6 million in annual operating funds.

According to the release, the temporary shelter at 7104 Barnet Street will replace the 20-bed emergency shelter that was located at 4746 Joyce Avenue, which closed in March, doubling available shelter capacity in the community.

"These new shelter spaces will offer safety, dignity and a path toward stability for people experiencing homelessness," stated Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Randene Neill. "I'm proud to see Powell River taking action to ensure everyone has access to the supports they need in the community they call home."

The shelter will be operated by Lift Community Services and offer 24/7 staffing, meals, laundry, showers and storage, as well as connections to housing

"This response reflects the collaboration we need to address complex challenges like homelessness," stated Powell River mayor Ron Woznow. "The province, through BC Housing, is leading the delivery and funding of the shelter, Vancouver Coastal Health is providing funding for vital health services, Lift Community Services will operate the site and the city will provide the land.

“Together, we will provide opportunities for Powell River residents to have the accommodation and medical support they require."

In addition, the release stated that the qathet overdose prevention service, previously at 4752 Joyce Avenue, will also be located at the temporary shelter site. Funded by Vancouver Coastal Health and operated by Lift, the site will provide life-saving services, including a stand-alone trailer, outdoor inhalation support and a peer-recovery navigator to connect people with recovery services.

"We know that data and science tells us that when people have a place with a roof over their head where they feel safe, they can start transitioning to a more permanent stage in their lives," said Neill, in an interview with the Peak. "The shelter is really a very first basic step and so under this funding, this new 40-bed shelter will be able to provide the folks

who are sleeping rough outside, sleeping in encampments, a place where they can actually leave their stuff every day, and be able to count on that stability, which they haven't been able to count on so far."

Neill added that with supports in place, people facing homelessness and addiction will be able to get to that next stage in their lives, whether that is finding a job, more stability, and then a permanent place to rent or call home.

"It's really that very first rung in the ladder to get them moving into the place where they can find that stability and that long-lasting help that they need," said Neill.

This work is part of the province's Belonging in BC plan to help prevent homelessness and bring more people indoors quickly.

"We're very grateful for the collaborative action being taken to provide vital, life-saving services in qathet," said Lift executive director Kim Markel. "Everyone, no matter their life circumstances, has a right to shelter and health

care, and we're proud to be part of the team providing these services to community members."

According to the release, Powell River will be the first of a second group of local governments partnering with the province to put in place homeless and encampment responses and temporary housing solutions.

"Addiction, whether it's alcohol or drugs from illicit purposes, they're not safe, so harm reduction and an overdose prevention site is number one, keeping people safe," said Neill, in response to a question about the fourpillars model to treat addiction: prevention, treatment, harm reduction and enforcement. "There's so much shame and stigma surrounding drugs and people we lose to overdose deaths, who are usually young men who are using alone."

Number two, said Neill is keeping people alive, and then number three, focusing on the supports needed to get people into either addiction services, treatment centres or mental health supports to get them to that next stage.

PARTNERSHIP MADE: Province of BC and City of Powell River are partnering on a new temporary shelter. PEAK ARCHIVE PHOTO

Rotary recognizes retired fire chief

Terry Peters continues his community service

Rotary Club of Powell River past president Kelly Keil presented a Paul Harris Fellow award to Terry Peters at a recent weekly meeting.

“Today, we are delighted to honour someone whose lifetime of service has touched nearly every part of this community, and quite a few well beyond it,” said Keil.

Peters dedicated most of his career to emergency services. He served as Powell River’s fire chief, but his path started humbly: delivering newspapers for the Powell River News, landscaping at Zimmers Nursery, and working as a labourer, security guard and first aid attendant at the MacMillan Bloedel pulp and paper mill. From there, he went on to serve as a BC paramedic and a deputy sheriff, before ultimately devoting 37 years to the fire service.

In 2005, Peters and his fam-

ily embarked on an international firefighter exchange in Tasmania, Australia. His reputation quickly spread—even the Rotarian fire chief there put Peters to work, sending him to speak at four Rotary clubs as the visiting Canadian firefighter.

Back home, Peters’ dedication to training firefighters earned him the Provincial Award for Outstanding Achievement from the Justice Institute of BC and BC’s Firefighter Training Officers Association in 2011.

Even in retirement, Peters hasn’t slowed down. He has been a driving force in making this community safer and greener by promoting the FireSmart program, co-founding the local Broombusters group, and serving on the Powell River and qathet Invasive Species Committee. His efforts have been recognized province-wide, culminating in his election to the board of directors of the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia just last year.

When he’s not tackling broom or advocating for fire prevention,

Peters is active in the Vintage Car Club of Canada, representing Powell River as governor and keeping classic car enthusiasts connected.

Most recently, he coordinated more than 150 volunteers for Powell River Salmon Society’s coho clipping campaign—setting a BC record by clipping 300,000 hatchery coho in just three weeks.

“No one in fisheries believed we could achieve that goal,” Peters said later. “They had allocated us a shorter number of days than we requested. We started out under our daily goal of 20,000 because it was so new to everyone. But in the end, we were able to meet it and more. Powell River is the poster child for such a project.”

Beyond all these professional and volunteer contributions, Peters is a devoted husband to Lori for 37 years, a proud father and grandfather, a lover of motorcycles, rock concerts and his 1969 Chevelle, and a perfect example of Rotary’s motto: Service Above Self, said Keil, at the meeting.

“It is with tremendous respect and gratitude that we present you with this Paul Harris Fellow,” she added. “Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do to make this community stronger, safer and more connected.”

Peters said he was humbled to receive the honour, adding that he always surrounds himself with like-minded people and Rotarians are good people.

Rotary International is a service club with 1.4 million members

in 49,000 clubs in more than 200 countries. It was founded by Paul Harris in 1905 and 52 years later the Paul Harris Fellow was set up. It is one of the highest honours in Rotary, signifying a commitment to service above self and recognizing significant contributions to communities and beyond. When a club contributes $1,000 US to the Rotary Foundation, a request can be made for an individual to be recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow.

Friday, August 22nd at Larry Gouthro Park

AWARD FOR SERVICE: Terry Peters [centre] was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow for his community service at a recent Rotary meeting by past president Kelly Keil and current president Matt Wate. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Regional board supports room tax

Directors vote for

Sunshine Coast Tourism initiative to increase taxation on short-term rentals and hotels

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

qathet Regional District’s (qRD) board will provide a letter of support for Sunshine Coast Tourism for the organization’s five-year municipal and regional tax (MRDT) renewal application and the proposed increase in taxation to three per cent from two per cent.

The MRDT is a tax charged on hotel and short-term accommodation, which is mostly used for tourism marketing and affordable housing initiatives.

At the July regional board meeting, Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne said he was unsure about how the MRDT is broken up, with a portion going to Sunshine Coast Tourism and a portion coming to qRD.

“I’m wondering if our staff could help me understand how it actually breaks down,” said Gisborne.

Manager of financial services Celinde Lillies said with the amount that comes to qRD annually, the regional district has been forwarding it to Sunshine Coast Tourism. She said it’s a different amount every year, based on online bookings. She said the funds are limited in uses, such as tourism promotion and affordable housing.

Gisborne said if the motion to increase the MRDT from two to three per cent passed, qRD’s allocation could increase by 50 per cent.

City of Powell River director Cindy Elliott asked if all or a portion of the MRDT collected from online reservations would come to the regional district .

Lillies said it’s the full percentage, from what she understands.

Electoral Area A director Jason Lennox said statistics provided by Sunshine Coast Tourism indicate $650,000 of MRDT was collected, to the end of the year in 2024, and $220,000 was allocated for affordable housing.

“That amount [$220,000] stands out to me as the amount that was transferred to us for housing,” said Lennox.

Lillies said the $650,000 was the portion Sunshine Coast Tourism was getting from hotel contributions. She said in 2025, the qRD allocation for affordable housing was about $105,000. The remainder would go to

the Sunshine Coast Regional District. Lennox said he had some concerns.

“When I read the report, short-term rentals have actually decreased lately,” said Lennox. “Looking at the historical trends, they are decreasing, in my area, at least. I have had some correspondence from constituents that have short-term rentals available and they are concerned about the amount they are paying for tax and what it is being used for.

“I appreciate that housing is important. My question is, if we were to vote for this, do we have any capability of discussing what the funds are used for? If we support this agreement, are we committed for five years for housing initiatives, and that is it?”

General manager of planning services

Laura Roddan said the money is intended for affordable housing initiatives and there is some discretion. She said the province sets out how the funds are used but it is for affordable housing.

Electoral Area E director Andrew Fall said he supports the renewal, asking the province to renew the MRDT so that Sunshine Coast Tourism keeps getting money from the province.

“If we support the increase from two per cent to three per cent, it would translate to a

RENEWAL INITIATIVE: qathet Regional District directors supported a request from Sunshine Coast Tourism to provide a letter of support for a five-year renewal of the municipal and regional district tax, raising the rate of taxation from two to three per cent, charged on hotel rooms and short-term rentals. PEAK

50 per cent increase in the amount of MRDT we get, under that restricted funding for affordable housing,” said Fall.

The board voted to provide a letter of support for Sunshine Coast Tourism’s five-year renewal of the MRDT, increasing to three per cent from two per cent, with Gisborne and Lennox opposed.

Applications receive approval

Regional hospital district directors vote in favour of health care designations

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

qathet Regional Hospital

District board is supportive of applications by Miklat Recovery Society and Foundry qathet to be designated as health-care facilities.

At a recent hospital board meeting, the board also voted to request a meeting with minister of health Josie Osborne at the 2025 Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) convention to discuss the designation of health-care facilities and cost-sharing agreements.

Both Miklat Recovery Society and Foundry qathet are seeking hospital district funding to complete capital projects.

City of Powell River director Cindy Elliott said that Powell River Community Forest has already provided a fair amount of funding to Miklat.

“They [Miklat] are requiring additional funds,” said Elliott. “The community for-

est has not recommended them for more funding at this time. The community forest is aware that it is coming before the qathet Hospital District. The community forest is at the end of what they can do for Miklat. Some other funders need to step up.

“It’s a bit of an offload from the province, which will fund treatment, but not in places where the treatment takes place.”

Electoral Area B director and board chair Mark

is $7.9 million in a reserve for this purpose.

City of Powell River director Rob Southcott asked if the hospital board could commit any funds to Miklat if it isn’t clear if it is a healthcare facility. He was advised that it could not.

Elliott said that perhaps the board could refer the matter to staff to determine the health-care facility status of both organizations. She said Foundry qathet believes it is a health-care facility, but it needs to be verified.

The community forest is at the end of what they can do for Miklat. Some other funders need to step up.

CINDY ELLIOTT CITY OF POWELL RIVER DIRECTOR

Gisborne said Miklat was about $550,000 over budget to finish their treatment facility project. He said his understanding is that it has to be a health-care facility to receive funding from the hospital district and Miklat currently does not have that designation.

Electoral Area A director Jason Lennox asked which hospital district funds were designated to provide funding to health-care facilities. Manager of financial services Celinde Lillies said there

Lennox said there is a health-care facility application underway by Miklat and the board should support that application. Lennox made a motion to support Miklat and Foundry’s applications to be health-care facilities. The motion carried.

Lennox then made a motion for a meeting with the health minister at the 2025 UBCM convention to discuss the designation of healthcare facilities and cost-sharing agreements. The motion carried unanimously.

Blackberry Fest Street Party!

Friday, August 15, 2025

Karyne says no fighting over the books... BOOKS BY DONATION TENT SALE

Friday, August 15 (Blackberry Street Party) Weather permitting SIDEWALK SALE

Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17

All sorts of goodies: books, puzzles, arts and crafts items, a little of this and a little of that OCEANSIDE

to 10 pm

Join us as Marine Avenue comes alive with pedestrians in a celebration the whole family can enjoy. Enjoy the entertainment and music while you dance in the street, eat great food, and shop the many vendors booths. Then stay for the spectacular fireworks display presented by Quality Foods at Willingdon Beach.

Proudly brought to you by:

Berry bonanza

Every August, Blackberry Festival bursts onto Marine Avenue in a joyful celebration of community spirit, music, food and, of course, an abundance of delicious blackberries, in one form or another.

What began as one couple’s idea (see page three) has become one of the region’s most anticipated summer traditions, thanks to the dedication of volunteers, local businesses and thousands of attendees who make the event a true hometown treasure.

The festival captures the essence of what makes the community special: small-town charm mixed with creativity and resilience. Storefronts buzz with activity, musicians line the street, and the smell of blackberry treats waft from food trucks and temporary set-ups of other vendors. It’s a feast for the senses and the soul.

Each year brings something new while pre-

serving the festival’s core: a celebration of harvest, local pride and neighbourly connection. From classic blackberry pies to quirky culinary experiments, such as blackberry salmon glazes or blackberry jalapeño jams, the event always surprises and delights. What will be on the menu this year? It’s also an economic boost, drawing visitors and supporting local artisans, vendors and performers.

Beyond the delicious food and lively entertainment, Blackberry Festival is a reminder of what can be accomplished when people come together. It’s about shared effort, shared joy and the simple act of celebrating people and the surrounding land.

Indulge in blackberries tomorrow night, but also take a moment to embrace the sweet and enduring spirit of the community. Here’s to another year of laughter, music and purple-stained smiles.

Rules for effective organizing

Getting organized doesn’t have to be challenging. Often, the best approach is based on everyday habits—small actions you consistently take to maintain balance in your home and life. These straightforward yet reliable rules can be applied in any home, regardless of its size.

Avoid temporary storage

This is one of the least effective time-saving habits. It is beneficial to establish a permanent place for all your belongings. Creating a designated space for your items will help you stay organized. Temporary storage can create more problems than progress.

Group similar items

Keeping similar items together

KICKING THE CLUTTER

By Ranka Burzan

makes everything easier to find and store. Store your spices together in a designated spice rack or container in the kitchen. Keep coffee, tea, sugar and honey on one shelf.

Store where used

Save yourself the extra steps and keep your printer paper next to your printer. Store blankets and sheets in or near the bedrooms.

Cleaning supplies stored in a caddy should go in the bathroom or kitchen, where they’re used most. Consider discarding the cleaning supplies you don’t use.

MAILING RATES

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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REACH US

Phone 604.485.5313

publisher@prpeak.com • prpeak.com

Unit F, 4493 Marine Avenue, Powell River, BC V8A 2K3

Member of the Canadian Community Newspapers Association and the British Columbia Yukon Newspaper Association.

Make it accessible

Items that are frequently used should be stored in the easiest-toreach location. In the kitchen, your everyday plates and glasses should be at eye level, not up high or buried in a lower cabinet. Rarely used items such as holiday platters or spare comforters can be stored on a top shelf or in a storage bin.

One in, two out

To truly reduce clutter, try this method. Every time you bring something new into your home, send two things out. If you buy a new T-shirt, let go of two older ones that are stained, stretched out or never worn. Bought a new book? Pass two books to a friend or

drop them in a donation bin.

What’s your number?

Choose a number that works for you. How many of a specific item do you need? Do you use all five spatulas in your kitchen drawer? What about those 10 sweaters? Everyone has a different "right number" based on their space and lifestyle. By setting a personal limit, it is easier to say no to more items and yes to keeping what you truly love and use.

Don't

pile it, file it

Paper can accumulate more quickly than you realize. Instead of letting bills, receipts or school forms sit in a “To File” tray for days or weeks, take 10 minutes to file them immediately. It takes

less time than you think, and you'll never have to schedule a big catchup session again.

Hire a mentor

At times, most of us need help from a friend or a professional to motivate and hold us accountable. A professional knows the shortcuts to get you organized and productive.

Getting organized is not a onetime event. It’s a daily and steady habit to keep you moving forward in life.

Transformational life coach Ranka Burzan owns a professional organizing company in the qathet region and has written several books on reducing clutter. For more information, email getcoachedwithranka@gmail.com.

KELLY KEIL publisher SHANE CARLSON editor

Death of grizzly teaches lesson

The recent death of a grizzly bear on Texada Island has sparked considerable debate, highlighting the complexities of managing large wildlife in rural communities. The incident appears to underscore a significant disconnection between those living with grizzly bears and external organizations or authorities, whose decisionmaking processes may not always reflect the realities faced by locals.

Throughout the world communities regularly confront challenges posed by dangerous wildlife. When local concerns are not adequately addressed, people may feel compelled to act on their own, sometimes with irreversible consequences.

The situation on Texada suggests that frustration over delayed decisions and a perceived lack of consideration for local voices played a role in the outcome.

Organizations such as the Grizzly Bear Foundation have contributed to grizzly conservation policy in BC. However, the perception among some rural residents is that their perspectives have a disproportionate influence on provincial wildlife management strategies and the mandate of the BC Conservation Officer Service.

When government agencies refer to outside urban organizations as “partners.” it becomes even more important to ensure local community members are actively involved in the decision-making. In this case, the bear in question had a

prior history of conflict, and similar patterns unfolded on Texada.

It is possible that, without external political pressures, the conservation office service might have acted more promptly to mitigate the risk to a resident of the island. After all, public safety is at the core of its mandate.

When locals feel their safety is at risk and their voices marginalized, the likelihood increases that individuals may take matters into their own hands.

Research from Alberta has revealed similar feelings of disenfranchisement among rural residents, with some expressing their concerns

be about — people and wildlife?

Grizzly bears are inherently powerful and unpredictable animals. While they may appear calm, their behaviour can change abruptly — a reality that necessitates cautious and informed management. It is natural for humans to feel apprehensive about sharing their home with large predators; this instinct has played a role in our species’ evolution and safety.

Calls for coexistence, though well-intentioned, must recognize the unique challenges faced by rural communities. Often what groups refer to as coexis-

Conservation efforts must balance the well-being of bears with the legitimate rights and needs of people living nearby.

about dangerous wildlife are not sufficiently heard. In those cases, there have been increases in wildlife fatalities not resulting from official management decisions, but from independent action.

Alberta has since made steps to reconcile this frustration with rural people through a citizen-government grizzly conflict mitigation program using licensed hunters. While the program may be as much a social placebo as it is a wildlife management tool, the program will likely save more bears’ lives that it takes. Isn’t this what conservation should

tence is telling rural people they should cohabitate with the bears.

If you need to understand one aspect of rural culture it is that advice from outsiders is unwanted. It is important to acknowledge the right of people, regardless of location, to feel safe in their homes and on their land. Urban residents would not expect to live with open doors for raccoons, mice or skunks; likewise, rural communities should not be expected to accept the presence of large, potentially dangerous wildlife without robust support, engagement and swift action that shows

By Mark Hall

that the authorities care about them as much or more than the animal.

While the efforts of First Nations to have the bear relocated was admirable, the reality that BC residents need to also be aware of, as I have learned listening to First Nation leaders across the province, is that grizzly bears that are a threat to their communities, especially when children and elders are at risk, are killed.

This relationship between First Nations and grizzly bears has shaped the ecosystems in the province to what exists today. It’s not about disrespect or hate for bears. It’s about balance.

Since the ban on grizzly bear hunting in BC, concerns have emerged about decreased government expertise, reduced research and an increase in both unreported bear deaths and community frustration.

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This news is censo r ed by US social media giants, Syrup is a social newsfeed supported by Canadian jou r nalists.

Conservation efforts must balance the well-being of bears with the legitimate rights and needs of people living nearby. A collaborative, transparent approach, one that includes local voices as equal partners, is essential for successful wildlife management and for preventing future tragedies.

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The goal should be a thoughtful, respectful balance between conservation and community safety, so people and wildlife can thrive in BC.

Mark Hall is the director of Wild Origins of Canada Foundation, a BC-based nonprofit.

This news is censored by US social media giants, Syrup is a social newsfeed supported by Canadian jour nalists.

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Blackberry Fest Blackberry Fest

Islanders help fellow residents travel home

The saying "no man is an island" means that no person is truly self-sufficient or isolated from others.

Love the paper but not the extra steps? Scan to get it delivered.

Ca na di an Navi ga bl eWat er sAct

TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com

BC Hydroherebygives notice that an applicationhas been made to theMinis terofTransport,pursuantto theC anadianN avigable Waters Ac tfor approval of theworkdescribed herein andits site andplans

Pursuant to paragraph7(2)ofthe said Ac t, BC Hydrohas depositedwiththe Minister of Transpor t, on the on-lineCommonProject Search Registry (cps.canada.ca/ )and underregis tr ynumber 12483,or, underthe NPPFileNumber 1999 -500533.a descriptionofthe followingwork, itssiteand plans:

○ Aerial powerlines

Thereare twotransmissionpower lines, with each having threelines,thatcross Jervis InletfromN elson Island.The Jervis Inletand AgamemnonChannel PowerLineReplacement Projec twillremovethe older powerlines andaviationmarkerballs that areinpoorcondition andata high risk of failure. Thelines will be removedsometimeinOctober 2025.A marine closureisrequiredfor both public andcrewsafet y. The final datesofthe marine closurewillbepos tedonthe projec twebsite at bchydro.com/jervisagamemnon Thepower line restringingisplanned to take placeinfall2026orspring2027. Themarineclosuresat Jervis Inletare approximately2.5 kilometres east of Salter yB ay at coordinates49°46’9.76” N; 124° 8’ 22.43” W.

Comments regardingthe effec tofthisworkonmarinenavigationcan be sent throughthe Common Projec tSearchsitementioned aboveunder theComment section(search by theabove referenced number) or if youdonot have access to theinternet, by sendingyourcommentsdirec tlyto:

Navigation Protec tion Program—Transpor tC anada 820-800B urrard Street VancouverB C V6Z2J8

Transpor tC anada( TC)willnot make your comments on aproject availabletothe public on theonline public registry.H owever,any informationrelated to aworkisconsideredasunclassified public record and couldbeaccessible upon legalrequest.Assuch, theinformation andrecords provided should notcontain confidentialorsensitive information. If youwanttoprovide confidentialorsensitive informationthatyou thinkshouldnot be made public,pleasecontact TC before submit ting it.

However, comments will be considered only if they areinwriting (electronicmeans preferable)and are received notlater than 30 days af terthe publicationofthe last notice.Althoughall comments conforming to theabove will be considered,noindividualresponsewillbesent.

Posted at Powell River, BritishColumbia, this 7thday of August,2025. StephenWatson, email: steve.watson@bchydro.com

Theproject websiteis: bchydro.com/jervisagamemnon. 7358

But, some of the 498 folks [as of 2021] who live on the off-grid island of Lasqueti, located in qathet Regional District (Area E) off the east coast of Vancouver Island, might disagree.

Lasqueti is part of the Islands Trust which covers 5,200 square kilometres and includes 13 major islands, including Salt Spring, and 450 smaller islands.

Karl Darwin's family has lived on Lasqueti since 1912. He believes, along with other island residents, that recent actions taken by Islands Trust to remove a private dock is an example of bureaucratic overreach, especially highlighted after a recent floatplane crash in False Bay that left residents stranded in French Creek.

The bay was closed by the coast guard to allow for spill response, and ferries to and from the island were cancelled temporarily.

Temporary Lasqueti resident and landowner Alex Docherty told the Peak that other than personal watercraft and privately owned docks, the Lasqueti ferry is the only way to access the island and the only capable public dock is the one in False Bay.

"Many concerned citizens took it upon themselves to help ferry people across to Lasqueti but the boat launch landing was the only place people could offload," said Docherty. "One concerned citizen who happens to have one of the very few private docks volunteered to take elderly and handicapped citizens to his dock for better access."

This is where Darwin's con-

cern about bureaucratic overreach comes in. The private dock used in the aftermath of the floatplane crash on July 17 is owned by Tracee Carey and her husband, John, who was born on Lasqueti, and the Islands Trust wants the dock removed.

The dock in dispute was built in 2020 in Scottie Bay, which is a hop and a jump from the public ferry at False Bay.

"I was actually in French Creek on my boat when the friend who runs a barge called over the radio and said that a Telus plane just crashed in False Bay," said Darwin. "The entire ferry dock was shut down, which marooned 60 or 70 local people."

He said folks were facing the prospect of looking for a motel overnight, but Lasqueti Islanders stepped up and ferried folks back on private boats and barges to the private dock owned by the Careys.

"That's just what we do, we got to roll with the punches here, we're off-grid and when shit happens, we deal with it."

Darwin said he thinks that the Islands Trust mandate to preserve and protect stalls, "absolutely anything that benefits the islanders."

According to information on the Islands Trust website, the province of British Columbia created the Islands Trust in 1974 in response to the potential environmental effects of dense residential subdivisions that were in development in the Gulf Islands.

Darwin doesn't think Lasqueti should be lumped in with islands such as Salt Spring, which does have an overdevelopment problem,

STEPPED-UP: Lasqueti Islanders stepped-up to help fellow islanders get back home on Thursday, July 17.

he said.

"They [the Careys] did absolutely everything right, and the Islands Trust has fought them over it and are now forcing him to take his dock out," said Darwin. "They are just totally bummed out."

Why would the Islands Trust care so much about a 20-square foot dock?

The Peak reached out to the trustees representing Lasqueti Island. Islands Trust communications specialist Morgana van Niekerk sent the following response about the removal of the dock:

"The Lasqueti Island local trust committee made the decision to enforce against the unpermitted dock because it does not comply with local zoning regulations and does not align with the environmental policies set out in the Lasqueti Island

CRASH AFTERMATH: After a floatplane crashed into False Bay on Lasqueti Island last month, residents had to rely on private boats and a private dock to ferry them back from French Creek on Vancouver Island because of a temporary ferry cancellation and ferry dock closure. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Official Community Plan (OCP),” stated van Niekerk.

"The application for the dock did not meet the necessary criteria outlined in the OCP policies and, as such, was not approved. This has been an active enforcement file

since 2020, and the decision to proceed with enforcement was made after careful consideration of a number of factors, including the importance of upholding land use regulations that reflect community values."

Back to School Drive

Support local young families as they gear up for back to school ACCPETING DONATIONS

JULY 24 TO AUGUST 24 TH TH

Most Needed Items:

School supplies

Backpacks, lunch kits, markers, pencils, glue, notebooks

Personal items

Socks, toothbrushes, and other children’s hygiene items

Shelf-stable groceries

Oatmeal, fruit cups, granola bars

Donations accepted at Family Place (in Town Centre Mall)

Monday - Friday, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

North Island Dental

Cyrus Bachus

CUPE476 are the workers supporting all qSD#47 public school operations, in and out of school settings, across this community and various satellite locations in BC. Please join us along with CUPE798, VIDC and

CUPEBC at our booth for Freezies and spin the wheel to claim your prize too.

Our members, your neighbours work hard keeping clean, safe and inclusive spaces for all; maintain operations running responsibly and welcoming; help families, teachers and administrators access resources, navigate and connect with other organizations across BC, the qathet Regional District, the Tla’amin and shíshálh Nations and within the City of Powell River. We look forward to connecting with you!

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Lund Daze

The 2025 version of Lund Daze drew a crowd to the Kla Ah Men Gazebo on Saturday, July 26. Festivities on the sunny afternoon and into the evening included live music, food and art vendors, and fun activities for children and teens. ANDREW BRADLEY PHOTOS

1. From left: Mila Poulin, Simone Herman-Deslauriers, Loane Herman-Deslauriers and Maïna Paquette, of Sunset Sweets.

2. Lund Daze main organizers Kristi McCrae [left] and Maxime Paquette in front of their bus.

3. Chelsea [left] and Jocelyne at the barbecue tent.

4. Pierre Geoffray [left] with Lund Daze emcee and event organizer Sheila Butts.

5. Trevor Sytnick [left] and Davis Steele.

6. James, with his dog Jojo.

7. Joy Cross, Art of Joy Face Painting.

8. Chris [left] and Karl.

9. Debbie [left] and Jason.

10.

Jessyca VanBelle [left] and Charlie Siegler, of Pirate Pops.

11. Maella Ginn, of Whispers In Ashes, and Whispers of the Past.

12. Fun at the art table.

13. From left: Katie Beaton, Sarah West and Alisha VanBelle.

14. Harvey Chometsky’s Art Trading Card table.

15. Brian Liddle [left] and Charly VanVliet.

16. Sue, from Moonshine Designs.

Harvest season inspires classics

TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com

August has arrived, and so has an abundance of fruits and vegetables to be harvested. According to the Powell River Farmers' Market, it's officially Greek salad season, meaning, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and possibly some peppers, are ready to be picked and made into a summer salad. Here’s what's in season now: cherries, yellow plums, strawberries, raspberries and blueberries; fava beans, basil, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, chard, beets and cabbage.

Growing tomatillos has been growing in popularity because of the fruit's versatility and taste. They are not just green tomatoes, they are in the nightshade family and a type of ground cherry.

According to West Coast Seeds, tomatillos can be harvested mid-summer through fall. For salsa verde, or green salsa, harvest tomatillos when they’re just starting to lighten up on the blossom end. But for fresh eating, the fruit is sweetest when it turns yellow and splits its husks, sometimes falling to the ground.

Green salsa/ salsa verde recipe:

But for fresh eating, the fruit is sweetest when it turns yellow and splits its husks, sometimes falling to

• Two tablespoons of fresh lime juice

• One-half cup of cilantro

• Pinch of sea salt

• Eight tomatillos, cored and diced

• Half a small red onion

• Four cloves of garlic, unpeeled

• One jalapeno pepper (add more for extra spice)

• Two tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil

• Tortilla chips for the salsa

West Coast Seeds method:

Pre-heat the broiler with a rack at the very top of the oven. Arrange the tomatillos, chilies and unpeeled garlic on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.

Place these vegetables directly under the heat for five to 10 minutes, until the skins are charred. Remove the papery peel from the garlic and the stems from the peppers. In a food processor, place the tomatillos, onion, peppers, garlic, avocado oil, lime juice, cilantro and salt. Process until combined. If the salsa is too thick, add water. Serve with tortilla chips.

SALAD SEASON: Tomatillos like full sun to grow and are best harvested for salsa verde when they’re just starting to lighten up on the blossom end.

the ground.

TANYA HILL PHOTO

Festival of Lights

Themed Fireworks & Music Show!

Powell River Friday Aug 15 th

Simulcast On 95.7 COAST FM blackberry Festival

Willingdon Park at approx. 10:10PM

Artist paints parade of boats

Dennehy, being an artist, came up with an idea for a mural project.

TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com

Many folks in the neighbourhood of Westview have a great view of the ocean, including artist and musician Clancy Dennehy.

Most days, when looking out his window, Dennehy said he observes the many types of boats in qathet waters, such as tug boats, sailboats, ferries and barges. A while back, after passing by a wall with graffiti on it outside the day care at Michigan Avenue and Burnaby Street,

"I live across the street from the day care, and the wall had graffiti on it; it was kind of ugly," explained Dennehy. "I know the owners and they're lovely people, and they're really hard workers."

Dennehy connected with the owners a few years ago, when the artist gave them a Ukrainian sign he had made with a heart on the Ukrainian flag.

"We talk a lot, so I told him, I'd like to make a painting on the wall," said Dennehy. "He asked, 'how much?' And I said, "It is free, okay?"

The day care owners loved Dennehy's idea of painting a colourful, "comic-like" parade of boats on the wall.

"We talked about this last fall, and then when spring

Happy Blackberry Festival!

came, I put my plans in order," said Dennehy. "Part of my artwork [from the past] was making folk art versions of boats in 3-D form."

Dennehy lived in coastal Vancouver for decades and also Halifax, where he attended art school.

"I just decided I'll make it a parade of boats," said Dennehy. "I like the harbour and all the boats. I took the ideas of folk art and sketched the boats from memory."

Across the sea/blue sky colour painted as the backdrop on the wall are all kinds of cartoonish, fun and colourful vessels.

"It's all the boats you'd see out in the ocean going by: the tug boats, cruise ships and the fishing boats, and that's all the boats we can see from up here on the hill," said Dennehy. "It’s just a

simple idea, and it's kind of playful, a little bit child-like, but there's some adult jokes in there, too."

Looking more closely at the mural, passersby can spot a Tesla Cybertruck on one of the ferries. Tex the grizzly bear also gets the spotlight as a captain on

his own boat in the mural.

Whales and salmon also made it into the artwork.

"I have a certain style of cartooning, and the boats are one thing I've done since I was a kid," said Dennehy. "I went to the wall with a pencil and just sketched them right there."

Dennehy said he painted in the early morning and evening because of the heat. "It's a great way to meet the neighbours, because you're out there on the grass," said Dennehy. "It's a time capsule of this moment, something people can laugh about in the future."

PUBLIC ART: Artist and musician Clancy Dennehy painted a colourful mural on a wall at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Burnaby Street in Westview. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

SPORTS »

Bathtub racing to return

Plans in the works to have

tubbers

return on Blackberry Festival weekend

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

Bathtub racing will be returning to the qathet region on Blackberry Festival weekend.

Bathtub racer and event organizer Melvin Mitchell said the tentative date is August 16. He said also on that date, there will be a culturally significant naming ceremony at Tla’amin Nation, and he has been asked to be one of the witnesses.

“The ceremony is from 10 am to 3 pm, but we usually race at 1 pm, so I’m going to ask the tubbers if they want to race later, or the next day,” said Mitchell. “I would like to get them here on Friday so they can see Blackberry Festival, so they can walk the street.

“I was walking once at Blackberry Festival just after COVID-19 with bathtub buddies and I lost them six times on the street. Everybody was so happy to be out. I try to get them to come and see our town.” Mitchell said racing from

Gibsons Beach is ideal.

He said the racers like the location.

“Some of them are from the city and they think they are in the bush,” said Mitchell. “They like it, and that’s what it’s all about. If they like it, they’ll come back.”

Previously, when Mitchell brought bathtub racers to qathet, they raced off Willingdon Beach, having to launch their bathtubs at the north boat harbour. Mitchell said it was complicated to launch at the harbour because of all the other boats coming and going.

“When we race at Gibsons Beach, it’s a really low tide, so we don’t have many boats coming in,” said Mitchell.

When the tubbers travel here, Mitchell said they are accommodated in Tla’amin.

“It’s just crazy trying to get

yourself a camping spot in our campgrounds here,” said Mitchell. “So, I bring them to Tla’amin. They come and our community just rolls out the mat.”

Mitchell said the racers can stay at the Salish Centre because it is flat. He said in past, when there have been bears wandering around, the campers with tents have set up inside the Salish Centre if they don’t have campers.

“They are safe in the gym and there is also a flat spot outside by the kitchen,” said Mitchell. “They can walk down to the beach and have a happy time.”

Mitchell said he is busy when the racers arrive, preparing for the race, setting up the course and making sure the race happens.

“I have to make sure it’s safe and that all the racers get out safely,” said Mitchell.

“It’s all good, clean fun and a crazy sport that brings towns together. That’s what I’m doing. I bring racing to our town and for all the people. I try to get people to come here and spend some money in our town.”

FAST RACER: Bathtub racer Jenna Mitchell, in tub 055, alternates with her father Melvin Mitchell in races along the BC coast. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

FIRE WISE DAY FIRE WISE DAY

FIRE WISE DAY FIRE WISE DAY

FIRE WISE DAY FIRE WISE DAY

Saturday, August 16 2025 th 10:00am - 1:00pm

Saturday, August 16 2025 th 10:00am - 1:00pm

Saturday, August 16 2025 th 10:00am - 1:00pm

Central Farmer ’s Market

Central Farmer ’s Market

Central Farmer ’s Market

@Willingdon Field

Meet the experts! Learn about:

Meet the experts! Learn about:

Meet the experts! Learn about:

Prizes!

@Willingdon Field Prizes!

@Willingdon Field Prizes!

Eating well possible on multi-day tours, says kayaker

Proper Wood Stove Installation

Proper Wood Stove Installation

Proper Wood Stove Installation

ers or couples can also bring delicious food to cook on a camp stove.

Fire Smarting your Home

Fire Smarting your Home

Fire Smarting your Home

Wood Stove Exchange OR Decommissioning Rebate

Wood Stove Exchange OR Decommissioning Rebate

Wood Stove Exchange OR Decommissioning Rebate

Dehydrated food ditched for fresh farm eggs, tofu curry and fresh vegetables

604-413-6861

604-413-6861

SUDOKU

TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com

The dehydrated meal market has exploded in popularity, especially for those wanting to pack light and easy on multiday hikes, such as the Sunshine Coast Trail or a kayak excursion in Desolation Sound Marine Park.

However, kayakers have some advantage over hikers when it comes to the types of food and supplies they can bring, due to the fact that kayakers have the luxury of floating on water, as opposed to the gravity of a heavy backpack weighing on their shoulders.

According to experienced kayaker and backcountry eating expert Ella Vallance, eating fresh, healthy, gourmet meals while on a multiday kayak tour is not only possible, but preferable.

Vallance is currently the menu creator and food curator at Powell River Sea Kayak. She spoke to the Peak about tips and tricks to eating well while on the water. "One of the greatest things with sea kayaking is just the amount of space you have in a kayak," said Vallance. "So many people go into this thinking they're going to be eating freeze-dried, backcountry meals, dehydrated things."

Although Vallance and crew regularly prepare to feed up to 12 kayakers at a time, which is no easy feat, she said individual kayak-

"We're sourcing all of our produce from local farms,” said Vallance. "So that's the beauty of kayaking, is just having the space in the kayak to bring more than you would if you were going on a backpacking trip, and carrying that weight on your back."

But, what about storage and keeping things fresh, so food doesn't go bad?

"How you store the food is super important, especially when you're out for a long period of time," said Vallance. "We like to put produce into containers if possible, like tomatoes or bananas; if you have some sort of container that can kind of house it, then that can really help the longevity of things out there."

Another concern is keeping food cool, since there is no access to refrigeration.

"We start our trips with small cooler bags that fit into the kayaks and have ice in them," said Vallance. "On days one, two and three, maybe you're having more cheeses, you have a bit of milk for coffee, things like that."

She said toward the end of the trip is when the dry goods can come in handy, and produce such as cabbage, since they can last longer.

"Personally, one of my favourites is to cook some sort of curry out there," said Vallance. "Coconut milk is a great base to use and then adding things like peanut butter, that stuff lasts a while out there, and then instant rice."

She said people shouldn't dismiss tofu as a good staple to bring on a kayak trip.

"There's so many cool things you can do with it, and it lasts a long time," said Vallance. "If you're able to purchase farm eggs that haven't been washed or refrigerated, those will last for days on end."

There may be lots of room in a kayak, but knowing how to pack is key.

"The way you pack your kayak is important," said Vallance. "I personally like to dedicate one hatch in my kayak just to my food and cooking equipment, and that way I know where things are."

She said food doesn't necessarily need to be in dry bags.

"The kayak caches are super dry 99 per cent of the time, as long as you have the cover on tight," said Vallance. "Organize produce in one bag, have your canned items in another bag, separating different items into categories that way."

Another go-to meal for Vallance is a falafel wrap.

"It's super easy to buy a falafel mix and just add water to it; that's the only

ingredient that you have to cook with," she explained. "If you cook up those falafels in a pan, you can put tons of fresh ingredients into a pita wrap, for some extra carbs."

Water can be a concern while kayaking. One person on average needs at least three to four litres per day for drinking and cooking. Most people bring water with them in their kayak, but in places such as Tenedos Bay in Desolation Sound, fresh water can be accessed.

"We're using MSR Dromedary bags, the material is quite tough; they are fantastic, but a pricey item," said Vallance. "Some people will use four-litre jugs of water."

Vallance said she has kayaked many places, but Desolation Sound is her top choice for destinations.

"The marine park sites are super accessible," said Vallance. "They have pit toilets and 10 tent pads."

For more information, go to Ella Vallance (@lifeof.ellavallance) Instagram or to bcseakayak.com.

GOURMET ON WATER: Food manager and curator Ella Vallance creates the menu and buys the food consumed by folks taking multi-day kayak tours. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Kings expand forward group

Players from Quebec and Ontario join roster

Roster construction for the 2025/2026 season continues for Powell River Kings with the signing of 2006-born forward Henry Ouellet, who is from SaintAlexandre, Quebec.

“Henry is strong on his edges and excels in his puck protection, especially off the cycle and on the half walls,” stated Kings’ head coach and general manager Stephan Seeger Jr. “He has Centennial Cup experience and went to the finals of the NOJHL [Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League] last season. He is a competitor with offensive flair and a creative playmaker.”

The Centennial Cup is emblematic of supremacy at the junior A hockey level in Canada.

Ouellet is coming off a great season with Hearst Lumberjacks in Northern Ontario, where he scored 22 goals and added 35 assists in 46 games. His strong play continued in the playoffs, collecting at least one point in 12 of 16 games (six goals, 10 assists). The Lumberjacks advanced all the way to game seven of the NOJHL

TALENTED TEENAGER: Wellington Dukes forward Ethan Murray was among the top rookie scorers in the Ontario Junior Hockey League last season at age 17. He will skate in the BC Hockey League during the 2025/2026 season as a member of the Powell River Kings. ED MCPHERSON/OJHL IMAGES

finals before falling 4-3 to Sudbury.

“I am very excited to play for an organization that takes good care of their players’ development,” stated Ouellet. “I’m aiming to be an impact player for the Kings and contribute to the team's success this season.”

Kings have also signed a 17-year-old forward from Ontario. Ethan Murray is coming off a prolific rookie season with the Wellington Dukes of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), where he scored 27 goals and 12 assists in 53 games. His goal total was the second most on his team, and second most among all OJHL rookies

“Ethan has a very high ceiling with his natural goal scoring prowess and ability to fly up the ice,” stated Seeger Jr. “He is extremely eager to grow and develop his game with the Kings. He had a great year last year and we are excited to see him transition into the BCHL.”

Murray, who is from Orangeville, Ontario, said he is looking forward to playing in Powell River and helping the team succeed.

“I have expectations that we will be able to win a lot of hockey games and push for a playoff spot,” stated Murray. “I’m hoping to develop my game so I can be a big part of the team's success.”

SCENE

AROUNDTOWN

Pitch perfect

Great weather and a passion for slo-pitch softball brought players and supporters to Sunset Park in Wildwood last weekend. Team members were able to stay cooled down with cold beverages available on site, and didn’t go hungry between games thanks to vendors supplying hot dogs and donuts. MADELINE BURT PHOTOS

TO BOOK YOUR AD »

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

MalonieJobi

M ar ch 3, 1940 -M ay 21, 2025

MALONIE liveda joy-filled, positive life throughall life’s hardshipsand challenges.She wasborninWestBerlinduring wartimes andher youngest memories areofresilience andsurvival. Maloniecompleted school andat16began an apprenticeship that led herintoa career as asales lady in Berlin,firstina largebakeryand then a duvet storewhere shemet herfuturemother-in law. SheleftBerlin in1967 andimmigrated to Canada, directly to Powell Rivertomarry, starta family andset down rootsinthiscommunity.Malonie loved crosswords,cooking, baking,weaving,sewing, knitting andcrochet.She made friends wherever shewent, from theearly days at theGerman Club,TOPS, andthe Garden Club to RedHatters,volunteering andat herchurch. Shetouched many lives, hada greatsense of humour and lovedand careddeeplyfor herfamily. Shewillbemissedevery dayby herdaughters Ioloand Juhliand grandchildrenJonathonand Caroline. Acelebration of life will be held on Saturday,August16, 2025 at 3pmat thePowellRiver Farmers’ Market,4365 McLeod Road,a placeshe loved to attendand be with herfriends.Refreshmentswillbeprovidedand an appetizerpotluck will be shared aftera shortservice.Everyonewelcome

Linda Goldine Wegner

Febr uar y 27, 1943 - June 5, 2025

Linda Goldine Wegner, for mer ly of Powell River, B C , passed away in Maidstone, SK, on June 5, 2025, at the age of 82 She leaves behind her husband, Edmund, of 56 years, and their t wo boys, Leonard and John, as well as three grandchildren, Elizabeth, Sarah and Lucy, and one greatgrandchild, Zoey

Linda was bor n to Dorothy Smith and Stan McIntosh in New Westminster, B C , on Febr uar y 27, 1943 She is sur vived by her four siblings: Wayne, Doug, Len, and Valer ie.

Linda may be best known for her life of ser vice She embraced the life of a pastor ’s wife, giving endlessly of herself in the communities of Kerrober t, SK, Castlegar, BC, Sointula, BC and Stoughton, SK She went on to become an ordained minister herself Her love of music and piano lent well to her contr ibutions

In later years, while living in Powell River, Linda was the proud owner of a small business, Words of Wor th, incor porating her talents as a wr iter and an inspirational speaker She wrote countless ar ticles for papers and magazines and had three books published

Linda loved her family, her church and her neighbourhood She will always be remembered by her generous invitations for a cup of tea and some fresh baking She has made fr iends wherever she has gone and will be missed by many

A service for remembering Linda will be held at the Powell River Reformed Church on August 30, 2025, at 10 A M Tea and some fresh baking will be offered following the service

Steven Kar l Williams

March 8, 1978 - July 10, 2025

Our hear ts are broken again, with the passing of our son, Steve, after a fight with cancer. He was predeceased by his brother, Ryan, 3 shor t months ago He is sur vived by his dad Jim (Laura), his mom Sandy (Tom), sister Kara (Bill), and nephew Dylan (Alessa)

He loved wor king in the woods and r unning machine in the logging industr y He wondered if the last time he closed the door on his machine was the last time unfor tunately, it was He was so happy to connect with some of his old fr iends near the end and reminisce about old times He had a giant, positive hear t for ever yone he loved and gave the best hugs

To the doctors and nurses who looked after him on his hospital stays, you were awesome And to the ER nurse, Kenzie, who was with us at the end, you were amazing.

You fought hard, Steve Rest now, my boy

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

Graham Ross Hollingswor th

Graham Ross Hollingswor th

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Graham Ross Hollingswor th – loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and fr iendsurrounded by the love of his family at Lions Gate Hospital on June 12, 2025.

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

s with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Graham Ross lingswor th – loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and fr iendrounded by the love of his family at Lions Gate Hospital on June 12, 2025

Graham is sur vived and deeply missed by his loving wife, Tr isha; daughter, Amanda (Justin) and son Ross (Joanna), along with his grandchildren - Ryder, Oliver, Ava and Cam; his blended family members – Sarah, Ashley (Derek) and family, Chelsea, Spencer, and Austin

Please email your stor ies to Graham ahead of time (wafer@live ca) your contr ibution will make this celebration even more meaningful

aham is sur vived and deeply missed by his loving wife, Tr isha; daughter, anda (Justin) and son Ross (Joanna), along with his grandchildren - Ryder, ver, Ava and Cam; his blended family members – Sarah, Ashley (Derek) and mily, Chelsea, Spencer, and Austin

In addition, he is sur vived by his dear mother, Bett y (predeceased by his father, Harr y); his siblings, Dave (Heather) and Anne (predeceased by his brother-inlaw, Paul Howey); and his children’s mother, Celine Beaudoin Uncle Graham will be fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews in Australia and Canada – Mike, Kerr i, Sandra, Andrea, Jason, Jacqui and Elliot He will also be missed by extended family and many close fr iends

addition, he is sur vived by his dear mother, Bett y (predeceased by his father, rr y); his siblings, Dave (Heather) and Anne (predeceased by his brother-in, Paul Howey); and his children’s mother, Celine Beaudoin Uncle Graham be fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews in Australia and Canada Mike, Kerr i, Sandra, Andrea, Jason, Jacqui and Elliot He will also be missed extended family and many close fr iends

Graham grew up in Westview playing a var iet y of spor ts, including soccer & hockey, spent a memorable Grade 6 year in Hawaii and enjoyed summers out at Frolander Bay – fishing on the waters with Grandpa and loving Grandma’s baking. He attended Max Cameron High School, travelled to England for soccer, and later spent t wo years with good fr iends in Australia – wor king and playing the game he loved, before retur ning to Powell River to wor k full time at the Paper Mill and to raise a family

An or iginal member of the Villa soccer team, Graham was recognized for his remar kable soccer talents, scor ing an impressive 50 goals in 23 games dur ing the team’s inaugural season, including 8 goal s in one match against Saanich There were many fun road tr ips with teammates over the years

aham grew up in Westview playing a var iet y of spor ts, including so ckey, spent a memorable Grade 6 year in Hawaii and enjoyed summe Frolander Bay – fishing on the waters with Grandpa and loving Gran king He attended Max Cameron High School, travelled to England for s d later spent t wo years with good fr iends in Australia – wor king and p game he loved, before retur ning to Powell River to wor k full time per Mill and to raise a family

In the 2000s, Graham moved out South near the ocean, increased his yard wor k and took up the game of golf - enjoying many games with fr iends and family After retirement in 2014 and a retur n tr ip to Australia, Graham’s life was filled with looking after his home & proper t y, visiting his family on Vancouver Island, walking his best buddy – Jaxx, and captur ing photos of the back yard wildlife on his iPad. He was successfully wor king on lower ing his golf handicap while being a caddy-coach for Tr ish. His goal was to get that hole-in-one in the Summer of 2025 at his fav golf course, Myr tle Point

or iginal member of the Villa soccer team, Graham was recognized mar kable soccer talents, scor ing an impressive 50 goals in 23 games team’s inaugural season, including 8 goal s in one match against Sa ere were many fun road tr ips with teammates over the years.

The family will cher ish their times together, filled with Graham’s humorous stor ies, quick wit and his phrase, “let me know how that goes for you” when asked to tr y something new He was always happy to offer suppor t and encouragement from afar to anyone accomplishing a new venture

Thank you so much to all who have reached out - Graham would be grateful to know that his family has been surrounded with kindness through this jour ney Graham loved animals and suppor ted any effor t of family to help youngsters achieve their dreams In lieu of flowers, donations to the SPCA or to any local Youth initiative are really appreciated

Let’s fill the day with laughter, love, and beautiful memories

As of August 15, bottledonations for SpecialOlympicswill no longer be accepted at 4565 Manson Avenue Ournew bottledropoff will be at 6958ButedaleStreet, offofJoyce Avenue,between

the 2000s, Graham moved out South near the ocean, increased his yard r k and took up the game of golf - enjoying many games with fr iends and mily After retirement in 2014 and a retur n tr ip to Australia, Graham’s life was d with looking after his home & proper t y, visiting his family on Vancouver and, walking his best buddy – Jaxx, and captur ing photos of the back yard dlife on his iPad He was successfully wor king on lower ing his golf handicap le being a caddy-coach for Tr ish. His goal was to get that hole-in-one in the mmer of 2025 at his fav golf course, Myr tle Point.

A celebration of Graham’s life will be held at a later date.

His life was filled with love, laughter and many awesome memor ies He will be remembered with smiles and gratitude - forever in our hear ts

e family will cher ish their times together, filled with Graham’s humorous r ies, quick wit and his phrase, “let me know how that goes for you” when ked to tr y something new He was always happy to offer suppor t and couragement from afar to anyone accomplishing a new venture.

Love you, Graham – bro, Dad & Grandpa and fr iend

Condolences, memor ies & photographs for the family are welcome and may be shared at:

www dignitymemorial com/obituaries/northvancouver-bc/graham-hollingsworth-12418599

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-vehicle trafficand access to some driveways. We thankyou foryour patienceand accommodation of this festival to bringlocals andvisitorstogether forthisfun-filledevening of shopping, food andentertainment.

Powell RiverChamber of Commerce

ank you so much to all who have reached out - Graham would be grateful to ow that his family has been surrounded with kindness through this jour ney. aham loved animals and suppor ted any effor t of family to help youngsters hieve their dreams In lieu of flowers, donations to the SPCA or to any local uth initiative are really appreciated.

Rotary Club of Powell River prblackberryfestival@gmail.com

CITY JOBS

SewerMaintainerI (full-time)

Truck Driver IV -Transit (part-time)

Allapplications must be submittedonlinethrough theEmploymentOpportunities page at www.powellriver.ca

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The qathet Regional Distr ict is accepting applications for casual Scale House Attendants at the Resource Recover y Centre

The wage rate for this position is $31 91 per hour Deadline for applications is 8:30 am on September 1, 2025

To view the full posting and application requirements, please visit qathet ca

NOTICE OF DISPOSITION & INTENT TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE:

Notice is hereby given in accordance with section 26 and section 94 of the Communit y Char ter that the Cit y of Powell River (“Cit y”) intends to lease Cit y-owned proper t y (“Lease”) as follows: Leaseholder : Provincial Rental Housing Cor poration

Ter m: 5 years, commencing after August 7, 2025, subject to conditions being fulfilled

Options to Extend: The Leaseholder has three options to extend the Ter m, each for an additional six-month per iod

Nature of Interest & Premises: lease a por tion of the land on 7104 Bar net Street, Powell River consisting of approximately 0 420ha Legal descr iption: PID: 011-231-360 LOT 53 DISTRICT LOT 5306, PLAN 5095

Consideration: $10 for the Ter m

In accordance with Section 24(1) of the Communit y Char ter the Cit y hereby gives notice that the Lease bet ween the Cit y and the Leaseholder descr ibed above is a disposition for less than mar ket value

FOREST OPERATIONS MAP

Notice of Public Review and Comment

H.S. Christensen Logging Ltd. invites the public to review and comment on the following Forest Operations Map (FOM): FOM ID#: 2493

We encourage public review and comment via the BC Government FOM website at: https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects Otherwise, the FOM is available for review and comment via the following alternatives:

• To arrange a viewing of this FOM between 9am and 3pm at Front Counter BC Powell River, 7077 Duncan Street, Powell River, V8A 1W1, please email request to OverlanderResources@gmail.com

• Written comments may be dropped off or sent to the address above or emailed to OverlanderResources@gmail.com

The FOM #2493 commenting period will be between 7 August and 6 September 2025, after which the FOM will be closed for further commenting and be considered valid for three years.

Cortes Forestry GP Community Forest K4G ForestStewardship Plan Replacement

Notice is hereby giventhatCortesForestryGeneral Partnership (CFGP) will make availablefor review andcomment adraft replacementtotheir existingForestStewardship Plan (FSP) covering Community ForestAgreementK4G.The FSPcovers areas on Cortes Island,withinthe Sunshine CoastNatural Resource District

Thedraft FSPisavailabletoviewat http://www.cortesforestrypartnership.com/

TheFSP describeshow thetenureholderwill manage the resourceslegislatedunder theForestand RangePractices Act andassociated Regulationsand will incorporateresults and strategies in theFSP to meet gover nmentobjectives

TheFSP will be availablefor review and comment fora 60-day period from August 7thtoOctober 7th.Wewishtoinviteall membersofthe public,Guide Outfitters andTrappers and any stakeholders or interested parties to review theFSP,discuss anyproposedresults and/or strategies in more detail andto providecomments. Please providecommentsprior to October 7, 2025 when thereviewand comment period will expire in ordertohavethemconsideredand addressed.

If youwishtomakeanappointmenttoviewthe FSPin person on Cortes Island pleasecontact Mark Lombardat misterlombard@gmail.com

For anyother locationorifyou have questionsregarding theFSP,pleasecontact Ione Brown, at 250902-9604 or ibhecate@gmail.com

Pleaseemail allcommentsprior to October7,2025 to the attentionof:

Ione Brown,

SPCA - Adopt a Pet BAGHEERA - a lil young male panther! Stunning young cat!

BECKIE - Young black & white ct - female feline royalt y

STEWIE & WINSTON - 2 yr 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

KATIE: 604 344 0055 SAVARY

0.34 acre Savary Island lot has tons of potential. 1908 VANCOUVER BOULEVARD

$145,000 MLS®18559

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

Starting at $499,900

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

$639,900 MLS®19145

BILL: 604 223 0811

Fully and masterfully renovated ocean view rancher provides taste, comfort and convenience only two blocks from the ocean. 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,845 sq ft 3967 MANITOBA AVENUE

$749,900 MLS®19123

AUSTYN: 778 986 1691

Gorgeous home set on a fenced .8 acres with a quiet creek running through the property. 20x24 shop with furnished 500 sq ft legal suite

2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,864 sq ft 7111 BAKER STREET

$1,099,900 MLS®18820

DUSTIN: 604 358 2473

Ocean view condo in historic Townsite. Well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo nestled on a quiet street. 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 921 sq ft 307-5700 WILLOW AVENUE

$349,900 MLS®19088

604.223.0811

Very central investment or family home on half an acre, and walking distance from all the downtown amenities.

3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 1,771 sq ft 7153 ALBERNI STREET

$509,900 MLS®19047

BILL: 604 223 0811

Well kept ocean view home in a highly desirable neighbourhood, with shop on a large lot only a block from the beach. 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,912 sq ft 6954 HAMMOND STREET

$659,900 MLS®19184

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

$929,900 MLS®19053

AUSTYN: 778 986 1691

Incredible ocean views in desirable Grandview Estates (55+) unit in the heart of town, walking distance to everything. 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,323 sq ft 302-6900 BURNABY STREET

$439,999 MLS®19010

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

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

SAVARY CRAFTSMAN

KATIE:

DUSTIN:

OCEAN VIEW ELEGANCE

AUSTYN:

KATIE: