CANINE COMPANIONS
Group supports elderly dog owners PAGE 12
AWARD APPRECIATION
Former resident recognized nationally PAGE 13
Nominations open for business awards
Powell River Chamber of Commerce is inviting residents to help celebrate local success stories as nominations open for its annual Business Awards, ahead of a gala celebration on February 28. Chamber manager Sheilah Denholm calls the event qathet’s signature celebration of business excellence.
“It is a night where we honour the entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders who drive our community forward,” says Denholm. “This year feels especially exciting, with ticket sales already moving rapidly, volunteers stepping forward on their own and a renewed energy.”
Nominations, which recognize achievements from 2025, are open until January 15, through the chamber’s website and social media.
“Our local businesses and leaders work incredibly hard to support Powell River’s economy and community life,” she adds. “Recognizing them strengthens pride, highlights the strength of our region and inspires others to pursue new ideas and opportunities.”
Once nominations close, a panel of nine business professionals will review submissions. Judges are drawn from a range of sectors and look at leadership, entrepreneurship, service, innovation and community impact.
“Finalists are those who truly stand out in these areas.”
The 16 award categories are designed to reflect the breadth of the local economy, including small businesses, trades, entrepreneurs, tourism operators, nonprofits, home-based businesses, agriculture and forestry.
“These categories reflect our values of hard work, creativity, inclusiveness and community care,” explains Denholm.
The gala evening will combine awards presentations, entertainment and catering by The Convenient Chef.
“Guests can expect a meaningful celebration filled with connection, entertainment and great food. They will enjoy a vibrant evening honouring the people and businesses who make Powell River thrive, with a few nostalgic touches acknowledging our community’s business roots.”
Denholm says the event depends on strong community involvement.
“We are inviting everyone to nominate outstanding businesses and leaders, attend the gala and champion our finalists. With nominations open for several months, it is easy for the whole community to participate, and that involvement is what makes these awards truly meaningful.”
egories are properly represented. Their involvement strengthens collaboration across the entire business community.”
English, Michelle Silvester, Kelly Keil, Paige Anderson and Vicky Osualdini, along with the chamber’s board of directors, for their dedication and support.
For Denholm, the gala is a natural extension of the chamber’s mission to support, advocate for, network and uplift local businesses throughout the year. She hopes the event will encourage more entrepreneurs, foster greater collaboration and build confidence across all sectors.
Sponsors, partners and volunteers also play a key role.
“Their support allows us to create an exceptional event and ensure all 16 cat-
Denholm has seen recognition translate into tangible benefits for past winners.
“We have seen past winners gain increased visibility, customer support and confidence to grow, hire or innovate. Their stories often encourage others and create a ripple effect of inspiration throughout Powell River.”
Denholm also values the teamwork behind the scenes. She praised awards committee members Lisanne
“Powell River thrives because of its people, our entrepreneurs, leaders, volunteers and community members. Celebrating each other strengthens the entire region.
“As chamber manager, I am deeply proud of our business community and honoured to work alongside so many dedicated leaders, owners and volunteers. This gala reflects the heart of Powell River, our resilience, creativity and commitment to one another.”
For more information, call 604.485.4051.
Community hub celebrates 50 years
Powell River Recreation
Complex has cultivated sports, recreation and swimming
culture
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
On December 13, Powell River Recreation Complex will turn 50. Over that halfcentury, the facility has acted as a hub for community happenings such as musical events, hockey tournaments, figure skating, swimming, theatre plays and family gatherings.
Life before the complex opened was a little more rustic, as many people learned to swim in the former outdoor pool at Egmont Street and Joyce Avenue, or at Cranberry Lake, as well as other swimming holes in the region. For hockey and skating, moms and dads woke up at dawn to take their children to sessions at what is now the old arena site near Willingdon Beach. Then there were the theatre plays, craft fairs and voting rituals that took place inside school gymnasiums, as there was no other space to hold them.
After years of bickering among community groups about what kind of facility needed to be built, a strongwilled group spearheaded by
Jean Lupul came along and managed to get people to work together and dream up a recreation centre concept that would meet the needs of many.
On June 23, 1973, voters passed the recreation complex referendum by a 72 per cent majority. That outcome gave city council members of the time the go-ahead to build the new central community hub.
Many qathet residents remember that time, and have regularly used the complex facilities since the opening in 1975.
“The figure skaters and the hockey teams wanted another sheet of ice, and the swimmers wanted a pool,” said longtime resident and recreation centre user Joyce Carlson. “Then the theatre people said, ‘all we have are school gymnasiums, we would like a proper theater,’ so everybody was kind of pushing for what they wanted.”
Carlson said she remembers that Lupul was persistent, telling everybody at the time that if they worked together, they could all get what they wanted, but if they kept bickering they would get nothing.
Carlson said Lupul put together a successful referendum campaign with buttons and pamphlets, and wrangled people to go out to promote a “yes” vote for the complex to be built.
“I remember the first night it opened; it rarely snows in Powell River, but it did that night,” said Carlson. “When
we drove down the complex road it was like you were driving into some magic land because all the trees were glistening, and the street lights were glowing orange.”
Opening night, December 13, 1975, there were all kinds of things happening, such as free swimming, hockey games and a big opening ceremony with a concert band.
Midge Strueby was part of Lupul’s complex referendum group and remembers there was a lot of controversy about it, because at the time, people felt that the complex was going to be too big for the city.
“We set up booths in the mall, and had people with information that we had gathered, like the [complex] plans,” said Strueby. “One of the big controversies was that some people wanted a cocktail lounge, and that kind of raised a lot of questions.”
Strueby said the cocktail lounge idea was finally nixed, due to the fuss it caused.
“Jean kept saying, ‘If we build it [the complex] they’ll come,’” said Strueby. “She was always very positive about it.”
Strueby said when the complex opened, she loved it. Her husband ended up working maintenance there for many years and she regularly swims there to this day.
“It’s really well used, and I know the pool is well used, and of course, they have all the hockey and figure skat-
ing and everything,” she added.
Lupul’s daughter Corey Martin was a Powell River Recreation Complex program coordinator for years, and was 10 years old at the time of the complex referendum campaign.
“We were so excited when the complex opened,” said Martin. “There was no road at the time, so we never saw it being built. We were quite amazed to see such a big building.”
Martin said before the complex pool opened, people swam mostly outdoors in lakes and the ocean.
“The pool was 37 metres, but [at the time] we couldn’t believe how long it looked,” said Martin. “I was a part of the swim club, and I still go almost every day.”
Corey’s sister Sandra Clark worked in recreation for 38 years and remembers, before the complex was built in 1975, there were not many indoor spaces
to use for recreation.
“It was huge, it was kind of the right time; families were bigger, average income was higher and there were a lot of the jobs in the mill,” said Clark. “We’d outgrown the old arena.”
Clark said her mom was very successful at mobilizing everybody she met.
“I started swimming because my mother was determined that we were going to learn, so we went into swimming lessons every summer,” said Clark. “Prior to the complex [being built], I was a lifeguard at the outdoor pool, Willingdon Beach and Lindsay Park.”
She said there was definitely a demand for a yearround pool and there were around 400 kids both in hockey and figure skating.
“There absolutely was not enough ice,” said Clark. “So there was demand for a pool year-round, a demand for ice and to get a ‘yes’ vote, they also appealed
to music lovers.”
She said choir, band and music was hugely popular in the community at the time, and they also needed a space to play and practice.
“So, the [referendum] group felt that between the arts, hockey, figure skating and swimming, you would catch most people, and I guess that was true,” said Clark, remarking on how the referendum group received an overwhelming yes vote. Clark said the work her mom put into the referendum was amazing.
“The amount of work and all the people who helped, it was incredible,” said Clark. “I think Powell River had a big sense of community at that time.”
To mark 50 years of recreation at Powell River Recreation Complex, there are activities for allages scheduled between December 8 to 13. To see the schedule of events, go to powellriverprc.ca.
BIG BIRTHDAY: Powell River Recreation Complex, seen above while under construction, turns 50-years-old on December 13. IMAGE COURTESY OF QATHET MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES | [ACCESSION #ND027820.1]
Regional board okays grants
Funds reallocated for some community groups after extensive discussion
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
qathet Regional District’s board of directors has approved its second intake of grants-in-aid for community nonprofit organizations. At the regional board meeting last month, directors deliberated over several grant applications from the list of 13 that were being considered.
The first application to be discussed was a $5,000 grant to the Powell River Kings Hockey Club Society. Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne said City of Powell River provides a grant-in-kind to the club for the waiver of ice fees. He said he did not object to the grant because it was coming from general grants-in-aid, to which the city contributes. He said, however, he wanted to be cautious about future grant intakes for the club, especially if the team sells.
City director Cindy Elliott said she had an issue with the grant because it was going toward operational purposes, when a grant for Powell River Brain Injury Society was declined because it was understood that the grant would be going for operational purposes. The motion for the grant to the Kings passed, with Elliott opposed.
Directors then considered a $6,385.63 grant to Powell River Trail Riders Club toward repairing the club’s jump shed. Elliott said she was concerned that the brain injury society was not receiving any money and had a preference for the health-related grants.
Elliott made an amendment that the trail riders receive $3,385.63, leaving $3,000 potentially for the brain injury society. The amendment for $3,385.63 carried, as did the main motion as amended, with Gisborne and Electoral Area A director Jason Lennox opposed.
Gisborne then made a motion to contribute $597.77 toward the trail riders from the Area B grants-inaid, which were the funds remaining in the area’s grants-in-aid.
The board then discussed
Planning to Cut Trees?
Keep yourself, tools, equipment and tree branches farther than three meters (10 feet) away from power lines. STAY SAFE AND AWAY FROM POWER LINES.
a $10,992.27 grant recommendation to Powell River Child, Youth and Family Services Society on behalf of Foundry qathet. Elliott put forward a motion to provide $10,000 to Foundry qathet so the $992.27 could be added to the brain injury society.
“It is important to support Foundry qathet because we are in dire need in our community for services for youth,” said Elliott. “In particular, children with special needs struggle to get the services they need for mental health and all kinds of things.”
Elliott said $10,000 was small compared to the original ask but it demonstrates to other granting organizations that the regional district supports Foundry in this community.
Gisborne said as the father of a child with devel-
opmental challenges, this community is lacking in services for young people. He said his understanding of Foundry is that it is a health clinic for young people. He said the question is, how much is the regional district willing to provide support through property tax?
“I love Foundry, and I love what they are doing, but it’s a lot of money,” said Gisborne. “I can’t support this motion. I continue to believe that Foundry will be eligible for health-care facility funding. I want to support them but I don’t think this is the way to do it.”
Electoral Area C director and board chair Clay Brander said he did not support the allocation.
“It’s not that I have a problem with Foundry,” said Brander. “I’ve heard nothing but good things about
what they do in the community. They are breaking new ground, trying to be designated as a health facility.”
Brander said there are other Foundry facilities around the province, but the information he received is that they are supported by regional health organizations, not by local government.
“I’m not anxious to jump in and do the work of the provincial government,” said Brander. “It’s downloading, so I’m hesitant to go into this.”
Elliott said Vancouver Coast Health is paying for the operation of Foundry qathet, so what the organization is looking for is capital investment to build the facility.
When it came time for the motion, Elliott and city alternate director George Doubt voted in favour, with the rest of the board opposed. However, with the weighted city vote, the motion carried.
The board then considered a $3,992.27 grant to the brain injury society, which carried.
The board also approved: $6,500 to the Lang Bay Community Club for partial payment for a new heat pump; $1,000 to the Lasqueti Community Association Food Bank; $7,200 to the Nature Trust of BC for Scotch broom removal in Electoral Area A; $2,000 to the qathet Film Society for the annual qathet International Film Festival; $1,000 to the Lasqueti Internet Access Society toward expansion of public services; $4,122.10 to qathet Regional Cycling Association for the Duck Lake trail project; $1,100 to the Association of the Savary Island Committee for operating costs; and $10,500 to the Lasqueti Last Resort Society for the battery replacement project at the Judith Fisher Centre. A grant request from Wild Ocean Whale Society for reducing the feral cat population on Texada Island was denied.
DIRECTORS
Regional District’s
Hockey Club Society.
Traffic study receives approval
City council directs staff to proceed with safety review for three Townsite intersections
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
City of Powell River Council is directing staff to proceed with a traffic operation and safety review in Townsite for three intersections.
At a meeting in November, councillors heard from sustainability planner Ana Lukyanova, who outlined concerns about the intersections, and proposed funding sources for the review.
The intersections in question are at Marine and Ash avenues, Ash Avenue and Poplar Street, and Poplar Street and Aspen and Lombardy avenues. The budget for the study is $32,000, with $20,000 in funding from the ICBC road improvement program and $12,000
from the planning department’s 2025 operational budget.
Lukyanova said the initiative was a follow-up to a delegation to council from members of the James Thomson Elementary School parent advisory committee on April 15, which outlined concerns about pedestrian safety at intersections near Henderson Park. She said direction from council at the meeting was that staff engage with qathet School District and the parent advisory committee to look at paths forward for safety for students.
Lukyanova said ICBC is willing to contribute $20,000 for the study, which will look at some possible improvements. She added that staff wanted to include Marine and Ash avenues in the study because the intersection continues to come up in public engagement as an area of concern.
“The study will look at some possible improvements,” said Lukyanova. “It aligns well with council’s priority to continue progress on safe and accessible active
transportation corridors in the community.”
Councillor Trina Isakson said it appeared the recommendations are related to physical improvements to make the intersections safer and Lukyanova said that was correct. Lukyanova added that recommendations would come with cost estimates.
Councillor George Doubt said he drives through all three of the intersections regularly and they all have their own special problems. He said the five-way intersection at Cranberry Street, with Poplar Street and Aspen and Lombardy avenues, has a speed limit reduction to 30 kilometres per hour.
“The problem is, people coast down the hill,” said Doubt. “People coasting down the hill from Cranberry can easily be going 80 kilometres per hour by the time they hit that intersection.
“The school bus would stop right in the middle of that block. There are problems for people getting on and off the school bus and going to their homes and trying to get
Early deadline notice
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18
CLASSIFIED AND DISPLAY ADS
Wednesday, December 10 • 12 pm
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25 • NO PUBLICATION
THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2025
CLASSIFIED AND DISPLAY ADS Tuesday, December 16 • 12 pm
HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS
Friday, December 19 to Friday, December 26 our office will be closed
Monday, December 29 • 8 am to 4 pm
Tuesday, December 30 • 8 am to 4 pm
Wednesday, December 31 • 8 am to 4 pm
Thursday, January 1 • CLOSED
Friday, January 2 • Return to regular office hours: Monday to Thursday • 8 am to 4 pm
across the street.”
Doubt said the Ash Avenue intersections are really strange and he has spent a lot of time trying to figure out who put the stop signs where they did. He said maybe the reason they are there is because of more than 2,000 people previously working at the mill at the bottom of Ash.
Doubt said the current configuration would have allowed people to drive from the mill site parking
lot to their homes without hitting a stop sign at the highway. Another problem is logging trucks and other heavy vehicles going down toward the barge terminal, he added.
“I look forward to some logic to the stop signs and the traffic patterns and I’m really glad to see this study coming,” said Doubt.
City council voted unanimously in favour of the traffic operation and safety review for the three intersections.
ROAD IMPROVEMENT: A traffic study in Townsite will look into safety at three intersections, including where Ash and Marine avenues meet.
PEAK PHOTO
School district chair outlines activities
Everybody
Deserves a Smile campaign in full swing and aiming for 500 care packages
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
To open the qathet School District meeting on November 26, board chair Jaclyn Miller began with remarks about the district's latest activities.
"I’m delighted to high light the seventh annual Everybody Deserves a Smile (EDAS) kick‑off has launched in our district," said Miller. "More than 400 students and staff are com
ing together to prepare personalized care packages for community members in need, including handmade bags, warm winter acces sories and personal care items."
Since 2019, approximately 2,000 care packages have been delivered throughout qathet through EDAS, and this year’s goal is to add 500 more.
Participating schools in clude Edgehill Elementary, Henderson Elementary, James Thomson Elementary, Kelly Creek Community School, Westview Elementary, the Brooks Interact Club and Brooks Secondary School culinary students. According to qSD, each care package will include a pair of wool socks, a toque,
Development of a Pest Management Plan (PMP)
SOUTH COAST REGION FOREST HEALTH PROGRAM PMP: 2025 TO 2030
Contact: David Rusch or Taylor Holt cafh@gov.bc.ca
Ministry of Forests, 2100 Labieux Road, Nanaimo, B.C., V9T 6E9
Telephone: 250 739-8750
The use of pesticides is intended within the area to which the Pest Management Plan (PMP) applies. The PMP applies to the surrounding or near areas of Chilliwack, Squamish, Powell River, Sechelt, Whistler, Hope, Pemberton, and Harrison Hot Springs. The duration of the PMP is from 2025 to 2030
The pesticide proposed to be used under the PMP is:
Trade Name: Foray 48B
Active Ingredient: Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki
The pesticide proposed for use under the PMP will be applied by air using fixed-wing or rotary aircraft equipped with spray booms having a minimum of 4 Beecomist or 4 A.U. 4000 micronair atomizers (or equivalent).
No treatment sites are currently proposed. A separate notification will be conducted showing any proposed treatment sites planned for 2026 in the area under the plan.
Copies of the proposed PMP may be examined at the following Ministry of Forests offices:
• Chilliwack Natural Resource District Office, 46360 Airport Rd. Chilliwack, B.C. V2P 1A5
• Sea to Sky Natural Resource District Office, 101-42000 Loggers Lane, Squamish, B.C. V8B 0H3
• Sunshine Coast Natural Resource District Office, 7077 Duncan St., Powell River, B.C. V8A 1W1
Or from the B.C. government website: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/managing-our-forest-resources/forest-health/news
A person wishing to contribute information about a proposed treatment site, relevant to the development of the Pest Management Plan (PMP), may send copies of the information to the applicant at the address above within 30 days of the publication of this notice.
gloves or mittens, a scarf or neck warmer, a tooth brush and toothpaste, soap and sugar cookies baked by culinary students and decorated by students from École Côte du Soleil, retired qathet teachers and mem bers of the qathet support group at Powell River United Church.
The bags are hand paint ed by students, and on December 15, all the bags will be packaged and de livered to 10 local support agencies across the qathet region.
Miller said she would be attending the British Columbia School Trustees Association trustee academy later that week in Vancouver, alongside other trustees.
"I’m looking forward to bringing back new insights on governance, policy and system leadership that will serve our district well as we plan ahead for 2026 and be yond," said Miller.
"On that note, as we move toward the end of the calen dar year, this is a good time for us to reflect on how our board priorities are align ing with the real time work in our schools, which we can see from EDAS and our career week, already mentioned. Our priorities of cultivating an ethic of learning, cultivating curios ity, cultivating connection, supporting self determina tion, cultivating truth and reconciliation and cultivat ing integrity/responsibility can be seen every day in our schools."
"This week is Career Education Week 2025, at Brooks Secondary School [and across the district], when students are engaging in lunchtime chats, guest speakers, dual credit discus sions and a speaker series," said Miller. "It’s exactly the type of programming that helps young people connect what they’re doing in school with real world professions, options and opportunities beyond the classroom. As a board, supporting this link between schooling and the world of work is strategic in building relevant, future focused learning pathways."
REGIONAL BRIEFS
Expenditure approved
qathet Regional District’s board of directors has approved a capital expenditure of $145,800 in the 2026/2027 capi tal budget for the purchase and installation of three new columbarium walls for Powell River Regional Cemetery in Cranberry. Approval was given at the November 26 regional board meeting.
Endorses application
The regional board endorsed an application to Employment and Social Development Canada for a Canada Summer Jobs 2026 grant for up to $14,994 to subsidize summer workers’ wages. Any costs not covered by the grant will be funded through the regional parks and cem etery services budget.
Fees increase
There will be a five per cent increase to the 2026 cemetery fees and charges schedule, taking effect on January 1, 2026.
Staff sergeant outlines statistics
that translates to,” said Dyson.
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
City of Powell River councillors have been updated on local RCMP statistics, reflecting how the detachment has responded during its second quarter.
At the December 2 committee of the whole meeting, staff sergeant Lee Dyson outlined different categories. He said comparing second quarter statistics between 2024 and 2025, calls for service were virtually identical, with 1,447 in 2024 and 1,445 in 2025.
Checks for well-being were up slightly this year, with 130 in 2025 and 109 in 2024. Dyson said Mental Health Act files were up “quite a bit,” from 25 in 2025 to 56 in 2025, reflecting a 124 per cent increase.
“We are not exactly sure what
“However, if you look at unspecified assistance, it is down considerably, so it is entirely possible that what has happened is this is partially due to the way that members are coding their files compared to last year, where some Mental Health Act calls, previously, were unspecified assistance files.”
Unspecified assistance files dropped from 60 in 1014 to 34 in 2025. Missing persons files dropped from 28 in 2024 to 13 in 2025.
Overall persons crimes dropped from 108 in 2024 to 96 in 2025, which include assaults and offences of that nature. Extortion files dropped from two in 2024 to zero in 2025.
Dyson said the detachment’s sexual offence reports are down 55 per cent in the second quarter, from nine in 2024 to four in 2025.
“These are specific sex offences, not necessarily offences that may have a sexual connotation,” he added.
Harassment was static, with 19 calls in 2024 and 20 in 2025.
Uttering threats dropped from 28 in 2024 to 22 in 2025.
Overall property crime dropped from 226 in 2024 to 216 in 2025. Dyson said bike theft had jumped from seven in 2024 to 11 in 2025.
“What we’re hearing is it is up quite a bit more than this, beyond what is being reported here,” said Dyson.
Break and enters decreased eight per cent from 2024 to 2025, but theft under $5,000 increased from 33 in 2024 to 41 in 2025.
“We expected to see this increase,” said Dyson. “We had a meeting with some of the owners of the Powell River Town Centre mall, where we indicated that if they were having these types of offences, to report them.”
Thefts from vehicles had a major increase year-over-year, going from three in 2024 to 32 in 2025.
“We have engaged the district crime analysts to determine if there are any trends that we can address,” said Dyson. “It’s possible that it could be one or two people over a few nights.”
The second quarter had a 15 per cent decrease in fraud, from 20 in 2024 to 17 in 2025. Drug offences went from nine in the second quarter of 2024 to 10 in 2025. Drug trafficking remained static at four in both years.
Impaired driving statistics increased. Second quarter calls went from 18 in 2024 to 20 in 2025. Year-to-date, there were 36 instances in 2024 and 43 in 2025.
Dyson provided updates on three
topics during his report. He said Powell River RCMP had partnered with Project 529 to address bicycle thefts. He said there is an app that can be downloaded to phones, people can put in their bicycle information and contact information, and the app can be used to report a missing bike. According to Dyson, places around North America that have joined this program have seen a serious reduction in bicycle thefts and an increase in recoveries.
SERVICE CALLS: Powell River RCMP staff sergeant Lee Dyson appeared before City of Powell River’s committee of the whole to outline police activities during the detachment’s second quarter. PEAK ARCHIVE PHOTO
Master fire plan reviewed
City councillors hear presentation on sustainable delivery of fire protection and emergency services
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
An extensive master plan for fire protection in City of Powell River has been received by city council. Fire chief Martin Drakeley recently told council that the fire protection master plan has been developed as a strategic, evidencebased framework to guide a sustainable delivery of fire protection and emergency services for the next 15 years.
Drakeley said in 2024, staff realized a master plan was needed to move forward. Funding of $70,000 was secured in 2024 for the plan, with FireWise Consulting winning the bid.
“The fire master plan was developed to assess current service levels, organizational capacity, identify service gaps and emerging risks, provide a defensible basis for policy and budget decisions, and align fire services with community needs, national standards, the BC Fire Safety Act requirements and best practices,” said Drakeley.
uncertainties the city is facing with the loss of the mill. He said the plan was looking from 2025 to 2040, and identifies priority areas that have already, in many cases, been identified by fire department leadership.
Armstrong said a main element was the community risk assessment. He said an evaluation was conducted of where the fire department is today.
“We incorporated standards and legislation compliance, looking at best practices and standards,” said Armstrong. “Some operational challenges at the city include crew size. Current availability of staff limits coverage.
“You have a declining auxiliary support model, where recruitment and retention of paid on-call firefighters is difficult. That is increasing due to the demographic of your city and socioeconomic changes. This is a factor across North America.”
Armstrong said the fire department has limited facilities, with
emergencies, driven by your aging population and the strain on your available resources,” said Armstrong. “We found there are some gaps, with limited redundancy in search capacity, so there is insufficient backup, which reduces effectiveness in peak demand or significant incidents. We do have mutual aid agreements in place, but the scope and effectiveness is limited due to geographic isolation and the volunteer base of your regional partners.”
Priorities over the next five years include reimagining the paid oncall firefighters program, with a forward-looking view of recruitment, retention and utilization practices, said Armstrong. He outlined the need for identifying alternative revenue and funding streams to help fund fire services and to look at more regional collaboration and cost-sharing.
We have a rising demand for service, primarily in medical emergencies, driven by your aging population and the strain on your available resources.
MONTY ARMSTRONG FIREWISE CONSULTANT
Monty Armstrong, a consultant from FireWise, said the city’s unique challenges and opportunities were examined, recognizing
the current station operating out of a centralized model, with limited training facilities, which restricts operational capacity and hinders expansion.
“We have a rising demand for service, primarily in medical
Armstrong said there should be an annual review process, where all programs are reviewed, making sure they are meeting targets. There also needs to be stakeholder engagement to educate and promote engagement to build community trust and to create understanding of the services provided.
City councillor Trina Isakson asked how many structure fires there had been in 2024 and 2025, requiring a crew of at least four firefighters. While Armstrong and Drakeley did not have those figures immediately available, Armstrong said the reason why four firefighters are needed extends from WorkSafeBC,
which indicates that to enter a building, if two people enter the building, there have to be two people outside.
Councillor George Doubt said Powell River Fire Rescue currently has one fire hall. He asked the presenters to expand upon what the report says for the next 20 years.
Armstrong said for the next five to 15 years, it was recommended that an investment be made in the current facility to bring it up to date and make it more functional.
He said over the next 20 years, if it is decided to have a central location for the fire hall, that it be well-suited for firefighting requirements.
To be considered are options such as demolishing the current hall and rebuilding.
“From a response point of view for the next few years, until things really develop out on the Benchlands property, you are well-
suited for locations for response,” said Armstrong.
Drakeley said Powell River has the benefit of being long and skinny, so the side-to-side distance is not more than five kilometres.
“We are geographically located in the centre of the city as it is now,” said Drakeley.
He said the professional firefighters have conducted a study and located the best spot for a northern hall, where the former Cranberry Hall is situated, which now belongs to qathet School District.
“That’s probably the best location for a secondary hall,” added Drakeley.
A motion was made to receive the fire protection master plan, and that staff be directed to develop methods and processes for implementation plans, then report back. The motion carried unanimously.
We respectfully acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional and treaty lands of the Tla’amin people.
Published every Thursday by 1553164 BC LTD dba The Peak.
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.
KELLY KEIL publisher/owner
SHANE CARLSON editor
PAUL GALINSKI reporter
SANDY
SERVICE LEVELS: An extensive master plan, looking at the next 15 years, has been tabled and received by City of Powell River Council, outlining a framework for fire and emergency services. PEAK ARCHIVE PHOTO
CLOSE CONNECTION: [From left] Corey Martin, Midge Strueby and Sandra Clark, each of whom shared memories in today’s page three story about the lead-up and excitement prior to opening day at Powell River Recreation Complex in December of 1975, recently posed for a photo outside of the main entrance to the facility. Strueby was a member of a group responsible for the successful campaign to get a yes vote from Powell River residents in a referendum supporting the building of the complex. The campaign was led by Jean Lupul, Martin and Clark’s mother. Over its 50 years of existence, memorable events have taken place inside the complex, including biennial International Choral Kathaumixw and annual PRISMA performances, yearly Max Cameron Secondary School and Brooks Secondary School graduation celebrations, a pair of national championships won by Powell River Regals (1997 and 2006), as well as swimming competitions, concerts and theatrical productions. What will be celebrated next inside the walls of the iconic building? TANYA HILL PHOTO
Food bank receives coats
Knights
of Columbus donate 72 winter jackets for children
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
Powell River Action Centre Food Bank has received 72 coats for kids, donated by Powell River’s Knights of Columbus.
“This is the third year we have given coats with this very popular program,” said deputy grand knight Dave Formosa.
He said the Knights of Columbus are currently at Powell River Town Centre mall, selling charity appeal tickets until the end of December for a Ford pickup truck.
“Proceeds help us buy the coats for our local kids in need,” said Formosa.
Food bank manager Savanna Dee said this year’s donation is the biggest the food bank has received from
the Knights of Columbus. She said there is a real need for the coats in the community.
“Children grow and they grow out of their clothes in a year,” said Dee. “There are a lot of working poor, seniors and families that just can’t afford to feed their kids, let alone clothe them.”
Dee said the coats are of very good quality, being rain and wind proof winter coats.
“Parents are so happy that their children get these beautiful new coats from the food bank,” said Dee. “It’s a wonderful program.”
Dee said most of the coats have been distributed and she expects they will be gone by Christmas. She said she really appreciates the donations from the Knights of Columbus, who have also built food donation boxes for Save-On-Foods and Quality
CROSSWORD
Foods. She said they are now building one for the No Frills store that is now open.
“We’ve had so many new clients. In 2024, we had a 32 per cent increase at the food bank,” added Dee.
“This year, we’re having two to five new people a week. People just cannot afford groceries.
“The Knights of Columbus are wonderful in helping the food bank.”
HELPING KIDS: Knights of Columbus members [from left] Henry Ortynski, David Formosa, Don Bourcier and Gerry Anderson, along with Powell River Action Centre Food Bank manager Savanna Dee, are displaying some of the 72 coats for kids being donated to the food bank. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
talented florist, Kizzy from Powell River, has won the Master Merchandising Award for her stunning Lemonade Stand Display!
Kizzy
Group exhibition and fundraiser underway
is sort of an underlying theme to everybody's work; there's a bit of the natural world in every single piece."
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
qathet ART’s annual group exhibition and fundraiser, titled Present, features more than 60 qathet-based artists. It is currently open to the public until February 26.
President of qathet ART Council Myfanwy Cawley, who started as new qathet ART gallery director last March, said this year's show has quite a few new artists exhibiting for the first time, as well as many who are wellknown, such as Autumn Skye, Joyce Furness and Roy Schneider.
"We have new artists and new artists to the community, which is really exciting," said Cawley. "I didn't observe this, but Star, who was one of our summer students, was saying that there
This show is meant to be an opportunity for the qathet art community to share and have their work for sale in time for holiday celebrations.
Artists will receive 70 per cent of profits from their art sale; the remaining 30 per cent goes to qathet ART Council.
Viewing hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 12 to 5 pm and Monday to Thursday until December 22, and December 30, also from 12 to 5 pm. The opening reception took place on Friday, December 5.
Sustainable fibre group meets weekly
Meetup groups in the qathet region vary, some of which include learning a new skill, or just getting creative with other people around.
Projects Half Done out of
Trinity Hall at Powell River United Church and Artist Trading Card Night, organized by qathet Art and Wares, are two examples.
The group Fibre Space promotes natural sustainable fibre as a form of art, advocacy and activism, and members have been meeting once a week to work on creative projects, socialize and learn new skills since 2015.
Pre-COVID era, the group met at Oceanview Education Centre but now members meet every Thursday, from September until June, at qathet ART Centre, above Powell River Public Library.
"They work on their own projects, but they also will help people who come in and are wanting to learn more," said Cawley. "It's way more than just sewing; there's also felting, knitting and quilting."
There are bins stacked on bins of accumulated sustainable fibres which members can root through in order to find the perfect piece for their next creation.
Coralie Gough has been
attending Fibre Space since 2015. She has been sewing since she was a teenager.
"I started when I was 13, so over 60 some years," said Gough. "I'm cobbling this together as a cover for a sewing machine."
Her cover is a mix of bright red, floral fabrics stitched together, making for an eyecatching creation.
"I like the camaraderie and friendships," said Gough, about the group.
Anyone is welcome attend and bring a project to work on, or to come and stay for a chat from September to June, every Thursday from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.
To find out more about the group, go to qathetart.ca/ fibrespace.
GALLERY DIRECTOR: President of qathet ART Council and new qathet ART director Myfanwy Cawley welcomes the public to view the newest group exhibition called Present, until February 26. TANYA HILL PHOTO
EXCITING DOUBLE HEADER WEEKEND
Prepare for an exhilarating weekend of hockey as the Kings face off against their archrivals, the Cowichan Valley Capitals, in a back-to-back double header. Both games will be held at the Hap Parker Arena, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 PM on both nights.
Teddy Bear Toss – Friday Night
Don't miss the highly anticipated Teddy Bear Toss during Friday’s game! Join fans in supporting this heartwarming tradition that brings joy to the community.
U8 HOCKEY BAKE SALE
SUPPORT LOCAL YOUTH HOCKEY BY VISITING THE U8 HOCKEY BAKE SALE, TAKING PLACE ALONGSIDE THE WEEKEND’S EVENTS. ENJOY A VARIETY OF TREATS WHILE CHEERING ON YOUR TEAM.
TICKETS AND ENTRY
Secure your tickets online at tickets.powellriverkings.com to avoid lineups. Tickets are also available at the Kings office. Doors open at 6 pm for both games.
Junior Hockey: Where dreams begin and legends are born
Experience the thrill of junior hockey—where dreams take shape and legends are born!
COMMUNITY
Charity helps keep pets in homes
Local chapter marks one year anniversary, demonstrating need in the community
TANYA
HILL thill@prpeak.com
The local chapter of ElderDog Canada qathet Powell River launched in December of last year, and now has a growing number of clients and volunteers.
"As a Pawd [local chapters are called Pawds] leader, I am so proud of our volunteers and the generosity and dedication they have demonstrated during our first year in helping ageing people and dogs in our community," said local Pawd leader Sidney Clare. "It’s been a steep learning curve as we learned how ElderDog works. Every step of the way we have had the support of the national office and are grateful to our mentors for their guidance during our inaugural year."
ElderDog was started by university professor and researcher Dr. Ardra Cole, and inspired by her research in the area of caregiving and Alzheimer’s disease. Now there are 38 ElderDog Pawds across Canada, enabling seniors who are experiencing challenges with dog care to keep their canine companions.
ents are seniors but the organization can also support younger people in need, especially if they have an older dog.
"Our volunteers assist with dog walking, delivering or picking up dog food, hygiene and grooming tasks such as nail-clipping and brushing, transportation to and from the vet and groomer, and temporary foster care during hospitalization," explained Clare. "Many of our clients have limited mobility and are in their 80s or 90s. As a result of our support, they can rest easy knowing their dogs’ needs are being met."
For example, ElderDog client Joy Woodhams was no longer able to take her standard poodle named Tamu on long walks, so Team Tamu was formed. Now, four ElderDog volunteers walk Tamu five days a week so the young dog gets the exercise it needs to keep her fit and happy.
their owners experienced a decline or crisis in their physical or mental health that made it impossible for them to care for their dog."
Clare said she's happy with the outreach work the group has done this past year, making them more visible in the community.
"We've had such a good experience with so many volunteers," added Clare. "The clients that we have are so grateful and so supportive of our whole endeavour."
On January 17, 2026, ElderDog qathet Powell River will host a session by a local certified canine bodyworker and fitness professional, Rachel KoopmanGough, at Powell River Public Library. KoopmanGough will talk about how to keep canines happy and fit into their golden years.
"We are always looking for more volunteers," said Clare.
"One year ago our first client and dog came to us through our dog care support program," said Clare. "Today that busy program supports 19 clients and their dogs." She said most of their cli-
"We currently have 10 dogs, big and small, enrolled in our program," said Clare. "One of our challenges this year has been the need for emergency foster care. In several instances we have had to take dogs on very short notice and provide temporary care because
"I feel privileged to have played a part in making a difference in the lives of seniors and their dogs in our community, and in helping to keep love in the home."
JUNIOR HOCKEY: WHERE DREAMS BEGIN AND LEGENDS ARE BORN!
To volunteer, email qathetpowellrivervc@elderdog. ca, or contact the national office at info@elderdog.ca, 1.855.336.4226, or through elderdog.ca.
BUSY PROGRAM: ElderDog Canada qathet Powell River is marking its first anniversary in December. PEAK ARCHIVE PHOTO
Former resident wins social change award
Erin Seeley recognized in regional impact category
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
After months of rigorous vetting, Erin Seeley, chief executive officer of YWCA, Metro Vancouver, was chosen as the winner of the 2025 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Social Change Award, in the regional impact category.
Seeley, who was born and raised in Powell River, says she chalks up some of her drive to make a positive impact in people's lives to growing up in a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other.
Seeley graduated from Brooks Secondary School in 1994, and flew the coop to bigger pastures, working in public and private sectors, building her career at the intersection of public service and social impact.
"I'm generally not a big fan of awards, but what I appreciated about it is it's a chance to tell the story of how nonprofit organizations and social-profit organizations are entrepreneurial," Seeley told the Peak. "There were 9,000 or so applicants, and they do this really intense screening."
She said she didn't expect to win after meeting all the other outstanding candidates at the award ceremony in Toronto.
"I was thrilled to be able to be speaking about gender equity on a national stage; that's pretty much the best thing we could get [to do] as an organization," said Seeley. "What I realized pretty early in my career was that I was good at innovating and taking risks, and that's been my superpower,
probably throughout my career."
Seeley took on the role as CEO of the YWCA during the pandemic, and said she was struck by how income inequality and gender influenced health outcomes, and felt the urgency to make a greater difference in addressing social justice and equity issues.
"Social profit is about people, or groups of people," said Seeley. "You're trying to extract a social impact with very scarce conditions and resources."
The organization currently operates a 220-room hotel, and about half the rooms are offered at a 40 per cent discount, and some are intentionally offered for free to refugee families or people in the city with medical needs.
"What it forces us to do, is to be really careful about our operating expenses, because we really only generate half the revenue we could, and yet we still generate a surplus every year in that hotel," said Seeley. "So, our innovation is that we can still deliver an incredible experience, as we have great trip advisor ratings like a tourism experience, and we managed to also have this social way of giving back."
They also offer employment programs that are open to the public.
"We were seeing a lot of women who were newcomers to Canada, who would share with us information about the experience they had living with violence, and that might be financial coercion, psychological violence or physical," said Seeley. "But they would feel comfortable to share, because they were looking for a job, and so it was okay to share a little bit about yourself when trying to get a job."
She said her team innovated the program because they
realized they could support the women better by offering them services in their first language, such as Dari and Pashto, the Afghan languages, Punjabi, Farsi and Mandarin.
"We have been able to transform the lives of over 300 women so far, of whom only 10 per cent of them have ever reported to law enforcement what's happened to them," said Seeley. "So, these are people who we know are super vulnerable and many of them live in poverty."
Seeley said she moved from the private, then government sector, to social profit/enterprise, because she felt like she wanted to give back.
"I've been on the planet a long time now, and the older I get, the more urgently I feel like I need to contribute, to give back," said Seeley. "I'm pretty lucky, I grew up in a beautiful place with a lot of support and a lot of community and family."
She said what she liked about growing up in Powell
River was the fact that people were not anonymous.
"For better or worse, you see people in the grocery store that you know, but they genuinely care, because you have a connection to them, and you look out for each other much more," said Seeley. "It's harder to turn a blind eye to other people's suffering when you're living together in a community that is smaller."
She thinks the region has tremendous economic opportunity.
"My encouragement to young people is to learn, whether that's learning new things, and to challenge yourself to learn the things that you're not good at, or that you don't know if you're good at," she added. "Don't be afraid of leaving, however, because it will always pull you back. Maybe you're just like me, and you'll keep it in your heart forever, and you're not going to actually live there, but your ability to go back and offer more, because you've left, is so much greater."
SUDOKU
LOCAL ROOTS: Erin Seeley recently received the 2025 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Social Change Award. The awards gala was held November 14 in Toronto. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Inspiring ideas for
It’s unlikely that anyone aspires to be a last-minute holiday shopper. Putting off holiday shopping until the last minute can make for a stressful home stretch to the season, and there’s no guarantee store shelves won’t already be picked clean or that gifts purchased online will arrive on time.
Despite how unappealing last-minute shopping can be, it’s still a fact of life for millions of holiday shoppers. As the clock winds down this holiday season, shoppers can look to these ideas for inspiration.
Gift cards: Gift cards may never earn a distinction as the most sentimental item to give a loved one during the holiday season, but they are surprisingly sought-after. Small businesses and restaurants are
among the many establishments that sell gift cards, so shoppers are bound to find a card to please anyone on their shopping list.
Food/beverage: The holiday season is a popular time to indulge in some great food and wash it down with a favourite wine or another adult beverage. That makes food and beverages a great holiday gift. Shoppers can take a loved one out to a favourite restaurant, prepare a homemade treat or purchase a favourite dish from a local specialty grocery store or eatery. Pair the food with an appropriate beverage and this accessible lastminute gift idea is sure to be a hit.
Tickets: Tickets to a movie, sporting event, live theatre performance or concert are another gift
idea that likely won’t be gobbled up by early-bird shoppers. People of all ages enjoy experiences.
Books: Books make an ideal holiday gift for everyone from young kids to grandparents. Traditional print books are small enough that they can likely arrive on time even if they’re purchased just a few days before Christmas. E-book sellers enable gift givers to pick the perfect
time to notify loved ones they have received an electronic book. Audiobooks, which can be downloaded to a smartphone or given as a CD, make an ideal gift for loved ones who spend a lot of time behind the wheel. Last-minute holiday shopping can be stressful. However, various soughtafter items can be secured at the last minute, ensuring gift givers’ loved ones have a happy holiday season.
SPORTS »
Three teams suffer losses
Kings and Regals fail to register wins over weekend
SHANE CARLSON editor@prpeak.com
Westcastle International Academy visited Timberlane Park last weekend and collected three points in Vancouver Island Soccer League (VISL) standings.
The 2-0 shutout over Powell River Villa moved Westcastle past three teams, including the hosts, into sole possession of fifth place in VISL’s Division 2.
“We created a few chances in a fairly even first half; the only real difference was giving up a free-kick goal outside the 18-yard box just before halftime,” said Villa manager Chris McDonough.
“On the same play our keeper Matt Liknes became tangled in the net and had to be subbed off. He was replaced by Emil Valing, who made some key saves for us.”
Early in the second half, Villa’s James Timothy was sent off for a second yellow card, which put the home side down a player for the
rest of the match.
“We did rally to almost tie the game with a number of scoring chances, but were unable to find that elusive goal,” said McDonough.
Westcastle eventually made it 2-0 as Villa pressed for an equalizer. Scoring became even more of a challenge as another Powell River player was ejected late in the game.
“In the final minutes we went down to nine men when Jake Kenmuir was sent off with a straight red card,” added McDonough.
Villa not only lost ground in the standings, the loss also ended the club’s six game unbeaten streak. Villa dropped from fifth place to a seventh-place tie with Mid Isle Mariners; both clubs have 14 points.
Prospect Lake leads the division with 28 points, followed by Villa’s next opponent, Gorge FC U23 (25 points), Cook Street United (23), Gorge United (20), Westcastle (16) and sixthplace Nanaimo United (15). Saanich Bandits (13 points) and Saanich Fusion (12) are at the bottom of the table in the 10-team division.
Villa and Gorge FC U23 meet at Timberlane on
Saturday, December 13. Kick-off is scheduled for 1:30 pm.
Close calls
Powell River Kings picked up one of a possible four points on a trip to the Lower Mainland last weekend.
Kings trailed 3-0 midway through the third period in Coquitlam on Friday, December 5, but fought back with three unanswered goals in the final 10 minutes to force overtime. Eliot
Compton, Ethan Gobel and Casey Bridgewater scored for the Kings, who ultimately fell 4-3 in a shootout.
Erik Powers made 36 saves during regulation and overtime periods for Powell River, one more than his counterpart Ryan Parker, who turned aside 37 shots. Powers stopped one of three shootout attempts by Coquitlam. Parker was beaten by Duncan Thompson on Powell River’s first shootout attempt, but then made saves on Jace Harder and Chris Battaini to secure the win.
The next night in Chilliwack, Powell River led the host Chiefs 3-2 after 20 minutes of play and 4-3 heading into the third
period.
Dustin Hendry, Battaini and Erik Wittwer scored first period goals for the Kings, and Thompson gave the visitors the 4-3 lead late in the second period after the Chiefs had tied the score 3-3.
Chilliwack took control of the game with a trio of unanswered goals in the third period.
Compton converted on a late power play to cut the deficit to 6-5, but the Chiefs sealed the 7-5 win courtesy of an empty-net goal with 14 seconds remaining in the game.
Kings host Cowichan Valley on Friday, December 12, and Saturday, December 13. Both games start at 7 pm.
Lost lead
Powell River Regals failed to hold a three goal lead
STICK CHECK: Powell River Regals’ forward Lucas Wadsworth lifts the stick of a Nanaimo Steelmen defender during a West Coast Senior Hockey League game at Hap Parker Arena on Saturday, December 6. The visitors from Vancouver Island erased a three-goal deficit and doubled the home team by a score of 8-4. SHANE
on Saturday, December 6, and ultimately fell 8-4 to Nanaimo Steelmen at Hap Parker Arena.
The win moved Nanaimo into a third-place tie with Powell River in West Coast Senior Hockey League standings. The expansion Hope Icebreakers lead the league in points with 10, followed by Lake Cowichan Appollos, who are second with seven points, three more than the Regals and Steelmen.
CARLSON PHOTO
SCENE
AROUNDTOWN
Popular parade
Community members lined Marine Avenue between Duncan and Alberni streets to take in the annual Santa Claus Parade, which took place on November 30. The afternoon event kicked-off the festive season, treated some lucky attendees with candy and, of course, featured an appearance by jolly old Saint Nick.
ANDREW BRADLEY PHOTOS
Colour the images on pages 21 to 25 and bring completed entries into the Peak (4493F Marine Avenue) for your chance to win a prize.
Remember to fill in your name, age and phone number so you can be entered to win. Don’t delay, deadline for entries is 4 pm Thursday, December 18, 2025
NAME:
AGE:
PHONE:
BRING COMPLETED ENTRY INTO THE PEAK (4493F MARINE AVENUE) FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A PRIZE
To all of our readers, advertisers and supporters, thank you for your dedication to preserving the vital reporting that helps keep our communities informed and protected.
NAME:
AGE:
BRING COMPLETED ENTRY INTO THE PEAK (4493F MARINE AVENUE) FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A PRIZE
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jela. She was diagnosed with cancer in September 2025 and succumbed shortly thereafter on November 11, 2025.
Jela came to Canada from Slovakia in 1994 and met Rick Giesbrecht in 1999. In 2008, they moved to Powell River, where they were both employed by Vancouver Coastal Health.
Jela was an enthusiastic, loving caregiver and showed the same love and devotion to her friends and family. She was always self-sacrificing of her time and showed this to many by sharing her gifts of cooking and baking.
Jela is survived by her husband of 26 years Rick and her sister Dana (Slovakia). She is also survived by her sons Miro and Brano (Martina), stepsons Tyson, Ryan and Travis (Alexandrea), and four grandchildren Ajay (20), Nimai (18), Kiedis (14) and Thea (12).
Jela will be missed by many and remembered for her bright blue smiling eyes and her joyous laugh.
A celebration of life is planned for January 17, 2026, from 1 to 3 pm at Cranberry Seniors Centre.
Thank you
CITY JOBS
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 164 wishes to say thank you to those in our community who have donated to our Poppy Fund. We had 57 poppy donation boxes throughout the community from Lang Bay to Lund and held a two-day blitz November 7/8 this year collecting donations for the fund. We also collect donations on the wreaths program that are laid on Remembrance Day at the Cenotaph.
The money raised for the Poppy Fund stays in our community to support our veterans and their spouses while under medical care, in case of emergency assistance (shelter, food, medicine prescriptions and/or medical devices) and to assist the further education in granting of bursaries to students who are veterans, their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and spouses or surviving spouses of veterans who are in need of financial assistance. Bursaries may be awarded at any stage of a college or university program.
We wish to acknowledge that the follow wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph: Dominion of Canada, Province of BC, Tla’amin Nation, Powell River Métis Society, City of Powell River, qathet Regional District, RCMP, 4th Cdn Ranger Group, Veterans UN and NATO, D-Day Dodgers 5th Cdn Division and In Memory of Mr Wesley Fraser (WWII Vet).
The following wreaths were preplaced around the Cenotaph: 22 Red Knights Sqdn, Ambulance Paramedics of BC, CUPR Local 798, Guild Guides of Cdn Malaspina Straits District, In Memory of (Mr. Bill Bartrim, Mr Tony Strobbart, Mr Charlie Sparks, Diane Earle and Mr Ken Minifie), Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus; Malaspina, Northside and Savary Island Volunteer Fire Departments; Powell River Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 1298, Otago Rugby Club, Pacific Coastal Airlines, PR Community First Aid Team, PR Italian Community Club, Salvation Army, Senior Citizens Association of BC #49, Triune Lodge No 81, qathet District Teachers’ Association and Quality Foods.
Chris Carnall, CD, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 164 Poppy Chair
PIPPA
Young, super pretty gal saying goodbye to motherhood. New family.
CACHE AND HOPPER
Double the sweetness. Gentle, affectionate male kittens.
AGATHA, AMELIE, MYSTIQUE, MOONPIE, MERLIN, MORTY, AND MORTICIA
Take one, take two, hard to choose!
BOO
Black and white sweetheart. Calm, loving young, female cat.
LEXINGTON
Wow, stunning Shepherd mix, five-year-old female dog with brains and personality
SAILOR
Pretty, young, female cat with super silky fur.
SIREN
Super sweet senior lady. Formosan Mountain dog mix.
HARVIE
Super handsome, gray and white, male feline, also the king of loafing
BECKIE
Young black and white cat, female feline royalty
JELLYBEAN AND JUNIOR MINT
Check out our super cute kittens. Best deal in town.
SOPHIE
Quiet, pretty, snuggling Guinea Pig seeking matching humans.
BOO-BOO
Green eyed, mature, pretty, friendly, black cat welcomes visitors.
FRANK SINATRA & ELVIS
Sweet n playful, cute overload. Corso/Mastiff mix puppies.
MAVIS
Stunning dog, sweet, kid-loving, four-year-old Mastiff mix.
SUNNY AND CHEEKS
Wow, bonded sisters, two of the sweetest Love Birds
2060 For Sale Miscellaneous
TWO TOWNIE electric bikes lightly used. One Thule 2-bike rack. All excellent condition. 604-578-0172 announce it Peak Classifieds 604.485.5313
D’ANDREA’S pressure washing/gutter cleaning and repairs. WCB insured, free estimates, 604.413.0541
Celebrating Baby’s First Year
Know a baby born in 2025?
Tell the world about the newest addition, while at the same time creating a permanent record and keepsake of baby’s first year. For only $27 (including tax), we’ll publish the baby’s picture, name, birthday and parents’ name in our special “Celebrating Baby’s First Year” feature.
DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, AT 4 PM Powell River Peak, Unit-F 4493 Marine Avenue, or by email at admin@prpeak.com
