AERIAL ASSISTANCE
Flights alleviate costs for medical patients PAGE 10
FESTIVAL FOCUS
Contribution of volunteer spans decades PAGE 17
New studio offers medical tattooing
A new paramedical studio is helping qathet residents restore confidence through a service many people have never heard of. Dayle Lauren, owner of Bravaderm, describes medical tattooing as a form of skin restoration rather than body art.
“Medical tattooing focuses on healing and restoring skin, not creating artwork,” explains Lauren. “The goal is not to add something new to the body, but to help it return closer to its natural state.”
Using a tattoo machine for its precise needle depth, Lauren stimulates the skin’s natural healing response to improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, pigmentation changes and thinning hair. She also offers scalp treatments designed to support hair health and encourage regrowth.
Unlike traditional tattoos, she says the treatments are gentle, painless and semipermanent, with results maintained through lifestyle care.
Lauren brings a background in mental health to her work. She is a registered psychiatric nurse and credentialed trauma specialist who has spent much of her career supporting people through emotional recovery.
“At Bravaderm, I extend that work into the physical body,” she says. “Many scars represent survival, change or growth, but they can also hold emotional weight.”
Bravaderm grew out of what Lauren describes as a long-standing passion for healing. As she transitions away from frontline clinical work, she wants to continue supporting people in a way that honours emotional and physical recovery.
could finally feel comfortable in her skin.” Physically, clients see softened scars, improved skin texture, more even pigmentation and regrowth of hair. Emotionally, many experience greater confidence and relief.
“Healing does not always happen through talking. Sometimes it happens through being witnessed, respected and gently supported.”
Medical tattooing remains a relatively new field and is often misunderstood. Lauren says it sits between health care and aesthetics.
“People tend to think scars are simply
something you must live with. In reality, there are safe, evidence-based options that can make a profound difference.”
Lauren works with women and men, teens with parental consent, post-surgical patients, post-partum women, people experiencing hair loss and trauma survivors.
“Many carry self-consciousness or shame that others may never see. Bravaderm exists for all bodies and all stories.”
“It is common for people to feel more present and more comfortable being seen,” says Lauren.
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Safety and consent are central to her practice. Each client receives a thorough skin assessment, education about risks and benefits, and a personalized treatment plan. Sessions are paced slowly, with clients in control throughout.
One experience that confirmed the impact of the work involved a young client with extensive stretch marks from rapid growth in her early teens. The client avoided wearing shorts and bathing suits for years. After treatment, the stretch marks were reduced enough that she felt comfortable wearing them again.
“We did not erase her stretch marks completely, but we reduced them enough that she
“Feeling unsure is completely normal. Curiosity alone is enough to start the conversation.”
Opening Bravaderm was important to Lauren. Without services in the qathet region, residents would need to travel to Vancouver for similar treatments.
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“Powell River is a relatively remote community. Bringing this here means people can receive advanced care close to home.” She hopes Bravaderm will become a trusted cornerstone for paramedical skin care and eventually collaborate with local salons, estheticians and mental health services.
“Scars are not flaws; they are records of survival, growth and change. Wanting to soften or heal them does not mean rejecting your story. It means choosing how you want to carry it forward.”
For more information, go to bravaderm.com or call 604.449.4750.
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Budget shows increase for taxpayers
Regional district finances highlight changes in assessments
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
Draft two of qathet Regional District’s (qRD) 2026 to 2030 financial plan is showing a 2.05 per cent requisition increase for regional district taxpayers.
At the February 10 finance committee meeting, qRD general manager of financial administration Linda Greenan led directors through a detailed budget synopsis.
According to a spreadsheet in Greenan’s report to directors, the 2026 requisition from City of Powell River taxpayers is dropping nearly $180,000, which is a 4.3 per cent drop from 2025. This will result in a tax rate of $87.64 per $100,000 of home assessed value, which is a $4.95 reduction per $100,000 from 2025. The regional district taxation cost per average home, valued at $585,038 in the city, is forecast to be $521.98, which is a $19.73 drop from 2025.
Electoral Area A’s cost per average home in 2026, valued at $517,895, will be $1,715.23, which is a $44.28 increase from 2025. Electoral Area B’s cost per average home in 2026, valued at $636,266, will be $1,411.07, which is an increase of $59.56 from 2025.
Electoral Area C’s cost per average home in 2026, valued at $686,312, will be $1,568.36, which
is an increase of $64.98 from 2025.
Electoral Area D’s cost per average home in 2026, valued at $428,419, will be $875.04, which is a decrease of $27.88 from 2025.
Electoral Area E’s cost per average home in 2026, valued at $552,476, will be $1,564.73, which is an increase of $116.31 from 2025.
Greenan outlined BC Assessment statistics indicating that major industry, which is the assessment for the former Catalyst Paper Tis’kwat mill, went from $119,384,700 in 2025 to $18,317,000 in the 2026 completed roll from BC Assessment. She said, however, that with the reassessment, there was a $58,160,941 increase in the business and other categories, where most of the mill site is now assessed.
“That is because the classifications have changed,” said Greenan. “What this means for qathet region overall, there is a 2.75 per cent overall increase.”
Greenan said city assessments increased by 2.2 per cent. Electoral Area A, including Savary Island, increased 3.74 per cent, Electoral
March 25.
The finance committee voted unanimously to accept draft two of the budget.
Area B increased 2.34 per cent, Electoral Area C increased 3.16 per cent, Electoral Area D decreased by 0.52 per cent, and Electoral Area E increased by 11.85 per cent, for a total increase in assessments of 2.87 per cent.
Greenan said draft three of the qRD budget is scheduled for March 18 and adoption is scheduled for
The committee also recommended that the board direct staff to include community works funding toward the following projects in draft three of the 2026 to 2030 financial plan: Myrtle Pond water system installation of a new well, $142,500; Texada Island Community Hall replacement flooring, $55,000; Farmers’ market booth electrical upgrade, $10,000; Savary Island wharf fire protection, $120,000; and Malaspina fire service pumper truck replacement, $750,000.
Additionally, the finance committee recommended that the board direct staff to include in draft three of the budget, funding of $120,000 toward replacement of the Lund recycling de-
pot, from the waste management service.
There is also a recommendation for the board to include $13,018 from COVID-19 funding toward a third-party accessibility audit of the qRD buildings.
The committee also recommended to the regional board that staff be directed to include $6,000 in draft three for a consultant to assist in the design of water rates for the Myrtle Pond water system and $4,500 to retain a consultant to assist in the design of sewer rates for the Lund sewer system.
During question period at the end of the meeting, Greenan was asked why the requisition for city taxpayers had gone down. Greenan said the main reason is that the shared service for waste management has substantially decreased in 2026.
Manager of environmental services Jason Kouwenhoven said the qRD board adopted a new tipping
fee bylaw on September 1, 2025, which increased the tipping fees at the resource recovery centre and waste transfer station.
“That raised additional revenue in the waste management service, which allowed us to decrease the taxes in the waste management service,” said Kouwenhoven.
The requisition in qRD’s general administration has increased 9.69 per cent from 2025, according to the 2026-2030 financial plan. This includes: increases in salaries and wages; payroll benefits and overhead; travel; bank charge; software and licences; heat; and other categories.
Greenan said the regional district is trying to ensure services are sustainable. She said there has been the need for consultants for freedom of information requests and legal fees are up, among other factors.
“Our costs have increased,” she added, “for operations in general administration.”
qathet Regional District’s finance committee went through an extensive process with the second draft of the 2026 to 2030 financial plan, with City of Powell River’s requisition dropping because of changes to tipping fees at the resource recovery centre and waste transfer station. PEAK ARCHIVE PHOTO
LINDA
DON’T MISS THIS WEEK
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 21
SNIPPETS FROM A SMALL COASTAL TOWN
A presentation of a new anthology of prose, poetry and art, featuring readings by local authors Pat Buckna, Jan DeGrass, Jo Forrest and Doris Good, is set for 2 pm in Powell River Public Library. For more information, email Mark at mmerlino@prpl.ca.
DON’T MISS THIS WEEK
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 27
WORKING WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
David Dumaresq will share his own experience and insights on AI safety with special focus on Perplexity AI as a chat-based research tool. The information session gets underway at 2 pm in Powell River Public Library. For more information, email Mark at mmerlino@prpl.ca.
Regional district directors brought
timber sales
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
qathet Regional District directors were recently brought up to date on British Columbia Timber Sales (BCTS) activities in the area.
At a board meeting last month, Christi Howes, senior communications and engagement specialist with BCTS, said the purpose of the presentation was to create an opportunity for qRD and constituents to engage with BCTS on local forest management and wildfire resiliency planning.
The directors were told that BCTS is a provincial government program within the ministry of forests. Its central role is to manage and sell a portion of BC’s publicly owned timber through competitive auctions.
Howes said BCTS manages roughly 20 per cent of BC’s public timber harvest, operating in 33 communities
across the province.
“It was created to set market-based public prices by auctioning timber in order to help with fair market value of our province’s public timber,” said Howes. “In January 2025, the province launched a review of BCTS. In addition to its original mandate to auction publicly owned timber for the market pricing system, BCTS is now being expanded to take a more active forest management role, including supporting wildfire risk reduction, sustainable forest practices, First Nations partnerships and communityfocused forestry.”
Jocelyn Ciarniello, BC Timber Sales woodlands supervisor, said for the Sunshine Coast field team, most of the staff and supporting team are in Powell River. The operating areas range from Toba Inlet to Howe Sound, below Gibsons, she said.
“We have a vast variety of different operating areas,” said Ciarniello.
Currently, the annual harvest target volume is 321,319 cubic metres of timber, which is equivalent to 8,000 logging
Though the day focuses on standing up to bullying, its true significance lies in the conversations it starts and the actions it inspires.
Resource recovery centre and waste transfer station repayment placed into long-term debt
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
qathet Regional District directors have adopted a borrowing bylaw of $2,208,000 to put the final amount owing on the resource recovery centre and
truck loads, or 5,000 homes, according to Ciarniello.
In the BCTS 2025 fiscal year, the field team generated $13,423,636 in revenue from the sale of 173,857 cubic metres of timber. There are nine direct employees in the office, all registered professional foresters, and there is a support staff for the field team.
A number of the contractors who work in the region are local, involving roadbuilding contractors and logging contractors, supporting local jobs and people.
“We also have a variety of mechanisms to pay it forward to the community, and BCTS operates the community grants program,” said Ciarniello. “We’ve managed to secure funding for various organizations.”
Sydney Wagner, planning officer, outlined planning for wildfire resiliency. She said it is one of many values in forest management and is one of the priorities of BCTS.
Howes said if the public wants to engage with BCTS, they can email bcts.sunshinecoast@gov.bc.ca.
qRD Electoral Area D director Sandy McCormick
Regional district finalizes borrowing Foresters provide activity update
waste transfer station into long-term borrowing. At a recent board meeting, directors passed the bylaw, which will have a 10-year term.
Electoral Area A director Jason Lennox said the regional district was taking care of the debt on the centre.
Area B director Mark Gisborne said adoption of this bylaw was crossing the finish line of a long marathon. He said he wanted to thank the board for deciding to take out a 10-year amortization, rather than 15 or 20 more years.
“It does put a greater tax burden per year for the next 10 years, but it also means we don’t have to pay as much for
asked what the wildfire resiliency program looked like. She asked if that means clearing of underbrush or putting big containers of water in forested land.
Ciarniello said BCTS is still learning what it is going to look like, but it will look different on a site-by-site basis.
“Some of the things we are looking at is creating fuel breaks, so removal of all that debris through piling and burning, plus removal from sites; all sorts of different things,” said Ciarniello.
Area A director Jason Lennox said in his district, he recommends a high volume of public engagement. He said BCTS awards contracts and he encourages them to have due diligence. Lennos said in the past year, Mosaic Forest Management harvested close to people’s homes, and as a result, he has never had more phone calls or interaction on something he does not have a lot of say in.
“Public engagement is crucial,” said Lennox, adding that recently, a 40-acre piece was harvested, and when burning occurred, it created an “apocalyptic situation” in the community.
the debt,” added Gisborne. “It’s unfortunate that the project was higher than expected, but we are dealing with the cost overruns in a responsible manner, having shorter term borrowing rather than longer term borrowing.”
The motion to adopt the borrowing bylaw carried unanimously. According to the bylaw, the amount of borrowing authorized for the centre was $8.9 million, with $6.4 million already having been borrowed, prior to the $2.2 million in this latest bylaw.
The money will be borrowed through the Municipal Finance Authority of British Columbia.
City adopts highway closure bylaw
Complex Way dedication
removal a first step for supportive housing complex near qathet General Hospital
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
City of Powell River Council has adopted a permanent closure and removal of a highway dedication bylaw that could pave the way for supportive housing adjacent to qathet General Hospital.
During a council meeting earlier this month, director of planning services Jason Gow said the bylaw received three readings in November
2024, and following qathet Regional Hospital District Board consent, city council could consider adoption. Gow said he had prepared a report to remind council and the public about the process and broader intention behind closing this section of the Complex Way highway dedication.
“To recap, BC Housing has requested the city partner with them to facilitate the development of a provincially funded permanent supportive housing and shelter facility,” said Gow. “BC Housing’s ask is that the city provide city-owned land in the form of a long-term lease on which the facility would be built.
“The land in question is undeveloped highway dedication fronting Joyce Avenue, adjacent to the hospital property located at 5000 Joyce Avenue.”
Gow said the proposed
facility would include 43 single-occupant residential supportive units and 20 shelter beds. He said supportive units are deeply affordable studio apartments for people who need support to maintain their housing.
“Residents would be adults of all genders who need support to maintain stable housing,” said Gow. “Should council wish to partner with BC Housing and grant a longterm lease over that portion of the Complex Way housing dedication, the first step is adopting the bylaw.”
According to Gow’s report, the bylaw would permanently close and remove highway dedication over the portion of highway proposed to be closed.
Councillor George Doubt said his understanding is the next step will be a rezoning bylaw.
Gow’s report indicated that once the permanent closure
bylaw is adopted, the bylaw will be filed with the land title office, the highway dedication will be cancelled, and title to the property will be registered in the name of the city in accordance with the Land Title Act. Once title to the property is raised, a zoning bylaw can be presented to council for consideration of adoption.
“If granted, council can then consider BC Housing’s request to provide vacant city-owned land in the form of a long-term lease on
which the permanent supportive housing and shelter facility would be built,” Gow’s report stated.
Doubt said once the lease agreement is completed, BC Housing will go ahead and build the facility at BC Housing’s expense.
“It’s a point I want to make because a lot of people are calling me about the huge expense the city is incurring for supportive housing,” said Doubt. “I want to point out that the provincial government is paying for that
through BC Housing.”
Councillor Jim Palm asked about timelines, if the permanent closure bylaw was passed by city council, and when could construction take place.
Gow said he could not be too specific about that.
“BC Housing is eager to get moving, but as you know, things take time,” added Gow.
Palm said he was against this development and voted against the motion, which was passed by city council.
BRAVADERM is a specialized medical tattooing and skin rejuvenation practice dedicated to restoring confidence through advanced, trauma-informed care. New to Powell River and founded and operated by Dayle Lauren, a registered psychiatric nurse and certified medical tattoo clinician, Bravaderm bridges clinical expertise with compassionate, results-driven aesthetic treatments.
Services include stretch mark and scar (surgical or injury) rejuvenation, revision and camouflage, hypo, hyperpigmentation correction, texture remodelling, and hair thinning support through advanced scalp rejuvenation and hair regrowth techniques. These treatments are designed to improve skin/scalp integrity, tone, and appearance, prioritizing safety, comfort, and natural-looking results for all skin types, while boosting confidence.
Bravaderm operates as a private, appointment-only licensed practice for all genders, offering a discreet and personalized experience tailored to each client’s unique skin history and goals.
By appointment only
604-449-4750 • www.bravaderm.com • Email: bravaderm@outlook.com
City of Powell River councillors voted in favour of a bylaw to close Complex Way adjacent to qathet General Hospital [above, in yellow] to establish a supportive housing complex for the region’s homeless. PEAK ARCHIVE PHOTO
Black history month detailed
Council receives information about this year’s activities
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
Black History Month has been showcased for City of Powell River Council members.
At a committee of the whole meeting, Adeola Awopetu, president of the African and Afro-Caribbean Association of qathet, appeared before the committee to share plans for Black History Month celebrations this February.
“This year’s theme is Builders of Nation, Shapers of History, and what we will
be highlighting is the contributions of the Black communities to society, while creating opportunities for learning, dialogue and celebration within qathet,” said Awopetu.
He said activities include a financial literacy and wellness session in partnership with First Credit Union, promoting financial empowerment and community well-being.
“This is open to the entire public, so anyone who wants to come for the financial literacy and wellness session is welcome,” said Awopetu.
The session will be held at First Credit Union, between 6 and 7:30 pm on February 12.
Awopetu said as part of that event, the association will be making a community
donation to Powell River Action Centre Food Bank on February 19, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the wider community.
The grand finale, the Black History Month grand celebration, will be on February 21 at noon at Dwight Hall, featuring a keynote speaker, cultural performances, live music and family friendly activities that bring residents together in celebration and learning, according to Awopetu.
“We are going to be welcoming every member of the community,” he added. “Our goal is to continue to foster inclusion, cultural awareness and community connection, while celebrating diversity within Powell River and qathet region. We appreciate the continued
support of the mayor and council in making qathet a welcoming place.”
Highlights include a keynote speech by Dr. Joash Gambarage, live music with Mivule Band, a drum circle with Chris Weekes, a cultural showcase, games and delicious food.
City councillor Earl Almeida said he was excited to see this event back on the calendar and has put it in his family calendar.
“Provided we’re in town, we will definitely try to be there,” said Almeida. “It’s always been a great event, and I hope more of the community can come out.”
Councillor George Doubt thanked Awopetu for last year’s event.
African and Afro-Caribbean
“My wife and I went and attended for the whole length of it,” said Doubt. “I encourage anybody who is interested to go. There was a lot of good food – some things I had never eaten before, and I really enjoyed it. There’s lots of music and lots of culture. It was a good place to go and spend a whole afternoon.”
Councillor Cindy Elliott said last year’s celebration was awesome and she was hoping to make it again this year.
Service organization faces significant cuts
Lift is amalgamating services as well as reducing staff and operational hours
Lift Community Services has been notified that a significant portion of annual funding for community support programs will not be renewed as of April 1, 2026.
According to a media release from Lift, in response, the nonprofit organization is transitioning its Community Resource Centre,
child and family programs, literacy outreach and immigrant services to a neighbourhood house model and reducing staff and operational hours to maintain essential supports. Starting April 1, the Community House at #101-4871
Joyce Avenue in Crossroads Village will be available for walk-in services and supports from 11 am to 3 pm, Tuesday to Friday.
“Our drop-in programs have endured numerous funding disruptions over the years, and we’re once again in the position of having to restructure our programming in order to keep our
doors open,” stated Lift’s community resource manager Jessica Colasanto.
The funding loss comes at a time when Lift is seeing increased demand for their supports, the release stated. Colasanto stated that the Community House is seeing an average of 30 first-time adult participants and five new families each month.
By amalgamating its drop-in resource centre, child and family programs, legal aid, free tax clinic, literacy supports and immigrant services into the Community House, Colasante is confident Lift
will be able to maintain a welcoming and supportive space for people who access these supports, spanning demographics that include seniors, immigrants, families and people experiencing homelessness – including those who do not use substances.
“The last few months in our new space have given us a taste of how well this model works for folks,” stated Colasanto. “We’re often a first point of support for people, many of whom fall in between the cracks of eligibility-based programs, or don’t know where else to go. To have so many services
under one roof makes it much easier to support their diverse needs.”
While Lift waits to hear back from multiple grant and funding applications, the organization is requesting donations of grocery store gift cards to help keep its food programming running.
“Food supports are a pressing need in community right now,” stated Colasanto. “We’re asking community members and businesses to consider donating gift cards so we’re able to continue our free daily lunches and food pantry that so many people rely on.”
Association of qathet president Adeola Awopetu appeared before City of Powell River’s committee of the whole to outline various local activities during Black History Month in February. PAUL GALINSKI PHOTO
Lack of funding prompts program changes
Money for fuel management activities no longer available under FireSmart Community Funding and Supports initiative
TANYA HILL community@prpeak.com
Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) has announced that FireSmart community funding will no longer operate as an open intake process, due to lack of provincial funding.
Provincial funding for fuel management activities will also no longer be available under the FireSmart Community Funding and Supports program (FCFS).
Current funding for FCFS was projected to run to the end of fiscal 2026, however, interest in the program in 2025 exceeded forecasts and funds have drawn down faster than expected, stated UBCM, regarding the province’s reasoning for the changes.
The remaining estimated $25 million will be available through a closed intake and adjudicated process, based on merit and priority; applications will be required to be submitted in full by April 30.
The Peak reached out to qathet Regional District (qRD) general manager of emergency services Ryan Thoms for comment about the FireSmart funding cuts and whether they will impact local fire mitigation programs.
"In 2025, the qRD was awarded two years worth of FireSmart funding that will support the delivery of FireSmart education and support across our region through the middle of 2027," said Thoms. "Therefore, the recent announcement by the province of BC does not immediately impact our program, since we don’t need to apply for funding this year."
Although qRD may not be impacted immediately, Thoms emphasized that the funding from the province, through UBCM, to support FireSmart education and wildfire mitigation work in and around our communities, is tre-
mendously important.
"We hope the province will ensure sustainable funding going forward for all BC local governments and First Nations," said Thoms.
The province has provided more than $175 million for this program since 2018 in order to increase community resiliency and encourage community-based FireSmart planning and activities that reduce risk from wildfire.
"This program has played a critical role in reducing the risk posed by wildfire to BC's communities," stated UBCM president Cori Ramsay, in a media release about the funding cuts.
"Our members tell us that this program works and that their communities are safer because of the activities it funds. As the province prepares its 2026 budget, I have asked the premier [David Eby] to prioritize renewing this funding."
In addition to the shift to an adjudicated funding model, several other changes are being introduced to assist management of the remaining funds, including: fuel management and impacts from wildfire will no longer be funded; eligible FireSmart activities were modified; and all funding requests will now also be limited to one year projects.
Powell River Fire Rescue director of emergency services and fire chief Martin Drakeley told the Peak that the reduction in provincial funding for the FireSmart program is concerning, par-
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ticularly as wildfire behaviour continues to escalate across BC.
"I agree with West Kelowna fire chief Jason Brolund’s assessment that we are increasingly spending resources at the wrong end of the problem," said Drakeley. "Suppression and response are essential, but without sustained investment in prevention, we are continually reacting to emergencies that could have been mitigated and spending local dollars and resources on provincial issues."
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HARM REDUCTION
Drakeley said he believes FireSmart work reduces risk before a fire starts.
"It strengthens communities, improves firefighter safety, and significantly reduces suppression costs when fires do occur," emphasized Drakeley. "Every dollar invested in prevention yields returns during response, yet prevention funding is often the first to be reduced."
He believes it is essential to have stable and continual funding for the FireSmart coordinator to ensure the entire qRD area is prepared for wildfire events.
"Wildfire risk does not respect jurisdictional boundaries, and a regional approach allows for consistent planning, education and mitigation across urban, rural and interface areas," said Drakeley. "Vancouver Island has seen firsthand the value of this approach; during the Wesley Ridge fire, the coordinated response demonstrated the importance of pre-planning, training and local knowledge."
Overdose is now the leading cause of unnatural death in BC (ages 10–59).
In the unregulated drug supply, substances like fentanyl and other contaminants can appear in unknown amounts, increasing the risk of fatal overdose You are at risk of a fatal overdose even if you use substances occasionally, or even one time
The FireSmart community funding and support program will no longer operate as an open intake process. MILEHIGHTRAVELER, ISTOCK, GETTY IMAGES PLUS
OPINION »
Real strength for this time of crisis
This is a time when the forces of authoritarianism and exploitation are coming up against the forces of community and nonviolence.
One image will stay with me for a long time is that of a young black man standing beside a man who had been trying to instigate an anti-Muslim rally in Minneapolis. People were pelting him with water balloons and ice-water; the black man ended up escorting the "white right" man away from harm.
The white man, it turns out, was one of the January 6 rioters who was pardoned by US president
LETTERS »
Skyline anchor
The Powell River mill’s smokestack is far more than an industrial remnant—it is an icon of the Townsite and a defining feature of Powell River’s identity [“Structures being demolished at mill site,” November 13].
Rising above the historic mill complex, the smokestack has anchored the skyline for generations and remains one of the most recognizable symbols of the community. Its presence helps preserve the integrity of the Townsite as a nationally recognized heritage area, where buildings, streets and landmarks together tell a coherent story of early planned industrial communities on the west coast.
CLIMATE CROSSROADS
By Jan Slakov
Donald Trump. He was also picked up by a trans person of colour. Later, speaking to Infowar's Alex Jones, he said, “I’m so grateful for them. Many of them were black. Some of them were even Muslim.
And it shows...this underlying human compassion.”
Imagine the strength it took for young Isaiah Blackwell to shield Jake Lang from people fed up with "white right" violence. Imagine the
The smokestack also carries deep historical meaning tied to its location on the traditional territory of the Tla’amin Nation.
Long before the mill was built, this land was part of Tla’amin homelands, with enduring cultural, spiritual and historical significance. Acknowledging this layered history is essential. Preserving the smokestack provides an opportunity to tell a fuller, more honest story of the land: one that recognizes Indigenous presence and stewardship alongside the later industrial chapter that shaped the modern town.
It has also long served as a navigational aid, visible from land and sea, helping orient residents, workers and visi-
We respectfully acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional and treaty lands of the Tla’amin people.
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strength it took for Lang to express gratitude toward people he thought worthy of hate.
This strength is so different from that epitomized in the "Canada strong" slogan. In building "Canada strong" both major parties, even the BC NDP, have passed laws that allow governments to bypass requirements for free, prior and informed consent from Indigenous communities affected by projects deemed to be in the national interest or "provincially significant." Projects could also be exempted from transparent environmen-
tors alike. Its uniqueness lies not only in its physical form, but in how completely it embodies the relationship between industry, community planning and place. Beyond its physical presence, the mill community fostered a strong culture of arts, education and civic life. The stability provided by mill employment allowed schools, music, theatre, sports and cultural organizations to flourish, shaping a town known for creativity and learning. Over generations, the mill created deep family ties, with parents, children and grandchildren working, living and growing together in Powell River— connections that still define the community today. Keeping the smokestack
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tal assessments that allow time for citizens to learn of potential ecological impacts. Now, Bill C-15 would allow ministers to exempt corporations from some laws.
Making our economy highly dependent on export markets has already put us in a fragile position.
The LNG industry is particularly harmful; BC's LNG subsidies support companies owned and directed by people closely associated with the lawless regime in the US. And the industry sacrifices clean water and climate stability for some brittle form of "diversification."
matters because it preserves heritage that cannot be replaced. It safeguards a powerful symbol of labour, community and resilience, while creating space for education, dialogue and reflection. Rather than erasing the past, the smokestack invites consideration of where Powell River has come from, the land it stands on and how its history can inform a more thoughtful and inclusive future.
Loy Leyland, architect Vancouver
Top priority
Aaron Gunn says he will hold the government to account and accountability is always a good thing [“Gunn receives committee ap-
Thankfully, our governments are also investing in some things that bolster community resilience such as food security projects. And qathet Climate Alliance is organizing a presentation and discussion on how to deal with climate disinformation thanks to support from BC's Office of the Human Rights Commissioner.
Let's recognize local examples of real strength. Some members of Westview Ratepayers Association are clearly upset at the prospect of acting on DRIPA (Declaration on
pointment,” February 12]. Mr. Gunn and Mr. Poilievre should prioritize holding the 27 per cent of Conservative Party supporters who support Donald Trump to account (poll here: abacusdata. ca/at-a-crossroads-how-canadians-think-the-conservative-party-should-changeor-not). Perhaps they should be expelled from the party? Perhaps they should be encouraged to move to the United States where they could menace Canada’s sovereignty and cheer Donald Trump on as he threatens Canada and the rest of the world?
Is it the 500-plus mass shootings every year in the US that appeal to Trumploving Conservatives? The white supremacy and cruel
ICE assault on innocent people, including the execution of citizens exercising their right to peaceful protest? Or is it the health care “system” that leaves millions of Americans struggling to find care in the richest country in the world?
There’s a lot to choose from in determining the very worst thing about the rapid slide into fascism and authoritarianism in the US. Yet many Conservative Party supporters are somehow into it.
Dealing with the treasonous rot in their own party should be the top priority for Mr. Gunn and Mr. Poilievre. But don’t hold your breath, eh.
John Young, Wildwood
ALICIA NEWMAN creative services director
GERI ANDERSON admin/office manager
EARL ALMEIDA circulation director
TANYA HILL reporter
KELLY KEIL publisher/owner
SHANE CARLSON editor
PAUL GALINSKI reporter
SANDY ADAMS sales and marketing consultant
Approval ratings drop for Conservative leader
BY MARIO CANSECO
As Canada heads to the first anniversary of prime minister Mark Carney’s election victory as leader of the Liberal party, supporters of the opposition Conservative party were hoping to get a bounce from their convention in Calgary. The expectation did not come to fruition. Our latest national voting intention poll gives the Liberals a 13-point lead over the Conservatives among decided voters (45 per cent to 32 per cent).
The NDP—which will soon have a full-time leader instead of caretaker Don Davies—is third with 10 per cent, followed by the Bloc Québécois with seven per cent, the Green Party with three per cent and the People’s Party with two per cent.
If a federal election were to happen soon, the Liberals would garner more than two in five votes from residents of Atlantic Canada (54 per cent), BC (46 per cent), Ontario (also 46 per cent) and Quebec (43 per cent). In Alberta, support for the Conservatives is down from 56 per cent in September 2025 to 44 per cent this month.
The issue landscape helps tell the story of why the Conservatives are having a hard time connecting with voters. Across the country, jobs and the economy is the most important concern (21 per cent, down three points),
VIEWPOINT
followed by housing, homelessness and poverty (18 per cent, down four points), Canada/US relations (16 per cent, down one point), health care (also 16 per cent, up five points) and immigration (11 per cent, up one point).
Among baby boomers— the group that traditionally boasts the highest turnout rates in federal elections— Canada/US relations is still the most prevalent matter (24 per cent). Their younger counterparts are more likely to be primarily concerned with other issues: the econ-
cent)—a gap that balloons to 25 points among baby boomers (58 per cent to 23 per cent).
The start of 2026 did not bring momentum for Poilievre on other salient issues. He trails Carney on the economy (30 per cent to 45 per cent), health care (27 per cent to 42 per cent) and housing (27 per cent to 39 per cent). The survey does show a tie on crime and public safety, with 35 per cent of Canadians picking either Carney or Poilievre as the best manager. That
As long as Carney is regarded as a strong counterpart to US president Donald Trump, Canada’s oldest and most reliable voters will have a hard time looking at Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre as a welcome change.
omy for both generation Z (28 per cent) and generation X (22 per cent), and housing for millennials (24 per cent).
As long as Carney is regarded as a strong counterpart to US president Donald Trump, Canada’s oldest and most reliable voters will have a hard time looking at Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre as a welcome change. The prime minister has a 19-point advantage over the opposition leader on being the best person to manage Canada/US relations (46 per cent to 27 per
is the single silver lining for Conservative supporters.
Carney’s approval rating remains high (55 per cent, down one point), while Poilievre dropped to 39 per cent (down eight points). On the preferred prime minister question, Carney is at 44 per cent (unchanged), with Poilievre 19 points behind (25 per cent, down six points).
The Conservatives might have emerged refreshed after their convention, but the public at-large is not as enthusiastic as the attendees on
their social media feeds. The scenario in Alberta is particularly troubling for Poilievre. Five months ago, he was significantly ahead of Carney as the preferred prime minister in this province (45 per cent to 36 per cent, with 14 per cent undecided). This month, the two party leaders are tied at 35 per cent, and those who are not sure jumped to 21 per cent.
Albertans are not suddenly embracing Liberal values and Carney’s leadership. If that were the case, the prime minister’s personal numbers would have jumped. However, the disenchantment with the current leader of the Conservatives is starting to make voters wonder if a victory—after four consecutive losses—is attainable. It is not a great omen for the official opposition to see voters in the bluest province moving from “this person can run the show in Ottawa” to “I cannot pick anyone for this job right now”.
Results are based on an online survey conducted from February 4 to 6, among a representative sample of 1,001 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
Mario Canseco is president of Research Co.
the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act). It would have been easy to simply focus on rallying others to their point of view. But in organizing a meeting with Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Randene Neill on the topic, they took pains to in-
vite community members from various community groups. This approach helps ensure that, if someone says something incorrect, it can be addressed soon, before misinformation takes off.
Efforts to bring people with divergent views together to learn from and with each other, such as those of qathet
Community Justice or the Bridging Community Differences gatherings, help ensure we'll be there for each other as the polycrisis we are in makes its effects felt.
Jan Slakov is a member of the qathet Climate Alliance. 8«
Charity supports hundreds of patient trips
Service by Hope
Air provides lifeline for some families
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
For those living in more remote or rural areas of BC, an unexpected trip to Vancouver to see a doctor or specialist can be stressful and expensive, and for many, the travel costs can potentially put them into debt.
Last fall, Powell River resident Linnea Bryan, mother of three-year-old daughter Crislyn, found herself in such a situation. Her daughter needed to see a specialist at BC Children's Hospital in Vancouver.
"I was kind of in a panic, because it's expensive to go to the city," said Linnea. "I reached out to Hope Air, and they covered everything; it was amazing."
Hope Air is a charity that began in 1986, initiated by Jinnie Bradshaw and Joan Rogers, two women who were helping Canadian cancer patients get treatment. Since then the service has made more than 162,000
travel arrangements for those in need.
"We went down for a neurology exam, and Crislyn was pretty nervous and scared, but the staff and everyone [on the flight] were so great," said Linnea. "The captain of the airplane let her sit in the front seat, so it made it very, very enjoyable for her."
In 2025, Hope Air supported over 150 patient and escort trips from the qathet region, with more than 550 travel arrangements, including flights, hotel, airport ground transfers and meal vouchers.
"I'm a single mom, I don't have a whole bunch of money," said Linnea. "I stressfully reached out to a friend and told her Crislyn has to go and get this neural exam because she was having seizures."
Her friend, who had used Hope Air in the past, told her how to contact them.
"After I sent in an application [and it was approved], they sent me my itinerary to tell me what time to get to the airport. All my cards for Uber got sent to my phone; everything was set up, like the shuttle and hotel," explained Linnea. "It was just stress free."
Stephanie Aldridge, vice president, patient experience for Hope Air's BC program, said the charity offers flights from patients' home communities into predominantly the Lower Mainland or major centres such as Kelowna and Prince George, for example.
"We like to say we're not an airline, we are a lifeline," said Aldridge. "We offer travel for the patient, and if they require an escort for medical reasons, we can support the seat for a flight as well."
Aldridge said the charity partners with commercial airlines across Canada and BC, especially with regional partners, such as Pacific Coastal Airlines.
"We offer travel support for people in financial need; many of them are vulnerable individuals, such as children, seniors and those with disabilities," said Aldridge. "The average cost to travel, to take a flight and a hotel stay is easily $2,000 per trip."
Aldridge emphasized that individuals in financial need can't afford that expense and so, unfortunately, either go into debt or often delay or cancel their care.
"They may be travelling to [BC] Children's Hospital, they may be travelling for
cancer treatment, cardiac care or diabetes; any service [covered under BC medical] that's not available within their local community," said Aldridge. "We're actually celebrating our 40th anniversary this year; we were founded by a couple of incredible women [ Bradshaw and Rogers]."
Hope Air funds its services through donations and grants, but also with funding by the BC government.
"The provincial government has supported us to launch a cancer-specific travel program in the past three years," said Aldridge. "Like many charities, we're advocating very hard to have that funding renewed and continued for 2026."
Aldridge said she appreciates the funding the province has provided over the years, but acknowledges the government is facing some hard fiscal realities.
"We just feel that this is an investment in the health of British Columbians," said Aldridge. "We know what value we bring to the healthcare system; not only are we investing private funds into the health system, but we're supporting people to not end up in the [emergency room], because they're able
to get the right care, at the right time, and because they're able to get access to that care."
Linnea said Crislyn is doing much better since the trip to Vancouver to see a neurologist.
"We're just really thankful for the positive experience she had; her scans came up good, and she hasn't had any more symptoms," said Linnea. "Crislyn kept calling it her big vacation, so I kept saying, 'yup, you're a rock star, it's your big vacation.'" To find out more about Hope Air, go to hopeair.ca/ travel-support-services.
Last year, three-year-old Crislyn Bryan and her mom took a flight from Powell River to Vancouver with Hope Air, a charity that assists families with the cost of travel to medical appointments in the city. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Three reasons to wear pink on February 25
Recently, many countries have designated specific days to raise awareness and prevent bullying, whether at school or in the workplace. In Canada, Pink Shirt Day takes place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Here are three excellent reasons to join the movement by proudly wearing the event’s emblematic colour:
Incite enriching conversations
Pink is a colour that doesn’t go unnoticed. When you’re out and about on February 25, you may meet or talk with other people who are passionate about the cause. You may even meet someone who doesn’t know about the day, giving you the perfect chance to spread awareness.
Show
solidarity
People who are bullied often feel alone and isolated. Seeing others wearing pink can help them feel supported and understood. Your gesture might even encourage them to open up to you or, even better, speak out against their aggressor.
Encourage others to act
Wearing pink can help encourage your family, colleagues and friends to join the cause. Inspired by your actions, some of your friends and family might feel motivated to stand up against bullying, attend events or spread awareness on social media.
On February 25, harness the power of kindness and inclusion by wearing a pink t-shirt or hoodie.
How to respond safely to bullying
When you’re mistreated by a bully, it’s natural for you to feel angry or want to fight back. However, an aggressive reaction can make the situation worse. The safest and most effective response is to stay calm, protect yourself and find support.
Be calm and confident
Bullies often want to get a reaction out of you. If you’re being bullied, stay calm, keep your voice steady and show confidence in your body language. This will take away some of the bully’s power.
Use short, clear statements
Instead of arguing, use short phrases like “That’s not okay” or “Stop.” These simple responses make your boundaries clear without adding fuel to the fire. Avoid insults or threats, which can escalate the situation.
Get support
Tell a teacher, supervisor or trusted adult. Asking for help isn’t “snitching.” It’s protecting yourself and others. If the bullying happens online, block the person, save evidence and report the
behaviour to the platform or a trusted adult.
Stick with allies
Stay close to supportive friends and peers. Bullies are less likely to target someone who isn’t alone, and having allies nearby provides both safety and emotional support.
Responding to bullying doesn’t mean fighting back. It means handling the situation safely while asserting your right to be treated with respect.
SUDOKU
Real estate sales slow down
Comparison between January 2026 and 2025 show substantial reduction
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
Real estate sales in the first month of 2026 were down substantially from January of the previous year.
“This January was quite a bit slower than last January,” said Curtis Yungen, Powell River Sunshine Coast Real Estate Board president.
“Total residential units sold went down from 25 in 2025 to 19 in 2026. Average and median price for singlefamily homes went down by
15.7 per cent and 19.1 per cent respectively.”
Yungen said of interest, there were four vacant land sales for a total value of $1,457,500 this January, and there was only one vacant land sale for the whole last quarter of 2025. There was also one vacant land sale in January of 2025, he added.
New listings for singlefamily homes slightly decreased from 38 in January 2025 down to 35 this January, said Yungen.
In the single-family home category, in January 2026, there were 11 sales valued at $6,661,900, compared to 19 sales in January 2025, valued at $13,648,900. There was one sale in the mobiles and manufactured homes category in January
2026, valued at $328,000, compared to one sale in January 2025, valued at $169,900. Condos, apartment and duplex sales in January 2026 featured two, valued at $1,269,000, compared to four in January 2025, valued at $1,876,400. Totals for residential sales in January 2026 were 14, valued at $8,258,900, compared to 24 in January 2025, valued at $15,695,200.
In the nonresidential category, there were four sales of vacant land in January 2026, valued at $1,457,500, compared to one sale in January 2025, valued at $321,000.
For the industrial, commercial and institutional category, there was one sale valued at $950,000, compared to no sales in January
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2025.
Totals for nonresidential were five units in January 2026, valued at $2,407,500, compared to one unit in January 2025, valued at $321,000.
Grand total for sales in January 2026 was 19, valued at $10,666,400, compared to 25 sales in January 2025, valued at $16,016,200.
Figures released by the Powell River Sunshine Coast Real Estate Board indicate sales were substantially slower in January 2026 compared to January 2025. PEOPLEIMAGES, ISTOCK, GETTY IMAGES
Average selling price for a single-family home in January 2026 was $605,627, with an average of 83 days on the market, compared to $718,363 in January 2025, with an average of 106 days on the market, for a 15.7 per cent reduction year-over-year. Median selling price for a single-family home in January 2026 was $560,000, compared to $692,000 in January 2025, for a 19.1 per cent reduction year-over-year. There were 53 new residential listings and nine nonresidential listings in January 2026, for a total of 62 new listings. There were 165 active residential listings and 68 active nonresidential listings, for a total of 233 active listings in the Powell River Sunshine Coast Real Estate Board region in January 2026.
pixʷɛm qəsnay tᶿokʷ ᶿokʷ
Pink Shirt Day
ʔaǰečxʷʊt to our jɛjɛ and qathet residents, Tla’amin qaymɩxʷ comes from a long history of living well through relationship with our lands and with one another, and through the teachings we pass to our children. For countless generations, our people were taught how to live in a good way and help the next generation do the same.
Our təʔaw guides us. From the moment our belly buttons return to the earth, we are connected to kindness, respect, and responsibility for each other. We are reminded that our words carry ƛasəm power. They can lift people up or leave lasting harm.
From a young age we are taught that words cannot be taken back. It is like climbing a mountain on a windy day and tearing open a pillow. The wind carries the feathers everywhere and you cannot gather them again. Our words travel the same way once they are spoken. They cannot be taken back. This is why our ancestors teach us to be careful with our words.
Pink Shirt Day is a chance to live those teachings out loud.
I invite everyone to wear pink and take a moment to show care for our jɛjɛ, our families, and those still to come. Check in on someone. Offer encouragement. Choose words that strengthen rather than wound.
Small actions are how community is built.
Together, let’s stand up against bullying and stand up for one another.
čɛčɛhatənapɛšt
Hegus John Hackett
Anthology highlights cultural touchstones
Jo Forrest's poem explores the region's big shake up; Pat Buckna's prose praises unique character of the coast
TANYA HILL
thill@prpeak.com
On the afternoon of February 21, 2025, the qathet region was hit by a 5.4 magnitude earthquake, shaking people awake to the fact that "The Big One" could be on the horizon.
That unexpected event was the inspiration of a poem called Quake, written by local artist Jo Forrest and featured in a new anthology of prose, poetry and art, titled, Snippets from a Small Coastal Town: Understanding Life on the Sunshine Coast. The anthology was published and edited by Cathalynn Cindy Labonte-Smith, founder of Sunshine Coast Writers and Editors Society and the annual Art and Words Festival.
Labonte-Smith said the collection highlights cultural touchstones of the Sunshine Coast through works by 17 writers, artists and photographers.
Forrest, along with qathet-based authors Pat Buckna, Jan DeGrass and Doris Good, will present their work at Powell River Public Library on Saturday, February 21, at 2 pm.
"I don't necessarily [typically] write about local things," said Forrest. "They may show up, or they may not, but I have been writing about the ocean a lot now, which makes sense."
Although Forrest grew up in Gibsons, she spent most of her adult life living and working abroad and then Ontario, until she moved with her husband to Powell River a few years ago.
"The quake just seemed to be like the perfect thing to talk about, because everybody's experienced them [on the coast]," said Forrest. "There's the threat of having a major one, which I'm sort of hoping won't happen."
Forrest said on the day of the earthquake, she didn't know what was happening, but what she did observe was that marbles she had placed on a hosesplitter started to fall out.
"I got the idea to make a device, it's
a hose-splitter for a garden hose," said Forrest. "The [ancient] Chinese made earthquake devices that are the same idea; they made nice vase-like objects that hold round spheres that fall when there's a tremor."
Forrest said she's changed the way she writes poems.
"Sound is 100 per cent important, because to me, it's like music, that language is music, and that's kind of the foundation of everything," said Forrest. "I think all of the best poems have some sort of a musical thing happening to them."
Buckna, who is also a musician, contributed a piece writing to the anthology as well and will be at the local launch at the library.
"It's a prose, nonfiction piece," said Buckna. "It's about living here in Powell River and sort of looking out at the ocean and thinking about the environment."
Buckna said he was inspired by an old song by Canadian singer/songwriter Ian Tyson.
"He talked about working on the tug boats, and right from my house, I can watch the ferries and boats," said Buckna. "I remember when the mill was running and the tugs were going out there; it's nice to be able to see the
weather from a distance; so it's kind of a piece about that."
Buckna hosts a weekly writing group at the library called Keep Us Writing, where participants support and critique each other's writing.
"When the call for the anthology came out, I went through [my writing] with the group and got some feedback," said Buckna. "Before living in an urban area [Lower Mainland] for 27 years, we used to live up in the Arctic, and it's very similar to living here: a little bit removed from all the hustle and bustle, and it's a good quality of life."
Buckna moved to the northern Sunshine Coast 16 years ago and said he is impressed with the amount of activity here for a smaller community.
"I like it because of all the creative folks who I met and work with here,” he said.
Buckna has had a recording studio on Texada Island since 2018 and regularly collaborates with other musicians.
"[Powell River] has its strong identity, and a strong cultural identity as well," said Buckna. "From my perspective, we tend to be self-sustaining, I think a little bit more [than the lower Sunshine Coast], and that's a function, to some degree, of isolation."
Artist Jo Forrest, beside her painting of the Hulks, is one of several writers from the Sunshine Coast who contributed to a new anthology titled Snippets from a Small Coastal Town: Understanding Life on the Sunshine Coast TANYA HILL PHOTO
Volunteer values speech arts
Pam Voss
important part of performing arts event
JOYCE CARLSON Peak contributor
Sitting at a Grand Concert for what was then known as Powell River Music Festival in the mid-1980s, Pam Voss was asked a question by someone sitting beside her.
Nancy Stowell, a major supporter of the festival, asked if she knew an elementary school teacher who would be interested in preparing five or six students to participate in speech arts.
“Look no further, I will do it,” replied Voss, who was teaching grades five and six at Grief Point Elementary School, where she began teaching in 1967 after travelling around the world
from her home country of Australia.
Voss started working with students who then participated in the next festival. She remembers the reaction of her principal when she walked into Voss’s class to see a student standing on a table at the back of the room.
“I wanted them to feel what it was like to stand up on a stage and speak to an audience. I even had students in grades 10 and 11 come back for training and stand on that table, their heads nearly touching the ceiling.”
Voss is extremely proud of students she has trained, many of whom were recommended to participate in Performing Arts BC Festivals. qathet Festival of the Performing Arts is a member organization of that provincial body.
“Over the years, they did a fantastic job, and I found
working with all of them really rewarding.”
She remains convinced of the value of speech arts for young people.
“Public speaking develops self-confidence in so many aspects of life.”
Voss will be sitting in her familiar spot, next to the adjudicator, when speech arts sessions of the 2026 festival take place on Monday, March 2, with sessions at 9:30 am and 1 pm, and Tuesday, March 3, at 9:30 am in Evergreen Theatre.
Professional adjudicators are hired from around the province to share their knowledge and recommend participants to the provincial festival.
The local festival runs from Wednesday, February 25, to Saturday, March 7, when the Grand Concert takes place.
“Everything is gearing up for the festival as we are in the final pre-planning
stages,” explained committee chair Mel Murnoe.
“Our hardworking committee members are ensuring that our participants have a rewarding and supportive experience.”
She said the committee is full of enthusiasm and new ideas for enhancing the festival experience, including a theme for the Grand Concert of Old Hollywood, Black and White. Audience members are invited to dress to the theme for the evening and take pictures at photo areas.
“We will even have a red carpet,” said Munroe, adding that all sessions, except of band and instrumental at Brooks Secondary School, will take place at Evergreen Theatre this year. Members of the public are invited to come to watch them all with a donation to help support the festival.
Complete information on the participants in all six
sessions for band and instrumental, vocal and choral, piano, strings, speech arts and dance is available from musicfestivalreg.com/
qathet. Information on adjudicators can be found on the new festival website at qathetfestivalofperformingarts.com.
Former teacher Pam Voss has been sharing her love of poetry and speech arts for nearly half a century. She has been part of qathet Festival of the Performing Arts as a volunteer adjudicator’s secretary for much of its 82-year history.
JOYCE CARLSON PHOTO
Tribute brings surf-rock nostalgia to stage
Concert at Evergreen Theatre features iconic music of the Beach Boys
“it was mind-blowing” “the best tribute band I’ve ever seen”
“just ... unbelievable” “pure magjc. solid fun. five stars.”
MARCH 14, 2026
SHOW 7:30 PM • DOORS 7 PM EVERGREEN THEATRE
pointing to their early 1960s success and later resurgence in the 1970s and beyond.
A Beach Boys tribute concert coming to the qathet region aims to transport audiences back to the sound and spirit of the 1960s, offering an authentic, note-for-note recreation of one of pop music’s most enduring catalogues.
George Penwarn, rhythm guitar player/ vocalist, says the decision to bring the Backbeat Entertainment show to the region was driven by a desire to reach new audiences and share a performance that has resonated strongly across Western Canada.
“It’s a great show, and we want as many people to see it as possible,” explains Penwarn. “It’s not someplace we’ve been before, so we thought we’d go there and put on a great show for the folks who live there.”
Penwarn says the Beach Boys tribute stands out from many similar productions for its commitment to authenticity and use of multimedia elements. Alongside the music, the show weaves in stories about how the songs were written and the band's history.
“We’ve had people say they close their eyes and think the Beach Boys are on stage in front of them,” he adds. “It’s an authentic show. We play the music the way people remember it.”
Audience response has been consistently strong. Penwarn recalls feedback from concertgoers who described the performance as the best tribute show they had ever seen, reactions he says underscore the group’s focus on getting the details right.
The set list spans the band’s long career, from early surf anthems to later hits, reflecting what Penwarn describes as the Beach Boys’ unusually broad appeal.
“They really had two careers,” he says,
“They appeal to a really wide audience. We’ve had young kids at shows, and we’ve had people in their 90s who say it reminds them of their youth.”
While the concert includes wellknown songs like “Good Vibrations” and “Kokomo”, Penwarn says audiences can also expect a few deeper cuts for longtime fans. The show typically opens with surf-themed material and builds toward the band’s biggest hits.
A key focus of the production is vocal harmony, widely regarded as the defining element of the Beach Boys’ sound. Penwarn says that getting the vocals right is also the most technically challenging part of the show.
“If you don’t get that right, it’s just wrong. People have to be able to close their eyes and say, ‘This sounds just like the Beach Boys.’”
The group spent roughly a year rehearsing before debuting the show, dedicating countless hours to vocal work. Penwarn highlights the musicianship, noting moments when band members sing while playing multiple instruments live on stage.
“These songs are deceptively difficult,” he adds. “That’s why there aren’t a lot of Beach Boys tribute bands around.”
For first-time attendees, Penwarn says the goal is simple: fun. He describes audiences dancing in their seats, singing along and leaving the venue smiling.
“We want people to walk away saying that was the most fun we’ve ever had.”
Tickets are available at Powell River Recreation Complex for $50 plus GST.
A Beach Boys tribute show is set to bring note-for-note harmonies, multimedia storytelling and decades of surf-rock nostalgia to the qathet region, according to George Penwarn, the show’s producer.
SPORTS »
Otago wins tournament action
Rugby club travels to Victoria to play two games on mud-soaked field
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
Otago Rugby Club started the new year with two wins in tournament action in Victoria.
According to team spokesperson Jack Beardmore, the team travelled to MacDonald Park on February 7, on a pitch that was “absolutely atrocious.”
Because Otago had to travel, the two other teams, Rising Tide and Castaway Wanderers, had already faced each other on the pitch. The clubs were playing 15-a-side. Otago faced the Wanderers first.
“We got a limited amount of warm up and had to run
onto the pitch, which was really muddy,” said Beardmore.
“In spite of the conditions, Otago came out and played well defensively in the first half. The score at half time was scoreless.
“In the second half we came through and scored two trys, one of which was converted, to take the game 12-0.”
Beardmore said the trys were scored by Sawyer Gowan and one of three new Fijian players from the Lower Mainland who the team has picked up.
“We’ve recruited three Fijians who are going to play for us for the rest of the spring,” said Beardmore.
“They have all played highlevel rugby, so it’s a great addition to the team. They don’t want to play full time anymore and they love the format that we’re playing. It just works for them.”
Beardmore said that after a short break of February 7, Otago was back on the field to play Rising Tide, which is
a team Otago has had success with in the last couple of years.
“That game started off fast and furious and they scored on us,” said Beardmore. “Then, they went up two trys. Late in the half, we scored a try to get back within one.
“In the second half, we took over the game, scoring three more tries to win the game 24-12.”
Beardmore said with Rising Tide being at home, they thought they were going to win the game.
“They wanted to beat us so badly,” added Beardmore. “They have yet to beat us and it’s driving them nuts, so it was a good win for our guys.”
Beardmore said standout players in the game included Gowan, plus Eli Forsyth and Will Beardmore.
“It was nice to see two young fellows really getting in there and doing it,” said Beardmore. “Dan Harwood, who plays front row, also played his best game ever
with the team.”
Beardmore said field conditions were not conducive to moving the ball quickly, but Otago, in both second halfs, controlled the ball well.
“Our scrum was very strong, and we won all our scrums and took a couple away from Rising Tide,” said Beardmore. “Also, if you can control the ball at the breakdowns and in the set pieces, you’ve got the upper hand right away.”
Otago practices every Tuesday and Thursday starting at 5 pm at Cranberry Field. Beardmore said the team is inviting people interested in rugby, especially women, to come out and participate.
“It would be great to get some more women coming out,” said Beardmore. “We are really trying to push the women’s program. Some of our women play with Comox, which is a top tier club, having won the provincial championship last year. Our play-
U13 team reaches island final
Powell River U13A Kings continued a pursuit to win their way into the provincial championship, rather than relying on the guaranteed spot they have as hosts. After securing the top seed in the
North Island Division, Powell River earned home ice advantage and hosted Sooke Thunderbirds, the second seed from the south, in a Vancouver Island Amateur Hockey Association Island semi-final on February 14. Sooke tied for top stop in tier two in the regular season and returned to tier three for playoffs.
After falling behind 2-0, Kings’ goalie Grayson Carlos made a fivealarm save to keep it close, then forward Ozzy Sullivan scored with 22 seconds left in the first period.
“We had some jitters and found ourselves behind early,” said head coach Alan Fougere. “I’m proud of how our team responded.”
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” “Kind” said the boy.
~ Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, The Fox and the Horse
For this and other books about kindness, visit us in person or online at prpl.ca
was
a
ers are definite contributors to that effort. The Comox women are an awesome side.”
Beardmore said there will be tournament action in Powell River in May, and he is hoping, along with men’s teams, to bring in some women’s teams as well.
“You won’t see them playing 15s over here but I am still going to try my damnedest to get a seven-a-side women’s tournament here,”
Connor Gustafson’s goal tied the score 2-2, but Sooke regained the lead with under a minute left in the second period. In the final frame, the home team built momentum after another highlight reel save by Carlos.
Grace Calderone picked up a loose puck in the neutral zone, beat a de-
said Beardmore. “Comox would commit for sure, and Nanaimo is pretty much set. So, I just have to try and get a fourth team.
“These women know what they are doing. They are ferocious tacklers and they play a good game of rugby.”
Otago’s next tournament action is March 7 in Cowichan. Beardmore is trying to do his best to get a local game around that time.
fender wide and buried the tying goal before Miller Pitman gave the Kings their first lead of the game on a power play. Tobin Leblanc scored two high-slot goals and Gustafson added his second to secure a 7-3 win.
Powell River will face Kerry Park in a best-of-three final series starting this weekend.
In what
essentially
mud bowl, Otago Rugby Club [in the blue uniforms] took on Castaway Wanderers and Rising Tide in Victoria on February 7, coming away with two impressive victories. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
JOSH STATHAM Peak contributor
SCENE
AROUNDTOWN
Soccer Sunday
Fans of “the beautiful game” bundled up and attended a Jackson Cup match at Timberlane Park on February 15. Cowichan Axis outscored Powell River Villa 4-1 to advance to the quarterfinals of the annual Vancouver Island Soccer League tournament. Tylor Cramb scored for the home team. Villa has won the cup four times (1991, 1995, 1997 and 2000).
ANDREW BRADLEY PHOTOS
Reginald Halford
October 20, 1927 - February 7, 2026
Reg passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 7, in Evergreen ECU, with family by his side.
He was predeceased by his wife Sylvia and sisters Dorothy, Bette and Shirley. He is survived by his children David (Lynn), Stephen and Elaine (Paul), his grandchildren Sean, Brooke Jessica and Erin, and seven great-grandchildren.
In memoriam
Anna Brisotto
Our dear mom, Anna Brisotto, passed away on January 18, 2026, at the age of 94. She was the youngest of 10 siblings. Mom was predeceased by our dad, Angelo, in 2012.
“Rest in peace, Momma. We love you always.” ~ Joe, Marina, Valerio, David, Valentina and families
Funeral and entombment have been held. To view the full obituary, please visit stubberfieldfh.com/obituaries.
INVITATION TO TENDER – RECYCLING DEPOT COLLECTION SERVICES
The qathet Regional District is seeking tenders for a Contractor to operate qRD-owned recycling depots located in Powell River, BC. View and download the Invitation to Tender online at BC Bid (bcbid.gov.bc.ca) and on qathet.ca under Projects - Bid Opportunities. Direct inquiries to operations@qathet.ca. Tenders must be received no later than 4 PM on Friday, March 13, 2026
Sadly it has been 20 years that we said goodbye to our brother Terry. Every day we miss his kindness, love and sense of humour
Love always, Tammy, Karen, Don, Denise and Shane
n’ playful, cute overload, Corso/Mastiff mix puppies CHESS CLUB AT POWELL RIVER LIBRARY Sundays 1 to 5 pm All ages and abilities, free to attend
Take one, take two, hard to choose JENNY Gorgeous black and white cat, loves her brush
young, female cat with super silky fur
handsome grey and white, male feline, also the king of loafing
senior dog, lil; cutie Poodle/Bichon Frise mix FRANK SINATRA & ELVIS
