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Thursday.January 15.2026

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Local Realtor marks nearly two decades in real estate

Neil Frost Personal Real Estate Corporation continues to lead with informed advice and personalized service A deep-rooted love for Powell River is what first inspired bornand-raised local Neil Frost to pursue a career in real estate back in 2007. Nearly two decades later, that hometown connection, paired with his reputation as a consistently top-producing, award-winning REALTOR®, continues to guide his work as he helps local buyers and sellers navigate one of the most significant financial decisions of their lives. While the real estate landscape has changed dramatically over the years, from technology and regulations to shifting market conditions, Neil’s focus has remained steady: providing thoughtful, informed and highly personalized service. “Real estate isn’t one size fits all,” says Frost. “Every client has different goals, timelines and concerns. My job is to understand those fully and tailor each listing or offer to suit their situation.” Today’s buyers expect more than a sign on the lawn, and Neil ensures listings are marketed to meet modern expectations. From professional photography and detailed floor plans to drone footage, aerial perspectives and immersive 3D virtual tours, Neil’s marketing approach is designed to give buyers a complete sense of both the home and its surWATERFRONT

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“I still hear from clients years later,” he says. “Sometimes it’s a question, sometimes it’s a referral, and sometimes it’s just a thank you. Those moments are incredibly meaningful and remind me why I love what I do.” Neil works directly with every clientGet andthe does nottopass Peak Go them off to a iPhone app now team. available the me, you’re deal“When youincall App Store or iTunes ing with me start to finish,” he adds. “That accountability matters. I take that responsibility seriously.” In addition to serving clients, Neil remains actively involved in the inPERSONAL REALon ESTATE CORPORATION dustry. As a director the Powell River Sunshine Coast Real Estate Board, he stays closely informed WARREN on initiatives aimed atBEHAN improving PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION Get the Peakaccountability to Go transparency, and iPhone app now consumer confidence. available in the “Integrity and honesty are esApp Store or iTunes WA sential in this business,” he says. “They’re non-negotiable.” PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION Neil welcomes questions from PERS anyone considering buying or selling, whether now or in the future, and is always happy to talk through market conditions or individual situations. Neil Frost Personal Real Estate Corporation can be reached by phone at 604.483.6345, by email at neilfrost@royallepage.ca, or online PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION at NeilSoldIt.com.

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rounding neighbourhood, whether they’re viewing from across town or across the country. Neil describes his role not as a salesperson, but as a trusted advisor. “I see myself as a consultant,” he explains. “I’m here to answer questions, explain the process and help clients make confident, informed decisions, especially in a market that continues to evolve.” That evolution is one of the WATERFRONT

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things he enjoys most about the profession. Each day brings new challenges, new people and new problem-solving opportunities. The combination of strategy, creativity and relationship building keeps the work engaging, while his collaborative approach with fellow REALTORS® helps ensure smooth transactions for everyone involved. Beyond the transaction itself, Neil places strong value on giving OCEAN VIEW

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back. He is proud to work with a brokerage that supports community-based initiatives, including fundraising efforts that directly benefit Grace House and other local organizations supporting women and families. That commitment to people before, during and long after a sale is a big reason clients continue to return to him and recommend Neil to friends and neighbours.

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2 Thursday, January 15.2026 | Peak » prpeak.com

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3 Thursday, January 15.2026 | Peak » prpeak.com

NEWS »

Facilities for homeless recommended Committee of the whole forwards motion to city council to examine potential places for warming centre of extreme weather response shelter PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

City of Powell River Council’s committee of the whole is recommending that staff be directed to examine possible facilities for a warming centre or extreme weather response shelter for homeless people. At a committee of the whole meeting last month, councillors heard a presentation from director of planning services Jason Gow, who outlined the suitability of city-owned spaces to be used as warming centres and emergency weather response shelters. Gow said that at the committee meeting in October of 2023, staff members were directed to report back on the suitable options of city spaces as a warming centre or emergency weather response shelter. He said on April 1, 2025, following a delegation from qathet Coalition to End Homelessness, regarding the closure of the emergency shelter on Joyce Avenue, the committee directed staff to report back on options for both hot and cold extreme weather response plans for the unhoused population in 2025/2026. “Today’s report focuses specifically on the October 17, 2023, council resolution and staff acknowledges and commits to addressing council direction received

on April 1, when there is more staff capacity to do so,” said Gow. “At this point, more work needs to be completed prior to reporting back to council on the options for the development of an extreme weather response plan that considers both hot and cold scenarios.” Gow said as the delegated community representative, Lift Community Services is leading the development and proposal for an emergency weather response plan for the 2025/2026 winter season. He said Lift executive director Kim Markel confirms that Lift has been preapproved by BC Housing to operate an emergency weather response shelter, but has yet to secure a suitable location, and has reached out to the city for support. Gow said that following the October 2023 direction that staff report back on suitable city-owned spaces to use as warming centres and emergency weather response shelters, planning services staff spoke with Markel, who indicated that the space and amenity requirements to operate the shelter would include controlled access to a minimum of two bathrooms, controlled access to outdoor space and indoor storage for 20 cots. “With these parameters, planning services staff engaged other departments that are more familiar with the city’s buildings,” said Gow. “At Lift’s request, the key location explored was the city’s recreation complex, and while the building has separate meeting rooms that would be able to accommodate the space of 20 cots, there are other challenges, making the facility not a viable option as an extreme weather response shelter.” Gow said another location suggested by Lift was city council chambers. He said upon review,

A 40-bed emergency shelter is under construction on Barnet Street but is not expected to open before the end of February 2026. City of Powell River councillors recommended that city council direct staff to activate space to open a warming centre or extreme weather response shelter to help people needing to get out of the cold this winter. TV THAT’S POWELL RIVER PHOTO

some reservations exist on account of existing use, function and security considerations. “As for the remaining city-owned facilities, most have similar challenges to those of the recreation complex and council chambers,” said Gow. He said other areas where the city has been working toward longerterm, partnered solutions to support better response to extreme winter weather include development of a temporary 40-bed yearround emergency shelter at 7104 Barnet (next to the Powell River RCMP detachment). This is anticipated to be operational by the end of February 2026, he added. “We are also undertaking to forward the establishment of a 40bed permanent supportive housing and 20-bed shelter facility at a location along Joyce Avenue immediately adjacent to qathet General Hospital,” said Gow. “For both projects, it is the city’s role to provide the land and other partners’ responsibility is to secure the funding to construct and operate these facilities.” Councillor Cindy Elliott asked

if the city had considered Dwight Hall as a potential facility. Gow said Dwight Hall and the former Wildwood fire hall were considered but are not centrally located. He said those facilities have at least two washrooms and space capable of accommodating 20 beds. “Those are questions for council to consider,” said Gow. “It wouldn’t be staff’s recommendation. “Those being outside the core area of services were not deemed as high priority.” Councillor Trina Isakson said no community partners with space have stepped up. She said groups in town have been offered substantial tax reduction through permissive tax exemptions because they provide community benefit. “It’s not in my nature to use shame as a communication tactic but it is in the core mission of many community groups, especially the faith community, to step up in times of emergent need,” said Isakson. “I am frustrated that we are in a situation of the city being a place of last resort.” Isakson said qathet Coalition to End Homelessness, which is operating a warming facility on Duncan

Street, is doing amazing work, and is also at capacity in terms of what volunteers can provide. “I thank them for their service, but they are not able to offer more,” said Isakson. “The only path I see forward with the city’s involvement is to activate city space for a warming centre, and that is not something a community partner can go to BC Housing for – that is something the city has to do, and they can contract nonprofit agencies to operate that.” Councillor and committee chair George Doubt said he was disappointed that a solution has not been found as a community, and as a council. Isakson brought forward a motion that the committee recommend that council direct staff to activate city space, in partnership with community partners, to open a warming centre or extreme weather response shelter, and if necessary, that staff amend the licence of occupation with qathet Coalition to End Homelessness for the Duncan Street city bylaw building. The motion carried unanimously.

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4 Thursday, January 15.2026 | Peak » prpeak.com

DON’T MISS THIS WEEK SATURDAY JANUARY 17

ELDERDOG AND SENIOR DOG WELLNESS Canine bodyworker and fitness professional Rachel Koopman-Gough will present practical tips for helping dogs stay fit and happy into their golden years. The presentation starts at 2 pm in Powell River Public Library. For more information, email Mark at mmerlino@prpl.ca.

DON’T MISS THIS WEEK TUESDAY JANUARY 20 CROSS CANADA JOURNEY

Retired social worker Paul Jenkinson shares wacky and delightful stories about his 23,000 kilometre coastto-coast journey and 700-plus conversations with complete strangers. You Are Not Alone, I Will Listen begins at 4pm in Powell River Public Library. For more information, email Mark at mmerlino@prpl.ca.

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Regional busing service highlighted Transit future service plan introduced to regional district directors PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

qathet Regional District directors have heard from BC Transit about operational changes for 2026. In December, Rob Ringma, BC Transit senior manager government relations, provided an overview for directors of the transit service in the regional district and plans for expansion of the service. Ringma said the new transit future service plan was put together with extensive public engagement. It covers both the regional district and City of Powell River’s transit system. “We came into the community and conducted open houses over multiple days in the community,” said Ringma. “We wanted to get a feel for what people think of the transit system and what their hopes and dreams for the system are.” Ringma said the data was assembled and put into a cohesive plan, known as the

transit future service plan. Adriana McMullen, BC Transit senior transit planner, said the current plan is a follow-up to the last plan that was developed in 2015. McMullen said since the 2015 survey, ridership in the qRD system has risen nearly three-fold, to 17,200 riders in 2024/2025. There has also been an increase of 71 per cent in service hours, she added. McMullen said highlights include not changing any of the routes, but including improvements to service levels. She said the transit future service plan contains service priorities that are scheduled to happen in the coming year. Included are improvements to the Texada Island route 13 with an increase from one day per week (Thursdays) to two days a week (adding Tuesdays). An additional 550 hours of service will be required, as well as needing two buses for the revision. McMullen said there was a recommendation to introduce service on Thursdays on the Stillwater route 12 route, adding another 420 hours of service. There is also the prospect of examining opportunities to streamline the Lund route 14, including introducing two round trips on Thursdays all year to match existing

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Revisions to and expansion of the busing service in qathet Regional District are coming, with BC Transit representatives in attendance at a committee of the whole meeting to outline changes. PEAK ARCHIVE PHOTO

weekday service levels. This would require an extra 330 hours of service. Also on the list was introducing service on Sundays to Stillwater route 12 at three trips per day, amounting to 280 hours of service. In terms of information priorities, McMullen said that high on the list was raising awareness of on-request options for rural area transit riders. She said few people were aware of this opportunity on the paratransit service. “We would like to explore some creative ways to help remind people that this opportunity exists, so they are able to take advantage of it, even if they don’t live next to a bus stop,” said McMullen. According to the plan, the qathet paratransit system was inaugurated in 2009, with final decisions on fares, rates and service levels being made by the regional district. Texada’s route 13 is the only public transit route in BC to include a ferry crossing, the plan stated. Also, interlined service between select Lund and Stillwater trips enable residents from as far north as Lund to reach Saltery Bay. On-request service residents living up to one kilometre off the bus route may call ahead to request the bus deviate from the route to

serve them. The schedule may accommodate one deviation per direction of travel, according to the plan. qRD Electoral Area D director Sandy McCormick asked when the second Texada schedule would be starting. Ringma said all BC Transit service expansions, in the city and in the regional district, will be occurring in March. Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne said the regional district had some correspondence relating to lack of transit service between Cariboo Avenue in the city and Centennial Drive in Area B. He said he understood there was not going to be any bus service provided for that service area. Regional district manager of operational services Patrick Devereaux said he met with the person who had made the busing request and talked her through how to make the request. “She was quite satisfied with that and was going to call the number and make arrangements,” said Devereaux. Gisborne said there is a higher population density along that corridor of Highway 101, which is not part of the main route, which goes through Paradise Valley, currently not being served by busing.

5 Thursday, January 15.2026 | Peak » prpeak.com

School board continues zero-waste advocacy Discontinuation of industrial, commercial and institutional recycling impacting strategic plan TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com

Last month, qathet School District (qSD) board chairperson Jaclyn Miller sent correspondence to BC’s ministry of environment and climate change strategy, to request ministerial support to reinstate or exempt school districts from Industrial, Commercial and

Institutional (ICI) recycling. In 2024, Recycle BC discontinued its collection and recycling of ICI materials and Packaging and Paper Products (PPP) in the region, impacting qSD's ability to advance its zero-waste goal. Miller's letter stated: "As trustees of the board of education for qSD, we are committed to advancing environmental stewardship and sustainability education, as reflected in our 2023 to 2028 strategic plan framework. Recycling programs are central to these efforts, serving both operational and educational purposes in helping students understand their role in environmental responsibility and the circular economy."

In December of 2024, qSD’s board wrote to Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Randene Neill to express concern regarding the loss of access to ICI and PPP recycling services in Powell River and qathet Regional District (qRD). This change followed the withdrawal of Recycle BC’s special licensing arrangements for rural communities, leaving schools without a viable recycling option, the letter explained. "We are now seeking your ministry's guidance and assistance in identifying a sustainable, equitable solution for kindergarten to grade 12 institutions," wrote Miller. "Our district’s schools continue to make genuine efforts toward zero-

waste goals, yet the lack of recycling options remains a significant barrier. This contradiction risks undermining the very environmental habits and values we strive to instill in students." Miller explained that while qSD actively promotes waste reduction and responsible consumption, there is still a strong and ongoing need for accessible recycling systems to support these goals. qSD’s board is requesting ministerial action to: review the current recycling regulation to determine whether exemptions or alternate compliance mechanisms can be provided to school institutions in rural and remote communities; direct Recycle BC to collaborate with qSD, City of Powell River and

Recycle BC discontinued its partnership with qathet Regional District to collect and recycle Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Packaging and Paper Products in 2024, which has impacted the qathet School District’s ability to advance its zero-waste goal. SOLSTOCK, E+, GETTY IMAGES

qRD to explore reinstating ICI and PPP collection for schools as part of a rural education recycling pilot project; and to provide guidance on long-term solutions

that ensure school districts are supported in achieving sustainability goals consistent with provincial environmental and educational objectives.

Tipping Fee Notice Resource Recovery Centre New tipping fee takes effect January 1st, 2026 Municipal Solid Waste (Garbage) $420.00/Tonne $10.00 Minimum Fee

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Branch manager Crista Petri [right] is pleased to welcome new business advisor Laura Sayer to Scotiabank

Fee by Weight

Contact Laura Sayer today for all your business banking needs

All other material tipping fees remain unchanged 604-413-6861 EnvironmentalServices@qathet.ca

LAURA SAYER - BUSINESS ADVISOR

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6 Thursday, January 15.2026 | Peak » prpeak.com

Fall grants settled City councillors vote on PRCF recommendations PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

City of Powell River councillors, by a four to three margin, voted to exclude eight recommendations by Powell River Community Forest for allocations from the 2025 fall grants. At a city council meeting in December, mayor Ron Woznow, and councillors George Doubt and Jim Palm, voted to include the eight excluded grants to community organizations, but councillors Cindy Elliott, Trina Isakson, Rob Southcott and Earl Almeida voted against the inclusion of the eight organizations. Southcott read a motion at the beginning of the meeting that council approve a fall 2025 Powell River Community Forest grant for $250,000 to Powell River Youth and Family Services Society for Foundry qathet. The second part of the motion was that council approve all grants included in the community forest recommendations, except for the following applications: Friends of qathet, $10,000; Timberlane Fine Arts, $54,271; Powell River Lawn Bowling, $40,000; Gillies Bay Tennis Courts, $40,000; Powell River Salmon Society, $28,512; qathet Cycling Association, $37,500; Powell River Curling Club, $75,000; and Kelly Creek Community Church, $34,550. The motion further stated that council direct staff to amend the city’s 2025 to 2029 financial plan

to increase the project budget for the logger sports arena by $30,000 and the sea walk repair project by $180,000, with the increases funded by the community forest reserve fund. Finally, the motion directed staff to amend the 2025 to 2029 financial plan to include projects approved by city council in the spring and fall community forest nonprofit intake, with the increase funded by the reserve fund. Doubt made an amendment to the motion to include the eight applications excluded from the fall 2025 grants. He said the community forest board has been appointed by the city and has been asked to vet all the applications. “We have a group of concerned citizens who spend a lot of time doing the physical and mental work, consulting with all the people who apply for the grants, making sure they fit the guidelines,” said Doubt. “They do that on behalf of council so council does not have to do that work. They recommended that we include those applications. “They didn’t recommend that we include the grant to the Foundry, but I see the value of the Foundry and what they can do.” Doubt said including the eight excluded applications would come to about $250,000, which is similar to the allocation to Foundry. “Spending $250,000 more for the fall 2025 grants from the community forest is not going to break the community forest reserve or cause a huge disruption,” said Doubt. Isakson said allocating the additional funds to the eight organizations could hypothetically affect a large project in the future. “There is a finite pot that we can draw from,” said Isakson. “It’s not

an immediate impact but there is an opportunity cost. While I support the work that these organizations do, when I’m looking holistically at the financial picture, I cannot support the amendment.” Palm said he supports the $250,000 to Foundry, even though no other municipality in BC, from what he hears, is using money to support Foundry organizations. “We’re different,” said Palm. “We look after our own.” Palm said he talked to the community forest board, and the reason why it didn’t support Foundry’s application is because they thought Foundry is not ready, because of building permits and other grant applications. He said he was willing to support Doubt’s amendment. “There is a substantial amount of money in the community forest reserve that can be used to better our community, as has been done for the last 17 years,” said Palm. “We should not be disregarding the work by our community forest board that has gone on for 17 years. We should be following their recommendations.” Elliott said she had a couple of concerns with the amended motion. She said the community forest, through the working group with city council, asked for input from council as to what council wanted to see for the grant applications. She said council put a motion forward that included a budget for the fall intake and priorities that council wanted the community forest to consider when they were coming up with recommendations. “Some of the projects are not being taken out because of the Foundry,” said Elliott. “They are being taken out for various reasons

By a narrow 4-3 vote at city hall, Powell River councillors approved several Powell River Community Forest fall 2025 grant allocation recommendations and excluded eight others. PEAK ARCHIVE PHOTO

because they did not fit either the original policy or the guidance made through a motion at council that applied to these applications. If we are going to make decisions about processes and not follow them, that is an administrative problem. “The motion we made for this fall grant intake is, we were wanting applications that were about health facilities, recreation and culture that was specific to youth, and reconciliation, that was consistent with our strategic goals.” Elliott said budgets should also not be exceeded that were created for this allocation. She added that the community forest board is doing an excellent job of putting forward recommendations, but city council is accountable for making sure the recommendations comply. “Some of those recommendations are outside of what we asked,” said Elliott. Mayor Ron Woznow said he

had heard some opposition to the amended motion based on speculation and self-interpretation of issues of what is an acceptable project for community forest funds. “I will support the amended motion,” said Woznow. When the vote on the amendment was taken, it was defeated, with three councillors in favour and four opposed. Discussion returned to the motion introduced by Southcott. In favour of the motion were Southcott, Almedia, Isakson and Elliott, so the motion passed. Community projects that were approved in the fall 2025 grant allocations include: Powell River Brain Injury Society; Brooks Secondary School’s mountain bike trailer; Powell River Gymnastics Society; Powell River Kiwanis Village Society; West Coast Wind Swim Club; and Powell River Health-Care Auxiliary.

CITY COUNCIL BRIEFS New contract City of Powell River Council will enter into a new two-year contract with Parkland Corporation, operating as Columbia Fuels, for the supply of petroleum products to the city. At the December 18 city council meeting, councillors unanimously endorsed the quote received from Parkland, which stipulates 103,200 litres of regular gasoline per year, 2,250 litres of premium gas and 280,500 litres of diesel fuel, for a total cost per year of

$603,687.90. There is an option in the contract to renew for one year. The other quote, from PetroValue, came in at $685.268.37. According to a staff report, Parkland Fuels has reliably supplied petroleum products to the city for the last three years. The staff report indicated that the proposed rates are a few thousand dollars lower than the current contract.

future city council meeting. The motion pertains to a city name change postponement and reads: that council postpone any further action regarding the request to change the name of the City of Powell River to the first regular council meeting of November 2026, after the inaugural meeting.

Postponement sought

Bylaw adopted

There was a notice of motion from mayor Ron Woznow that will be considered at a

The city’s bylaw to provide for the collection, transfer, disposal and recycling

of solid waste was adopted at the council meeting. The bylaw stipulates increases in tipping fees for solid waste received by the resource recovery centre and transfer station. The bylaw also provides for the purchase of carts for recycling, similar to the carts used for solid waste and organics. The cost of the recycling carts will be $692,000, with recycling rates in the solid waste collection bylaw to be increased by $23.66 per household for five years to pay for the carts.

7 Thursday, January 15.2026 | Peak » prpeak.com

Weather conditions change rapidly in backcountry New avalanche awareness study reveals many are not prepared TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com

Avalanche risk in the qathet region is currently at a moderate level, according to Avalanche Canada, a data collection system meant to help assess risk for those attempting to access places such as the mountainous regions of the Knuckleheads, Skwim, Freda and Juarez. According to the Simon Fraser University (SFU) Avalanche research program, snow avalanches claim about 135 lives every year in North America and Europe. Most of the victims are private backcountry recreationists, such as skiers, snowmobilers and mountaineers who make their own decisions about when and where to expose themselves to avalanche terrain. With the increasing popularity of snowshoeing and hiking in the backcountry, a new research study conducted by SFU's avalanche experts endeavoured to gauge the level of avalanche awareness among those trekking in snowy terrain. "As soon as you walk into snowy mountainous terrain, you're potentially exposing yourself to the risk of avalanches," stated SFU associate professor, school of resource and environmental management Pascal Haegeli, in a media release about the study. "Our results suggest that a large number of snowshoers and winter hikers are not aware of the potential threat of avalanches and are not tak-

ing the necessary steps to inform themselves of the risks." Avalanche experts surveyed more than 500 snowshoers and winter hikers at the main trailhead on Mount Seymour. According to the results, nearly half of those surveyed were either completely unaware that avalanches could be a risk on their trip, or they were not concerned at all. Although the study only focused on areas around the Lower Mainland, Haegeli emphasized that avalanches are a very real hazard on BC's mountains and it takes a little bit more skill and preparation to properly evaluate the risks. The reached out to local experienced backcountry enthusiast Clark Slootweg for his take on the level of avalanche awareness in the qathet region, and precautions/gear he takes when going winter trekking. "Our snowpack and weather patterns quite regularly mirror those seen in the Lower Mainland," said Clark. "I believe awareness of avalanche hazards among locals is comparable to other coastal recreation areas, but it varies individually." Slootweg and his wife Karen regularly trek Mount Freda and Juarez Peak; last February they set up camp at Pond Peak in the thick of winter. Clark said the minimum recommended gear for backcountry travel is as follows: Communication and navigation; satellite communicator, or a smartphone with satellite messaging capability; a dedicated GPS unit with spare batteries; and reliable mapping/app. "The clothing system should be adequate to re-

Dear Powell River and qathet, Thank you for your care and support during the loss of our precious daughter Savannah. I have made the decision to not return to Real Estate and I will be leaving my business with Rachel McKamey. She has worked alongside me and took things over when I really needed her. I consider Rachel as a part of our extended family. She is hard working, confidential, and detail oriented, so you will be in good hands. Please call her at 604-578-1168, email her at rachelmckamey@royallepage.ca, or visit her at Royal Lepage Powell River. It’s been an honour to work with such wonderful clients and colleagues, and I’m thankful for the relationships and friendships built along the way.

Love, Valerie

Clarke [left] and Karen Slootweg regularly trek in the backcountry and mountainous regions of the northern Sunshine Coast. The current wet weather pattern in southwestern BC increases avalanche danger, and that’s why they always go out prepared. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

main warm and dry if forced to spend an unplanned night out," said Clark. “An emergency bivvy or space blanket, first aid and sustenance is a must." Clark suggests bringing a comprehensive first-aid kit and a minimum 24-hour supply of food and water. "In winter avalanche terrain, during periods with snow cover, each group member should carry an avalanche transceiver [beacon], probe, shovel and have basic avalanche training," said Clark. "We use the Avalanche Canada forecast and the AvCan mobile app, Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Facebook page [that has excellent local maps with marked avalanche paths] and daily monitoring of freezing levels, recent precipitation and temperature trends." Clark said in late spring, once the snowpack has undergone significant meltfreeze cycles, generally offers the lowest avalanche risk, although this is not guaranteed every year. Clark and Karen recently submitted a compilation of their 2025 mountaintop experiences to the QRD Rad Reels film festival. To see

their video, type Adventure Hikes - Powell River - Clarke Slootweg into the search engine on YouTube.

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8 Thursday, January 15.2026 | Peak » prpeak.com

MP reflects on ‘steep learning curve’ Aaron Gunn says representing riding has been an honour PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

North Island-Powell River MP Aaron Gunn’s first year in office has been a whirlwind. “It has been a steep learning curve, but it has also been an honour to represent in parliament the people of this riding, the qathet region, the City of Powell River, and to be a voice for them and their concerns,” said Gunn. He said the committee work, speaking in parliament and attending debates came somewhat naturally for him, with his background in communications. The steepest learning curve has been setting up constituency offices and hiring staff to work with constituents to solve their issues with Canada Revenue Agency, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Service Canada and other agencies, he added. “There is no guide; there is no one to hold your hand to help you,” said Gunn. “You kind of get thrown into the deep end. The first couple of months were a steep learning curve, to put it mildly, but we really feel like we are starting to get a feel for things and make a difference. “You have to learn that as a member of parliament, you can’t do everything yourself, so it’s about hiring talented staff, which have been

incredible, here, in Campbell River and in Ottawa.” In terms of major issues that Gunn has been working on, they include the cost of living, the challenges faced by the resource industry, public safety concerns with violent offenders continually being released, plus the addictions crisis that has left more than 50,000 Canadians dead during the past 10 years. In Powell River, a major issue has been the application by Powell River Energy Inc. (PREI) to export power generated from its dams on Powell River and the Lois River. “They have been attempting to receive a 30-year export permit to send power out of this community to the United States with almost no benefit to the people who live here,” said Gunn. “I’ve been trying to be a loud voice for the people who live here. We’ve been gaining a lot of traction. Of all the content I’ve put out since the election, the PREI videos have reached the most people – more than half a million now. It’s a concern for people that not just live here or in the riding, but across the entire country that want to make sure these Canadian resources stay here in Canada to benefit the people who live here.” Gunn said resource industries in Canada have taken a hit, such as forestry and fishing. He said he has tried to be a loud voice for forestry. “The industry has essentially been cut in half here on the coast over the past five or six years and more than 5,000 jobs have been

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.

lost,” said Gunn. “Nine coastal mills have closed, including the one right here in Powell River. We’ve had anti-forestry policies by the provincial government, and a federal government that campaigned on getting a trade deal with the United States. Instead, softwood lumber tariffs have increased substantially. “As for fishing, you have an ideological policy that wants to close 30 per cent of British Columbia’s coastal waters to various economic activities with no discernible benefit to the environment, which has the potential to collapse commercial fishing and hurt recreational fishing.” Gunn said aquaculture is one of the biggest employers on the north island. He said thousands of people work in that industry and don’t know if their jobs are going to be there in two or three years. “The government promised a transition plan two years ago without saying what it would be and we haven’t heard anything since,” said Gunn. “So, whether its forestry, fishing, mining or energy, both the provincial and federal governments have combined to undermine certainty, undermine investor confidence, and as a result, led to thousands of job losses and wealth pouring out of the country.” In terms of his actions as a member of parliament, Gunn said Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and the caucus has been very supportive. “They’ve placed a fair degree of faith and confidence to allow me

In his Powell River constituency office, North Island-Powell River MP Aaron Gunn has been thoroughly enjoying his position as a member of parliament, saying it is the best job he has ever held. PAUL GALINSKI PHOTO

to go and do my own thing and represent the constituency and the residents who live here as I deem best,” said Gunn. He said that Poilievre has overwhelming support from caucus, including himself. “We’ll find out how much support he has from the membership at our convention,” said Gunn. “My prediction is that he will have overwhelming support.” As for the Conservative members who have crossed the floor and joined the Liberals, Gunn said it is sad and disappointing that the prime minister is trying to cobble together a majority that he didn’t earn at the ballot box by essentially bribing some weak-minded MPs

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who would rather betray the trust of their constituents for personal gain. “I don’t think that is a way to run a democracy,” said Gunn. “I can speak for the majority of the Conservative caucus that we are motivated to continue to fight for Canadians and that we have faith in Pierre.” On December 24, after weeks of speculation, Gunn announced that he will not be seeking the leadership of the BC Conservative Party. He said being a member of parliament for North Island-Powell River is the best job he’s ever had by a country mile. “I absolutely love every minute,” he added.

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9 Thursday, January 15.2026 | Peak » prpeak.com

Animal rescue team begins fundraising campaign

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PROWLS founder dreams of facility for wildlife patients, volunteers and visitors

Powell River Orphaned Wildlife Society (PROWLS) founder Merrilee Prior has been operating a bird rescue out of her Townsite home for 16 years. Prior said she is dreaming big and that 2026 is a new year, with a new mission, to find a bigger more suitable space for the plethora of water fowl, raptors, song birds, ravens, owls and many other types of birds that may be temporarily living at the current centre at any given time. PROWLS operates mainly through fundraising efforts and volunteers. On January 2, the PROWLS team launched a determined campaign to raise the funds to purchase a developed or undeveloped property. "It's been shocking; we did it [launched the campaign] literally on a wing and a prayer, and in the first three days we had people donate over $10,000," Prior told the Peak. "We dream of a new facility where we will have space, not just for our wildlife patients, but for many volunteers and visitors." Prior said they tried for a few years to move something forward with City of Powell River but there was too much red tape. "It's just too difficult to sort out with the city; they have all kinds of rules and it just wasn't working," said Prior. "I looked at [the situation] in the fall and thought 'we are exactly in the same place we were six years ago.'" Now, Prior said she and the volunteers feel a new sense of enthusiasm and want to see what they can do on their own. The team is hoping someone with an acreage available will come forward; she wants to raise substantially more money before looking at properties seriously. "When we were first discussing this, one of our volunteers said, 'well, if 200 people donate $5,000, we've got a mil-

Powell River Orphaned Wildlife Society founder Merrilee Prior and her team are on the search for a bigger and more suitable facility in qathet Regional District. PEAK ARCHIVE PHOTO

lion dollars, and we can buy land,'" said Prior. Currently, when an injured bird comes to PROWLS, it's usually on a temporary basis to feed and stabilize the animal, then the bird is usually transported to a wildlife rescue in Delta. "Someone recently found a bedraggled eagle at the foot of Southview Road on the beach, but really, we have nowhere to keep an eagle." Prior said her dream is to have a space big enough for more volunteers, a visitor centre, a proper hospital and have flight cages. "People in Powell River have really stepped up," said Prior. Prior recently thanked local resident Darren Marquis, in a message on social media, for calling PROWLS and helping out with the rescue of a trumpeter swan he saw snagged on barbed wire. "When Darren spotted the large white object across his field he originally thought it might be a piece of styrofoam blown by the wind and caught in the old barbed-wire fencing," stated Prior. "However, something didn't look right. He drove over and very quickly realized it was a very large swan and she was hooked on the fence." Prior said Marquis called PROWLS and stayed nearby until the volunteer

crew arrived. "Driving across the field we stopped before the deep, wet ditch between us and a very distressed trumpeter swan," added Prior, describing what volunteers saw once they arrived on scene. "It took the three of us to sort this rescue out. Her right wing was snagged and firmly hooked on the barbed wire." Prior explained that the wire was carefully removed, which then revealed a more serious entanglement of the swan's right leg and foot. "It was twisted around and under a large branch and her underfoot was caught on a barb," stated Prior. "Darren was able to cut the large branch to give more space to untangle the foot." This isn't the first trumpeter swan PROWLS volunteers have had to rescue. This past November volunteers helped an exhausted and injured swan at Gibsons Beach. "Swans are migrating south and when exhausted and hungry they drop down to rest and eat for a few days," explained Prior. "Somehow she ended up in the fence." Back at PROWLS the swan was given a quiet place to rest, in a small pool with plenty of duck mash and grass on offer, while volunteers monitored her. For more information or to make a donation, go to prowls.org.

ACROSS 1. Fueled 4. Commentator’s page: hyph. 8. Iranian ruler, once 12 Pub drink 13. Surface 14. Cat-o’-____-tails 15. Sick 16. Dogwood or pine 17. Bettor’s numbers 18. Onion’s kin 20. Knight’s garb 22. Lessen 24. Second airing 28. Delicate 32. Narrative writing 33. Lenient 34. “____ of a Salesman” 36. Mend 37. Eyed 39. Bookworms 41. Flock members 42. One or more 43. Boasts 46. Gain 50. Female voice 53. Smart kid 55. Opponent 56. Broil 57. Sole 58. Chimp 59. Slight amount 60. Wise seasoning? 61. Blushing color DOWN 1. Flop 2. Fashion monthly 3. Take out, as text

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10 Thursday, January 15.2026 | Peak » prpeak.com

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COMMUNITY »

Retiree shares listening journey TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com

Instead of sitting back and relaxing after a 50-year career as a social worker, Paul Jenkinson, at the age of 70 and finally retired (2025), decided to leave his home in Nova Scotia and embark on a coast-to-coast journey, offering free listening sessions to complete strangers. Jenkinson will be in the qathet region from January 18 to 25, continuing the tour he calls, You are Not Alone, I Will Listen – CrossCanada Journey. On January 20, he will share stories about his 23,000 kilometre journey and 700-plus conversations at Powell River Public Library. "I lived in British Columbia for about 30 years, and got my second degree from

the University of British Columbia," said Jenkinson. "I probably began my career back in 1975, assisting some of the first people coming out of institutional care; I worked with refugees, immigrants and street youth as well." Jenkinson said his friends probably thought he was mad when he told them his idea of travelling to towns, villages and cities across Canada, setting up a table and offering free listening sessions to whoever wants one. "I started in Nova Scotia, where I have lived for the last eight years," said Jenkinson. "I was on the dock in Lunenburg next to the Bluenose [an iconic schooner] with the fog rolling in." He said he stayed in 50 different cities and towns, and was billeted by 50 different families. "I probably listened to

about 800 serious conversations that were 20 minutes or more, and lots of 10-minute conversations," said Jenkinson. "There were literally thousands of people going by saying, 'I love what you're doing'; everybody wants to connect, right?" Jenkinson explained that he started to observe, when the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were lifted, that people were having a hard time reentering a larger social world. "I observed three things: People were socializing in smaller groups, it was a much more electronic world than before and the world seemed to have become much more polarized," explained Jenkinson. "Part of the idea of listening is this concept of curious inquiry; I really want to know, why do you think the way you

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think? What is happening in your heart and your emotions that you're feeling a certain way?" He said his listening sessions offer an ear of support, with no judgement. "My general impression actually [during the journey] is that we have much more joy and connection than you would think," he added. Jenkinson said he found that people were more willing to sit down and chat when he had his table set up with two chairs beside the table, as opposed to a chair on either side of the table. He also has a bowl of dog treats for the pets and a bowl of Jolly Ranchers for the humans who walk by. "Every community was, in its own way, unique and beautiful," said Jenkinson. "I sat at so many lakes on the Great Lakes, with beautiful

Paul Jenkinson [left] will be in qathet continuing his You are Not Alone, I Will Listen tour from January 18 to 25. He will share stories about his coast-to-coast journey at Powell River Public Library on January 20. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

beaches and parks, and I'd be there for four or five hours." Jenkinson said he hasn't yearned for home but instead is enjoying Canada and time spent with the people he meets. "In Powell River, I'm going to sit [in various places] and do public listening opportunities," said Jenkinson.

"I'm going to present at the library with a slideshow, but I'll be sitting in the public area with my sign and my two chairs, ready to listen to people, and if we happen to get some beautiful days, I'll go to the sea walk." He said he will also be at Townsite Public Market on January 24.

13 Thursday, January 15.2026 | Peak » prpeak.com

Former fire chief seeks information on carving removal Terry Peters wants accountability regarding disposal of logger sports creation PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

Former City of Powell River fire chief Terry Peters is concerned about the whereabouts of a chainsaw carving that used to adorn the fire hall in Westview. Peters said there has been a removal of the carving from the fire hall’s entrance. “The missing carving was acquired by the city as a sponsor of the 2017 logger sports carving competition,” said Peters. “Renowned carver Dan Richey, from Nanaimo, was the artist and it was a top-three finalist for that year. Mr. Richey has estimated this carving to still be of significant value.” Peters said he filed a freedom of information request with city hall to find out why the carving has gone missing and that he has had numerous exchanges with city staff to source a reason or find justification for why it was removed. He said all

he received was that an extensive search found no records. He asked if the city’s social purchasing policy was adhered to and the response was that the item was considered to be of so low value that it was not recorded as a tangible capital asset. “Not a stitch of tangible evidence or reason was ever documented to back up any claims of this carving’s value and reason why it was removed from the public view,” said Peters. “Significant effort was made to place this carving by then-mayor Dave Formosa. It also required an engineering report for its location that also could not be provided. Surely, equal effort must have been done to remove it, but there is no record of any kind.” Peters said he has suspicion the city showed lack of accountability and failure to adhere to the city’s records management policy, asset management policy and social purchasing policy. “It is my sincere hope that the honesty and integrity of all city staff, past and present, are held accountable,” said Peters. “What are we as the community and taxpayers supposed to accept when logger sports art that clearly defines our community and is owned by the city is discarded without process, justification and documenta-

tion? This carving was by no means of such low value that it can be tossed away. It was, in fact, of significant value. “I appeal to council to investigate city staff adherence to transparency in decision-making in all levels of the organization and to take appropriate actions to ensure a culture of accountability, and further, to make the results of this investigation public.” Peters said the community of Powell River and qathet Regional District cherishes its logging history. “These carvings can be found throughout our region and displayed proudly,” he added. Formosa said these beautiful carvings are seen at many locations within the community. “I remember when [former] chief Peters was keen on acquiring a piece of this sculpture art for the fire hall,” said Formosa. “The city was a major sponsor of the chainsaw sculpture competition. “The city received a number of pieces as thanks for its sponsorship. These pieces are valuable, having an estimated value depending on each piece of say $2,500 to $8,000, I would guess.” Formosa said it’s sad if the piece was removed as he enjoyed seeing the figure up

high above the garage doors of fire hall number one. “Hopefully, if it was decided to be removed, it found a new appropriate home or was auctioned off for charity,” said Formosa. Richey said it should be in the public’s view, not in somebody’s yard. “It was basically carved for people to look at it and see it,” added Richey. “I really enjoyed doing that carving. It was one of my favourites. “It is such a beautiful piece of work. When I was at the logger sports, I wanted to do something different than eagles and bears – something that was eye-catching.” Richey, who is self-employed and still carves, plus paints murals on buildings, said the value of the carving is about $10,000. That is the price he would charge if commissioned to create a carving of that size. He said in addition to his work, cedar is getting more expensive every year. Richey said the fire hall was a good location for the carving to be displayed because nobody could damage it because of its elevation, and it was in a place that is well-travelled. He said he is hoping the carving can be found and relocated to the fire hall. City chief administrative officer Sundance Topham

A wood carving that used to be displayed at Westview fire hall has been returned to Powell River Logger Sports, which has passed the carving along to a logger sports sponsor who had not received a carving. Former Powell River Fire Rescue chief Terry Peters was displeased that the carving had been taken down from the fire hall and is looking for answers regarding the process of removing it. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

said it was his understanding that when new Powell River Fire Rescue chief Martin Drakeley came on board, the CAO at the time and fire chief decided to take down the carving, which was mounted at the front of the fire hall, and return it to Powell River Logger Sports, which had donated the carving in the first place. Topham said in part, the removal of the carving was meant to signal a change at the department, and as the fire department's relationship with the Tla’amin Nation continues to strengthen, the cultural appropriateness and symbolism of items dis-

Friends of library to host donation day Group will accept books in good condition TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com

After skipping the month of December's donation day, qathet Friends of the Library (qFL) recently announced that Monday, January 26, will be the next opportunity for folks to drop off any books they may have, that are in good condition, at Powell River Public Library, from 3 to 5 pm.

Society members explained in a social media post that they are especially looking for new or fiction novels in good condition. Damaged, yellowing or musty books will not be accepted; travel, medical or sciencerelated books will not be accepted if they are more than three years old. The group also emphasised that they do not accept magazines, text books, encyclopedias, Reader's Digest or DVDs, CDs and VHS tapes. Larger donations or donations made outside of regular donation days can be arranged by contacting qFL at friendsprpl@gmail.com.

Top fiction reads released

A lot of uncertainty was created this past year, due to political and economic upheaval south of the Canadian border, ongoing global tensions and worries about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on people's lives. That may be why more folks turned to reading fiction in 2025. On January 2, Powell River Public Library (PRPL) released its top fiction reads from 2025. Top five adult fiction includes: The Women by Kristin Hannah; The

played at the fire hall carry increasing importance. “Within that context, the decision to remove and repatriate the carving was consistent with shared commitments to reconciliation, respectful partnership, and culturally mindful decisionmaking,” said Topham. Powell River Logger Sports president Tyler Brady said the city asked if logger sports wanted the carving back and the organization accepted it. “We passed it along to a longtime sponsor who had not received a carving yet,” said Brady, adding that he preferred not to name the sponsor.

Waiting by Michael Connelly; All Fours by Miranda July; Intermezzo by Sally Rooney; and The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny. Top five juvenile fiction includes: Wings of Fire, book two, The Lost Heir by Tui T. Sutherland; Wings of Fire, Book seven, Winter Turning by Tui T. Sutherland; Wings of Fire, Book five, The Brightest Night by Tui T. Sutherland; Wings of Fire, Book eight, Escaping Peril by Tui T. Sutherland; and Cat Kid Comic Club, On Purpose by Dav Pilkey.

14 Thursday, January 15.2026 | Peak » prpeak.com

SPORTS »

Kings add pair of forwards Additions bring playmaking and speed to hockey club

Powell River Kings have bolstered their forward group with a pair of signings. Ben Masi, who is from Laval, Quebec, and Ethan

Gobel, from Snohomish, Washington, are now fulltime members of the BC Hockey League (BCHL) club. Gobel, who is 18, played in six games with the Kings as an affiliate prior to Christmas. He scored once and added an assist. “Ethan is a big, strong kid who has nice hands and playmaking ability for a big man,” stated Kings’ coach

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Stephan Seeger Jr. “He made an instant impact in his first game as an affiliate, scoring a great goal at a key time against Coquitlam. As a result of his performance in the last few games at the BCHL level, we believe he has earned the right to be a King full time.” Prior to joining the Kings, Gobel appeared in 24 games for Comox Valley Glacier Kings of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL), where he scored eight goals and contributed 20 assists. Masi made his debut when the Kings hosted Coquitlam Express on January 2 and 3. Coquitlam won the games 3-2 and 5-1. “Ben is a speedy, energetic forward who has the ability to get pucks on net in creative ways,” stated Seeger Jr. “He changes directions with his feet extremely well without losing pace, and changes the angle on his shot very well. We are very excited to sign Ben and see his progress through his first season in juniors.” Last season Masi was the captain of his AAA team in Laval. The 17-year-old scored 28 goals and 17 assists in 42 games. Kings started a road trip on January 9 and scored the lone first period goal, courtesy of a power play marker off

Powell River Kings’ forward Eliot Compton, seen above versus Nanaimo Clippers on January 9, scored once in a 7-2 road loss when the two teams met at Frank Crane Arena. ISLAND IMAGES PHOTOGRAPHY

the stick of Eliot Compton, but the host Nanaimo Clippers took control of the divisional matchup following the first intermission. Nanaimo’s offence came alive in the middle frame, and outscored the visitors by a 5-1 margin, then added a pair of goals in the third period for a 7-2 win. Erik Wittwer also scored for the Kings. Assists were credited to Chris Battaini and Marek Beaudoin on Compton’s goal, while Sam Esposito set up Wittwer.

Shots were 39-29 in favour of the Clippers. Attendance at Frank Crane Arena in Nanaimo was 1094. Powell River bounced back from that loss the next night, and from a two-goal, first period deficit, by skating to a 7-3 win over Alberni Valley Bulldogs to claim their first win of 2026. Compton, Battaini and Wittwer each scored in the second period to give the Kings a 3-2 lead, despite only recording six shots on goal over the 20 minutes.

Jake Westhaver and Tadeas Mack increased the lead to 5-2 early in the third period, followed by second goals on the night by Battaini and Compton, which came before and after the Bulldogs’ third and final tally of the game. Shots favoured the home team by a 35-20 margin. Attendance at Alberni Valley Multiplex was 1,339. Powell River’s next games are in Cranbrook (January 20) and Vernon (January 21).

Villa drops points at home Gorge scores trio of first half goals, holds onto lead as Powell River presses for equalizer

Powell River Villa dropped its second match in a row at home, by a score of 3-2, on December 12 After trailing Gorge FC U23 by a score of 3-1 at halftime, Marm Fortier scored at the 55-minute mark in the

second half to cut the deficit to a single goal. “We had a good opportunity to get points but couldn’t find that equalizing goal late in the second half,” said Villa manager Chris McDonough. “We were missing five of our regular starters for the game due to suspension and injuries.” Tylor Cramb converted a penalty kick for Powell River’s first goal 10 minutes after the opening kick-off, and five minutes after Gorge opened the scoring. It was the second loss in as many

weeks at Timberlane Park for Villa, who are now off for Vancouver Island Soccer League’s winter break. The club returns to action January 17 on the road versus Prospect Lake, the top team in VISL’s Division 2. Powell River is eighth in the 10-team division with 14 points, one ahead of Saanich Bandits and two clear of Saanich Fusion. Prospect Lake leads with 31 points, followed by Gorge FC U23 (28), Cook Street United (26), Gorge FC (20), Nanaimo United (18), Mid Isle Mariners (17) and Westcastle International Academy (16).

SCENE 15 Thursday, January 15.2026 | Peak » prpeak.com

AROUNDTOWN

Splashy celebration

Cool temperatures on Thursday, January 1, did not deter die-hards of all ages from wanting to keep the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim tradition going at Willingdon Beach. Spectators watched the brave individuals who made splashes in the cold water, a few of whom even went in for a second dip. Spirits were high and laughter was all around. Cheers from local residents and visitors rang in 2026 as the participants ran into the water. Some fully dunked, while a few jumped in and exited just as quickly. ANDREW BRADLEY PHOTOS

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2026 financial and life planning

How to determine your financial needs in retirement No one knows what the future holds. Despite the mystery shrouding the future, it’s still vital that people plan for the years ahead, particularly in regard to saving for retirement. Advice abounds regarding how much money retirees will need to live comfortably in retirement. One common approach suggests retirees should aspire to replace 70 to 80 percent of their pre-retirement income, while another strategy urges retirees to save twelve times their final pre-retirement income, meaning someone making $100,000 in the year they retire will need at least $1.2 million in retirement savings to maintain their lifestyle. Each of these approaches are just strategies, and how much a person actually needs in retirement will depend on a host of variables unique to each individual, including the age a person retires, his or her health status at the time of retirement and personal goals for their golden years. For example, those who hope to retire at 65 and travel extensively in retirement will likely need more savings than someone who hopes to retire at 70 and travel less frequently. Though variables unique to each person will help to determine how much to save for retirement, there

are some additional ways to identify how much you might need to live comfortably after calling it a career.

Identify your ideal retirement age Arguably the most significant variable related to saving for retirement is the age at which a person hopes to retire. Some may have the luxury of choosing their own retirement date, while others’ personal health or employers may make that choice for them. But it’s good to remember that the longer a person continues to work, the less retirement savings that person will need. When trying to determine how much to save for retirement, first identify your ideal retirement age and then go from there, recognizing that this important variable can change over time.

Identify the lifestyle you hope to live If the romanticized ideal of a jetsetting retirement lifestyle appeals to you, then you’re likely going to need to save more for retirement than someone whose vision of life after working is less glamorous. It’s possible for many retirees to live

their ideal lifestyle in retirement, but those whose ideal is marked by expensive pursuits like regular international travel will need to start earlier and save more than someone who envisions occasional trips but more time at home.

Don’t overlook health care costs Health care costs for retirees are

Do you have a will? Are you confident in your estate plan?

We can assist you with: Wills • Estate Planning Powers of Attorney • Representation Agreements

heavily dependent on individual health. But even the healthiest retiree might experience a sudden and potentially costly medical issue, so it’s best for everyone to plan for sizable health care expenses in retirement. The Employee Benefit Research Institute estimates that couples will need to have saved at least $188,000 to have a 90 percent chance of covering their health care expenditures in retire-

ment. That figure is subject to variables unique to each individual, but it can serve as a useful measuring stick as adults try to determine how much they need to save for retirement. Financial needs in retirement depend on the individual. However, some key planning strategies can help individuals determine how much they might need to save to live comfortably in retirement.

Plan for your future with investments and life insurance.

Investments & life insurance We do both

Greg Babcock

Associate Financial Advisor and Mutual Fund Investment Specialist 109-4871 Joyce Ave, Powell River, BC, V8A 5P4

BARRISTERS, SOLICITORS & NOTARIES PUBLIC

604.485.6188 • villaniandco.com

Fax 604.485.6923 • office@villaniandco.com • #103-7020 Duncan Street

Investments. Insurance. Advice.

Tel: 604.485.7931 Ext: 577384 greg_babcock@cooperators.ca

Westview Agencies Ltd. | Co-operators Financial Investment Services Inc.. Not all products are available in all provinces. Mutual funds are offered through Co-operators Financial Investment Services Inc. to Canadian residents except those in Québec and the territories. Segregated funds are administered by Co-operators Life Insurance Company. Life and health insurance products are underwritten by Co-operators Life Insurance Company. © 2024 Co-operators Life Insurance Company and Co-operators Financial Investment Services Inc. W2075

2026 FINANCIAL AND LIFE PLANNING

17 Thursday, January 15.2026 | Peak » prpeak.com

Thinking about what you can’t do is worry Thinking inking about what you can do is planning planni Let us help you. THE LAW OFFICE OF MARTIN OSTENSEN

J.D., M.B.A., M.H.A. Barrister and Solicitor 604.485.2818 • 4581 Marine Avenue Monday to Thursday 9 am to 5 pm

Is it possible to save money on a modest salary? In the collective imagination, saving money sometimes seems accessible only to those with high salaries. But is it still possible to save even on a modest income? The answer is “yes”! Here are a few tips to help you do so.

Make a budget The first step to saving is to know where your money goes. Review your bank statements and make a list of the amounts you spend on your various types of expenses. Financial experts often recommend the 50/30/20 rule: • 50 per cent of your income should go to essential expenses, like housing, food and electricity • 30 per cent should go to non-essentials, like entertainment and leisure • 20 per cent should go to savings These percentages may vary depending on

your situation. If your essential expenses take up more than half your income, look for ways to reduce them. For example, you may be able to switch to a cheaper mobile plan or use public transportation more often.

Create habits No matter your salary, set up an automatic transfer of a small amount from each paycheque into a savings account. Over time, you’ll see your savings grow—money you might have spent without realizing it. In addition, try to make a habit of waiting a day or two before making a purchase. Use that time to decide whether the item is useful, essential or simply unnecessary. A few hours of reflection may help you make better financial decisions. Are you looking for savings strategies you can implement despite your limited income? Don’t hesitate to contact a financial advisor.

Are you on track to achieve the life you’ve always dreamed of?

A great life is about more than the dollar value of your investments. At IG Wealth Management, we believe in holistic planing that goes beyond the numbers and money. With an IG Living Plan™ your lifestyle goals are synchronized with your entire financial picture, including your investments, estate plan, taxes, business and insurance.

Say “Yes!” to life’s possibilities.

Toban de Rooy

CFP® CLU® TEP® FCSI® MFA-P® RRC®

Senior Financial Consultant IG Wealth Management Inc.

Tel: (604) 414-8280 Toban.deRooy@ig.ca

Talk to me today.

Trademarks, including IG Wealth Management, are owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations.

DO YOU NEED A WILL OR POWER OF ATTORNEY? Your assets. Your wishes.

A Will and Power of Attorney help ensure both are protected. Book online today at www.ocralawteam.com

18 Thursday, January 15.2026 | Peak » prpeak.com

TO BOOK YOUR AD »

NOW PUBLISHING THURSDAYS

- DEADLINE -

Call or email to place your ad, Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4 pm Geri Anderson

604.485.5313

Wednesday, 2 pm for the following week’s issue

classifieds@prpeak.com CLASSIFICATIONS

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2000 MARKETPLACE 3000 CHILDREN 3500 PETS & LIVESTOCK

4000 HEALTH 4500 TRAVEL 5000 BUSINESS & FINANCE

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1105 Obituaries

1010 Announcements

Wendy Fjeld

2026 Council & Committee of the Whole Meeting Schedule

Our beloved mother passed away on October 31, 2025. She will be remembered for her strength, resilience and the lasting impact she had on those around her. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, January 25, from 12 to 3 pm at Seasider Bistro. All who knew and loved her are welcome to join us in remembrance.

Shirley Jacqueline Annette Martindale May 12, 1944 - December 9, 2025 (81 years old)

Shirley passed away peacefully at home on December 9, 2025. She was born and raised in Vancouver, BC, and was predeceased by her biological father Arnold Edward Martindale, who served in WWII and passed away at the age of 23. She was also predeceased by her stepfather Bernard Rosso and mother Penual Rosso. She is survived by her sisters Joyce Polley, Terese Bowen, and by her brothers Brenton Rosso (Christie) and Darrell Rosso. She is also survived by her children Laurine Lessor (Kevin), Theresa Findlater (Tyler), Brenda Piccinin (Greg) and her four grandchildren Danielle (Devon), Taylor (Shawn), Hunter (Cassidy) and Aerin, as well as six great-grandchildren Mykhailo, Nikolai, Carter, Carson, Jack and Ellie, grand-puppy Sophie and many nieces and nephews. Mom worked throughout her life at various places, but her most rewarding job was raising her three girls and spending time with her grandchildren. Mom was an amazing cook and baker. She was an incredibly talented artist; she loved to create art with just a pencil and paper and was amazing at it. Mom had a knack for making things beautiful. She had a great sense of humour and was a very giving person. If someone needed help she was there. She loved spending time going for coffee and lunches with her girlfriends, and was a loyal friend. Mom continued to have her faith, which will carry her on.

Gregory Allan Rahier June 23, 1955 - December 27, 2025

It is with larger than life holes in our hearts that we have had to say goodbye to our very dear, very loving and caring husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, son and, most importantly, very best friend on the planet, Gregory. Words fall short for us in explaining our loss. If you knew Greg, you know he is sorry to have been taken too soon, but he certainly wants us to keep our focus on the happy adventures and memories we are all so lucky to have...forever. His adventure began when he was born in Saskatoon. In BC, he grew up in Penticton, where he met and married his wife April 50 years ago. A 30-year career with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans took Greg and April from Bella Bella, Salmon Arm, Prince Rupert, where Benjamin and Adam were born, to Dawson's Landing-Rivers Inlet, when Rachel was born, and then to Powell River, where he finished his career. Greg would want everyone to know he had a great run; a life well lived. Take your kids fishing and hunting, show them how to enjoy the great outdoors. Greg would love that. We plan to celebrate Gregory Allan Rahier's "trips round the sun" in the spring. No funeral service at Greg's request. Flowers are beautiful but unnecessary. Donate to your favourite conservation cause in his honour instead. Goodbye, Old Man. We love you, April, Benjamin (Shawna and Owen), Adam and Rachel, xo

1010 Announcements

No service by request. A celebration of life will be held at a later date in the spring. Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Alcoholics Anonymous • 604-485-6994 • 604-223-1270 • 604-414-5232 (Texada)

Meetings

FRIDAYS, 7:30 to 8:30 pm qathet General Hospital, third floor

SUNDAYS, 8 to 9 pm

Union Hall, 5814 Ash Ave

NEED SOME OLD PAPERS FOR WOOD FIRES, CRAFTING, ANIMALS, OR YOUR GARDEN? Come by the Peak office to grab a bundle or two. Our newspapers are printed with vegetable-based inks. We are at: 4493F Marine Ave A donation of $5 towards the Food Bank would be appreciated.

Do you worry about how much someone else drinks?

AL-ANON MEETING:

Mondays 4 to 5 pm • 604.485.8474

www.bcyukon-al-anon.org

CHESS CLUB AT POWELL RIVER LIBRARY

Sundays 1 to 5 pm

All ages and abilities, free to attend.

Powell River Hospital Foundation is working to provide better health care for the citizens of Powell River. Please donate “In Memory” prhospitalfoundation.com

604.485.3211 ext 4349

1230 Work Wanted DUMP RUNS & JUNK REMOVAL Lakeside Landscaping 604-344-2171

>> CITY JOBS

Her cat Daisy kept her company for many years and gave her great joy.

“We love you and miss you dearly, and although you are gone, your love will guide us through each and every day.”

The 2026 Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting (COTW) Schedule is now posted at City Hall and available on the City’s website at powellriver.ca. The first regular Council Meeting of 2026 is scheduled for January 22, 2026. Regular Council and COTW meetings are open to the public, held electronically and in person in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Agendas for upcoming meetings are available online at powellriver.civicweb.net/portal and at City Hall.

1215 General Employment

Her home was her sanctuary, where she could look at the ocean every day and see many beautiful sunsets.

We know she was so proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

8000 SERVICE DIRECTORY 9000 TRANSPORTATION

For more information & to donate:

prcommunityfoundation.com Thank you for supporting the good work of qathet’s local charities!

Manager of Financial Services RCMP Guard (part-time) Aquatic Staff I (part-time) All applications must be submitted online through the Employment Opportunities page at www.powellriver.ca

19 Thursday, January 15.2026 | Peak » prpeak.com

1040 Card of Thanks

3560 Pets

Thank you

Special Olympics BC Powell River would like to thank the following for their support in helping to make our recent Christmas Tree Mulch such a success • CUPE 798 • City of Powell River • Augusta Recyclers • Mother Nature Garden and Pet • The Peak • Qathet Living • Ian Milsom • Todd Phillips • Noel Poulin • Keith Parkhouse • All those who made donations and purchased tree tags

H E L P WA N T E D S e n i o r looking for occasional help with grocery shopping. 604-485-8444

6035 Industrial/Commercial

PR4RENT.ca FOR DETAILS ON

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY IN POWELL RIVER

604.483.8200

GRAYSON Stunning, young, female cat seeking a new loving family

BRIAN & BRUCE Super cute kittens. Wow, worth a visit!

Join TPID Exteriors, a leader in exterior envelope work, and become a valued part of our team. We are actively hiring experienced carpenters, roofers, and labourers for consistent year-round work. Our focus on roofing and siding projects ensures a steady workload. We are dedicated to our employees’ professional growth, offering competitive, merit-based wages and a supportive environment where you can build your skills and advance your career. If you are a motivated and skilled professional seeking a stable and rewarding opportunity, we invite you to apply. If interested, please email taras@tpiandd.com or call Taras 604.208.4025.

2145 Wanted

SUPER SARAH Super cute tripod gray female kitten

LEXI Super smart, pretty, female German Shepherd mix

1215 General Employment

CACHE & HOPPER Double the sweetness, gentle, affectionate lil male kittens AMELIE, MYSTIQUE, MOONPIE, MERLIN, MORTY, & MORTICIA Take one, take two, hard to choose LEXINGTON Wow, stunning Shepherd mix. Five-year-old female dog with brains and personality SAILOR Pretty, young, female cat with super silky fur

Hire • Buy • Sell

SIREN Super sweet senior lady, Formosan Mountain dog mix

5520 Legal/Public Notices

HARVIE Super handsome gray and white, male feline, also the king of loafing

classifieds@prpeak.com

NOTICE

Disposition of abandoned property located at 6263 Lund Street unit 36. Abandoned mobile and refuse must be claimed and removed by Greg Reynolds and Alice Rosypskye within 30 days of this notice, at their expense. After 30 days disposal will be completed by KJ Ford Holdings Ltd. of 55015 11650 Tenth Street, Nanaimo, BC, V9R 0B6.

SHOUT IT OUT ! in the Peak Classifieds 604.485.5313 classifieds@prpeak.com

Pet-friendly units • NS/ND westcoastend.com 604-414-8595

SPCAADOPT-A-PET 604.485.9252

MISS CHARLIE Wow, stunning blue-eyed charmer

“Together we make it possible”

6965 Suites for Rent

8325 Sand & Gravel

JEB Super senior feline seeking his matching human! BOO-BOO Green eyed, mature, pretty, friendly, black cat, welcomes visitors FRANK SINATRA & ELVIS Sweet n’ playful, cute overload, Corso/Mastiff mix puppies

classifieds@prpeak.com

9115 Auto Miscellaneous

Stevenson Road, Powell River, BC

604.483.8007

MONDAY TO FRIDAY • 7 am to 5 pm SAND AND GRAVEL PRODUCTS QUARRY ROCK SLINGER TRUCK • GRAVEL TRUCK

Certified mechanics cs on duty y

604.485.7927 7

TERMS

Classified advertising is accepted on a prepaid basis only. VISA and MasterCard welcome. Peak Publishing reserves the right to classify ads under appropriate headings, set rates therefore and determine page location. Full, complete and sole copyright in any advertising produced by Peak Publishing is vested in and belongs to Peak Publishing. No copyright material may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of Peak Publishing. Any errors in advertisements must be brought to the attention of the publisher within 30 days of the first publication. It is agreed by any display or classified advertiser that the liability of the newspaper in the event of failure to publish an advertisement or in the event that errors occur in the publishing of any advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only and that there shall be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. Peak Publishing cannot be responsible for errors after the first day of publication of any advertisement. Notice of errors in the first week should immediately be called to the attention of the advertising department to be corrected for the following edition. All advertising is subject to the approval of the publisher.

LAST CALL FOR ENTRIES POWELL RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BUSINESS AWARDS N O M I N AT I O N S A R E O P E N

SCAN QR CODE T O N O M I N AT E DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS: 5 PM, THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026

BANQUET & AWARDS PRESENTATION SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2026 DWIGHT HALL

Doors open at 5 pm • Opening remarks at 6:30 pm

Tickets: $75 each

Reserve your tickets by emailing office@powellriverchamber.com or call the Chamber office at 604-485-4051

20 Thursday, January 15.2026 | Peak » prpeak.com

OPEN HOUSE TOUR

NEW LISTING

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17 HOSTED BY BILL BAILEY • 11 AM TO 12 PM

2018 Park Model Manufactured Home on a delightful pad with grassy views all around, only thirteen minutes from central Powell River. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 585 sq ft 125-8430 SPRINGBROOK ROAD BILL: 604 223 0811 $199,900 MLS® 19542

AUSTYN:: 778 986 1691 AUSTYN

Idyllic half-acre lot perfectly positioned near the southwestern corner of Savary Island, just off the Sunset Trail, steps from the white sand dunes near Meadows Beach. 1136 HERCHMER ROAD $229,900 MLS®19572 Austyn Mackinnon REALTOR® 778 986 1691

FULLY SERVICED

amackinnon@460realty.com

HOSTED BY KATIE INDREBO• 11 AM TO 12 PM

Beautifully crafted, brand-new townhome! Environmentally sustainable, this energy-efficient home has a zero carbon footprint. 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom 102-5191 MANSON AVENUE KATIE: 604 344 0055 $499,900 MLS® 19151 HOSTED BY AUSTYN MACKINNON • 11 AM TO 12 PM

Wildwood charm at its sweetest. Nestled on 1.1 acres down a quiet no-thru road, this homestead house has a detached shop. 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 1,008 sq ft 5875 FRASER STREET AUSTYN:: 778 986 1691 $550,000 MLS®19528 AUSTYN HOSTED BY DUSTIN VILLENEUVE • 11 AM TO 12 PM

Discover coastal living at its finest in this spacious home located in the highly sought-after Grief Point neighbourhood. 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 3,224 sq ft 7173 WESTMINSTER STREET DUSTIN: 604 358 2473 $629,900 MLS®19426

austynprhomes.com

NANCY: 604 849 5777

South facing fully serviced 0.19 acre lot ready for your dream house design. Take in the expansive view of Malaspina Strait and sunsets to dazzle you at the end of the day. LOT 3 HEMLOCK STREET $299,000 MLS®19388

NEW LISTING

INVESTMENT!

KATIE: 604 344 0055

BILL: 604 223 0811

Experience tranquil living at its finest. Immaculately kept, tastefully updated with original maple hardwood floors throughout. 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2,567sq ft 2467 SWEDE BELLE ROAD $899,900 MLS®19461

Two fully refurbished mobile homes and two newly built homes overlooking Gillies Bay and right across the street from beach access. 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 938 sq ft 3465 OAK STREET, TEXADA ISLAND $1,890,000 MLS®19383

nancy@nancyhamilton.ca

nancyhamiltonlifestyle.com

GREAT LOCATION!

BILL: 604 223 0811

Affordable living in a well-maintained condo on the bus route and a short walk to the Townsite Market, theatre and restaurants 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 1,004 sq ft 301-5701 WILLOW AVENUE $344,900 MLS®19527 OCEANVIEW

Dustin Villeneuve REALTOR® 604 358 2473

dvilleneuve@460realty.com

dustinvilleneuve.com

Bill Bailey REALTOR® 604 223 0811

HOSTED BY NANCY HAMILTON • 11 AM TO 12 PM

Beautifully updated home on .65 acres with orchard trees, gardens, huge detached workshop, renovated studio suite. 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2,952 sq ft 7889 HIGHWAY 101 NANCY: 604 849 5777 $799,900 MLS®19329

Nancy Hamilton REALTOR® 604 849 5777

bbailey@460realty.com

billbailey.ca

AUSTYN:: 778 986 1691 AUSTYN

Wonderfully low-maintenance, this home is an ideal blend of comfort, convenience and coastal beauty, rare find in a prime location. 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,323 sq ft 302-6900 BURNABY STREET $375,000 MLS®19515

Check our available rentals Kathy Grantham

604.208.9722

prpm.ca

kgrantham@460pm.com

Katie Indrebo REALTOR® 604 344 0055

kindrebo@460realty.com

katieindrebo.com

Dean Macdonald REALTOR® 604 786 2977

dmacdonald@460realty.com

realtorontherock.com

236.328.0236 460REALTYPR.COM