The Peak - June 25, 2026

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Canucks hire local minor hockey product PAGE 18

SURVIVAL STORIES

Paddling club members host session at library PAGE 19

Young golfer tops tournament

Lucas Vizzutti qualifies for national tour challenge

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

Powell River juvenile boys golfer Lucas Vizzutti is continuing his winning ways, placing first and second in recent Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT) tournaments. As a result, Lucas, who is 15 years old, has qualified for the MJT national tour challenge.

At the Hills at Portal Golf Club in Surrey May 30 and 31, Lucas won the tournament by one stroke, capturing the MJT juvenile boys title after posting fine rounds of 72 and 74, for a two-day total of 146.

“The first day I played really well and shot even,” said Lucas. “The second day, it was a battle all day with the other golfer [Andy Koh, from Surrey]. We were back and forth all day. He was leading, then I was leading. It was really fun.”

As a result of the victory, Lucas qualified for the MJT East Coast junior championship and the MJT national tour. He also qualified for the MJT national tour in 2025, travelling to Niagara Falls.

As for this year’s national tour, Lucas said he is most likely going to go, but attendance hasn’t been confirmed yet. On June 13 and 14, he competed in

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the MJT tournament at Golden Eagle Golf Club in Pitt Meadows and came second with a 145 score over the two days. The winner, Jay You, of Langley, won with a pair of 69s, for a total score of 138. Lucas shot a 71 on the first day of the tournament. “I was really happy because it was my best round this year in tournaments and I was pretty happy with it,” he said. “I had a pretty good chance going into the second day, but when the other golfer plays so well on back-to-back days, you really can’t do anything about it. You just have to play your own game.”

Lucas said it was a tough tournament weather wise, with temperatures hovering around 30 Celsius.

“Second place is always good,” he added. “It’s my goal to place in the top three.”

He has been busy most weekends with tournament play, with lots of travel. His next big tournament is the BC junior tournament in Osoyoos.

Lucas qualified for the BC junior in Chemainus, and is excited to compete against the best young golfers in the province. He will also be part of the BC Summer Games golf team from the Vancouver Island region. This year’s games will be hosted in Kelowna.

In order to stay sharp for tournament play, Lucas spends a lot of time on the Myrtle Point golf course.

“Usually, after school, if I have time, I’ll go and play, and then some days I’ll go to the range. I »3

Lucas Vizzutti won the recent Hills at Portal Golf Club in Surrey, which qualifies him for the national Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour later this year. Lucas, 15, qualified for the tournament in 2025, and also was able to compete in tournaments in Australia and Florida during that year. MAPLE LEAF

PHOTO

Kings add pair of executives

Hockey club names general manager and hockey operations director

Powell River Kings have announced two significant additions to the team’s hockey operations leadership: Tyler Kuntz as general manager and Curtis Fraser as director of hockey operations.

These appointments mark an important step forward for the organization and signal a renewed commitment to building a competitive, community-focused program, according to a statement from the team

A familiar face with strong ties to Powell River, Kuntz returns to the Kings after previously serving as head coach and GM from 2018 to 2020. The Lumsden, Saskatchewan, native brings decades of experience as a player, coach and leader across the BC Hockey League, WHL, U SPORTS and international hockey.

Kuntz played in the BCHL before a five-year career

with UBC Thunderbirds (135 games, bachelor of human kinetics). He played professionally in Europe and North America, then transitioned to coaching with roles, including as an assistant coach for the WHL’s Vancouver Giants, head coach of UBC Thunderbirds and assistant coach with Daemyung Killer Whales in South Korea. He has worked with numerous NHL, WHL and NCAA prospects, emphasizing detailed preparation, work ethic and player development both on and off the ice.

“Tyler’s deep connection to this community and proven ability to build strong programs made his return a natural fit,” stated the Kings’ board. “He has already played a pivotal role in strengthening our operations, including helping secure our new head coach. We are incredibly grateful for his dedication and excited to have his leadership guiding the Kings back to sustained success.”

Kuntz said it is an honour to represent the Kings, the community and the qathet region.

“Our mission is to restore the organization as the pre-

mier place for hockey players to both develop and win in the BCHL, and at the same time rebuilding our brand and trust within our own community,” he added. “We aim to once again become the heartbeat of Powell River.”

Fraser is a well-connected hockey executive from Surrey, BC. He enjoyed a successful junior career in the BCHL (Victoria Salsa and Vernon Vipers) before excel-

ling at University of Alaska Fairbanks (114 points in 148 games, alternate captain). His professional playing career included time in the AHL (142 games), ECHL (Kelly Cup champion with Alaska Aces) and Europe. In management and scouting, Fraser has served as director of hockey operations for Langley Rivermen, a BC scout for the WHL’s Everett Silvertips, and in player de-

velopment/coaching roles.

Known for his high energy, multitasking ability and extensive network, he has been instrumental behind the scenes—leading head coach interviews, contacting returning players, driving recruitment and organizing offseason ID camps.

“Curtis is a force of nature who gets things done,” the Kings stated. “His connections across the hockey

Travel aided by community fundraisers

would say it is half and half.

“I’m pleased with my play this year. All you have to do is keep getting better and I’ve already got better from last year. I’ve had some podium finishes, so that’s always good.”

Lucas said he has been driving the ball really well this year and his putting has been better than usual, so he is happy with that.

“It’s really helped my game, because if you can putt well, you’re going to shoot pretty decently.”

His game has been aided by new

clubs this year. He was fitted for the first time and is using Titleist clubs.

In order to travel just about every weekend, Lucas said he has received lots of help from the community. Last year, there were fundraisers to help him travel to places such as Australia and Florida, and there has been lots of help from family.

Lucas recognized his family for helping him reach this point in his golf journey, saying: “My parents have helped a lot to get me where I am.”

His father, Chad, said he has been on the road a great deal with Lucas.

“We have to leave for tournaments on Fridays, so that means me taking a half day off work and Lucas taking half a day off school,” said Chad. “We’ve had a lot of trouble getting home this year, so there have been a few nights sleeping at the Earls Cove ferry terminal on Sundays in the truck. Those are the sacrifices you have to make living up here on the Sunshine Coast.”

Lucas plans to keep playing in MJT and other tournaments, hoping to get his name out there.

“Hopefully, I can get a scholarship to a school in the United States, or somewhere here, and keep going,”

said Lucas.

Chad said it is a balance trying to keep good grades in school along with excellence in golf. He said at the end of the day, if nothing else, by getting a scholarship, there’s the prospect of a good education.

“I know Lucas will say he would like to play professional golf, but having the education, too, is a good goal to have,” added Chad. It’s nice to have something to fall back on.”

To concentrate on golf, Lucas didn’t play hockey this season, which was a big adjustment for the family, according to Chad.

“We thought it would be best to

world and tireless work ethic have been invaluable. We appreciate everything he’s poured into this team and are thrilled to have him in this key role.”

Kuntz and Fraser form a strong leadership duo with local roots, deep hockey expertise and a shared passion for restoring the Kings to their proud tradition of excellence, according to the club.

focus on one sport, and with hockey, getting older, it gets rougher, and Lucas has been kind of injuryprone in the past, so we didn’t want him to have a setback on his golf,” said Chad. “We were lucky this winter that Lucas could get out golfing quite a bit. He really didn’t miss any weekends all the way through.”

Lucas is hoping to go to Florida again this November for the MJT wrap-up. He has to amass enough points in MJT competition to earn the spot in Florida, featuring Canada’s best young golfers. “It was a really great experience last year,” said Chad.

Curtis Fraser will serve as Powell River Kings’ director of hockey operations for the upcoming BC Hockey League season. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Powell River Kings have named Tyler Kuntz as general manager, a position he held with the BC Hockey League club from 2018 to 2020. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

1« VIZZUTTI

DON’T MISS THIS WEEK

SATURDAY JUNE 27

DRAGON BOATING ON POWELL LAKE

Paddling for Life team members will share their inspiring stories from breast cancer survival to regaining health, staying connected and winning gold at a regatta. The presentation will begin at 2 pm in Powell River Public Library (100-6975 Alberni Street). For information, email Mark at mmerlino@prpl.ca.

Financials released for regional district

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

qathet Regional District (qRD) has released its 2025 statement of financial information (SOFI). At the June 9 finance committee meeting, directors carried a motion recommending that the regional board approve the 2025 SOFI report.

quickly and without notice.

Electoral Area E director and finance committee chair Andrew Fall said a graph on sustainability in the written staff report shows debt to tax requisitions and debt to total annual revenue seem to be hovering close to zero.

“That is a good thing,” said Fall. “With the debt-related ones, the lower, the better.”

General manager of financial administration Linda Greenan said Fall’s observation was correct.

“You want that to be trending downward,” said Greenan. “You want the debt to go down.”

Fall said graphs comparing regional districts indicate that qRD seems to be in a good position, so he wanted to confirm that with Greenan. He added that assets to liabilities were median, putting qRD in the middle of the pack.

“Is that what the graphs are more or less telling us?” asked Fall.

Greenan said net financial assets to total annual revenue, qRD is lower.

“What that is saying is we might want to consider funding more of our purchases of capital assets with reserves rather than debt financing,” said Greenan. “As our debts reduce and our reserves go up, that would change the indicator.”

Fall said there was a balance between how much qRD is saving in reserves for long term assets, and how that is being balanced with debt, instead of paying with reserves.

“It’s good information for us to keep in mind, and of course, something that should come up when we are considering major purchases,” added Fall.

Area B Mark Gisborne said that when the regional board was preparing its financial plan, he recalled looking at Malaspina Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD). He said there is some debt and interest for apparatus. He said he did not see any debt from the Municipal Finance Authority of BC in relation to MVFD.

“I’m wondering if that debt was with the municipal finance authority or is it somewhere else?” asked Gisborne.

Greenan said SOFI only reports on long-term debt and the Malaspina debt is equipment financing through the municipal finance authority. She said it is considered short-term, even though the regional board is able to renew it every five years.

The staff report indicated SOFI information is intended to provide an overview of qRD’s financial performance in terms of its financial sustainability, flexibility and vulnerability.

qRD’s assets to liabilities are in the low range compared to other regional districts and investments in capital assets without the use of debit would improve the ratio, the report stated. Financial assets to liabilities are also in the low range and declined from 2022 to 2024, but increased slightly. Continued and increased contributions to reserves would improve the ratio, according to the report.

Accumulated surplus to tax requisitions is in the median range compared to other regional districts. Net financial assets (debt) to total annual revenue is below all other comparators, as is net financial assets to tax requisitions, which is well below all comparators, the report stated.

Public debt charges to revenues are in the high range of comparator regional districts and this illustrates the extent to which past borrowing decisions present a constraint on a government’s ability to meet its financial and service commitments. The report stated that the more government uses revenues to meet interest costs on past borrowing, the less that will be available for program spending.

The SOFI report also laid out a schedule of remuneration and expenses. For elected officials, the regional district spent $188,474.20 in remuneration and $42,127.20 in expenses.

There were 15 employees who earned more than $75,000 during 2025. Earnings for those employees came to $1,748,097, while expenses came to $55,668.

The remuneration for all qRD employees earning less than $75,000 came to $2,030,099, with expenses of $75,885.11. Total remuneration was $3,778,197 and total expenses were $131,553.

The annual statement of financial information for qathet Regional District has been released, outlining the regional district’s financial position, and providing information on payments to contractors, and remuneration for board directors and employees.

PEAK ARCHIVE PHOTO

Water supply remains abundant

City director of infrastructure services indicates no shortages at this time

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

City of Powell River’s water supply is in good shape, according to director of infrastructure services Mark Rowlands.

At the June 26 committee of the whole meeting, councillor Rob Southcott said in previous years, there has been a verbal update from the director of infrastructure, particularly following the announcement of water restrictions, which he supports.

“I love conservation,” said Southcott. “In view of obvi-

ous concerns about limited snowpack and precipitation, I’m asking for the director of infrastructure to give us a brief verbal update so people can be assured we are in good shape for this year, which I expect we are.”

Rowlands said Powell River has a wonderful water supply and it is in great shape.

“There is a super El Niño coming our way that has been confirmed by the United Nations,” said Rowlands.

“It will be interesting to see what happens.”

Rowlands said the city has to be sensitive to maintaining the water height in Haslam Lake because of the downstream fisheries impact potential.

“We have a great source and great quality, plus great capacity at the moment,” said Rowlands. “That can change, however, with a fire

in the watershed.

“This is an interesting lake. It receives most of its water from the storms and from some springs. It is not affected too much by glaciation.”

Rowlands said the weather is changing and it can’t be predicted. He added that the climate is changing and the weather is difficult to assess, so the city may have less water at the time it is needed most.

The city has aged infrastructure from the water reservoir into the city, said Rowlands, which is worrisome.

Councillor Trina Isakson asked if algae has been a problem in Haslam Lake with warm temperatures.

“Is that something of concern?” asked Isakson.

Rowlands said he had gone down the trail and had a lovely hike at the lake. He

said around the intake and further up looks crystal clear.

Councillor Jim Palm asked about stage two water restrictions.

Rowlands said the city is currently in stage two, and generally, people will have to cut back on their lawn watering, plus face other restrictions.

Palm said during the last super El Niño, when the ponds at the former Nootka Dunes golf course dried up, he went out and found all kinds of golf balls.

“That was the worst summer we have had, and I remember going to Haslam Lake with then director Tor Birtig, and one of the con-

cerns was debris at the intake,” said Palm. “How is that looking at this time?”

Rowlands said during a recent tour of the Haslam Lake water facility, it was looking good.

Palm said people are so very fortunate to live in Powell River, which has an abundance of water.

City of Powell River director of infrastructure services Mark Rowlands has indicated the city’s water supply from Haslam Lake is in good shape. PAUL GALINSKI PHOTO

Students celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day

Tla'amin educators invite young people to learn about culture, carving, protocol and dance

TANYA HILL

community@prpeak.com

Students from all over qathet celebrated the traditions, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis on June 17 at tišosem (Tla'amin Nation), ahead of National Indigenous Peoples Day, which takes place every year on June 21.

qathet School District (qSD) principal of Indigenous education Jessica Johnson, Tla'amin educators, elders and community members welcomed students from qSD, Assumption School and École

Côte Du Soleil inside Ɂəms ʔayɛ (Our House), Tla’amin Nation’s cultural centre that opened last year.

Inside, students heard storytelling, protocol and were invited to try a traditional Tla'amin dance on the main floor of the room.

Tla'amin storyteller Dion Marriott told students about the history of Ɂəms ʔayɛ, the first cultural house built in Tla’amin territory since the great fire of 1918.

"Designed in collaboration with Tla’amin elders and knowledge keepers, the space honours Tla’amin’s deep relationships with Klahoose, Homalco and K’ómoks Nations, with house posts dedicated to each sister nation," said Marriott.

After protocol and dance, students broke off into groups outside for workshops that included carving demonstrations, prairie teachings, Inuit games, a choir performance, archaeology and snacks of bannock and candied salmon.

Staff make homelessness recommendation

Committee postpones decision on amending bylaw pertaining to parks and city-owned property

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

City of Powell River councillors are delaying a decision on overnight sheltering in cityowned parks and spaces.

On June 16, councillors were provided four recommendations from an extensive report from CAO Sundance Topham, which included amending the parks bylaw to allow for overnighting in certain parks, allocating funds for the cleanup of encampments, FireSmarting high-risk city parks and increasing funding in the 2027 budgeting process for increased capacity to deal with encampments.

Topham told councillors the city, like most other municipalities in the province, is affected by homelessness.

“With the opening of the new Driftwood Shelter in late April, and the support of the province through the homeless encampment

action response team, and the accompanying encampment working group, now is the time to bring an update to council on homeless encampments located on city property, along with a request for policy direction to mitigate the effects of the encampments,” said Topham.

The city is being forced to play an enhanced role as the landowner, due to issues completely outside of the city’s control, he added.

“The impact of inadequate provincial support with respect to mental health and addictions, poverty reduction and supportive housing are most keenly felt at the local level, and are inevitably being managed by local government,” said Topham. “However, it is critical to underscore municipalities cannot litigate or enforce our way out of homelessness and its impact on communities.

Topham said council has advocated for and initiated numerous homelessness and housing-related initiatives, and that regional and provincial collaboration is needed.

In March 2025, the 20-bed emergency shelter in Powell River closed. With no shelter options, individuals began sheltering outdoors in several main areas, including Barnet Street behind the RCMP detachment, in lands near the supportive housing establishment

on Joyce Avenue, the trail system between Complex Way and surrounding areas, and Willingdon Beach Trail, he added.

“It is estimated that currently, approximately 77 individuals in the community are sheltering outdoors in dispersed locations across Powell River, and these individuals are sleeping in tents or unsanctioned structures,” said Topham. “With the opening of the new Driftwood Shelter, there is an opportunity to see up to 40 individuals access the shelter.”

Topham said the reality is there will be a number of individuals and encampments located on city property despite best efforts of community partners. He listed a number of issues created by having sheltering outdoors on city property.

The current parks bylaw limits the times the public can access the parks, but Topham said the bylaw is woefully out of date. He said changes to the bylaw would need to reflect that the legal landscape has changed considerably since the existing bylaw was enacted in the 1970s.

Topham outlined three options for dealing with homeless encampments, including maintaining the status quo, amending the existing parks bylaw to regulate overnight

sheltering, and to FireSmart forested areas to improve site lines and encourage camping. His recommendation was to prohibit overnight sheltering in certain parks and allow it in others, with limitations.

“Staff are recommending that council also direct staff to include additional funding in the 2027 budget dedicated to helping address the homeless encampment and homelessness issue,” added Topham Committee chair George Doubt said he wondered if it would be better to take more time to consider the document and come back at a future meeting for a decision. He recommended postponement.

Councillor Cindy Elliott put forward a motion to carry the second, third and fourth recommendations, including $30,000 for cleanup of encampments on city land; funding to FireSmart high-risk city parks; and funding in the 2027 budget for increased capacity to deal with homelessness and encampment within the city. The motion carried, with Doubt and councillor Jim Palm opposed.

The committee then carried a motion to postpone an amendment to the city’s parks regulation bylaw, with councillor Trina Isakson opposed. The recommendation will be presented again on June 30.

qathet School District’s celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day at Tla’amin Nation took place on Wednesday, June 17. TANYA HILL PHOTO

Food bank receives donations

Funds help purchase fresh vegetables for clients

TANYA HILL community@prpeak.com

Community groups in qathet continue to step up and raise funds for Powell River Action Centre Food Bank.

Food bank manager Savanna Dee and her team thanked a few specific groups that have donated funds in the past few months.

"We are deeply grateful to the Hammersmith Endowment Fund at the United Church of Canada for their generous donation of $7,210, and to the Powell River Community Foundation for their thoughtful contribution of

$3,000 designated for fresh vegetables for our clients," stated Dee in an online message to the community.

"These contributions make a direct and meaningful difference in our community. The funding helps ensure continued access to nutritious food, especially fresh produce, which is so important for the health and well-being of the individuals and families we serve."

Local farms such as Terra Nostra and Blueberry Commons grow food specifically for the food bank. This provides clients with fresh lettuce, zucchini and other seasonal produce.

In April of this year, Sunshine Coast Natural Resource District office contributed $50 in cash, $644 worth of food, and $818 in toiletries to the local food bank.

"These donations make a meaningful difference for individuals and families in our community. Thank you for your continued commitment to helping those in need," stated the food bank team.

In March, a food bank fundraiser was held at Carlson Loft.

"Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Julio Avila Cuban Band fundraiser," stated Dee. "Thanks to your generosity, the evening was a huge success; from the lively music to the very successful silent auction and 50/50 draw."

Rotary Club of Powell River made a $3,000 donation to the food bank at the end of March.

The Canadian Consumer Price Index showed that fresh vegetable prices in grocery stores jumped 7.8 per cent in March 2026, considerably higher than the 0.5 per cent increase recorded in February. The major driver of increased produce costs in BC are adverse growing conditions in producing countries, according to Statistics Canada.

Currently, Powell River Action Centre Food Bank has more than 350 clients. Most folks relying on the food bank are either employed or on employment insurance benefits, disability related benefits, old-age pension or social assistance. Some have no income.

A majority of folks using

"Your continued support helps us provide essential food and resources to individuals and families in our community who need it most," stated the team. "Because of partners like you, we can keep our shelves stocked and our doors open."

food bank services in qathet are in rental units, but more than 15 clients own their own home; none are unhoused.

"We have fresh produce in the summer but in the winter we buy potatoes, onions, carrots, garlic, things that people can make soup out of," Dee told the Peak last

year. "We do gluten-free, diabetic and vegetarian [diets], and if somebody can't cook, we'll make them a special bag of things you just add some water to, or easy to open and eat meals."

To find out more or to make a donation, go to powellriverfoodbank.com/ hunger-in-powell-river.

JOIN US IN CELEBRATING JIM’S RETIREMENT!

47 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE

After an incredible 47-year career serving the Powell River community, Jim is retiring, and we'd like to invite our customers, friends, and community members to help us celebrate this remarkable milestone.

RETIREMENT BBQ

Enjoy complimentary hot dogs and chips while helping us recognize Jim's years of commitment, hard work, and outstanding service to our customers and community.

Jim has been a familiar face to generations of customers, and we are proud to celebrate his many contributions to our team and to Powell River.

Please stop by, share a story, and join us in wishing Jim all the best in his well-earned retirement.

Thank You, Jim, for 47 Years of Service! Visit us at 4750 Joyce Avenue, Powell River 604-485-2791 •

Community groups have been raising funds and contributing supplies in support of Powell River Action Centre Food Bank.

PEAK PHOTO

OPINION

It’s not new, just more visible

GUEST EDITORIAL

By Kim Markel

“Build it and they will come.”

“They’re not from here.”

The claim that people are being sent to our community, or travelling here specifically to access housing services, is a persistent and harmful myth that undermines our community’s ability to work together on evidence-based, collaborative solutions to address an issue as complex as homelessness.

Homelessness is not new to our community and there has long been more people experiencing or at risk of homelessness here than the general public would like to admit.

Far before the community’s first provincial homelessness count in 2023, a 2011 city-coordinated report – Powell River Homelessness Strategy-Final Report – clearly identifies concerning trends in the housing market at that time, predicting that “…for our region…more than 250 people fall in the category of ‘absolute or hidden homelessness.’ On top of that, more than 275 people fall in the category ‘relative homelessness’ and are just one paycheque away from becoming homeless.”

Reading it today, it’s hard to believe this report is 15 years old. Many of the challenges and recommendations are still applicable. The long-standing and primarily invisible history of homelessness in our community is often overlooked in public discourse, with the implication that housing-specific supports (like Blackberry Creek supportive housing, and the Driftwood Shelter) have brought and worsened the issue in our community.

Housing programs do not create homelessness – they are a response to something that already exists. As our community continues to navigate the realities and impacts of homelessness, we need more and a wider range of housing options and more supports, not less.

Kim Markel is executive director of Lift Community Services.

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Party enters former ‘no-go’ territory

“Events, dear boy. Events.” That line is attributed to former British prime minister Harold Macmillan when he was asked what poses the greatest challenge to governments.

BC premier David Eby could easily offer the same line if asked about some of his government’s recent policy announcements, several of which are in contradiction to positions his party held before forming government.

Take energy minister Adrian Dix’s almost casual

announcement last week that BC Hydro would explore the feasibility of two massive hydro dams, one in the Peace River region and the other near Bute Inlet on Vancouver Island.

For 16 years in political opposition, the NDP was vehemently against building hydro dams, whether they were massive ones like the Site C dam (now named the John Horgan Dam) or smaller run-of-river projects.

I have pointed out before that deciding to complete the

Site C dam was a coming-ofage moment for the NDP, a signal it was willing to shed a negative opposition mentality and instead adopt a pragmatic government one.

And the “event” driving the decision to potentially build two more hydro dams?

CAPITAL COMMENT

By Keith Baldrey

It is the anticipated soaring demand for electricity over the next few decades as the province’s population continues to swell and industrial projects such as mines (which consume vast amounts of energy) increase in number.

Two more examples of policy shifts of various degrees driven by events are the NDP’s total support of the LNG industry and its sudden embrace of huge mining projects.

We respectfully acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional and treaty lands of the Tla’amin people.

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Give back to the earth

Our planet, it gives us all a place to live, clean water, air and almost everything else you could think of.

For years people of all different shapes, sizes, talents and abilities have had life on this planet, through the ice age, wars and life-changing events. But if we cannot give back to the most important part in our universe, we have a problem. Pollution can be super harmful to wildlife and our ecosystem. What can you do about it?

One of the ways you can decrease pollution is you can buy items with less plastic packaging. With you buying less plastic packaging it will help decrease what goes into the landfill.

Another way you can help is by thrifting. Thrifting is when people have something they simply do not want anymore; instead of throwing it out they can either gift it to someone, hand it down to a sibling or cousin, or…donate it to a thrift store. Thrift stores are great for finding used items; this helps decrease

the waste going into the landfill.

Next is plants. They are a major part of our ecosystem, especially trees because they take in carbon and breathe out oxygen, which we need to survive. Planting plants is very good for the environment, except for species that are invasive like Scotch broom or English ivy.

Those are plants that take over, rather than enhancing the environment.

Planting trees is also a very helpful thing to do, because of all the logging the number of trees we have on earth is dwindling. But things like the 2 Billion Trees Program that started in 2020 are really helping. You can help, too, by joining a tree planting team or planting trees in areas near you.

Animals are also connected to the plant’s topic. Here are some tips so you can help keep wildlife safe. If you see what looks like an animal habitat, just let it be. Most of all, if there are animals in the habitat, don’t disturb them.

Water. It’s not infinite; the bigger per-

When in opposition, the NDP showed little interest in either sector. In fact, when the party first formed government in the early 1970s under former leader Dave Barrett, it treated the mining industry as almost a political enemy of sorts.

When former BC Liberal premier Christy Clark first floated the idea of creating an LNG industry in this province the NDP mocked her for it.

Now, the NDP regards the LNG industry as the cornerstone of its entire economic vision.

By Hazel Manchon

centage of water we have here on earth is saltwater not freshwater, which is what we drink. Maybe you are washing dishes or filling up your water bottle, whatever you’re doing I encourage you not to leave the water running while you do something else. This is wasting water. Same for electricity.

Paper uses a lot of trees but one way you can help reuse paper is by using both sides. At school we call this GOOS paper (Good on the other side).

I encourage everyone to tell friends and family about these ways you can help and try them at home. Another good way to help is to enforce these things into your everyday life: turning your lights off when you're finished; buying things with less packaging; and to do a little thrifting.

I hope you didn’t leave your water running while you were reading this.

Hazel Manchon is a grade five student at Westview Elementary School.

Another major event is the increasing need to partner with First Nations when it comes to huge industrial projects such as the Red Chris mine.

Flash forward to last week, when Eby enthusiastically championed the expansion of the massive Red Chris gold and copper mine in northwest BC.

But events, such as the increasingly desperate need for more government revenues and the near collapse of the forestry industry have forced the party into what used to be no-go territory.

On the social policy side of things, events have also forced the NDP to revisit several commitments, not the least of which was the near-complete backdown of the drug decriminalization program.

The event here was the public’s rejection of the program because of unin-

tended consequences such as open and visible drug use.

Finally, a rise in street crime associated with mental illness has moved the NDP to support involuntary care for those who refuse treatment, a major shift for Eby personally as he strongly opposed involuntary care before becoming premier.

But events, dear premier. Events.

Keith Baldrey is Global BC’s legislature bureau chief. 8« CAPITAL COMMENT

supporting travelling workforce in Powell River with pets, short, mid or longer term

Fully serviced RV pads and furnished tiny homes available

Why does science denial remain widespread?

The scientific consensus is overwhelming: climate change is real and human activity–especially burning fossil fuels–is driving it.

So why does climate science denial remain widespread? How can misinformation that delays adequate climate action be challenged?

Those questions anchored a March 21 public presentation sponsored by qathet Climate Alliance. Two guest speakers offered complementary perspectives on the roots of climate denialism and how to counteract it.

Blair Weber, who researches misinformation during wildfire emergencies in the Okanagan, argued that climate denial has become intertwined with

CLIMATE CROSSROADS

By Cynthia Barnes

identity, especially in politically conservative communities where people may feel economically neglected or culturally dismissed. In such settings, denialism can become a marker of belonging and resistance to perceived arrogant urban elites. Weber also emphasized declining trust in public institutions. During wildfire emergencies, some residents have refused evacuation orders or even confronted firefighters. While media and officials often framed such behaviour as irrational, Weber argued that authorities themselves

sometimes contribute to distrust through inadequate or misleading communication. Residents who felt ignored or managed rather than heard became more vulnerable to narratives portraying institutions as engaged in co-

tening carefully to local experiences and building trust through exchanging stories rather than correcting facts.

But Weber also noted that organized disinformation campaigns are real.

The fossil fuel industry has spent decades funding efforts to manufacture doubt about climate science, using tactics pioneered by Big Tobacco.

ordinated wrongdoing.

As a response, Weber recommended deeper community conversations: lis -

Powell River Transit

Transit Fare Engagement

June 15 – July 20, 2026

BC Transit and the City of Powell River are seeking feedback on transit fares, rider education, and funding priorities in your community.

We’d like to hear from you!

Members of the public are invited to provide feedback by taking a 5-minute online survey. engage.bctransit.com/ powell-river-fare-review or scan the QR code.

The fossil fuel industry has spent decades funding efforts to manufacture doubt about climate science, using tactics pioneered by Big Tobacco.

That theme was expanded by Jennifer Nathan, a science educator and climate advocate who traced connections among fossil fuel interests, politicians, media outlets and fake grassroots organizations. Organized denialism circulates its talk-

ing points through podcasts, YouTube shows, conferences, tweets, books, “educational” materials, misleading publications that mimic legitimate scientific reports and think tanks such as the Heartland Institute, Fraser Institute and Friends of Science.

Of particular concern, with municipal elections approaching, is KIKLEI: Kicking International Council out of Local Environmental Initiatives. It pressures Canadian local governments to abandon climate initiatives as wasteful, even though the Insurance Bureau estimates that billions are needed to climateprotect Canada’s municipal infrastructure.

Nathan argued that disinformation must be counteracted directly by exposing the interests behind it and the absence of peer-reviewed scientific evidence.

Although the two speakers emphasized different strategies–rebuilding trust, exposing organized disinformation–both pointed

to a deeper issue: the deteriorating overall media environment. Platforms such as Facebook reward emotionally charged content, Weber noted, allowing fear and anger to spread more effectively than evidence-based reporting. When Facebook blocked most Canadian news content in 2023, people’s engagement with news dropped drastically. Community Facebook groups, prone to conspiracy theories, filled the information vacuum. Nathan pointed to climate denialism amplified through parts of the corporate media, including the National Post and other Postmedia newspapers, owned by a US hedge fund.

The decline of locally grounded, fact-based journalism is closely tied not only to the climate emergency, but also to the crisis of democracy. Both are reasons to support strong local journalism in qathet.

Robert Hackett is a member of qathet Climate Alliance.

More and more people in our community are struggling to stay fed, housed, connected and supported.

If you’ve been wondering what you can do to help – here’s a way.

COMMUNITY »

Intervenor status granted

CER will allow requesters to participate in licensing procedure this November

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

Canada Energy Regulator (CER) will be holding its licensing procedure hearing into Powell River Energy Inc.’s (PREI) license application for a 30-year electricity export licence in Powell River in November.

The energy regulator has also ruled that Energy Democracy for BC (ED4BC), Townsite Ratepayers Society (TRS) and qathet Regional District (qRD) will have intervenor status in this licensing procedure.

According to correspondence dated June 9 from CER, the commission has decided to hold the oral portion of the licensing procedure in Powell River the week of November 16 to 20 and will communicate all necessary details in a future update.

"We’re pleased the Canada Energy Regulator granted us intervenor status in the proceeding on PREI’s export application, allowing us to

give voice to the 2,600 submissions the CER received opposing it,” stated Ellen Gould, Energy Democracy for BC president, in an email to the Peak. “However, we’re disappointed the CER won’t consider our arguments about the environmental impacts of PREI’s plan to export the maximum power from local dams for 30 years."

TRS president Diana Collicutt, also in an email to the Peak, stated that the society was granted intervenor status, along with ED4BC and qRD, and was encouraged to receive the notification from the CER on June 9.

“Gaining intervenor status ensures we can participate at a high level in the public hearing and gives us a formal legal standing to submit evidence, ask questions of PREI, file motions and present final arguments regarding the project,” stated Collicutt.

“The CER recognized our representation of resident taxpayers and our concerns about PREI’s current exportation supporting jobs and taxes in a foreign country, without providing community benefits and fair taxation revenue to locals. In our submission, we expressed a 30year licence, exporting 100 per cent of the power, would have negative consequences for the local and pro-

vincial economy for that period and that the search for a fair market purchaser of PREI’s hydro power was incomplete.”

TRS also shared concerns about neighbourhood safety potential impacts with infrastructure and how environmental impacts resulting from 100 per cent capacity hydro generation could compromise an evolving climate change strategy. The CER commission noted it will not consider any environmental implications stemming from the operations of PREI facilities as it does not have jurisdiction in this matter over facilities already operating and exporting power, added Collicutt.

“All in all, TRS is pleased with the CER's decision,” stated Collicutt. “We will be following the proceedings closely and preparing information for submission that we think is important to relay to the CER at the public hearing in November.”

qRD chair Clay Brander stated in an email that the regional board is pleased with the regulator’s decision to grant the regional district intervenor status with regard to PREI’s request to sell electricity to the United States.

“Our community, and the province as a whole, is desperate to attract new industry to the former

mill site, and losing access to locally generated electricity would make achieving that goal much more challenging,” stated Brander.

According to the CER correspondence, PREI submitted that none of the requesters for intervenor status had demonstrated any basis that supports granting that status. The correspondence stated that PREI argues that the requesters’ submission mostly repeat comments from their previous letters of comment in October 2025.

The correspondence also stated that the CER commission has discretion in deciding on requests for intervenor status, subject to the re-

quirements of procedural fairness.

After considering the parties’ submissions on the current requests, and the mandate and purpose of each requesting organization, the commission granted intervenor status to each of the requesters because they persuaded the commission that they may contribute to its assessment of the application with respect to the appropriate conditions of a licence, if issued.

“The commission also finds there would be little to no prejudice to PREI or other intervenors in granting the three requesters intervenor status at this point in the proceeding.”

Three qathet-based organizations: Energy Democracy for BC, Townsite Ratepayers Society and qathet Regional District, along with BC Hydro, Tla’amin Nation, and other First Nations, will have intervenor status in the Powell River Energy Inc. licensing procedure, which will be held in Powell River in November. PEAK ARCHIVE PHOTO

Messages to the graduating class

Brooks Secondary School principal Jasmin Marshman

Congratulations to an amazing group of graduates. Anyone who knows any of

I want to extend my heart-

these students knows how hard they have worked to get themselves here. Following COVID, it was a challenging few years for students to get back on track, back in school and finding their strength to overcome anything challenging. Anxiety can be all-consuming, but it can also be a strong catalyst to succeed. These students

found their passions, set their goals and did what was asked of them, even when it was difficult.

I hope they hang onto this feeling of accomplishment and pride in themselves through their next chapters. This is a group that was made to do hard things. I hope now they never forget it.

Tla’amin Nation hegus John Hackett

Congratulations, graduation class of 2026. A major accomplishment and major milestone to achieve; your parents, family and community are very proud of you all...ʔəmot!

You are all leading by example by demonstrating your commitment and dedication to your education by reaching the graduation milestone.

City of Powell River mayor Ron Woznow

felt congratulations on this milestone. You have every reason to be proud of all your hard work, dedication and perseverance in reaching this moment.

As you look ahead with anticipation and excitement, graduation is also a moment

Congratulations to the Brooks Secondary School class of 2026. It is a privilege to congratulate each of you on reaching this important milestone. Graduation marks both an ending and a beginning, and a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come and to look ahead with optimism.

Throughout your time at Brooks, you’ve met chal-

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2026. All

to look back and celebrate how far you have come. As you studied hard, performed, competed, volunteered, explored extracurriculars or cheered on your friends, you pushed yourself, had fun and took on challenges.

Along the way, you’ve

gained new skills, formed lasting friendships and grown in ways that will stay with you for years to come.

As you move into this next chapter of your life, there will be new opportunities, new challenges and lots of chances to explore different paths.

lenges, embraced opportunities and grown into resilient, creative and thoughtful individuals. Your perseverance and dedication are something your families, teachers and the entire qathet community can be proud of.

As you celebrate, remember there is no single path forward. Whether you pursue further education, a

your hard work, dedication and perseverance have paid off, and you should be incredibly proud of everything you’ve achieved. Each of you carries a unique story – one of triumphs, challenges, sacrifice and growth. Yet no one achieves

something this significant entirely on their own. Take a moment to thank the parents, teachers, coaches and loved ones who supported you along the way.

Undoubtedly, you’ve faced adversity over the past few years. Good. That adversity

School District board chair Jaclyn Miller

As another school year comes to a close, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the graduating class of 2026.

This group of graduates has come of age during a time of significant change. Their school years were shaped by disruption, uncertainty and

a world that often felt unpredictable. Yet throughout it all, they demonstrated resilience, adaptability and a remarkable ability to keep moving forward. What stands out most about this graduating class is not simply what they have achieved, but how they have

shown up along the way. They have contributed to our schools, teams, clubs, arts programs, workplaces and communities. They have supported one another, stepped into leadership roles and helped shape the culture of our schools through their kindness, determination and

This is one of many chapters that you complete on your journey as each of you will have the decision to set the sights on the beginning of your next chapter.

The advice I have to offer to all the grads is to find balance, set the crosshairs on your career, and plan out your path to hit that target. But at the same time, take in the moments along the way. It is the journey that you will reflect on; these are the memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

You’ll discover new passions, meet new people and experience the world in fresh and exciting ways. Stay curious and open – you never know where that might lead.

As you celebrate this significant moment, remember that your future is full of

skilled trade, travel or new experiences, stay curious, remain grounded in your values and continue contributing to the communities that supported you. Brooks grads 2026, you are ready. Step forward with confidence, use your voice and take initiative. We support you and look forward to the difference you will make. Best wishes to you all.

has made you stronger and better prepared for the world that awaits. And the fact that you are still standing – more than a decade after walking through your elementary school doors – proves you already have what it takes. Whatever path you choose

next, forge ahead with courage. Don’t be afraid to take risks and fail. Never stop chasing your dreams. And if the going gets tough, always remember the timeless words of the great philosopher Rocky Balboa: “It’s not about how hard you hit, it’s

willingness to get involved. As they prepare for the next chapter, whether that leads to further education, training, work, travel or new adventures, we hope they carry with them a strong sense of who they are and the values that guide them. While the future will un-

doubtedly bring new challenges and opportunities, this class has already shown the confidence and resilience needed to meet them.

promise. You have the power to make a difference, to create and to leave a lasting, positive impact. Congratulations once again on your graduation. Wishing you happiness, success and fulfillment in everything that comes next.

about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward.” Congratulations once again to each and every one of you on your graduation, and I wish you every success on your adventures ahead.

On behalf of the Board of Education, congratulations to the class of 2026. We are proud of all you have accomplished and look forward to seeing the positive impact you will continue to make in the years ahead.

Hendrik Adam William Anderson

Kailey Andres

Matthew Babuin Tenesea Banks

Melody Beaton

Melina Burnett Daya Byrne

Lily Campbell

Anna Carlson AJ Cassar

Eno Chen

Aidan Crawford Yarrow Crossley Noah Davies

De Villiers Ben Delaney Luke Dennis

Mirella Domenis Noah Doyle

Kenzie Drummond

Iloha Dupond-Fukumaru

Howard Durnin

Brianna Edmonds

Leif Ervington Hailey Essex

Jayla Fair

Sophie Ferguson Bear Fike Abigail Fitzgibbon

Chase Fontaine Ava Freeman

Beau Gagné

Lillie Gilmore Willow Glenn Finn Gow-Hignell

Nathan Gruntman Esiana Hargrave

Damion Harry Victoria Hart

Jerome Haugan

Logan Healy

Jacob Johnson Jaidyn Johnson

Jayden Johnson Riley Jones Harmandeep Kaur Nanao Kondo

Julian Konstantonis Konrad Krause

Aidan Kristensen

Manami Kudo

Shawn Lacey Therese Lafrance

Larissa Laing Azure Lapointe

Liefsoens

Shelby Lipka Makenzie Luaifoa

Emily Lye

Curtis Mantoani

Ryan Marshman

Tera McCormick

Hannah McDonald Mason McDonough

Kalisha McGillis Iris McIntee

Breanna McKenzie Karsten McSween

Corbin Mitchell Ethan Mitchell Nahila

Congrats class of 2026!

Benjamin Palmquist Leighton Palmquist

Iker Pardo

Jihee Park Lydia Parsons

Emily Peake

Evan Penner Jaxon Peters

Caleb Plows Olivia Raffin

Kyla Randle

Ava Reinisch Isabelle Richards Lacie Robert

Anthony Roberts Mattheus Roberts

Raven Roberts

Maya Rodriguez Jorja Rogers

Eric Ruegg

John Daniel Thistle Mia Thomson

Aeibel Titus Ilse Uhlmann

Jaida Ulmer

Mav Valentine

Othello Bellmane, Hunter Bessette, Jamey Carew, Erik Cramb, Japh Dela Cruz, Earl Fisk, Julian Green, Morris Harrison, Naomi Lam, Mason Murphy, Isaac Nilsson, Gryphen Phillips-Clark, Rowan Welp

Ashtyn Woloschuk Raelyn Zakkour

Congratulations, Class of 2026

qathet School District is pleased to announce the 2026 Graduates of our Provincial Online Learning School - Partners in Education (PIE). These students have worked hard to complete their education through online learning and we wish them all the very best in their future endeavours.

Grads without photo: Rebecca Adam, Izzy Alsager, Addisen Christensen, Jordan Cleghorn, Eliot Compton, Joseph Desilets, Lesley Dominic, Jacob Donovan, Quiniso Ference, Justin Feucht, Chase Fontaine, Stacy Gaebel, Anna Groh, Jolene Gussman, Jasmine Harvey, Annika Heemels, Felix Hof, Ross Infanti, Aleesha Jepson, Jessica Kampman, Harmandeep Kaur, Hannah Krauss, Sophie-Neige Lagrandeur, Justin Masters, Asia Millar, Madison Noga, Lydia Parsons, Isaac Peters, Roy Peters, Kyla Randle, Trystan Robinson, Maya Rodriguez, Johanna Rupf, Lucas Schilling, Abigail Simpson, Stefan Swanson, Dylan Townsend, Elle Wendels, Paige Wilson

Isabella BarberJonah BonniciAurora BoyerMirella DomenisKalen Farvolden

Olly Gadsby-JonesGrace George Petra Holm Kiri Houk Ness Lutick

Victoria McLean

Rowan Newfield Caleb Orrego Holly RileySophie SwansonRachel Taylor

Congratulations to Konrad Krauss and the Class of 2026

To the teachers, from a student

Graduate Katherine Isert made the following speech at a graduation ceremony held earlier this month at Powell River Recreation Complex.

Where would we be without our educators, whether they be teachers, EAs, or the staff who make our schools run.

From our first day of kindergarten to our last days of high school, our teachers have been here for us. Each day they pour out all they have into teaching their students, not because they have to, but because they choose to.

It takes someone special to go into teaching; they didn’t choose this career to give out homework and grade tests, they chose it because they want to make a difference. Whatever they teach us, whether it's reading and spelling or how to dissect a pickle, it is done with love. Our teachers consistently demonstrate what it looks like to prioritize connection over perfection, shaping us into people who care just as much as they do. The impact they leave goes far beyond academics; they have contributed to shaping our confidence, character and the way we see the world around us, while helping us learn to the best of our abilities. I may have been disappointed to learn force = ma, and that it isn’t just something

from Star Wars, but along the way, our teachers remind us that we are capable of more than what we think.

As we each move onto our next chapter, we carry a piece of their wisdom and undying support with

We may not be able to remember every test or lesson, but we will remember how much our teachers made us feel inspired, supported and valued. As we each move onto our next chapter, we carry a piece of their wisdom and undying support with us. Thank you, SD47 teachers and staff, for believing in us before we even knew how to believe in ourselves.

To the students, from a student

Graduate Danielle Welp-Ellis spoke directly to her fellow graduates from the stage set up

We’ve officially made it. I can’t believe we’re already here, sitting in these seats, about to walk across the stage. It feels like not that long ago this moment seemed so far away, but somehow, we made it.

Every single person here has worked so hard to reach this point. From late-night study sessions because we decided “due tomorrow” meant to-do tomorrow, to early mornings where getting out of bed felt impossible. We’ve all had those days where we really didn’t want to go, but we showed up anyway. And that’s part of what got us here.

Somehow, we all made it here on time today, which might be one of our greatest accomplishments yet.

I’m sure, just like me, you’ve all been asked the same questions over and over again: “What are your plans?” “What are you doing

next year?” “Where are you going?”

Those questions can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to feel like we need to have everything figured out right now. But here’s the truth: we don’t have to have it all figured out.

It’s okay to change your mind. It’s okay to try

Push yourself beyond what you think your limits are, because you’ve already proven that you’re capable.

Take chances. Push yourself beyond what you think your limits are, because you’ve already proven that you’re capable. You’re here today about to graduate.

I want us all to think back to our first days of high school, when we were trying to figure out what Friday it was, where our classrooms were and who we were going to sit beside. Compare that to who you are now, and how far you’ve come.

something new. Whether you’re taking a gap year, going to school or entering the workforce, what matters is that you choose what feels right for you.

And as you reflect, remember the people who helped you along the way. Your friends who got you through group projects, when they may have done more than just their share; the teachers who gave you extensions when you needed them, or wrote you that reference letter that you needed the next day; and your families, who supported you through it all.

But don’t forget this: you did the work. You got yourself here.

So as we move forward, wherever life takes

us, remember this moment because this is proof of everything you’re capable of. We came in not knowing who we were. And now, we’re leaving knowing we can become anything.

This isn’t the end of our story, it’s just the beginning. Congratulations, Class of 2026. Our future starts now.

Congrats to the Grads of 2026

in Hap Parker Arena on June 6.

GRAD 2026

You Be Strong Minded

Your canoe has finally arrived to take you on your next journey in life. Discover your dreams, make new friends, have some fun, travel safe and enjoy the ride!

MAKENZIE LUAIFOA

DAMION HARRY

ANNIKA HARRY-NJUME

ANTHONY AUGUST KLINKSGAARD

CORBIN MITCHELL

IZABELLA HARRY

RYLAN WILLIAMS

KALEN WILSON

Quinn Smylie ELLA GRACE TIMOTHY DUSTIN WESLEY

SMYLIE

CONNOR COOPER WILSON

To the families, from a student

Graduate Esiana Hargrave delivered the following message during Grad 2025 celebrations in early June.

Class of 2026, my fellow graduates, we did it! This is our big day, what we have been working toward for the last five years of our lives.

Being a teenager is hard. As one myself, I know how difficult it can be, and believe it or not I know how difficult I was to the people I was living with. The sassiness, the tears and the drama must have been exhausting. So to all the parents and caregivers, we see you and we appreciate you for your unconditional love, your advice and, let’s not forget, your wallets.

High school is a transition, a strange in-between of being a kid and an adult at the same time. Grade 12 is the beginning of our adulthood, when it is expected we start paying for gas, maybe learning to do

our taxes, and all the other things being an adult requires.

Today as graduates, we should reflect on how easy our life was when our parents, older siblings or guardians still did our laun-

High school is a transition, a strange in-between of being a kid and an adult at the same time.

dry, cleaned up our dishes and bought us our much-needed Starbucks.

Congratulations, Class of 2026!

Graduation marks both an achievement and a new beginning. As you move forward, lead with integrity, stay curious, and choose kindness. Carry what you’ve learned and the connections you’ve made with you. Remember, you are capable and have the power to make a difference.

Wishing

you all the best in what comes next!

You have put up with our loud, maybe obnoxious music, but hey, so did we, because let’s be perfectly honest _______ is not everyone’s favourite band. You have tolerated last-minute panics about essays and the morning chaos of scrambling to make it to school on time.

You have held our big emotions about little things that to us seemed like the end of the world, and everything in between. Even with all the nagging you’ve done, I don’t know how we would have made it through some of our hardest days yet without you.

I know I have not said this enough over the past five years and, I’m sure that none of us have, so thank you. Thank you for shaping us into the incredible people we are today; for having patience when we are mean and taking it out on the closest target, which is usually you.

Thank you for sacrificing your sleep, energy and time for all the extra things we filled our days with. Thank you for trying to understand us, even when we didn’t understand ourselves. We love you, and we will always appreciate your sacrifices. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

BROOKS SECONDARY SCHOOL 2026 AWARDS

GRADE 12 SCHOLARSHIPS

WILLIAM ANDERSON

$500 HEU PRGH Local

$1,000 Judy Spreeuw Scholarship Program

$2,000 Triune Mosaic Lodge Scholarship

$500 Underwriters Insurance Agency

$1,000 Henderson Elementary PAC

$1,500 Powell River Spring Garden Tour

$1000 Kiwanis - Allman Family Scholarship

$1,000 Switzer & Finkel (Endowed Scholarship Fund)

$1,500 Royal Canadian Legion #164 Bursary(Poppy Trust)

$500 Terra Nostra Farm

MELODY BEATON

$500 Helmut Franke Memorial Scholarship

ADAM BELLAFQUIH

$2,000 Powell River Health-Care Auxilliary Scholarship

OSKAR BHATTACHARYA

$500 Powell River Chorus Scholarship

$500 Peter and Janice Taylor Music Scholarship

$1,000 Brooks Thunderbird

$1,250 District Authority - Fine Arts

SIMON BRATSETH

$500 Ron Diprose Memorial Scholarship

$1,000 CUPE 798

$2,000 Royal Canadian Legion #164 Scholarship

$3,000 Russell & Ruth Jenkins Memorial Scholarship Fund (Administered by Powell River Community Foundation)

$1,250 District Authority - Physical Activity

GRACIE BROOKS

$1,000 The Verecan Capital Management Scholarship

$1,000 CUPE476 the EK-12 Support Staff at SD#47

SAMARA BROWN

$1,000 Rotary Club of Powell River

$750 Powell River Youth Soccer

$500 David Court Memorial Scholarship

$1,500 Pasion Family Scholarship

$1,250 District Authority Award - Applied Design, Skills and Techologies

JAMEY CAREW

$3,000 Russell & Ruth Jenkins Memorial Scholarship Fund (Administered by Powell River Community Foundation)

ANNA CARLSON

$1,500 qathet Teachers Association

$1,000 Toni Marciniak Memorial Scholarship

$1,250 District Authority - Physical Activity

AJ CASSAR

$500 Chamber of Commerce Arnold Carlson Business Award

$1,000 Rotary Club of Powell River

$ 3,000 Russell & Ruth Jenkins Memorial Scholarship Fund (Administered by Powell River Community Foundation)

$1,250 District Authority - Technical and Trades Training

CHEYENNE CHOO

$1,500 Powell River Spring Garden Tour

$2,000 Powell River Health-Care Auxilliary Scholarship

$1,250 District Authority - Physical Activity

BRAEDEN COBURN

$500 HEU PRGH Local

ELIJAH CONROY

$1,250 District Authority - Fine Arts

TYLOR CRAMB

$500 Co-operators

$750 Powell River Youth Soccer

$1,000 Vince Hoet Scholarship

AIDAN CRAWFORD

$1,000 Kiwanis - Tyndall Family Scholarship

LUKE DENNIS

$1,000 Jesse Dean Blaikie Nadalini Memorial Award

$1,250 District Authority - Technical and Trades Training

$500 Robert Scholtens Memorial Scholarship

NOAH DOYLE

$1,000 qathet Administrators’ Association

KENZIE DRUMMOND

$500 HEU PRGH Local

$2,000 Powell River Health-Care Auxilliary Scholarship

ILOHA DUPOND-FUKUMARU

$500 Grandma Bird - James Thomson Scholarship

$2,000 Alfred J. & Arlene Carsten Scholarship for Excellence in Science or The Arts

HAILEY ESSEX

$1,000 The Peak - Al Alsgard Bursary

ABIGAIL FITZGIBBON

$500 Westview Elementary - PAC

$250 qathet Living Magazine

BEAU GAGNÉ

$500 Ecole Cote du Soleil

$500 Underwriters Insurance Agency

$500 Co-operators

$1,000 Kiwanis - Bob Irving Scholarship

$500 Malaspina Naturalist Club

$1,000 The TLA Scholarship

MADDISON GIESBRECHT

$1,000 Toba Montrose General Partnership/ Innergex Renewable Energy

NATHAN GRUNTMAN

$1,000 Future Teachers’ Scholarship

$1,000 CUPE 798

$1,250 District Authority - Physical Activity

ESIANA HARGRAVE

$750 Powell River Youth Soccer

$2,000 Elizabeth & John Carlson Scholarship

$1,000 Switzer & Finkel (Endowed Scholarship Fund)

$1,250 District Authority - Community Service

$500 Pauline Galinski Award

VICTORIA HART

$2,000 George Pensom Bursary (Vancouver Foundation) (4 year renewable)

$1,250 District Authority - Fine Arts

KARISSA HOLLAND

$450 Pythian Sisters

MADDISON HOULE

$500 Underwriters Insurance Agency

$1,000 Kiwanis - Maitland Kiwanis Scholarship

$6,000 Powell River Head Start (4 year renewable)

$250 Herb Marrion Award

PIPER-DOVE HUESTON

$1,250 District Authority - Languages

SARIAH HULL

$1,000 qathet Administrators’ Association

$1,000 Toba Montrose General Partnership/ Innergex Renewable Energy

JORDAN HUNTER

$500 HEU PRGH Local

$500 David Court Memorial Scholarship

$1,000 Parish of St. David & St. Paul

$1,250 District Authority - Languages

$500 ʔaqaymɩxʷ

KATHERINE ISERT

$500 Geoff Clark Memorial Scholarship

$500 Carlson Community Club Scholarship

$1,250 District Authority - Fine Arts

AADEN JANTZ

$1,250 District Authority - Technical and Trades Training

SHAWN LACEY

$1,000 The Braxton Leask & Dylan Buckle Memorial Award

$666 Powell River Sunshine Coast Real Estate

LARISSA LAING

$2,500 Jean Vizzutti Memorial Scholarship for Nursing

$2,000 Powell River Health-Care Auxilliary

$1,000 Kelly Creek Community School PAC

$3,000 Russell & Ruth Jenkins Memorial Scholarship Fund (Administered by Powell River Community Foundation)

PIPER LEAHY-MCHUGH

$500 Edgehill Elementary - PAC

$1,000 Carlson Community Club Scholarship

$1,250 District Authority - Community Service

NELLE LIEFSOENS

$1,000 The Braxton Leask & Dylan Buckle Memorial Award

$2,000 Powell River Health-Care Auxilliary Scholarship

$1,250 District Authority - Physical Activity

$250 Herb Marrion Award

EMILY LYE

$400 Gordon “”Beaver”” Crawford Memorial Scholarship

$1,500 Royal Canadian Legion #164 Bursary(Poppy Trust)

$1,250 District Authority - Technical and Trades Training

RYAN MARSHMAN

$1,000 qathet Administrators’ Association

CORBIN MITCHELL

$1,000 Parish of St. David & St. Paul

$1,250 District Authority - Indigenous Languages and Culture

$500 Tla’amin - General Post Secondary Award

$500 Tla’amin - Health Care Field Award

$500 Tla’amin - Leadership/ Citizenship Award

$500 Tla’amin - Math/Science Award

QUINTIN O’MALLEY

$1,000 Mosaic Forest Management

OLIVIA RAFFIN

$500 HEU PRGH Local

$500 Edgehill Elementary - PAC

ISABELLE RICHARDS

$1,000 Rotary Club of Powell River

$1,000 Kiwanis - Gina Kendrick Citizen Award

$2,000 Powell River Health-Care Auxilliary Scholarship

$2,000 Alfred J. & Arlene Carsten Scholarship for Excellence in Science or The Arts

ANTHONY ROBERTS

$1,500 qathet Teachers Association

$750 Optomeyes Eye Care Scholarship

$1,250 District Authority - Languages

MATTHEUS ROBERTS

$1,250 District Authority - Physical Activity

MAYA RODRIGUEZ

$3,000 Russell & Ruth Jenkins Memorial Scholarship Fund (Administered by Powell River Community Foundation)

JORJA ROGERS

$500 Underwriters Insurance Agency

$1,500 Powell River Spring Garden Tour

$2,000 Powell River Health-Care Auxilliary Scholarship

$500 Westview Elementary - PAC

$500 Malaspina Naturalist Club

ERIC RUEGG

$1,000 Knights of Columbus

$3,000 Russell & Ruth Jenkins Memorial Scholarship Fund (Administered by Powell River Community Foundation)

$1,250 District Authority - Community Service

PAIGE SPENCE

$500 Texada Elementary - PAC

$1,500 Powell River Spring Garden Tour

$1,500 Jones Family Foundation

$250 qathet Métis Community Association

$500 Terra Nostra Farm

CARTER STEKMAN

$750 Brooks Humanities & Social Sciences Merit Scholarship

$500 The Jackie S. Timothy Memorial Scholarship

$500 Powell River Minor Hockey - Len Evans Memorial Scholarship

$1,000 CUPE476 the EK-12 Support Staff at SD#47

$1,500 qathet Teachers Association

SOPHIE SWANSON

$1,000 Pier Law & Mediation Scholarship

$1,250 District Authority - Community Service

ILSE UHLMANN

$500 Outdoor Education & Sustainability Environmental Leadership Award

$1,250 District Authority - Languages

EMIL VALING

$1,000 Knights of Columbus

$1,000 NIC - Dr. Allan Duncan Pritchard Legacy Bursary

$750 Powell River Youth Soccer

DANIELLE WELP-ELLIS

$750 Brooks Humanities & Social Sciences Merit Scholarship

$1,250 District Authority - Community Service

$500 Max Cameron Award

VADA WILLIAMS

$1,000 Powell River Garden Club

$1,000 James Whent Memorial Scholarship

RAELYN ZAKKOUR

$2,500 Jean Vizzutti Memorial Scholarship for Nursing

$1,000 Rotary Club of Powell River

$1,000 Toba Montrose General Partnership/ Innergex Renewable Energy

$3,000 Russell & Ruth Jenkins Memorial Scholarship Fund (Administered by Powell River Community Foundation)

josh statham

Father’s Day Free Fishing Weekend was a success. Many families made memories on and around the water with friends sharing pics of their kids’ first trout, or the first successful run with the family on their boat. Ocean, lake or river, family fishing time is important.

Jigging has been productive for all salmonoids. If you haven’t targeted salmon on the jig it doesn’t take a lot to get set up. Kids enjoy it because there’s more action, and the fight is better with less gear and shallower water. The right hook set up, jig selection and technique can make all the difference. Electronics help but aren’t essential, but line counters are recommended.

Coho have been open for retention (two hatchery fish/day) and reports from all the favourites (Rebecca Reef, Grant Reefs, Coho Point) have been exceptional. Most anglers have said they couldn’t even get the cannonball down before hitting both Coho and Chinook. There have been early Sockeye caught too.

Chinook reports indicate better-thanaverage size for this time of year, which is encouraging. Prawning has been consistent following the commercial season, and crabbing has been better on the shallow side (30’-50’).

Jigging for Ling has been productive, but many anglers are now targeting them trolling large swim baits.

Tight Lines!

Forecast necessitates gardening adaptations

Master gardener changes plans due to heat and drought

TANYA HILL community@prpeak.com

Master gardener Linda Gilkeson is coming off a busy year with teaching and garden club talks, including for the Powell River Garden Club earlier this year. Yet she still makes time to write a monthly newsletter called Linda's List, which provides seasonal gardening information to readers.

Her most recent advice addresses concerns regarding the predicted hotter and drier than average summer due to effects of a strong El Niño. Although Gilkeson lives on Salt Spring Island, where she said the island community did not see a drop of rain in May, most of coastal BC, including qathet, did not see much precipitation last month either.

"With heat and drought in the forecast, I have made several changes to my garden plans this year, from eliminating most container plantings to re-organizing beds to grow tall, heat-tolerant crops

along the south/southwest sides of the beds of greens, brassica family," Gilkeson said in her latest newsletter titled: Adapting to Drought and Heat: Planting for Winter. "I might not bother with my usual late June sowing, as peas just don’t survive heat waves. I can always use that space for more crops to be harvested over the winter."

Although summer is around the corner, now is the time to start planting for next winter’s dinner table, suggested Gilkeson. Most knowledgeable gardeners have already started to sow brassica family plants because they take the longest to mature.

"I sow brussels sprouts around the end of May to make sure my plants don’t start developing sprouts in August when aphid infestations can make a mess of the sprouts," she explained. "The other things to sow in the next couple of weeks are varieties of cabbage that take the longest to mature."

She suggests there are many excellent, cold-hardy/ storage cabbages, such as January King, Deadon, Langedijker and Danish Ballhead that produce large, heavy heads that need a whole growing season to

"Check variety descriptions of cabbages you plan to grow for the days to harvest and sow varieties that need over 110 days," stated Gilkeson, in her newsletter.

To preview the winter crop planting schedule through summer, Gilkeson has a printable document at lindagilkeson.ca. She also has many comprehensive gardening books available: Backyard Bounty: The Complete Guide to YearRound Organic Gardening in the Pacific Northwest is a BC best seller. Gilkeson recently published a newly revised and expanded third edition of her comprehensive pest management guide, West Coast Gardening: Natural Insect, Weed & Disease Control.

Growing season ramps up

Abundance increases throughout June and July

TANYA

HILL community@prpeak.com

The growing season on the northern Sunshine Coast is in full swing, and those who frequent the region's farm-

ers' markets will notice a wider variety of produce on offer.

According to Powell River Farmers' Market (PRFM) manager Juhli Jobi, the following list of produce will be available at the market located on 4365 McLeod Road in mid-June and July: strawberries, rhubarb, red, white and black currants and raspberries; salad greens and lettuce, peas, colourful chard and kale; onion greens, various herbs, cabbage, zucchini

and pattypan; and asparagus, beets, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, artichokes, cucumbers and pickling cucumbers. "By early to mid-July we can expect to see tomatoes, green peppers, eggplant, peaches, various types of beans, figs, onions, cherries and potatoes," said Jobi. "The list is put together based on chronological order and based on what was at the market last year during midJune until late July."

reach full size.

Extremely dry conditions early in the season and the looming forecast of a hotter and drier than average summer, due to effects of a strong El Niño, make adaptations necessary when gardening this coming summer/fall season.

TANYA HILL PHOTO

Inclusion at heart of society

New director brings personal and extensive leadership experience to role

TANYA HILL community@prpeak.com

According to the Brain Injury Society, by 2031, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is projected to be among Canada's most common neurological disorders.

June is Brain Injury Awareness Month in BC. Tricia Collingham joined Powell River Brain Injury Society as executive director in 2025 and said this past year has been one of significant growth, strengthened partnerships and measurable impact.

"Through support from the Powell River Community Forest grant, we improved the accessibility of our facility with new flooring, upgraded lighting, fresh paint and

accessibility bars, creating a safer and more welcoming space," said Collingham. "Through the Makers Making Change program and the work of client support worker

Sophia Perun, customized assistive devices were created using 3D printing technology, helping clients overcome barriers and participate more fully in everyday life."

Community inclusion remains at the heart of the society.

"Prevention and education are equally important," said community and client engagement coordinator Gretchen Conti. "This year, we launched a new school-based brain injury prevention program, reaching more than 300 students in Powell River and on Texada Island."

Since Conti took on her role a few years ago, she has made significant efforts to be seen in the community.

Throughout summer, several clients can be found at Powell River Farmers' Market selling handcrafted artisan products.

"These opportunities provide more than income," said Collingham. "They foster confidence, social connection, entrepreneurship and a renewed sense of purpose."

A client named Dale is one of those artisans who can be found every week at the farmers' market selling colourful crochet animals.

"I love doing art," said Dale. "When I first came here I was scared, but now I love coming down here."

This year, the society formally supported Bill C-206, calling for a national strategy on brain injury and helping amplify the voices of survivors across Canada.

"I had a bad car accident back in 2020, and it totally changed my

"We have participated in numerous community events including PRISMA on the Beach, Blackberry Festival, and presentations to local organizations and service clubs," said Conti. "Strong partnerships have enhanced the support available to our clients."

life," said Collingham. "I have experienced how brain injury can completely pivot a direction, and what recovery looks like."

Both Collingham and Conti emphasized that community is one of the most important things to have when trying to navigate a brain injury and navigate what the recovery

process will look like, and how individualized it is.

"We provide that safety and that community," said Collingham. "People know they can come in anytime, doors are open and there's always going to be people inside who understand what kind of challenges they might be facing that day."

Executive director of Powell River Brain Injury Society Tricia Collingham [left] and community and client engagement coordinator Gretchen Conti in an outdoor space during the society’s weekly communal meal. TANYA HILL PHOTO

Carving event a major attraction

Powell River Logger Sports competition in need of volunteers

TANYA HILL community@prpeak.com

Powell River Logger Sports is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12, in the Loggers Memorial Bowl amphitheatre at Willingdon Beach Park.

However, one of the major attractions of the year for the qathet community is the annual logger sports carving competition, which takes place at the upper Willingdon waterfront. Carvers will start their work on Wednesday, July 8.

Carving competition orga-

nizer Laura Passek said she is excited to have 12 carvers signed up for the 2026 event, but she is in need of more volunteers to step up, and some more sponsorship/ funding.

"I need at least 20 people, because we have 12 carvers, so I try to have one person per carver," said Passek. "This event has gone worldwide; people have heard about it. The carving competition is now the second largest in Canada."

Both the logger sports weekend and carving competition were relaunched more than decade ago by Passek and former logger sports world champion and Powell River Logger Sports president Bob Marquis. "It was my idea to bring in the carvers," said Passek. "We actually caught the attention of the New York Times."

Congratulations Grads!!

Did you know?

Health at Foundry is more than just medical care.

Services are organized around five person-centred areas:

Passek said writers from the New York Times were going by in their boat and saw a whole whack of people on the beach, so they turned

Foundry qathet will provide free, accessible care and support to youth ages 12-24 and their caregivers with no referral needed. Help is available now at foundrybc.ca/virtual

Donate:

around, went to the wharf and walked to the site to watch some of the events.

"The carvers are in the competitors’ circuit," said Passek. “I'm excited to have Benji Waretini-Hemara from North Vancouver back at this year's competition."

This year's competitors also include local carver Clint Bleaney. Carver Jay Perrin is also from qathet but will not compete this year. He will serve as a judge.

The carvers cannot create without wood. Thichum Forest Products, Powell River Forest Products and qʷoqʷənəs Sort and Supply are providing the cedar and scaling machine.

Passek said Powell River Town Centre Hotel has also stepped up by offering to pay for three rooms for guest artists.

"Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are the biggest days when I need volunteers," said Passek. "That's when the carvers take off big pieces [of wood] so, I need some strong people."

She said last year resulted in a good volunteer turn out, but many joined at the last minute.

Folks may have noticed

that the big poles used for logger sports competitions at the memorial bowl have been removed due to rotting wood.

"We had to test them because it's been over 10 years, and these were rotten," said Passek. "So, there's no pole climbing this year."

But, Passek said the logger sports committee is brainstorming to come up with other activities in place of

"There are lots of ways to help out; if they can't donate money I've had people bring the carvers baking, fresh fruit and sandwiches," said Passek. "Some stores are helping with food, some people are donating time, some donate money; that's how we make this event successful."

Local photographer

Some stores are helping with food, some people are donating time, some donate money; that’s how we make this event successful.

LAURA PASSEK CARVING COMPETITION ORGANIZER

the pole climb.

As for the carvers, the first place winner receives $5,000, second place $3,000 and third place $2,000.

"I have such a great group of carvers; they keep me going," said Passek. "That's what I like, the smiles on people's faces, and what [the carving event] brings to this town."

Michelle Pennell made a video about logger sports and carving competition volunteers called: Loggersports Volunteers 2025, that can be watched on YouTube: youtube.com/ watch?v=97yOqHIeg5w.

To find out about volunteering for the carving competition, or for information, contact Passek at jlpassek@ telus.net, call 604.483.1089, or contact her on Facebook.

Every year thousands of visitors stop by to view the carving competition, and some specifically make the trip for the event.

Powell River Logger Sports carving competition organizer Laura Passek is looking for volunteers and sponsors for this year’s event. TANYA HILL PHOTO

Canadian history quiz

A lot has happened since Canada officially became a country in 1867. Do you know as much about Canadian history as you think you do? Test your knowledge by answering these questions that explore the nation’s past.

1. Why was the O Canada anthem originally created in 1880?

a) To officially mark the renaming of “Confederation Day” to “Dominion Day” on July 1

b) To commemorate the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day festivities held in Quebec City that year

c) To commemorate soldiers who died during the War of 1812, who would be honoured during a royal visit

2. Who originally designated July 1 as Canada Day?

a) Queen Victoria

b) Prime Minister John A. Macdonald

c) Governor General Charles Stanley Monck

3. Which symbol, now official, appeared on Canada’s first postage stamp in 1851?

a) The beaver

b) The maple leaf

c) The woodland caribou

4. In what year was the current Canadian flag adopted?

a) In 1867

b) In 1914

c) In 1965

5. What was the original name of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1873?

a) Her Majesty’s Mounted Guard

b) The Loyalist Mounted Police of the North

c) The North-West Mounted Police

6. In what year was the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) founded?

a) 1949

b) 1936

c) 1954

SPORTS »

Seeley assumes two roles in Canucks’ organization

Player who

graduated from local minor hockey system to run Abbotsford’s AHL club

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

Former Powell River Minor Hockey and Powell River Paper Kings player Richard Seeley is now general manager of the Abbotsford Canucks and assistant general manager of the Vancouver Canucks.

“I’m excited about the new opportunity and challenge,” said Seeley. “I have worked for a really good organization for a long time for the Los Angeles Kings.

“Being hired by the Canucks wasn’t something I was actively pursuing, but through contact with the Canucks and their organization, and having had some good conversations with Vancouver Canucks general manager Ryan Johnson, and understanding where they are at, I thought I could help support that group.”

Seeley said there are lots of important items to be dealt with over the next three to four weeks. One of them is the NHL draft, then there is free agency. He has to hire some staff members for Abbotsford, and a new coach will have to be found, with previous Abbotsford coach Manny Malhotra being promoted to coach Vancouver.

“The Abbotsford Canucks have done a great job of development and have developed a great coach there, so we’ll have to work towards getting that filled,” said

Seeley.

His responsibilities in Abbotsford will include development of players for success for the Abbotsford team and the NHL club.

Abbotsford players have gone up and contributed to Vancouver and Seeley wants to continue that going forward.

While the Vancouver Canucks are coming off a difficult season, having finished last in the NHL standings, Seeley is enthused to be joining the organization. He said working with Johnson, and the Sedin twins, who are copresidents in Vancouver, is exciting.

“You want to have an opportunity to grow and work with people with such high character,” said Seeley. “The Vancouver Canucks are coming off a challenging year, but they have started to take the right steps. It is going to require a lot of hard work, but when done right, and patiently, it can be very rewarding, and not only pay dividends for the organization, but for the city and the

oping them, and bringing them in, but they need the opportunity to grow in the professional game,” said Seeley. “You want them to be ready to jump into the NHL, and other than for a few select players, that path is through the American Hockey League. I would say that 85 or 90 pers cent of players spend some time there, so it’s important to have the right culture and environment there.

“It’s important to understand and help develop those players to set them up for overall success with the Canucks, and that path is often through the American Hockey League Canucks.”

Seeley said the AHL is the second-best league in the world and there are a lot of really good players there.

“It’s important to go through and learn at the AHL level, so when we ask them to put on a Vancouver Canucks jersey, they are ready to go,” said Seeley.

In terms of his transition from professional hockey player to management,

You are helping and can impact young players in reaching their potential, and ultimately, their dreams.

RICHARD SEELEY ABBOTSFORD CANUCKS GM

province, and the Canucks brand overall.”

Seeley said the Abbotsford team, which won the AHL Calder Cup as league champions in June 2025, are going to be a vital part of the Canucks engine.

“It’s exciting that you’re drafting players, and devel-

Seeley said he has grown fond of the building process.

“It has been rewarding watching players and staff develop,” said Seeley. “You are helping and can impact young players in reaching their potential, and ultimately, their dreams. When you see a 19- or 20-year-old

player coming in, and a couple of years later, they are 22 and on TV, contributing to an NHL club – it’s rewarding. It’s great to watch that growth and know you’ve had a hand in helping that person along the way.”

Vancouver general manager Ryan Johnson announced in a media release that Seeley is someone he has admired and respected for a long time, after watching him run the [Los Angeles] Kings AHL team in Ontario, California.

“Besides knowing the game of hockey inside and out, he is a great communicator, goes to work every day with an open mind, and sets his players up for success by creating an environment that tries to eliminate any excuse that would stop them from making progress. Rich understands our values and vision, and I believe his mindset and mentality will fit in nicely with what we are trying to establish with our organization in both Abbotsford and Vancouver.”

Seeley spent the past eight seasons as the general manager of the Ontario Reign (AHL). Last year was an historic season for the Reign, which captured the Pacific Division regular season title, finishing with a franchisebest 47-20-3-2 record and 99 points.

Prior to joining the Reign, Seeley spent three years as head coach and director of hockey operations of the ECHL's Manchester Monarchs. With Manchester, he compiled a record of 11773-26 and qualified for the Kelly Cup Playoffs in his three seasons.

Seeley was originally selected by Los Angeles in the sixth round of the 1997 NHL en-

try draft. He appeared in 340 games in the Kings system and served as captain of the AHL's Manchester Monarchs during the 2003/2004 and 2005/2006 seasons.

He said he is excited to be coming home.

Seeley said he has received well-wishes from this community and is grateful for the support he has received along the way.

“There’s great hockey heritage, with the Powell River Regals and the Powell River Kings,” said Seeley. “People behind the scenes put in a lot of hours to make hockey possible. The community has given me the opportunity to grow and love the game. I couldn’t be thankful enough.”

“I have worked for an unbelievable organization that allowed me an opportunity, and gave me freedom to learn and grow, and have really good people around me to learn from,” said Seeley. “That being said, growing up in Powell River, and knowing the history of the Canucks, going to the PNE Coliseum as a kid to watch Trevor Linden and Petr Nedvěd, then on to Pavel Bure, and the 1994 Stanley Cup run, I am coming full circle, and hopefully, contribute to the success of the Canucks.”

Richard Seeley, a former Powell River Minor Hockey and Powell River Paper Kings player, has been named general manager of the Abbotsford Canucks, and assistant general manager of the Vancouver Canucks, after years of working in management roles for the Los Angeles Kings organization.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Paddlers share inspiring stories of survival

Group regularly practices on Powell Lake and participates in regattas

TANYA HILL community@prpeak.com

Paddling for Life Society, a dragon boat team for breast cancer survivors and supporters, was created more than 25 years ago in qathet.

SUDOKU

Some dragon boat team members will share their inspiring stories from breast cancer survival to regaining health, staying connected and winning gold at a regatta on Saturday, June 27, at Powell River Public Library, beginning at 2 pm.

One of the founding members, Lorraine Matheson, told the Peak that the group still meets twice a week on Powell Lake to practice and regularly fundraises in order to pay for race entry fees and travel costs for dragon boat regattas.

"We practice twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturday mornings, and our coach, Helen Robinson, has a workout scheduled for us, and let me tell you, it's a workout," said Matheson. "Then we head down to the dock and load the boat."

The group has approximately 30 members who meet from April until mid-September.

Last year, the team won gold at a regatta in Comox, earned silver in their division at the Sproat Lake Regatta and gold at Westwood Lake in Nanaimo.

"We used to be strictly a breast cancer survivors group, but now we encourage anyone who is a supporter, or who may know someone who has had breast cancer," said Matheson. "Over the years, through attrition and age, we've lost quite a few of the breast cancer ladies."

Matheson said she first heard about dragon boating from women at a breast cancer exercise group she was attending.

"We heard about a group in Comox and then through Vancouver and doctor Don McKenzie," said Matheson. "Three of us went over [to Comox] to hear a presenta-

tion and decided that maybe this [dragon boating] wasn't such a bad idea, and to try to get this going in Powell River."

Paddling for Life was founded by women who had survived breast cancer and were told they couldn't exercise because their lymph nodes had been removed. The medical community at the time believed women treated for breast cancer should avoid rigorous upper body exercise for fear of developing lymphedema, a debilitating and chronic side-effect of treatment. McKenzie, a professor in the department of sports medicine and exercise physiologist at University of British Columbia, challenged the prevailing medical thinking and developed a program that proved this theory wrong.

Matheson said she first tried dragon boating when she and a group of ladies went to watch an event at Deas Slough.

"We were sitting, having dinner, and there was a group of ladies sitting at the table beside us, and they asked if we would like to paddle with

them," said Matheson. "We told them, 'we've never seen a dragon boat, we've never been in one', but the next morning we showed up, they gave us life jackets, gave us a paddle and had a quick lesson on how to hold the paddle."

Matheson said the dragon boat society has provided camaraderie and a resource for those navigating a breast cancer diagnosis.

"From a survivor's point of view, it's encouraging to know that somebody else has gone through this, or is going through it at the same time you are," said Matheson.

"There were three of us who participated in the Reach to Recovery program here in Powell River; we would be called by doctors to go and visit a patient, either in the hospital or at home, and gradually that has lessened over time."

Back then, there were not as many breast cancer resources available as there are now, especially online.

"Doing physical activity like dragon boating, to know you're still able to do things, even though you've been diagnosed with cancer, that's a

big part of it," said Matheson.

Earlier this month Matheson and the Paddling for Life team participated in the 2026 Sproat Lake Regatta, in Port Alberni.

"We paddled well," said Matheson. "We didn't win anything, but we improved our time, so that's the main thing."

Joining the team more than 25 years ago, made her realize how competitive she is.

"I joined an international breast cancer women's team," said Matheson. "I've paddled in Australia and Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Italy and Israel."

She said fortunately, her husband was able to travel with her and they were able to afford such trips.

"It's been a positive experience for me," emphasized Matheson.

To find out more about Paddling for Life Society, search for its page on Facebook. The society supports the work of BC Cancer's Reach to Recovery Program, an important resource for anyone going through cancer treatment.

Local group Paddling for Life Society, a dragon boat team for breast cancer survivors and supporters, recently participated in a regatta in Port Alberni. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

SCENE

AROUNDTOWN

Cycling safety

Rotary Club of Powell River’s annual Bike Safety Rodeo on May 31 attracted a record-breaking number of attendees with 185 children from four to 12 registering, far above the previous total of 126. As its popularity is growing, organizers are planning to have a larger space next year. Free food, prizes for everyone, bike maintenance and first aid were at the site. Prizes this year included a couple dozen picnic tables built by men going to qathet Men’s Shed.

ANDREW BRADLEY PHOTOS

UPTOWN DENTAL CENTRE

Jacqueline Rebecca Denise “Jacquie” Dawson

There are people who pass through your life and people who leave a mark. Jacquie Dawson was the second kind, and you knew it the moment you met her.

She grew up in Keswick, Ontario, a marina kid, daughter of Art and Irma, little sister to Doug and Jim. Jacquie’s days were full of excitement, laughs, friends and drama from sunup to sundown. As an adult, when she ran straight into the theatre world, it fit her personality and ambitions as though it had been tailored just for her.

From Halifax to Winnipeg, from Banff to Regina, and everywhere the stage took her, Jacquie spent decades doing the work she was born to do: stage managing, producing, floor directing, and being the steady hand and sharp eye every great production needs but rarely thanks enough. She described it as being “half football coach, half air traffic controller.” The people who worked alongside her called it something else: irreplaceable.

Powell River was Jacquie’s last great chapter, and what a chapter it was. Nearly two decades at Max Cameron Theatre, building something beautiful in a community that loved her right back. She mentored, championed, connected and she showed up. She remembered your name, she remembered your story and Jacquie made you feel like the most important person in the room — because to her, in that moment, you were.

Jacquie was many things. She was coffee in the morning and wine in the evening. She was Zucci’s person, and Zucci was hers. She was the friend you called when you needed someone who would tell you the truth — and then make you laugh about it.

On June 16, 2026, after a courageous fight with cancer, Jacquie passed gracefully away surrounded by the love of many. She was 71 and just about to retire. It wasn’t enough time. It never would have been.

She was preceded in death by her parents Art and Irma, her brother Jim, her soulmate Wayne and dear friend Mike. She is lovingly remembered by her cherished pet Zucci; her brother, Doug, and his family; and the extraordinary circle of friends whose lives she touched from coast to coast.

Jacquie and Wayne are together again now, lifting a glass and toasting their reunion.

To Team Jacquie — you know who you are and so did she. Thank you will never be enough.

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

Love you later.

February 9, 1942June 6, 2026

With heavy hearts we announce her sudden passing at her home in Powell River.

Mary is survived by her daughters Karen Wick and Christine Wilson (Maurice). She also leaves behind four grandchildren Jesse Devito (Natasha), Madison Devito (Dale), Keenan Wilson (Kristyn) and Leah Wilson (Mikey), and two greatgranddaughters Arya and Esra. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Mary was predeceased by her husband Garry, her sisters Joan Fersch and Betty Olson, brother Jim Smith and her son-in-law John Wick.

Mary was born at home in Kelsey Bay and grew up there. She moved to Powell River in 1958 to live with her sister Betty and attend Max Cameron High School, graduating in 1961. She went on to study teaching at the University of Victoria before returning to Powell River to teach Grade 1 at Edgehill School. During those years, she met Garry, and they married in 1966. After Karen and Christine were born, Mary continued working as a teacher-on-call for many years at elementary schools throughout the community, as well as at Max Cameron High School.

A lifelong reader, Mary worked in bookstores—first at Books and Stationery, and later at Coles Books—where she shared her love of reading with customers, friends and family.

Being a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunty to the family was her greatest pleasure. She also loved connecting with people and had many Facebook friends.

Following Garry’s death last year, she was happy to continue to live in her home with her dog “Reggie”, watching the eagles and ferries out her front window.

Mary will always be remembered for her sense of humour and her positive way of looking at the world.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held August 22 at 11 am at Stubberfield Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to BC SPCA qathet or PROWLS (Powell River Orphan Wildlife Rescue Society).

August 25 1970 – June 15 2026

Wayne passed away peacefully. He is survived by his son Trevor, his loving family, friends, and girlfriend Savanna.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Powell River Action Centre Food Bank or another charity of your choice.

A special thank-you to Dr. Morwood and all the hospital staff and first responders who took care of Wayne. He has gone fishing.

Mary Kathleen Koivu (née Smith)

1215 General Employment

>> CITY JOBS

Accounting Clerk – Cashier (full-time term to August 28, 2026)

All applications must be submitted online through the Employment Opportunities page at www.powellriver.ca

Hire

RAH

Super sweet 8-year-old pittie mix. Seeking a foster to adopt home.

ARTIE

Handsome black & white young male cat. Cheek scratches & head rubs make his day.

JOVIE

Unique, super senior, pretty tortoisehell female cat

COCO & SABA

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

NOTICE OF INTENTION

The qathet Regional District intends to participate in one or more procurements conducted by Canoe Procurement Group of Canada from July, 2026 to June, 2027. For further information and access to Canoe RFP and / or Tender notices, please review the BC Bid website at www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca and the MERX website at www.merx.com. For further information on Canoe, please visit the website at www.canoeprocurement.ca.

Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 26 (3) of the Community Charter that the Council for the City of Powell River intends to consider granting easements over top of a portion of road dedications as described below:

Accounting Administrator Powell River, BC I 30-40 hours/week

Rural Septic Services is a family owned and operated business providing septic system services in Powell River. We are looking for an Accounting Administrator to join our team. This is a hands-on role where you'll own the day-to-day accounting and payroll functions of the business while supporting other office staff and operations.

What we're looking for MUST HAVE:

• Hands-on experience with small business bookkeeping, including job costing, AR/AP, payroll, sales tax (GST/PST), and WorkSafe BC

• Proficiency with QuickBooks Online (QBO)

• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently

• Comfort managing cash flow and communicating financial information to ownership

• Good communication skills and a willingness to pitch in where needed

PREFERRED, NOT REQUIRED:

• CPB designation or relevant post-secondary education in accounting or bookkeeping

• Experience in a trades, construction, or service-based business

WHAT WE OFFER

• Consistent schedule with flexible commitment of 30-40 hours per week

• Hourly wage of $34-$36 based on experience

• Competitive extended benefits package

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your resume and a brief cover letter to ruralseptic.dan@gmail.com

We appreciate all applications, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Stunning Siamese female senior cats. Take one, take two!

NOVA

Yes black cats are special. Stop by to meet this pretty, female cat.

WREN & SYLVESTER

Two super nice bunnies. Stop by for a bunny cuddle

AQUARIUS

Wow, stunning female German Shepherd

DIESEL & HENDRIX

Wow, puppy seekers look no further, super cute handsome Shepherd mix puppies

MONKEY

Personality plus, sweet, funny, young, female Collie/Husky mix.

FOSTER PARENTS

Can you be a super helper?

Property Description: A 0.5m wide section along Joyce Avenue and a 1.0m wide section along Tofino Street, directly adjacent to 7020 Tofino Street, legally described as Lot 2 Block D District Lot 1424 Group 1 New Westminster District Plan EPP89199 (PID: 030-793-815).

Grantee: 1005940 B.C. Ltd, the registered owner of the property addressed at 7020 Tofino Street.

Nature of Disposition: Two volumetric easement areas over portions of the Joyce Avenue and Tofino Street road dedications. These easements would permit roof canopies, attached to the building currently under construction at 7020 Tofino Street, to project into the air space above the associated road dedication.

Consideration: A one-time payment based on a fair market value appraisal prepared by a BC Professional Appraiser.

Council will consider granting this easement at its July 2, 2026, meeting in Council Chambers of City Hall, located at 6910 Duncan Street, Powell River BC. For enquires please contact Director of Planning Services, Jason Gow, via email sent to planningservices@powellriver.ca or phone at 604-485-8650.

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.

Like new 2016 custom, level-entry home boasts full-length decks up & down to enjoy the great view of Harwood & Savary Islands. The main floor living room features a wall of windows, a natural gas fireplace, and opens to the dining room and a gorgeous chef’s kitchen with a five-burner stove and spacious island. There are quality finishings throughout with high ceilings, wood floors, nice window coverings, wide hallways & doors. Primary bedroom with own view accesses deck through French doors, has a roomy walk-in closet and 6-piece ensuite. Everything you need is on the main floor with full bath, office & laundry room. The two-bedroom suite (ready to go) on the lower level has great views from the living room, kitchen & bedroom plus its own private full-length deck! Just the right sized front and back yards are ideal for container gardens, or just relaxing! Double garage and concrete driveway. Located in vibrant Townsite area close to trails, in an area of beautiful homes.

FRIDAY, JUNE 26 • 9 am to 3 pm

“Company continues to grow with the community

Valley Building Supplies is marking 50 years in business, celebrating a half-century of supplying materials, advice and service to homeowners, contractors, businesses and public agencies in the Powell River area.

For one of the owners, Vic Spreeuw, the anniversary is both a business milestone and a reflection of the company’s long-standing connection to Powell River.

“We’re a family business, so for as long as I can remember, Valley has been a part of life,” explains Spreeuw.

“We’re from Powell River, many of us born and raised here. We’re local and we’re proud of that.”

Spreeuw says the company’s longevity comes back to the same principles it was built on: supplying quality products at fair prices and offering value to customers through knowledge and service.

“Fulfilling those principles consistently year after year is what made us successful, and we hope to continue

that in the future,” he adds. Valley Building Supplies began in the mid-1970s, when brothers Co and Casey Spreeuw were building houses.

As part of that work, Casey drove a truck to lumber mills, manufacturers and vendors in the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island, bringing materials back to the shop at the company’s current location at 4290 Padgett Road in Paradise Valley.

As word spread, people began asking the brothers to pick up building supplies for them as well. A small store area was eventually created at the front of the shop, and as the housing market slowed, the focus shifted more toward buying and selling materials.

Changes in the local marketplace also helped shape the business. After Goffins Builders on Duncan Street burned down in the mid- to late1970s, and another building supply business south of town later closed following a fire, Valley Building Supplies had room to grow.

The company built a larger, two-storey building, which opened in November 1981. That building remains the home of the business today, although it has been expanded significantly over the years.

Valley Building Supplies also faced its own serious fire in the early 1980s, but continued operating.

“We have grown along with Powell River, and have survived and thrived in the good and bad times of the area in which we live,” says Spreeuw.

“We’ve adapted, we’ve changed up our products, and we’ve added to our buildings and services over the years.”

Over five decades, Valley Building Supplies has supplied materials for homes, cottages, commercial buildings and government projects.

“We’ve been proud to support both

professional builders and people taking on their own projects.”

The building supply industry has changed significantly since the company opened, with new products, changing building codes and computer systems replacing handwritten invoices.

Customer expectations have also changed, particularly as the internet has made a wider variety of products visible and available. Still, Spreeuw says the core approach has remained consistent.

“We have always stocked a large inventory of quality products; we sell them at fair prices, and we deliver extra value with our knowledge and services.”

Spreeuw says Valley Building Supplies is grateful to the customers, contractors, employees and community members who have supported the business over the years.

“It’s been a pleasure to help you build your dream home, your lake cottage or your contracting business in the community for 50 years now,” he adds. “Here’s to another 50.” Looking ahead, Valley Building Supplies plans to continue building relationships with customers and is exploring online shopping options for later this year or in early 2027. Store hours are 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

The company will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Friday, June 26, with vendors and manufacturers on site for demonstrations and special offerings, as well as information about new products. The event will also include food, draws and anniversary specials.