Nelson Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd is a company recognized for excellence in roofing services on the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island. Twenty-five of the 45 years in business have been in the Powell River area, managed by local resident Ward Morcan.
“We are an RCABC [Roofing Contractors Association of BC] company in town and we are fully insured, including for hot-work,” explains Morcan. “We provide services for both businesses and homeowners.”
Nelson Roofing covers the entire Sunshine Coast, all the way from Gibsons and north to Bliss Landing, including Savary Island and some more remote islands.
The company’s edge? First-class metal roofing, torch-on and shingles, and a professional, fully Red Seal-certified workforce.
“Locally we have been involved with some larger projects, including apartment buildings, seniors housing, grocery stores and, most recently, the Town Centre Mall and Winners.”
Having a metal roof installed on a home or commercial building simply makes sense, given the Sunshine Coast’s wet climate, he adds.
“We’re seeing a lot more interest in metal roofs; they have a longer life expectancy and they’re better for the environment, because one roof will outlast two or three shingle roofs. They’re more resistant to weather conditions.”
Morcan navigated his way through construction as a young worker, became involved with roofing and completed his Red Seal certification in 1997.
“I’ve been involved with roofing, meeting people and helping customers make educated decisions for over 25 years.”
Nelson Roofing provides a free estimate for customers and, from the very beginning, from the estimate to going over the scope of the work and roof options, works with the customer to make sure the quality and standards are there.
“We have highly skilled employees who are trained to install the different types of roofing products,” he adds. “We can tailor a roof to meet our clients’ needs.”
Not only is Nelson Roofing a homegrown,
Morcan says being a certified member with the Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia (RCABC) demonstrates a commitment to industry standards and quality workmanship.
Canadian company, it is also a big employer in town, offering training and an apprenticeship program.
“Everybody we hire is given the opportunity after 90 days to sign up with our apprenticeship program. Once completed this gives them their Red Seal Certification.”
“Once we receive the job, the project managers are involved from the start to the finish, and there’s constant communication with each site foreman. We ensure the highest level of workmanship is provided and are in compliance with company, manufacture and industry standards.”
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Morcan has advice for anyone thinking about signing a contract with any company.
“Check valid references, and make sure they have insurance for the work they are proposing, as well as WorkSafe coverage. Your roof is a large investment.”
For anyone looking to build a career in roofing, Nelson Roofing & Sheet Metal is a unionized company (Local 280 and Local 276) offering excellent wages and benefit packages. Entry-level employees are supported while working toward Red Seal certification or becoming a ticketed journeyman. Applicants can apply at nelsonroofing.com/ employment-opportunities.
For more information, call 604.485.0100.
New superintendent enjoys role
Strategic plan
attracts Paul McKenzie to qathet School District
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
qathet School District’s new superintendent of schools is deeply invested in learning and enjoying leaning his shoulder into the work.
Having last served as the assistant superintendent of schools in Saanich, Paul McKenzie said he applied for the superintendent’s position here after he read the school district’s strategic plan.
“There were certain elements in the strategic plan that I really gravitated to around teaching and learning and service to the community,” said McKenzie. “There’s a strong commitment to land-based learning and a strong commitment to the environment.
“The schools here are vibrant places to learn and they are deeply connected to the community. There is a strong relational connection to Tla’amin Nation and first peoples’ principles of learning. So, there were a lot of things that philosophically felt right for me at this point in my career.”
McKenzie is originally from Owen Sound, Ontario, where he was born and raised. After graduating from high school, he undertook further studies at University of Western Ontario. After graduation, he started his educational career in Ontario as a high school English teacher, then moved into administration, followed by senior administration, where he was a superintendent for about five years before
moving to Saanich.
McKenzie said a number of factors precipitated the move, one being family.
“My daughters had relocated to the west coast and my oldest daughter had just given birth to my twin grandsons, so my wife and I started to think about being closer to family. We were fortunate enough to have the opportunity present itself in Saanich.”
While in that school district, McKenzie oversaw operationbased elements in terms of staffing and enrolment. He was heavily involved in helping mobilize the strategic plan and making sure schools were serving that plan.
The Saanich school district is larger than qathet School District, with 18 schools and a student population around 7,500.
After moving to the qathet region this spring, McKenzie said he spent a lot of time getting to know the schools and the work being done in the schools.
“What has been very affirming to me is how deeply invested our teachers and educational leaders are at the school level and the district level, leaning in deeply to that work,” said McKenzie. “I’m equally impressed with the level of support from the community in terms
SERVING
and in our schools. I’m proud to serve in whatever capacity I can as superintendent.”
McKenzie said he has had an opportunity to attend and participate in year-end festivities in the school district.
“I attended the Brooks Secondary School graduation, and I was amazed at what an outpouring of dedication there was from the staff and community in Hap Parker Arena,” said McKenzie. “It was such a beautiful night.
There is vibrancy and a dynamic feel in this community and in our schools. I’m proud to serve in whatever capacity I can as superintendent.
PAUL MCKENZIE QSD SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
of their support of the schools. It is gratifying to come to a place that is as deeply invested as it is in serving this community.
“There is vibrancy and a dynamic feel in this community
I’ve also been able to see some school productions. It’s amazing to come in to see the story of this school district unfolding.”
McKenzie said a big part of his early time in the school district is to be actively listening to the voices of the community in every way possible.
“It is truly my role to serve,” said McKenzie. “My position in the school district is servant leadership.”
McKenzie said he has been
hearing from the community and has met with some of the parent groups. He said at functions he has been able to attend, people have been more than willing to greet and welcome him, and impart their thoughts on the education system here.
“I’m immensely grateful for that,” said McKenzie. “As a new person coming to an area, it tells a lot about the community.”
Moving forward, McKenzie said the school district will be working on the core mandate of improving outcomes for students in literacy, numeracy and the core elements of the curriculum. He wants to ensure high levels of engagement for students and to give them the tools they need to flourish and be successful, not just in a kindergarten to grade 12 context, but beyond that.
“An advantage of a school district of this size is that we can be nimble, if we pay attention to the work and commit ourselves to it,” said McKenzie. “I’ve been so impressed with the deep passion of our classroom teachers and our school lead-
ers in this.”
McKenzie has also been grateful to the school board and school trustees for the support he has received in his early days.
“These are very dedicated people who have a deep interest in public education,” said McKenzie. “They have been immensely helpful and supportive of me in the early transition. They represent this community with integrity and passion, and it’s my role to support the work.”
McKenzie said as a former hockey coach, he believes strongly in the power of teams and the power of the collective.
“It takes every single person who works in the school district,” said McKenzie. “They have a significant role to play in making us better. The only way we can get better is when we invest ourselves in making sure these people know how much we care.
“The hope we have is for there to be that wide-eyed curiosity in our students, that we meet them where they are, with the only aspiration being for them to flourish.”
STUDENTS: qathet School District’s new superintendent of schools Paul McKenzie has spent his early time in the district listening, getting to know the staff, and getting a feel for the variety of schools under his administration. His intention is to help the school district do the utmost for students to flourish.
PAUL GALINSKI PHOTO
DON’T MISS THIS WEEK
SATURDAY JULY 5
TRANSCENDING SETTLER COLONIALISM
Historian Keith Carlson draws on decades of experience with Coast Salish knowledge keepers to provide insights into how to build a new respectful relationship. The presentation starts at 2 pm at Powell River Public Library. For information, email Mark at mmerlino@prpl.ca.
june 27 to july 2 Nightly 7 pm
Cyclist’s journey in honour of brother
Jesse Lamb riding to raise money for addiction centre
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
The journey of recovery from alcohol addiction began for BC resident Jesse Lamb five years ago. First, in a rehabilitation facility in Prince George, then at Miklat Recovery Program in qathet.
Lamb said his experience at the local nonprofit men's rehabilitation centre was when he learned the tools and made the connections he needed to lead a life of sobriety.
Fast forward to May 2025, Lamb lands in Newfoundland and begins a cross-Canada cycle tour to raise money for Miklat's expansion of a 12-bed fully funded (provincial government) recovery facility for men, which is in the process of being built at the Arbutus site in Townsite.
A GoFundMe campaign has been organized by Miklat program manager Rob Fitzpatrick. So far, $1,650 has been raised.
"It’s about bridging the gap between suffering and healing, between isolation and community, between addiction and recovery,” stated Fitzpatrick, in a message on the GoFundMe page. “Jesse is riding for every man who needs a place like Miklat.
“Starting in Newfoundland, Jesse will pedal thousands of kilometres across mountains, plains and coastlines. But this isn’t just a test of endurance—it’s a statement of commitment to a cause that has changed countless lives, including his own.”
Last year, Miklat began
operating under Together We Can Drug and Alcohol Recovery and Education Society, a much larger organization with the ability to help expand and improve services in the region.
"When I first showed up in Newfoundland, the weather was nasty," said Lamb. "I turned around, hunkered down in St. John's for 10 days, and then started the trip."
Lamb said he decided to take on cycling more than 4,000 kilometres from Newfoundland to Tofino, for a few reasons.
"This trip is the last piece of my recovery puzzle that I cannot seem to fix," said Lamb. "I have some demons to work through; I'm stuck emotionally due to past trauma."
Lamb was born and raised in Ontario, but moved to BC 15 years ago.
"I was living in Revelstoke, but I finally made the choice to seek treatments," said Lamb. "I did something most people don't do; I did, a three stage process: A full time treatment facility in Prince George for six-and-
a-half months, then from there, I transferred to Miklat in Powell River for a couple months, and then from there, I eventually moved back to Revelstoke."
Lamb said the ride is also in honour of his younger brother, who lost his life to addiction two years ago.
Lamb is now heading from Fredericton, New Brunswick, to Montreal, Quebec, with a 2,558 elevation gain, at a distance of 1,000 kilometres.
Money raised by Lamb will go toward expanding and enhancing Miklat’s programming, which includes counselling, safe housing and life skills training.
"They helped me fill in a few of the missing links that I was struggling with," said Lamb. "There's just something special about it; they walk the walk and talk the talk."
Many folks working at Miklat are on the recovery journey themselves, so they come with a unique perspective that helps them connect with clients.
"That gives you a lot of street credit, with people
who are in the same struggle," said Lamb. "One of the biggest differences [compared to other facilities] is that you're in a place led by people who have lived it. These guys have done it too; they went through everything I'm going through, and there's power in that."
In September, Lamb will hit his five-year sobriety mark.
"It's a solo journey and it's a very personal thing for me," said Lamb. "I'm fortunate enough that I don't feel the pull to the alcohol like I used to; some people struggle with that draw even after they sober up."
Lamb said he's met many friendly and helpful people so far on his cycle journey.
"East coast hospitality is second to none," he added. “They're so awesome; there's so many people welcoming me to stay at their homes."
To find the Miklat GoFundMe, go to gofundme.com/f/help-jesse-rideacross-canada-for-addiction-recovery, or type Help Jesse Ride Across Canada for Addiction Recovery into a search engine.
RIDE FOR RECOVERY: Jesse Lamb is cycling from Newfoundland to Tofino to raise awareness and support for the Miklat Recovery Program. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Remuneration details released
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
qathet Regional District’s finance committee is recommending that the regional board approve the district’s 2024 statement of financial information (SOFI).
At the June 10 finance committee meeting, Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne said the 2024 SOFI report had references to sustainability, flexibility and vulnerability.
“I don’t seem to recall seeing that in previous years’ reports,” said Gisborne. “Is that something new in the reporting?”
Manager of financial services Celinde Lillies said information had been captured in previous SOFI reports.
Electoral Area E director and committee chair Andrew Fall said a lot of work goes into these reports on top of all the other financial planning reports carried out by regional district staff.
“I appreciate the work that went into that,” said Fall. “There’s a lot of information.”
According to the report, remuneration for elected officials in 2024 amounted to
$192,371.68, with expenses of $48,373.51.
Employees with remuneration exceeding $75,000 had remuneration of $1,521,074.26, with expenses of $27,265. Total remuneration including other employees was $3,389,625.43, with expenses of $100,155.99.
There was also an increase in accrued wages and benefits since December 31, 2023, of $92,372.75; employer contributions for employment insurance, Canada Pension Plan and other benefits of $812,785.36; personnel costs such as health and safety, training and travel of $314,625.65; wage recoveries of $749,551; and other items, for a total of $499,336.89. Total personnel costs of elected officials and employees was $4,081,334.
There were 71 payments for the provision of goods and services of more than $25,000, amounting to $16,800,932.59. The consolidated total paid to suppliers who received payments of $25,000 or less came to $2,224,441.94.
Grants and contributions exceeding $25,000 came to $1,043,518.84.
Totals for payments to suppliers, grants and contributions and expenses paid to directors and employees came to $20,217,422.87.
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Help shape transit in Powell River
Take the survey and have your say!
BC Transit, the City of Powell River and qathet Regional District are creating a new transit map for Powell River and planning for the future of qathet rural routes.
Share your feedback on a new vision for the city routes. Help us understand your priorities for rural routes 12, 13,and 14.
Visit engage.bctransit.com/powellriver-tfsp or scan the QR code to take the online survey.
Kathaumixw Kathaumixw
Founded in the year 2019, Cantate is one of the most recent and successful choral projects in Costa Rica, quickly gaining a choral spotlight in the country for their versatility and energy on stage. Comprised mostly of alumni from the Concordia Coral Children’s Choir, the ensemble performs at a high artistic level with a diverse and engaging repertoire.
& SCHEDULE
Real estate activity increases
Number
of single-family homes sold
and dollar value rises from 2024 to 2025
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
Real estate sales in the Powell River Sunshine Coast Real Estate Board region show increases year-to-date.
According to real estate board president Curtis Yungen, sales for the month of May 2025 were similar to April 2025.
“We had 41 total sales for May, compared to 40 total sales for April,” said Yungen. “Singlefamily residential sales stayed the same at 29 units. Total volume of sales did increase from $25,290,000 in April to $26,118,500 in May.
“Current year-to-date sales compared to year-to-date 2024 saw an increase in new listings, from 226 in 2024 to 252 in 2025. There was an increase in units sold, from 101 in 2024, to 108 in 2025. There was also an increase in dollar volume, from $67,902,450 in 2024, to $76,346,400.”
In the single-family homes category, in May 2025, there were 29 sales, valued at $21,239,500, compared to 20 sales in May 2024, valued at $12,951,300.
In the mobile and manufactured homes category, there were three sales, valued at $368,500, in May 2025, compared to seven sales, valued at $1,940,900, in May 2024.
There were five sales, valued at $1,895,500, in the condos, apartments and duplexes cat-
egory in May 2025, compared to seven sales, valued at $3,439,000, in May 2024.
Totals for residential sales included 39 units being sold in May 2025, valued at $23,503,500, compared to 34 units sold in May 2024, valued at $18,331,200. There were three pieces of vacant land sold in May 2025, valued at $1,615,000, compared to three parcels of land in May 2024, valued at $807,500.
In the industrial, commercial and institutional category, there was one unit sold in May 2025, valued at $1 million, compared to two units sold, valued at $1,071,000, in May 2024.
The totals for nonresidential were four units sold in May 2025, valued at $2,615,000, compared to five units sold in May 2024, valued at $1,878,500.
Grand totals for all sales indicate 41 sales in May 2025, valued at $26,118,500, compared to 39 sales in May 2024, valued at $20,209,700.
Average single-family residence price in May 2025 was $732,397, with an average of 66 days on the market, compared to $664,858 in May 2024, with an average of 39 days on the market.
Median price in May 2025 was $678,000, compared to $592,000 in May 2024.
There were 81 new residential listings in May 2025, and 15 nonresidential, for a total of 96 new listings.
The number of active listings at the end of May 2025 in the residential category was 239, and the number of nonresidential listings was 98, for a total of 337 active listings.
MAKING CONTRIBUTION: Powell River’s Knights of Columbus recently donated $2,707 to Assumption School’s Bridget Bigold Memorial Tuition Bursary. [From left] Gerry Anderson, Knights of Columbus financial secretary, Assumption principal Lisa Berg, and Knights of Columbus grand knight David Formosa. The bursary provides financial assistance to students wanting to attend Assumption who may be unable to do so because of financial constraints.
Councillors discuss tiny homes
Proposal for affordable housing project brought forward
to committee of the whole
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
A Powell River resident has brought forward a proposal to develop sustainable, affordable housing, consisting of 200 tiny homes, aimed at addressing the critical shortage of affordable housing, and to combat homelessness.
At the city’s committee of the whole meeting on June 17, Michael Gelber spoke to councillors about what he termed as the qathet Homes project proposal. He said once upon a time, there were no homeless people in Powell River, so his question is: What happened and is there anything he can do about it?
Gelber said all of a sudden, the woods behind his house have become occupied by homeless campers. He said he came up with the tiny homes proposal after speaking with the occupants in the woods.
“I was inspired in 2024 by a McLean’s article about the 12 Neighbours Project in Fredericton, where 96 tiny homes have started making a dent in the homeless problem and are changing people’s lives,” said Gelber. “The other was an article about the City of Vienna, where the city has been building and maintaining social housing for nearly 100 years. This keeps rents competitively low, allowing students, and the poor, good and affordable housing.”
Gelber said for more than 40 years, through the gradual abandonment of social housing, and compounded
with the inflation of house prices and rents, housing has become utterly unaffordable for low-income people, and thus, they live in tents in the woods. He added that the problem is exacerbated by the presence of drugs, growth of mental health issues, and despair and hopelessness, all of which are related.
“None of my ideas for the problem in Powell River are original,” said Gelber. “The 12 Neighbours Project has inspired me with their model and my proposal, which is before council, is for 200 tiny homes. The homes are 250 square feet and fully equipped with everything except laundry, which will be housed separately. The residents pay 30 per cent of their income and that covers everything, including electricity and basic internet.
“The homes are beautiful. I have official plans of the tiny homes that I have forwarded to city planning. The city has already designated eight city-owned properties for affordable housing. Alternatively, there is the possibility of privately owned properties being donated for this project.”
Gelber estimated the cost of the project to be $27 million. He said rents would generate close to $1 million per year, which would pay for operations and generate income for the city. He said the first steps are to secure the land, to engage a nonprofit or charitable organization that can receive private and government funds, as well as provide expertise to build and manage the project. Also required would be an individual who could provide leadership, added Gelber.
Councillor Rob Southcott said it seemed clear to him that this is not something the city would do, so it is not the same as Vienna’s housing project. He said there are po-
tential spin-off benefits for the community as there were in the Fredericton project.
“We also are aware of Duncan, Port Alberni and Victoria, which have done projects like this on a smaller scale than the Fredericton case,” said Southcott. “I was fascinated by what Mr. Gelber put together that was provided to us a couple of weeks ago.”
Southcott said he does not know how to move forward, because from an initial standpoint, the city does not have a central role.
“There are various agencies in this community that could participate,” said Southcott. “The key to the approach is a phased approach. I’m hoping it can go somewhere because there is clearly a need in our community.”
Councillor Jim Palm said the project would need about five acres, and that the city is land rich.
“This is an excellent opportunity for the city to get involved,” added Palm.
Councillor and committee chair George Doubt made a motion that the committee direct staff to prepare a report on options for putting the qathet Homes project
proposal into action.
“It’s a great idea,” said Doubt. “Mayor [Ron] Woznow has talked about the potential for tiny homes. There are examples all over the place. We know it is possible to do. What it takes is an intention to do it and intention to try to bring a partnership together.
“You have to have a partnership, you have to have land, and you have to get funds from the provincial and federal governments. We can do that.”
Woznow said shortly after the election in 2022, he brought forward a motion to have staff look at tiny homes in Powell River. He said he lived in Fredericton for five years and still has family there.
“I was well aware of their tiny homes project and the commitment of the city working with different agencies. I am fully supportive. Unfortunately, my motion was defeated. I’m hoping that [Doubt’s] motion will pass.”
The motion to have staff prepare a report on options for putting the qathet Homes project proposal into action carried unanimously.
PITCHES IDEA: Powell River resident Michael Gelber made a presentation to the city’s committee of the whole, proposing that a 200-unit tiny home project be initiated to address the critical shortage of affordable housing, and to combat homelessness. PAUL GALINSKI PHOTO
Next chapter
To the graduating class of 2025, congratulations. You’ve crossed a major milestone, one that marks the end of a chapter and the beginning of a much broader story, which you alone get to write.
From the halls of Brooks Secondary School to the broader community, your journey has been shaped by resilience, growth and the support of those around you (parents/guardians, teachers, coaches, to name a few).
Whether you’re headed to university, entering the workforce, joining the military or exploring the world, remember that character counts. Kindness, integrity and perseverance will take you further than any transcript ever will.
You’re stepping into an uncertain world, but it’s full of possibility. You’ve grown up in a community that values creativity, connection and a strong work
VIEWPOINT
ethic. Carry those values with you.
The future isn’t something that happens to you, it’s something you help create. So create with intention. Be active citizens. Vote. Volunteer. Innovate.
Stay curious, stay grounded, be open to new ideas and the opinions of others, keep those elbows up and don’t be afraid to fail. Mistakes are part of learning, and learning never ends.
Success isn’t defined solely by grades or accolades, but by the kind of person you become, and it means little without health and peace of mind. Burnout is real, so learn when to push yourself and when to pause. Balance is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.
We hope you’ll come back often and contribute to the fabric of our community in new ways. For now, the future is yours, so go shape it. And enjoy the moment, because you’ve earned it.
Early intervention helps mitigate risks
Post-viral syndromes, including what is now broadly recognized as post-COVID syndrome or long COVID, have presented a unique clinical challenge.
Persistent symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive impairment, shortness of breath and dysautonomia may linger for months following even a mild acute viral illness. Naturopathic medicine offers an integrative approach that addresses both the underlying physiology and the whole-person experience of these complex conditions.
Early intervention helps mitigate risks from the start. Prompt
treatment during the acute phase of viral illnesses such as influenza or COVID-19 is an important first step.
Timely care aims to support immune function, reduce viral replication and minimize excessive inflammatory responses that may contribute to post-viral complications. Important vitamins, minerals and herbal medicines that can help include vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, and botanicals such as elderberry. Always check in with a trusted source to determine if supplements or herbal medicines might interact with medications you are on.
By Dr. Shawn Peters
Post-viral syndromes often involve dysregulated immune activity and impaired cellular repair mechanisms. Intermittent fasting (IF), when appropriate, can stimulate autophagy—a cellular housekeeping process that removes damaged proteins, reduces oxidative stress and supports mitochondrial function.
Intermittent fasting windows of 12 to 16 hours are generally welltolerated and may help recalibrate metabolic and inflammatory processes that are often disrupted after viral illness.
Oxidative stress plays a key role in post-viral syndromes. Antioxidant
therapy aims to reduce ongoing tissue inflammation and support mitochondrial function.
While a number of supplements may be warranted (vitamin C and zinc), a diet emphasizing colourful fruits and vegetables, green tea and anti-inflammatory fats (like fish and walnuts) can further enhance antioxidant defenses. Some particularly important foods include red grapes, berries, peanuts (organic), pistachios and dark chocolate (not milk chocolate).
Emerging evidence highlights the significant interplay between gut microbiota and post-viral im-
mune regulation. Dysbiosis may exacerbate systemic inflammation, perpetuate fatigue and impair recovery.
Naturopathic strategies to restore microbial balance include a diverse diet rich in fibre, fermented foods and appropriate use of probiotic supplementation. Addressing gastrointestinal function is often a foundational aspect of post-viral care.
Dr. Shawn Peters, ND, is a naturopathic doctor practicing in the qathet region and Courtenay. For more information, go to drshawnpeters.com or call 604.489.5919.
We respectfully acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional and treaty lands of the Tla’amin people.
Published every Thursday by Pacific Coast Publications Limited Partnership.
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Phone 604.485.5313
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KELLY KEIL publisher SHANE CARLSON editor
Choral festival includes surprises
Singers from around the world will gather next week
TANYA HILL
thill@prpeak.com
International choral qat̓ᶿaymɩxʷ (Kathaumixw) 2025 is almost here, but it has been in the making for the past two years. The festival, which will take place Tuesday, July 1, to Saturday, July 5, is also a competition for visiting international, Canadian and qathetbased choir singers.
Artistic director festival and conductor Walter Martella spoke to the Peak about this year's highlights.
"The opening concert is going to be wonderful," said Martella. "We have the parade of choirs, international choral spotlights and the Festival Brass Ensemble and the Festival Chorus performing."
Martella said the spotlight performances are meant to be surprises to the audience, so they are not mentioned in the festival program.
"They're just surprises, but one performer I will mention is a soloist who is only seven years old," said Martella. "Then, the Festival Brass Ensemble is a group of musicians from Victoria; I will be conducting the choral works that are at the end of the opening night."
The highlight of opening night is the finale, when a choral arrangement of “Bohemian Rhapsody” will be sung, ac-
companied by dancers choreographed by Paige Anderson.
"Our artist-in-residence choir is the Male ENsemble Philippines, an ensemble from the Philippines," said Martella. "They're going to be featured throughout the festival."
Two of the guest choirs have been winners at past International Choral qat̓ᶿaymɩxʷ festivals: Young People’s Chorus of New York City and Toronto Children’s Chorus.
"Throughout the week, we have 16 concerts, so every choir that travels here will perform three times," said Martella. "We have the promenade concert in Tla'amin on Friday; this will be the third time we have done this."
On Thursday, July 3, in the evening, there will be some fun concerts called a choral showcase, featuring visiting choirs alongside qathet's Academy Chamber Choir, with a live band accompaniment.
"The night finishes with songs by [the music group] Coldplay," said Martella.
"I've travelled quite a bit, and in a lot of places the music is slowly changing into what would be considered a newer standard, or what the public is used to hearing."
Symphony orchestras and choral/ choir concert performances now usually incorporate some form of modern music in order to keep the music fresh and attract new and younger audiences.
"It's definitely happening more and more, where you see rock artists teaming up with an orchestra," said Martella. "It's a way to bridge the gap between orchestral people and more current mainstream pop people, to show everybody that music is music."
There are a total of 21 groups travelling to this year's festival and 750 people singing at the closing night performance.
"It's amazing," said Martella. "We're ecstatic here; it's been a two year stretch, but now, a little bit of the pressure is off."
CROSSWORD
TEACHING LESSONS: Tla’amin Nation members [from left] Koa Wilson, Betty Wilson, Frankie Mcwade and John Louie were at Willingdon Beach on Wednesday, June 18, for qathet School District’s National Indigenous Peoples Day learning event. Throughout the day, grades four to seven students took turns participating in traditional Tla’amin culture workshops and activities. TANYA HILL PHOTO
WORLD CHOIRS: From July 1 to July 5, singers from around the world will come together at the International Choral qat
aym
PEAK ARCHIVE PHOTO
Canada Day: Honour the past and look to the future
Canada Day celebrates everything that makes Canada unique, diverse and exceptional. From the rugged landscapes of the Rocky Mountains to the bustling cityscapes of Vancouver and Montreal, Canada is a tapestry of cultures, languages and traditions woven together to create a vibrant and inclusive nation.
HISTORY
On July 1st, Canadians from coast to coast come together to commemorate the birth of the nation. It’s a day to reflect on a shared history, from the Indigenous peoples who’ve called this land home for thousands of years to the waves of immigrants who’ve contributed to Canada’s rich cultural mosaic. It’s a day to celebrate the country’s achievements, from universal healthcare and multiculturalism to a commitment to peacekeeping and environmental stewardship.
CELEBRATE WITH PRIDE
Canada Day is a time to proudly wave the maple leaf flag and sing O Canada with your
friends, family and neighbours. It’s a day to revel in the beauty of your natural surroundings, whether hiking in the wilderness, lounging on a sandy beach or paddling down a winding river.
SHARED VALUES
Above all, Canada Day reminds you of the values that define you as a Canadian: compassion, tolerance and inclusivity. It’s a day to reaffirm your commitment to building a society where everyone has the oppor tunity to thrive, regardless of their background or beliefs.
As you celebrate Canada Day, take the time to honour the past and look to the future with hope and optimism. Happy Canada Day!
Over the years, Canada has produced many artists whose talents have shone both here and abroad. Can you identify the following ten?
Who am I?
1. As an icon of dance sport, I was a judge on So You Think You Can Dance in both the United States and Canada.
2. An influential painter associated with the Group of Seven, I was also the first president of the Canadian Group of Painters.
3. The red-haired orphan with a sharp tongue that I created has travelled the world, both on paper and on screen.
4. played a leading role in the series Cardinal and hosted the reality TV show The Traitors Canada
5. sing both pop and jazz music and have sold over 75 million albums worldwide.
6. have directed episodes of many popular series, including The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones
7. As a legendary guitarist and songwriter, including with The Guess Who, have been awarded the Order of Canada.
8. A self-taught photographer, I focus on capturing moments that reflect the Arctic environment and Inuit culture.
9. work with various materials including wax, stone, bronze and steel. am particularly known for my “Women are Persons!” monuments.
10. In addition to being a symphony and opera conductor, I’m the musical director of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. How well do you know Canadian artists?
ANSWER CHOICES
A. Barbara Paterson
B. Jean-Marc Généreux
C. Jimmy Manning
D. Karine Vanasse
E. Lawren Harris
F. Lucy Maud Montgomery
G. Michael Bublé
H. Michelle MacLaren
I. Naomi Woo
J. Randy Bachman
Five unique facts about Canada
Canada Day is a federal holiday celebrated annually on July 1. Canadians have much to celebrate come the first of July, and these are five things that make the Great White North unique.
1.
Canada is the second largest country in the world, with a total area of more than 9.9 million square kilometres. In fact, according to Worldometer, Canada takes up 6.1 percent of the world’s land mass, making it just one of six countries across the globe to count more than five percent of the global land mass as its own.
world. According to the World Population Review, Canadian coastline stretches more than 202,000 kilometers, which easily bests Indonesia, which has the second longest coastline at roughly 99,000 kilometers.
2. Canadians love their maple syrup, and perhaps some love it a tad too much. The first season of the Netflix documentary series “Dirty Money” included an episode about the Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist. That theft, during which 3,300 short tons of maple syrup valued at nearly $18 million CAD was stolen from a storage facility over 2011 and 2012, is the most significant heist in Canadian history. The heist was discovered during an inventory of the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers’ strategic reserve. During the inspection, an investigator realized several barrels at the facility were empty, prompting a wider investigation and realization of the scope of the crime. Various individuals were ultimately found responsible for the theft and sentenced to prison.
3.
Canada is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the west. That undoubtedly contributes to Canada having the longest coastline in the
4. Though it’s the second largest country in the world, Canada is the twelfth least densely populated nation across the globe. Estimates indicate that Canada’s population stood at around 41 million people in 2024. By comparison, the Japanese city of Tokyo was estimated to have more than 37 million people living in its metro area in 2024.
5.
Roughly two-thirds of the world’s polar bears call Canada home.
According to Polar Bears in Canada, the global population of polar bears is divided into 19 subpopulations, and 13 of those are managed or co-managed by Canada. All told, roughly 16,000 polar bears reside in Canada, with just 10,000 residing beyond Canadian borders.
Canada Day is an annual celebration of the Great White North and a great time to consider the many things that make this beautiful nation so unique.
6807 Wharf Street Powell River, BC
Messages to the graduating class
North Island-Powell River MP Randene Neill
Congratulations to the Brooks Secondary School Class of 2025. I am honoured to offer my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you who are graduating from Brooks Secondary School.
Graduation marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. You’ve navigated your way through challenges and opportunities and done so with strength,
Tla’amin Nation hegus John Hackett
Congratulations, graduating class of 2025!
Graduating is a major accomplishment and honourable 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. This is one of many chapters that you have now completed on your life’s journey. Each
creativity and perseverance. Your dedication as you’ve matured shows the kind of leadership our community and province need.
As you celebrate this milestone in beautiful qathet, know your achievements have made your families, teachers and the whole community proud. Whether your plans include heading to university, learning a trade,
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… 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. Take in and learn our Tla’amin his-
City of Powell River mayor Ron Woznow
travelling or discovering your next steps, I encourage you to follow your curiosity, stay grounded in your values and keep giving back to the places and people who helped you grow.
Brooks grads, you’re ready for whatever comes next. Take what you’ve learned, speak up and make things happen. We’re excited to see where you go from here. Best wishes.
tory, cultural practices and our ʔayʔaǰuθəm language, but at the same time explore this beautiful earth. Take in the diversity of world culture and you will all discover how amazing each day is.
Surround yourselves with loved ones and positive people to keep your spirit healthy and strong to guide you to make decisions based on our taʔaw.
As you stand on the threshold of graduation, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations on this remarkable achievement. You’ve put in a great deal of effort to reach this milestone, and you have every reason to feel proud.
Graduation is a moment to look back on everything you’ve accomplished, and to look ahead at all that lies before you. You’ve spent countless hours studying, writing and preparing for exams. Along the way, you’ve gained new skills, formed lasting friendships and grown in ways you may not have imagined.
Brooks Secondary School principal Jasmin Marshman
Your past 13 years have been leading to this moment; you are all stepping off the cliff and you are ready.
But let’s be clear. You don’t have to have it all figured out right now. You don’t even have to have a dream.
If you have something you’ve always wanted to do, go for it. But if like many, you don’t have a dream, don’t force it. Instead, focus on passionate dedication in the pursuit of short term goals. Be micro-ambitious, put your head down and
work with pride on whatever is in front of you.
You never know where you’ll end up when you lift your head and look up.
If you focus too far in front of you, you won’t see the shiny thing out of the corner of your eye.
You do not need to already know what you want to do with the rest of your life.
Life will sometimes seem long, tough and tiring, and you will sometimes be happy and sometimes sad. There is only one thing to do with this amazing, magical, existence: fill it.
But this is only the beginning. As you step into the next chapter of your life, new opportunities and challenges await. You’ll have the chance to explore different paths, meet new people and experience the world in fresh and exciting ways.
As you celebrate this significant moment, remember that your future is full of 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 success and fulfillment in all your future endeavours.
Life is best filled with learning about as much as you can, taking pride in whatever you are doing, having compassion, sharing ideas, being enthusiastic, and all the other stuff like love, travel, art and music, maybe a spouse, maybe kids, and maybe mountain climbing.
It’s an incredible exciting thing, this wonderous life of yours, and you are right at the starting line. I’m very grateful that when I looked up, I saw this opportunity, because you are the shiny thing that caught my eye.
qathet School District board chair Jaclyn Miller
Dear graduates. Congratulations on reaching this important milestone. The Class of 2025 has shown remarkable resilience, creativity and care through years filled with both challenges and growth.
You’ve earned more than a diploma; you’ve built a foundation. Along the way, you’ve learned not just from textbooks and tests, but from the moments that often go unnoticed: solving
problems with your peers, speaking up when it mattered, or offering kindness when someone needed it most.
These everyday experiences have shaped your character and strengthened your voice. In a world that’s constantly changing, those qualities matter deeply.
As you take your next steps, whether toward work, more learning or something still unfold-
ing, know that you carry with you the values that define a strong and thoughtful community: curiosity, compassion, courage and integrity.
The path ahead won’t always be clear, but you are ready for it. And more importantly, the world needs what you bring. I am proud of you, and excited for what comes next. Warmest congratulations!
Owen Bailey
Reid Balzan
Summer Barcelonne
Denae Barrette
Helen Barszczewski
Nick Beck
Cavan Behan
Bronwyn Chernove Lane Chiasson
Misia Choo Addisen Christensen
Andrew Clark Rowan Cocksedge
Reace Boarman Ian Bomprezzi
Kamden Bourdais Paige Brewster Leo Brosseau
Dorijan Burec
Madison Burke Gwendolyn Burton
Felix Calder Williams
Lily Carlos Quinn Carlson Jewlia Castle
Safiyah Dyck
Cory Dyer
Ebony Emmonds
David Evans Sienna Foley
Jagger Forrest
Lena Concha Seinehann Coplin
Julia Crema
Noah Culos
Mia Curtis Reece Deeble
Aiden Deerwester Journey DeWolfe Landyn Dingwall
Jimmy Donaven
Asher Duggan
Tyrell Duhamel
Tia Francis
Frew
Heidi Gale Jaxs Gallant Lily Gaudreau Madi Giesbrecht
qathet School District is pleased to announce the 2025 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: Quinn Carlson, Lane Chiasson, Hunter Clark, Maia Conroy, Leigh Cronin, Kaylin Cox, Marlo Doyon-Turner, Olivia Egan-Hache, Danica Gurniak, Nicole Hawkins, Sammy McIntyre, Jade Mollon, Liam Neath, Eden-Belle O’Neill, Aleece Rupf, Alex Scott, Lucas Wadsworth, Blue Watkin, Spencer Webb, Kierra Winterbottom, Emma Young
Bence Bolyos-Loffree
Kara Derksen
Zariah Dobbelaere
Jordan Graham Amber Hanhams
Sophia Harris
Morris Harrison Malek Imbert-Aliaga
Victor Lutick
Mary Mathieu
Brian Morrison-Buchanan
Colston Perry
Irelyn Salter Jayden Sanderson
Naima Simmonds
Lillian Smith Lilia Spencer Taylor VanDyk
To the parents, from a student
Graduate Hope Alescio delivered the following message during Grad 2025 celebrations at Powell River Recreation Complex in early June.
I reject the notion that you don’t choose your family.
Many people believe that family is something you’re simply born into—that your parents are your parents because you share the same DNA. But I don’t think DNA is what truly makes a family.
DNA is what led our parents to take us home from the hospital. But love is what made them take us to every extracurricular activity. Legal requirements made sure they provided food for us. But love is what made our moms wake up early
just to make sure we got to school safely.
Yes, the government says you have to send your child to school. But it was love that made our parents teach us never to give up, to always try our best, and to always be true to ourselves.
Our parents didn’t have to do everything they did for us—they chose to love us every single day. They chose to go the extra mile. Duty is doing what’s required. Family is choosing to love, even when it’s hard.
Most of us graduates wouldn’t be here today if our
parents or guardians hadn’t made that choice. And that’s what makes a parent’s love so real. It’s not automatic. It’s intentional.
There were times we gave our parents attitude they didn’t deserve. Times when they could have responded with frustration and no one would have blamed them. But they chose to love us instead. Again, and again.
When others might have given up on us, our parents and guardians stayed. They’ve been by our sides since day one.
Being a parent isn’t just
To the students, from a student
Graduate Francesca Valing spoke directly to her fellow graduates from the stage set up in Hap Parker Arena on June 7.
I would like to begin this speech by saying a brief thank you to everyone who made this day possible. Thank you complex employees, thank you teacher volunteers, thank you fellow students, and the most humongous thank you of all to the parents and friends who have come together today to mark the end of one era of our lives and the beginning of another.
As I look out from behind this big scary podium onto the big scary crowd in front of me, I am struck by the amount of potential I see in each one of you. From the physics nerds who have spent countless
lunch hours wiping blood, sweat and tears off of their assignments, to the trumpeting rock stars of concert band, to the trades kids who all but disappeared in grade 11 to finally get on the tools, each one of you has the immense capacity to succeed and build something great out of your passion.
Our Brooks Secondary School graduating class of 2025 is made up of almost 200 incredibly different individuals. And you don’t have to be graduating this year to remember that dif
Congratulations to Quinn Carlson, Yoshun Kita-Sternberg, Dai Sumiyoshi and Ickay Konishi on your academic achievements
Your families look forward to seeing what you accomplish next. Your future awaits. Enjoy the journey. Ganbatte kudasai!
about biology. It’s about being there. It’s about showing up. It’s about loving someone through their failures, disappointments and mistakes. It’s about cheering for their hobbies, supporting their goals and believing in their dreams.
For some of us, the people we call mom or dad might not even share our DNA. But as I said, being a parent isn’t about genetics. It’s about choosing to love, even when it’s difficult.
So, parents, congratulations. The choices you’ve made up until now have led your kid to graduate. From that day you brought them home from the hospital to the day they will leave your nest, your choice to be a loving parent has empowered this generation to be the kind of people you raised us to be.
ferences are often not the coolest thing in high school.
However, I participated in a class activity earlier this year that gave me a new way of looking at things.
In my Careers 12 class, students were each given a list of important core values to choose from. When we had all picked a few, we further narrowed down which ones were most important to us as a class.
We ended up with six: respect, love, honesty, loyalty, kindness, and discipline. And suddenly, what had seemed like a trivial, tick-the-box assignment before – sorry, Mr. Cocksedge,
Thank you, Mom, Dad, for the countless times you chose to love. Without your sacrifice we would not be where we are today. The next generation has the potential to do incredible things because of your choice to be the kind of parents we needed to succeed.
no one loves Careers – became a unifying force within our class.
People we never would have discussed the weather with before were suddenly sharing with us their thoughts about the importance of honesty in relationships. It was a fascinating shift.
I think activities like this one are just a small demonstration of a larger picture: that we have the most important things in common. And that’s a pretty good start.
Grads of 2025, it has been a beautiful four years with you. I hope that we have built and will continue to build strong connections with each other in the years to come. I truly can’t wait to see what we have to offer the world.
God bless you all and thanks again!
Francesca Valing
Hope Alescio
Graduate Lily Carlos made the following speech at a graduation ceremony held earlier this month at Powell River Recreation Complex.
Hello, grads, families and especially staff and teachers.
For my years at Brooks, I’ve taken classes that ranged from chemistry and law to soccer skills and hockey academy. It’s crazy to believe our high school journey is coming to an end after all the early mornings, latenight assignments and the break time hallway debriefs. We made it!
But today I am honoured to be standing in front of you saying thank you teacher, coaches and support staff; thank you for being there for all of it. The hours you’ve seen us at our worst — sleep-deprived, over-caffeinated and during a double block on a Monday morning.
Then there’s our best: when we get a good grade on a test, when we hear that you can get a cheese bun and tomato soup for only $1! And yet, you still showed up every day with a lesson plan, a smile and just enough energy to say, “Phones away, please.”
So, thank you, for not just teaching math, English or science, but for
Lily Carlos
teaching us how to better ourselves, how to act in different situations, how to deal with different people and how to embrace the people we want to become.
On behalf of the student athletes, we all really appreciate the support, the patience and the help every teacher has given through our years at high school. I know it can’t be easy when we come up to you and say “I won’t be here Thursday and Friday, we have a tournament.”
Your flexibility and understanding have meant a lot, and we’re grateful for everything you’ve done to help us balance academics and athletics. Thank you for being such a big part of our first steps into adulthood, shaping us into the people we are becoming and who we want to be.
I also want to thank the support staff who have been there throughout our years. Even though you didn’t stand in the front of the classroom, you still had a huge impact on us.
You would make us laugh when we were in a bad mood, you would walk us through the chemistry question we didn’t quite get, but most of all you had the patience to sit with us and help us when neither of us really understood what was going on.
When we think back on our time at high school we won’t think of the lessons from the textbook, we will think of the fun nicknames you had for us, the stupid jokes you made to try and cheer us up on bad days, or the time and the effort you made to help us throughout these years; you believed in us when we didn’t believe in ourselves.
You didn’t just help us become better students, you helped us become better people, and for that we thank you. Your guidance, your wisdom and your support will carry with us throughout the next steps of our life.
And good luck without us, because let’s be honest, we were your favourites.
Chloe Johnson Ksenia Kuznichenko Sadie Silvistrini
Taryn Thiele
ISABELLE
Congratulations GRAD 2025
it is a beautiful day
“Exercise your culture and teachings to carve out a clear vision for all you do.”
Tla’amin hegus and Legislators
ELIZABETH WILLIAMS Brooks Secondary
KALEB MORRISSEY Brooks Secondary
EMMA VIVIER Idaho Virtual Academy
NEVAEH HARRY Walnut Grove
DYLAN SPAHAN Carson Graham
TIA FRANCIS Brooks Secondary
TYREL DUHAMEL Brooks Secondary
KOA WILSON-COOPER Brooks Secondary
AUGUST Centennial Secondary
LANDON DINGWALL Brooks Secondary
TARYN THIELE Brooks Secondary
HUNTER GALLIGOS Brooks Secondary
Graduate Photo Missing: Kyle Mitchell
BROOKS SECONDARY SCHOOL 2025 AWARDS GRADE 12 SCHOLARSHIPS
HOPE ALESCIO
$1,250 District Authority AwardCommunity Service
$500 Edgehill Elementary - PAC
$500 Pauline Galinski Award
RYAN ANDERSON
$1,000 Kiwanis Club - Maitland Kiwanis Scholarship
ANJY AWOPETU
$1,250 District Authority AwardCommunity Service
$1,0000 Kiwanis Club - Allman Building the Community Scholarship
JACOB BABCOCK
$1,000 CUPE Local 798
$1,250 District Authority Award - Fine Arts
$2,000 Jones Family Foundation (CIBC Investment Advisor - Julian Hoyle)
$500 Powell River Italian Community Club
$350 Powell River Youth Soccer
SUMMER BARCELONNE
$500 Co-operators
$1,000 CUPE476 the EK-12 Support Staff at SD#47
$500 Geoff Clarke Memorial Scholarship
HELEN BARSZCZEWSKI
$1,000 CUPE476 the EK-12 Support Staff at SD#47
$1,250 District Authority AwardPhysical Activity
$1,000 Future Teachers’ Scholarship
$1,000 The Braxton Leask & Dylan Buckle Memorial Award
EVAN BEHAN
$350 Powell River Youth Soccer
$3,000 Russell & Ruth Jenkins Memorial Scholarship Fund (Administered by Powell River Community Foundation)
BENCE BOLYOS-LOFFREE
$1,000 Dr. Allan Duncan Pritchard Legacy Bursary
PAIGE BREWSTER
$500 Timberlane Quilters Guild
DORIAN BUREC
$300 Texada Elementary School - PAC
MADISON BURKE
$500 Knights of Columbus 5417
LILY CARLOS
$1,250 District Authority AwardCommunity Service
$1,000 Len Evans Memorial
$2,000 Powell River Sunshine Coast Real Estate
$1,000 The Braxton Leask & Dylan Buckle Memorial Award
$1,000 Toni Marciniak Memorial Scholarship
QUINN CARLSON
$1,250 District Authority AwardCommunity Service
$1,000 Rotary Club of Powell River
MISIA CHOO
$750 Optomeyes Eye Care Scholarship
ROWAN COCKSEDGE
$24,000 Powell River Head Start Scholarship (renewable for 4 years ($6,000)
NOAH CULOS
$1,250 District Authority AwardPhysical Activity
$500 Helmut Franke Memorial Scholarship
$500 Underwriters Insurance Agencies Ltd.
MIA CURTIS
$3,000 Russell & Ruth Jenkins Memorial Scholarship Fund (Administered by Powell River Community Foundation)
TYRELL DUHAMEL
$2,000 Jane Cameron Memorial Scholarship
$1,000 Parish of St. David & St. Paul
$500 Timberlane Quilters Guild
$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
SAFIYAH DYCK
$1,000 Brooks Thunderbird
$1,250 District Authority AwardCommunity Service
$500 Outdoor Education & Sustainability Environmental Leadership Award
$1,500 qathet Teachers Association
$1,000 Toba Montrose General Partnership/ Innergex Renewable Energy
SIENNA FOLEY
$500 The late Jackie S. Timothy Memorial Scholarship
JAGGER FORREST
$500 Co-operators
$500 David Court Memorial Scholarship
$1,250 District Authority AwardPhysical Activity
$750 HEU PRGH Local
$1000 Kiwanis Club - Gena KendrickCitizen Award (Two instalments)
LILY GAUDREAU
$1,250 District Authority AwardCommunity Service
$500 Ecole Cote du Soleil
SHEILA GODSON
$8,000 George Pensom Bursary (Vancouver Foundation)
$1,000 Rotary Club of Powell River
ETHAN HULL
$1,250 District Authority AwardLanguages
$1,000 Kiwanis Club - Irving Scholarship
$1,000 qathet Administrators’ Association
$1,000 Rotary Club of Powell River
$1,000 Toba Montrose General Partnership/ Innergex Renewable Energy
BROOKLYN KLASSEN
$1,250 District Authority AwardTechnical & Trades
$400 Gordon “Beaver” Crawford Memorial Scholarship
$3,000 Russell & Ruth Jenkins Memorial Scholarship Fund (Administered by Powell River Community Foundation)
BRYNLEA LAMDEN
$1,250 District Authority AwardApplied Skills
JOSIAH LYE
$3,000 Russell & Ruth Jenkins Memorial Scholarship Fund (Administered by Powell River Community Foundation
MARY LOUISE MATHIEU
$500 Grandma Bird - James Thomson Scholarship
$250 qathet Living Magazine
$1,000 Al Alsgard Bursary - the Peak
$500 Timberlane Quilters Guild
SYDNEY MILLER
$750 HEU PRGH Local
$1,500 Powell River Spring Garden Tour
$350 Powell River Youth Soccer
MIRINDE MORWOOD
$2,000 Alfred J. & Arlene Carsten Scholarship for Excellence in Science or The Arts
$1,000 CUPE Local 798
$1,250 District Authority AwardCommunity Service
JEREMY PUKESH
$1,250 District Authority AwardPhysical Activity
DIVYAM PURI
$500 Arnold Carlson Business Award
$350 Powell River Youth Soccer
$500 The Verecan Capital Management Scholarship
RAKHI RANA
$1,250 District Authority AwardCommunity Service
$500 Henderson Elementary School PAC
$750 Pasion Family Scholarship
$1,000 Rotary Club of Powell River
$3,000 Russell & Ruth Jenkins Memorial Scholarship Fund (Administered by Powell River Community Foundation
$3,000 Russell & Ruth Jenkins Memorial Scholarship Fund (Administered by Powell River Community Foundation)
$500 Jesse Dean Blaikie Nadalini Memorial Award
PANAGIOTA ROUNIS
$1,000 CUPE476 the EK-12 Support Staff at SD#47
$1,250 District Authority AwardLanguages
$1,000 Powell River Farmers’ Agricultural Institute
$1,000 qathet Administrators’ Association
$500 Vince Hoet Scholarship
RAY SCHULTZ
$500 qathet Tourism Society
ADDY SHIPLEY
$1,250 District Authority AwardPhysical Activity
$350 Powell River Youth Soccer
$1,000 qathet Administrators’ Association
ABBY SHOREMAN
$1,000 Tony Simmonds Memorial Scholarship
ELI SHOSTAK
$1,250 District Authority AwardPhysical Activity
$1,000 Kelly Creek Community School
$500 qathet Regional District Cycling Association
DANE SLACK
$350 Powell River Youth Soccer
$1,000 Switzer & Finkel
$500 Westview Elementary PAC
LIZZIE SMITH
$300 Pythian Sisters
ELTON SUTHERLAND
$2,000 Alfred J. & Arlene Carsten Scholarship
$1,250 District Authority Award - Fine Arts
$1000 Kiwanis Club - Community Scholarship (Two instalments)
$250 Carlson Community Club
$500 Westview Elementary PAC
JADA TAYLOR
$500 ʔaqaymɩxʷ
$2,000 Elizabeth & John Carlson Scholarship
$1,000 Parish of St. David & St. Paul
$350.00 Powell River Youth Soccer
FRANCESCA VALING
$500 Catholic Womens League of Canada
$1,250 District Authority Award - Fine Arts
$1,000 James Whent Memorial Scholarship
$1,000 Judy Spreeuw Memorial Scholarship
$500 Knights of Columbus 5417
$250 Carlson Community Club
HAYLEY VIZZUTTI
$500 David Court Memorial Scholarship
$750 Pasion Family Scholarship
$500 Underwriters Insurance Agencies Ltd.
ELLIE WINCHELL
$1,250 District Authority AwardCommunity Service
$500 Malaspina Naturalist Club
$500 Ron Diprose Memorial Scholarship
$3,000 Russell & Ruth Jenkins Memorial Scholarship Fund (Administered by Powell River Community Foundation)
$500 Terra Nostra Farm
$500 Herb Marion Award
REED WORTHEN
$1,500 Brooks Humanities & Social Sciences Merit
$1,250 District Authority Award - Fine Arts
$500 Powell River Chorus Scholarship
$1,000 Powell River Garden Club
$500 Terra Nostra Farm
$1,000 Toba Montrose General Partnership/ Innergex Renewable Energy
$500 Max Cameron Award
COMMUNITY »
Conference enlightens delegates
Let’s Talk Trash team member attends United Nations event in France
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
Let’s Talk Trash team member Abby McLennan was able to hear about leading oceanic issues from some of the world’s top experts at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France.
McLennan said she and Chloé Dubois, from Ocean Legacy, attended the conference, which took place from June 9 to 13, as part of the Canadian delegation.
“We were enthusiastic to participate at this high-level event, advocating and providing a voice for coastal BC and the communities we work in,” said McLennan. “Let's Talk Trash and Ocean Legacy have signed on to endorse a civil society statement that echoes and builds upon the Nice Wake Up Call declaration while participating at the conference. The declaration and statement urge countries to go further, this August, at the UN negotiations to finalize an ambitious global plastics treaty that is an imperative component to effectively address marine plastic pollution.”
McLennan said she and Dubois engaged in many events, presentations and conversations, elevating the voice of coastal BC, gleaning new information for future ac-
tion, and gaining inspiration from around the world to integrate into their work in qathet and the Salish Sea.
“We look forward to the conference outcome – the Nice Ocean Action Plan – comprised of a political declaration signed by member states, coupled with voluntary commitments that we hope to see turn into mandated commitments and strengthen further through an internationally binding global plastics treaty,” she added.
McLennan said attending the conference was convenient because she is currently residing in France.
“Through Ocean Legacy, we’re an accredited UN organization, so we’ve been receiving information about different UN environmental program initiatives and meetings,” she said. “For this ocean conference, we were invited onto the Canadian delegation team, instead of going as an accredited nongovernmental organization.”
McLennan said the conference lasted five days, which included great events and presentations.
“The agenda and schedule were pretty huge,” said McLennan. “We got to pick and choose through the different presentations that seemed relevant to our work.
“We saw a lot of interesting things and had the opportunity to network and connect with a whole slew of scientists and other organizations and government delegates.”
While in Nice, McLennan said she and Dubois were able to connect with senior Fisheries and
Oceans Canada staff.
“We are in this multi-year process of trying to get expanded polystyrene prohibited for use in aquatic environments in Canada,” said McLennan. “It was a great opportunity to speak one-on-one to people such as the deputy minister. There are some follow-up conversations that are going to happen. We hope to keep poking away, and hopefully, one day we’ll see that material prohibited from use in the waterways because it’s one of the most common items we see in cleanup.
“Styrofoam beads break off with any sort of abrasion, and then it’s really hard to clean up that type of microplastic. There are viable alternatives readily available to be used. So, it’s an easy switch-out in our minds.”
McLennan said huge amounts of expanded polystyrene are collected during the annual beach cleanups of Salish Sea shorelines.
“When we weigh it and have many thousands of kilograms, the volume is substantial,” said McLennan. “With our conversations with senior fisheries and oceans officials, we’ve outlined the steps and approaches we’ve done, and it’s still very problematic in our waters. We have a lot of data now through the Clean Coast Clean Waters initiative, which has been running for four years. Each successful project within that funding is required to do data collection on everything retrieved from the ocean, so we have a lot of data on all the material types.
“Our community has been
very outspoken on this issue and we’ve moved it forward politically through a couple of different channels.”
McLennan said the province’s marine strategy speaks to not allowing expanded polystyrene in the future and that the province wants to work with the federal oceans department to address replacing existing foam infrastructure.
“It continues to be, be the squeaky wheel and not let these issues be forgotten,” said McLennan.
She said also at the conference, more than 170 countries adopted an intergovernmental declaration committing to urgent action to conserve and sustainably use the ocean. She said the political declaration titled Our Ocean, Our Future calls for concrete steps to expand marine protected areas, to
decarbonize maritime transport, to combat marine pollution and mobilize finances for vulnerable coastal and island nations.
Additionally, 37 countries, led by Canada and Panama, announced the launch of the high ambition coalition for a quiet ocean, which, according to McLennan, is the first high-level political initiative to tackle ocean pollution on a global scale.
There was also a plastics treaty to address plastics in the world’s oceans. McLennan said this relates to a coming global plastics treaty negotiation taking place in August that will hopefully conclude with a legally binding instrument to address plastic in a much broader capacity, and will have significant effects on marine plastic pollution.
PROVIDES ADVOCACY: Chloé Dubois, from Ocean Legacy [left], and Abby McLennan, from Let’s Talk Trash, attended the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, advocating for a clean BC coastal environment, as well as participating in myriad activities during the fiveday event. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Society reboots public outreach
June is brain injury awareness month in Canada
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
The human brain is resilient and we now know it has the ability to change and adapt throughout life, even with injury. However, sustaining a brain injury is often life-changing, affecting memory, mobility, speech, emotions and behaviour.
June is brain injury awareness month in BC. Powell River Brain Injury Society is actively reaching out to the qathet community in order for the greater public to gain a better understanding of services it offers and to learn more about acquired brain injury.
"Statistics tell us that over 22,000 British Columbians sustain a brain injury every year," said community engagement coordinator Gretchen Conti. "Common causes of preventable injury include falls, sports injuries, vehicle collisions and overdose-induced hypoxia."
Another statistic is that 180,000 people in the province live with the effects of acquired brain injury. Often the injury is invisible to those on the outside, and thus why public education campaigns are key to reducing stigma.
Sophia Perun joined the brain injury society as a client support worker and is pursuing a degree in neurobiology and psychology.
Laboratory.
"I've always thought the brain was super cool because it's so complex, and so, of course, the problems with the brain are also very complex and the injuries to the brain are also very complex," said Perun. "I've done a bit of academic research, volunteered at another brain injury society, but I wanted to get some practical experience and actually meet people."
Every day the brain injury space at 101-7020 Duncan Street is busy with folks dropping in and/or taking part in daily activities, such as art day on Wednesdays, led by Perun, a readers’ and writers’ group on Tuesdays, or on Fridays for a communal lunch.
"With folks new to the society, I direct them toward resources, and I talk to them about what might be going on for them," said Perun. "I could recommend a neurologist appointment, for example, because of specific things happening to them."
People who have a new head injury can feel frustrated, be in denial and confused about their situation and their future, she added.
On June 10, CourtenayAlberni MP Gord Johns introduced Bill C-206, which aims to establish a National Strategy on Brain Injuries.
INJURY AWARENESS: Powell River Brain Injury Society community engagement coordinator Gretchen Conti
worker
improved user-friendly website, new branding and a new logo.
SUDOKU
nutritious food and limiting screen time is important for maintaining a healthy brain and body, and very important for those with a brain injury.
“When a brain injury happens,” said Perun, “you really need to build your life around these healthy habits.”
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"Sophia and I will be getting tables at PRISMA Festival, Blackberry Festival and wherever we can to get our faces out there," said Conti. "We want people to understand that the service is here, whether it be for them in the future, or whether it be for people in their community who don't necessarily know these services are available."
Perun said creating healthy habits every day is important for those with a brain injury.
This news is censored by US social media giants, Syrup is a social newsfeed supported by Canadian jour nalists.
"I'm studying the brain," said Perun. "I've been learning about the mechanisms of brain injury and what happens on a physical and emotional level."
Currently, Perun is a research assistant at University of Victoria’s Christie Concussion
Folks who sustain a brain injury and do not receive the help they need can fall through the cracks. They are more likely to experience homelessness, incarceration and/or mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and substance use.
"The space here is also very social," said Conti. "It's for people to come in and just basically hang out and be around peers, and people who understand and have had a similar experience."
Conti said the society recently launched a new and
"Sleep can get super dysregulated from a head injury, and some people lose sleep and their whole system goes out of whack," said Perun. "Maybe their appetite changes, maybe their circadian rhythm changes, then these are the things they need to hyper-focus on."
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This news is censored by US social media giants, Syrup is a social newsfeed supported by Canadian jour nalists. Blocked Content
Like everyone else, creating good sleep habits, eating
[left], with client support
Sophia Perun, in the society’s garden space on Duncan Street. TANYA HILL PHOTO
Rep teams swing into action
Tournament play, along with a doubleheader, keeps young baseball players busy
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
Youth baseball players had an active weekend recently, with tournament action and a doubleheader against out-of-town competition.
Brenden Frehlich, president of the Powell River Minor Baseball Association, said the under-13 and under-15 rep teams were both busy.
U13 Pioneers hosted a tournament at DA Evans Park in Cranberry on Saturday, June 14, and Sunday, June 15. Teams from Nanaimo and Campbell River attended. In addition to the games scheduled, there was a home run derby on June 14. The Pioneers won their first game against Campbell River Tyees 10-9, lost their second game to Nanaimo Pirates 10-1, lost their third game to Nanaimo 7-4 and lost the fourth game 13-4 to Campbell River.
Griffin Fraser had two home runs for the Pioneers over the weekend.
The home run derby and skills competition were a huge success, and the Pioneers placed first in the relay race.
Frehlich said the U13’s tournament had a great atmosphere in the park.
“There were a lot of fans cheer-
ing,” said Frehlich. “It was good to see baseball back in Powell River, having the park filled. The U13s ran into some tough competition, so it was a bit of an adjustment.”
The U15 team also played on June 14, at Larry Gouthro Park, hosting a doubleheader against a team from Alberni Valley. The U15s lost 13-3 and 11-3.
Frehlich said he was in attendance to watch the U15s.
“We got to see the change in pace from our spring house league play to the summer play,” said Frehlich.
“It was a real eye-opener, but we had some good play.
Frehlich said both teams will now be busy practicing and the U15s will be playing almost every weekend.
“We have lots of time to practice now and we’ll get better,” said Frehlich.
He said minor baseball is growing in the community after a complete shutdown during COVID-19.
“Last spring, we had a new board in place and we were really looking to revamp and expand baseball and bring it back to Powell River,” said Frehlich.
“Last year, we had a U13 rep team that went all the way to the provincials. They were the underdog team, but they worked their butts off and practiced and improved. When they started off, they were getting beaten by everyone, and by the end of it, they went to the final game at the provincials. They lost to a Vancouver team that was far more experienced.
“They were tied 10-10 late in the game, and we ended up losing, but
the community, with a summer league keeping local players busy.
it was such a great story to see them achieve that.”
Frehlich said this year, a number of the U13 players have moved up to U15 and the main coaches have moved up, too, so the hope is that there will be a strong U15 team.
“This is the first time in a number of years that we have had a U15 team,” said Frehlich.
This year’s U13 team will have a new group of coaches, and efforts are underway to establish a U11 team.
“So, that would be three teams representing Powell River,” said Frehlich. “We’ll be travelling to Vancouver Island to play doubleheaders and maybe some tournaments. We are also hoping to host as many teams as we can this summer, and that would be at DA
Evans and Larry Gouthro parks.”
Frehlich said the weekend was the first action for the minor baseball summer league. Baseball house league is just wrapping up, so Frehlich said there is an overlap, where the rep teams are getting together and starting to practice, and the house league teams are coming to the end of the season.
There is plenty of competition for the Powell River teams this summer, with several teams in the Vancouver Island division, including Duncan, Alberni Valley, Nanaimo, Oceanside, Comox and Campbell River.
Frehlich said minor baseball wants to build on the tremendous legacy of teams that played years ago when baseball was big in this community.
School hosts hundreds of cyclists
Mountain bike provincials attracts riders from around BC
Brooks Secondary School, in partnership with qathet Regional Cycling Association, hosted the 2025 BC School Sports Mountain Bike Provincial Championships last month.
The event on May 22 and 23 welcomed nearly 500 student racers from 73 schools across the province for two full days of
Enduro and XC racing. The community came together in a big way, with more than 60 volunteers helping with course marshalling, parking, first aid and post-event cleanup.
Nineteen students from Brooks competed in the event. Ellie Winchell placed fifth in Enduro, second in XC and was the overall Queen of the Mountain.
Ilse Uhlmann came second in senior girls Enduro and 11th in XC. Eli Shostak finished in the top seven in Enduro and top 10 in senior boys XC.
In junior boys, Carter McDowell placed third in the XC and 12th in the Enduro, while
Caleb Campbell finished 11th in Enduro.
Sienna Keays and Sunny Hillier represented well in both the junior girls XC and Enduro. Tanner Ciarniello placed seventh in the Bantam Boys XC and second in the Enduro.
“It was an unforgettable weekend of sport, community and incredible youth talent, all set against the backdrop of Powell River’s world class trails,” stated organizers. “Shout out to the event organizing committee for all their hard work to make this happen.”
Volunteers and supporters receiving thanks included: Chain Gang trail build-
“It’s starting to build back up,” said Frehlich. “For the first time, we’ve had to turn kids away this year, because we only have so many sets of jerseys and so many days of the week.”
Frehlich said he would like to acknowledge all the coaches and parent helpers, and everyone who is helping to make baseball a success in Powell River.
“It takes a lot of work,” said Frehlich, “and we have some really good volunteers.”
He added that minor baseball has also received support from the slo-pitch community, which did a fundraiser at the beginning of the year just for minor baseball, raising $1,000 for the youth players.
“They have been very supportive,” said Frehlich.
ers; Thichum Forest Products; Chris Carlos; Powell River Search and Rescue; qathet School District; Brooks Secondary Culinary Arts; Lindsey Gosnell and Brad Winchell (all things parking); Graham Cocksedge for his work on the XC course and school district organization; Wendy Cocksedge for leading the barbecue; Matt McDowell for a Stellar Rad Reels show; Jordan Marciniak for prepping the Enduro and course marking; Hillary Marciniak, Andrew Showstak and Patricia Winchell; and Justin and Fraser from TAWS Bike Garage for making sure bikes were ready to hit the race course.
GROWING SPORT: Powell River Minor Baseball’s U15 player Tanner Ciarniello hits a pitch in a doubleheader played against Alberni Valley on June 14. Minor baseball is again thriving in
PAUL GALINSKI PHOTO
Racers compete on southern strip
Drag season underway on the lower Sunshine Coast
ROSEAURA ARKINSTALL
Peak contributor
With the smell of gasoline in the air, the 27th season of Sunshine Coast drag racing was launched. The hungry growl of engines shook the ground, each working part itching to hit the track. Participants from Powell River were among the competitors at a Sunshine Coast Drag Racing Association event in Sechelt last month. Drag racing enthusiast and self-taught mechanic Garry Clark brought his roaring 1929 Plymouth three-win-
dow coupe, powered by a 360-cubic inch engine, from Powell River to the strip in late May, turning heads and clocking solid times.
“I’ve always been a backyard kinda car guy,” said Clark, noting that he first got into the sport after hearing about the local racing scene from friends.
Clark does all the work on his car himself, a point of pride that shines through in every detail of the vintage build. Reflecting on his experience with the drag racing association, he said he has nothing but respect.
“They’re all volunteers, and yeah, we had some problems, but we figured them out,” he added.
At the track with a weathered but beloved 1968 AMC Rambler, Powell River racer
Amanda Sholtens carries on a family tradition steeped in horsepower and heart. The pale blue patina Rambler, old and rusty but full of character, made its second appearance on the drag strip this season.
The family’s racing roots run deep. Sholtens’ father owns a 1969 AMC AMX with a 440-cubic inch engine, and it was in 2013 that their story took a poignant turn. Her brother was originally set to race, but after his unexpected passing, their dad stepped in and raced his car at the Sunshine Coast event in his memory, showing the joy they shared in the races. Most of the mechanical work still falls to her dad, but they share the spirit and create new father/daughter memories through the hard work.
Looking ahead, Sholtens plans to race again in July and August. She said having a racing association so close to home is lucky, and that she is grateful to have a better financial option in Sechelt, given Vancouver Island ferries and races tend to get pricey.
“Everybody was helpful, and we got a lot of runs in,” recalled Amanda, despite being knocked out in the first round.
Organizers said the first go at this year's races ran smooth and fast, with 82 heavy-hitter race cars and 1,000 happy spectators, and that “our trial run gave us the knowledge to move forward with these upcoming races, a great leap into the future of our association.”
Perhaps the biggest gamechanger this year is an upgraded timing system.
On July 6, fans can expect bouncy castles, colouring
contests and a wide variety of food vendors.
“From the Burnout Babes running the track, to the old-timers sharing stories and advice, there is truly something for every generation. So, come get in the heat, on July 6, 2025, at the Sechelt Airport. The people who organize this program are excited and eager to see new faces and share this one-of-a-kind lifestyle with the people of Powell River.”
BURNING RUBBER: Cars at the starting line of a Sunshine Coast Drag Racing Association event in Sechelt on May 25. ANDY CLARK PHOTO
CULTURE »
Group highlights documentaries
Cinema brings folks together to talk about local and global issues
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
A few years back, carpenter by trade and qathet resident Craig Turney started to notice what he called, "reactionary discourse drowning out meaningful discussion on major issues in the region and across the country."
An initiative called Cinema Politica began in Montreal, Quebec, in 2003, and now has chapters around the world.
In 2024, Turney started a volunteer-run collective that hosts monthly independent documentaries at the Patricia Theatre under the banner Cinema Politica qathet. The idea was to bring folks together, connect to local issues and expand understanding of human rights, environmental justice and social issues.
"I wanted to create a space where people could connect deliberately and with focus on pressing issues that the community is fac-
ing," said Turney. "It was more from a sense of feeling like there's a lot of things going on, from climate change to reconciliation, and that it would be good to have a space where we could come together as a community to talk about those things and also learn about what's going on."
The group partners with local organizations to consult on film choices, and invites the public to hear guest speakers and panel discussions on specific topics.
"Our first film was called Silvicola, about the forestry industry," said Turney. "The story was told through a series of interviews with people who work in forestry in different ways, like foresters, people working in the mill and tree planters."
Turney said the screening turned out to be a big event that drew a big audience. Director Jean-Philippe Marquis was in attendance.
In December 2024, the group screened the documentary 20 Days in Mariupol, a film that follows a team of Ukrainian journalists trapped in the besieged city during the Russian invasion. Speaking at the event were recent refugees from Ukraine Mila and Eugene Kolpakova. It has been one year since Cinema Politica
qathet began its mission to break down the barriers that divide people through the medium of film. Members continue to collaborate with community groups such as qathet Museum and Archives and Association Francophone de qathet.
“We're hoping that people who have a cause will reach out to us,” said Turney. “An issue that's close to my heart is labour. We've partnered with the nurses union and the postal union to bring movies about the labour movement.
“I think there's an appetite for people to get involved. That shines through all of our screenings and from feedback we've had."
He said he believes people are frustrated with passively consuming the news and feel upset at the direction things are headed, and want to get involved and do things, but maybe aren't quite sure how.
"That's part of what we're trying to answer, by just creating a space where as a community, we can have those conversations and find ways to create practical solutions and responses," said Turney.
The group is collaborating with qathet Youth Community Action Team to screen Beautiful Boy on July 3 at the Patricia Theatre.
For more information, go to facebook. com/CPqathet, or sign up to the newsletter to find out when the next screening is at linktr.ee/cinemapoliticaqathet.
POLITICAL THEATRE: [From left] Craig Turney, Levi Mymko, Jayde Bazinet and Charles Latimer are members of the group Cinema Politica qathet. It’s been one year since the group began screening documentaries at the Patricia Theatre. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
SCENE
AROUNDTOWN
Summer celebration
A little rain did nothing to deter visitors to and vendors at a Spring into Summer Market on June 20. The event at Springtime Garden Centre, which continued Saturday and Sunday, featured a DJ and live music, cocktails and mocktails, a beer garden, food, arts and crafts, jewellery and handmade goods.
TO BOOK YOUR AD »
CLASSIFICATIONS
David Or phir Hamilton
Febr uar y 27, 1955 - May 31, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of David Or phir Hamilton at his home on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the age of 70
Millicent "Mae" Shar p (nee Goodbur n)
Millicent "Mae" Shar p (nee Goodbur n) May 1, 1938 - June 12, 2025
May 1, 1938 - June 12, 2025
We are mour ning the sudden passing of our mother, grandmother, great grandmother and wife Mae is sur vived by her loving husband of 68 years, Don, and her sons Roder ick, Douglas (Mar ie) and Ver non (Deborah) and her daughters Leslie and Brenda (John), 9 grandchildren and 19 greatgrandchildren, her brother Ron, her sister Jo-Anne (Doug), foster daughter Tammy Yor k and special cousins Linda (Jim) and Jo-Lynn (Gerr y) and her dog Happy
Mae was predeceased by her parents Jack and Louisa Goodbur n, her 2 older brothers Ed and Ken and her young sister Jo-Lynne
are mour ning the sudden passing of our her, grandmother, great grandmother and wife. is sur vived by her loving husband of 68 years, and her sons Roder ick, Douglas (Mar ie) and on (Deborah) and her daughters Leslie and da (John), 9 grandchildren and 19 greatdchildren, her brother Ron, her sister Jo-Anne g), foster daughter Tammy Yor k and special ins Linda (Jim) and Jo-Lynn (Gerr y) and her Happy
Mae was bor n in a 4 room stone house in Elkhor n, Manitoba, which still stands today In 1943 she moved to Powell River with her mother and 3 brothers to join Jack, who arr ived in 1941 They lived in Riverside for 10 years and in 1953, Jack bought the house on Oak St
Bor n on Febr uar y 27, 1955, in Pr ince George, B C , David built a long and successful career in the pulp and paper industr y He wor ked for MacMillan Bloedel and later Catalyst Paper in var ious roles, including electr ician, motor records technician, mill planner, and in the power generation depar tment His intelligence and attention to detail were well respected by colleagues and fr iends alike
David was predeceased by his father Or phir, his mother Dorothy, and his brother Daniel He is sur vived by his loving wife and devoted children: Cindy Hamilton, Jordan Hamilton, and Brandy Peterson, as well as his brother Ar t Hamilton and his sister Annie LeBlanc He will also be dear ly missed by his four grandchildren, Khyla, Fairah, Kaize and Jazmin, one great-grandchild, Denver, and extended family and fr iends
was predeceased by her parents Jack and sa Goodbur n, her 2 older brothers Ed and Ken her young sister Jo-Lynne.
Mae attended Henderson School up to grade 8, then the old Brooks High School where she graduated in the last class of 1956 She met Don while in grade 11 and they went together until they marr ied in Tlell, Queen Char lotte Islands, May 18, 1957
was bor n in a 4 room stone house in Elkhor n, toba, which still stands today. In 1943 she ed to Powell River with her mother and 3 hers to join Jack, who arr ived in 1941. They in Riverside for 10 years and in 1953, Jack ght the house on Oak St.
Their first 3 children were bor n at Queen Char lotte Hospital They lived in t wo logging camps then moved to Vancouver then to a logging camp on the West Coast of the Island and after 4 years, moved to another camp on Nootka Island After 5 years moved to Powell River to be near her aging parents
Don's mom and then Mae's mom each live with them for a time each in their tur n, tended by Mae We live in this same house for 51 years
Mae loved quilting by hand and collecting antiques but her pr ide and joy was her yard and garden her and Don won many Townsite awards for
David had a shar p mind and a generous spir it He was known for his thoughtful nature, spir itual outlook, and memorable conversations He found great joy in life in "downtown Kelly Creek," a place he loved and proudly called home He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, wisdom, and connection He will be fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him
A memor ial will be held at 1:00 pm on July 12, 2025 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses4946 Manson Ave with a tea to follow at the Cranberr y Seniors Centre
attended Henderson School up to grade 8, the old Brooks High School where she uated in the last class of 1956. She met Don e in grade 11 and they went together until they ied in Tlell, Queen Char lotte Islands, May 18, 7.
Mae wanted no funeral ser vice. There will be a graveside bur ial sometime after cremation at a later date Thanks to Dr DuToit for 20 years of care and to the firemen and ambulance crews who arr ived promptly and tr ied resuscitation to no avail The family thanks you
r first 3 children were bor n at Queen Char lotte pital. They lived in t wo logging camps then ed to Vancouver then to a logging camp on the t Coast of the Island and after 4 years, moved
It is with greatsadness that we announcethe sudden passing of JimHebert on Saturday June 7th2025 dueto heart failure.
Born in 1947,Jim grew up in thesmall town of Pine Falls, Manitoba,withhis parentsAlma& Eddie, andhis siblings Paul &Cathy.Froma young age, he worked hard carrying on thelegacy of hisfather, whowas aPaper Maker. At age 18,Jim movedtoBC, workingatthe Port Alberni, Powell Riverand MackenziePaper Mills.Throughout hislife, he worked diligently rising throughthe rankstothe role of a Machine Tender.Inhis youthJim wasknown forbeing a fiercehockeyplayerand apassionategolfer. He wasalso knownfor hisgreat love of animals, movies &books. Predeceasedbyhis parentsand siblings,Jim is surviveby hiswifeMaryann, children Sam& Chrisand grandchildren Keva &Bodhi.For thosewho knew him, theholeheleaves behind will notsoon be forgotten. In lieuofflowers,please consider adonationtothe SPCA.Therewillbenoservice
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NEED SOME OLD PAPERS FOR WOOD FIRES, CRAFTING, ANIMALS, OR YOUR GARDEN?
Alcoholics Anonymous
• 604-485-6994
• 604-223-1270
• 604-414-5232 (Texada)
Meetings
FRIDAYS, 7:30 to 8:30 pm qathet General Hospital, third floor
SUNDAYS, 8 to 9 pm Alano Club
Come by the Peak office to grab a bundle or two. Our newspapers are printed with vegetable-based inks. We are at: 4493F Marine Avenue A donation of $5 towards the food bank would be appreciated.
HEBERT,R.James (Jim)
page at www.powellriver.ca
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Take notice that, Tla'amin Nation, has applied to the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS), for an amendment to their Shellfish Licence of Occupation on Provincial Crown land located at Cannery Bay in Okeover Inlet
The Lands File Number that has been established for this application is 1414166.
Comments may be submitted electronically via the provincial Applications, Comments & Reasons for Decision webpage at https://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca
Alternatively, hard copy comments may be directed to Aquaculture Authorizations, Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship at 142 - 2080 Labieux Rd, Nanaimo, BC, V9T 6J9.
Comments will be received by WLRS up to August 19th , 2025. WLRS may not be able to consider comments received after this date.
Please visit the website at https://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ for more information.
Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part
record For information, contact the Freedom
Resource Stewardship office in Nanaimo.
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