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is pictured standing by a memorial in the city on the main street for Jewish people of the town who were killed by the Nazis. Uhlmann has been going to local schools to speak about how the holocaust affected his family. CONTRIBUTED
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
Elementary and secondary school students in qathet region and Comox Valley school districts have been learning about the Second World War holocaust from Peter Uhlmann, whose family was affected by the mass extermination of Jewish people.
Uhlmann connected with his family history when he was visiting Europe as a tai chi student. His brother had previously travelled to Europe and had visited the town in northern Germany, Bad Driburg, where their father had grown up. Uhlmann decided to follow in his brother’s footsteps and visit the town.
velop a whole remembrance situation for Jewish families who had lived in that community. So, after my brother had been there, all of a sudden, I’m there with my daughter.”
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Uhlmann said he connected with the man, who was a great resource during the visit, and that got Uhlmann interested in researching his family more deeply.
“My brother had found a local person who showed him around, told him where our parents had lived, and various other features,” said Uhlmann. “This man had served in the German army, but became a person who happened to de-
“My parents died when I was in my early 20s and they never really talked much about the situation of their families in Germany,” said Uhlmann. “I knew a little, not much, so I started doing some research, and since then, have taken two more trips, including to the town where my mother is from.”
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Uhlmann went back recently with family members and made some new contacts.
“We’ve had new people showing us around,” said Uhlmann. “It has been a reconciliation because, to be honest, I had no love for Germany or the Germans, because of the war and the holocaust, but they have tried very hard to make amends.
“For example, my mother’s community invited us for the 70th anniversary of what was known as the Crystal Night [Kristallnacht], where violence was perpetrated against Jewish people on November 9 and 10, 1938.”
Uhlmann said monuments to those killed in the holocaust have since been erected and a lot has
1« UHLMANN
been done to make up for what happened.
Based on his experiences in Europe and his research, Uhlmann, who retired from his work as a psychiatrist a year ago, wondered what he would do with his time.
“I hit upon the idea of making some presentations to schools here in Powell River,” said Uhlmann. “I thought of going into schools, talking to the students about my family, and making sure I avoided all current political issues.
“I come in and say, ‘okay, I’m Jewish. My family lived for centuries in Germany, and I will give you some history of the family.’ I tell the students what happened to my family, how things have changed over time, and how things are getting better with reconciliation.”
Uhlmann said he has spoken to grade six and seven students in elementary schools here, as well as having spoken to several classes at Brooks Secondary School. Then, he went over to
Vancouver Island and spoke to grade sixes and sevens over there.
“The response I receive from the teachers is very enthusiastic, welcoming and appreciative, and the response from students has been great,” said Uhlmann.
He said each presentation to students is different, largely because of the different questions that students ask.
Uhlmann has assembled a large collection of photographs, both old and new, that he projects during his presentations in the classrooms. His presentation starts with a group photo of his parents and relatives at his parents’ marriage.
Uhlmann points out a number of family members and tells stories about them. One of the people in the photo is one of his grandmothers.
“She ended up in a concentration camp and was murdered in the concentration camp,” said Uhlmann. “I also mention my aunt, my father’s younger sister, who was married and had
two children, who was taken to Warsaw and died in a Warsaw ghetto.”
Other family members were more fortunate. Uhlmann points to a family member who was taken to a concentration camp but managed to be bought out. He travelled to the United States and became a US citizen, joining the US army. Another uncle managed to escape and get to San Francisco.
Uhlmann also mentions his two Jewish uncles who died in the First World War, serving with the German armed forces.
“So, I mention that my aunt’s sons died fighting for the Germans, and she ends up in a German concentration camp,” said Uhlmann. He also shows photographs of places like the house where his father grew up, which is still standing and occupied.
“We knocked on the door and said hello to the fellow,” said Uhlmann. “I hope he didn’t think we were trying to take the house back.”
Uhlmann’s photographs
also take on a more sombre note, going past memorials to Jewish people who were killed, cemeteries, commemorative walls with thousands of names of Jewish people who died as a result of the holocaust, and finally, a concentration camp at Thereisienstadt, where his grandmother died. He also shows a photo of the grave of young diarist Anne Frank and her sister Margot. Anne died at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp at the age of 16. He then shows a photo of a mass grave in
which Jewish people were buried.
Uhlmann’s parents and his brothers were able to escape the fate of some of his other family members. Uhlmann’s father, a physician and professor, quit his job in Germany when Adolph Hitler became Germany’s chancellor.
“They chose to leave Germany,” said Uhlmann.
“They travelled around Europe and into Türkiye and my father had various jobs as a physician.”
Uhlmann’s father ended
Jessica Wegg will run in the next federal election
Jessica Wegg is the 2025 Green Party of Canada candidate for North Island-Powell River. No stranger to federal politics, Jessica also ran for the GPC in the 2021 election. She currently holds the position of shadow cabinet critic for international Trade, according to a media release from the party on March 18.
Born in Calgary, Wegg lived there through grade seven, when her father took a position as a family doctor in a small rural community in the United States and moved his young family there. Before leaving the US, Wegg earned her master’s degree in clinical psychology at
the University of Indianapolis and graduated with a law degree from Indiana University-McKinney School of Law. She has been called to the bar in BC and Ontario, and is licensed to practice law in several US jurisdictions, the release stated.
In 2020, a series of events accelerated Wegg’s young family’s plans to return to Canada (which they had been working toward since the 2016 election), and they settled in the Comox Valley, where she and her family continue to live.
Wegg is a hockey mom, chair of the PAC at her son’s school, and is active in amateur theatre, dance and is learning the cello with her daughter; she is also a trained singer.
For 15 years, Wegg has focused her legal practice on advocating for the rights of all people and shedding light on the kinds of harm most of us would rather not think
about. In the US, she has represented incarcerated individuals who have been denied necessary medical care and has worked to increase indigent individuals’ access to the courts. She has represented victims of police brutality and families whose loved ones were wrongfully killed by the police.
Wegg has represented survivors of sexual and physical abuse in lawsuits against the perpetrators and the institutions that allowed the abuse to happen and tried to cover it up. In Canada, she is providing criminal defense through Legal Aid BC and works in collaboration with other lawyers, most recently as part of the legal team that appealed the sentence given to deputy Green Party leader Rainbow Eyes, according to the release.
As a mother, Wegg’s concern is for the future facing young children now and the generations to
follow. She said she recognizes climate change as a human rights issue, and has joined the Green Party of Canada because of its bold plans and clear values. Greens around the world share six core principles: ecological wisdom, non-violence, social justice, sustainability, participatory democracy and respect for diversity, the release stated.
In his endorsement of Wegg, Green Party co-leader Jonathan Pedneault stated: “When I became familiar with Jessica’s professional background, it became instantly clear to me that she is strong MP material and will make for a fantastic representative for North Island-Powell River. Not only is she deeply committed to the riding, she brings with her an extremely solid knowledge of human rights and Indigenous law that is sorely missing in parliament.”
up being invited to a conference in Chicago and was later invited by a hospital to join the staff. So, in 1938, the Uhlmanns moved to Chicago, where Peter was born.
Uhlmann said it is important to keep the story of the holocaust alive. Any teacher wanting Uhlmann to bring his presentation to their classroom can contact him at petechi@xplornet.ca.
Uhlmann will also be giving his presentation to the public. It will be at 2 pm on May 31 at Powell River Public Library.
Also seeking to represent North Island-Powell River as MP are Aaron Gunn (Conservative Party of Canada), Tanille Johnston (New Democratic Party), Jennifer Lash, Liberal Party of Canada, and Paul Macknight, People’s Party of Canada.
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
City of Powell River Council has voted to maintain Powell River Community Forest funding to the city and nonprofit organizations at previous levels.
At the March 20 city council meeting, councillors considered the first three readings of the 2025 five-year financial plan. Chief financial officer Mallory Denniston first provided a high-level overview of the budget, then indicated that after councillors had made several cuts to the draft budget presented at a special meeting on February 27, that the projected city tax would increase by 9.5 per cent in 2025.
The first item up for discussion in the budgetary deliberation was the community forest allocation to nonprofit organizations. On February 27, council was presented a proposal to limit nonprofit funding to 10 per cent of the dividend, with the city retaining the remainder. The proposal at the February 27 meeting went to a vote, passing by four votes in favour and three opposed.
At the March 18 city committee of the whole meeting, a motion was brought to the table by councillor George Doubt to revert back to the same process as was used in 2023 and 2022, where the community forest split commonly averaged a 60 per cent allocation to the city, and 40 per cent to community nonprofits.
Doubt said he appreciates the contributions made by the community forest board
and the work they have done over the years of its existence, providing benefits to the community and city projects as well.
“I want to see that the nonprofits in the community are maintained the way they are,” said Doubt. “What is done by the nonprofits with the community forest grants in this community makes the community what it is and makes it different than other communities. It makes it possible to have things that other communities just don’t have.
“This motion would put in force a program where we have the city’s working group on the community forest, the community forest board, and council, all working together to come to an agreement that works for the entire city and everyone in it. We can do that over the next period of time. We don’t have to reduce the contribution this year as other motions might indicate we would do.”
Councillor Cindy Elliott said the motion needed to be referred to the March 20 city council meeting where councillors would be having discussions on the 2025 to 2029 fiveyear financial plan, because the committee of the whole could not decide to alter the budget.
Interim corporate officer Stephen Fleming said council has the opportunity to add whatever motions it wants to add at the March 20 meeting with respect to changing and debating the implications of those changes.
“It would be helpful for staff to have an idea of where council is heading so we can have answers for you on Thursday,” added Fleming.
Doubt said his intention was to have an open and clear discussion about the priorities of the city for the community forest money, and the priorities of the people in the city, while respecting the priorities of the community forest board, whose contributions he deeply respects.
RECOMMENDATIONS REVIEWED: City of Powell River’s council chambers were filled to capacity at the March 18 committee of the whole meeting, where the limiting of allocations from the Powell River Community Forest board to nonprofit organizations were discussed. At the March 20 city council meeting, council voted to restore allocations to nonprofits to the levels that were used in 2022 and 2023.
PAUL GALINSKI
“My suggestion is what we should vote on at the end of this discussion is referring this motion to the meeting on Thursday,” said Doubt. “The final decision is made at a council meeting. I don’t want to have a battle of procedures and rules of order. What I’d like to have is a discussion about the use of the community forest funds.”
The committee voted to move Doubt’s motion to the March 20 city council meeting. The committee adopted the motion unanimously.
Councillor Trina Isakson then made a motion for the committee to direct staff to prepare budget implications of Doubt’s motion for the March 20 budget discussions.
Councillor and committee chair Jim Palm said councillors are still talking about a budget and the five-year financial plan, and those discussions are going to happen on March 20, plus on March 27. He said it is going to be difficult for staff to come up with concrete numbers.
Isakson’s motion, however, carried unanimously.
At the March 20 meeting, community forest president Greg Hemphill gave an impassioned speech to councillors, citing accom-
plishments of the community forest and the need to maintain the historic allocations to nonprofit organizations.
After Hemphill’s speech, Denniston provided the budgetary overview, then Doubt made the motion he had introduced at the March 18 committee of the whole meeting. In part, the motion called for the 2025 community forest dividend and contributions to city projects and nonprofits be determined according to the same process as was used in 2022 and 2023, with the participation of the community forest working group recently appointed by city council.
The motion also stated that the process for determining the dividends of the community forest for the years 2026 and beyond be determined in collaboration between the community forest board, the community forest working group, and the city.
City council members spent extensive time debating the motion, which carried, with councillor Earl Almeida opposed.
City council later approved the first three readings of the 2025 five-year financial plan. The financial plan will be up for adoption at a special meeting of city council on March 27.
TANYA HILL
thill@prpeak.com
What do Savary Islanders value most about living on a small, offgrid, yet popular tourist destination, and where do they see the island community heading in the next 25 years?
Those are just two of the questions asked in qathet Regional District’s (qRD) phase two community plan survey, released online last October.
Now, Savary Islanders have had their say. Here are some of the results from the survey:
The survey had a fairly strong uptake and resulted in 575 completed responses: 97 full-time residents, 237 part-time, 141 summer residents, while the rest of the respondents were categorized as other, visitors and property owners (not living on Savary).
The first survey question asked: What do folks value most about
Savary Island?
253 people mention natural beauty and environment; 191 like the off-grid and rustic lifestyle; and 163 mentioned a sense of community and freedom.
The second survey question asked participants to imagine life on Savary Island 25 years from now. The survey found a significant emphasis on preserving the island's natural beauty; maintaining the unique off grid lifestyle;
strengthening the sense of community; not a lot of new development, but some improvements.
Question three asked community members about concerns they have about maintaining this vision (natural beauty, off-grid) for the island.
The survey found that people are worried about overdevelopment and population growth; environmental degradation; government interference and regulation; infrastructure and services.
Another major concern of folks on Savary is water supply. 85 per cent of respondents strongly agree or agree to safeguarding the island’s groundwater supply, but there is significant disagreement on methods.
To see the full summary of the report and survey results, go to qathet.ca/wp-content/ uploads/2025/01/2025-01-23-Vision-Survey-Summary-Reportweb.pdf.
One month from now, the riding of North Island-Powell River will have a new MP representing its constituents in Ottawa.
With NDP incumbent Rachel Blaney deciding not to run, and the ups and downs of major parties over the last year, two questions require answering. Who will be our next MP, and will they be in a party forming government, part of the official opposition, or somewhere further back on the bench?
In the last federal election in 2021, Blaney won for a third time (2015 and 2019). With NDP fortunes waning nationally, can the party’s new candidate, Tanille Johnston, hold that seat?
New Conservative candidate Aaron Gunn and new Liberal candidate Jennifer Lash benefit from stronger support for their parties across the country. Whether that will be enough to dethrone the NDP in what has been a strong-
hold of late is another question to be answered on April 28. Provincially, the qathet part of the riding is represented by the NDP, but the North Island chose a conservative as MLA. Is there more than an ocean separating constituents?
Blaney received 23,833 votes in 2021, more than the 21,670 garnered by Conservative candidate Shelley Downey. Jennifer Grenz of the Liberals was third with 7,922.
The only other two candidates who have declared their intention to run in 2025 also vied for the seat in 2021. Green Party candidate Jessica Wegg obtained 3,656 votes and Paul Macknight of the People’s Party collected 2,795.
Some voters have decided, but minds can change over the course of a campaign. Ideally, whoever is chosen as MP here is on the governing side of the House of Commons when it sits next.
We live in troubling times. People are frightened and feel vulnerable. Taking advantage of that, David Eby’s Bill 7 tries to establish autocratic rule for the next two years in BC. It’s the move of an aspiring autocrat.
Now is the time for measured, thoughtful action. Taking away democratic rights weakens us and destabilizes our future.
Eby decries US president Trump’s actions while copying him. He wants to rule, not to serve, the people of BC. He is trying to set aside democracy for more than half his term. His claim that this is necessary to address issues that may arise due to Trump’s tariffs is, put bluntly, nonsense. This is the same premier who reneged on his commitment to call the legislature back right after the election. The election was October 19, 2024. He did not call the legislature back until February 17, 2025, well after Trump declared his intentions regarding Canada. Eby delayed when it fit his political needs. Now, he introduces Bill 7, not to meet the province’s or Canada’s needs, but to serve his political wishes.
Eby says he wants to remove all trade barriers between provinces. Fine. Lead the way. Table legislation that removes all barriers BC imposes on other provinces. Get on with it.
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Texada and local area:
He does not need to usurp the democratic authority of the legislature to get that done immediately. Mr. Eby, take down those walls!
All people of BC deserve to be represented in these times. Any action should take place only with proper public scrutiny. Democracy is messy. It can be frustrating, but it is a necessary check on autocratic power.
The best and constitutionally correct way to fight Trump’s action is not by suspending our democratic institutions, but rather by fully and carefully considering our response to US actions in our constitutionally enshrined parliamentary system. There is no need or reason to give Eby the dictatorial power he seeks. We should exemplify how a properly functioning democracy makes policy decisions through its legislative assembly in accordance with the rule of law. Eby engages the legislature despite his proclivities to do the opposite.
Every MLA, from every party, has an obligation to uphold our democratic institutions. The legislature can and will act quickly when needed. With Bill 7, Eby takes away our rights and our elected representative’s responsibilities. We must hope that some New Democrats in his caucus remember they were elected as New Democrats, not New Autocrats.
We respectfully acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional and treaty lands of the Tla’amin people.
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By Gordon Campbell
They should not acquiesce to the most autocratic bill ever tabled in BC’s legislature.
The legislature can be called back within 24 hours any time to properly debate, scrutinize and decide on any actions Eby dares to propose. These are not, and should not be, personal decisions. Important decisions of this magnitude should be decisions where MLAs from every part of the province, from all parties, are included and held accountable.
All members of BC’s legislature are obligated to stand for Canadian democracy and due process, not to bow to autocracy. We are Canadian. Our parliamentary principles and practices define our public institutions regardless of party. Responsible government requires that the premier and his cabinet account to the legislature. That’s the critical democratic link between a premier and cabinet and the people of the province.
Bill 7 is a power grab, pure and simple. It gives Eby the sole power to amend any law, change any regulation, change any tax, use your personal information and ignore the legislature for more than two years. No checks. No guardrails. No recourse. That is simply wrong for all of us regardless of po»5
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
Zunga Bus service in Powell River will be terminated at the end of the year.
At the March 20 city council meeting, during budgetary deliberations, councillor Cindy Elliott, who had to leave the meeting, said she had wanted to put forward a motion to have the Zunga Bus pilot end at the end of 2025, but had another commitment, and could not make the motion.
After Elliott left the meeting, councillor Jim Palm said Elliott was going to make a motion on the Zunga Bus to end that service at the end of 2025.
“I’d like to put that motion on the floor for her and take a vote,” said Palm. There was no discussion on the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
At the end of the council meeting during question period, now known as public clarification, the Peak sought clarification about the pilot project ending at the end of the year. During questioning, chief administrative officer Lisa Bhopalsingh said it meant the service would be discontinued. She said the hope
4« VIEWPOINT
was that BC Transit could be leveraged to continue the service, which provides ondemand busing throughout Westview. She said it would mean city council’s funding for the service would end at the end of 2025.
Councillor George Doubt said council’s intention was that the pilot project, which is the Zunga Bus project, end in December.
“There wasn’t anything I heard in the motion that talked about any hope for anything other than that,” said Doubt.
Councillor Trina Isakson said the city does not know what the results of its transit review will be. She said recommendations will be made to the city based on BC Transit research and it might include on-demand busing meeting the needs of the community.
“We don’t know what that looks like yet, so who knows what council might approve in the future?” said Isakson.
“In terms of the city-funded pilot project, the motion that passed is to end it at the end of the year.”
Earlier in the meeting, mayor Ron Woznow brought forward a motion that funding for the Zunga Bus, including operations and vehicle lease in the amount of $373,250, be removed from the 2025 five-year financial plan, effective July 2025, and that council direct staff to reallocate eligible projects to be funded from the climate action reserve fund in order to decrease property taxes.
litical affiliation or what is decided in the US.
Bill 7 undermines your rights and the governing principles of Canada. We are smart enough, strong enough and creative enough to withstand powerful changes. But we will fail, if we
“This item has been on the agenda and people have indicated that there has been considerable input, and certainly all the input I have seen has said they would like it removed from our budget,” said Woznow.
Councillor Rob Southcott said he was speaking for those who use the Zunga Bus.
“I have had plenty of correspondence and conversations from that sector,” said Southcott. “Transit is widely recognized as contributing to where we must head, because private cars, eventually, are not going to be as commonly used as they are now. There are trends across the western world in this direction. Transit is increasing, not decreasing. Ondemand transit has proven effective in various small communities.”
Doubt said one of the reasons he was hesitant to support the Zunga Bus is because of the fact it does not cover all areas of the city, such as Townsite and Wildwood.
“I would have liked to use
follow Eby’s desire to undermine the democratic foundation upon which we stand.
MLAs should be against this unnecessary power grab. Even if the NDP MLAs cannot find a democratic conscience, then all opposition MLAs must.
To stand up to the US, we must first stand up for democracy and against au-
the Zunga Bus to come to a council meeting and to go home,” said Doubt. “I can’t do it, and the way the bus system works right now, I can’t get on a regular bus in a reasonable amount of time.”
Doubt said BC Transit does not support the Zunga Bus and he can’t see continuing to pay for a limited area service totally out of taxpayers funds.
Elliott said she thought the project needs an end, but it isn’t true that BC Transit decided that Powell River was not appropriate for ondemand transit. She said Powell River is on a short list for on-demand service.
“I can’t support this motion, but I could support a motion that brought an end to our pilot project at the end of 2025,” said Elliott. “Ending the pilot at that time lends us well to transitioning to the BC Transit process.”
Woznow supported his motion, as did Doubt and Palm, but the other councillors did not, so that motion was defeated.
tocracy at home.
Write, call, email or text your MLA. Tell them to stand for Canada and for our democratic values; tell them not to support this unconscionable power grab of the New Autocrats in Victoria.
Gordon Campbell is a former premier of BC.
CONNIE JORDISON Coast Reporter
A call to reinstate Ferry Advisory Committees (FAC) has been issued to the BC Ferry Authority chair.
The request was delivered March 19 in a letter penned by Ferry Advisory Committee Chairs group lead Diana Mumford, who also serves as chair of the Southern Sunshine Coast chapter of that umbrella organization.
The letter states ferry advisory chairs have “little faith” in the value of BC Ferries' current engagement process. The group asserts that engagement with communities should be more than an opportunity for the company to inform its programs, policy and processes when it is seeking input. They support a process where the public can also raise suggestions, questions and concerns as they arise to BC Ferries (BCF).
What happened to public FAC meetings and events?
As of March 19, the BC Ferries website lists 13 FACs, all with names of sitting members. In the letter,
Mumford notes that “at the end of November 2024, BC Ferries ‘fired’ the 118 volunteers within the ferry advisory committees. Those members were given an opportunity to extend their term until the end of April 2025 when BC Ferries promised to roll out a new engagement framework.
“There has been very little communication [from the ferry company] since the end of November.”
To support that statement and its assessment about the lack of effectiveness in BCF's current public engagement strategy, Mumford listed six examples in the correspondence, of situations where recent BCF community engagement “pop-up” events missed the mark of sparking conversations with residents of the communities it serves.
An example cited was the pop-up gathering planned for the southern Sunshine Coast, on February 6 at Langdale Terminal. Mumford noted that was the date when “residents were dealing with hazardous roads due to a very heavy snowfall," yet there has been no rescheduling of a date to connect with ferry users in the area.
Another less than successful in-person engagement pop-up, according to the letter, was hosted in Campbell River last month with the local FAC chair as the only community member who participated.
In the opinion of the FAC Chairs group, recent online engagement has been equally problematic with poor public response. The letter described finding the location of the engagement webpage on bcferries.com as “very challenging” and reports that the discussion forum at that location showed “responses of just 11 people over a five week period."
Mumford’s correspondence also called out language used in a February 4 BCF media release that read, “The future of engagements needs to be inclusive, nimble and accessible. This process is focused on ensuring as many ferry users as possible – whether face-to-face or online – have an opportunity to inform our programs, policy and processes when we are seeking input.”
Her assessment of that statement was that it indicated there will be no opportunity for two-way constructive dialogue about ferry services and issues encountered, such “as was available through the FAC meetings."
“Accountability, oversight and transparency will be replaced by a model that values residents to be seen and not heard,” she wrote.
Mumford’s letter was also copied to minister of transportation and transit Mike Farnworth, BC Ferry Commission, BC’s coastal riding MLAs, includ-
ing Powell River-Sunshine Coast’s Randene Neill, and BC Ferries.
It’s not an April Fool’s prank: some fares on BC Ferries will increase as of the start of next month, according to a March 19 press release from the ferry company.
“On the major routes (including Route 3, Langdale/ Horseshoe Bay), drive-up fares will increase by $.90 for an adult and $7.60 for a standard vehicle. This pricing will only apply to the fewer than 25 per cent of customers who don’t already use prepaid (including Experience Card), saver or reservation-only fares to secure lower prices. Drive-up fares for minor routes will increase on average to approximately $.25.50 for an adult passenger and $.70 to $2 for a standard vehicle,” the release noted. Rather than applying a flat 3.2 per cent increase to all fares, BC Ferries stated that it is making targeted pricing adjustments that “optimize capacity, balance costs across routes and provide more ways for customers to save. These changes are designed to encourage travel on sailings with more space available, helping to manage
TANYA HILL
thill@prpeak.com
Merrilee Prior and Powell River Orphaned Wildlife Society (PROWLS) volunteers were back at it again on Tuesday, helping wildlife in the qathet region get back on their feet. After being rescued in November and months of rehabilitation at OWL in Delta, a northern saw-whet owl returned home to Texada Island on March 18.
"This adorable little northern saw-whet owl returned home to Texada Island, yesterday, after four months of rehab with the raptor experts at OWL," stated Prior, in a social media
post today. "Mich [McCauley], a wonderful friend and handson supporter of PROWLS, met us at the ferry and gave us [PROWLS volunteers] a lovely, informative tour of the island."
Prior added in her post that McCauley shared her knowledge of the history, flora and fauna of Texada while heading to the general area where the male owl was rescued.
The northern saw-whet is a tiny owl with a cat-like face and a silent but fierce hunter of mice and other small mammals. It is one of the most common owls across forests in North America.
"The forest speaks, and then one just feels this is the spot for release; based on much experience and many factors that are
demand while keeping the system running efficiently."
Another adjustment that may see ferry-crossing costs escalate for travellers on Route 3 and other reservable routes is a change for saver and prepaid fares. Effective April 1, no-show fees on those will increase by $5 to $10. The ability for customers to change their reserved sailing up to one hour before departure or cancel four or more days in advance for a $5 fee is being retained.
The statement also indicated that BCF will be making 30 per cent more saver fare spaces available. Those include $15 prepaid reservation spaces for foot passengers on Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island sailings. Reservations aren’t available to Route 3 walk-on travellers.
Full details on fare changes happening April 1 are available at bcferries.com/ routes-fares/ferry-fares.
When it comes to food and beverages on the ships, BC Ferries is introducing a 3.5 per cent increase as of April.
The release stated this is “to reflect rising costs of ingre-
dients, transportation and operations” and it will be applied to specific, but not all menu items.
“Customers can expect minor increases, for example ranging from $.10 on a muffin to $.90 on a BC Burger Combo, ensuring that BC Ferries continues to offer high-quality, competitively priced food and beverage options,” the release detailed. Parking rates will increase, the release stated, based on location and “aligned with market rates while ensuring continued investment in safe, accessible and wellmaintained facilities."
Updates are also coming for Experience Card users. The re-load minimum for passenger-only fares will be $50, as of April 1, and the standard vehicle and passenger minimum reload price will be $130. Auto-reload will also be turned off as of April 1 and users will need to reactivate it with a new minimum. An Experience Card account can be logged into at bcferries.com/routes-fares/ ferry-fares/card-login.
taken into account," explained Prior. "Setting the crate on the ground, he didn't exactly make a run for freedom, so after a few minutes, Mich gave him a gentle reminder he was free to go.
"Thank you, OWL, for caring for him these past four months and for sending him home in perfect release condition. We know what a privilege it is having you care for the raptors in our region, and we are grateful."
To watch a video the PROWLS team released on its Facebook page, go to facebook.com/ PowellRiverOrphanedWildLifeSociety, or type Powell River Orphaned Wildlife Society into the Facebook search bar.
Thursday.March 27.2025
Peak » prpeak.com
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
Tariffs imposed on Canadian goods put forth by United States president Donald Trump, not to mention, the threat of making Canada its 51st state, has spurred folks in BC and across the country to think about supporting local businesses and food growers.
The Canadian government also moved with its own retaliatory measures, including a list of counter-tariffs imposed on US imports. The list, released on March 4, includes a 25 per cent tariff [tax] on many fruits and vegetables and other food staples coming into Canada. That means food costs could increase in BC.
For some qathet region food growers, such as Ron Berezan, manager of Blueberry Commons Farm Cooperative, this [trade war] is seen as an opportunity to create a more secure food system.
“This is a wake-up call for our very fragile food system that has for too long been overly dependent on food imports from south of
the border,” Berezan stated in a social media message. “Plant your gardens, be prepared to shift your food choices; store food up; plan to trade and barter; cut down on waste and buy bulk when you can.”
Berezan had a few suggestions for those with less space, such as joining a community garden or gleaning program and learning how to gather local wild foods.
“Above all, buy Canadian or Mexican if there is no Canadian option,” he added. “Plan now for a closer relationship with the farms and other local food producers in your region.”
According to Canada Food Flows, an interactive website developed by UBC researchers, US states supply 67 per cent of Canada’s vegetable imports and 36 percent of Canada’s fruit imports. Much of BC’s fresh food also comes from elsewhere, including: 81 per cent of BC’s spinach, 70 per cent of BC’s lettuce, and 75 per cent of BC’s onions coming from the US in 2022, and 92 per cent of BC’s strawberries imported from the US and Mexico in 2022.
Although cross-border agreements, including what’s now called the CanadianUnited States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), has for the most part benefited BC and Canadian consumers by providing goods like fruits and vegetables year-round to our supermarkets, it has also pulled people away from buying locally grown produce, due to
SUPPORT FARMERS: Powell River Farmers’ Market runs year-round, and right now organizers and vendors are gearing up for the growing season. Supporting CSAs, local markets and growing food is a way to enhance BC’s food security.
the misconception that it’s cheaper to buy from a big-box store.
“Every year I go into a couple of big grocery stores, I look at the price of things, and it’s definitely not always true that local food is more expensive,” said Berezan, in an interview with the Peak. “Often farms will be sometimes much cheaper than the grocery store on some things.” Blueberry Commons, plus a few other
farms in qathet, offer what’s called a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) box, which provides individuals and families with fresh local produce every week during the late-spring/summer/ fall seasons. Investing in a CSA gives a farm some security and assurance that its produce will be bought and consumed.
“There’s a bit of an opportunity to develop
our local food system more robustly, so not as dependent and subject to things like what’s happening now,” said Berezan. “Something that we’ve had going for a few years now is our farm bonds; a way for people to invest in having organic produce throughout the season.”
Berezan said farm bonds are similar to a CSA but also a little different.
“Farm bonds are a way of prepaying for some of the local fruits and vegetables you will eat in the coming year,” said Berezan. “They are not tied to a specific crop and this will allow you to purchase any fresh produce you want, when you want it, in the quantities you need, at our farm stand in Wildwood or through our web store and the farmers’ market.”
Most farms in BC now provide CSAs in order to help farmers buy their seeds, fertilizer, hire staff and all the things a farm needs to do in a growing season.
“People will find that the cost of local produce is going to be even more competitive than it has been,” said Berezan. “There’s no comparing produce that’s fresh and has been harvested that day, compared to weeks ago; the nutritional quality of it begins to decline.”
Having more farms and more competitiveness usually drives prices down, and across BC farmers’ markets have seen that happen. Berezan also encourages people to try and grow more of their own food.
“Not everyone has the time or space, but I would suggest to plant some things you really love to eat and have fresh and then create a relationship with a farm locally,” said Berezan.
Trade wars and tariffs are not the only concerns farmers have; climate change is another quiet but destructive threat that is very real for British Columbians, since most of our fresh food comes from California.
“With big climate events, fires,
drought, those sorts of things, we have to expect more of that,” said Berezan. “So the closer to home that we have our food grown, the more secure we’re going to be.”
Learning skills such as canning, preserving and fermenting, similar to what our grandmothers and great-grandmothers did, is also something Berezan said could help us.
“We can grow so much here in the summer, spring and early fall, but there are a few lean months; we need to develop ways to store up that food, as we’ve done historically,” said Berezan. “We’ve become sort of complacent because we’ve [our generation] come to know food as always being there, but it may not be the case, so gaining those skills is important.”
Berezan has some suggestions on how to support local growers: Join a CSA (food subscription box program); shop at local farmers’ markets; shop at local farm stands; sign up for u-picks and volunteer at a local farm.
GROWING SEASON: Blueberry Commons Farm Cooperative is an organic farm located in Wildwood. Farm manager, permaculture and organic gardening consultant Ron Berezan wants folks to start thinking locally in the face of US tariff and climate change threats.
“We have started seeding crops and will be running our u-pick once again this year,” said Berezan.
For information about what’s happening at Powell River Farmers’ Market, go to powellriverfarmersmarket.blogspot.com.
Find out more about farm bonds at blueberrycommons.ca/shop/ farm-bonds. To learn more about the benefits of u-pick, go to blueberrycommons.ca/shop/upick.
Terra Nostra Farm also is offering CSA boxes for 2025.
Indoor and outdoor fireplaces
WETT inspections
Hot water systems/boilers
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
The qathet region is considered to be in the Zone 7 planting region for gardening, because of moderate winters and warm summers, making it suitable for a wide variety of plants.
For those who garden, each month is a time for different actions, such as garden preparation, seed starting, planning and planting.
Powell River Garden Club (PRGC) is gearing up for its annual plant sale on Sunday,
May 4, at Powell River Curling Club. In Zone 7, the month of May is the perfect time to get plants into the ground, such as peppers, corn and tomatoes.
This year’s plant sale director, Leeanne Barr, who has also been a plant vendor and is a member of the garden club, said the space [for the sale] is secure, volunteers are getting organized and sellers are in place.
“They’re all [plant vendors] focusing on what they’re going to be selling, and sowing the seeds and dividing the plants,” said Barr.
“Generally, there are shrubs, flowers, sometimes small trees, but that’s rare, and lots of food plants.”
Most of the plants for sale are for outdoors, but some
vendors will have some indoor plants available as well.
“The range is huge, from succulents to tomatoes,” said Barr. “This year we have 16 sellers signed up.”
The annual sale is the largest fundraiser for the garden club, emphasized Barr.
“With the money that is made, it covers the cost of things like our meeting hall rental and guest speakers,” said Barr. “We have speakers at almost every meeting.”
The garden club also has a scholarship fund and has raised money for projects, like the Four Tides Hospice Society (FTHS) future sanctuary garden.
PRGC was started in 1967 and is a member of the BC Council of Garden Clubs. It offers a plethora of in-
formation and ideas about all things gardening, from members and resident master gardeners.
The group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month from September to June (excluding December), at Cranberry Seniors Centre.
“The plant sale is widely anticipated and very popular amongst the locals,” said Barr. “Plan to get there early, and be patient, because there will be a lot of people, and they need a little bit of elbow room.”
Barr said the plants are usually sold at below market value and people can usually find a wide variety of great plants for a reasonable price.
“One of the things we’re doing [differently] this year is we have plans to make
sure the lines will move really quickly,” said Barr.
“This year we’re introducing Square [debit, credit] as a payment method; in past years we have only accepted cash.”
For Barr, vegetable plants are her go-to.
“I’m a vegetable gardener; I look for things like [plant] starts, because the seeds are fun, but it’s quite time intensive and space intensive
in your home.”
The Powell River Garden Club website has many online resources available, including links to: The Lazy Gardener, Tips and Tricks; Brian Minter: Ten Lessons I’ve Learned and Vegetable Container Gardening for Beginners.
The plant sale on May 4 begins at noon and ends at 2:30 pm at 5750 Crown Avenue.
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
The brassica known as kohlrabi likes to grow in cooler weather climates, but can be harvested usually from June to November.
Kohlrabi, named for the German kohl (cabbage) and rabi (turnip), has tentacle-shaped leaves and purple and green bulbs.
For some, it might be one of those mystery vegetables that’s passed by at the supermarket or left out of garden planning.
But for many gardeners in qathet, kohlrabi is a crisp, delicious, versatile and nutritious food, which is fairly easy to grow and can be prepared in a variety of simple ways.
Most parts of the plant are edible, including the leaves with ribs removed, the stems and the peeled bulb.
Spokesperson and member of Powell River Garden Club (PRGC) Lynn Brown spoke to the Peak about what she and other garden members do with kohlrabi.
“Kohlrabi is a brassica, that is, it is part of the cabbage and mustard family, along
with broccoli, cauliflower and turnip,” said Brown. “It needs rich soil and steady irrigation through the growing phase and likes cooler weather, so best started in the fall.”
Brown said a few PRGC members tried to grow it but without good results, while others have been successful.
“One gardener said she has grown kohlrabi for years, preferring the larger ones, not the ones they usually sell in the store, which have to be eaten small,” said Brown. “The large ones do not get woody and keep in a cold room for a fairly long time.”
Some gardeners in qathet like to pickle kohlrabi and carrot sticks together and also make relish from them.
“They are great shredded in salads as well and can be eaten raw like carrots or cooked as a vegetable, even roasted like a potato,” said Brown.
According to the BC Farms and Food website, like broccoli, cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables, kohlrabi contains phytochemicals, reported to be great for health and contains fiber, potassium and is a source of vitamin C.
Why do you dread spring cleaning? Is it because you don’t know where to start, don’t have the time or don’t like cleaning? You’re not alone.
Many of us, myself included, avoid projects that take a long time to finish. Spring cleaning seems like a job that could go on forever. I suggest sectional, or zone cleaning. This method breaks cleaning into bite-sized and manageable sections while keeping you in control of your home.
Instead of running around and feeling overwhelmed about where to start to clean first, zone cleaning helps you focus on one area at a time.
Envision breaking your home into different zones and tackling one zone at a time instead of the whole house. Each zone gets some extra TLC on a rotating schedule, so no area turns into a disaster zone. Each week, try to tackle one zone. Avoid the habit of postpon-
By Ranka Burzan
ing the work. It will wait for you, as there are not very many volunteers to fill this position. Here’s an example of how to do it:
Before you start the cleaning process, you need to declutter the space. Let go of the things you don’t need or use. Organized homes are easier to clean and maintain afterwards.
Make it easier for you and your family to prepare meals. Keep your kitchen counters clear of items you don’t use. Why would you keep 16 mugs when you only use four?
Organized bathrooms are easier to clean and maintain. Because of the moisture, bacteria and mildew are forever present in bathrooms. After every use,
wipe the counters and sink.
Sometimes we neglect the bedrooms, thinking nobody sees the space. Well, you do. After a long day at work, you deserve a clean, dust-free room.
Set aside about 15 to 30 minutes and tackle your zone. No distractions. No social media scrolling. Just focus on cleaning so you can get it done and move on with your life.
Even with zone cleaning, you’ll still need to do those everyday things, like dishes, wiping counters and laundry. If you have a family living in the home, start delegating to them.
Some things don’t need weekly attention. Keep a monthly or seasonal list for those time-consum-
ing jobs, such as cleaning behind furniture, the stove or fridge.
Zone cleaning makes life easier and more enjoyable. You’ll never have to block out an entire Saturday to deep-clean the house unless you want to.
Put on your favourite playlist, set a timer and clean like you mean it, one zone at a time.
I do my best singing and dancing while cleaning my place. No, I’m not a singer or dancer, but moving
around makes me feel energetic and excited to have a clean-looking and fresh-smelling home. Your home is your sanctuary, take pride in keeping it clean and functional.
Transformational life coach Ranka Burzan owns a professional organizing company in the qathet region and has written several books on reducing clutter. For more information, email getcoachedwithranka@gmail.com.
Federal grant will go toward establishing a garden behind office on Marine Avenue
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
Métis Nation Powell River Association has received $31,425 from the federal Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF) to enhance the association’s food production capabilities.
The funds will go toward construction of a greenhouse, garden beds, irrigation and beekeeping.
Project manager Russell Brewer said last fall, there was an application process for small scale projects.
“It’s something that the Métis community here was always keen on doing,” said Brewer. “We wanted to have some small-scale food production, growing food and having it close to our office [Métis Community Centre] on Marine Avenue.
“So many of our activities involve food. There’s a number of our elders and matriarchs who do so much of the work. We liked the idea of having something behind our office, with garden beds and a greenhouse to grow some food. We’re superpleased that it came together and that we received approval.”
Brewer said the Métis association has identified a plot of land behind the association’s office.
“It will be nice to take the blackberries out and free up the ground to put in some garden beds and a greenhouse,” said Brewer. “It will spruce up the back of that area as well, which is nice. We’ll run some irrigation, because with some garden beds and a greenhouse, it will be important to have water nearby.
“There’s always worries about bears and animals getting into the garden, so we will include solar electric fencing to put around it.”
Brewer said the association has a greenhouse picked out and was awaiting the final go-ahead communication from the funders before ordering the necessary items and supplies.
“We have a bit of anxiety around the whole tariff
situation and we’re hoping that doesn’t bump up the estimates from where they were in the fall,” said Brewer. “Hopefully, there won’t be too much of a change, but it is a concern.”
Brewer said that produce created in the garden will be mostly used for gatherings. He said the Métis association holds quite a few events and cultural gatherings, and food is a big part of these events.
“So, the food will be intended to be used for these purposes, but also for distribution,” said Brewer. “Some members of our community may need a bit of extra help, so we can potentially make food available that way as well.”
Brewer said the association has an amazing group of volunteers who can help with the project.
“Someone’s there on an almost daily basis, whether it’s showing up to do some
crafts or beading or just gathering,” said Brewer. “There’s lots of gatherings to play music there as well. Lots of folks are excited about this project, so there will be volunteers there for sure.”
Brewer said the association has about 115 Métis citizens and close to 200 members in total. He said it is an active group.
“Having a presence with our office on Marine helps,” said Brewer. “Folks are becoming aware that there is a local chartered Métis community. It’s growing.
“We’re working to improve relationships with the Tla’amin Nation as well. So, there’s lots of events where we have more than Métis attending. All Indigenous peoples from our region attend our events, so we’re excited about that. The Métis are visitors to the Tla’amin Nation territory and we’re very well aware of that. We try to honour that in all our events as well, acknowledg-
ing that we are guests of the nation’s territory here.”
According to a media release, as part of the $62.9-million announcement in federal budget 2024, Agriculture and AgriFood Canada is delivering the renewed LFIF, which mobilizes $42.7 million to support production-focused projects. The program aims to improve community food security and resilience through the purchase and installation of infrastructure, the release stated. This support will help increase access and availability of local, nutritious and culturally appropriate food, with a priority focus on equitydeserving groups within communities.
The small-scale projects component provides grant funding between $25,000 and $100,000 to support infrastructure projects, such as a community garden with an irrigation system, a greenhouse with solar panels, or a food forest.
Do your bedroom’s yellow walls impact your sleep? Does the purple in your dining room affect your appetite? Applying colour psychology in your home decorating choices can enhance ambiance and influence your mood. Consider these practical tips to use colour psychology effectively.
CALMING BLUES Blue is known for its calming effects, making it perfect for bedrooms. Soft shades of blue, like sky blue or pastel blue, can create a serene atmosphere conducive to relaxation and sleep.
ENERGIZING YELLOWS Yellow is a cheerful, uplifting colour, ideal for spaces where you want to feel energized. Incorporate yellow in your kitchen through accents like curtains, dishware or a yellow backsplash.
INVIGORATING REDS A powerful shade that can stimulate conversation and increase appetite, red is excellent for dining rooms. Consider a deep red accent wall or red dining chairs to create a lively and inviting space for meals and gatherings.
PRODUCTIVE GREENS Green, associated with nature and tranquility, can improve
concentration and reduce anxiety. Use verdant hues in your home office through wall colour, plants or green accessories to create a calming, generative work environment.
CREATIVE PURPLES Purple combines the serenity of blue and the energy of red, making it an ideal hue for creative spaces. Lavender or plum can inspire imagination and add a luxurious touch to your studio or craft room. Using colour psychology, you can create beautiful spaces that enhance your well-being and mood.
BY BRIAN MINTER
It’s finally time to create some beautiful outdoor containers to enjoy on our decks and patios.
Cool early colour can provide lasting beauty from late winter until it’s time to plant those vibrant, heatloving annuals for summer enjoyment.
At this time of the year, we need plants that can tolerate heavy spring rain, cool night temperatures and even a light frost. They also need to look spectacular to earn a location on our decks and to lift our spirits on those rainy, dark days.
Two things can make a significant difference in these container displays. Your pots need to be a good size, approximately 18 inches x 20 inches (45cm x 50cm) in order to accommodate larger sized plants. Bigger, onegallon size plants are better for creating an eye-catching instant look.
Secondly, the soil needs to be very open, porous and well-draining. Traditional potting soil will stay too wet at this time of the year. Special tree or perennial soils, which have a lot more aggregate in them, would be a much better option. If you can’t find this type of soil, simply take a professional soil mix, like ProMix HP or Sunshine Mix #4, and add in about a one-third portion of fine fir bark mulch to get the level of porosity needed.
When it comes to choosing an arrangement of plants, I love the adage: thriller, filler and spiller. The most important, of course, is the thriller. However, with a more limited selection of plants available in garden stores at this time of the year, it can be a little more challenging, but here are some of the great ones that are ideal for early containers.
Perennial evergreen euphorbias can make a real impression even in late winter/early spring. Their vibrant, chartreuse flowerheads are just beginning to show colour. There are many varieties that are not invasive, such as the white and green variegated Tasmanian Tiger and the gold and green Ascot Rainbow; both have beautiful foliage and flowers which last for weeks.
For a little extra height, sneak in a tall, thin variegated boxwood or a dark green Sky Pencil Japanese holly. Another excellent showpiece would be a one-gallon size Lily of the Valley shrub (Pieris japonica). Most of them have pink or white buds that are ready to open, and their flowers will last for weeks. These plants then explode into new growth with red or rich burgundy foliage. The colourful leaves of Rainbow or Scarletta leucothoe are also great for an additional pop of colour. Many spectacular hellebores are now in full flower and are perfect container plants. I love them all, but H. Pink Frost is one of my favourites.
Winter-flowering heathers in vibrant reds, hot pinks
and pure whites will also add a splash of much-needed colour, and they provide nectar for pollinators, such as bees. Evergreen heucheras are also an excellent choice for some hot foliage colour. From peach and burgundy to hot lime and the deepest purples, they will add an extra touch of magic. For a little fragrance, the Himalayan sweet box (Sarcococca humilis) is ready to perfume your patio.
As for spillers at this time of the year, the large, beautiful family of evergreen carex performs this duty better than any other plant. The EverColor Series of golden Everillo, white and green Everest and yellow and green Evergold are just some of these fabulous spillers. With just a few of these perennials and shrubs, you can create a spectacular early spring container. Snuggle them together for a wonderful, instant colour display. The addition of a few twigs of contorted willows will add an extra touch of elegance, and mini lights will extend the beauty into the evening.
Nettle from Texada and lavender from Paradise Valley can be found in many forms at the farmers’ market
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
One plant is green and prickly, and one has fragrant leaves with attractive flowers, and both have been transformed by humans to be used as a medicinal herb since ancient times.
qathet-based plant harvester and grower Aggie Biegajlo has been collecting and using nettle as a medicinal herb since she was a child.
“I harvest nettle on Texada Island because there is less pollution and no pesticide sprays,” said Biegajlo. “I use good protective gloves and scissors to snap just the tops of the plant.”
Biegajlo emphasized that she has gratitude and respect for the plant itself when picking, and says thank you for this gift to humanity.
“I have a few clients who like fresh nettle for delicious dishes, and it’s full of nutrients and vitamins,” said Biegajlo. “This powerhouse has anti-inflammatory properties and is full of antioxidants.”
Biegajlo also dries the nettle, which she said can be used in soups, salads, as tea and in smoothies.
“I have been collecting nettle since I was six,” said Biegajlo, “and for 30 years in Powell River.”
Biegajlo has been growing her own fragrant and versatile lavender plants in Paradise Valley since 2022 and this summer will be her fourth harvest.
“The most important factor is to keep lavender flowers closed in the buds in order to preserve essential oils, which is crucial when extracting oils from lavender plants,” said Biegajlo. “I extract oils directly from plants by steam distillation that contains incredible health benefits to remedy skin infections, cuts, rushes, pain, mosquitos and bugs bits,
and skin allergies.”
She said lavender oil should be in everyone’s first-aid kit, but its many other uses are a little less utilitarian. Lavender oil can be added to room sprays, cleaners, infusers, and used in skin and hair care; the oil is also relaxing and calming for most people.
“On the lavender farm I work with two types of lavender: culinary lavender [lavandula angustifolia] and therapeutic grosso lavender,” said Biegajlo. “The culinary type can be brewed as tea or cold drinks; I have an incredible lavender spice blend that enhances unique flavours to meats, salads, fish and veggies.”
Therapeutic grosso [lavender] has a very strong aroma and is used to produce essential oils and other lavender products such as skin care, cleaners, cosmetics or soaps, explained Biegajlo.
“That’s the best part about working with plants and hand-harvesting with love,” said Biegajlo. “It not only gives me quality control, but also knowing the beautiful creation gives you health benefits without potential harm, unlike many products in today’s markets.”
Biegajlo’s home-based business, Peace of Paradise, can be found at the weekly Powell River Farmers’ Market.
Remodeling projects allow homeowners to put their personal stamps on a property. In addition to choosing a colour and design scheme that fits a particular aesthetic, homeowners may want to outfit their homes with various features that can make them more accommodating to modern living. Homeowners can use these ideas as a springboard for remodeling projects designed to modernize their homes.
Open floor plans: Open floor plans remain coveted characteristics of modern home architecture. An open layout enables occupants to feel like they are enjoying spaces together without having to be on top of one another. Since sightlines are not obstructed in open floor plans, homeowners can enjoy a cohesive design style across each level of the home.
Eco-friendly features: Eco-friendly features modernize homes and may even earn homeowners rebates from the government. From positioning rooms to take advantage of natural sunlight to using environmentally responsible materials throughout a home, modern homes can function with a much smaller carbon
footprint than older structures.
Smart home technology: A smart home is equipped with appliances and other devices that can be controlled remotely, typically from a phone or computer connected to the internet. Smart home technology is available across a wide range of budgets, ranging from thousands of dollars for a complete home automation to roughly $100 for a small change like a smart thermostat.
Accessibility features: A home that can grow with its residents is advantageous. When choosing renovations, features like slip-resistant flooring, stylish grab bars and low-threshold or barrier-free showers can enable homeowners to age in place more comfortably.
Three-season room: Many homeowners aspire to bridge the gap between the indoors and outside. Three-season rooms help transition from the yard to the interior of a home, and offer a touch of nature without the bugs or unpleasant elements.
A number of home improvements can bring homes up to the standards of modern living.
We are coming back to work in the Powell River area after being away for 15 years.
Over 500 5 star reviews on Google after 33 years in business.
Starting in
SHANE CARLSON editor@prpeak.com
Two teams represented Powell River Minor Hockey Association at provincial championship tournaments last week. They combined for eight wins in 10 games, and one ended up on the top of the podium.
Kooper Kozmeniuk scored a hat-trick in a 5-1 win for Powell River U15 Kings over Terrace in the gold medal game at the BC Hockey Tier 3 provincial championship in Cranbrook on March 20.
Coach Scott Peters said the final was similar to games during the round-robin portion of the tournament that
were close for the first 30 minutes, before Powell River took over.
“We opened up against Trail, who we didn't know much about,” said Peters. “It was relatively close early and then our depth paid off. As those early games went on, we continued to play with pace and kept putting the pressure on teams. In the last half of a lot of the games we just kept it going and the other teams couldn’t keep up.”
During the round-robin, Powell River finished atop Pool A after wins over Ridge Meadows, Greater Trail, Whitehorse and Dawson Creek, then defeated Sunshine Coast Blues handily in the semi-final.
Kozmeniuk’s first goal of the championship game, the eventual game-winner, came three minutes after Lucas Gruntman opened the scoring for the Kings
four minutes into the first period.
Terrace cut the deficit to 2-1 midway through the period, but Kesler Brown restored the two-goal lead 59 seconds before intermission.
Following a scoreless middle frame, Kozmeniuk added extra insurance with the only two goals of the third period. He led the 10-team tournament in scoring with 20 goals and five assists in six games.
“Terrace had a shorter bench, but they had a couple of horses who they counted on,” said Peters. “It's a credit to our team where we had a lot more depth than them, which allowed us to keep going and finish them off late in the game, when they seemed to run out of gas.”
With all but five of the U15 players moving up a division next season, Peters expects Powell River’s U18 team, which also made it to pro-
vincials this year, to benefit from an influx of talent.
“Our U18 team is going to get a lot of really good allaround players, and good kids; that team should be strong,” said Peters. “The U15 group is going to have 10 to 12 new players. There is going to be a big turnover, but some numbers will be coming up from the younger group. There are great days ahead for our association.”
For the players and coaches, winning the provincial title was a process that has unfolded over several years, explained Peters, who was joined behind the bench by Jeff Stekman and Chris Brown.
“We've had a lot of trips to the provincials in the
last half a dozen years, and this time we weren't satisfied with just going,” added Peters. “We knew it was our time, and we were all ready to take it to the next level and win the championship.”
Whitehorse beat Sunshine Coast 7-5 in the bronze medal game.
Powell River U18 Kings skated to a convincing 7-2 win over the host club from Smithers in their last game at the BC Hockey Tier 3 Championship on March 19.
The win evened the Kings’ record at two wins and two losses in the round-robin portion of the tournament, placing the team third in
Valley sweeps doubleheader at Hap Parker Arena
SHANE CARLSON editor@prpeak.com
Powell River Kings and Cowichan Valley Capitals met on March 21 for the first of two weekend games at Hap Parker Arena.
Third period goals by Brendan Giles, his 14th and 15th of the BC Hockey League season, gave Powell River a 3-2 lead with just over 10 minutes to play. Cowichan, however, responded with a pair of their own, first on a power play with 8:17 remaining in the game, fol-
lowed by the game-winner at even strength to make it 4-3 with only six seconds left on the clock.
Eliot Compton scored the first goal of the game in the first period for the Kings, who then gave up two goals to trail 2-1 after 20 minutes. There was no scoring in the second period.
Cowichan outshot Powell River 31-21. Attendance was 956.
In the last home game of the season on March 22, Powell River held two brief leads, but ultimately fell to Cowichan for the second night in a row.
Kings’ forward Max Jelavic opened the scoring midway through the first period, which was matched by the Capitals four minutes later. The home team took another lead when Landon Marleau
scored 57 seconds into the second period while shorthanded.
From there the game turned in favour of the visitors. Cowichan scored a trio of goals later in the second period and three more in the third to win 7-2.
Despite giving up a goal while having a man advantage, the Capitals still managed to convert on three of seven power play opportunities. Kings were unsuccessful on seven of their own chances with the extra skater.
Kings’ goaltender Vincent Lamberti stopped 24 of the 31 shots he faced, one more than his counterpart, Dylan Krick, who made 23 saves. Attendance was 806.
Powell River wraps up its season with a pair of road games in Prince
Pool B behind Whistler and South Okanagan. The top two teams in each pool advanced to the medal round. Beau Jameson Gagne scored four of Powell River’s seven goals in their final game of the season. Jaxon Peters, Ben Belyea and Evan Piniewski also scored for the Kings. Assists were credited to Piniewski (two), Gagne, Chase Fontaine, Nathan Gruntman, Noah Culos and Lyndon Jacques. Powell River opened the tournament with a win over Dawson Creek, then suffered losses to South Okanagan and Whistler. Mission beat Whitehorse in the final. Whistler claimed the bronze medal with a win over South Okanagan.
George versus the Spruce Kings on Saturday, March 29, and Sunday, March 30. Prince George must win both
games in order to have a chance to qualify for postseason play. Kings will finish out of playoff positioning in the BCHL Coastal Conference.
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
The qathet region has several things in common with places such as Tofino, Whistler and Squamish: easy access to the great outdoors, plenty of mountain biking and hiking trails, and then there are the bears.
Folks living in bear country also have to learn how to live in bear country, in order to mitigate negative human/bear interaction; not only to protect human lives but also the lives of bears.
There are now 12 BC communities that have successfully attained Bear Smart status, including Squamish, Whistler and Tofino. Of course no community is perfect,
but the volunteer program at least tries to address the root causes of human/bear conflicts, thereby reducing risks to human safety and private property, as well as the number of bears that have to be destroyed each year, according to the BC provincial government website.
qathet-based artist, conservationist and, at one time, known as the Bear Smart Lady when she worked as a bear safety educator in the Kootenays, Evelyn Kirkaldy believes education is a big part of mitigating bear/human interaction.
"There are six things you need for communities to be designated as Bear Smart," said Kirkaldy. "First, prepare a bear hazard assessment of the community; see where the problem areas are; prepare a bearhuman-conflict management plan; revise the planning and do some decision-making; implement a continuing education program [WildSafe BC, for example] directed at all sectors, so not just the
residents, but the city, municipality and businesses."
Kirkaldy said number five on the list is to develop and maintain bear-resistant municipal solid waste management, and number six, legislation and implementation of Bear Smart bylaws prohibiting the provision of food to bears.
"If you don't manage your attractants, you can scare bears away all you want, but they'll just go somewhere else," said Kirkaldy. "People [in qathet] should start thinking about getting their yards ready, pruning their fruit trees, and thinking about other attractants that might be around."
Remember the bear that broke into a car at Earls Cove in 2023? Coast Reporter reported that a bear broke into a food-truck owner's car and drank 69 of the 72 cans of pop, leaving behind three diet sodas.
"Do not leave trash, groceries and coolers or anything interesting in a car," said Kirkaldy. "The other thing that people don't think of is citro-
If you are experiencing headaches and nausea, check the household cleaners you are using. Many of the commercial cleaners contain harmful substances that can harm your family and pets. It is time to switch to natural cleaners, those you can pronounce.
nella. Bears love to smash open rotten logs, because there's ant larvae in there, and ants, and a squashed ant smells like citronella."
Avoidance of bears is one strategy Kirkaldy uses when deciding where to go for a hike.
"I got involved with a lot of bear people, and I started learning stuff, and I started educating myself by going to places such as visiting people like Lynn Rogers down in
Minnesota, where there are bears everywhere," said Kirkaldy. "I love being out in the wilderness, and the best thing to overcome fear [of bears] is education.
"There are so many misconceptions and misunderstandings of these magnificent creatures. They're so strong and powerful and wonderful, and an important ecosystem indicator species that provide fish fertilizer for the forest.”
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
During one of the worst fire seasons City of Vancouver has experienced, the idea for award-winning poet Cynthia Sharp’s book, Ordinary Light, came to her. It was 2017.
"For 11 days, we had the worst air quality on Earth," said Sharp. "Yes, it was temporary, the skies became blue again, but I remember just waiting to see an ordinary blue sky, an ordinary yellow sun, ordinary white clouds and ordinary light; that's where the title [of my book] came from."
Sharp will be visiting the qathet region for the first time to present her eco-conscious-themed collection of poetry on April 4 at Powell River Public Library.
Sharp was dubbed the
Mary Oliver of Canada due to her celebratory, naturebased and meditative poetry, yet she is a humble person, joyful, and despite all the world's problems, sees wonder and beauty wherever she goes.
"I've been writing poetry since I was a child," said Sharp. "I studied creative writing and about 10 or 15 years ago, I thought, I should start to publish."
Sharp said she entered a little poetry contest, and received some positive feedback, then found the confidence to publish her poems.
"Most of my poems are about celebration [of nature] and slowing down and appreciating what we have," said Sharp. "This book took a more sombre tone in some places, because it was written during the pandemic."
Despite Sharp's busy schedule attending festivals, writing and teaching, she always finds time to cherish and admire the natural beauty around her, especially British Columbia.
"[I think] how sacred the rain clouds are up in that sky today, and how blue the sky is," said Sharp. "This book is a combination of that Mary
Oliver joyfulness, of celebrating life, celebrating who you are, celebrating peacefully, living simply, enjoying all the beauty."
At the same time, "let's protect this place," said Sharp.
Her poetry weaves snapshots of a moment in a garden, our place as individuals in a larger world and moments with her grandmother.
"I got to slow down [during the COVID-19 pandemic] of course, because we were all [forced] to slow down," said Sharp. "I would walk every day for longer than usual; I could amble around, and I could look at the mushrooms, look at the maple leaves, I could look at the sunflowers one of my neighbours planted."
Sharp said she appreciates how beautiful BC is, whether it's spring, summer or fall.
Sharp wrote Ordinary Light during strange and unordinary times, but she said she felt lucky to live on the top floor, with a balcony. With permission from her neighbours, Spark included many of them in her book.
"A little three-year-old across the street got a new
umbrella, and it was sunny outside, but she was just twirling around; I thought she looked so peaceful and happy at that moment," said Sharp. "I was always looking at the orange tabby cat and watching the beautiful gardens of one of my neighbours that kept expanding as the pandemic went on."
In the forward for the book, she said: "We live in a complex decade where there is still time. What matters most is embracing the challenge to live simply and responsibility in all our engagements at every level of being."
Spark said she is always focused on the small steps people can take in the community when it comes to protecting the environment.
"I would consider myself an eco-poet and also a nature poet, because, while I really care about the environment, I also really care about having hope, keeping things positive and celebratory," she added. "At the library, I'm going to read poems that are relaxing, peaceful and just give us joy about where we live."
Sharp said she is bringing seed paper to the event.
Volunteers being sought to help clip adipose fins of 300,000 coho
Powell River Salmon Society volunteers and members from the community at large will be attempting to clip the adipose fins of approximately 300,000 fry coho salmon in three weeks starting mid-April this year.
“Under the watchful eye from the department of fisheries staff, this will
"At the end of the reading, in the last little bit of time, I will give everyone in the audience a piece of seed paper to write down something small they're doing to help the environment. Like growing bee-friendly flowers, or growing their own food, or sharing something they are grateful for."
The eco-friendly seed paper can then be planted in a garden.
be the largest organized volunteer clipping event ever to happen in British Columbia,” stated salmon society hatchery manager Shane Dobler, in a media release.
All that volunteers need is a steady hand and pair of glasses if they require them, as the fish will only be 1.75 grams in weight. Training will be done before clipping by department of fisheries and oceans staff at the hatchery, located at the former Catalyst Paper Tis’kwat site.
“It is certainly an energetic attempt,” stated event organizer Terry Peters.
“So far, we have had a great response from community groups like the Powell
"You can plant your goal or your dream," said Sharp.
After her visit to the qathet region, she is travelling to Yukon.
"I love getting to visit all sorts of communities throughout the Lower Mainland and throughout BC. It's a really healthy thing for people in communities to get together and do art."
Sharp’s presentation at the library will start at 5 pm.
River Rod and Gun Club, and both of our local sporting outfitters, Powell River Outdoors and Marine Traders.
“It is all in the spirit of sport fishing and salmon preservation and enhancement. We still, however, need people from the community to help and we are booking dates for the weeks of April 21 to 25 and April 28 to May 2.”
Hatchery coho salmon with the adipose fin clipped can be retained by anglers.
People wanting to help with the clipping can email clippingprsalmon@ gmail.com, or call the hatchery at 604.483.9440.
December 15, 1935 – February 19, 2025
December 15, 1935 – February 19, 2025
Peter Walker
June 11, 1940 – March 9, 2025
Tracy Walker, 84, passed away at qathet General Hospital He was bor n to Marjor ie (nee Walker) and Adam Peter Lakusta in Lamont, Alber ta At a young age his family moved to Por t Moody
grieving hearts, we announce that Robert (Bob) Lacey passed away at the age of 89 years chosen family at his bedside.
grieving hearts, we announce that Robert (Bob) Lacey passed away at the age of 89 years chosen family at his bedside.
With grieving hearts, we announce that Robert (Bob) Lacey passed away at the age of 89 years with his chosen family at his bedside.
Tracy studied bioscience for a year at UBC Among other occupations he was an ironwor ker, a commercial diver, an oyster far mer and a har vester of geoducks He was well known to be inventive and entrepreneur ial, opening and r unning multiple businesses in Powell River He developed and sold prawn traps with a noncorrosive coating and designed and built aluminum commercial boats that are still seen in local waters His business, Powell River Microsystems, helped people buy their first home computer
resided on Fairmont Street (Westview), his lifelong home. His parents built the house in the and the 3 of them resided together until each predeceased the other. Robert was an only George and Elsie LACEY, who died in 1970 and 1988, respectively.
resided on Fairmont Street (Westview), his lifelong home. His parents built the house in the and the 3 of them resided together until each predeceased the other. Robert was an only George and Elsie LACEY, who died in 1970 and 1988, respectively.
Robert resided on Fairmont Street (Westview), his lifelong home. His parents built the house in the late 30s and the three of them resided together until each parent predeceased Robert. He was the only child of George and Elsie Lacey, who died in 1970 and 1988, respectively.
Robert chose to remain a bachelor. He had a full lifetime career serving BC Hydro. He loved to travel. Among his many international travels, Robert forged a lifelong friendship with a royal couple in Germany.
As an adult, Tracy also lived in Alber ta, the Lower Mainland, and off gr id in several r ugged and remote locations in Desolation Sound
When living in Lund he was a local host to a National Geographic team In his late 40’s, Tracy obtained his pr ivate pilot’s license and was a member of the Westview Flying Club, flying a Cessna 140 and 150
chose to remain a bachelor. He had a full lifetime career serving BC Hydro. He loved to Among his many international travels, Robert forged a lifelong friendship with a royal couple Germany.
chose to remain a bachelor. He had a full lifetime career serving BC Hydro. He loved to Among his many international travels, Robert forged a lifelong friendship with a royal couple Germany.
Tracy was predeceased by his first wife, Virginia; his second wife, Joanna; his daughter, Shelly; and sisters Paddy and Bever ly He is sur vived by children Dave (Phyllis), Bever ly (Rick), Pattie, Shelley (Hank), Stacey (Br ian), Melanie; and grandchildren Connor, Jasper, Sophie, Ar lo, Maia, Ner issa, Jade; Jewel, and Kate
was especially fond of Cortes, and Lund. He had dear friends in both places who he often after his retirement. He was most enamoured with nature, boats, fishing, and the sea.
Robert was especially fond of Cortes and Lund. He had dear friends in both places whom he often visited after his retirement. He was most enamoured with nature, boats, fishing and the sea.
was especially fond of Cortes, and Lund. He had dear friends in both places who he often after his retirement. He was most enamoured with nature, boats, fishing, and the sea.
Robert was known to many in the community of Powell River, including young and old alike, as well as their pets (dogs and cats). In later years Robert could be found visiting the harbours, his favourite shops and coffee stops, and walking daily down Marine Avenue to Willingdon and back home, again making multiple stops to chat or offer a dog cookie.
His family will miss him and are grateful for the good memor ies he brought to our lives whether it be teaching us to fly a plane, sail a boat, fillet salmon, or debate politics of the day
was known to many in the community of Powell River, including young and old alike, as their pets (dogs and cats). In later years Robert could be found visiting at the Harbours, his shops and coffee stops, and walking daily down Marine Avenue to Willingdon and back again making multiple stops to chat or offer a dog cookie.
His life was full of adventure
A celebration of his life will be held at the Westview Flying Club on Saturday, March 22nd at 3:00
a fierce though friendly ambassador to Powell River and qathet, regarding it all as paradise Throughout his many adventures and travels, he loved the Salish sea, his modest home, enjoyed many acquaintances, friends, and neighbors. He generously donated to many local and causes his entire life.
was known to many in the community of Powell River, including young and old alike, as their pets (dogs and cats). In later years Robert could be found visiting at the Harbours, his shops and coffee stops, and walking daily down Marine Avenue to Willingdon and back again making multiple stops to chat or offer a dog cookie. fierce though friendly ambassador to Powell River and qathet, regarding it all as paradise Throughout his many adventures and travels, he loved the Salish sea, his modest home, enjoyed many acquaintances, friends, and neighbors. He generously donated to many local and causes his entire life.
He was a fierce though friendly ambassador to Powell River and qathet, regarding it all as paradise on earth. Throughout his many adventures and travels, he loved the Salish Sea, his modest home, and enjoyed many acquaintances, friends, and neighbours. He generously donated to many local charities and causes his entire life.
legacy will live on in the minds of those blessed to know him, and especially in the hearts memories of his kinship family. Deeply missed, he will never be forgotten.
legacy will live on in the minds of those blessed to know him, and especially in the hearts memories of his kinship family. Deeply missed, he will never be forgotten.
Robert’s legacy will live on in the minds of those blessed to know him, and especially in the hearts and memories of his kinship family. Deeply missed, he will never be forgotten.
Robert’s request, he will be laid to eternal rest in the Powell River Regional Cemetery (Cranberry), his mother, on April 3, 2025. Robert was a humble, practical,
and quiet man; no service will be held.
At Robert’s request, he will be laid to eternal rest in Powell River Regional Cemetery (Cranberry), next to his mother, on April 3, 2025. Robert was a humble, practical, private and quiet man; no formal service will be held.
request, he will be laid to eternal rest in the Powell River Regional Cemetery (Cranberry), mother, on April 3, 2025. Robert was a humble, practical, private, and quiet man; no service will be held.
Robert loved animals; if you would like to donate in his name, please visit elderdog.ca.
September 10, 1973, - Febr uar y 25, 2025
A Celebration of Richard's life will be held Apr il 12th at 1 pm at the Jean Pike Centre, 7055 Alber ni Street, Powell River. Richard left us to be with His Lord and Saviour Jesus Chr ist on Febr uar y 25, 2025
September 10, 1973, - Febr uar y 25, 2025
Celebration of Richard's life will be held Apr il 12th 1 pm at the Jean Pike Centre, 7055 Alber ni eet, Powell River. Richard left us to be with His rd and Saviour Jesus Chr ist on Febr uar y 25, 25.
He left the bonds of this wor ld with gusto as he hugged and high fived ever yone in sight at the qa‐thet Hospital's Emergency Ward offer ing his thanks and dashing to the waiting car He wasn't back at home but for a few minutes when he swir led around and dropped to the floor in his room, His big hear t finally gave out as it was meant to Good job Richard With Down Syndrome, you lived a few more years than expected and we are thankful for that time
Richard was predeceased by his mom Fer n ear ly on. He is sur vived by his dad Owen, step-mom Diane, brother Steven (Elena), sister Lisa (Brad), brother James (Tawnya), brother Shane and brother David And many nieces and nephews
With profound love and gratitude, we announce the passing of Marie Doherty on March 16, 2025, at the age of 95. She left this world peacefully in Powell River, surrounded by love.
Born in Ireland in 1929, Marie carried the heart of her homeland with her throughout her life. She built a life rich with warmth, resilience and unwavering faith. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, known for her sharp wit, generous spirit, and the feisty determination that defined her.
left the bonds of this wor ld with gusto as he gged and high fived ever yone in sight at the qa‐t Hospital's Emergency Ward offer ing his thanks d dashing to the waiting car. He wasn't back at me but for a few minutes when he swir led around d dropped to the floor in his room, His big hear t ally gave out as it was meant to. Good job chard With Down Syndrome, you lived a few re years than expected and we are thankful for t time.
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With profound love and gratitude, we announce the passing of Mar ie Doher t y on March 16, 2025, at the age of 95. She left this wor ld peacefully in Pow‐ell River, surrounded by love.
Richard was bor n and raised in Pr ince George, BC with his mom and brothers Steven and Shane At 2 years old he became par t of a much bigger family when his dad remarr ied Before long Richard would be par t of a family with 5 kids Family holidays were camping out in the Forestr y sites and longer tr ips to the Coast Richard visited Disneyland and went to Hawaii He loved to swim but we knew he always had one eye out for the hot dog stands on the beach
chard was predeceased by his mom Fer n ear ly He is sur vived by his dad Owen, step-mom ane, brother Steven (Elena), sister Lisa (Brad), other James (Tawnya), brother Shane and other David. And many nieces and nephews.
Richard was an avid bowler from a young age, did horseback r iding, bocce, swimming and endless tr ips to the Librar y. He wor ked here and there over the years cleaning floors in a pub; deliver ing news‐papers; and var ious other jobs Richard was always helpful to the end; cleaning off the table after sup‐per, picking up the dishes, making coffee, etc He volunteered with the Salvation Ar my on numerous occasions handing out candy canes to our home‐less folks at Chr istmas in Vancouver and manning the kettles in Powell River And he was a great guy to have along with the little kids – he watched out for them more than protecting himself
Marie spent much of her life in Powell River, where she became a beloved member of the community. She was deeply involved in her church and found strength in her faith, which guided her through life’s joys and challenges. Those who knew her will forever remember the twinkle in her eye, her unmatched story telling, and her legendary hospitality, complete with a perfectly brewed Irish coffee with sherry trifle. She was predeceased by her husband and daughter, whom she now joins in eternal rest. She leaves behind her loving son Phil; her cherished grandchildren Kerry and Kelsey; dear friends, including her neighbours and companions at the Catholic Women’s League; and many others whose lives she touched with kindness.
chard was bor n and raised in Pr ince George, BC h his mom and brothers Steven and Shane. At 2 ars old he became par t of a much bigger family en his dad remarr ied. Before long Richard would par t of a family with 5 kids Family holidays were mping out in the Forestr y sites and longer tr ips to Coast. Richard visited Disneyland and went to waii He loved to swim but we knew he always d one eye out for the hot dog stands on the ach.
Bor n in Ireland in 1929, Mar ie carr ied the hear t of her homeland with her throughout her life. She built a life r ich with war mth, resilience, and unwaver ing faith. She was a devoted wife, mother, grand‐mother, and fr iend—known for her shar p wit, gen‐erous spir it, and the feist y deter mination that de‐fined her.
Marie lived life on her own terms, with a fierce spirit and a heart full of generosity. Even in her final days she held on with remarkable strength, ensuring she was surrounded by family before she was ready to go. Her legacy lives on in the strength, laughter and love she instilled in those who knew her.
Prayers will be held at 5 pm on March 31 at Church of Assumption.
Peak Publishing reserves the right to classify ads under appropriate headings, set rates therefore and determine page location. Full, complete and sole copyright in any advertising produced by Peak Publishing is vested in and belongs to Peak Publishing. No copyright material may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of Peak Publishing. Any errors in advertisements must be brought to the attention of the publisher within 30 days of the first publication. It is agreed by any display or classified advertiser that the liability of the newspaper in the event of failure to publish an advertisement or in the event that errors occur in the publishing of any advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only and that there shall be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. Peak Publishing cannot be responsible for errors after the first day of publication of any advertisement. Notice of errors in the first week should immediately be called to the attention of the advertising department to be corrected for the following edition. All advertising is subject to the approval of the publisher.
Richard leaves a lasting legacy for the whole wor ld with his brain donation for Alzheimer's research at the Universit y of Denver, Colorado Richard would have been proud to know about this We may finally find out what he was thinking all along!
A big thank you to the wonderful Inclusion staff who stuck by us all along We are eter nally grateful to you all Our Powell River paramedics were sensi‐tive and car ing; Qathet Hospital staff, nurses and the on-call doctors also receive a vote of thanks for how you interacted with Richard on his visits lead‐ing up to Febr uar y 25 Richard, You will be missed
“Slán ab haile, Grandma. You will always be with us.”
chard was an avid bowler from a young age, did rseback r iding, bocce, swimming and endless ps to the Librar y. He wor ked here and there over years cleaning floors in a pub; deliver ing news‐pers; and var ious other jobs. Richard was always pful to the end; cleaning off the table after sup‐r, picking up the dishes, making coffee, etc He
Mar ie spent much of her life in Powell River, where she became a beloved member of the communit y. She was deeply involved in her church and found strength in her faith, which guided her through life’s joys and challenges. Those who knew her will for‐ever remember the t winkle in her eye, her un‐matched stor ytelling, and her legendar y hospitalit y —complete with a perfectly brewed Ir ish coffee with sherr y tr ifle
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