If you want your business to make Front Page News, call 604.485.5313
After decades working in construction, Jay Semple has seen just about everything a building can hide. As owner of Westcoast Home Inspections, he brings a hands-on background to his work, something he says sets inspectors apart in an industry where not all experience is the same.
“Ask what background inspectors have before hiring them,” he says. “Just because an inspector is qualified doesn’t necessarily mean they are able to understand or offer more info on a condition or situation.”
Semple learned trades at a young age. His career took him from yacht building, where precision is critical, to large-scale construction and seismic upgrades, including work on major residential and commercial buildings. He later ran his own contracting company in the Lower Mainland, servicing the Fraser Valley and Vancouver, before relocating from Maple Ridge to qathet more than a decade ago.
Burnout from commuting from and to the Lower Mainland pushed him to make a change. In 2017, he transitioned into home inspections, a move he describes as a natural fit for his skill set. “I thought it was a good use of my knowledge and background.”
Seven years into his work as an inspector, Semple says the most rewarding part of the job is helping people make informed choices.
“We’re talking about people’s biggest investment,” he adds. “They’re putting their faith in my hands.”
His approach is methodical. He follows a consistent process, starting outside, moving through the roof and interior, and finishing with
TIMELY TOUR
Garden club celebrates spring flowers and foliage PAGE 10
REWARDING RESULTS
Track athletes record personal bests at Alberni meet
From construction to clarity
mechanical systems and hard-to-reach areas such as attics and crawl spaces. While all parts of a home matter, he points to the roof, structure and foundation as the most critical components, along with any signs of water intrusion.
Technology has also changed the field. Tools like thermal imaging cameras, drones and remote devices allow inspectors to see areas that would otherwise be inaccessible without damaging a property. Still, he emphasizes that tools are only part of the job.
helps reinforce accountability.
“You’re going to run into your clients again. You have to be on top of your game.”
One of the most common misunderstandings, he says, is the belief that inspectors examine everything. In reality, inspections follow a defined scope that outlines what is and is not included. Items such as septic systems or hot tubs typically fall outside that scope unless additional specialists are brought in. He encourages buyers to ask questions before hiring an inspector and to understand their qualifications and limitations.
Get the Peak to Go iPhone app now available in the App Store or iTunes
Semple is BCIT-trained in building sciences and building envelope, electrical and carpentry, and stays current with evolving standards and best practices through ongoing training with Home Inspectors Association BC (HIABC).
“The client is the one paying for the report. I am their best friend.”
That responsibility includes explaining issues and avoiding vague or overly cautious recommendations that simply defer to other specialists. He says working in a smaller community
“People should familiarize themselves with what we look at and what we don’t.”
At the same time, Semple says he tries to go beyond the basics when possible, drawing on his background, which includes experience in all aspects of the trades, to provide clearer explanations and practical advice, and also pointing clients to some of the region’s high-quality contractors or insurance agents.
Get the Peak to Go iPhone app now available in the App Store or iTunes
For Semple, the job does not end when the report is delivered. He often hears from past clients years later with questions about their homes, something he welcomes.
“If you have a question in the future, you can call me.”
That ongoing connection, he adds, is part of what makes the work meaningful.
Westcoast Home Inspections is licensed by Consumer Protection BC and HIABC, which has the highest standards of associations in the province. For more information, call or text 604.889.3905, email jay@wchi.ca, or go to westcoasthomeinspection.ca.
Plans outlined for downtown
Council to consider amending zoning bylaw and SOCP for potential new uses at two locations
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
City of Powell River Council will consider receiving its downtown plan, researched and written by a consultant, and to amend the zoning bylaw and sustainable official community plan (SOCP) to allow expanded downtown property uses. At the May 5 committee of the whole meeting, councillors received a report from manager of city development Melissa Howey, outlining how the city could make changes related to the old arena site and decommissioned wastewater treatment plant in Westview. Howey said following the permanent curtailment of operations at the Catalyst Paper Tis’kwat mill, the province provided financial support to the city to strengthen economic opportunities and the commercial tax base elsewhere in the community.
“Coined the downtown plan, the resulting plan establishes a longterm framework to guide land use, improvements and future investments,” said Howey. “The plan has been developed over several stages and is supported by technical analysis and extensive public engagement including open houses,
workshops, surveys and advisory committee input. That process has informed the overall vision and specific recommendations brought forward.”
Howey said at its core, the plan sets a vision that is economically resilient, active, well-connected to the waterfront and supported through a series of guiding principles. These principles will provide a foundation for evaluating future decisions, including land use, design and public investment, she added.
“Recognizing the importance of Marine and Willingdon avenues, the plan establishes design standards for these streets,” said Howey. “Supported by technical analysis from Bunt and Associates [traffic engineers], and with input from the public, these design standards are intended to improve safety, accessibility and consistency over time.”
Marine is an important commercial hub for local businesses and a key transportation corridor with frequent industrial traffic, said Howey. Recommendations for future improvements include adding trees, lighting and street furnishings to improve the public realm.
Improvements in the roadway will require collaboration with BC’s ministry of transportation.
Howey said Willingdon serves as a valuable connection between the sea walk and Willingdon Beach, and offers a more cycle-friendly route through the downtown core. The proposed design standards for Willingdon include a separate multimodal path and one-way traffic.
“Given the existing constraints along Willingdon, the proposed design is a long-term vision that will require additional study,” said Howey.
The old arena site and decommissioned wastewater treatment plant were deemed to have high development potential when market conditions are favourable, said Howey. She said these two properties were identified as surplus in the 2021 Urban Systems land management strategy, with recommendations to prepare concept plans and consider these sites for redevelopment.
“Following comprehensive engagement with the community, the plan provides a concept development plan for use of the old arena site and the decommissioned treatment plant,” said Howey. “The old arena site has a rich history of community involvement and serves as an important space for local gatherings and community connections.
“With input from the community and findings from the economic study, the plan envisions a mixeduse development, incorporating townhomes, apartments, commercial spaces and civic amenities. This concept reflects community priorities by integrating public outdoor areas, preserving waterfront access and creating spaces for gatherings and events.
“Redevelopment on this site can help the city achieve long-term housing, plus cultural and economic goals.”
Howey said there is a registered covenant granted by the city that restricts the land to park purposes.
Tla’amin joins island 911
Nation had more than 120 calls last year, most being health or medical related
Tla’amin Nation and North Island 911 Corporation have announced a partnership whereby Tla’amin has formally joined the corporation as a shareholder.
The partnership represents a milestone for both parties in strengthening their roles in regional emergency communications and public safety, according to a media release.
Through this partnership, Tla’amin now
has a direct voice in how 911 and emergency dispatch services are governed, planned and delivered across the region. Tla’amin had more than 120 911 call outs last year, most being health or medical related.
“Joining the governance table is about making sure these services reflect the needs of our community,” stated fire chief Byron Harry. “Having our voice at the table gets us involved at the design stage of these services so we can ensure they work for us.”
North Island 911 provides a system that connects residents to fire, police and ambulance. Having agreements in place with
She said a legal opinion obtained by the city confirms the covenant may be discharged or modified at any time by council resolution. The land is not dedicated as parkland through the Local Government Act and is therefore not subject to statutory restrictions associated with park dedication.
For the decommissioned plant, the project team heard support for a mix of housing and community uses at the site, said Howey. Similar uses were also strongly represented in survey results, she said.
Howey said the recommendation before the committee does not commit council to specific development outcomes, but rather, establishes a policy foundation to support future decision making.
The final recommendation carried by the committee was that council direct staff to prepare an amendment to the zoning bylaw in keeping with recommendation one of the downtown plan as it relates to the treatment plant.
Recommendation one in the Powell River downtown plan states: where applicable, amend the land use designation and zoning of the old arena site and decommissioned wastewater treatment plan site to align with the density and permitted uses associated with potential development concepts provided in the plan. According to the plan, 49.2 per cent of survey respondents want to see a mix of housing, community, park and commercial uses at the old arena site. At the decommissioned wastewater treatment plant, 40.6 per cent of respondents support a mix of housing and community uses.
The committee unanimously carried a motion that council receive the Powell River downtown plan for information. It was further recommended and carried that council direct staff to prepare amendments to the SOCP and zoning bylaw in keeping with recommendation one of the downtown plan as it relates to the old arena site.
E-Comm for the primary 911 call answering service and City of Campbell River for fire dispatch, the corporation delivers service to more than 60,000 square kilometers over the northern portion of Vancouver Island and the mainland.
Tla’amin’s participation builds on a governance model that brings regional communities into decision-making processes.
“We are proud to welcome Tla’amin Nation as a shareholder,” stated Ken Grant, president of North Island 911. “Their leadership and perspective will further enhance our collaborative approach to delivering highquality emergency communication services
throughout the region.”
The corporation now has a total of seven shareholders consisting of Comox Valley Regional District, Regional District of Nanaimo, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, Regional District of Mount Waddington, qathet Regional District, Strathcona Regional District and Tla’amin.
For Tla’amin, this is another step in taking a more active role in the systems that serve its members, the release stated. Last year Tla’amin assumed increased jurisdiction over fire services, strengthening accountability, improving service and working alongside partners across the region.
The decommissioned wastewater treatment plant in Westview and the old arena site at Willingdon Beach will possibly face zoning bylaw and sustainable official community plan amendments by city council to allow for expanded uses at both sites. PAUL GALINSKI PHOTO
Firefighters respond to several blazes
have started as a result of arson.”
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
Powell River RCMP, Powell River Fire Rescue and Powell River Emergency Health Services (EHS) responded to two fires on May 6 that are being investigated as suspicious. Police do not believe the fires are related and are treating them as separate investigations with two unrelated suspects.
According to an RCMP media release on May 7, at approximately 7:10 pm on May 6, a police officer observed dark smoke rising from the RONA building. Police attended and observed a large, rapidly growing fire in the southwest portion of the lumberyard.
“Powell River Fire Rescue attended and extinguished the fire,” the release stated. “The fire caused catastrophic damage to a covered wooden structure and the merchandise inside. Powell River EHS attended and determined that no injuries were sustained in the fire.
“Police are reviewing video surveillance from the area and believe that the fire may
In an update on May 8, RCMP stated that a report has indicated the fire caused damage to RONA property in excess of $500,000. Police collected and reviewed video surveillance from multiple sources and were able to identify a male suspect.
“On May 8, at approximately 8 am, Powell River RCMP arrested the 43-yearold man for arson and he is being held in custody to appear in court,” the release stated.
The investigation is ongoing.
Staff sergeant Lee Dyson thanked all the businesses that provided video surveillance in such a timely manner, assisting in an expeditious identification, and arrest of the suspect.
On May 6, at approximately 7:45pm, police responded to a report of a fire in the wooded area near Complex Way and Joyce Avenue. The release stated that police attended and observed a large fire burning in an unhoused encampment area. Firefighters attended and quickly extinguished the fire.
“Police spoke to a witness who identified herself as the resident of the encampment and advised that it was her tent on fire and that there was no one else in the
encampment,” the release stated. “Powell River EHS attended and determined that no injuries were sustained in the fire.
“Powell River RCMP report that the fire was allegedly started intentionally by a male that is known to the victim. The 43-year-old male was identified and arrested for arson with disregard for human life and uttering threats and is being held in custody to appear in court.”
Anyone with any information about these fires is asked to phone the detachment at 604.485.6255. People can also report to Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.TIPS (8477), or go online at bccrimestoppers. Calls to Crime Stoppers remain anonymous.
As a fire investigator, Powell River Fire Rescue deputy chief Rocky Swanson told the Peak he does not believe the fires are connected.
“We had a cluster of fires in a short period of time,” added Swanson. “Sometimes, these things happen, where you have a series of incidents. They can seem like they are connected, but they really are not. There is exactly zero connection that I can find.”
Swanson said on his end, he is wrapping up his investigations.
“Certainly, the fires were deliberately started,” said Swanson. “That is no longer a question.”
Swanson said the fires caused damage to a struc-
ture at RONA, and the encampment near Powell River Recreation Complex was destroyed. He said the encampment will require extensive cleanup.
Swanson said any fire started in the commission of a crime is arson. He said whether that fire was deliberately started, or was started accidentally during commission of a crime, doesn’t matter. He said in the cases of the RONA and encampment fires, they were started deliberately in the commission of a crime,
“It’s clear arson,” said Swanson.
According to Swanson, Powell River Fire Rescue responded to multiple fires throughout the community, several of which are considered suspicious and remain under active investigation.
The first incident occurred at approximately 6:31 am on Michigan Avenue, where firefighters responded to a
shed fire located behind an unoccupied residence. Crews quickly extinguished the fire and no injuries were reported. Currently, the cause of the fire remains undetermined and is being treated as suspicious, said Swanson.
At approximately 11:22 am, firefighters responded to a fire along the Willingdon Beach Trail.
“The circumstances surrounding that incident are also considered suspicious and remain under investigation by the fire investigation division,” said Swanson.
Later, at approximately 7:21 pm, firefighters responded to the fire on the exterior of the RONA building in Westview.
“Initial crews arrived on scene approximately 90 seconds after dispatch and were able to rapidly contain the fire, preventing extension into the main structure,” said Swanson. “At the time of the incident, Powell River Fire Rescue had four career firefighters on duty. This full crew allowed for a near immediate knockdown.”
Due to the size of the incident and potential risk to the structure, additional resources were requested. By the conclusion of operations, approximately 21 firefighters had responded, including additional career personnel and paid-on-call
auxiliary firefighters, according to Swanson.
Approximately 25 minutes after the RONA incident began, crews were dispatched to the fire within the unhoused encampment area.
“Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and prevented further spread,” said Swanson. “Based on preliminary observations at the scene, the fire did not appear accidental and is also being treated as suspicious. The RCMP, BC Emergency Health Services, and Emergency Social Services attended and assisted at the incident.”
Apparatus responding to the RONA and encampment incidents included Engine 42, Ladder 44, Engine 41 and Command 46.
Powell River Fire Rescue and the RCMP are actively investigating all the May 6 incidents, said Swanson.
“We recognize that multiple suspicious fires occurring within a short period of time is concerning to the community,” said Swanson.
“Powell River Fire Rescue, in coordination with partner agencies, has increased monitoring efforts and continues to conduct coordinated investigative activities. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity immediately to local authorities.”
Powell River Fire Rescue crews responded to a fire at RONA at 7:21 pm on Wednesday, May 6, with a building at the back of the commercial complex having burned. PAUL GALINSKI PHOTO
Arts festival highlighted at qSD meeting
continuously since 1945, even through COVID-19," said Carlson.
"We were very fortunate in that we had the end of the festival and grand concert on March 8, 2020, and the world shut down on March 12; the following year, of course, we were right in the midst of it and held a virtual festival."
TANYA HILL community@prpeak.com
Before the regular qathet School District (qSD) trustee board meeting began last Wednesday, April 22, past chair of the qathet Festival of the Performing Arts organizing committee, Joyce Carlson, spoke on behalf of current chair Mel Munroe, who was unable to attend.
Carlson shared the long history of the festival in the community with trustees and superintendent of schools Paul McKenzie.
"qathet Festival of the Performing Arts has been held
Carlson expressed her own personal enjoyment of participating in the festival as a young Cranberry Lake Elementary School student.
“Being chosen to play the triangle was the highlight of my musical career," laughed Carlson.
"Performers have included former [City of Powell River] mayor Stewart Alsgard, who performed in the very first festival, astronaut Robert Thirsk, who attended Grief Point Elementary School, and famed pianist Don Thompson."
The festival started small with only one adjudicator for all disciplines but now, Carlson said there
is one for each discipline: Vocal and choral, band and instrumental, piano, strings, speech arts (public speaking, acting, storytelling, poetry reading and drama) and dance.
"Our community has hosted two Performing Arts of BC provincial festivals in 1997 and 2015," said Carlson. "We, along with 33 other communities, have member festivals in the provincial organization and many participants in our festival have been recommended to provincial and national festivals over the years. "
When the festival was in danger of folding in 2022, Rotary Club of Powell River took over organizing the event and remains involved to this day, explained Carlson. "The festival is based on the fundamental idea of providing all participants with the best possible support for their artistic development and strongly committed to
North Island Dental
Dr
Cyrus Bachus, General Dentist Located 2 minutes from Costco in Courtenay
the philosophy that performance is a vital opportunity to learn and pursue excellence," she added. "In 2026, a total of 1,200 people, from kindergarten students to seniors, were registered [to participate] and school district students performed in choral, vocal jazz, band, instrumental and speech arts." Carlson said she believes speech
arts have a life-long value for the individual and the community.
"Our organizing committee is extremely grateful for the generous support of the school district for many years, especially with speech arts and use of Max Cameron Theatre," said Carlson. "We have come here today to once again express our appreciation."
30 years of construction trades and real estate thermal imaging, moisture meter readings, carbon monoxide detection, and gas leak detection
qathet Festival of the Performing Arts has been held continuously since 1945. PEAK PHOTO
Water sustainability plan requested
Energy Democracy for BC requests meeting between local governments to explore development
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
qathet Regional District’s board will consider initiating a meeting between the regional district, City of Powell River and Tla’amin Nation to explore a water sustainability plan.
If approved by the board, the resolution also calls for staff to extend the invitation to shíshálh Nation and Randene Neill, BC’s minister of water, land and resource stewardship.
At the April 29 committee of the whole meeting, Energy Democracy for British Columbia (ED4BC) president Ellen Gould said the organization was founded to ensure communities benefit from the electricity generated at local dams. ED4BC also advocates for
improved management of dams to mitigate against harmful impacts.
“Our local watersheds are dominated by one company,” said Gould. “Powell River Energy Inc.’s four dams impact six lakes, four rivers and a huge amount of water. They have control over 300 billion gallons of water.”
Elliott said that since 2021, ED4BC has discovered a number of obstacles.
“The water licences are old,” said Gould. “There are no provisions for fish, recreation or driftwood removal.
BC Hydro, under legislation, has to have water use plans that accommodate recreational uses and fish habitat. That does not apply to private energy.”
Gould said the dams here are solely operated to maximize energy production.
She said looking at the tools available, ED4BC has engaged the environmental law clinic from University of Victoria, and has gone through all the legislation. She said they came up with a water sustainability plan being the best avenue to address ED4BC’s concerns.
What a water sustainability plan can do is bring local governments, First Nations
and interested parties together to collaborate on watershed management and build common interests to support reconciliation, according to Gould.
Water licences need to be amended, she added, and funding needs to be provided for watershed planning.
In terms of steps toward a sustainability plan, Gould requested a meeting between qRD, the city and Tla’amin (C3) be initiated to establish a water sustainability plan for the Powell and Lois watersheds.
“That’s why we are appearing before you today,” said Gould. “We would like you to extend an invitation to Tla’amin, and the shíshálh Nation, who have shared territory with Tla’amin, and have an initial meeting to get this going, with a view to making a formal request to the minister of water, land and natural resources to establish a watershed sustainability plan for Powell and Lois lakes.”
Gould added that Tla’amin and shíshálh Nations could apply for funding from the watershed security fund in order to fund a watershed collaboration, planning and governance project. She said ED4BC was hoping for a mo-
tion from qRD to request a C3 meeting, with the goal of a watershed sustainability plan. She said there are two such plans, near Creston, and in the Cowichan region.
“We have a template of how to go about this,” said Gould.
Electoral Area E director Andrew Fall asked which was the lead agency on those plans.
“I’m wondering if the regional district plays a lead role or a participating role?” asked Fall. “Is it a society leading it? What is the organizational structure moving it along?”
Gould said in Cowichan,
Support letter endorsed by board
Regional District to send correspondence regarding acquisition
of forest operation
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
qathet Regional District directors have voted to approve a letter of support in principle for the agreement between Tla’amin Nation and Western Forest Products on the transfer of tree farm licence (TFL) 39 to Tla’amin.
At the April 29 regional board meeting, Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne said the last paragraph of the letter of support stated: “qathet Regional District has carefully evaluated the potential impacts of this transfer. We offer our support in principle, provided the Province of British Columbia conducts a comprehensive public interest evaluation and ensures that all existing third-party interests within the TFL remain fully protected.”
Gisborne said there is a lot of interest in the community and a lot of recreation going on in the tree farm licence area.
“I know Western Forest Products have
it was the First Nation that took the lead, and in the Kootenays, there are regional districts involved.
City director Rob Southcott said by his understanding, a major reason to initiate a request for a watershed sustainability plan is to tackle the issue of the unregulated water licences.
Alison Taplay, ED4BC secretary, said right now, the community is vulnerable, with no control over the watershed.
“We need to take steps in that direction,” said Taplay “In terms of the generation and export of power, it’s related, but a distinct is-
been allowing a lot of folks to use the backcountry, but I have seen over on Vancouver Island where the public have been locked out of some areas,” said Gisborne. “The draft letter hits the nail on the head, outlining that we support it, but we do want to make sure the province is doing what they can to make sure the whole community’s needs are looked after.”
The board unanimously carried sending the draft letter of support in principle. The correspondence stated: “We are writing to express our support, in principle, for the proposed acquisition of Western Forest Product Inc.’s Stillwater forest operation by Qwoqwnes Forestry Holdings Limited
sue. Intervening there has more relevance for your folks in terms of future economic development for the community.
“If there isn’t a voice at that table saying we need power locally and in the long term, who is going to say that? The water is a larger issue that in the long term will be relevant, or more relevant.”
The committee approved a recommendation to recommend to the board that a C3 meeting be called to explore a water sustainability plan, with invitations to shíshálh Nation and Neill.
Partnership, an entity owned and controlled by Tla’amin Nation.
“Following productive discussions with representatives from both Western and Tla’amin, qathet Regional District has reviewed the details of the proposed transaction. We understand that the completion of sale is contingent upon several conditions, including approvals from the British Columbia ministry of forests to subdivide TFL 39 to remove and establish a new TFL from blocks three and five within the Great Bear Rainforest, and transfer the post-subdivision TFL 39 block one from Western to Qwoqwnes.”
Local governments could come together to explore the creation of a water sustainability plan to collaborate on watershed management and build common interests to support reconciliation. PEAK ARCHIVE PHOTO
Fire chiefs provide reports
Regional district directors receive updates on three regional fire departments
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
Three qathet region fire department chiefs reported to regional district directors regarding activities within the departments, including acquisition of two new fire trucks.
Malaspina Volunteer Fire Department acting chief William Ashworth said his department has about 30 volunteers on the in-service roster and 25 have attended at least one training session in the last quarter, with 12 volunteers above 60 per cent training.
“We are still trying to boost training because it is the most important thing we do, other than going on calls,” said Ashworth.
There were 14 fire prac-
ture fires, and two non-fire investigations, according to Ashworth.
“It’s on par with our last quarter,” he said.
Electoral Area C director and board chair Clay Brander asked if the training statistics were good, or if they were improving.
Ashworth said he is happy with the training the fire department was offering and with the people who are attending, but the numbers attending are historically low.
“We’re working on that,” said Ashworth. “We have good retention and recruitment, and we have good morale. We are still having turnover. We have more recruits than firefighters.”
Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne asked about aid agreements with other fire departments in the regional district. He asked about the need for other fire departments to assist with some incidents, so if Malaspina is short on firefighters, there is staffing available.
We are still having turnover. We have more recruits than firefighters.
WILLIAM ASHWORTH
MALASPINA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT ACTING
CHIEF
tices and six other training events, he added, and there were three safety committee meetings. There have also been three officer meetings with an average of seven officers per meeting.
In terms of incidents during the quarter, there were 54 responses, with an average of four volunteers per incident. At the last structure fire, there were five members attending.
There have been 11 first responder calls and one motor vehicle incident, one chimney fire, three struc-
“We have a really active health and safety committee and meet once a month,” said Perreault. “We’ve had two officer meetings this past quarter. It has been really quiet this quarter, incident wise.”
Electoral Area A director Jason Lennox said he appreciates that Perreault has eased into his new role as Northside fire chief. Lennox said he wanted to ask about the new fire engine, and whether there had been any actual structure fires where the new fire engine had been used.
“It’s quite nice,” said Perreault. “It’s not a fancy truck, but it is just what we need.”
Chief Doug Corbett of Savary Island Volunteer Fire Department, who is new to the position, said Savary has 32 members, which is impressive, but that full complement is seasonal.
“We have a very transient population, with transient firefighters and first responders,” said Corbett. “Most of the firefighters are only on Savary for a few months a year. It ramps up in the summertime.”
In the winter, there are eight or nine firefighters who live full time on the island, according to Corbett. They make up most of the officers.
through the summer.
“We have never engaged the public in the past,” said Corbett.
He also outlined the island-wide fire detection system being installed on Savary. He said it is expected to go live in May. The fire department will receive a 911 call from the monitoring company if there is a fire on the island.
“We raised a lot of money to do this,” added Corbett. Finally, he outlined that the fire department has a new fire truck.
BC Hydro planned
power outages
May 24 and June 7
As part of the Jervis Inlet and Agamemnon Crossing Power Line Replacement Project, we’re upgrading the transmission system that serves approximately 14,000 customers in Powell River and surrounding communities. These upgrades will improve public safety and enhance long term electricity reliability.
Ashworth said with the last three structure fires, all could have benefitted from an automatic aid agreement.
Northside Volunteer Fire Department chief Yves Perreault said the department has 30 volunteer firefighters and another five who are on leave of absence. There are 23 firefighters who attend at least 60 per cent of the training sessions. There have been 12 fire training sessions and 12 additional training sessions dealing with topics such as CPR training and first responder.
There were 24 first responder and firefighter practices in the first quarter on Savary, plus two safety meetings. There were only three incidents during the quarter, said Corbett, but the population on the island is extremely low during the winter months. He said the population grows to about 3,500 in the summer.
During the quarter, there were four officer meetings, which are important, as the department works to enhance and fill gaps, said Corbett. There has been goal setting, with focus on a high level of readiness. There will also be public engagement at the Savary Island market
Some of the system upgrade work planned for this spring can only be completed when the power lines are de-energized. For the safety of our crews, we’ll need to turn off power for two 12 hour periods:
Where: Powell River, Lund, Cortes Island, Texada Island, Saltery Bay, and surrounding communities.
When: Sunday, May 24 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, June 7 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Our crews will also complete system maintenance during these outages to help maintain safe and reliable power and to prevent potential unplanned emergency outages in the future.
We realize that there’s never a good time to have a power outage and thank you for your patience and support while we complete this important work. For outage preparation tips, please visit bchydro.com/outages
To learn more about this project, and to sign up for updates, please visit bchydro.com/jervisagamemnon.
qathet Regional District directors received reports from three fire chiefs, two of which have pressed into operation new fire trucks, including this one serving Northside Volunteer Fire Department. PEAK ARCHIVE PHOTO
OPINION
VIEWPOINT
Industry has changed, the conversation should, too
In school, I went through industrial waste, wastewater treatment and how regulations changed. One example was the Montreal Protocol, which started phasing out ozone depleting substances like CFCs, or chlorofluorocarbons.
Once I got into the pulp and paper field, I started to understand the history behind chlorine bleaching and dioxins, the process used to give pulp its bright characteristic. These were real concerns at the time. They came from real problems the industry had to deal with.
My father, grandfather and greatgrandfather all worked through that period and would have seen it firsthand. By the time I started in pulp and paper in 2017, those practices were already gone.
LETTERS »
Buttressing democracy
What is missing today is context. A lot has changed since the late 1980s and early 1990s. Regulations like the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations came in alongside process improvements that pushed the industry forward. Elemental chlorine bleaching was phased out by the early 2000s and replaced with cleaner methods.
Today mills run under tight effluent limits for BOD, TSS and acute lethality, and AOX is constantly being watched and controlled. Dioxins and furans are not detectable in compliant mill effluent, with strict monitoring and enforcement.
Working in industry now, you see how closely everything is monitored. Environmental per-
It was interesting to learn, in Sarah Thompson’s viewpoint [“Why Canada’s media economy is quietly hemorrhaging,” April 30], that the Canadian media and advertising sector provides over 137,000 jobs, which is more than auto manufacturing and 40 per cent more than our mining sector.
Most legacy media can be held accountable when they publish mis- or disinformation, and some media outlets, including the Peak, have a demonstrated commitment to honesty. Yes, we need a healthy media sector for jobs, but also for democracy.
We know democracy is under threat globally, in Canada as well.
The list of threats to democracy is long, including foreign interference, for instance. In a recent householder, North IslandPowell River MP Aaron Gunn highlighted
formance is tracked and acted on when needed. The idea that mills today operate the same way they did decades ago does not match what is happening on site. Where things start to fall apart is when separate issues get grouped together. Industrial practices, global economics, financial systems and geopolitics are all different topics. Treating them as one issue oversimplifies things and leads to bad conclusions.
There is also a common assumption that supporting environmental protection means opposing capitalism. That is not accurate. The same market forces people criticize are also driving cleaner technology.
Companies do what regulation,
the dubious way the Carney government acquired “the almost unlimited power of a majority government.” Perhaps the best option for preventing unearned and unlimited power is championed by Fair Vote Canada. I was excited to see some of their material on display in a local business on Marine Avenue.
For over a hundred years, Canadian politicians have been promising a fairer, proportional electoral system. The failure to follow through speaks volumes about the desire for power trumping the will to do what’s best for good governance and even for our security.
As columnist Andrew Coyne commented recently: “[One of those things] we can do to buttress our internal strength...is democratic reform...The way our electoral system divides us against each other is just criminal... Democracy is a national security policy.”
Jan Slakov qathet Regional District
We respectfully acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional and treaty lands of the Tla’amin people.
Published every Thursday by 1553164 BC LTD dba The Peak.
REACH US
Phone 604.485.5313
publisher@prpeak.com • prpeak.com
Unit F, 4493 Marine Avenue, Powell River, BC V8A 2K3
Member of the Canadian Community Newspapers Association and the British Columbia Yukon Newspaper Association.
demand and money push them to do. The system that contributed to past problems is also part of building solutions going forward.
At the same time, environmental decisions come with real impacts.
The closure of the Catalyst Paper Tis’kwat (Powell River) mill is one example. When a mill closes, it affects hundreds of workers and the community around it. That impact spreads through local businesses and families. It is not just economic. It is social.
There is also this idea that workers can simply move into other industries. That ignores reality. Work is tied to skill, experience and identity. It is not something you can replace overnight. Reducing it to a simple transition misses what is
By Wyatt Dunlop
involved.
None of this takes away from environmental protection. It means the conversation needs to be based on current information and some balance. Sustainable development depends on environmental protection, social well-being and economic stability.
Environmental groups raising awareness have a role to play. But that message is stronger when it reflects present day conditions along with historical context. The problems in the past were real. The improvements since then are real, too. Both should be part of the discussion.
GERI ANDERSON admin/ office manager EARL ALMEIDA circulation director
TANYA HILL reporter SANDY ADAMS sales and marketing consultant
Logistical challenges may result in releases
Judge warns trials could be abandoned if air travel issue isn't solved
A statement from one of BC’s top judges warns that people facing BC Supreme Court trials in Powell River, Williams Lake, Smithers and several other communities could be released from custody due to logistical challenges.
“It may not be possible for criminal trials to proceed as scheduled if the accused person is in custody and the courthouse is distant from the nearest pre-trial correctional centre,” wrote associate chief justice Heather Holmes.
In an April 30 notice, Holmes stated that RCMP and other local police forces stopped keeping defendants in custody in police cells during trials last year because
they no longer had adequate staffing or space.
The other courthouses affected include Cranbrook, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Nelson, Prince Rupert, Revelstoke, Rossland and Terrace.
Previously, defendants could be held in local cells if travel between the nearest provincial jail and courthouse could be managed twice weekly. For longer trials, accused persons were returned to jail each weekend.
One workaround has been chartering aircraft to shuttle defendants between jails and courthouses on a daily basis. But when charter flights are unavailable, provincial officials and police are now seeking a province-wide interim solution. Holmes said she does not know when a long-term fix will be in place.
“Until those arrangements are in place, it is necessary to hold a case management conference for each potentially affected case to determine whether it will be possible during the trial to house the in-custody accused person in
REGIONAL DISTRICT BRIEFS
Revenues on hold
At a qathet Regional District board meeting last month, staff members were directed to report back with options for future municipal and regional district tax (MRDT) revenues allocation, and to inform Sunshine Coast Tourism to put the current MRDT revenues on hold.
qRD currently receives approximately $106,000 annually in MRDT revenues. Provincial program guidelines permit MRDT revenues to be used for eligible tourism-related initiatives and, with appropriate support, certain housingrelated purposes, which is what qRD has invested in.
Bylaw amended
qathet Regional District (qRD) direc-
the community of the trial, or to transport the accused person daily from and to the correctional centre,” wrote Holmes.
Holmes directed crown and defence lawyers to contact scheduling clerks three months before a trial to arrange case management conferences. Options could include adjourning trials until arrangements are available, moving proceedings closer to a provincial jail or, in some cases, releasing accused persons from custody. The notice came seven weeks after a BC Provincial Court judge rejected an application by a man accused of second-degree murder in Smithers to move his case to Prince George.
Sylvester Gordon Joseph’s lawyers told judge Gregory Brown that, as of last November, the RCMP had stopped detaining accused persons at the Smithers detachment. As a result, Joseph would be transported from Prince George to Smithers each morning for court and flown back after proceedings.
tors have amended the regional animal shelter service establishment bylaw.
At the April 7 regional board meeting, directors voted to increase the maximum annual amount that may be requisitioned for this service at $129,687.50. The bylaw came into effect in May 2010. It stated that there is a need to increase the annual limit for the requisition by property value tax on land and improvements for this service.
Report accepted
The regional board has accepted the qathet Regional District Housing Capacity Analysis final report. The analysis models the capacity for future housing growth under current official community plan policies and zoning bylaws. In October 2025, qRD contracted
Joseph estimated he would be waking before 6 am daily and not returning to his cell until after 7:30 pm, close to lockdown. He is on medication for ADHD and Suboxone, an anti-opioid medication, and has expressed anxiety about flying.
“The flight time is over an hour to 90 minutes each way,” Brown stated in his March 12 decision. “The crown says it is less, but that does not include transport time from Prince George Regional Correctional Centre to Prince George Airport, or transfer time from Smithers Airport to the Smithers courthouse.” Brown said justice should be conducted locally whenever possible and noted that moving the trial would delay proceedings by several months. His ruling also emphasized timing constraints, noting the 30-month ceiling for the case under a 2016 Supreme Court of Canada decision is March 2027.
This story was made possible due to the Local Journalism Initiative.
CROSSWORD
Licker Geospatial Consulting to work with regional district staff to complete a housing capacity analysis. The purpose of this analysis is to understand the capacity for future housing growth in the electoral areas based on present conditions and current land use policies and bylaws.
The analysis shows a 2028 projected population of 6,642, with a 2028 projected housing need of 386. The 2043 projected population is 7,150, with a projected housing need of 911.
Addressing congestion
The board has directed staff to contact BC’s ministry of transportation and transit, requesting it continue to work with RCMP and local groups to address traffic congestion near Savary Island wharf.
BOB MACKIN
Prince George Citizen
Tour celebrates flowers, foliage and uniqueness
The Powell River Spring Garden Tour was established 30 years ago, with the goal of creating an annual community event that features a wide range of approaches to gardening.
TANYA HILL
Founding tour organizer and horticulturalist Diana
SUDOKU
Wood said the goal of highlighting unique outdoor spaces is still in practice.
This year's tour includes seven participants who will be opening up their gardens to the public on Sunday, May 31, including Wood, who has a well-known oasis on Westview Avenue called Boxwood Cottage and Garden.
The gardens will be open from 9 am to 5 pm. From 11 am to 2 pm, Wood is inviting folks to stop by her garden, which is number four on the map (4310 Westview), to relax in a park-like setting and enjoy live music courtesy of Roger Langmaid, Walter Martella and Hugh Pritchard.
"Master gardeners will be onsite to offer advice, and people are invited to bring a lunch or buy one from Peace of Paradise," said Wood. "Local artists, Debbie Dan, Joyce Furness and Maggie Poole will be doing some plein air painting on the grounds as well."
Wood said all proceeds from the tour go to a scholarship fund and greenspace projects. There are 300 tickets available.
"We encourage people about to enter university, or who have an interest in biology, horticulture or anything outdoors to apply," said Wood. "We appreciate people who volunteer to open up their gardens for the event; the preparation may be a lot of work, but usually participants say they are glad they got the work done."
Some of the gardens located in Westview and Townsite are bikeable and/ or walkable, but Wood said carpooling is encouraged, for those who are using a motor vehicle.
Garden number one on the tour is the most rural. The south-of-town property, lo-
cated on Twin Eagles Road, is owned by Vanessa and Guy Majoor.
According to Wood, it was only six years ago that the now landscaped three-anda-half-acre property was undeveloped.
"They have raised garden beds, free-range chickens roaming a forested area, 30 bee-hives, brightly coloured poppies, peonies and other flowering shrubs," said Wood. "This garden is an amazing accomplishment that reflects creativity and dedication."
Gwen and Doug Jubb's two-and-a-half-acre garden overlooking the sea is located on Highway 101 near Myrtle Rocks. Through the plethora of flowers, native plants, ponds and ground covers, are Doug's whimsical works of art.
Henrietta and Ted Johnson are number three on the tour map. Their property is located near Grief Point. Wood said this garden has slopes, wind and deer that have presented many challenges, but the couple have successfully created a beautiful landscape with vibrant perennials, peonies, a variety of grasses and drought-resistant plants,
all bordered by cedar and Douglas firs.
Next on the map is Wood's garden, which has been inspired by years of garden artistry, cultivation and transformation. What was once a blackberry patch is now a garden haven.
"This year was so mild that I have been able to grow food plants all-year," said Wood.
"The outdoor space includes a covered area that acts as shade, which is much-needed in the hot summer."
Wood has a creek running through her space, large trees, rose and flower gardens, plus her abundance of food growing both outside and in greenhouses.
Number five on the tour map is Bill Smith and Donna Huber's garden on Abbotsford Street in Westview. Wood wanted to include in the tour, not just sprawling rural gardens, but more urban ones that are a haven for birds, bees and butterflies.
"Look for pink-flowing Dogwood, fig and red-coral maple trees," said Wood.
"They also have fruit trees, roses, clematis and wisteria."
Wood said this is testament that diversity can be created in small spaces.
Wendy and Dave Mann have an oasis in the city centre on Gerrard Street in Westview (number six).
"A creek borders the property that creates a peaceful serenity in the city," said Wood. “The colourful garden is full of rhododendrons, magnolia, lilacs, hydrangeas and wisteria, plus the tree peony will be in bloom with huge red flowers."
Number seven on the tour map is on Marine Avenue in Townsite, and owned by Lola and Gary Amundsen.
"The garden may be small, but has so much creativity and interesting design; each inch has a purpose," said Wood. "The lawn has been replaced by pavers, hydrangeas, rhodos, azaleas, dogwood, rock roses and masses of perennials border the space."
Wood said the new border in the boulevard before the house is a must-see and was approved by City of Powell River.
"There is a lot to see and discover at this spot," added Wood.
Garden tour tickets, which include a detailed map, can be found at Springtime Garden Centre and Mother Nature.
The Powell River Spring Garden Tour, an annual community event featuring local gardens, is in its 30th year. Master horticulturist and event organizer Diana Wood will once again open up her backyard oasis on Sunday, May 31. TANYA HILL PHOTO
MAY IS CHILD CARE MONTH
Understanding explosive personalities
alcohol or drug use. However, labels often don’t help alleviate the trauma and turmoil caused by explosive episodes, and individuals who present this behaviour often don’t have a formal diagnosis.
selves: Why does this happen and what can I do?
BY CLAIRE NIELSEN
Most of us know or are related to individuals who struggle to regulate their emotions when they are triggered to anger.
Explosive reactions could be verbal and/or physical and often associated with conditions such as ADHD, oppositional defiance disorder (ODD), bipolar disorder, personality disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, antisocial personality disorder,
Family members and coworkers often live in fear and walk on eggshells around them. When in a relationship with an explosive personality, one often second-guesses attempts at effective communication with them, which can diminish one’s trust in their own judgment and erode their self-esteem.
I believe that the most constructive step — after ensuring one’s safety — is to cultivate understanding.
When we recognize explosive behaviour is not necessarily personal, we can gain the ability to choose our own response. If we are not deliberately provoking someone, yet they still escalate into heightened states of stress, it is worth honestly asking our-
Individuals with explosive tendencies often possess higher-than-average intelligence, creativity and unique strengths, but they may lack essential skills in self-regulation and emotional control. They are frequently confused, easily frustrated, anxious and rigid in their thinking. Life feels overwhelming and they often operate in a state of crisis. When stressed or threatened, their brains default to the impulsive “fight or flight” response.
From their perspective, lashing out seems justified because they feel victimized. It is important to note that in an explosive personality there may be underlying traumatic experience(s) that influence their perception and contribute to their belief that they are not safe.
They may not understand that their perception of what is going on may be quite dif-
ferent from others’ intentions or perceptions. Due to their lack in self-awareness and effective communication skills, they most likely don’t fully understand how their actions and words affect those around them. They may also lack the ability to to empathize with others. Relationships with volatile personalities are chal-
it. Counselling is incredibly valuable, to help shift any power struggles that develop.
Pathways to understanding
In order to defuse situations before they escalate into verbal or physical abuse, it is crucial to examine: Circumstances leading up
Parents who share a deep instinctual bond with their children are often better able to summon compassion and empathy, allowing them to look beyond the surface of volatile behaviour and perceive the emotional struggles beneath it.
lenging. However, it may be easier to find solutions in a parent/child situation than a spousal relationship. Parents who share a deep instinctual bond with their children are often better able to summon compassion and empathy, allowing them to look beyond the surface of volatile behaviour and perceive the emotional struggles beneath
to the explosion — What events or stressors preceded the reaction?
Perception of reality — How does the child interpret the situation? This will most likely differ greatly from an adult’s perspective, as children do not have ability to perceive or understand the adult mind. Our expectations of them and projected
fears are hard for them to handle. Remembering our frustrations from our own adolescence may help us understand them.
What triggered the emotions — Fear, anxiety, anger, frustration, jealousy, embarrassment, sadness, shame, loss, loneliness, grief or stress — often lie beneath the surface. The child may be experiencing great stress in their social life that they are not able to share. Understanding their story is very important, even if we don’t agree with or relate to it.
Common parentchild interaction
A typical scenario between a parent and child with emotional regulation issues may go like this: parent communicates a need, expectation, rule or consequence of action (or lack thereof). Child reacts in a big way, as they perceive the parent being unfair, mean or picking on them, or they are triggered into anxiety and fear.
Their response may be avoidance (ignoring) or resistance such as demanding
to be left alone, rudeness, name calling, swearing and gaslighting. This may elicit a counter-response from the parent, which may include stronger boundaries, threats, consequences and punishments, often resulting in a power struggle and yelling match or physical altercation, especially if the parent does not have strong enough emotional regulation to handle the situation.
All that has happened in this situation is a clash of wills, a fight for control, resentment and more division in the relationship. It doesn’t feel good for the child nor the parent, who often later regrets their part in exacerbating the situation. The parent then often feels guilt for any perceived damage to the relationship. I don’t know any parent who doesn’t have a strong attachment to guilt.
What we know
People with explosive personalities do not enjoy being this way. Their behaviour undermines their self-esteem and prevents them from feeling like “good people.” They
lack the emotional regulation skills necessary to remain calm, rational and fair in their problem-solving. As Dr. Ross Greene explains in his book, The Explosive Child, these individuals are often “black-and-white thinkers in a grey world.” Feeling out of control, they grasp for control wherever they can. By fostering safe, understanding relationships, families can begin to break the cycle of conflict.
The above-mentioned suggestions are directed to parents of explosive children, but understanding the deep issues behind the behaviours of explosive adults is also important. Staying in an abusive relationship is optional though. We teach our children what is normal to expect from relationships, so being brave enough to stop the cycle of abuse is the best example we can give them.
In BC, there are there are several resources available for individuals experiencing abusive relationships. Some key services and support systems include:
VictimLinkBC: A 24-hour service providing crisis sup-
When we recognize that explosive behaviour is not necessarily personal, we can gain the ability to choose our own response.
ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS
port, information and referrals to victims of physical, emotional and sexual violence.
HealthLink BC: Confidential support and information for victims of domestic violence, including a helpline for children and the Kids Help Phone for children and teens.
Legal Aid BC Support: Provides free legal services and information on how to keep yourself and your children safe from abuse.
Ending Violence BC: Lists
community-based victim services and programs that provide emotional support, information, referrals and justice system support for survivors of violence.
BC211: A free 24-hour service that connects people to resources in their community, including shelters and transition houses.
RCMP: Call 911 in the case of violence or other emergency. Call Powell River RCMP at 604.485.6255 to be put in touch with the local safe home and other resources.
Seek support, practice selfcare and know you are worthy of healthy relationships.
Claire Nielsen is a health
coach, author, public speaker and founder of elixirforlife.ca. The information provided in the above article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional health and medical advice. Consult a doctor, health-care provider or mental-health practitioner if you’re seeking medical advice, diagnoses and/or treatment.
JUANMONINO
CULTURE »
One-person show coming to Cranberry
Dennis HawkinsBogle has embraced a life rich with ‘purpose, creativity and community’
TANYA HILL community@prpeak.com
Townsite Actors Guild and qathet Pride have partnered to present The Blue Taffeta Party Dress and Other Short Stories, a one-person show written and performed by Dennis Hawkins-Bogle, on May 22 at Cranberry Hall.
According to Stephen Miller, the guild’s founder, Hawkins-Bogle's story is fascinating. He grew up gay in a small BC town and went on to become principal of his high school.
"This production will be a big addition to the cultural landscape in our town," said
Miller. "This special evening brings stories to life with warmth, honesty and a touch of magic."
Since retiring five years ago, Hawkins-Bogle has called Campbell River home. He volunteers with Rivercity Theatre Players, advocates for justice, or lends a hand in the community kitchen.
"I've always been interested in writing and theatre, and so I got involved with Rivercity Theatre," HawkinsBogle told the Peak. "I spent a lot of my time writing, and I was volunteering with an organization, Words on the Water, which is Campbell River's literary festival."
But, Hawkins-Bogle explained, he spent 30 years as a high school principal, so it took a while to spark the creative juices again.
"My passion for writing was reignited after a transformative summer on Cortes Island," explained Hawkins-Bogle. "I took a workshop at Hollyhock called Meditation, Ritual,
Yoga, by a woman named Mara Branscomb."
He said he found himself daydreaming at the workshop and started to write little stories and have a lot of fun with it.
"I shared my writing while we [he and his husband Stephen] were on Cortes. I came home and I was just on fire, and I wrote probably 30 or more stories, like The Blue Taffeta Party Dress."
His one-person performance is based on 19 autobiographical short stories from his childhood, to his life as the principal of the school he graduated from.
"As a gay kid growing up in an era of silence and shame, my voice was misrepresented, undermined, even sensationalized by the dominant culture," said HawkinsBogle. "Now, I’m setting the story straight, through moments of resilience, humour, heartbreak and hope."
He has taken his show to three high schools in Campbell River, as well as
performed twice at theatres there.
"The audience will be taken on a journey, and experience the real highs, the humour, the inspiration and the breakthroughs, but they're also going to experience the gut-wrenching imagery around the homophobia I experienced as a child in high school," said Hawkins-Bogle. "But at the end, [the audience] will feel good, because there's such a resolution at the end around my journey."
The feedback so far, from high school students and other community members who have seen HawkinsBogle's play, has been positive.
"They speak about the integrity of my character, and how I portray my stories," he said. "There was one funny comment [from a student] who wrote something along the lines of, 'the stories are so great because they're so short, and you really get on with the point; you don't linger around and make us
wait.'"
Hawkins-Bogle said he doesn't necessarily use his writing as a healing tool.
"I've always been able to detach myself from that experience and write it from a writer's point of view. I'm able to have a lot of fun with it and not get bogged down in the emotions."
He said for a while he spent a lot of time dealing with how he viewed himself and his own internalized
Blockade revisited in documentary
In 2021, in the midst of a global pandemic, a small, 1,189-hectare, unlogged, old-growth watershed on Vancouver Island became a flashpoint between activists, RCMP and the logging industry. Large demonstrations of civil disobedience at Fairy Creek resulted in the arrests of 1,200 people.
Award-winning filmmaker Jen Muranetz, who now calls qathet home, told the Peak she was at the tail end of another short film, about the youth climate strike movement in Vancouver, when she decided to get a crew together, make their way into the woods and capture frontline footage of the conflict.
“I was already in the space of making films that were around these controversial topics of environmentalism and activism,” said Muranetz.
The result was a 78-minute documentary
called Fairy Creek, which has been making its way through film festivals and theatres across BC. The film had its local debut at the Patricia Theatre yesterday.
“The themes we get into are universal themes that span across geographic regions, and specifically in BC,” said Muranetz. “Any story that has to do with activism and forestry is relevant to audiences [in qathet] because that’s been a big part of our history here.”
She said if people look back to different blockades, such as Clayquot Sound or the Walbran Valley, there are stories of activism and forestry that are curious topics for most BC residents.
“I thought I was going to just make a short film, but I ended up staying for about a yearand-a-half,” said Muranetz. “I didn’t live at the blockade like a ‘blockader’; I was always the filmmaker and had that distinction, but I based myself in Victoria and would com-
mute back and forth.”
Muranetz and her crew eventually started to live out of their vehicles and did whatever they could to get shots they needed.
“It was quite chaotic and there were a lot of challenges, and things were changing rapidly,” said Muranetz. “When you watch the film, it’s very much an observational portrayal of what happens; I tried to observe what happened, document it and then reflect that back in the story.”
The Fairy Creek (Ada’itsx) valley spans across Pacheedaht First Nation territory. Its old-growth forest ecosystem is described as being home to trees estimated to be more than 1,000 years old, with more than 400 species of plants and animals.
“It was interesting navigating the changing story, from the blockade being very small, to being this massive movement,” said Muranetz. “From examples of when the RCMP first arrived, they were a lot more
homophobia.
"You adopt the values of your family or your community and so I had harsh, negative beliefs about myself, and it's really about coming to terms with that. Nowadays, I try to embrace a life rich with purpose, creativity and community."
Tickets for the show, which starts at 7 pm, are available at Rocky Mountain Pizza and Bakery (4471 Marine Avenue) in Powell River.
methodical in their arrests, versus many months later, when there was a lot more aggression.”
To watch a trailer of the documentary, go to trailer-youtube.com.
TANYA HILL community@prpeak.com
The Blue Taffeta Part Dress and Other Short Stories, a oneperson show written and performed by Dennis HawkinsBogle, will hit the stage at Cranberry Hall on May 22. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The documentary Fairy Creek screens for one night only at the Patricia Theatre, Wednesday, May 13, at 7 pm. UNDERSTORY FILMS PHOTO
Collection reflects on BC journey
Chapbook made by letterpress and hand-stitched
TANYA HILL
community@prpeak.com
Writer, weaver and activist Sheila Peters moved inland to the mountains near Smithers from her hometown of Powell River 45 years ago. She returned in 2019 and has made her home in the Grief Point neighbourhood ever since.
Peters recently shared poems and stories from her chapbook, driftwood/Driftwood, about her journey from northern BC's Driftwood Canyon to her childhood home here in qathet, at Texada Island Library a few months ago.
"When we [she and her husband] moved back down [to Powell River], I didn't do too much writing for a while, and then I started just a couple years ago to write poetry again," Peters told the Peak. "There are poems written since I've moved back here, and then some that are from our time in Driftwood Canyon."
Peters worked with Patricia Letterpress
bookmaker Stuart Isto to create the book, which was printed on old-fashioned letterpress and hand-stitched in the studio next to Patricia Theatre in Townsite.
"[The collection] is for people here to get a glimpse of my life living where we did up in northwest BC," said Peters. "People, especially on the coast, don't understand why you would not live on the coast, but I was very happy there for many years."
The other part of Peters' collection reflects on coastal life and provides a glimpse of what life is like on the coast for people back in her previous home up north.
"They also kind of reflect responses to personal events and things going on in the world," said Peters, about her poetry. "I think partly, when I write about the natural environment, I'm not necessarily speaking directly, but worried about what's happening in the world and how things are kind of changing, and not always in a good way, so I'm responding to that."
Peters and her husband moved to her mom's house in Grief Point in 2019, in order to be closer to her during her elder years.
"She was 99 years old when she passed away," said Peters. "We were with her, and she was at home the whole time."
Her parents built the house more than
50 years ago, and since that time, children, grandchildren and family members have returned to the home frequently.
"My son got married here,” said Peters. “It feels like a family home to them, too, which is really nice.”
Peters said she has been a longtime hospice volunteer, and some of her poetry does focus on the subject of death and dying.
"I've got a poem about hearts, heart monitors and different health issues, so a lot of it's about how people are resilient," said Peters. "But also the landscape, too, how it's threatened. I'm very interested in natural history and that sort of motif."
In one of her musings [on her blog] she writes about a large light beacon that was placed on her mom’s property, just after her passing.
"When we first moved down, there was this white wooden pyramid [that housed a beacon], and then, just after my mom died, they put in the new one," said Peters. "She knew all the coast guard people who would come and maintain it; she had a kind of relationship with them."
Peters said she tries to connect with the community here as much as possible, and recently has been trying to recall memories and people from her childhood.
"I had three friends come over, two of them don't live here, but we were all in elementary school together, and we're having a 55th reunion this year," said Peters. "We had so much fun just talking about those times when we're all together; it really helps build a connection."
Peters' writing can be found at Pocket Books, located on Marine Avenue.
English Holly
Himalayan Blackberry
Scotch Broom
Morning Glory
Author Sheila Peters at Grief Point with her newest collection of writing titled driftwood/ Driftwood. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Track club athletes fare well
Competitors
attain 15 personal bests during meet in Port Alberni
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
This 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home with a dedicated office offers a functional layout designed for comfortable, accessible living with the main floor wheelchair accessible. The home features a beautiful kitchen with a cozy breakfast nook, generous living space throughout, mature fruit trees and established garden beds as well as a double-car garage. Potential for a secondary suite or additional outbuilding, move-in ready with room to grow.
Powell River Track and Field Club sent 13 athletes to the Bob Dailey Track and Field Meet in Port Alberni on April 25 and 26, with athletes recording 15 personal bests in the competition. Track and field club coach Tyler Bartfai said it was a good meet, after the club had competed earlier this year in Comox.
BIKE SAFETY RODEO FREE
Competing in a track and field meet in Port Alberni last month, 13 Powell River Track and Field Club athletes recorded 15 personal bests in their various competitions. In the two-by-100metre exhibition relay, Anthony Roberts [914] and Finn Gow-Hignell [905] do a baton handoff. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
“This was our out-in-fullforce meet and our athletes did well in this one,” said Bartfai. “We started the season’s training a little bit later this year, but we started seeing the results we were hoping for at the Bob Dailey meet.”
years old, while the senior program involves competitors from 14 to 18 years old.
Kids four to 12, bring your bikes and helmets and have fun learning about bike safety
You could WIN a new bike, helmet or more!
Bartfai said the club holds three practices a week, and for some of the athletes who compete with the Brooks Secondary School track club, there are additional training opportunities. He said the North Island championship is coming up, which is a high school meet.
“It’s the same kids going, for the most part,” said Bartfai. “We are getting them prepared for that.”
Bartfai said the track and field club has had a new board of directors for the last two years. He said there was a junior development program two years ago and the senior program was instituted last year.
“This year, we’re back in full force with both,” said Bartfai.
The junior program takes athletes from nine to 13
The club members compete in most track and field sports. There are some exceptions, such as pole vault and hammer throw. He, and coaches Scott Glaspey and Connie Polman Tuin, are busy teaching the athletes the skills they need to excel in their various events.
The coaches bring great levels of expertise to the club. Bartfai began competing in track in middle school and went on to race collegiately at University of Guelph in middle distance events, as well as cross country.
Glaspey has coached athletes at the provincial and national levels since the 1970s, with many going on to win various provincial, national and international titles. He started his track career in California, going on to college and university to compete in shot put and discus.
Polman Tuin is an Olympic heptathlete, competing in the 1984 Los Angeles
Olympics. She is also a PanAm junior heptathlon champion, a 1987 Pan American Games heptathlon silver medalist and has held numerous national and provincial records.
Bartfai said the track and field season is well underway, so it is late to accept new athletes, but those interested in the club can check out prtrackclub.com for more information.
“We would like to grow,” he added.
Bartfai said the club had great directors last year and has a full new set this year who are enthusiastic to help and move forward in getting the club new gear, uniforms, et cetera. He added that the junior development program has a great set of coaches, which some of the older athletes help with as well.
Powell River Track and Field Club’s next competition will be at the 37th annual Dogwood Track and Field Meet in Victoria on May 9 and 10, followed by competitions in Nanaimo on May 23 and 24, and in Courtenay on June 20 and 21.
Villa needs shootout to hold spot
Soccer club retains position in VISL’s second division with playoff win
SHANE CARLSON editor@prpeak.com
ANDREW BRADLEY PHOTOS
Powell River Villa Soccer Club hosted Sagres FC in a onegame playoff under sunny skies on May 2, in order to determine which club would play in Vancouver Island Soccer League's second division during the 2026/2027 season.
Powell River edged the Victoria-based team 2-1 (penalty shootout) in front of their dedicated fans at Timberlane Park to retain a spot in the league’s second tier. Following a scoreless first half of play, Sagres opened the scoring at the 68-minute mark. Jake Warner equalized for Villa seven minutes later to tie the score 1-1.
"We had a great result in a nail-biter of a game," said Villa coach Tony Leach. "A couple of big saves by Matt Liknes in the shootout and just enough of ours scored, and one timely crossbar to allow us to win.”
The home team converted three penalty kicks, one more than the visitors, to secure the victory.
“It was great to see lots of Powell River Youth Soccer Association players out to watch the game," added Leach.
Villa finished ninth in division two last season, which necessitated the match against Sagres, one of the top clubs in division three during the 2025/2026 campaign.
ONLY AT RONA
The Scottsdale Conversation Set
Bring home the look of luxury with the Scottsdale Collection by Ratana — new for 2024 and exclusively available at RONA. Designed with a sleek, contemporary profile and wide armrests for added function, this collection delivers next-level comfort with exceptional support for your neck, back, and shoulders. Finished in a modern Fossil Grey wicker resin over a durable powder-coated aluminum frame, it brings a refined desert-inspired feel to any outdoor space. Featuring premium Sunbrella® cushions, locally made in Vancouver and available in 100+ fabric options, including reticulated foam for superior outdoor performance.
SCENE
AROUNDTOWN
Serene setting
A performance by Powell River Clansman Pipe Band was part of opening day celebrations for the outdoor Powell River Farmers’ Market on Saturday, May 2. Local residents and out-of-town visitors perused the vendor booths under sunny skies in the serene setting of Paradise Valley. Booths offered a variety of crafts, homemade products, snacks and early lunch options. The market is open from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm on Saturdays, and from 12:30 to 2:30 pm every Sunday.
ANDREW BRADLEY PHOTOS
TO BOOK YOUR AD »
Daniel Armand Côté
April 23, 1956April 18, 2026
Surrounded by love and his family, Dan shared a peaceful goodbye just shy of his 70th birthday.
Dan was the centre of the family and his legacy of generosity, fun and hard work will carry on through those who will deeply miss his presence: his loving wife Diane, sons Kevin (Kristy), Joel (Kathy), granddaughters Krystin, Katana, Karyssa, grandsons Garett and Austin, three great-grandchildren, his father, siblings, extended family and a community of friends.
Dan’s celebration of life will take place June 2, 2026, 1 to 3 pm, held at Living Water Church-CE Building.
“Ride on-where the roads never end and the fishing hole is always full.”
Doug Peel
It is with great sadness that the family of Doug Peel announces his passing, at the age of 78, on April 29, 2026.
He was a loving husband, father and papa who enjoyed carpentry, cycling, skiing, ocean camping, spending time at the Rod and Gun Club, and on Powell Lake, where he created two generations of resilient children who are difficult to dislodge from inner tubes dragged behind boats. If we could break something, he could fix it.
He had a twisted sense of humour and enjoyed Monty Python and Space Balls. Finding the perfect photo was difficult as he was always on the other side of the camera. A lifelong resident of Powell River, he spent his entire career working at the mill.
Doug is survived by his wife of 48 years Karen, his daughters Allison and Heather and her husband Cam, and his grandchildren Colby and Danica.
At Doug’s request, there will not be a funeral service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the BC Cancer Foundation.
Marion Russell
March 28, 1939 –May 2, 2026
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marion, who died peacefully on May 2, 2026.
Marion is survived by her loving husband Chesley Russell, whom she married on April 23, 1962; her son Darren (Kim) Russell and their children Holly Russell and Owen (Shayla) Russell; and her daughter Lori (Jason) Rae and their children Mason and Gavin Rae, all of whom will forever cherish her memory. She was predeceased by her beloved daughter Karen Russell and her granddaughter Bailey Rae. Marion carried her family close to her heart throughout her life.
Marion was devoted to her family and found her greatest joy in time spent with those she loved. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, kindness, quiet strength and unwavering care for others. Her home was always a place of warmth and welcome, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Marion was a dedicated school teacher and Sunday School teacher, and she volunteered much of her time over the years with Powell River United Church and the Stroke Club.
Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing she is at peace and reunited with those who have gone before her.
A celebration of Marion’s life will be held at Powell River United Church on June 20 at 2 pm. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Glenn, nurses, care aides and all staff at Evergreen ECU, and to friends who offered support and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Marion’s memory.
A celebration of life will be held for Terry McCune for a life well lived on Monday, May 25 from 12 to 2 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion.
Meetings
FRIDAYS, 7:30 to 8:30 pm qathet
SUNDAYS, 8 to 9 pm
1100 In Memoriam
Cecilia Marie Campbell
It is with a mix of gratitude and sadness we announce the passing of Cecilia Marie Campbell on Sunday, April 26, 2026, surrounded by family.
Cecilia was born in North Vancouver, BC, and grew up with her three older siblings Osa, Lorraine and Audrey. She attended St. Mary’s Private School, Sutherland Elementary and North Vancouver High School. At a young age, Cecilia formed a close friendship with her neighbour, Dorothy Ewert, which lasted a lifetime. During her teenage years, she excelled in track and was encouraged to train with the boys to meet her competitive spirit.
Cecilia met her husband Bill at a dance where he was performing. They began dating soon after. They married on November 28, 1958, and continued to live in the Vancouver area. They soon started a family with their first child William MacMillian, followed by Dorothy Jean.
In October of 1963, Cecilia and Bill moved to Texada Island. They welcomed their third child, Kenneth James Iver, six weeks later and another daughter, Katherine Louise, two years after that.
Cecilia became the postmistress of the Blubber Bay Post Office when Katherine was four. Her small office was initially part of the general store and later it became a standalone establishment, often filled with the aroma of cookies she baked while waiting for customers. She served in this role for more than 30 years.
Cecilia quickly became involved in her community through extensive volunteer work. She joined the local ladies ball team “Blubber Bay Babies” and looked forward to the start of each season. She found joy in becoming a snowbird, travelling to Yuma, Arizona, each winter to spend time with fellow snowbird friends.
She enjoyed making a trip across Canada and to Alaska with Dorothy Ewert and her family. She cherished her bridge games with friends and her passions included gardening, canning and baking countless cookies for her family. Weekly coffee dates with friends also brought her happiness. Cecilia’s deep faith in God was her greatest source of joy during her life.
She was predeceased by her parents Lyal Chemainus Polk and Katherine Viola Polk, her husband Bill Campbell, with whom she shared 48 years, her partner later in life Don Turner from Courtenay, BC, her siblings Osa Ozella, Lorraine Lillian and Audrey Ada, her best friend Dorothy and her husband Fred Ewert, and her eldest son William MacMillian Campbell.
Cecilia is survived by her daughter Dot Campbell (Lyle), son Ken Campbell (Laurie) and daughter Katherine Campbell Little (Craig). She is also remembered by her church community, bridge buddies and the legion community.
We extend our gratitude to the caregivers, nurses and doctors on the fourth floor of qathet General Hospital and Evergreen Care Unit for their compassion and professionalism. Special thanks to Dr. Ester for her guidance and kind words.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Cecilia’s honour can be made to the Texada Island United Church, Texada Island Museum or Texada Legion Branch 232. A celebration of Cecilia’s life will be held at 2 pm on Thursday, July 9, at Texada Island United Church, followed by a celebration at 3 pm at the Texada Legion.
BRIAN & BRUCE
Super cute kittens, wow, worth a visit
CACHE & HOPPER
Double the sweetness. Gentle, affectionate lil male kittens
ARTIE
Handsome black & white young male cat. Cheek scratches and head rubs make his day.
JOVIE
Unique, super senior, pretty tortoisehell female cat
HARLEY
Poodle/Bichon mix. super senior seeking matching human
MARTIN
Loving, loyal, glamourous male mature cat
RIVER
Young female cat. Playful and affectionate love-bug.
AQUARIUS
Wow, stunning female German Shepherd
DIESEL & HENDRIX
Wow, puppy seekers look no further, super cute handsome Shepherd mix puppies
MONKEY
Personality plus. Sweet, funny, young female, Collie/Husky mix.
WREN & SYLVESTER
Bunnies, two of the sweetest
Powell River Hospital Foundation is working to provide better health care for the citizens of Powell River.
Reflexology focuses on specific pressure points that correspond to different organs and systems in the body
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Reduce pain and tension
• Better sleep
• Deep relaxation
Book your appointment with Sure Hands Reflexology 604.223.1749 surehandsreflexologyfoundation.net
6505 Apartments/Condos for Rent
Pet-friendly units • NS/ND westcoastend.com 604-414-8595
5520 Legal/Public Notices
Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2816, 2026
Notice is hereby given under Section 467(3) of the Local Government Act of Council’s intention to consider first reading of proposed City of Powell River Zoning Bylaw 2100, 2006, Amendment Bylaw 2816, 2026. This bylaw proposes to amend the zoning of two newly created Cityowned lots, following the subdivision of 7070 and 7104 Barnet Street into four lots as outlined in black below, from NT (Institutions) and PK (Parks and Playing Fields) to RM5 (Multiple Family Residential Five). This proposal is intended to pre-zone the lots as a proactive measure to support and encourage future multi-unit residential development.
Pursuant to Section 464(3) of the Local Government Act, Council is prohibited from holding a public hearing for proposed Zoning Amendment Bylaw 2816, 2026 Council intends to consider first reading of Bylaw 2816, 2026, at its May 21, 2026, meeting in Council Chambers of City Hall, located at 6910 Duncan Street, Powell River BC.
A copy of the proposed bylaw and any relevant background documents may be inspected at the Planning Services offices of City Hall from May 7 to May 21, 2026, excluding weekends and holidays, during the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Pursuant to Section 30(4) (b) of the Community Charter persons who consider they are affected by the proposed bylaw may make written submission to Council. Submissions may be emailed to info@powellriver.ca or mailed or delivered in person to 6910 Duncan Street, Powell River, BC, V8A 1V4. All submissions are published and, if received by 5 pm, seven business days before the meeting, will be included in the agenda package. Submissions received after this time, up to 2 pm on the date of the meeting, will be distributed to Council directly in advance of the meeting or on table at the meeting.
Peter
DeJong Corporate Officer
5394 MANSON AVENUE • $749,900
LAKEFRONT CHARACTER HOME on 1.8 acres. Stunning 1930’s home on beautiful, landscaped acreage between Edgehill & Cranberry that stretches through the woods to a private dock on Cranberry Lake. A1 zoning allows agricultural uses, animals, urban farm, carriage home + more! 4-bed, 3-bath home has been substantially renovated but retains all it’s charm with wood floors & doors plus newer wood staircase to the skylit attic guest suite. Main floor has been lovingly updated the large living/dining area with an elegant arched beam leads to a modern kitchen with sunroom & office overlooking the natural beauty of the back yard. Suite potential in the basement. Fenced & landscaped with flowering gardens, big vegetable garden w/ raised beds, greenhouse - all served by a programmed irrigation system. Gardener’s dream with low maintenance perennials, fruit trees & blueberries, plus a small garage. Relax on the expansive deck or take the trail to the lake & natural wetlands to launch your canoe.
