The Peak - May 29, 2025 by The Peak

HONOURING HEROES

Four people receive Vital Link awards PAGE 6

SPECIAL SESSION

Rugby club expands women’s program PAGE 16

City launches summer activities guide

Families eager to fill their sum mer calendars can start planning now: City of Powell River Parks, Recreation and Culture has re leased its online Summer Active Living Guide. Program registration for aquatics, sports camps and out door fitness classes will open at 8 am on Monday, June 2.

“We have so many ways to help people of all ages stay safe in, on and around the water this year,” says Tami Wood, aquatic program supervisor.

The recreation complex pool will run four sets of its popular Monday to Friday swimming lessons, with evening options for beginners, plus daily aquacise classes (1 to 1:45 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 7:45 to 8:30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays).

For teens eyeing a lifeguard whis tle, the department is offering the full certification ladder: Bronze Star (minimum age 10), Bronze Medallion (age 13+), Bronze Cross and standard first aid.

Over at the arena and sports division, arena and sport coordinator Alex Craig says staff members have lined up eight weeks of full-day camps for children aged six to 12 and matching mini-camps for preschoolers aged three to five, beginning June 30.

ible summer,” says Craig. “Whether your child loves horses or hockey— or just wants to have fun at camp— there’s something for everyone.”

Among the specialty offerings is an introduction to horseback riding camp, delivered with Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association at Paradise Exhibition Park (running

weeks in July and August).

Young skaters can also lace up for a U9 to U13 puck skills and power skating program, led by coaches Shayla Sarton and Brock Sawyer, from August 11 to 15.

The fitness studio is getting an early-bird makeover. Alexandra Young, health and fitness program coor-

Bootcamp, plus Core and Cradle, a strength-and-stretch session for parents with babies under one year old. The popular Drums Alive class will move outdoors to the Willingdon Beach Pavilion, and summer staples such as yoga, seniors’ wellness, pilates, zumba and spin will all return.

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Beyond the regular schedule, the department has pencilled in two marquee community events. Canada Day celebrations at Willingdon Beach on July 1 will begin at 3 pm with speeches from local dignitaries, flowing into live music on the Rotary Stage and a wrap-up with a fireworks finale. Families can expect bouncy castles, face painting, food trucks and market stalls throughout the afternoon.

rise before the sun with a “snooze you lose draw” linked to the 6:15 am weekday drop-in classes.

“The more early classes you attend, the better your chances of winning,” explains Young, who notes that the prize winner will be drawn on August 29.

New this year is Monday Morning

Get the Peak to Go iPhone app now available in the App Store or iTunes

The free Music in the Park concert series will also be back at the Rotary Pavilion at 7 pm on July 16 and 30, and August 13 and 27.

The full Summer Active Living Guide—including schedules, fees and program details—is available at powellriverprc.ca. Residents can register online, by phone at 604.485.2891, or in person at the recreation complex. Updates will be posted at facebook.com/ PowellRiverParksRecCulture and instagram.com/powellriver parksrecculture.

Mayor’s motion on city-owned land use fails

Resolution to put question on municipal ballot not supported by council

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

A motion to poll Powell River residents about city-owned land was defeated by city council.

At the May 22 city council meeting, mayor Ron Woznow introduced a resolution that stated: whereas the city owns 160 properties that do not generate any income, but require maintenance, therefore, be it resolved that at the 2026 municipal election, the following question be included on the election ballot: Do you support the utilization of some of the city’s 160 properties to generate revenue and reduce maintenance costs?

Woznow said he has had an opportunity since he was elected to talk with about 40 mayors across the province, all of whom are in awe of the fact that Powell River has city-owned properties that have not been utilized.

“What I’m looking for is an opportunity for the new council that will be elected to have a good understanding of what the people of Powell River would like done,” said Woznow.

“The issue, though, is not the will of the public, or even the will of this council,” said Isakson. “From discussions I’ve heard around this table, there is a lot of will to use city-owned properties for the benefit of the public. The issue currently is having staff to do the heavy lifting of actually moving things forward. Having a referendum doesn’t address that issue. We would still be dealing with a lag

JIM PALM CITY COUNCILLOR

even if there was a sense that the public was supportive.”

Isakson said she did not support the motion.

Councillor Trina Isakson said she appreciates that the motion was to put some of the city-owned properties to use and doing that by establishing the role of the public through something like a referendum.

“The will is already there, we just haven’t found a way yet because of staffing capacity,” said Isakson.

Councillor George Doubt said he doesn’t believe the motion is necessary or that selling city-owned land is a good idea. He said a posi-

tive response from the 2026 ballot would not force the city to do anything and it wouldn’t make a final decision on what properties to sell or lease and what to use them for.

“We are wealthy in terms of vacant land, but that gives us an opportunity to make decisions on what that land is used for,” said Doubt. “We can lease the land. If we sell the land, we no longer have control. We can’t force someone to develop it, or they may decide to hold onto that land and sell it at a profit and not do any development.

“There’s a lot of things we can do with land and I would like to see us putting some of it into a land bank for affordable housing, where we can create a housing authority to actually build affordable housing.”

Councillor Cindy Elliott said the motion provides no details about which properties would be up for what activities.

“We on council are in favour of using our properties and have been studying many of them for particular uses,” said Elliott. “An answer of yes to this question wouldn’t put us

further ahead in utilizing any of the properties because we would still have to go through the statutory process required for each property.”

She said the question doesn’t give specific feedback on a particular piece of land.

“The answer is we’re no further ahead at the end of this question,” said Elliott. “Even if we get a yes, we are still no further ahead in moving any of the properties forward.”

Councillor Jim Palm said the city is land rich and a dollar short.

“We are not talking about selling every piece of land that we have,” said Palm. “We are talking about leasing or expressions of interest.

This is a simple question to give the incoming council a little bit of direction that the population supports the concept of looking at our multitude of properties to help us out financially.”

Palm said his phone has been ringing because the tax notices have arrived. He said his small property is going up $1,000 in taxes and others are, too.

When the vote was called, Woznow and Palm voted in favour, and the rest of council voted against the motion, so it was defeated.

Rapid response

Powell River RCMP received a report of a float plane crash near Refuge Cove, north of Powell River, on May 19.

Three people who were on board the aircraft, which was landing near Refuge Cove as part of a sightseeing tour, received only minor injuries, according to police. All three were able to exit the cabin and climb onto a pontoon.

Multiple boats in the area responded within minutes to rescue the trio, who were transported to Campbell River by the coast guard to be medically assessed.

Weather may have been partially responsible for the crash, according to initial reports, however, Transport Canada will be investigating this incident further.

Swimmer spotted

British Columbia Conservation Officer Service is asking the public to be aware of a grizzly bear that has moved onto Texada Island.

According to an email response from the conservation officer service, the bear moved onto the island on May 25 after being spotted in the qathet region for a week, prior to swimming to Texada. The bear was first seen in the Pocahontas Bay area and is an adult male with a yellow ear tag.

Texada residents are asked to use bear aware strategies so it does not access human food and become habituated to local communities. Resources and safety tips can be found at wildsafebc. com.

All sightings of this grizzly bear should be reported to the report all poachers and polluters line at 1.877.952.7277. The conservation officer service has indicated that officers will respond as necessary to ensure safety.

PROPERTIES PROPOSAL: A motion by City of Powell River mayor Ron Woznow to have a 2026 municipal election ballot question on the use of city-owned properties such as the old arena site was defeated by councillors.

PEAK ARCHIVE PHOTO

Grants given to five charitable organizations

Foundation announces recipients and makes presentations to community groups providing assistance

TANYA HILL

thill@prpeak.com

Powell River Community Foundation (PRCF) awarded grants to five charitable organizations on Wednesday, May 21, at the Cranberry Seniors Centre. Foundation president Dave Hodgins said PRCF holds more than $1.5 million in assets on behalf of all qathet region residents, and directs its resources to address ever-changing needs and priorities of the community.

Powell River Brain Injury Society, Elder Dog, Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association, qathet Community Justice and Texada Island NonProfit Seniors Housing Society received PRCF grants.

To date, the foundation has returned more than $300,000 to the community in funding from interest earned through its endowment fund, by way of grants, scholarships and bursaries to more than 40 organizations that enhance the overall well-being of the community.

Real estate sales remain stable

April 2025 statistics relatively comparable to the same month in 2024

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

Real estate sales dollar figures were relatively comparable in April 2025 and April 2024, accord -

ing to the Powell River Sunshine Coast Real Estate Board.

Board president Curtis Yungen said the median price for single-family homes, year-to-date, from January to the end of April, is up 3.21 per cent from last year, at $639,900.

“New listings year-to-date are also up from last year at 189, for an increase of 10.53 per cent,” said Yungen. “Sales year-to-date are down very slightly compared to last year, by 2.44 per cent, at 80.”

For the month of April, the median price for singlefamily homes went down slightly compared to March, from $587,000 to $575,000, said Yungen.

While the average price did go down for April 2025 compared to April 2024, the total value of all sales increased by more than a million dollars this April.

“Number of total sales greatly increased in April from March 2025, from 20 to 40, doubling the amount,” said Yungen.

In the single-family residential category, in April 2025, there were 29 units sold, valued at $21,605,600, compared to 28 units sold in April 2024, valued at

$20,575,500.

There were five units sold in the mobiles and manufactured homes category in April 2025, valued at $1,218,400, compared to one in April 2024, valued at $405,000.

For condos, duplexes and apartments, there were three units sold in April 2025, valued at $1,482,000, compared to three units sold, valued at $1,282,900, in April 2024.

Totals for residential sales indicate 37 units sold in April 2025, valued at $24,306,000, compared to 32 units sold in April 2024, valued at $22,263,400.

In the nonresidential category, there were three

parcels of vacant land sold in April 2025, valued at $984,000, compared to seven parcels in April 2024, valued at $1,646,000.

There were no industrial, commercial or institutional sales in April 2025, and one in April 2024, valued at $450,000.

Totals for nonresidential indicated three sales, valued at $984,000 in April 2025, compared to eight sales in April 2024, valued at $2,096,000.

Grand totals for residential and nonresidential sales indicate 40 units sold in April 2025, valued at $25,290,000, compared to 40 units sold in April 2024, valued at $24,359,400.

Average selling price of a single-family residence for April 2025 was $745,021, with an average of 77 days on the market, compared to an average selling price of $734,839 in April 2024 with an average of 66 days on the market. The median selling price in April 2025 was $575,000, compared to $749,000 in April 2024.

There were 72 new residential listings and 15 new nonresidential listings, for a total of 87, in April 2025. In terms of active listings, there were 212 residential listings and 95 nonresidential listings at the end of April 2025, for a total of 307.

DON’T MISS THIS WEEK

SATURDAY MAY 31

SURVIVING THE HOLOCAUST

Peter Uhlmann, MD, will share his family’s story about coming from Holocaust survivors and learning about his German/Jewish roots. His presentation will start at 2 pm in the First Credit Union Community Room at Powell River Public Library (100-6975 Alberni Street). For information, email Mark at mmerlino@prpl.ca.

GIVING BACK: Powell River Community Foundation distributed grants to five charitable organizations on Wednesday, May 21, at Cranberry Seniors Centre. On hand to accept grants were [from left] Powell River Brain Injury Society executive director Tricia Collingham; Pawd leader with Elder Dog Sidney Clare; Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association barn manager Eileiah Kelly; and qathet Community Justice board secretary Ashley Van Zwietering. Cathy Brown from Texada Island Non-Profit Seniors Housing Society was not present

TANYA HILL PHOTO

Cigarette butts irk resident

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

City of Powell River councillors will consider directing staff to bring back a report on disposal of cigarette butts at the city’s harbour facilities.

At the May 20 committee of the whole meeting, Jan Slakov appeared as a delegation regarding having a disposal unit at the city wharf by the ferry terminal. She said she was asking that council direct staff to install a unit at the north boat harbour near the ferry terminal, and also to bring forward a motion to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) to reintroduce the idea of a province-wide cigarette deposit return system.

Slakov said in 2023, after moving to Texada Island, she began regularly using the ferry terminal and noticed there were lots of cigarette butts littering the dock right near the terminal. She said people are not allowed to smoke on BC Ferries property, so people go to the north boat harbour to smoke.

“I began picking up those butts, but it’s pretty disgusting, and of course, I can’t pick them all up,” said Slakov. “I reached out to city staff in 2023 and asked for a designated cigarette disposal unit at the dock. In the end, nothing was done. I was told the parks department would do it and I tried to meet with the head of the parks department and wrote emails.

“Since nothing was happening, I put a coffee can with a sign as a temporary disposal bin. At the end of the summer, someone removed that.”

Slakov said this year, she is hoping something will be put out in time for the tourist season, which is already underway.

“Cigarette butts are toxic, they are not bio-

“Physicians for Smoke Free Canada have stated that for several years, they promoted the use of deposit return systems at provincial levels to address cigarette waste,” said Slakov. “In 2016, the UBCM called for such a system, but the then-provincial government rejected that idea. If we keep coming back, hopefully they will do it. Also, it would be great to have public education on this.”

SATURDAY, JUNE 14 11AM - 2PM

degradable, and they are a major threat to marine ecosystems,” said Slakov. “The World Health Organization reports that 30 to 40 per cent of urban and beach litter consists of cigarette filters. These filters leach more than 7,000 chemicals, at least 60 of which are known carcinogens, into the environment.

“The next step I would really appreciate is a response, indicating whether council intends to act on this request.”

Councillor Cindy Elliott said the process for the UBCM is a matter of individual councillors coming forward with motions to their councils to try and get support to bring the motions forward to UBCM.

“Members of the public can work with any particular councillor to help bring those forward,” said Elliott. “You could approach your friendly councillor, whichever one you like to work with, and they could try to help you bring forward a UBCM motion. I would support such work being done.

“We could ask for staff to put this onto a future agenda. I would make a motion that we direct staff to bring back a report for putting cigarette disposal units at our marine facilities.”

The motion was carried unanimously.

Councillor Jim Palm asked if director of

ADDRESS WASTE: Jan Slakov appeared before City of Powell River’s committee of the whole to advocate for a cigarette disposal unit in the proximity of the north boat harbour so smokers can dispose of their butts in a contained location. PAUL GALINSKI PHOTO

parks, recreation and culture Jamie Bretzlaff had any input. Part of Bretzlaff’s portfolio is managing the harbours, said Palm. Bretzlaff said he would be happy to reach out and receive more information.

Quick actions save life

Four men recognized for saving a man who suffered a cardiac arrest

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

Four Powell River men received Vital Link Awards from BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) for their efforts in saving a man who suffered a cardiac arrest.

According to Terry Dyer, unit chief of BC Ambulance Station 229 qathet, there was a gathering at the ambulance station on May 15 for a heartwarming presentation to honour four brave individuals – Rob Bombardir, Mark Winfield, Darryl Magnus Brown and Grant

Thomas – who contributed to the successful resuscitation to a patient.

“Rob, Mark, Darryl and Grant gave Chris Coldham a chance at survival because they acted quickly and courageously,” said Dyer.

He said that on May 19, 2023, Coldham was at the north harbour in Powell River working on his boat when he collapsed. Dyer said his two friends, Thomas and Brown, called 911.

Bombardir, who works for a local yacht company, saw what was happening and ran over to help, said Dyer.

“Rob began cardio-pulmonary resuscitation [CPR] and called out to his colleague, Mark Winfield, who has search and rescue experience,” said Dyer. “Mark took over CPR while Rob focused on keeping Chris’ airway open.

“They continued their lifesaving actions until first responders arrived. Thanks to the quick, coordinated actions of these four individuals, Chris is here with us today. The four people involved in this incident

are receiving Vital Link Awards for their lifesaving actions.”

Dyer said BCEHS was proud to present the recipients with their awards, signifying that they were the ambulance service’s vital

link in the emergency health care of British Columbians.

Coldham was unable to attend the award ceremony, but his wife, Edie, was in attendance to observe the presentation and thank the award recipients.

Housing funds allocated to PRESS

Regional board providing money to educational services society for expansion of its co-living initiative

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

Powell River Educational Services Society (PRESS) will receive the 2025 Municipal Regional District Tax (MRDT) to support expansion of its co-living initiative and delivery of additional affordable housing units.

At the May 13 qathet Regional District (qRD) board meeting, directors heard from PRESS director of programs and research Kathleen O’Neil, who outlined activities that had been undertaken by PRESS with the 2024 MRDT funds for affordable housing for workers in the qathet region. MRDT funds in 2024 were $110,000, which was used as a downpayment to procure a house for co-living. Further fed-

eral funds were accessed to provide for renovations and furnishing.

In 2025, the MRDT funds amount to $105,869. According to a PRESS application for MRDT funds, co-living is a specific form of co-housing, in which residents have their own rented rooms within the same building, with kitchen, bathroom, laundry, living room and outdoor spaces being communal.

According to O’Neil, residents pay a rent of $750.

City of Powell River director Cindy Elliott said the believes the regional district is getting value for money, and PRESS is doing a good job, but she would prefer having requests for proposals that match the regional district’s priorities with the type of housing, and having it open to more than one nonprofit organization to see what proposals are out there.

“It is prudent to consider more than one applicant each year,” said Elliott. “I don’t think it’s for this year. It’s a planning process for the

future.”

Electoral Area C director and board chair Clay Brander asked if there were any time constraints.

qRD general manager of planning services Laura Roddan said if there is support for continuing with PRESS, there is a deadline, but if that’s not the desire of the board, then there is no urgency to

The co-living model is providing rental units for $750, so this is truly affordable rental housing.

LAURA RODDAN QRD PLANNING SERVICES

spend the funds.

Roddan said the co-living model is designed to increase the pool of affordable rental housing in the region.

“There’s a lack of affordable rental housing in Powell River,” said Roddan. “There are apartment buildings that have been developed that have some affordable units in them. I’ve been touring them and

the lowest rent available in those newly built apartments is $1,100.

“The co-living model is providing rental units for $750, so this is truly affordable rental housing. They are in updated homes in nice neighbourhoods with yards. People have access to gardening and amenities that you have in a home.”

Roddan said the co-living model is far cheaper than building new accommodations.

She added that if the regional board did not want to continue supporting PRESS, the board could put a hold and determine how it wants to allocate MRDT funds, which could sit in a reserve.

City director Rob Southcott made a motion to take the matter in camera so it could be more deeply discussed. Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne said he was opposed because he believed a decision could be made in public about what the board wanted to do. The motion to go in camera was withdrawn.

BCEHS presents Vital Link Awards to honour the actions of one or more bystanders at a cardiac arrest emergency. Nominations are made by BCEHS staff and presented to residents throughout the province.

Elliott then made a motion for the board to authorize PRESS to receive the 2025 MRDT funds to support expansion of the co-living initiative and delivery of additional affordable housing for workers in qRD. She said holding the money in reserve did not help the housing situation.

Electoral Area E director Andrew Fall said over the long term, the qRD board has to think carefully about how MRDT money gets used. He said it would send a signal to PRESS that they need to be competitive for the money. He said if the board passed the motion before it, PRESS couldn’t have an expectation that next year, the money will be there.

Fall said in the short term, however, he didn’t want to pull the rug out from under PRESS,

“We should go ahead this year and continue with the PRESS plans,” added Fall. “This is the best way we can get a few more units. I’m going to support this and look forward to a longer solution.”

The board carried the motion to authorize PRESS to receive the 2025 MRDT funds, with Gisborne opposed.

HEROIC ACTIONS: Four Powell River men were honoured for their heroic actions following a cardiac arrest suffered by Chris Coldham at the north boat harbour in May 2023. [From left] Sheree Haydu, Sunshine Coast manager of BC Emergency Health Services; award recipient Grant Thomas; Edie Coldham, wife of patient Chris Coldham; award recipients Rob Bombardir, Mark Winfield and Darryl Magnus Brown; plus Terry Dyer, unit chief, BC Ambulance Station 229 qathet.PAUL GALINSKI PHOTO

Mayor seeks directorship

Ron Woznow wants to run for the board of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities

PAUL GALINSKI reporteer@prpeak.com

City of Powell River councillors have unanimously endorsed mayor Ron Woznow’s intention to run for the board of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).

At a special meeting of city council on May 14, councillor Earl Almeida, who was chairing the meeting, read a resolution, indicating that the FCM annual general meeting would be held May 29 to June 1, including the election of FCM’s board of directors. The resolution called for the endorsement of Woznow to stand for election to FCM’s board of directors for the period starting from June 2025 until the end of city council’s term in October 2026. The resolution called for council to assume all costs for Woznow to attend FCM’s board of directors meetings.

Woznow said he has been closely following the FCM for the last couple of years. The one thing that adds significant benefit to Powell River, as well as other municipalities in Canada, is the proposal that a large portion

of the current money the federal government makes available through a long process of getting applications from municipalities from across the country, is to be replaced. He said, for example, that $10 billion could be allocated to municipalities based on population, and the municipality would assume the responsibility to utilize those funds in the best possible way for the community.

“The reason why I believe I could be a strong board member with regard to this particular project is that I spent two years on secondment to the federal government as the chief of staff for the environment minister,” said Woznow. “It was a time in which there was a lot of environmental initiative. I was charged to get approval from seven different ministries to allocate $119 million for the St. Lawrence cleanup.

“This was a two-year process. I had a lot of meetings with the treasury board, with the assistant deputy ministers of economic development and environment, and dealt with seven different ministries.”

Woznow said he has a good understanding of what it would take to position this type of initiative.

He said subsequently, he co-chaired a federal government ministry association that spent two weeks in Europe and the United Kingdom, with an opportunity to work closely with finance and economic development, to gain an understanding of what it takes to get things done.

“It’s said that in Ottawa, the bureaucracy has the brakes of a Rolls Royce and the engine of a lawnmower,” said Woznow. “You really have to know how to navigate all through that. That’s my rationale for why I would like to run for the FCM board.”

Councillor Cindy Elliott said it would be great to have representation on the FCM board. She said a lot of the board’s activity is far away.

“I support the idea but I’m wondering how we ensure that it is covered in our budget because it isn’t at this point in time,” added Elliott.

Chief financial officer Mallory Denniston said the budget has funds for conferences, so she would need to take a detailed look at what has been spent so far and what is remaining. She said a motion could be made that the budget be amended if more funds are required.

Almeida said he was pretty sure the city had not hit the limit for councillors’ travel, so there is potential that the travel might be fine without a budget amendment.

Woznow said if there was a risk of going over his travel budget, he would be glad to incur any additional costs himself.

Councillor Jim Palm said he applauds the mayor’s initiative. He said to the best of his knowledge, the city has never had an FCM board member.

Councillor George Doubt thanked Woznow for coming and talking to council before put-

UNANIMOUS ENDORSEMENT: City of Powell River mayor Ron Woznow wants to run for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities board to lend his expertise to the operation of the national organization.

ting his name forward. Doubt said he likes the suggestion that the mayor’s major drive, if elected, would be to work toward a fairer allocation of federal government funds, rather than the current lottery system, where all the municipalities in the country apply, and through whatever decision process is in place, some municipalities are winners and others don’t win.

“It’s a positive idea and a positive concept so I support the resolution,” said Doubt. “If travel expenses get beyond the current budget, we can always make a budget amendment.”

Council then voted to support Woznow’s bid for the FCM directorship.

Whale society reposts video of orca sighting

Transient Biggs orca spotted near Lund

TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com

Wild Ocean Whales Society (WOWS) caught people's attention

recently by reposting a video taken by Shirley Young in 2024 on the society’s YouTube page. The video shows a group of six orcas surfacing, blowing and breaching near Young's boat, which appears to be in the Desolation Sound area.

Young can be heard screeching "that's incredible," when she sees

the six whales surface in synchronicity, while one whale breaches in the distance.

"We just had the T019s plus others for a total of about seven to nine transient Biggs orca northbound this morning towards Lund," said WOWs director Susan MacKay in an email to the Peak on

May 22. "Our new report is about to be published."

WOWs volunteer Ivan Ng reported on the WOWs website, whalesanddolphinsbc.com, that over the past month, many transient Biggs orca were observed. They were seen in Burrard Inlet in Vancouver, along the Sunshine

Coast at Gibsons and off Powell River, and in upper Georgia Strait and adjacent waterways.

To watch the video, go to the Wild Ocean Whales Society YouTube page and search for: Orca surfacing, blowing and breaching.

To report sightings, email sightings@wildoceanwhale.org.

Property poll

A recent motion by City of Powell River mayor Ron Woznow to gauge the feelings of residents on what to do with city-owned properties was voted down by a majority of councillors.

While the mayor and councillor Jim Palm voted in support of a motion related to selling or leasing some of the 160 properties the city owns to generate revenue and provide some relief financially, the other council members disagreed, citing lack of staffing or stating that selling city-owned land is not a good idea. Is it a good idea? Since council chose not to include the question on the ballot for the next municipal election, we’ve decided to ask Woznow’s question at prpeak.com and see what Peak readers think: “Do you support the utilization of some of the city’s 160 properties to generate revenue and

reduce maintenance costs?”

The online poll question is available now. Are staffing issues still going to be a problem 18 months from now? Is the city going to hang onto the properties forever rather than sell some due to fear that a buyer might hang onto a property and sell it later at a profit?

The properties currently do not generate any income. How long does the status quo make sense?

As Palm said at the May 22 council meeting, it’s not about divesting every property. Using some to alleviate an ever-increasing burden on taxpayers is worth exploring.

Based on recent tax increases, current taxpayers deserve current action.

Obtaining a sense of the opinion of residents is a good idea. Choosing to do nothing now doesn’t help anyone in the future.

Active transportation is about expanding choices

How we choose to get around shapes our health, our communities and our local economy. However, sometimes people are left with only one viable option when it comes to getting to work or making it to an appointment - the car.

Active transportation refers to any form of human-powered travel, like walking, biking, wheeling, including public transit, that gets us where we need to go. It’s also about the sense of freedom that is possible when we can safely and easily walk, roll and/or take a bus to work, shopping, school and social activities.

One needn’t live in urban centres like Amsterdam or Copenhagen to enjoy such freedom of movement. Communities big and small around North America are taking steps to improve mobility for everyone, not

By Chris Lightfoot

just cars.

This article kicks off a year-long series on active transportation in the qathet region. Over the coming months, local authors will explore such topics as active transportation’s connection to our physical and mental health, how walking and rolling build great neighborhoods, the economic benefits for individuals and businesses, and how we can build safer streets and routes to schools for our children.

Active transportation is not just an urban planning buzzword.

More and more people are using bicycles to get around qathet. New multipurpose trails and

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the advent of e-bikes have especially enabled people of all ages and abilities to do their daily errands and activities without a car. However, there are gaps in our local infrastructure.

For example, bus connections and safe routes for biking on either end of our ferries and along our coast are inadequate for most people. Many parents are uncomfortable letting their children walk or bike to school or across town.

Accessible public spaces for people in wheelchairs are few and far between. Having safe and accessible options for traversing our public spaces shows we care about our community and each other.

This is especially important when it comes to kids. Every child deserves to feel safe on any street in qathet, not just near schools. A

community that protects its most vulnerable members is a stronger, more connected one. That means designing our streets and pathways so parents don’t have to worry—and so children can build independence, confidence and healthy habits.

Throughout this series, qathet Regional Cycling Association will highlight stories, ideas and challenges around active transportation in our region. We’ll share voices from across qathet, including Indigenous knowledge holders, health professionals, educators and local residents.

The aim is not just to inform, but to spark conversation about what a more walkable, bike-friendly and transit-accessible region could look like, and how we can get there together.

One way to start could be to replace one car trip by hopping on a bike during Go By Bike Week, May 31 to June 6. Join us with your bike in front of First Credit Union Tuesday to Thursday of that week from 7:30 to 9:30 am for coffee, snacks and a chance to win local prizes.

Whether you’re an avid cyclist, a parent thinking about your child’s route to school, or someone just curious about alternatives to driving, this series is for you.

Active transportation is about expanding our choices. It’s about creating public space and mobility that’s safe for everyone. Let’s take the first step together.

Chris Lightfoot is qathet Regional Cycling Association’s active transportation director.

KELLY KEIL publisher SHANE CARLSON editor

QATHET WALK N’ ROLL

LETTERS

Offended by article

I was not surprised to see a full-page article in the Peak [“Residential development moving forward,” May 22]. I am, however, surprised, actually offended, by the article’s one-sided reporting on the possibility of this development.

The entire article quotes only Jack Barr, CEO of Seaboard Hotels, and gives not one word to the many concerned citizens regarding this rezoning amendment request to the city, and the development as envisioned by Seaboard.

The article only mentions the request to move from RM3 to RM4 zoning, to, as Mr. Barr states, “provide a little more flexibility on how the densification can be laid out.” In fact, RM3 supports all of the same type of housing, but RM4 virtually eliminates green space for units. Further, besides wanting greater density, the article

VIEWPOINT

does not mention that the rezoning application includes a height variance, a parking variance and rerouting of traffic from the current main entrance to Beach Gardens, from Marine, to Lillooet and Westminster. 215 units, at Powell River’s published data, will result in between 430 to 450 people in this complex, and so a substantial number of vehicles. There are already significant traffic issues in this area, Joyce and Marine being the most significant, but not the only issue.

This article, with just this one perspective, also gives no summary of the expenses the city will bear, should this rezoning and development, as it is proposed, come to be.

The article does not give a voice to the many in our community who are questioning this development.

The first published objection came April 14, 2025, asking for the first comment and question period to be more than the 12 days allowed

by the planning department. These 12 days included Easter and the federal election.

Since this first correspondence to mayor and council, some 15 letters, not just quick comments, have been written to mayor and council and are published on the city website. This correspondence includes a petition signed by 33 citizens in the Cariboo and Westminster Road area. Further, letters to the city and province going back to 1976 were submitted to mayor and council regarding the work over this time to ensure Beach Gardens traffic does not use the Cariboo and Westminster Street entrance. I mention this correspondence, as the Peak’s reporting staff should know are more voices to be heard than Jack Barr’s.

Concerned residents continue to delve deeper into the 184-page report attached to this rezoning application. Letters continue to be written. Citizen meet-

ings are taking place, for example, the 12 people who met at my own home on May 1, 2025.

I do hope the Peak will support a balanced perspective to this important issue. Many of us are available for comment. And of course, you can read all of our letters on the city’s website.

Kathryn Hjorleifson Kootenay Place

Westview waterfront

To mayor Ron Woznow and all City of Powell River councillors, please, please do not sell the old arena site. [“Powell River ‘expressions of interest’ property motion fails,” April 21].

That was gifted to all Powell River citizens. It’s the only waterfront left in Westview and it should be enjoyed by all.

It is a wonderful part of Willingdon Beach.

Madelon Lockstead Powell River

Bill 15 does not bode well for democracy

By Alison Taylor

At a time when the world is witnessing the erosion of democracy in the United States in favour of centralized control within the presidency, I am deeply concerned about premier David Eby’s proposed Bill 15.

This Infrastructure Projects Act would give the province the power to deem any project as “provincially significant,” and to “expedite” its environment assessment at the discretion of the minister.

Bill 15 is being marketed to us as a way to fast-track new schools and hospitals, which few of us would oppose. However — as written — it also allows regulatory shortcuts on mines, LNG facilities and pipelines. Government claims that exclusions will be defined after the bill has been passed, forcing MLAs to vote on it without knowing the final scope of the bill.

The problem is not just that the bill itself centralizes control and weakens checks and balances; the process by which Eby aims to pass it does, too. Eby aims to pass Bill 15 before May

29 and is manipulating his party’s MLAs into voting for it by making this a confidence vote. That means any NDP MLA whose constituents don’t support the bill will be pressured to vote in favour of the bill anyway, in order to prevent another election being called.

Eby has also ordered the closure of debate on the bill by May 28, and will force a vote.

Finally, he and infrastructure minister Bowinn Ma have acknowledged the

Letters to the Editor/Viewpoint

bill was drafted without the usual level of consultation with First Nations, who are pushing back against the bill.

Everything about this bill speaks of a premier who wants to centralize control, weaken checks and balances, and limit public oversight. This does not bode well for democracy in BC.

I hope to see our local MLA, Randene Neill, vote against this bill.

Alison Taylor is a Halfmoon Bay resident.

The Peak publishes letters it receives regarding the stories on its pages when space allows, as long as letters are signed, dated, and include the writer’s address and a daytime telephone number for verification. We do not publish anonymous letters. The exceptions are those letters which may be libellous, in bad taste, or describe an incident involving other people which, to be fair, should allow both sides to be aired in a news story.

Letters should not exceed 350 words and Viewpoints must be approximately 500 words. The Peak reserves the right to edit based on taste, legality, clarity and length. Opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor and Viewpoints are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Peak or its employees.

CROSSWORD

Colourful collaboration

Laszlo Tamasik Dance Academy presented a ballet production of Wonderland, produced and choreographed by Sandi Wadden, at Evergreen Theatre last weekend. Paige Anderson was the artistic director of the show, which featured performers from various age groups.

OPEN HOUSE TOUR

Mixed-media artist set for exhibition

Candace Parker works in abstract perspective, contrast, movement and texture

TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com

Mixed-media artist Candace Parker has worked in abstracts and textures with oils, acrylics, photographs and sometimes ceramics, to create colourful paintings and collage for more than 30 years.

Her exhibition, titled Recent Work: Life is a Garden, is inspired by her own garden, nature and inner life living on the northern Sunshine Coast, and can be seen at Powell River Public Library (PRPL) until September 5. Parker will give an artist talk on Friday, May 30, at 7 pm, also at the library.

Parker grew up in northern California, but has enjoyed life on the coast since 2018. A series of oil paintings Parker started in 2023: Sand, Loam and Clay, are currently on display at PRPL and will be

discussed at the talk.

Parker said painting in oils is a departure from her work of the past 30 years, which was primarily acrylic.

"I was inspired by sand, a feeling of what sand feels like, rather than being representational," said Parker. "Then the feeling of clay and loam, just being so luscious and sensual."

In addition to being a visual artist, Parker likes to keep learning new things, such as taking up the piano and guitar. She's also an avid gardener.

"Hügelkultur, meaning 'mound culture' in German, is a traditional gardening technique where raised beds are constructed from decaying wood debris and other organic materials," said Parker. "This type of gardening doesn't need a lot of water and is good for a changing climate."

Parker said her art has always been a type of play and fun for her.

"It's not useful, like carpentry, but when I do make something, I really enjoy it and get into it," said Parker. "Hopefully, some pieces might give you pleasure, or might make you think."

Her work titled China

Babies, Jiangjing and XiaoHuan, are personal stories about adopting two daughters from China.

"They are a little bit different, because they are all collage, representational and getting at the story of when we adopted two babies," said Parker. "They are both going to be at the artist talk."

Somewhere Above the Salish Sea: Pre-Contact, plays on Parker's interest in exploring various points of view in her work.

"The viewer is flying above the Salish Sea, maybe an eagle, observing the heavy vegetation covering the area occupied by First Nations of qathet," said Parker. "I grew up in northern California, in an area that was a lot like Powell River, with mountains and logging; that was the main industry, except where I grew up was inland."

Parker likes to get inspired by walking the local trails in qathet, or doing yoga or practicing her other hobbies.

"The garden can be a metaphor for life," said Parker. "It's there over time, and thrives at times, changes with the seasons; I like the idea of its continuity."

For more information, go to candaceparkerarts.com.

MIXED MEDIA: Candace Parker will give an artist talk on May 30 to discuss her exhibition titled, Recent Works: Life is a Garden, currently on display at Powell River Public Library.

TANYA HILL PHOTO

COMMUNITY »

New market to open at old arena site

Centralized access to locally grown produce is a win for farmers, consumers and food security, says committee

TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com

Is there room in the qathet region for another farmers' market?

That was an inquiry posed last year by the Central Farmers’ Market (CFM) working group, comprised of farmers and community members Darcy Broatch, Devon Hanley, Steve Short, Ron Berezan, Aaron Mazurek, Lori Brouwer and Kate Sutherland.

Now, after mostly positive feedback, with some trepidation from folks concerned about stepping on the toes of the popular Powell River Farmers' Market (PRFM) on McLeod Road, the CFM committee, a subcommittee of Skookum Food Provisioners’ Cooperative, is ready to launch a downtown farmers' market at the old Civic Arena site. The market will open Saturday, June 14, from 10 am to 1 pm, and run every Saturday until October 18.

"This has been the product of many years of conversation and thinking about how we can continue to grow the local food system," said Berezan, who is also the manager of Blueberry Commons in Wildwood. "The idea is to get more people buying more of their food from local sources and to make it as easy as possible for people to do that."

Sutherland said that so far, the committee has confirmed Terra Nostra Farm, Blueberry Commons Farm, GG’s Good Greens, Brut Charcuterie, Myrtle Point Heritage Farm, Nancy’s Bakery, Full Circle Donuts, Wild Scoop Ice Cream and Windfall Farms as vendors.

"Every week the CFM will provide a table for local nonprofit organizations to share their information and activities with the community," said Sutherland. "The idea is to make it easier for folks to walk, bicycle or bus to this new centrally located farmers’ market at beautiful Willingdon Beach."

Short is a retired farmer and joined the committee because of his concern about food security.

"There is no more important conversation right now than food security," said Short. "We could be growing a lot more here; there isn't anything wrong necessarily with the other market, but the whole point of the central market is for farmers to have better contact with consumers."

Hanley thinks farmers can step up and grow more in the region, and grow their customer base.

"We can do more to support farmers

as, we are sister markets [with PRFM] in a lot of ways and we'll support each other."

Berezan believes the market might attract folks camping at Willingdon Beach Campsite, park visitors or anyone passing through on a bike, on foot or in a vehicle heading north of town.

"Skookum Food Provisioners Cooperative is an organization that's been around now for at least 15 years and has undertaken a variety of different initiatives supporting local food," said Berezan. "For many years they operated the fruit tree gleaning project and then also purchased an apple press available to people in the community."

There’s no doubt that for farmers like ourselves, the best scenario is to sell directly to customers.

RON BEREZAN CENTRAL FARMERS’ MARKET MEMBER

and food producers," said Hanley. "I am not a farmer, but I'm a big supporter of our farmers."

The group said it has support from City of Powell River, which, the members added, wants to strengthen the region's local food system.

"There's a diversity of opinions about this," said Berezan. "But I think most people see it as one more way for people to buy local, and they're in support of it."

Berezan said the committee had conversations with Powell River Farmers’ Agricultural Institute about the possibility of working together, but in the end the CFM committee decided the best fit was partnering the Skookum Food Provisioners Cooperative.

"They are a great organization locally dedicated to supporting local food initiatives," said Berezan. "I really see it

Mazurek is a board member at the cooperative.

"There's no doubt that for farmers like ourselves, the best scenario is to sell directly to customers," said Berezan. "We do work with retailers, too, there's a role for that, but selling directly to customers is the best for the farm economy."

The business of agriculture is not easy, especially for smaller growers. High land costs, competition from large scale agriculture and market access are some of the barriers for smaller farms in BC.

"When people get to talk to the farmers and those involved in growing the food, those kinds of relationships are what create a vibrant, resilient food system," said Berezan. "Producers and consumers are just two sides of the same coin of a sustainable food system; we need them both, and so whatever we can do to strengthen those relationships is really important to me."

For more information, email centralfarmersmarketmanager@gmail. com.

SUDOKU

FOOD SECURITY: [From left] Central Farmers’ Market committee members: Ron Berezan, Aaron Mazurek, Kate Sutherland, Darcy Broatch, Lori Brouwer, Steve Short and Devon Hanley. The group is launching a downtown market at the old Civic Arena site at Willingdon Beach on June 14. TANYA HILL PHOTO

Author reviews northern Sunshine Coast hikes

Guidebook full of detail about the nature, culture and history of BC trails

TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com

Heading out on a trail hike, even a day hike, requires some preparation, including having a reliable map, knowing how long the hike will take and understanding terrain difficulty. Packing the right kind of gear for the season is also important, as is information from a good guidebook.

It's been seven years since author Stephen Hui's bestselling book, 105 Hikes In and Around Southwestern British Columbia, came out. On May 27, he launched the second edition, which includes 36 new hikes; four are on the northern Sunshine Coast: Fairview Bay, Emma Lake, Crossroads Peak and Confederation Lake.

Some folks have gone out into the wilds of BC in the past few years unprepared. That's why there are new guest chapters included on safety from North Shore Rescue and the environment with Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society-BC.

Hui has been hiking, backpacking and scrambling in the coastal mountains of BC for more than 30 years.

"Hiking the Sunshine Coast Trail, I consider it to be the most memorable hiking trip I've ever done," said Hui. "I love Powell River and backpacking the trail over 10 days was a really important experience for me."

However, this new edition returns with hikes for every season and all ages and skill levels. Most of the 105 hikes can be accomplished in a day.

"Fairview Bay is on the Sunshine Coast Trail, a kind of family friendly hike," said Hui. "It's also a bit different than the other hikes in the book, which tend to be very mountainous; this one is a coastal hike."

Hui said Fairview Bay is close to Saltery Bay Terminal and it is possible to walk to the trailhead directly from the ferry.

"The trail is a beautiful kind of up and down walk, amongst Arbutus trees, rocky shores with views of Jervis Inlet," said Hui.

"Then you get to the hut, and it's the only one [on the SCT] that's sitting by the ocean."

In the book description, the second edition encourages readers to tread lightly on the land and discover the

mountains, lakes, forests and coast with curiosity and respect.

"I've changed 36 of the hikes from the previous edition, and there are updates throughout the book," said Hui. "It was a great chance to redo the maps and make them better."

Hui said one of the most requested features from readers was to have icons that indicate dog rules.

"You can tell quickly if you need to leash or not, or if they're allowed in general, or if they're not allowed," said Hui. "Then there is also information about the best season for each hike, when it's most likely to be snow free."

Hui said he also included improved transit directions and more waypoints for oldschool folks who still punch them into their GPS.

"I end up getting about two years of hiking research in, and I hike as much as I can during that time," said Hui. "Then at the end, it's kind of picking and choosing what makes it in. I like to have a range from easy to hard, different kinds of hikes and a balance of regions."

Hui said his family wasn't really into outdoorsy activities other than quick roadside stops at national parks in the USA.

"My parents put me and

my brothers into scouts, so that introduced me to camping," said Hui. "Then in both elementary and high school they had outdoor education opportunities, and I ended up falling in love with hiking and camping."

With online maps and the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, people are relying on that for information when researching a hike, but the accuracy isn't there yet. That's where a hardcopy guidebook comes in handy.

"Search and rescue people are always warning about relying too much on apps, online maps and now AI," said Hui. "The main thing is, you want to use a variety of sources that are reliable sources; not everyone is into using guidebooks, but I love guidebooks and I use guidebooks."

Hui said he usually carries a paper map of an area he's going to, then he will check relevant parks or club websites for trail conditions, and hiking groups to see what the conditions are like and to check the snow level.

Sometimes finding clear and accurate directions to a trailhead can be difficult, but according to the book description: “Locals and tourists have come to trust Hui’s clear directions to trails from Victoria to Manning

The second edition also includes updated trail ratings and new colour photographs, most of them taken by Hui.

"I get a lot of young people asking me, ‘why would I use a book?’ but then the ones who end up buying the book

say they're really happy to have this physical thing they can flip through, read things and see pictures they otherwise wouldn't find searching online," said Hui. "It's a different way of discovering trails, and you don't need a battery."

To find Hui's hiking guidebook, go to 105hikes.com/ book.

Park and from north of Pemberton to Mount Baker, Washington.”

DAY HIKES: Author of 105 Hikes In and Around Southwestern BC, Stephen Hui, at Walt Hill on the Sunshine Coast Trail. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Hockey player preps for next season

Kooper

Kozmeniuk receives nod from Western Hockey League team

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

Powell River Minor Hockey product Kooper Kozmeniuk has been drafted by the Western Hockey League’s (WHL) Prince George Cougars.

The Powell River Kings under-15 star forward was drafted 178th overall. He said it has always been his goal to play in the WHL someday. He will be attending training camp in Prince George in August.

Kozmeniuk, 14-years-old, is coming off a great season with the U15 Kings, with the team having won the 2024/2025 provincial championship. They were only defeated by one team this past season, with the team from Nanaimo besting Powell River team on three occasions.

Kozmeniuk was a scoring machine for the Kings, netting 106 goals during the

season. His guess is that he was the league-leader in goals scored. He also scored 20 goals in six games at the provincial championship in Cranbrook, include a hat trick in the final against Terrace.

Kozmeniuk has been working hard over the past year on his strength and skills to become a more rounded player. He said he has been going to the gym frequently, and has worked on becoming a faster and stronger skater.

“I’ve got a lot faster making plays,” said Kozmeniuk. On the ice, he has been improving his shooting in tight spaces, and driving the net is a big thing for him now.

“I’m also working on my breakaways, because I’m not very good on breakaways,” said Kozmeniuk.

As a forward, he has played all three positions. Kozmeniuk shoots left, and plays left wing a lot, but he has also played right wing and centre.

“I basically play wherever the coach wants me to play,” he said.

Size-wise, Kozmeniuk said he is average. Some of his opposition is as tall as six feet, one or two inches, and as short as five feet, five

inches. He said he is able to manage the physical play, but prefers being a finesse player.

Kozmeniuk said he is too young to play in the WHL, so next season, he will be leaving Powell River Minor Hockey and going to the Burnaby Winter Club. He said he wants to hone his hockey skills in the city to hopefully make the Cougars when he is older.

Kozmeniuk said he is moving to Burnaby because he was asked if he wanted a spot on the team. He toured a school and said it was great. He then went on the ice with the U17 team.

“Everyone’s really nice,” said Kozmeniuk, who enjoyed people involved with the team and the teachers he met. “Also, Burnaby is not too far from home.”

Kozmeniuk said Burnaby Winter Club plays in the Canadian Sports School Hockey League, so his opposition will be other school teams. He said there are teams in the Okanagan and in Calgary, so he will have some travelling ahead of him.

He has so far not received any direction for training from his new school, but he

did attend the BC Cup again this year, which is a developmental program for young players. He was the only Powell River player to make the BC Cup this year.

“You get information about how good you are at each thing because we did testing,” said Kozmeniuk. “So, from that, I know what I need to work on.”

He is both excited and nervous about the coming hockey season.

“I’m excited to play in Burnaby and spend the year there, but yeah, I’m a little nervous to be away from home for so long,” said Kozmeniuk.

He will be billeted in Burnaby, but so far, hasn’t

BIG HONOUR: Powell River U15 Kings player Kooper Kozmeniuk has been drafted by the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League, which has been the dream for the young hockey player. This coming season, however, he will be playing with the Burnaby Winter Club to advance his skills. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

received information on his new billet family.

Kozmeniuk is interested to find out how he fits into the new team. He has been a great scorer, but he’s moving to a league with bigger and stronger players, with better goalies and more gifted players. While he has been

great at putting the puck in the net while playing from Powell River rep teams, he acknowledges that with his new team, he may be more of a playmaker.

“I don’t really know where I will fit in,” said Kozmeniuk, “but I can’t wait for the opportunity.”

City of Powell River 2024

Women’s introduction to rugby scheduled

No experience necessary to attend session at Cranberry Field

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

Powell River Otago Rugby Club is expanding its women’s program.

At 2 pm on June 7, at Cranberry Field, the club is sponsoring a free introduction to rugby for female players. No experience is necessary and participants can bring cleats if they have them.

Sophie Slakov, one of Otago’s women players, has spent the past season playing rugby, with teammate Sian Cornwell, for Comox Kickers, which won the BC women’s second division championship on May 3. Slakov said the event on June 7 is supposed to be just for fun, to give a lowpressure place for women to discover the sport, without having to show up to practice with the men’s team, which she and Cornwell do.

“We’ll be doing some pass-

ing, we’ll introduce them to what a lineout would look like, plus a scrum,” said Slakov. “They don’t necessarily have to take part in one, but the idea would be to teach them the basic skills of running forward and passing backward, then hopefully, play a game of touch at the end of the session.”

Slakov said there are currently five committed women who show up regularly for practice, which is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Cranberry, starting at 5 pm. The hope, however, is that Otago is able to attract enough women so they can hold their own practices, rather than practicing with the men’s side.

“That would be amazing if we had enough numbers,” said Slakov.

She said there is a lack of opportunities for women’s sports locally, so if Otago can fill that need, it would be great.

Slakov said she and Cornwell gravitated to playing rugby in Comox because there is no team here, so it is a way to get game time.

“We joined in the fall and we have been playing with

them, winning the provincial championship in Abbotsford at the beginning of the month,” said Slakov. “It was a bit daunting even to go over there, and we weren’t even really sure when we first joined if they would take us.

“They turned out to be very welcoming. We have a good relationship with the team. It was a great experience and they just made us part of the team.”

As for her position, Slakov said the Kickers originally put her on wing, but she and the coach realized she was not really a winger.

“I would say I’m a small forward of some sort,” said Slakov. “Once we got into the playoffs and we were playing 15s, I became a flanker, and that was a much better position for me. My strengths are in the pushing and tackling side of things, rather than running and positional strategy that is required to play winger.”

Cornwell is also a forward, playing prop.

One of the difficulties for the Powell River players is practicing with the Kickers. It’s not viable for the pair to work out with the Vancouver

Island team, so they do their best to fit in on game days.

“The Kickers have done an exceptional job of trying to make us feel welcome, but it is very hard to join a team you don’t practice with,” said Slakov. “It is complicated to play on the fly, so there are challenges. However, it has been great fun.”

Slakov said rugby is fairly simple to explain and to start playing, but it never really loses its complexity, and she keeps learning new things the longer she plays.

“It’s excellent for fitness and I am the kind of person who likes contact, pushing and hitting, so this is a good outlet to do those things in a safe way,” said Slakov. “Then, there is the social aspect, which is truly exceptional in rugby. At the end of games, teams get together, share a meal and pick players of the match for each team. There’s not a lot of other sports that really do that, and it’s phenomenal.”

Slakov said rugby doesn’t come without some level of danger, like most sports, but statistically, it is much more dangerous to ride a mountain bike.

“The more practiced you are, and the better you are, the safer it is,” said Slakov. “There are protocols and rules. The sport is designed in a way, and refereed in a

program.

way, that safety is practiced and paramount. You aren’t wearing a lot of padding, so you are careful in the way you hit.”

In terms of her rugby playing, Slakov characterized it as spotty. She played in Vancouver about 10 years ago for the Scribes RFC, but then moved to places where there wasn’t rugby. She said she was in Trail at one point and practiced with the men, but it was only last year that she joined Otago and started playing again.

For those who want to see women’s rugby in action, there is a game planned on June 21 for Otago’s 50th anniversary celebration.

A women’s game has been scheduled for 12:30 pm on that day at Cranberry Field

as the lead-off to old boys and senior men’s rugby. Slakov said Otago is trying to pull women players from teams around Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland to come and play in the anniversary game.

“My hope is in June, we can have a lot of fun, and that those women who actually decide to sign up for our introduction to rugby can come and discover that rugby is a great game,” said Slakov. “I just hope that I can share my love of rugby with more women. That would be awesome.”

Those interested in the introduction to rugby for women session can register and enquire by emailing otagorugbypr15@gmail. com.

We’re looking for 4 new volunteer Directors to join our Board starting in September 2025

SPECIAL SESSION: Powell River Otago Rugby Club will be holding an introduction to rugby session at Cranberry Field on June 7 with the hope of expanding the women’s

PAUL GALINSKI PHOTO

Pickleball association requests land lease update

Representative asks councillors for information on a staff report into locating a facility

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

qathet Pickleball Association’s (qPA) president appeared before City of Powell River councillors to receive an update on support to develop a pickleball facility.

At the May 20 committee of the whole meeting, Susan Young said it has been six months since council passed a motion on November 19, 2024, that the letter from her dated November 8 regarding qPA’s request for a land lease, be referred to staff to bring back a report to council.

“Since that time, I have been inundated with queries about that motion, and about the progress,” said Young. “I have been unable to provide any kind of a specific update and any specific answers.

“qPA is fully aware the city has gone through some significant staff turnovers over the past little while. Nevertheless, we believe it is time to share what we have been doing since we last met, and what the city staff

have been doing, and figure out a way to move forward and work together on some kind of a plan.”

Young said the reason qPA has previously presented on the need for a facility has not changed since it last presented. She said, in fact, the association believes it has increased in scope.

Powell River Racquet Centre closed in February, creating a further strain on the pickleball community, she added.

“When the racquet centre closed, Powell River and qathet lost four indoor pickleball courts,” said Young.

“Not only did we lose the quantity of space, but we lost the quality of court space.

“qPA has been able to find limited space at Vancouver Island University. We also recently got play space at Oceanview gym during afternoons, but again, it’s a limited time space. These facilities are basically schools first.”

love it, but again, there is no space for youth afterward.

She said there have been missed grant writing opportunities, possible cost increases to building.

“We are asking for constructive collaboration with the community to create a concrete movement toward some type of dedicated pickleball facility for everyone,” said Young.

Mayor Ron Woznow asked how many people have had a pickleball racquet in their hands. Young said qPA has looked at its numbers and believes there to be local 300 players.

Councillor George Doubt asked staff to outline what the challenges are and when it might be possible to bring back a report.

Acting chief administrative officer Jason Gow said there has been a significant city staff turnover.

we are able to do that. We’ve initiated our scoping of the report, but our capacity has truly prevented us from tackling this in a meaningful way.”

Woznow said about a year ago he was introduced to the qPA board and since then has had a number of opportunities to meet with board members and pickleball players who ask what progress has been made. He said he has reached out to other mayors to see how communities have addressed establishing pickleball facilities.

The mayor added that he has put in place a standing committee of councillors Jim Palm and Earl Almeida, Young and a couple of other individuals.

“We are going to offload some of the work on staff

and see if there is a property that would make sense that would achieve the strategic goals of the city,”

said Woznow, “and allow the pickleball association to make it easier to raise money.”

In terms of quality of space, Young said there is not enough room by the courts or behind the courts in school facilities, with balls going into active play on other courts.

“Obviously, this is a priority for the pickleball association,” said Gow, who then called on director of parks, recreation and culture Jamie Bretzlaff to speak to specifics.

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Bretzlaff said the department has had capacity issues and has not been able to tackle this report.

This news is censored by US social media giants, Syrup is a social newsfeed supported by Canadian jour nalists.

“There have been people falling over balls,” said Young. “People are also literally running into walls.”

Young said qPA continues to teach younger players at schools and the children

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This news is censored by US social media giants, Syrup is a social newsfeed supported by Canadian jour nalists.

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“We hope to move this forward in a more fulsome way and to provide options and opportunities across departments,” said Bretzlaff. “At this point, we would not have an estimate of when

LAND REQUEST: qathet Pickleball Association president Susan Young appeared before City of Powell River’s committee of the whole to bring councillors up to date on association activities, and to seek a progress report on what the city is doing in terms of its request for a land lease to build a facility. PAUL GALINSKI PHOTO

Inlovingmemoryof Claes LPetri

Having lived lifetothe fullest; working hard and playing hard, our belovedClaesLennar t Petriwenttobewith his LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ on May6th, 2025.

Born Februar y11th, 1950,inHelsingborg Sweden, Claes movedtoPowell RiverBCatthe age of six with his family and is predeceasedby his older sister Eva, belovedmother Marianne, father PerMagnus and older brother PerPetri

Growing up on the beautiful coastline of Malaspina Strait,Claes cultivated manyskills andbecame amaster of the sea. From the beginning of the 101HighwayatLund,BCto Ecuador,South America his lifewas filledwith manyincrediblepeople and adventures. Claes will be so missed by his family :Loving anddevoted wife, Louise (Lue) Petri, daughter Tanya (GregNewman), daughterCristaand son Ryan Petri(Elisa Mowbray)grandchildren Bradon (Niki) and Jacob Budgell,Coleand AnnikaNewman, Brody (Nikki)and Matt Boese, Angus,Stella, Patsy and Kaytlin Petri, Lucas, Mateo, Nicolas,and Markos Lekakisalong with younger brothers Rob(Corey) Petriand Rodrick Lofgren, numerous in-laws,nieces and nephewsand friends

Formoredetails of his adventures please go to www.telfordtoneffboyd.ca

Please join us as we celebratethe life of this incredible man, husband, father, grandfather,

Powell River Hospital Foundation is working to provide better health care for the citizens of Powell River.

William F. Treloar

October 28, 1958 - May 5, 2025

It's with a heavy hear t that we announce the passing of Bill Treloar after a lengthy battle with congestive hear t failure

He is sur vived by his spouse Dar lana, son Kyle (Caitlin), daughter Cour tney (Josh), 2 grandsons, Bowen and Levi, and mother Lorreen Bill has been welcomed to heaven by his first bor n son Sean, father Rober t, sister Dayle and brother Bob

Please donate “In Memory” prhospitalfoundation.com 604.485.3211 ext 4349

and friend on June 7th, 2025, 2pmatthe Central Evangelical Free Church located at 765 Mc Phee Avenue Cour tenay, BC

He would remind us allthat “ you cannot redirect the wind, but you cantrimyour sail!”

Marjorie Olive Casey

July 7, 1933 - May 18, 2025

We are so sad to announce that our wonderful mom, grandma and aunty Margie passed away on May 18 at 91 years of age. She kept her sense of humour and affection to the very last. She’ll be deeply missed by her daughter, Karen (Chris) Jantz; grandchildren Michelle, Heather and Dale (Andrea) Jantz; great-grandsons Owen (Hayley), Carson and Aaden; along with many much-loved nieces, nephews and cousins who were all very important to her.

Marjorie was born in Hillcrest, Alberta, on July 7, 1933, and then moved to Powell River with her parents, Bill and Ivy Williams and two older sisters, Dorthy (Pat Condon) and Kathleen (Russ Gurniak), in 1943. Affectionately known as “Willie,” she grew up and lived in the Townsite, on Cedar Street, Oak Street,

and later Maple Avenue. She worked in Medical Records at the original Powell River General Hospital and played the clarinet in the Powell River Community Band. After retiring in 1988, she loved spending time in her beautiful garden, walking her dog, and hosting amazing Sunday family dinners and Boxing Day lunches.

Her determination, energy, kindness, humour, and care for everyone around her endeared her to us all. She’ll be very much missed by all who knew and loved her - family, friends and neighbours.

Thank you to Dr. Schweitzer. Thank you to the Qathet General Hospital nurses and care aides on the fourth floor for how well they looked after her - our community is blessed to have you.

A special thanks to Cecilia for being there

Bill was bor n in Union Bay but moved to Powell River after his father passed away He had a lengthy career at the paper mill, and liked to spend his time camping and boating with his family, or shar ing stor ies with his fr iends

We take comfort in the memories and love we will forever share.

Celebration of life will be held June 8th 1:30-3:30 @ 6792 Cranberr y Street at the Seniors Centre across from Cranbar! Rip roar in' send off for Bill, br ing your bikes!!!

We take comfort in the memories and love we will forever share.

Love you forever and ever Daddy xoxo

for her with hours of kindness and care. No service at her request. An open house tea for friends and family to meet and reminisce will be held on Saturday, May 31, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at 5772 Maple Avenue.

be held June 8th 1:30-3:30 treet at the Seniors Centre Rip roar in' send off for Bill,

Daddy xoxo

Do you have a knack for ﬁrst-class customer service?

Do you have general knowledge of building material and supplies? You have what it takes to be part of our team! Retail building supply experience is needed, and knowledge of the construction industry is an asset. Our ideal candidate will have 3+ years of industry experience. Assess customer needs an provide expert advice on any products;

FU LL-T IM E CO NT RACTOR SA LE S

PO SI TI ON AVAI LA BL E

RE SPO NS IB IL IT IE S

• Greet customers warmly and ensure a good customer experience;

• Build and develop professional relationships with customers;

• Process customer orders on POS

• Follow up on orders and answer phone;

• Prepare estimates/quotes on the store system, check availability of merchandise, delivery delays, prices, suppliers, etc;

• Keep current on competitors' pricing

• Keep up to date with new products and their functions;

• Ensure compliance with procedures and company’s standards;

• Record transactions and collect payment for the purchased items;

• Be aware of current promotions and ﬂyers;

• Ensure and participate in the maintenance of their department;

• Comply with policies and procedures regarding loss prevention, breakage of goods and health and safety;

• Perform other duties as requested by the supervisor

BE NE FI TS

• An inclusive and safe working environment

• Promotion of work-life balance

• Exclusive employee discounts

• Beneﬁts: insurance (certain conditions apply), annual salary review, etc

• Opportunities for advancement within the company

• An employer that’s involved in the community

• Teamwork and ongoing training

ADDI TI ON AL PAY:

• Overtime pay

BE NE FI TS:

• Flexible schedule

• On-site parking

• Store discount

AP PLY:

in person with resume to Alicia Brown, manager or by email to jobs@prrona,ca

WOOD PALLETS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT

Tla’amin Timber Products Ltd (TTP) invites the public to review and comment on the proposed information package relating to Forest Operations Map (FOM) ID 2339

Maps are available online for review and comments at: https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects.

The public review and comment period will be open for at least 30 days. Comments must be in writing and be received between between May 29, 2025 and June 30, 2025.

Written comments can be submitted during the 30-day period via the website above, by email (sebastien.lecours@tmslp.ca) or by mail (4885B Highway 101, Powell River, BC, V8A 0B6). Please reference the applicable FOM ID when commenting.

If interested parties cannot access the FOM website, printed maps are available to view by appointment at the TTP office. Please contact sebastien.lecours@tmslp.ca to arrange an appointment

This FOM may

OPEN HOUSE

SAVARY ISLAND

Central, two-level, half-duplex. It’s ‘move in ready’ with no strata fees, beautifully updated kitchen and baths and an 8 year old roof!

3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,200 sq ft A-4555 MICHIGAN AVENUE

$513,900 MLS®18905 BILL:

Expansive ocean view with nicely finished in-law suite in the basement, a big yard and sits on a quiet street in central Westview.

3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2,264 sq ft 7105 HAZELTON STREET

$579,900 MLS®18978 BILL: 604 223 0811

KATIE: 604 344 0055

Stunning ocean views, large open space, lots of natural light centrally located on a private road that overlooks the town.

3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2,818 sq ft

4366 QUEBEC AVENUE

$849,000 MLS®18668

NANCY: 604 849 5777

Let your soul exhale on this south-facing retreat just 20 minutes north of town at this rare, 7.5 acre non-ALR property with suite and detached studio/workshop.

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KATIE: 604 344 0055

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3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 1,771 sq ft 7153 ALBERNI STREET

$529,900 MLS®18558

Enjoy the views of the ocean, mountains, and year-round sunsets from this main-level entry home conveniently located in central Westview.

4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2,400 sq ft 3847 JOYCE AVENUE

$624,900 MLS®18809

KATIE: 604 344 0055

Newer home with ocean view and no GST, built by Creekside Builders in 2021, excellently cared for and maintained.

3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,686 sq ft

4374 QUEBEC AVENUE

$999,900 MLS®18595

AUSTYN: 778 986 1691

Gorgeous home set on a fenced .8 acres with a quiet creek running through the property.

20x24 shop with furnished 500 sq ft legal suite

2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,864 sq ft

7111 BAKER STREET

$1,129,900 MLS®18820

DUSTIN: 604 358 2473

Cleared and level lot ready for your ideas. LOT 12 BOSWELL STREET

$288,800 MLS®18844

Situated on nearly half an acre, this house features a large deck overlooking a fully fenced private backyard adorned with tall trees. 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,930 sq ft 5395 YUKON

$549,900 MLS®18867

DUSTIN: 604 358 2473

Perfect for families seeking comfort, space, and convenience, located close to schools, marina, grocer, cafe and trails.

5 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2,213 sq ft

3433 SELKIRK AVENUE

$649,900 MLS®18886

NANCY: 604 849 5777

Private year-round oceanfront retreat on 1.7 serene acres on Savary Island, bordering 350 acres of trust lands with 180° views of the strait.

3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,718 sq ft

1900 VANCOUVER BOULEVARD

$1,100,000 MLS®18687

OCEAN VIEW

GRIEF POINT