BC Hydro will remove the 138-kilovolt (kV) transmission line that spans Jervis Inlet from Tuesday, October 14, to Friday, October 17, with contingency dates from October 18 to 26, the utility announced last month.
The work is part of the Jervis Inlet and Agamemnon Channel Power Line Replacement project to improve safety and long-term reliability for customers in the qathet region and surrounding communities.
“This is critical work to keep people safe on the water and in the air, and to keep electricity reliable for about 10,000 customers in the region,” says Mary Anne Coules, BC Hydro’s capital projects engagement spokesperson. “The existing line has reached end-of-life in a harsh marine environment. The new line will be able to carry more electricity.”
A daily marine traffic closure will be in effect from 8 am to 6 pm while crews remove the span across Jervis Inlet. During those hours, pilot boats will be stationed on both sides of the crossing to alert boaters and maintain a safe work zone, according to Coules. Mariners will still be able to reach the wider inlet via an alternate route around Nelson Island.
“We’re coordinating closely with local marine users and will run a clear communications protocol during the closure so boaters have up-to-date information while work is underway,” she adds.
To maintain essential service and community connectivity, BC Ferries will temporarily reroute the Malaspina Sky vessel on the Saltery Bay/Earls Cove run around Nelson
Island during the marine closure. Travellers can check bcferries.com and subscribe to Saltery Bay/Earls Cove online service notices for realtime updates.
To support safe access road construction, selective tree clearing and line removal, Sunshine Coast Trail closures that began on September 29, will continue until January 31, 2026. An alternate route
will remain available at all times via Saltery Bay Branch 01 FSR to Rainy Day Lake, as well as the upper trail to Elephant Lake and Lois Lake.
tion marker balls across Jervis Inlet; October 18 to 26, – contingency dates for line removal; Spring 2026 – removal and restringing of the 138 kV line across Agamemnon Channel, upgraded to 230 kV standards; Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 – restringing of the line across Jervis Inlet, upgraded to 230 kV standards; future improvements – replacement of adjacent 230 kV lines and aviation marker balls at both crossings. Beyond replacing aging equipment, the upgrades will enhance line visibility for air traffic, improve marine safety during construction and into the future, and bolster reliability for customers in Powell River, Texada Island, Cortes Island and neighbouring areas.
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BC Hydro advises hikers to follow on-site signage and use the detours while crews are working.
The updated project schedule is as follows: October 14 to 17 – removal of the 138 kV line and avia-
Get the Peak to Go iPhone app now available in the App Store or iTunes
“We appreciate that the closures and detours create temporary disruption,” says Coules. “Our goal is to keep everyone informed and safe while we complete the work that keeps communities connected.”
Residents can find more information and details about upcoming communications protocols at bchydro.com/jervisagamemnon, or by contacting Coules at 250.608.1885 or maryanne.coules@bchydro. com.
Crime, provincial debt among UBCM topics
Union of British Columbia Municipalities’ annual meeting includes ‘productive discussions’
This year’s Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) convention held in Victoria, attended by local politicians and staff, brought up items of importance for local governments.
Following the convention (September 22 to 26), City of Powell River mayor Ron Woznow said there were some productive discussions at the annual gathering.
“One was a discussion about crime in the communities, with the mental health challenges and addictions issues,” said Woznow. “There was a speaker who had been active in the City of Vancouver for 17 years as a psychiatrist, working with people with those challenges. He said it is now time to have involuntary confinement of individuals who cannot make reasonable decisions for themselves.
“They create all kinds of problems for the communities they are in, and they are certainly not helping themselves recover. This was very
well received because people have been frustrated by the fact that the province has simply been providing free drugs, and there hasn’t been any real incentive for individuals to do anything in terms of recovery.”
Woznow said a second item of importance was the discussion around the $11.3 billion provincial deficit, when, a few years ago, there was a $3 billion surplus.
“The strong consensus is that we have basically negated the resource industry in British Columbia,” said Woznow, who attended a media briefing on the resource industry with North Island-Powell River MP Aaron Gunn and other mayors from Gunn’s riding.
1990s, that would take maybe two months and sometimes, a month. What I was urging the forests minister [Ravi Parmar] to do was to get confirmation from cabinet that he can reallocate resources within his department to allow permitting to be processed within a maximum of two months.”
Woznow said there are similar delays for agriculture and mining, and it’s due to an inability to get timely decision making.
He added that with the $11.3 billion deficit forecast to continue growing, the province’s credit rating is going to be reduced, incurring further costs for the province.
“We’re now mired in debt,”
The strong consensus is that we have basically negated the resource industry in British Columbia.
RON WOZNOW CITY OF POWELL RIVER MAYOR
“The simple message was that what is destroying the forest industry in BC is that it now takes up to two years to get a simple permit to build a road into a new location to harvest timber,” said Woznow. “When I was in the forest industry in the early
said Woznow. “We have the highest overdose death rate in Canada.
“So, coming out of the UBCM meetings, there were approaches around reducing the debt, and reducing the drug overdoses by eliminating free drugs and by having
involuntary treatment for those people who should be in treatment but won’t do it for themselves.”
Woznow said he received a phone call from a father living in Calgary whose son is living in the bush in Powell River. The father was upset because the son wanted to build a little shack in the woods, but because the city has a permitting process, it wasn’t allowed.
“It never occurred to him that he should invite his son back to Calgary,” said Woznow. “We also had a woman from the Lower Mainland who was very critical because she had a daughter up here who couldn’t get the appropriate support she thought her daughter should be getting. I’m thinking that the family structure has eroded to a large extent.”
qathet Regional District board chair Clay Brander indicated in a written submission to the Peak that this year’s UBCM convention was similar to other years in the sense that there were some sessions that didn’t apply to circumstances in qathet.
“But, if you look hard enough, you always find a few gems to take away with you that will help you in your daily work, and those gems make the effort and the investment worthwhile,”
Police Patrol: RCMP report
Powell River RCMP responded to 105 total calls for service from September 24 to October 1, including nine thefts, four assaults, seven cases of mischief and two related to mental health.
September 29
At approximately 4:09 pm, po-
lice received a report of a theft from a vehicle in the 4800 block of Saskatchewan Avenue. Sometime during the previous night, someone entered the vehicle and stole a MotoMaster jump start battery pack, some clothing and a JBL portable speaker. The stolen property was valued at more than $100.
PRODUCTIVE DISCUSSIONS: City of Powell
Woznow was one of a number of local politicians and staff to travel to Victoria for the annual Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention, where, over five days, those in attendance went to a number of sessions and had the opportunity to meet with provincial cabinet ministers. PEAK
PHOTO
stated Brander. “One of the more important sessions I attended this year concerned the recent Cowichan Tribes Aboriginal Title court decision and how that decision could impact local governments. This landmark decision has the potential to affect all local governments across BC and potentially Canada, but there’s a lot that needs to happen between now and then.
“I believe all the defendants have filed for appeals, so it will take some time to sort it all out. In the meantime, one of the panelists, a local government lawyer, said he’s not running around with his hair on fire, but he is keeping an eye on the proceedings and is interested how the outcome will affect his clients.”
Brander stated that as well as the sessions and resolutions at the convention, regional district representatives had a few meetings with ministers and ministerial staff.
“While these meetings are sometimes productive, in my experience, the ministers and their staff are so overwhelmed with the number of meetings they have during that week that oftentimes very little comes from them without continued advocacy and follow-up,” stated Brander. “That will happen in the coming weeks and months as we continue to push the province to listen to our needs, and hopefully, find a way to get them to support them.”
September 25
At approximately 10:26 am, police received a report of a theft from and mischief to a vehicle parked in the 9900 block of Highway 101. Sometime in the two weeks prior, a work truck parked at that location had the gas line cut and fuel stolen from it.
September 24
At approximately 11 am, a black iPhone in a zebra-striped case was turned in to Powell River RCMP. The phone was located under bushes in front of BC SPCA qathet on Duncan Street. Call police at 604.485.6255 and provide a description of the back-
ground photo on the home screen to claim it.
Anyone with information about any crime is asked to contact Powell River RCMP at 604.485.6255, or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.8477 or bccrimestoppers.com.
River mayor Ron
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Effects of garbage burning broached
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
A Texada Island resident appeared before qathet Regional District (qRD) directors to outline concerns over garbage burning on the island.
Jan Slakov, a Van Anda resident, attended a committee of the whole meeting last month as a delegate to express her concern about the burning of banned substances, such as plastic and styrofoam.
Slakov said she was requesting that qRD do what it can to ensure garbage burning is going to be drastically reduced. She also made a request for some kind of educational effort.
“Enforcement is falling between the cracks,” said Slakov. “On the provincial website, it gives a list of all the things you are not allowed to burn, which includes domestic waste. It says to notify the conservation officer.
“They come over, but they will never get there in time,
even if someone is burning in broad daylight on a working day. They go talk with the person, but so what?”
Slakov said the conservation officer service has told her they need proof.
She said a neighbour of hers is burning their recycling and she is anxious because her neighbourhood will have smoke from cancer-causing materials.
“I spoke with the RCMP, and someone on the public safety committee on Texada told me the RCMP could enforce it, but when I spoke with an [RCMP] officer, he told me we would need a bylaw,” said Slakov. “You can see how it is falling between the cracks.”
Slakov said in addition to being an environmental hazard, the burning is also a wildfire hazard.
Electoral Area B director
Mark Gisborne made a motion that the committee recommend that the regional board direct staff to forward information from a previous Savary Island delegation regarding wildfire detection to the conservation officer service. Gisborne said the Savary delegation outlined some technology that might be of benefit to conservation officers.
City of Powell River director Cindy Elliott said there appears to be a lack of surveillance and resources for enforcement, probably not just on Texada, but in a lot of rural areas. She asked if there was someone studying the idea of how technology could increase the ability of enforcement with the limited resources that are available.
“We at the qRD are also short of resources and don’t want to be duplicating services that ought to be done by the province,” said Elliott. “Technology can make up the balance.”
Slakov said she was advocating getting the conservation officer service, RCMP and fire protection representatives together and discussing how the matter can be addressed.
“It seems to me that on Texada, because the conservation officers don’t live there, it would make sense for the RCMP to be involved in enforcement,” said Slakov. “Something the qRD might be able to do is convene a meeting.”
Electoral Area D director and committee of the whole chair Sandy McCormick said it’s too soon to be forwarding the Savary Island
information. Electoral Area C director and board chair Clay Brander said he was uncomfortable sending the information the regional district has just received from Savary regarding fire protection.
Gisborne voted for his motion, but the rest of the board was opposed, so the motion failed.
Electoral Area E director Andrew Fall said Slakov had broached two important topics – improving enforcement and public education.
“Public education is hugely lacking,” said Fall. “When I look at the provincial website that has the prohibited burning fact sheet on it, it doesn’t actually describe why those things are bad to burn.
“The federal government has a nice brochure. Maybe some people would not do it if they knew it would harm their health.”
Fall asked how the public education piece could be improved, and in particular, in relation to the Texada public safety committee.
Slakov said she would like to see a pamphlet. She said the federal one is good, but additional information could be distributed.
OPPOSES ACTIVITY: Open burning was a topic of discussion at qathet Regional District’s committee of the whole, when a Texada Island resident outlined how a neighbour burns noxious items, polluting the neighbourhood air. TABATHA DEL FABBRO LEAD IMAGES, ISTOCK, GETTY IMAGES PLUS
REGIONAL DISTRICT BRIEFS
qathet Regional District’s (qRD) board of directors has voted to provide a letter of support for City of Powell River’s application for a federal grant for aquatic centre roof improvements at Powell River Recreation Complex.
At a regional board meeting in September, Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne asked, if the regional board supported the city’s application, would supporting it affect an application qRD has for the Lund water system.
Corporate officer Michelle Jones said she didn’t know that supporting the city would affect the qRD application.
City director Cindy Elliott said the original study into the recreation complex roof has been updated because some new issues were found with the roof. She said this has caused the original budget for roof improvements to be exceeded.
“It’s been a priority for quite some time and this would allow us to be able to afford the project going forward,” said Elliott.
The regional board unanimously adopted a motion for the letter of support.
No objection
qRD will advise the provincial ministry of mining and critical minerals that it has no objection to the notice of work for a two-year sand and gravel permit off Duck Lake Road in Electoral Area C over an area of 20.46-hectares.
According to a staff report, the majority of this crown land parcel has already been logged and disturbed by a previous tenure holder, and much of it has not been replanted. qRD’s conditions include a vegetative screen to be maintained between the subject site and Duck Lake Road, as well as adjacent properties.
Another condition is ongoing restoration and rehabilitation of the land to occur as opposed to action at the time of project completion. The third condition is that the applicant obtain a completed riparian area assessment by a qualified professional to determine impacts on potential riparian areas at the subject site.
Subdivision reviewed
BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit will be advised that qRD supports the proposed twolot subdivision application on McLeod Road in Electoral Area B, with proof of water and septic servicing for each of the dwellings and serviced buildings meeting provincial standards. The second condition is that the applicant be recommended to obtain a site-level assessment by a qualified professional to assess the flood hazard.
911 revision
The regional board has approved an amended and restated shareholders agreement and resolution to alter the North Island 911 Corporation’s articles to allow Tla’amin Nation to become a formal shareholder.
Rescind bylaw
The resource recovery centre and waste transfer station temporary borrowing bylaw was forwarded to the October 7 regional board meeting to rescind adoption.
According to a staff report, staff received statutory approval of the bylaw and waited the one-month quashing period, but staff missed applying to the province for the certificate of approval before bringing forward the temporary borrowing bylaw. The bylaw now needs to be rescinded until the certificate of approval is received.
PUBLIC PROCLOMATION: Following a request from Powell River Public Library, at a meeting in September, qathet Regional District’s board proclaimed October 2025 as Library Month. PEAK ARCHIVE PHOTO
Committee investigation
Court resurfacing
At a previous board meeting, staff members were directed to investigate barriers contributing to the inactivity of the solid waste management plan monitoring advisory committee, including, but not limited to: recruitment challenges, member retention, meeting logistics and scope of mandate. Staff will report back with findings and recommended solutions to support the reactivation and sustainability of the committee.
The board also directed staff to seek funding opportunities to resurface the Texada Island tennis courts and approved a request to locate a 20-foot storage container behind the community hall on Texada.
Jervis Inlet and Agamemnon Channel Power Line Replacement Project
Marine Traffic Closure, October 14 – 17
The 138 kV power line crossing over Jervis Inlet is scheduled for removal from Tuesday, October 14, to Friday, October 17. The contingency dates are Saturday, October 18 to Sunday, October 26. Please note that dates are subject to change at any time based on weather, site conditions, and other factors.
A marine traffic closure will be in place while the power line removal work is underway to ensure public and crew safety. A 3 km stretch of Jervis Inlet between Saltery Bay and Vanguard Bay will be closed to marine vessels. The area will maintain 1.5 km clearance on both sides of the transmission line. Marine users are advised to plan for restrictions from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.
A marine route around Nelson Island through the Agamemnon Channel will be available at all times. A designated safe navigation channel will be reopened on the north side of the channel as soon as there is sufficient clearance from the shoreline for marine traffic, subject to clearance by safety vessels. Marine traffic must maintain a minimum distance of 300 metres from the barge performing conductor retrieval. Marine users are asked to use call sign “Safety Ranger” on VHF Channel 68 to contact the safety vessels.
To maintain essential service and community connectivity during the marine traffic closure in Jervis Inlet, BC Ferries will reroute sailings around Nelson Island. Updated schedules are available at bcferries.com.
We recognize this work may cause temporary disruptions and appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we work to safely complete this important project.
To learn more about this project, visit bchydro.com/jervisagamemnon or contact Mary Anne Coules at 250-608-1885 or maryanne.coules@bchydro.com.
Temporary shelter motion fails
City council votes down recommendation regarding facility proposed for Barnet Street
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
A motion brought forward regarding the proposed temporary shelter and overdose protection site on Barnet Street was voted down by City of Powell River Council last week.
At a meeting on October 2, councillor Jim Palm read a motion with four conditions regarding the temporary shelter, including that lease terms between the city and the provincial renting housing corporation management commission must protect and safeguard the community. The second was that there be 24/7 security at the site, provided by an independent third party. The third condition was that the overdose prevention site not be co-located at the project site. The fourth condition was that the shelter remain inclusive and operated as a dry facility. Mayor Ron Woznow seconded the motion for discussion.
On the first point regarding the lease, Palm said it is important that the city and
public are aware of what is in the contract between the housing provider and those operating it, so the public has an idea whether the stipulations of the contract are being met.
“We have asked, in the past, for a copy of the agreement, which hasn’t been provided to the city,” said Palm. “I’m hoping we will get a copy so we can monitor the situation for the safety of all.”
Regarding around the clock security, Palm said a request has been made for the existing supportive housing complex and that requirement has not been met.
“We know what is happening in our community as far as safety of the people who are vulnerable and the people living around the site,” said Palm, adding that there has been commentary from people going to their cars when it's dark after work.
“I hate to hear safety being jeopardized for those good working residents who are abiding by the law.”
Regarding the overdose prevention site, Palm said he was fortunate to have been at a conference in Victoria, and the mayor of Nanaimo, Leonard Krog, sat beside him. Palm said he appreciated Krog asking for a drugand alcohol-free facility to be built in the downtown core.
Palm asked Krog about the BC government’s response.
Krog’s response, said Palm, was no.
Palm said that by passing his motion, however, city council would be sending a message to the province that there has to be a better way to deal with the issue.
“The present model of a roof over your head and providing free drugs is not working for our community,” said Palm.
The final point was having the facility operate as a dry facility to have a safe environment for all.
Councillor Trina Isakson said drugs are not provided at overdose prevention sites.
“It is a safe place to consume drugs, but drugs are not provided,” said Isakson. She added that there is a need for more than one shelter serving more than one purpose in the community.
“Ideally, we wouldn’t have to have any shelters because everyone would be housed, but it does make sense to have more than one solution,” said Isakson. “There are vulnerable people, vulnerable youth and vulnerable seniors in a variety of states of being and health. For many people, having health services co-located with housing is important to make sure people live long enough to have choices and make choices related to their future health.”
Councillor George Doubt said he would not support Palm’s motion. He said at the end of a closed meet-
ing on July 3, there was a rise and report that council was considering disposition of city land through a lease agreement with BC Housing for operation of a shelter.
“At this stage, passing a motion to add additional demands doesn’t make any sense,” said Doubt. “Council has agreed to negotiate a lease agreement where there will be targets set in place by each side about what they want to achieve. Hopefully, we will come to a lease agreement because we need a place to shelter temporarily while we get supportive housing, which BC Housing has said they would like to provide. If we put roadblocks in the way and it prevents us from doing the shelter stage, we will not get to the other stages.”
Doubt said the city owes it to people to provide steps to
Charges laid in killing of grizzly
Pair charged with failing to report shooting
‘Tex’
JORDAN COPP Coast Reporter
Two residents of Texada Island are facing charges in connection with the killing of a grizzly bear that had previously drawn widespread attention across the Sunshine Coast.
The BC Conservation Officer Service (COS)
confirmed that Crown counsel has approved charges against the individuals for failing to promptly report the wounding or killing of a grizzly bear, a violation under Section 75(2) of the BC Wildlife Act. The pair are scheduled to appear in Powell River Provincial Court on October 14.
The bear in question, a four-year-old male nicknamed “Tex” by locals, had been the subject of multiple relocation efforts in 2024 after being spotted in Gibsons and Sechelt, including near schools and residential areas. Conservation officers, with support from
get people off the street and to avoid deaths that take place in the community due to drugs being used in dangerous places.
Woznow said he appears to be the only one who is interested in the majority of residents of Powell River.
Isakson called a point of order, indicating that with Woznow saying he was the only one who is concerned about the majority of residents, it might be misinterpreted.
“It’s also intended to speak down about the rest of council and our interests in connecting with the public,” added Isakson.
Woznow said he would rephrase his statement and say he was the only one sitting at the council table who has actively been involved in forming three centres in different cities to help people
provincial biologists and shíshálh Nation, relocated the bear twice that year — first from Gibsons to Vancouver Bay, and then from Sechelt to the far end of Jervis Inlet. Despite these efforts, the bear returned to populated areas within weeks.
In May 2025, conservation officers warned residents in the southern areas of qathet Regional District that the same grizzly had been seen around Donkersley Beach and Palm Beach. The bear eventually swam to Texada, where it was seen stalking residents and livestock.
who are addicted to drugs to recover.
“From that perspective, I have seen the value of having order in putting together drug recovery programs,” said Woznow. “For each of these three programs I was involved with, we never had an issue with the community.
“We followed the teachings of a leading psychiatrist, who said there are rights and there are responsibilities, so anyone coming into the program had to understand their rights and responsibilities when they were in this program. In the end, the vast majority of the people coming into our programs left, having no addiction.”
Woznow and Palm voted in favour of the motion, but the rest of council voted against it.
The COS had deemed the bear unsuitable for further relocation due to its history of conflict and aggressive behaviour. However, a new plan was being developed in partnership with First Nations to move the bear to a remote area up the coast. That plan was cut short when the bear was found shot and killed in the Van Anda area on July 14.
The COS has stated that no further details will be released while the matter is before the courts.
This story was made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
WANTS ADJUSTMENTS: City councillor Jim Palm introduced a motion at a City of Powell River Council meeting to request stipulations for a proposed temporary shelter on Barnet Street, which five of the councillors voted down. PEAK ARCHIVE PHOTO
Organization’s name to remain
qathet Tourism Society’s change
from
Tourism Powell River questioned in city council motion
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
City of Powell River Council defeated a motion by councillor Jim Palm to have qathet Tourism Society change its name back to Tourism Powell River.
At the October 2 council meeting, Palm brought forward a lengthy motion, which concluded by indicating that if the tourism society was unwilling to change its name back, that the city shall terminate its funding agreement with the society.
Mayor Ron Woznow seconded the motion.
After introducing his motion, Palm said he was not talking about the tourism office, personnel or board members.
“I’m simply going to be talking about the funding of our tourism centre,” said Palm.
He said the motion simply asks for a name change to bring back reference to Powell River.
“Giving notice to the tourism society gives them 90 days from tonight, if this
was to pass, to change the name back,” said Palm. “The society will have a great deal of time to deliberate and plan the course of action.
“We have a contract. When it was renewed, it provided our tourism society with more than $500,000 for the next three years to run the operation. That half a million is exclusively city funds from the taxpayers of Powell River.”
Palm said the city financial contribution is 74 per cent of the government funding the tourism society receives. Without it, the society would have a hard time operating, promoting the city, he added. Palm said there was a lack of notice regarding the society’s name change, and a lack of consultation, when this was brought into force.
Councillor Earl Almeida, the city’s representative who attends tourism board meetings, said he could not vote in favour of the motion. He said nowhere in the promotion of the visitor centre does it say: visitor centre run by qathet Tourism Society.
“The sign on the front of the visitors’ centre says Visitor Information Centre, there is a logo for Powell River on the front, the website still says Tourism Powell River, or Discover Powell River,” said Almeida. “It has nothing to do with the name of the society.
“The society has $7,000 in revenue that comes from membership that has noth-
ing to do with city funds. It has another $6,600 that comes from renting a room in the office, so that’s almost $14,000 in excess revenue in addition to what they receive from the city and qathet Regional District. The total cost for the name change amounted to $80.”
Councillors Rob Southcott, George Doubt and Cindy Elliott also spoke in opposition to Palm’s motion.
Mayor Ron Woznow said the matter was very simple. He said the tourism society should have had the courtesy to come to city council prior to them asking for funding and saying they intended to change the name.
“That would have provided a simple approach which would have shown some reasonable consideration for all the people in Powell River who were going to fund this,” said Woznow. “While I agree there is no legal recourse, the message should be very simple that in the future, if you are going to do something like this, which is going to excite a lot of taxpayers in Powell River for not being respected, hopefully, this will not happen again.”
Councillor Trina Isakson, referring to the motion, said it was irresponsible for material in council agendas to make claims that are not factual, because it gives the impression that even though it is a motion from a member of council, because it is pro-
moted in the agenda, the public feels that is the truth.
“I would prefer not to see motions from any councillor made about any society in this town that states things in a negative light that are not factually accurate,” said Isakson. “It does not reflect well to be disparaging the ability of organizations to uphold their agreements to the city if they are not based in fact.”
She said she did not support the motion.
Almeida said a legal opinion on the matter was received because he asked staff a question in June, when the name change of the society was finalized. He wanted to know whether there was a breach in contract.
“Staff took it upon themselves to get the legal opinion,” said Almeida. “The legal opinion determined that there wasn’t any breach of contract.
“There’s plenty of revenue that is not city money that is in their [qathet Tourism Society] budget and they used $80.”
Isakson called for a point of order and was told to “shut up” by Woznow. He asked Isakson to quit talking.
Isakson said she challenged the chair and Woznow said she could not talk. Isakson proposed a recess.
“You’ve lost control of the meeting and aren’t following the procedure,” said Isakson.
Woznow said when a point of order is called, councillors
change
name back
Tourism
discussed by City of Powell River Council when the motion was brought forward by councillor Jim Palm. The motion was defeated. Had the motion passed, the city would have given 90 days’ notice to make the change or face the prospect of losing city funding.
could read and see what the procedure is.
“The person who calls for a point of order is silent and that allows the chair to make a ruling,” said Woznow. “If there is a consensus against the ruling of the chair, then it can be revisited. We should take two minutes and read about calling a point of order. Then, we’ll be able to have this discussion.”
Woznow called for a recess.
After the recess, corporate officer Stephen Fleming read from the procedure bylaw.
Isakson called again for a point of order and said the procedure bylaw allows councillors to speak once to the issue before the assembly. She said the mayor could call for a vote on the motion without calling on other speakers. Councillors were awaiting the mayor’s ruling on whether councillors
could speak more than once to an issue before the question is called, she added.
Woznow said it has been very seldom that he has not allowed a second or third question on motions. He said he would allow subsequent questions.
Elliott then raised a point of order and said there is an expectation of conduct on the council, and yelling “shut up” at people is not part of it.
“I think you owe councillor Isakson an apology for that because she was not out of order,” said Elliott.
Woznow said he apologized for the insensitivity of his comment, which he thought was due course.
When Woznow called the vote on the motion for the tourism society to change its name back, the motion was defeated, with Palm in favour.
VOTE FAILS: A motion to provide notice to qathet Tourism Society to
its
to
Powell River was
PEAK ARCHIVE PHOTO
VIEWPOINT
Nutrition‑focused strategies for children and adults with ADHD
By Dr. Shawn Peters
Attention‑deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelop mental condition that affects chil dren and adults, often manifesting as difficulty with sustaining atten tion, impulsivity and hyperactivity. While pharmacologic treatments remain a cornerstone of care, many families explore complementary, natural options that target diet and nutrition.
Research spanning several de cades suggests a link between syn thetic food additives and height ened ADHD‑related behaviours.
Studies involving double‑blind, placebo‑controlled challenges have shown that certain artificial colour ings (for example, Red 40, Yellow 5),
Municipal mess
flavour enhancers such as monoso dium glutamate (MSG) and other artificial additives can exacerbate hyperactivity in some individuals, particularly children who are sensi tive to these compounds. Research here isn’t clear but the potential for improvement suggests determin ing if you are sensitive.
Be vigilant when it comes to reading labels. Look for terms such as artificial colour, FD&C, synthet ic flavour or MSG on ingredient lists. Opt for whole‑food snacks and meals prepared from fresh ingredients.
Omega‑3 fatty acids—particu larly EPA and DHA—play a pivotal role in neuronal membrane fluidity
Yes, our council chambers are in a dys functional state [“Letter: Contentitious cli mate,” October 2].
It is time for certain elected officials to make the right choice and step down. Byelections cost taxpayers money but nothing is being achieved nor accomplished in this mess of a personality conflicted mu nicipal government at our city hall. Make the correct decision and step down, even to show respect for democracy and the citizens of Powell River. I’m not pointing fingers at any elected representative, just putting it out there. You know which ones you are who need to make the honourable decision.
One more year until the next municipal election is too far away for this to keep happening within our council chambers. Byelection, then we can carry on with what
We respectfully acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional and treaty lands of the Tla’amin people.
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and neurotransmission. Various tri als report modest improvements in impulsivity and executive function when participants receive EPA/DHA supplementation. Dietary sources include fatty fish (salmon, macker el), algae‑based oils and walnuts. Magnesium acts as a cofactor for many enzymatic reactions, includ ing those involved in dopamine regulation and magnesium often being low in those with ADHD. Some studies associate lower se rum magnesium levels with in creased ADHD symptoms. There are conflicting results, but some studies demonstrate the benefit of magnesium supplementation on behaviour in children.
needs to be done until October 2026.
Glenn Holstine Wildwood
A bit bewildered
I believe I have a fairly good vocabulary and usually understand legal documents, but the statements from the local credit union have left me a bit bewildered [“Financial merger receives consent,” October 2].
What exactly are the benefits for local members? Bigger is not always better.
We’ll still have our local board, and two of them will join the amalgamated board, an expense for local members. What power will they have when they are outnumbered by Vancity’s majority?
I would appreciate a simple list of benefits for local members.
Helen Evans Westview
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Vitamin D deficiency is com mon worldwide and also in some people with ADHD. Some stud ies have demonstrated reduced ADHD symptoms when used alongside medication. Sunlight ex posure and dietary sources (fatty fish, fortified dairy) complement supplementation.
Test first. Blood panels for ome ga‑3 index, magnesium and 25‑hy droxyvitamin D can guide dosage decisions.
Oxidative stress is increasingly recognized as a factor in neurode velopmental disorders, including ADHD. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, potentially protecting neuronal integrity.
Whole foods are the best sources of antioxidants. They are most abundant in fruits (blueberries, strawberries) and cruciferous veg etables (cabbage, broccoli, cauli flower), as well leafy greens such as spinach and kale, and other foods including nuts, seeds, whole grains and some meats, poultry and fish. Incorporate a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables daily to ensure a broad spectrum of phytochemicals.
Dr. Shawn Peters, ND, is a naturopathic doctor practicing in the qathet region and Courtenay. For more information, go to drshawnpeters.com or call 604.489.5919.
KELLY KEIL publisher/owner
SHANE CARLSON editor
PAUL GALINSKI reporter
SANDY ADAMS sales and marketing consultant
Procession marks reconciliation day
Tla'amin elder Doreen Point and walk organizer Cyndi Pallen take stage at Willingdon Beach
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
Hundreds of people gathered on Tuesday, September 30, for the fifth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day to take place in the qathet region.
The walk from tis’kwat/ Townsite to Willingdon Beach has been organized every year by Cyndi Pallen, a counsellor with qathet SAFE and member of Tla'amin Nation.
This year also marks the 10-year anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that, according to the Canadian government, provided those directly or indirectly affected by the legacy of the residential schools policy with an opportunity to share their stories and experiences.
Tla'amin elder Doreen Point, who went to St. Augustine Indian Residential School in Sechelt
RECONCILIATION JOURNEY: A walk for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation took place on Tuesday, September 30. TANYA
for seven years, began the gathering with a prayer:
"We thank you for all the gifts that surround us, for the gift of the land that gives us food, shelter and water, for the gift of the sun that gives warmth and light to all that grows, for the gifts of the moon and stars, which you have arranged for your glory, for the gifts of our language and culture through which we share our values that you have engraved in our hearts. We pray that you will teach us how to create true bonds of community and understanding as Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples today."
Point said that thousands of children died in residential schools across Canada.
"We lift up in prayer the sacred lives of the children who went missing from these Indian residential schools and whose fates were unknown to those who held them most dear," said Point. "These were children of our communities, children of our lands; the loss of their gifts is our loss. Every child matters."
Pallen, who spoke next, said Point has spent a long time raising awareness of the challenges she has faced.
"To hear her story touched my heart, and I'm grateful that our elder is here with us and that she's able to help support us in prayer and understanding of the work that we're doing today," said Pallen. "First, we stand here
today in honour of our ancestors, whose teachings told us to be mindful of who we are and always to remember where we come from."
Pallen emphasized that through many degrees of atrocities, some children suffered and many who went to residential schools, and the teachings, were lost.
"Home is where your heart is and where your family is, and we'll continue our journey to wellness as we continue raising awareness of how First Nations people have been impacted," said Pallen. "It is our own responsibility to continue the work for our ancestors and our parents. So, September 30 marks the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation."
Progress made at Edgehill
Update given on expansion project at elementary school
TANYA HILL
thill@prpeak.com
At the qathet School District committee of the whole meeting on Wednesday, September 10, qathet School District (qSD) director of maintenance Jared Formosa presented an
update on the Edgehill Elementary School expansion project.
"Significant summer progress included HVAC upgrades with new electric heating/cooling units, with natural gas retained only as backup, " stated Formosa in the meeting notes. "Work also addressed lead remediation through a new domestic water system, along with upgraded electrical and sprinkler systems and new LED lighting."
He also informed trustees that the library had been relocated to a tem-
porary space for the remainder of the school year.
"Construction milestones completed include foundation and slab pours, civil and mechanical roughins, and installation of new entryway stairs and ramp, " indicated Formosa. "Framing work is underway, with truss installation scheduled for late September."
He also mentioned that a hoarding wall and ceiling remain in place to separate active school operations from construction areas.
HILL PHOTO
City of Powell River Proposed Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaws for Taxation Year 2026
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Section 227 of the Community Charter, that City Council will consider three readings of Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaws 2780, 2781, and 2782 at the October 2, 2025, regular Council meeting. The proposed adoption date for these Bylaws is October 16, 2025. The purpose of these bylaws is to exempt the organizations listed below from property taxes for the 2026 taxation year.
Ferry issues at forefront
Elected officials call on province and BC Ferries to do better
HOPE LOMPE Gabriola Sounder
Communication issues, last-minute scheduling changes, safety concerns and a lack of accountability –some of the many common problems shared around the room at a gathering of ferrydependent communities on September 21.
As elected officials from across the province arrived in Victoria for the five-day Union of BC Municipalities annual convention, representatives from communities that rely on BC Ferries convened a day early to share concerns and discuss an action plan moving forward. The two-hour gathering included elected officials from municipalities, Islands Trustees, chambers of commerce, electoral area directors and First Nations.
“Is anyone having an awesome time with the ferries right now?” Bowen Island mayor Andrew Leonard quipped during his opening remarks, which earned a collective laughter from the room.
The late-afternoon event began with mingling over coffee. Introductions and unstructured ferry chatter filled the room as people took their seats. Six large round tables arranged with white tablecloths, note pads, pens and water glasses were set up to facilitate the symposium that Leonard, as host, insisted would be a departure from the conference mode they were all about to participate in over the next five days.
Gibsons mayor Silas White ran in late, ironically due to answering media calls about a ship at Langdale Terminal with a grounded main engine turbo charger caused by a mechanical issue
earlier in the day.
Leonard said the UBCM convention was the best opportunity to organize elected officials and representatives to discuss where their commonalities lie. Less than a week later, a coalition of elected officials signed and sent a call to action letter to BC Ferries and premier David Eby, an idea born out of the discussions and collective brainstorming.
BC Ferries and Islands Trust were invited to be part of the organization and funding of the event, however, both declined. BC Ferries cited its own engagement event for local officials at UBCM, and Islands Trust attributed it to capacity limits. Several Islands trustees, however, were in attendance.
Documents show invitations were sent to representatives from 31 small ferrydependent communities. More than 35 people were in attendance on the day.
Two politicians also made an appearance. Jeremy Valeriote, Green Party MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky, and Aaron Gunn, MP for North Island-Powell River.
“We were thinking two trust councils ago, how could we get the coastal ferry dependent communities together to deal with the fact that the ferry advisory committees have been dissolved,” said Islands trustee Susan Yates.
The advisory committees (FACs) were a group of volunteers representing ferrydependent communities to advocate on their behalf and communicate directly with BC Ferries. Yates said the FACs only brought serious concerns forward to BC Ferries, which were met with inconsistent follow-through. FACs were eventually disbanded and replaced with an engagement process for communities earlier this year, one of the reasons why the invitee list was kept to primarily elected officials, and did not include volun-
teers from local advocacy groups.
Many representatives in the room lamented the effectiveness of the new dynamic with BC Ferries, saying communication has felt preformative and superficial since the change, and that there is no accountability or requirement to facilitate meaningful communication with communities.
Small ferry-dependent communities have specific challenges they see with the ferries, said Leonard. These are communities excluding Vancouver Island that rely on the ferry service for essential services like medical appointments and commutes for work or school.
“This is not a cruise ship; this is an essential service that we need to get us to our homes, to work, to connect our families,” said Tobi Elliott, Islands trustee for Gabriola. “There’s been a longstanding disconnect with the communities that depend on the ferries and the services they have been getting, and this came to a flash point with the dissolution of the FACs.”
In small groups, people wrote on sticky notes what their community problems were with the ferries, and were told to identify common themes. Each small group presented their findings to the room. Over the course of the symposium it became clear very few frustrations were isolated to one community or terminal, as several common challenges emerged around the room, and a sense of unity formed. Among the many concerns shared, key takeaways were issues with pricing, terminal safety and accessibility, last-minute scheduling changes, inconsistent or a lack of marshalling, reliability, lack of consultation with communities on decisionmaking and prioritization of tourists needs and larger routes over smaller routes and residents. They also described frus-
trations with a lack of remediation pathways for crossjurisdictional problems, like Transport Canada, which enforced a ban earlier this year on damaged electric vehicles (EVs) on ferries.
In an email statement, BC Ferries wrote that it takes these concerns seriously, but wanted to be clear about steps they have taken, and what is outside of their control.
“It’s important to be clear about the facts. BC Ferries has been meeting directly with municipal leaders across the coast, and just this afternoon our CEO hosted a wellattended session for elected officials at UBCM,” wrote a BC Ferries spokesperson.
“Ferries are under real strain from record demand, aging vessels and constrained terminals. We are willing partners to collaborate on solutions and improvements, but we also have to recognize our service contract does not provide the flexibility or funding to resolve issues beyond our responsibility.”
The spokesperson noted that the Tsawwassen/ Swartz Bay route is the only one that covers its costs and every other route operates at a loss, going on to cite rising fuel prices, inflation, labour costs and the expense of maintaining aging vessels and terminals all adding pressure to their operations.
“That is why we must work
closely with [the] government to resolve the funding challenges ahead of our Performance Term 7 submission next September, so we can deliver the long-term investments communities are asking for without placing the full burden on ferry users.”
During the group discussions, Yates brought up the BC Ferries Experience Cards, which are used to get “saver” fares on select routes that are reloaded at $130 minimum, unattainable for many lowincome and working families. The cards are only for ticketing and cannot be used to purchase items from the cafeteria or gift shop.
Yates argued that those who cannot afford to load $130 each time to get the saver fare will pay for a higher-priced, one-time ticket at the booth.
BC Ferries stated that the structure of the card is by design: “The experience card was implemented to provide discounted travel on minor routes. The minimum load is a universal price, regardless of route, and is set at the cost of one undiscounted round trip on the ComoxPowell River route. It is designed to reduce the need to reload each trip, which could cause delays for customers and impact on-time service. While the reload minimum is $130, the experience card provides discounted fares, which means users re-
cover that upfront amount through savings.”
The spokesperson added that the card balance never expires, and by design, it is focused on providing savings for tickets, not other items where they will not see the benefit.
BC Ferries stated that the company is engaging “more than ever” through its Let’s Connect engagement process, with a reported 1,800 participants since May. The company also noted that its UBCM session was wellattended by elected officials.
The independent gathering of ferry-dependent communities ended with a brainstorming session on what they can do about these issues, and how they can move forward, ultimately ending in a plan to write a call to action letter to BC Ferries and the province. The letter included many of the concerns addressed during the discussion, including reliability, infrastructure and communications concerns:
“We are calling for the immediate establishment of a formal consultation framework that goes beyond information sessions and engages local governments and First Nations as true partners in addressing systemic issues. This process must begin without delay.”
This story was made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
FERRY MEETING: More than 35 representatives from ferry-dependent communities gathered to brainstorm and discuss common challenges in Victoria on September 21. HOPE LOMPE PHOTO
Economic opportunities explored
Circular economy hub project to help repurpose waste
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
Synergy Foundation’s circular economy hub project will create and retain jobs in the qathet region by turning waste from the construction, renovation and demolition (C&D) sector into new economic opportunities.
Synergy’s senior project manager for the circular economy Tai Uhlmann said she is getting to work with some local businesses directly. The foundation, with funding support from the BC government’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program, will be carrying out the circular economy project to focus on recovering and repurposing construction and demolition waste for reuse, and value-added manufacturing, workforce upskilling and job creation. The project will be two years in duration.
“Our project is pretty much in full swing and we have been conducting a material market study, so we’ve started doing a lot of outreach to different businesses and organizations, and doing direct one-on-one interviews to better understand what materials are available, what equipment is available and what different businesses are interested in as far as creating a local hub network,” said Uhlmann. “We want to spread that net wide, including people who are just working with those materials, including artists and innovators, entrepreneurs, and really seeing the kind of value in those materials through reuse, value-added, manufacturing, refurbishing, et cetera.
“The hub can look different in different communities. It could be a physical space, or it could be a network of local partners. It’s
really a system for sharing materials, tools, skills, knowledge and training.”
Uhlmann said the circular hub is not just about supporting reuse and repair of materials, but also, trying to spark innovation in the community, creating more economic opportunities by turning waste into something valuable. Part of the first step in developing the project is about networking and connecting businesses together, plus organizations and makers, seeing who might be interested in being part of this hub and helping exchange materials and circulate materials locally.
“So, we are reducing waste locally and helping to build a more resilient and diversified local economy,” said Uhlmann. “We are at the stage where we are trying to understand what the community has, what the opportunities are, what the resources are, and what the key materials are.
“From there, we can think about what makes the most sense in this community to help us find more economic opportunities with these waste materials. It’s looking at waste as a resource with untapped value. Somebody’s trash is somebody else’s treasure.”
Uhlmann said part of the project is getting people in a room together and looking at what is available locally, looking at what materials are available, and what materials are needed to start fostering and facilitating those material exchanges. To this end, Synergy Foundation is hosting a C&D waste to resource workshop on October 29, where interested community members can gather for breakfast, networking and an interactive session on material reuse.
“We’re offering free breakfast, lots of coffee and we’re inviting designers, contractors, buildings, manufacturers, local artists, innovators, woodworkers and welders,” said Uhlmann. “Anyone interested in reducing waste and building a circular economy
REPURPOSING MATERIALS: A two-year project sponsored by a provincial government grant is underway in qathet to help repurpose construction and demolition waste into reusable commodities.
should attend it. We’ll have short presentations on building a circular economy in qathet region and Synergy will be presenting.
“There will be an open, facilitated discussion to gather input and ideas from people in the room, as well as opportunities for networking and looking at some opportunities for material matchmaking.”
Additionally, there will be tours of two different local businesses, one being Modern Windows, and the other being Post & Purlin, a wood milling and manufacturing business.
Uhlmann said the circular hub project itself is providing free one-to-one support to four mid-sized construction and manufacturing companies through the accelerator program, where participants will receive an in-depth, on-site assessment with a circular advisor and tailored recommendations to reduce waste, energy use and emissions, while uncovering cost-savings opportunities. She said there were four spots available in qathet and two of them have been filled, so they are offering two other spots for local businesses, preferably in the construction or demolition
Forest companies receive funds
qathet region businesses qualify for provincial money to expand operations
Two qathet region forestry companies are receiving provincial funds to modernize, innovate and diversify their product lines and fibre sources to make more highvalue, made-in-BC products, and help protect and create jobs.
According to a media release from the provincial ministry of forests, homeD Modular Building Technologies and Tla’amin Timber Products will be receiving manufacturing jobs fund investments.
“Powell River has the long-established entrepreneurial spirit, resources and the innovative, talented people to help grow our local and provincial economy,” stated Randene Neill, MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast. "This funding will help local businesses plan for projects and lay the ground-
work for more meaningful, wellpaying rural jobs."
The release stated that homeD Modular Building uses a proprietary, component-based building system known as BoxPods that can be rapidly configured, stacked and scaled to meet diverse community needs. homeD is receiving as much as $50,000 to complete planning and technical assessments for a next-generation manufacturing hub in British Columbia.
Tla'amin Timber operates on behalf of Tla’amin Nation and sup-
industries. More information can be found at project-zero.ca/circular-hubs.
Uhlmann said almost half of the waste shipped to landfill in Washington State is C&D waste, which is around 4,000 metric tonnes per year. She said it is important to come up with better practices for diverting that material before it ends up in a mixed bin full of all categories of waste, making it harder to extract the value.
Uhlmann said she has been having great conversations with local businesses, some of which are very excited about the project.
“For a lot of the businesses we are talking to, it just makes good business sense to be reusing and finding solutions for waste materials,” said Uhlmann. “The circular economy is about keeping materials in use for as long as possible and at the highest value, getting away from the throwaway waste model and focusing on better design and keeping resources circulating.
For tickets to the waste to resource breakfast, go to eventbrite.ca and search for C&D Waste to Resource Community Session.
ports management of its forestry operations. It is receiving as much as $38,725 to conduct planning required for the construction of a value-added processing facility.
Through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF), the province is contributing as much as $2.5 million for nine wood-product manufacturing businesses to plan or complete capital projects. This may include building new or upgrading existing facilities to scale operations, buying new equipment to help maximize production
and fibre utilization, and reduce waste, or conducting planning activities to support future capital investments.
"It's no secret our forestry sector is facing many challenges, making these investments timely," stated BC minister of forests Ravi Parmar. "These companies are vital to their communities and this funding is one way we are working with them to help protect jobs, support local economies and build a sustainable forestry sector for generations to come."
PAUL GALINSKI PHOTO
SPORTS »
Team seeks to defend title
Regals host newest WCSHL club to start season
SHANE CARLSON editor@prpeak.com
Powell River Regals will begin defence of their West Coast Senior Hockey League (WCSHL) championship this weekend against the league’s newest team.
“We are so excited to now have a fourth team in the WCSHL and welcome the newest franchise, the Hope Icebreakers,” said Regals’ coach Tod English.
The Icebreakers have joined the Regals, Lake Cowichan Appollos and Nanaimo Steelmen in the four-team league and will
face off with the defending champions at Hap Parker Arena on Friday, October 10, and Saturday, October 11.
Lake Cowichan defeated Nanaimo 12-5 in the first WCSHL game of the season on September 27.
Teams will play 12 games each, hosting each opponent twice and travelling to opposition arenas for two games. Two rounds of playoffs will follow the regular season, with semifinal and final series slated for February of 2026. The league’s champion will advance to the four-team Coy Cup provincial championship tournament in Dawson Creek.
“Coming off a 2025 McCallum Cup WCSHL championship, we have been preparing for the
upcoming season opener against Hope,” said English. “We have most of our team returning for our 71st season as we look to win another championship, along with a chance to compete for the Coy Cup in late March.”
Local roster players this season include: forwards Brett Kinley, Cohen Mastrodonato, Mikey Markland, Ethan Schmunk, Cory Burnett, Isaac Shelton, Nic Porchetta, Garrett Brandsma, Jack Frost, Lucas Wadsworth and Mason Windsor; defenders Matteo Porchetta, Brad Cimaglia, Tyler Durant, Mike Behan, Gabe Shipley, Kyle English, Jack Long and Ross Ciarnello; and goaltenders Nic Peters, Dieter McIntosh and Ryan Fairgray. Both games start at 7 pm.
Jervis Inlet and Agamemnon Channel Power Line Replacement Project
To maintain reliable service to customers in the City of Powell River and surrounding communities, ensure public safety, and improve visibility for air traffic, we’re replacing the 138 kV power line at the Jervis Inlet and Agamemnon Channel crossings.
Jervis Inlet Power Line Removal and Marine Traffic Closure
The 138 kV power line crossing Jervis Inlet is scheduled for removal from Tuesday, October 14 to Friday, October 17. Contingency dates are from Saturday, October 18 to Sunday, October 26
A marine traffic closure will be in place from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily while the power line removal work is underway to ensure public and crew safety.
To maintain essential service and community connectivity during the marine traffic closure in Jervis Inlet, BC Ferries will reroute sailings around Nelson Island. The updated schedule is posted at bcferries.com and has been shared with service notice subscribers.
Temporary Sunshine Coast Trail Closure at Saltery Bay / Jervis Inlet North
Sunshine Coast Trail closures at Saltery Bay / Jervis Inlet North are in effect until January 31, 2026. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of the public and our crews while project work is underway in this area.
An alternate route will be available at all times via the Saltery Bay FSR Br 01 to Rainy Day Lake as well as the upper trail to Elephant Lake and Lois Lake
To learn more about this project, please visit bchydro.com/jervisagamemnon. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mary Anne Coules at 250-608-1885 or maryanne.coules@bchydro.com.
Thank you for your patience and support while this critical work is completed.
OPENING OPPONENT: Powell River Regals [in black], seen above in action versus Terrace River Kings during Coy Cup 2024, will kick off their 2025/2026 season against Hope Icebreakers at Hap Parker Arena this weekend. SHANE CARLSON PHOTO
First win
Powell River Kings split a pair of road games last weekend on southern Vancouver Island.
Coastal West divisionleading Cowichan Valley Capitals doubled the fifth place Kings 6-3 in Duncan on October 4. Marek
Beaudoin, Ryan Hedley and Brendan Giles scored for the Kings, who trailed 2-1 after the first period and 5-3 after 40 minutes.
Beaudoin (two), Giles and Hedley each scored again in Victoria the next afternoon when Powell River rebounded at the Q Centre with an 8-5 win,
the first of the season for the visitors.
Jake Westhaver, Max Bleicher, Dustin Hendry and Sam Esposito each scored their first goals of the BC Hockey League season. Kings play Salmon Arm and Brooks, Alberta, at the BCHL Showcase in Abbotsford this weekend.
Pickleballers host fundraiser
Poker tournament held with proceeds going toward building a facility
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
qathet Pickleball Association’s poker tournament to help raise funds for an indoor pickleball facility was a great success, according to one of the organizers.
The association sponsored the fundraiser with former professional poker player Matt Jarvis, who lives in the Lower Mainland. He came here to play poker and help host the tournament.
Pickleball association facility director Dale Sundberg said the Matt Jarvis poker event on September 20 was designed to raise funds for building a pickleball facility in Powell River. A cityowned parcel of land near the Timberlane complex has been identified as a suitable site to construct indoor pickleball courts, and city councillors are going to be reviewing the use of cityowned lands by nonprofit organizations.
Sundberg said the turnout for the poker tournament was fantastic. It was projected that 60 people would sign up, but 80 people registered for the event. More
were hoping they could participate by showing up at the door of the seniors centre in Cranberry, where the tournament was held, but they were too late to participate.
Sundberg estimated that the event raised $5,500 for the pickleball association and there was universal desire to host a second event, which the association is planning, possibly in January. This time, the hope is to get 100 tournament participants, which is the limit of the licence.
In addition to the prospect of land procurement from the city, Sundberg said the association is actively looking at grants that could help with construction costs.
“It is going to be a community facility,” said Sundberg. “It is not a country club. It’s something we feel the city needs.
“When you look at the number of players in Powell River and what we have for facilities, we are underserved. We are borrowing gyms from the schools right now since the facility we were leasing was taken. We’re strapped trying to find places for people to play.”
Sundberg said several communities in BC have recently built or are looking to build pickleball facilities. He said the facility in Vernon is very successful and he is in direct contact with that association. Sechelt is also trying to build a facility, as
is Comox, Nanaimo and Campbell River, according to Sundberg.
“It’s all across Canada,” said Sundberg. “It’s exploding. We’re getting contacted almost daily by people who want to learn the sport.”
Sundberg said qathet Pickleball Association currently has 160 members registered through Pickleball Canada, which provides insurance coverage and other benefits.
Jarvis, interviewed at a pickleball game before the fundraiser, said the poker tournament would start with a quick poker lesson, and then the 80 players in attendance would be turned loose in tournament play.
Jarvis said he was invited to come to Powell River through his affiliation with mayor Ron Woznow, who he knew from his professional poker playing days.
“We’ve stayed friends ever since,” said Jarvis. “As soon as I knew that I could help him with a project, I jumped at the opportunity.”
Jarvis said he stopped playing poker professionally in 2016, but he loved it for many years. He said he has a wife and two children, so he started getting into business ventures instead of poker.
Jarvis said that at the poker tournament, there would be a bounty on his head, meaning that if someone knocked him out, they would get a $500 payday.
“I’ll be moving around the tables, and everyone will get their shot, and it will be fun,” said Jarvis. “People will be going after me.”
As well as poker, Jarvis is passionate about pickleball. He said in 2023, he was obsessed with the game and won a provincial championship for doubles at the second highest tier, and finished third in singles.
After having been on the court with some local players before the poker tournament, Jarvis said he was impressed by the Powell River talent, so he was glad he could help expand the game here.
“I love pickleball and I love that the proceeds from this poker tournament are going to go toward building a pickleball facility,” said Jarvis. “I’m excited to come back and hopefully play when it is all built.”
According to a Facebook post from Sundberg, during the tournament, there was lots of excitement at the tables, with Vaihau Castagnoli winning first place and taking $1,000; second place went to Paul Boyes, who won $500; third place went to Dylan Parsons, who won $250; and Luke Ramsay won the bounty on Jarvis and was awarded $500.
“Special thanks to Matt,” said Sundberg, “and to mayor Woznow for helping us get Matt to come up to Powell River.”
U18s impress in tiering games
Powell River U18 Kings hosted a pair of tiering games at Hap Parker Arena last weekend.
October 4, against Nanaimo U18 Clippers (tier one), the tier three Kings fell behind 3-0 before Paxton Schreiber finally beat the opposing goaltender. They then fell behind 5-1 before coming back to tie the game 6-6 in the last 90 seconds of the third period after
pulling their goalie.
Powell River peppered Nanaimo with more than 60 shots, hitting the crossbar and goal posts on several occasions.
With their net empty in the third period, captain Nathan Gruntman made a diving effort to stop the puck inches from the goal line to stop Nanaimo from scoring a seventh goal. In addition, he tallied four assists in the game.
SUDOKU
Kesler Brown had a pair of goals and an assist, Lucas Gruntman had a goal and two assists, while Carter Stekman and Beau Jameson Gagne added one of each. Chase Fontaine chipped in an assist.
On Sunday, Kings took on Oceanside, a tier two team, and skated to a 10-4 win. Both Gruntmans recorded hat-tricks, while Fontaine had a four-point game.
RETURNS VOLLEY: Former professional poker player Matt Jarvis, also an avid pickleball player, went up against some of Powell River’s finest players prior to a poker tournament sponsored by qathet Pickleball Association, to help raise funding and awareness for a facility in this community.
PAUL GALINSKI PHOTO
SEASON OPENER
DOUBLE HEADER
CULTURE »
Artist leaves plethora of work
Rick Cepella was many things, including a teacher, painter and outdoor adventurer
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
7:00PM POWELL RIVER REGALS VS. HOPE ICEBREAKERS
Prolific painter, illustrator, teacher, outdoor adventurer and good friend to many in the qathet region and beyond, Rick Cepella, passed away this past June on his 70th birthday. He left behind a legacy of artwork and fond memories for many.
Longtime friends and fellow artists Barbara Langmaid and Roy Schneider note that Cepella was always an engaging conversationalist who took great interest in others, and that is also part of his impact on the people he knew.
qathet ART currently has a retrospective exhibit of Cepella's work on its walls called Touching the Sky, curated by his friends in the art community, including Langmaid and Schneider.
The exhibition will be available for viewing until October 23, and can also be seen virtually on the gallery’s website.
"His political cartooning was awardwinning and published in many major Canadian newspapers and magazines," said Langmaid. "He left behind at least 50 sketch books."
The sketch books are also on display at the retrospective, along with many large impressionistic landscape paintings.
"He loved climbing, getting up in the mountains, and he would always be sketching; he loved fishing, too," said Schneider. "He was an outdoorsman and his family said he was an athlete in his younger days."
Langmaid and Schneider said Cepella was always teaching and taught art to thousands of students. For more than 35 years he
taught art at numerous art schools, including Okanagan School of the Arts, Selkirk College and Kootenay School of Art, among others.
He also taught in qathet at what was then called Malaspina College, which is now Vancouver Island University tiwšɛmawtxʷ campus.
"Rick and I had a weekly telephone call," said Schneider. "We would talk about art, politics and a whole range of topics."
Schneider added that Cepella could always embrace other people's ideas and was very open and intelligent in his conversation.
"He was very interested in you," said Langmaid. "He was very interested in your opinion."
Schneider and Langmaid said Cepella had a dedicated routine of painting every day and left behind lots of artwork.
For the retrospective they chose what they believed were his most powerful pieces.
"So many people showed up at the art opening in September," said Langmaid. "He would have been so happy to have seen all the artists there; we talked about his practice, the good times we had hiking and fishing, and other people stood up and told very funny stories."
They said his brothers loved him a lot despite Cepella being the more eccentric one in the family.
Langmaid said people can see Cepella's fishing poles and paintbrushes at the retrospective, which represent the many sides of his personality.
"I'll miss just running into him at the grocery store," said Schneider.
Cepella's family has placed a memorial bench overlooking Cranberry Lake near the fishing pier.
The exhibit can be viewed from noon to 5 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays until October 23 at qathet ART, located at 6975 Alberni Street, above Powell River Public Library, or, view the exhibition virtually.
ARTIST LEGACY: An art retrospective of Rick Cepella’s work called Touching the Sky can be viewed at qathet ART until October 23. TANYA HILL PHOTO
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Roy Myrton Beeching
Roy “Blackie” Beeching passed away peacefully on September 22, 2025, at the age of 89, ending his lengthy battle with dementia. While the disease took his memory, his feisty spirit never truly left him.
Roy is survived by his wife of 65 years Jean, son Wendell (Lisa), daughters Lori Tjensvold (Craig), Marie Robertson (Scott) and Margo Formby (Jim), and his 12 grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren. He was predeceased by his youngest daughter Teresa Louise (Green) and eldest grandson Michael Beeching. Roy was born on February 21, 1936, in Chelan, Saskatchewan, and was the fifth child of Clara and Ernie Beeching. At the age of 20, he made the decision to “go west” and moved to Kitimat, BC, to work at the Alcan Aluminum Plant. A year later, a new paper machine was starting up at the paper mill in Powell River and jobs were plentiful, so he and a buddy headed for Vancouver, where they were hired on. He worked at the mill until his retirement in December 1991.
Roy was an avid fly fisherman, spending countless hours at his favourite fishing holes with his good friend Terry Powell. Introduced to the art of tying flies by his buddy Norm, Roy became highly skilled at tying his own and was happy to do the same for anyone who asked. He looked forward and loved his yearly hunting trips in the Kootenays with his good friends and treasured his hunting trips in The Peace River district with his son Wendell and granddaughter Brianna.
Roy and his wife enjoyed many vacations travelling in their fifth wheel, including a trip across Canada, an adventure in Alaska and a memorable journey along the Oregon Coast. Surrounded by his family, his fly rod and the many beautiful lakes of Powell River, he was truly in his happy place.
We are grateful to the doctors, nurses and health care aides who looked after him for the past four months in the hospital as he awaited long term care. Donations to the BC Dementia Care Society would be welcome in lieu of flowers.
No service will be held at Roy’s request as, in his words, he’s just “gone fishing!”
Billie Cramb
Billie Cramb was born in Vancouver in 1936 and moved to Powell River with her mum, Isabella, after the passing of her father, Bill. She always described her childhood in Powell River as being filled with laughter, love and fun.
At age 10, her family grew when Isabella married Harry Carr, who worked at Brooks School.
Brooks was also where Billie met her sweetheart and husband of 58 years, Dale (Sam) Cramb. Together they began their life in the air force, making homes in Comox, Portage la Prairie and Cold Lake, Alberta. Their years in the “emergency married quarters” were full of joy—budgies, ball gowns and lifelong friendships. After a decade in the air force, Sam took a position with an airline, and the family, now including children Graham and Laura, moved to California. There, Billie embraced a new chapter—going blonde, creating gardens, cooking endlessly and being, as her children fondly remember, simply the best mum ever.
Travel was always a central part of Billie’s life. With Sam, she explored the world, and after his passing in 2016, she continued those adventures with her children and grandson Ian. In 2017, she returned to Powell River, where she created a beautiful home, tended her gardens, cooked wonderful meals and never lost her childlike enthusiasm for everything new.
Billie was supportive, caring, loving, generous and fun to be around. These qualities touched not only her family but everyone fortunate enough to know her.
She passed away on September 9, surrounded by her children Graham and Laura, and her grandson Ian.
We’ll never stop missing you.
No service by request.
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Due to the ongoing postal strike, Myrtle Pond water system and Lund Sewer system users who have email addresses on file with the qathet Regional District will receive an email regarding upcoming invoices and statements within the next couple of weeks.
If you are a Myrtle Pond water system user or a Lund Sewer system user and you have not provided the qathet Regional District with your current email address, we kindly ask that you please reach out to finance@qathet.ca as soon as possible to avoid any disruptions in receiving your invoices or statements.
Quarter 3 Myrtle Pond invoices are due by October 20, 2025.
Semi-annual Lund Sewer users fees are due by October 31, 2025.
Donalda Edith French (nee MacIlwraith)
Donalda Edith “Donna & Donnie” French (nee MacIlwraith), age 95, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025, with her children by her side in Powell River, B.C.
Born on June 3, 1930, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Donna lived a long and meaningful life rooted in compassion, service and faith. Donna was predeceased by her beloved husband, Roland French; parents Thomas and Edith; and sisters Jean, Eleanore, Ottilie and Joyce. She is survived by her sister, Betty. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Guy, Heather, Roland Jr. (Rose), Colleen (Jeff) and Scott (Michelle). Donna also leaves behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who she loved immensely and who will carry forward her legacy of kindness and generosity.
Donalda Macilwraith married the man of her dreams, Roland Smith French, on August 11, 1950, at the age of 20 and Dad 22. They were married for 44 years when Dad passed away on November 30, 1994, of brain cancer.
After going back and forth between BC, Manitoba, and a stint in Alberta, Mom and Dad settled for a time in Tahsis, BC, where he worked for BC Tel and Mom worked from home for BC Tel as well, with three young kids in tow. Then, in 1960, they moved the family to Powell River, BC, where Dad worked for BC Tel and Mom stayed home with the kids until Scott went off to school.
Mom loved the law; it was her desire to become a lawyer, but instead worked for Kennedy and Kennedy Law firm as a conveyancer in Winnipeg and for a few law firms in Powell River. Mom then went to work for CIBC in 1980 and retired in 1995. Mom was very proud to have helped bring the Union to the PR branch; it was one of her top accomplishments! Mom took pride in her work, and she had strong bonds with her co-workers with whom she stayed in contact. Mom was valued and appreciated by her clients, who shared their fondness for her with cards and gifts over the years. Mom was a snappy dresser and loved putting together a professional look every morning.
Throughout her life, Donna gave freely of her time to help others. Whether preparing meals for those in need, offering companionship through reading or visits or providing rides to church, she was always ready to lend a hand.
Faith was a central part of Donna’s life. She and Rolly were devoted members of the Lutheran Church for many years. Together, they taught Sunday school and found joy in being part of a closeknit congregation that reflected their values. Mom maintained the altar guild with great devotion and care.
Mom looked forward to our family visits to Powell River every summer and in between! Our focus was family, food and fun! I believe every one of us, including her grandkids and great-grandkids, has the best memories of Mom there. Mom loved her food (it was worth coming to the table for this, and she was always the last to leave the table). Our game playing was the BEST! We spent hours planning and making our meals, they were, oh so good and the best desserts ever!
Mom had a special saying with the grandkids: “I love you a bushel and a peck, you bet your pretty little neck I do.”
Donna had a sharp mind and a deep interest in current affairs. She followed politics with discernment, always choosing the person over the party, and enjoyed reading biographies, newspapers and the B.C. legislature on her TV.
Donna cherished time spent with the card girls; they had engaging conversations and took turns treating each other with fabulous homemade baking for all to enjoy.
We celebrated Mom’s 95th Birthday on June 1 with family and friends, and her sister Betty from the Island was there with her, too. We had a piper play Happy Birthday and a few other songs, a lovely cake on a beautiful sunny day in Mom’s front yard. Mom talked about it for days, one of my best days ever!
Those who knew Donna will remember her as kindhearted, caring and nonjudgmental- a woman who led by example and touched many lives through quiet acts of grace.
A memorial gathering will be held on November 1, 2025, at 11am at the United Church, 6932 Crofton St, then a Celebration of Life following at the Legion at 2 pm, 6811 Alexander St., Powell River, B.C.
Our family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. P. Rossouw’s office, her caregivers, the Powell River Ambulance Service and the 4th floor nurses at the PR Hospital for their compassionate care for our mom over the years. Also, a special thank you to Nelle and Corinna, who were like family to Mom.
A sincere thank you to Margie and Terry Ford for their unwavering friendship and support for Mom and for our family. We could always count on you.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a Cancer charity of your choice.
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Super sweet kitten, this boy is a super star
BECKIE
Young black and white cat, female feline royalty
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