Library hosts discussion with retired psychiatrist PAGE 12
Weldfab Solutions is approaching its first anniversary with a slate of custom projects under its belt and a growing reputation as a reliable local fabricator.
The company, part of the Remote Marine Solutions group, designs and builds everything from ramps, gangways, gates, piling guides, boat repairs and large-scale stair systems.
“Weldfab operates independently, working directly with clients across the region,” says owner Keith Wood. “At the same time, being part of the Remote Marine Solutions group allows us to collaborate seamlessly on larger marine construction projects.
“We recently brought on a dedicated project manager to work between Remote Marine and Weldfab. We did this to improve coordination across the two divisions, keep projects on schedule and make sure our clients have one consistent point of contact from start to finish.”
Wood notes that one of the biggest highlights has been the positive response from residents and businesses.
“We’ve been proud to deliver projects that make a real difference,” he explains, pointing to safe staircases for high-bank homes, ramps for waterfront residents and repairs on aluminum boats.
“Seeing our work actively used and appreciated has been incredibly rewarding.”
Local industries have also welcomed the ability to source fabrication services close to home.
“We’ve had strong support from construc-
tion, trades, forestry and the community at large, who appreciate that they can access custom fabrication locally instead of outsourcing to larger centres.”
What distinguishes Weldfab, Wood stresses, is its breadth of services combined with its partnership with Remote Marine Solutions.
The two companies pool equipment and resources — from crane trucks and landing craft to barge cranes and workboats — to take on projects of any size.
“We pride ourselves on being extremely reliable and efficient, and we care deeply about the quality and durability of every project we complete.”
One standout project involved building a 300-step custom staircase spanning more than 100 feet of elevation to provide a family with safe access from their high-bank property to a beachfront cabin. Weldfab used screw jacks for the footings to reduce envi-
“By fabricating locally, we’re reducing reliance on outside suppliers and keeping skilled trades and investment here at home. Every project starts with listening. We begin with understanding how the client will use the structure or component and what challenges their project presents. From there, we design with safety codes and long-term performance in mind, while making sure the final product fits the client’s needs and vision.”
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In the coming year, Weldfab will be focused on building its profile in the qathet region.
ronmental impact while ensuring strength and reliability.
“The end result is a long-lasting, zero-maintenance structure,” says Wood.
The company’s work supports a wide range of sectors, including forestry, construction, tourism, commercial fishing and education.
“Our goal is to continue increasing awareness of the full range of services we provide, from custom fabrication to marine construction projects,” says Wood. “We’re deepening partnerships with local businesses and organizations, supporting community projects and continuing to grow a skilled, reliable team.”
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He also wants to clear up a misconception: while Weldfab is operating out of a building at 9465 Powers Road that previously housed another welding company, it is not a continuation.
“Weldfab Solutions is a new venture with new leadership, a new vision and a strong commitment to quality, integrity and reliability. We’re grateful for the support we’ve received and look forward to continuing to serve our neighbours, businesses and the broader coastal region.”
For more information, call 604.578.1702 or email solutionsweldfab@outlook.com. For Remote Marine enquiries, call 604.223.8579 or go to remotemarinesolutions.ca.
Power outage scheduled for entire region
BC Hydro is planning a 12hour shutdown of electricity on September 14 for important maintenance work
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
A planned power outage is scheduled for Sunday, September 14, from 7 am to 7 pm, and customers are asked to be prepared.
Ted Olynyk, BC Hydro community relations manager for Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, said this outage will affect all BC Hydro customers in the qathet region and surrounding areas, including Lund, Cortes Island, Texada Island and Saltery Bay.
“This outage is necessary for our crews to safely complete important maintenance work on our transmission system, which includes replacing four end-of-life transmission structures in Earls Cove and on Nelson Island,” stated Olynyk in an email. “Completing this work will help us continue delivering safe and reliable power to our customers in the region.
“We encourage customers to prepare for the outage by building an emergency kit and having an outage plan in place. To learn more, please visit bchydro.com/ outages. We will also be attending the Community Connections Expo in Powell River on Saturday, September 13, where our representatives will be happy to share tips and resources to help customers prepare their homes for outages.”
Olynyk said BC Hydro under-
stands that there is never a convenient time for a power outage.
“We sincerely appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding while this work is completed,” stated Olynyk.
In an interview, Olynyk said the maintenance work on the transmission system is a major undertaking on BC Hydro’s part.
“It’s a significant impact over a large area and a large community,” said Olynyk. “We want to make sure we get this done as quickly as possible. However, we need to make the repairs and the updates required.”
Olynyk said this will be an unusual event for the area. He said there are sometimes smaller community outages and regional outages, but this is certainly one of the larger ones that BC Hydro will have going on in the province.
Olynyk said BC Hydro is trying to have the power outage on the least impactful day and it will be undertaken during the daylight hours to make the project as safe as possible.
“This is something that we have to do,” said Nelson. “It’s like if you have a home, if you have it long enough, one day you will have to replace the roof.”
Olynyk said the coming power outage is a good time to think about preparing for an emergency. While the planned power outage on September 14 is for 12 hours, Olynyk said events can trigger much longer power outages.
“We’re now dealing with forest fires on Vancouver Island that have caused power outages,” said Olynyk. “We have dealt with them in the interior of the province, too.
We live in one of the most seismically active areas in the world, so we have to prepare for events above and below ground.
“It’s important to make sure
you’re always prepared and that you have your emergency kit ready, because you never know what may happen. I’m sure everyone in the region has had a power outage at some time. If we’ve learned anything from COVID-19, it’s to make sure you are prepared before an event, not during an event.”
Stephen Watson, a senior stakeholder engagement advisor with BC Hydro, appeared at a City of Powell River committee of the whole earlier this year to outline the project. He said it is challenging in terms of the high-voltage power lines that come across Jervis Inlet and Agamemnon Channel.
There are two transmission lines: one 138-kilovolt line that was put into service in 1956, and the 230-kilovolt line, which went into service in 1970. He said these go to the Saltery Bay substation.
“When the lines were put in place across Jervis Inlet, a 3.5-kilometre span, it was one of the largest power line spans over a marine environment in North America at the time,” said Watson. “There is also a 2.1 marine crossing over Agamemnon Channel.
“At Jervis Inlet, the towers on the side of the hill are located about 2.5 kilometres from Saltery Bay, going across to Nelson Island, and at Agamemnon Channel they are about 1.5 kilometres southwest of Earls Cove.”
Watson said BC Hydro is always looking at its facilities and reviewed these two transmission lines crossing over the marine areas. He said the electric utility found that both were at end of life in terms of the power lines and marker balls for aircraft. He said the deterioration is due to age and ocean spray and corrosion.
“We found the power lines and aviation balls for the 138 kV line
REPAIRING STRUCTURES: BC Hydro is reminding customers from Saltery Bay to Lund, and on Texada and Cortes islands, that there will be a 12-hour shutdown of power on Sunday, September 14, to carry out important work on transmission structures in Earls Cove and on Nelson Island. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
were at high risk of failure,” said Watson. “We initiated an emergency-driven project last spring to replace those lines as soon as possible. We have been working on design and will be removing the lines and replacing them with new lines, along with some land-based work.
“The project is about ensuring public safety underneath the power lines along the main crossings, as well as maintaining electricity reliability.”
Watson said plans are to replace the 230 kV lines along the main crossings in a few years’ time. He said BC Hydro had been undertaking tree removal and working on access roads. He added that power line tower work will be done at the marine crossings as well.
“We’ll be removing the 138 kV lines and aviation marker balls
sometime between mid-September and October of this year,” said Watson. “We will restring the lines the following year, in 2026. While we do that work, the 230 kV line will continue to provide power to the Powell River region.”
Watson said when BC Hydro does the power line removal and restringing work, there cannot be any marine traffic below it.
“The marine area will be closed while we do that work,” said Watson. “Jervis Inlet is obviously the BC Ferries route. We want to make sure the communities remain connected for this essential service. We’re working on developing an alternate service, which includes an alternate schedule and alternate route options, which includes going around Nelson Island during the Jervis Inlet closure.”
Name change questioned
Tourism Powell River, now known as qathet Tourism Society, should change its name back, says delegate before city councillors
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
Tourism Powell River’s name change to qathet Tourism Society was questioned by a delegate before City of Powell River councillors.
At the September 2 committee of the whole meeting, George Orchiston asked: were the January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2028, Tourism Powell River service agreements between Tourism Powell River and the city breached by Tourism Powell River, when the organization, without discussion with or approval by the city, used funds provided by the city to change its name from Tourism Powell River to qathet Tourism Society?
“Is this taxpayer justified in requesting that should the tourism society decline to change its present name back from qathet Tourism Society to Tourism Powell River, then Powell River city council should provide the tourism
society with 90 days’ written notice of termination of agreement as per section 2.3 of that Tourism Powell River service agreement?” asked Orchiston.
He said that in December 2023, city council reported that it had approved the Tourism Powell River service agreement for 2024. He added that in early 2024, council invited Tourism Powell River to submit a proposal for tourism services for the time period of January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2028.
“Tourism Powell River was pleased with the opportunity to promote tourism on behalf of the city, and at the end of July 2024, council instructed city staff to enter into a four-year tourism service agreement for $527,134,” said Orchiston.
He said the agreement has an important pledge of promise made by Tourism Powell River that the society covenants and agrees to use funds provided to it by the city pursuant to the agreement, exclusively for the purpose of promoting the city as a tourism destination.
Orchiston said at the October 15, 2024, annual general meeting, Tourism Powell River adopted a special resolution to change its name from Tourism Powell River to qathet Tourism Society.
“The record establishes that Tourism Powell River was engaged in its name
mystery,
change initiative as early as August 2024 through March 2025, using funds provided to it by the city, rather than spending those funds to promote the City of Powell River as a tourism destination,” said Orchiston.
“Should either party determine that a particular provision of the Tourism Powell River service agreement no longer suits them, section 11.6 of that agreement provides that party an option to pursue change. However, as of this date, the tourism society has never written to council seeking an amendment of the Tourism Powell River service agreement.”
Orchiston said he agrees that a society would normally have the legal right to change its name, however, in this case, Tourism Powell River entered into an agreement with the city and made covenant and agreed that it would promote the city as a tourism destination, not qathet.
“Is it logical to say that changing the name Tourism Powell River to qathet Tourism [Society] is promoting Powell River as a tourism destination?” asked Orchiston. “I think not. By using city funds to change its name from Tourism Powell River to qathet Tourism, the society breached the tourism services agreement.
“Should the tourism society be unwilling to change its name back from qathet Tourism Society to Tourism Powell River, I would urge city council to instruct staff to provide 90 days’ notice of termination of the Tourism Powell River service agreement.”
Councillor Earl Almeida said, regarding the funds for the name change, the tourism society receives funding from three primary sources, including the city, qathet Regional District, plus revenues from the membership.
“I presume those funds used were membership dues,” said Almeida. “The funds we provide are strictly for the visitors’ centre and they have continued to use those funds for the visitors’ centre.”
Almeida said this matter was first sent to council in May or June, when the society changed its name. He said they haven’t changed the name of the visitors’ centre, which, last time Almeida checked, still said Visitor Information Centre. He added that anything that references Powell River still says Powell River on the website.
“I asked staff at the time if that change impacted the
DON’T MISS THIS WEEK
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13
ASK A PSYCHIATRIST
Retired psychiatrist Dr. Peter Uhlmann will talk and take part in a general discussion about psychiatry and mental health/illness. The discussion will begin at 2 pm in Powell River Public Library (100-6975 Alberni Street). For more information, email Mark at mmerlino@prpl.ca.
agreement that was set with the city,” said Almeida. “A legal opinion was garnered in June, and while that legal opinion was not shared publicly, it did come back saying, in the eyes of the legal team, nothing had been breached.”
Orchiston said he disagreed with the legal counsel. He said the commitment by the tourism board is more than an agreement, it is a personal promise or pledge not to spend the money.
Councillor George Doubt said the society is capable of funding a simple thing like a name change without using city funds.
“There is nothing in the contract that suggests that qathet Tourism has to provide a Powell River visitors’ centre,” said Doubt. “It says it has to provide a visitors’ centre. That’s similar to the language that is in the Sunshine Coast Tourism [agreement]. The name change is the least important thing of all the things they are doing.”
Councillor and committee chair Jim Palm said it was a messy situation. He said looking at the agreement and the guidelines that are supposed to be followed, there are a lot of questions in his mind.
Palm asked Almeida whether the discussion on the name change was in an open or closed meeting. Almeida said he believed that all meetings are open. Palm said council was never formally notified of the name change.
“I have seen nothing up until today about a legal opinion, because with the information I received earlier today when I asked the mayor [Ron Woznow] about the situation, I received correspondence indicating that mayor and council were notified about a legal opinion back on June 28,” said Palm.
“I never saw this correspondence. The first I saw of a legal opinion was today.”
SEEKS REVERSAL: City of Powell River’s committee of the whole heard a delegation from George Orchiston, who took exception to Tourism Powell River changing its name to qathet Tourism Society, which, he indicated, is in breach of an agreement between the city and the tourism organization. PEAK PHOTO
Library project receives approval
City council votes to allocate more community forest funds to replace siding
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
City of Powell River Council has approved a budgetary increase of $134,487 to replace the outer surface siding of Powell River Public Library.
At a council meeting last month, acting director of infrastructure Rod Fraser reported on the project, with the increase in budget to be funded through the Powell River Community Forest reserve fund.
Fraser said the library
stucco and stone cladding replacement project will replace problems with the existing veneer. He said there have been barricades around certain portions of the library where the veneer has been failing.
“We put together a request for proposals recently and we ended up getting two bids,” said Fraser. “Both were over the existing budget. The proposals were received on July 11 and the low bid was $270,000.
“The bidding contractors were reviewed and references were checked. We found favourable references for the recommended bidder, which is Sioux Projects, out of Vancouver, which is an Indigenous-owned company.”
Fraser said the project covers replacing the existing façade with a hardy-plank product, which will be paint-
ed. Any failure support areas will be replaced, he added.
Fraser said should city council approve the bid, Sioux Projects is ready to launch in September. He said the project is anticipated to take about 11 weeks.
“They are hoping to avoid
the allocation.
“We are pleased to see important community forest grant projects move forward,” stated community forest board president Greg Hemphill in correspondence to the city.
City councillor Cindy
It is a bit shocking, the amount of money it is going to cost. I can think of a lot of things $270,000 will buy.
ROB SOUTHCOTT CITY COUNCILLOR
as much wet weather as possible,” said Fraser.
He said the community forest board has been supportive of allocating additional funds to the project, and on August 7, the board passed a motion supporting
Elliott asked whether any disruption of library service was anticipated resulting from the project. Fraser
tive of the community forest offering funding to care for this critical asset.
“It is a bit shocking, the amount of money it is going to cost,” said Southcott. “I can think of a lot of things $270,000 will buy.”
Southcott said his understanding is that the new product to be adhered to the library’s walls is completely different from the product that has been failing, which Fraser confirmed.
“We can assume this is going to be fixed once and for all,” said Southcott.
Fraser said that is the hope.
Councillor George Doubt said he was glad to see the project can go ahead because it has been a long time, since 2017, that the
we are talking about now is a budget amendment to add to the community forest reserve funds that are being spent beyond what was previously budgeted.
“The total amount of money we are taking from the community forest reserve, which all comes from community forest income, is $312,837, if I’m correct, so it’s spending down the reserve that will be available for the future, but I want to thank the community forest for providing that money and putting it all together.”
Council voted unanimously to amend the 2025 to 2029 financial plan bylaw for the new library upper stucco and stone cladding replacement project, to increase the project budget in the amount of $134,487, with the increase funded by
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Council of Canadians rep raises transit issues
City councillors hear presentation regarding improvements, including a connection to Vancouver
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
An organization is advocating for improved transit and wants bus service that connects the region with Vancouver.
At a recent City of Powell River committee of the whole meeting, qathet Chapter of the Council of
Canadians representative Drena McCormack said her organization wants to clarify the role of the city regarding transit issues and highlight benefits of a more integrated transit service.
“We are hoping to advocate and have you advocate for intercity transit to Vancouver, specifically for bus services between Earls Cove and Sechelt,” said McCormack. “We believe that frequent and reliable transit services the community in multiple ways.
“It’s not just another way to get around town or between cities, it contributes to a safer, cleaner city. It’s much more environmentally friendly than individual vehicles. It helps support disadvantaged groups of our population who don’t want
to or cannot drive.”
McCormack said the BC government spends $800 per person, per year, on highway construction and improvements, but only $215 on urban transit, $50 on byways and bike lanes, and $2 per person per year on inter-regional buses.
City councillor George Doubt said he did quite a bit of work when he was a qathet Regional District director, to work on the concept of an intercity bus that would get travellers, with public transit, from Powell River to Horseshoe Bay, with one ticket.
“That’s not as simple as it might sound,” said Doubt. “First off, if you want to do that through BC Transit, you have to create a transit authority, which they are
High Tide Games COMMUNITY GAME DAY
September 14
12 to 9 pm
Free game play at one of our tables set up in the parking lot (weather permitting)
Waters, pop and snacks will be available (cash only) Canopies will be set up to offer shade to make sure nobody gets burnt during the power outage.
Play a game you know, bring a game of yours to teach to others or come try something new!
HIGH TIDE
GAMES:
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not very happy to do. They are used to dealing individually with each municipality and regional district.
“The other matter is within each regional district, because the regional districts are different from municipalities. If you are going to provide a service like transportation in a regional district, you have to convince the voters in each one of the electoral areas to pay for it. That’s where the money has to come from.”
Doubt said in the case of the lower Sunshine Coast, the challenge is getting people in the northern electoral areas to agree to pay for a transit system. He said when the people have been consulted, they have indicated that they don’t want to pay for transit.
“That’s another hurdle to get over,” said Doubt.
The next hurdle is BC Ferries, according to Doubt. He said if public transportation by bus is to be coordinated, BC Ferries needs to work with the proponents.
“You have to get BC Transit, BC Ferries and all of the electoral districts involved,” said Doubt.
He asked McCormack if she had approached qathet Regional District, Sunshine Coast Regional District, BC Transit and BC Ferries with her request.
She said the Council of Canadians had written correspondence to BC Transit and BC Ferries, but they hadn’t approached the regional districts yet.
City councillor Cindy Elliott said council raised the issue of connectivity with BC Transit when the crown corporation made its last presentation to council.
She added that the answer received at the regional district is that there were areas in the lower Sunshine Coast Regional District that have
Pl an ne dp ower ou ta ge
Powe ll Ri ve ra nd su rr ou nd in gcomm unit ies
not agreed to have transit in their areas. She said she agrees with the need for connectivity, and that there had been advocacy regarding the issue.
Mayor Ron Woznow said the issue had been discussed since city council was elected. He asked that since Powell River has a cabinet minister in provincial government, had McCormack’s group approached minister Randene Neill.
McCormack said she will be going back to Neill soon.
We unders tand there’snever agoodtimefor apower outage.However,aplanned 12-hour poweroutageisnecessary forthe Powell Riverand surroundingareatoallow ourcrews to safely complete critical maintenanceonthe transmission system.Thisworkisessential to maintain elec trical reliabilit yfor customersinthe area
Toprotect your equipmentfromdamageduringthe outage,pleaseturnoffall lights,electric heaters, majorappliancesand unplug allelectronics.We’ll restorepower as soon as we can.
Visit bchydro.com/outages or call 1800 2249376 formoreinformation
7369
WANTS EXPANSION: qathet Chapter of the Council of Canadians representative Drena McCormack appeared before the City of Powell River’s committee of the whole to advocate for improved transit, including bus service to the Lower Mainland. PAUL GALINSKI PHOTO
Board requests supportive housing report
Regional hospital district directors
ask staff to examine lease with BC Housing
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
qathet Regional Hospital District board is directing staff to bring back a report on the definitions of nuisance, hazardous substances and permitted uses, within the lease agreement at the supportive housing facility at 4910 Joyce Avenue.
The motion from the board members also included staff reporting on options to ensure compliance
from the tenant, which is BC Housing.
At the last hospital board meeting, directors were to consider a motion directing staff to bring back a report on nuisance, but earlier in the meeting, Westview Ratepayers Society (WRS) urged the board to also include hazardous substances and permitted uses in the motion.
“Specifically, we ask that the staff report address not only nuisance, but also hazardous substances and permitted uses,” said WRS supportive housing subcommittee representative Sherry Burton.
Electoral Area A director Jason Lennox, who brought the original motion to the board, said he’d like to with-
For the third year running, Northside VFD will be offering its Junior Firefighter Program. This program offers hands-on training and valuable life skills to youth in the qathet Regional District. Beyond introducing the basics of firefighting, the program is a free and fun opportunity for young community members to connect, learn, and practice fire safety skills.
The Junior Firefighter Program starts on Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 6 pm until 8 pm and runs one evening a week for six weeks. It includes an engaging lineup of activities that mimic realworld firefighting scenarios. Participants practice hose handling, pumping, exterior attack drills, and knot-tying. They also receive first aid training, experience auto
draw the motion and make a new motion with the two additions.
Corporate office Michelle Jones said if the desire was to go beyond the scope of the original motion, it would be beneficial to know what the new motion would look like. Lennox said the original intent of the motion was that the term nuisance would encompass hazardous substances and permitted uses. He said if the motion needed to be withdrawn and resubmitted, he was fine with that because there is not major time pressure to get it done immediately.
“It’s obvious the concerns of the community are very much in the forefront,” said Lennox.
Jones said the two extra items could be added to original motion. Electoral Area B director and hospital board chair Mark Gisborne said he was thinking along the same wavelength.
“When I first read the notice of motion, I noted the concern is in relation to the lease and the activities at 4910 Joyce Avenue, so that’s what in my head,” said Gisborne. “I put it to the assembly – would we like to have a slightly altered motion that is consistent with the intent of the notice of motion?”
There was agreement among board members, noted Gisborne.
Lennox put forward an amended motion, including hazardous substances and
permitted uses to be studied by staff. He said the board was trying to proactively take action on impacts to the community from the facility in question.
Gisborne said he presumed, if the motion passes, that there will be a lawyer somewhere being asked some difficult questions.
“I believe that the province’s guidelines should also be looked into around permitted uses,” he added.
Gisborne said he has discussed the topic of supportive housing with elected officials from other areas and the first question he is asked is: "why is the hospital district involved with this?” He said he has to explain that the hospital district is the landowner.
“In the end, this is a good motion because it will come back with some clear answers for us as a board regarding what our position is,” said Gisborne. “The regional hospital board is predominantly focused on providing capital funding for health-care facilities, but in this situation, we are the landowner, and we have a lease agreement. If this motion passes, then we’ll get some answers from our staff.”
The motion for staff to bring back a report on the definitions of nuisance, hazardous substances and permitted uses within the lease agreement for the 4910 Joyce Avenue supportive housing facility carried unanimously.
Northside Volunteer Fire Department’s Junior Firefighter Program
extrication, and tackle obstacle courses. These diverse experiences not only build technical skills, but also encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership.
This program is a testament to the dedication and creativity of local volunteer firefighters who serve our communities. The NVFD would like to thank everyone for the generous donations and countless volunteer hours from community members and Northside VFD Firefighters that have helped the program thrive.
The program features Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) practices, and a visit from BC Ambulance personnel. The program also showcases the vital role of local volunteer fire departments in our region.
In 2023, the NVFD launched an exciting initiative designed to spark an early interest in firefighting among local youth. The Junior Firefighter Program runs one evening a week for six weeks each fall.
The vision was to inspire future volunteer fire recruits at a young age. The program was brought to life thanks to a dedicated team of committed volunteers, and completed another successful run in fall of 2024.
“The Junior Firefighter program includes an engaging lineup of activities that mimic real-world firefighting scenarios,” said Northside Volunteer Firefighter Kimber Burge. “Participants practice hose handling, pumping, exterior attack drills, and knot-tying. They also receive first aid training, experience auto extrication, and tackle obstacle courses. The program
features Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) practices, and a visit from BC Ambulance personnel. These diverse experiences not only build technical skills but also encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership.”
“While no junior firefighters have yet reached the age of eligibility to join the department, the program is already laying the groundwork for future recruits!” she quipped.
“Feedback in the community for the Junior Firefighter Program has been overwhelmingly positive!” said Burge. “Young attendees have expressed newfound enthusiasm for firefighting, and parents appreciate the combination of education, physical activity, and fun.”
The program is a testament to the dedication and creativity of local firefighters who protect our communities. The NVFD would like to thank everyone for the generous donations of snacks, firewood, and countless volunteer hours from community members and Northside Volunteer Fire Department Firefighters that have helped the program thrive.
This ongoing commitment ensures the program will continue to evolve and inspire more youth to explore the world of firefighting.
Playoff push
Powell River Kings are back in action, with two of four preseason games concluded. But the reality is hard to ignore: missing the playoffs in consecutive seasons is not good enough for a franchise with such a long and successful history in the BC Hockey League.
Fans in this community expect more, and rightly so. A town that once regularly rallied around playoff runs now finds itself waiting, and waiting, for signs of a turnaround.
Hap Parker Arena has been the scene of division titles and lengthy playoffs runs in the past, but recent years have tested that tradition. The team’s struggles over the past couple of seasons has led to the patience of diehard fans wearing thin.
This season must be different. The Kings need to prove they can compete with the league’s best and restore the pride that comes with wearing the green and gold. New recruits and renewed commitment from the coaching/management staff offer reasons for optimism, but results will speak louder than promises.
BC Hockey League teams must be shown that Hap Parker Arena is a difficult place to play, and a playoff berth must be earned. Nothing less will do.
For the fans, there is a role to play. A passionate crowd can help fuel a turnaround, but the players and staff must first earn that support back through effort and accountability.
It’s time for the Kings to rise again. Another spring without playoff hockey is unacceptable.
VIEWPOINT
Modern diets are fuelling an epidemic
Type 2 diabetes is twice as common in Canada as it was 20 years ago. It is generally adult-onset, though we are now seeing it appear in younger people due to unhealthy dietary and lifestyle habits.
Unlike Type 1, Type 2 is mostly preventable through healthier eating, regular physical activity and balanced weight management. In some cases, medication is required but many people can reduce their risk or manage the condition through diet and lifestyle changes alone.
Foods that trigger blood sugar spikes contain high levels of carbohydrates, like white bread, pasta, rice, crackers, chips, baked goods, sugary treats and candy. Pop, high sugar juices and sweetened drinks are some of the quickest ways to spike blood sugar and should be limited or eliminated. Water, herbal teas and sparkling water with fruit slices are much healthier alternatives. Our body breaks down the sugars and carbs we consume into glucose. To use this glucose
for energy, the pancreas releases insulin, which acts like a key to unlock cells so glucose can enter and fuel our bodies. The problem arises when we consistently consume too many high-sugar or highly processed foods. This forces the pancreas to work harder and harder, producing more and more insulin to keep blood sugar levels under control.
Over time, two things can happen: the pancreas becomes overworked and less effective at producing insulin; the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, which causes glucose to stay in the bloodstream instead of being utilized for energy. Insulin resistance is the precursor to Type 2 diabetes.
Prolonged high blood sugar not only causes Type 2, but it also damages blood vessels and nerves, leads to inflammation, weight gain and a cascade of other health issues.
Foods with a low glycemic index (GI) release sugar slowly, providing steady energy without spikes. Foods with a high GI cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, leading to cravings and fatigue.
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By Claire Nielsen
Examples of low-glycemic foods include: protein; fruits; vegetables; legumes and beans; nuts and seeds; and higher-fibre carbs such as large flake or rolled oatmeal, the kind that takes a few minutes to cook rather than the quick oats.
Exercise plays a critical role in preventing and managing diabetes because it helps the body use glucose more effectively. For individuals with diabetes or at risk of it, daily movement is non-negotiable. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week, and include both cardio and strength training for maximum benefit.
When muscles contract during physical activity, they draw glucose from the bloodstream, whether or not insulin is present. Even moderate activities such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming can significantly improve blood sugar control.
Breaking the cycle of poor lifestyle and dietary choices (food addiction) requires awareness and discipline, but the rewards
(better energy, weight management, lower risk of chronic disease and increased self esteem) are worth it. And within a relatively short period of time, we are not addicted to the same foods and we crave regular exercise instead of junk food.
Diabetes is not a death sentence, and the more positive changes one makes with diet and exercise, the less medication one may need. I know people who manage their diabetes completely with nutrition and exercise. The diabetic epidemic is real, but it is also largely preventable. Small, consistent steps in the right direction can yield enormous long-term benefits. Choose nourishing foods, move daily, and take ownership of your health. Your future self will thank you.
Claire Nielsen is a health coach, author, public speaker and founder of elixirforlife.ca. Information provided is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional health and medical advice.
KELLY KEIL publisher SHANE CARLSON editor
Turtle returned to garden centre
After community
call out, Lundin is back in her pond
TANYA HILL
thill@prpeak.com
After an urgent social media post and report to Powell River RCMP on September 3, a missing/stolen turtle named Lundin was unexpectedly returned to the Mother Nature garden centre, where it resides in a pond.
The large, red-eared slider has been living at the garden centre for two years, after being found on the side of the road in Lund.
"We have been dealing with an increase in break-ins over the last year," the garden centre stated in a social media post that morning.
"Our beloved red-eared slid-
er Lundin was taken from her enclosure this morning around 5:30 am."
The Peak reached out to the nursery manager before the return of the turtle.
"She was gone, so we were looking at the cameras, and they were in here about 5:30 am yesterday morning," said the nursery manager. “We've reported it to the police and they're looking for her, but unless you're actively catching people, there is not a whole lot the police seem to be able to do."
The manager said this was Lundin's second summer with Mother Nature.
"Her home is like an aquarium, not covered, but it's about four feet deep, so she can go right to the bottom, so there's no worry of predators or anything. I know people have said it could have been an animal, but all of her plants were
HOME
taken out and set aside; they were right in there digging for her."
Luckily, on September 4, it was reported to the Peak, and on social media, that Lundin was returned to Mother Nature, located on Duncan Street, by anony-
Caution aimed at drivers
Return to school prompts safety reminders from RCMP
With students returning to school last week, Powell River RCMP members are reminding the public to remain extra cautious while driving, especially through school and playground zones. Roads will be busier with school-related traffic, so police officers are asking drivers, cyclists, students and parents to review safety procedures.
"It is important for drivers and cyclists to slow down and pay close attention while in school zones, playground zones, drop off areas and crosswalks," stated Powell River RCMP. "Be prepared for unpredictable behaviour and children darting into traffic. Drivers and cyclists are also encouraged to leave a safe distance around school buses and reminded that you must come to come to a complete stop as soon as you see the school bus lights flashing and the stop sign engaging."
Drivers must not exceed 30-kilometres per hour in school and playground
mous citizens.
"Our girl is home. Big thank yous and gratitude for the citizens who brought her back to us,” a social media post by Mother Nature stated. “She is scared and tired from her overnight away but is in good shape.”
CROSSWORD
zones. School zones are in effect Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Playground zones are in effect every day from dawn until dusk.
Students are encouraged to pay attention and avoid distractions while walking, make sure all traffic has stopped before crossing the road and use crosswalks where available. Parents are encouraged to review pedestrian and bike safety with their children.
Police also remind parents to obey traffic rules in drop-off areas and to watch for students in and around vehicles.
Assault suspect arrested
RCMP responds to incident near Mowat Bay
In the early morning of September 2, Powell River RCMP responded to an as-
sault in progress on Irvine Street near Mowat Bay. According to Powell River RCMP spokesperson constable Paula Perry, the male suspect fled on foot and a search involving Powell River RCMP, the emergency
response team, police dog services and air services was initiated. Mowat Bay access was temporarily restricted to the public and the area was contained.
“The suspect was located in the area, and he was arrested
and taken into custody, and will be held to appear in front of a judge,” stated Perry in a media release. “The investigation is ongoing.” Perry added that following the arrest, there was no risk to public safety.
SWEET HOME: A turtle named Lundin who lives in a pond at the Mother Nature garden centre was returned a day later, after community upset and concern. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Community plan draws concerns
Savary Islanders write letters to regional district about the process being employed
PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com
Savary Island’s official community plan (OCP) is generating responses from islanders about the process underway to develop the plan.
At the qathet Regional District planning committee meeting in August, Electoral Area A director and committee chair Jason Lennox brought three items of correspondence from Savary Island residents forward. Lennox is the elected representative for Savary Island. The letters expressed concerns about the process regarding the island’s official community plan that is being employed by the regional district.
Lennox said the three piec-
es of correspondence were by no means the only ones received on this topic. He said he wanted to compliment staff for including the Savary Island Community Plan Key Directions Discussion Book link in the planning committee’s agenda. It can also be found online at qathet.ca.
“When I look at it, I learn a tonne,” said Lennox. “There’s a lot of history and reasons behind the activity, so please check that out.”
Lennox said a petition has been circulated for qRD to reconsider the timeline.
“People are saying they need more time, for a variety of reasons,” said Lennox. “There are concerns about the OCP process, and when they are going to get a draft document. It’s a moving target.”
Lennox said there has been interesting discussion about who gets to vote on matters before the regional district. He said it is the directors who have a vote, and some in the community are shocked by that.
“We are their representatives and that is what I am
trying to explain to them,” said Lennox. “They are unaware that we must address certain topics in the OCP process. In our open houses on Savary Island, they didn’t realize we are supposed to consider slope stability and things like that. When we
and all the options people have when directors make decisions.
“I will not subvert the process. I am not going to make preconceived decisions, statements or commitments. I will let the process play itself out. I will listen
We are taking pains to make sure everybody understands this process, and all the options people have when directors make decisions.
JASON LENNOX ELECTORAL A DIRECTOR
educate people, then they say, ‘okay, good, there is a valid reason.’”
In terms of town hall meetings, which was brought up in the correspondence, Lennox said he is likely going to have to find a way to do that for the people he represents.
“I want to say that I am listening,” said Lennox. “There’s no predetermination. We are taking pains to make sure everybody understands this process,
and I will advocate. I won’t speak for myself. I will speak for the majority on Savary Island.”
Lennox said people are becoming more informed and it might take a little longer for people to be up to speed regarding the OCP process.
Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne said one of the big challenges when undertaking public engagement is how engaged the public gets.
“Quite often you go to engage the public and you get a small group,” said Gisborne. “What I’m seeing from the correspondence, and from Facebook, is [Savary residents] are engaged. I like to see that the community is engaged and that the OCP document is going to be a lasting document. It is a process and we’ll see where that goes.”
City of Powell River director Cindy Elliott asked if the survey that is currently open is available to people who live on Savary, as well as property owners.
General manager of planning services Laura Roddan said the intent was that the survey was for Savary property owners.
Electoral Area D director Sandy McCormick said there are some real lessons that can be learned from the Texada Island OCP process, which took several years to complete.
“The OCP advisory committee wanted an extra year to review the old OCP in miniscule detail,” said McCormick. “Staff graciously granted that time so that the OCP committee could do that. There’s nothing wrong with taking additional time.
“The OCP is widely supported in the [Texada] community and had great support from the advisory committee, and it is still referenced to this day on a number of topics. I encourage people to keep an open mind and take the time that people feel is necessary to do the detailed work and to have community consultation.”
PLANE PICTURE: Mike and Luke Kaban piloted their 1959 C2 Colonial Skimmer near one of the Martin Mars aircraft the day before the former water bomber left Port Alberni last summer for a museum in Victoria. Mike [left] and photographer Duane Ranta donated the photo, which shows the two planes in close proximity, to Julie’s Airport Café owner Julie Darveau [right] for patrons at the establishment to enjoy. The inside of the café near Powell River Airport features extensive memoribilia related to flying. DUANE RANTA PHOTO
Retired psychiatrist hosts tell-all
Mental health and work of psychiatry a complex road
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
qathet resident and retired psychiatrist Dr. Peter Uhlmann understands a few things about mental health.
But what about the general public? How much do they understand the field of psychiatry or even their own mental state?
Everything You Ever Wanted to Ask a Psychiatrist is the title of a talk and discussion Uhlmann will host at Powell River Public Library on Saturday, September 13.
The Peak asked Uhlmann about his career in psychiatry and for his thoughts on mental health and resources offered in BC and locally.
"I worked in Powell River for 20 years, then I had some issues with my health and had to stop my practice for several years," said Uhlmann. "When I started again, I ended up spending close to 15 years working in various other locations.”
He ended up practising psychiatry in more remote places such as a Native American
community in New Mexico and about eight different communities in Nunavut and Northwest Territories.
"What they benefitted from is not just me, but the fact that I was consistent," said Uhlmann. "It's hard to get any kind of medical doctor, even family doctors, up in those areas."
He spent 15 years regularly going to various northern communities. He believes it's the continuity and consistency of care that makes a difference for folks accessing mental health resources.
"You put somebody in the hospital and they have an acute crisis, and you deal with the acute crisis, and then you send them out; if you don't follow up on it, there's [bound to be] another acute crisis," explained Uhlmann. "What I want to do is emphasize two things: One is, my talk is not an opportunity for people to come and get a diagnosis or treatment recommendations; it would be inappropriate. But I can talk about subjects in general, like depression or schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or post traumatic stress disorder. The things that we commonly see in psychiatry, I can talk about."
He said he also wants to discuss how the
Back To School Back To School
field of psychiatry has changed over the years. "50 years ago, it was quite a different concept of mental illness," said Uhlmann. "Psychiatry is changing and psychiatrists now are trained quite differently; there's a lot of scientific support for what we do now."
Uhlmann said he was first a family doctor in Powell River and eventually trained as a psychiatrist. He and all of the other specialists, including ophthalmologists and pediatricians, were expected to serve and do general medicine in the emergency room.
"Medication is something that will probably be asked about," said Uhlmann, regarding his talk at the library. "There's a few categories of medication: antidepressants, antipsychotics, antianxiety drugs, and they all have their positive and their negative issues."
He said every drug has side effects but that the biggest problem he finds is that drugs are sometimes prescribed without a proper diagnosis being made.
"In other words, somebody comes in and says, they are going through a divorce or something, and they come into the doctor and say, 'I'm feeling down about all of this', and the doctor says, 'Oh, well, let's put you on an antidepressant.'"
Uhlmann said in some cases people need counselling about their issue and not necessarily medication.
"For depression, certain symptoms are classic, and if you give people antidepressants for those classic symptoms, they get better, and they need to be followed up," said Uhlmann. "They may need other things besides the medication, such as counselling or behaviour modification, or other things to go along with the medication."
He said antipsychotics are revolutionary because they can help keep people out of a mental hospital.
"But the problem is, [provincial governments] took everybody out of the mental hospitals, but they didn't provide the services, and that's why we see homelessness and all of these other issues."
The closure of psychiatric hospitals such as Riverview Hospital in Coquitlam was part of a larger shift away from long-term institutional care toward outpatient care and community-based mental care, but many folks slipped through the cracks.
"Powell River became like a model community for people with cognitive disabilities," said Uhlmann. "A whole group of societies has cropped up and provided them with boarding homes, where they could be supervised, or they could be free in the community, and it's done wonders for the people with disabilities, but the similar thing for people with psychiatric illness doesn't really exist."
He said back in his days working as a psychiatrist in Powell River, there was some-
thing called a single-entry program that was considered quite revolutionary at the time.
"You go, for example, to a counsellor, and the counsellor says, 'well, I'm going to send you to the nurse,' so the nurse does a proper medical and psychiatric assessment, and then we would have a meeting in which the hospital is represented, the mental health team is represented and a family doctor is represented."
He said there was a more cohesive approach at the time.
"What's necessary for good mental health is that there has to be a purpose in life," said Uhlmann. "So, if you just have absolutely nothing to live for, you're not going to have good mental health. If you have no spiritual, no relationship, no occupational or educational things to look forward to in your life, then it's pretty bleak."
He said, unfortunately, movies such as One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest gave effective treatment such as electroshock therapy (ECT) a bad reputation.
"The other thing I will get to talk about, I hope, is the concept of electric shock therapy," said Uhlmann. "I've had people who would be dead now, but because of the ECT that they got, it just changed their brain around to being positive."
He said ECT is usually used for severe depression.
"What many people don't realize is that people who are in their 70s or 80s, or even 90s, if you give them antidepressants, the side effects are too strong for them," said Uhlmann. "They have all kinds of complications: constipation, trouble with vision and blood pressure. So giving them antidepressants at that age is not very helpful, but giving them ECT, there's no side effects, and they get better within two or three weeks."
IN THE KNOW: Retired psychiatrist Dr. Peter Uhlmann will host a talk and general discussion about psychiatry and mental health/illness at Powell River Public Library on Saturday, September 13. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Annual run for cancer research pushed one week
Donations, teams can be made now to raise funds for important cause
TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com
The 45th annual Powell River Terry Fox Run will take place one week later than usual, starting and finishing at Powell River Recreation Complex, lower level, with in-person registration beginning at 8:30 am; the run starts at 10 am.
"Our Terry Fox run is
being held on Sunday, September 21, due to the district-wide BC Hydro power outage scheduled for Sunday, September 14, the day the run should be," said Terry Fox Run organizing committee lead Leslie Paul. "This year our official Terry’s Team member is Evie Tom, a longtime cancer survivor and supporter of the run."
Entrants can choose to run, walk, or roll either a 3.5-kilometre or 10-kilometre route. As usual, there will be a pancake breakfast to follow with coffee also available.
To register a team or to donate to the local Powell
River Terry Fox Run, go to run.terryfox.ca/92989.
At the City of Powell River Council meeting on September 4, mayor Ron Woznow read a proclamation for Terry Fox Week, which stated:
“Whereas the Terry Fox Foundation maintains the visions and principles of Terry Fox while raising money for cancer research, and in doing so is raising the bar for nonprofit fundraising accountability, while honouring the wishes of a true Canadian hero, and;
“Whereas Terry Fox said: ‘If you’ve given a dollar, you are part of the Marathon
Candlelight tribute honours veterans
Annual ceremony takes place this month
Each September, a quiet glow settles over the cemetery in Cranberry as the community gathers to honour the veterans who rest there. On Saturday, September 20, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 164 will once again host its annual candlelight tribute, a tradition that blends ceremony, remembrance and community spirit.
The evening begins with a parade into the cemetery, where participants gather at the veterans memorial for a solemn service. Following the tributes, families and community members light candles at the grave sites, assisted by local cadets who help ensure every veteran is remembered. By the end of the night, nearly 400 candles will flicker across the grounds, each one a symbol of gratitude and remembrance.
In the week leading up to the ceremony, at 11 am on September 13, crosses and flags will be placed to mark known veterans’ graves. Families who
of Hope,’ and every year millions of people in countries all over the world keep Terry’s dream alive by participating in the annual Terry Fox Run and other fundraising events;
“Therefore, I, Ron Woznow, mayor of the City of Powell River, do hereby proclaim the week of September 15 to 21, 2025, as Terry Fox Week in the City of Powell River.”
SUDOKU
know of veterans interred at Powell River Regional Cemetery in Cranberry but not yet recognized are encouraged to contact Karen Crashley at 604.485.5176, so their loved one can be added to the list and honoured as part of the tribute.
Following the cemetery service on September 20, veterans and their families are invited to gather at Legion Branch 164 (6811 Alexander Street) for a veterans dinner at 6 pm. Veterans, along with their spouse or caregiver can sign up at the Legion in advance. The deadline for dinner registration is September 17.
The ceremony has become a cherished moment of reflection for the community and an opportunity not only to pay respects to those who served, but also to come together in shared remembrance. As the candles are lit and the parade marches away, the quiet scene that remains stands as a reminder that the sacrifices of veterans are never forgotten.
A similar candlelight tribute will also take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in
MEMORY MARKER: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 164 secretary/treasurer Karen Crashley at the Veterans Memorial in Powell River Regional Cemetery.
Kelly Creek, continuing the tradition of honouring veterans throughout the region.
FOX FUNDRAISER: The Terry Fox Run at Powell River Recreation Complex will take place on Sunday, September 21, due to a planned power outage scheduled for Sunday, September 14, that will affect all areas of qathet Regional District. PEAK ARCHIVE PHOTO
PEAK ARCHIVE PHOTO
CONNECTIONS EXPO
Dwight Hall
Saturday, September 13 11 am to 3 pm
SCENE
AROUNDTOWN
Fall Fair festivities
Sponsored by Powell River Farmers’ Agricultural Institute, the Fall Fair returned to Paradise Valley on September 6 and 7. The celebration of the harvest season featured prizewinning produce and artwork, animal and agricultural displays, live music and food vendors. The annual event has been a celebrated tradition for friends and families in the area for more than 90 years.
PAUL
GALINSKI
reporter@prpeak.com
With training camp having wrapped up and exhibition season underway, Powell River Kings have taken some new approaches to building the team.
Head coach and general manager Stephan Seeger Jr. said in past years, the team has only brought in its signed roster, so maybe 23 or 24 players were in training camp.
“We usually had one or two extra guys who we had a pretty good inkling that they would be able to make the team,” said Seeger. “This season, we decided to go with a different route, where we brought in about 40 play-
ers to camp. The message we sent was: if you have a contract, that’s great. If you don’t have a contract, that’s also great, because we’re going to be building a team based on who deserves to be here.
“We are trying to do the meritocracy approach and so nobody’s on the team until they earn that locker room.”
Seeger said that after the first exhibition road trip, some cuts will be made and the team will have more of a solidified roster. He said the landscape has changed a lot since he started with the Kings, so it’s important to ensure a lot of research is being done into the prospective players.
“I kind of felt like an investigator,” said Seeger. “One of the biggest things for myself and the rest of the staff was that we were bringing in some really good, character people. That was one thing we elected to put high on our importance sheet when going through the recruiting process.
“We were doing rigorous
background checks with former coaches and other players who the players wanting to play for the Kings had played with. The biggest thing for us was that character, how coachable they are, and are they going to be good members of the community?”
Seeger said he felt that the team needed heavier weight on the culture that’s being built here and the culture of the locker room.
“I and the rest of the staff have to lead in a certain way and then we believe it will bleed into the locker room and into the team,” said Seeger. “If you don’t have the right kind of people in the locker room, staff included, it’s a difficult task to take on. If you don’t have the right kind of people who have the right kind of mission in their head, it’s impossible to get to where we need to be.”
Seeger said this year, with the shakeup of major junior hockey players now being eligible to play for NCAA college hockey teams, it has changed the junior hockey
landscape. He said there are going to be some players who are displaced and looking for homes.
“There’s just a larger group of players now to look at,” said Seeger. “So, with that, you have to have a lot of extensive recruiting and a lot more work and time has
to be put in to stay competitive. That’s definitely the goal, to be competitive, and even more than that is having guys with the right mindset who are here on a mission and hungry to achieve the goal.”
Seeger said in terms of player availability, as a re-
sult of what is going on in major junior hockey, there is greater availability of older players.
“I believe that part of the interaction is that major junior teams can only host so many 20-year-olds, and there are going to be good players who still have an-
USING MERITOCRACY: Powell River Kings head coach and general manager Stephan Seeger Jr. has indicated he has felt like an investigator this year, undertaking extensive research in finding hockey players that mesh with the team’s systems. PEAK ARCHIVE PHOTO
other season of junior hockey left over,” said Seeger. “We’re able to have a few more 20-year-old spots than we’ve had in the past, and I’ve also opened it up to some more import spots as well. The goal of the BCHL and the Kings is to stay competitive.”
Seeger said in the BCHL, there is going to be a strong focus on academics, which can help players get into colleges in the United States to play hockey. He said academics is something the team promotes, and that it has a history of good players moving on to college hockey. This year, Erin Hodgins will be taking over as the team’s educational advisor.
“There’s going to be more rigorous study schedules for the players and a lot more structure for them,” said Seeger. “It’s not going to be a question of ‘how am I going to get the study in.’ It’s here and there will be structure for when the players are going to show up for study time.
“The league has been great about offering some online schools, especially since COVID-19. A lot of it has shifted from brick and mortar to online schooling. The league is doing everything it can to push the academic agenda in our direction, so the players are ready when they become an NCAA player.”
Seeger said parents of players send their sons to the Kings and they are adopted by a billeting family in town. The expectation from par-
PUCK PURSUIT:
Powell River Kings’ centre Clayton Ellsworth tracks the puck carried by Justin Collins of the Nanaimo Clippers during the first exhibition game of the 2025/2026 BC Hockey League preseason for both teams on September 6. Ellsworth spent last season with Nashville Junior Predators U18 AAA team, where he scored 11 goals and added 17 assists for 28 points in 52 games. See results from a pair of weekend Kings’ games on page 20. ISLAND
PHOTOGRAPHY
ents is that the team is going to take care of the players, and that doesn’t mean only on the ice, he added.
“There’s a lot more facets to life than hockey,” said Seeger. “I’m not saying hockey isn’t the most important thing to our players, because it definitely is at this moment, but eventually, there’s going to be a time when they can’t play anymore, and for them to have their academics to rely on is always a really critical thing, and it’s something that I support.”
In terms of training camp this year, Seeger said the intensity was great.
“We were excited to start our exhibition schedule,” said Seeger. “Our first game featured a lot of new faces and a lot of new names, so there are a lot of changes that have taken place to
make sure we have the right people here. The goal is keeping a really strong core of kids and to not have a revolving door this season.”
Seeger said he can state with pretty heavy certainty that the Kings this year will be more offensively minded.
“We’re going to be a team that plays fast and we’re going to be a team that is just menacing to play against,” said Seeger. “I can promise that the players are putting in the time to learn the systems we want them to be playing. They are really hungry and eager to get things started and to play in front of fans. That’s what they are here to do. That’s what the fans are here to enjoy and we plan to deliver on that. We’ve spent countless hours building this roster. They love playing.”
Prior to training camp, Powell River Kings added a 19-year-old from Amherstburg, Ontario, to the roster.
Josh Lepain spent the last three seasons in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, where he surpassed his point totals from the previous season each year.
“I am looking forward to starting the season and meeting all the guys and staff,”
stated Lepain. “I can’t wait to get into game action and contribute to the team getting some wins.”
With the London Nationals in 2024/2025, he set career highs with 19 goals and 26 assists in 45 games.
“Josh is one of those character players you love to have in your dressing room; he plays with heart and has plenty of compete,” stated Kings’ head coach and general manager Stephan Seeger Jr. “He is a competitor, and extremely tactical and nifty when in tight on goalies and around the goal crease. His big frame allows Josh to take pucks to this high traffic area with pace and precision.”
POINT PRODUCER: Josh Lepain has moved from the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League to the BC Hockey League for the 2025/2026 season. BRUCE LAING PHOTOGRAPHY
Former BC Hockey League (BCHL) and Western Hockey League (WHL) goalie Dustin Slade has been hired by the Powell River Kings in a coaching capacity. The BCHL club announced that Slade will serve as the team’s new goaltending and video coach.
“I feel really excited to get started in Powell River and be part of such a proud organization,” stated Slade. “The Kings have a great community tradition and I’m looking forward to contributing to that.”
The netminder from Penticton had a long and successful junior career that spanned six years, in-
cluding multiple stops in the BCHL and WHL. He played in 68 games with Penticton Panthers, Quesnel Millionaires and Surrey Eagles of the BCHL, and made appearances in 132 regular season contests in the WHL with Kamloops Blazers, Brandon Wheat Kings, Regina Pats and Vancouver Giants.
During his career, Slade won two league championships. The first came with Surrey in 2005. The following year he led Vancouver to its first WHL title with a 16-3 playoff record, 1.40 goal against average and a .936 save percentage.
“I’ve gained a lot of experience over the years, from consulting goalies to working with minor hockey programs at the AAA level and junior level,” stated Slade. “That background has given me a strong foundation to
help players grow both on and off the ice.”
With a history of winning and 200 games of junior hockey experience, and many years of coaching to rely on, Slade said he is looking forward to working with the Kings’ goaltenders and bringing the same success he had during his junior career to the organization.
“My main focus this season is on developing our talented goalies and helping them reach the next level,” he added. “I want to give them the tools and confidence they need to succeed in their careers.
“I’ve been blessed and fortunate to have won multiple championships. I have a winning pedigree and I know what it takes to win. That is the standard I want to bring to the goalies and players I’m working with here in Powell River.”
GOALIE GURU: Powell River Kings’ new goalie coach Dustin Slade will share his six years of junior hockey experience as a player with the BC Hockey League club’s tandem for the
season. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Prior to a pair of exhibition games last weekend, Powell River Kings announced who will captain the team for the 2025/2026 BC Hockey League (BCHL) season.
Jake Westhaver joined the Kings as an affiliate player last November and made an immediate impression, earning a spot on the roster as a full-time player. He was named captain on September 6.
In 40 games with the Kings last season, Westhaver scored four goals and helped set up seven others.
"Jake is the kind of player we want on our team, in our locker room and in our community,” stated Kings’ head coach and general manager
Stephan Seeger Jr. “He leads by example and is going to play a crucial role in sculpting the new culture we are building.
“Jake is exceptional in his work ethic and character and has a knack for making his peers feel welcomed and supported. We are extremely excited to name Jake our team's captain this year, and are excited for the success he will have with the C on his jersey."
The 19-year-old will be leading a Kings team looking
"It's a huge honour to be given this opportunity and I am excited to get going with the boys," stated Westhaver, who is from Victoria. "It's pretty cool growing up watching this league and now being able to have such a role is an unbelievable feeling."
to return to postseason play after missing out last year. He is enthusiastic about the potential of this year's roster.
"I'm really excited to get going and start fresh," adds Westhaver. "It's a new season, a new team, and we have a bunch of high-pace players and hard workers. I think we are going to be a special group this year."
Westhaver will be the second member of his family to captain a BCHL team. His older brother, Marty, who is now the team’s skills coach, captained Victoria Grizzlies during the 2019/2020 season.
Exhibition action
Kings were handed an 8-1 loss in their preseason opener in Nanaimo on August 6, but bounced back with a 4-3 overtime victory in Port Alberni the next day.
Brendan Giles scored the winning goal in Alberni, and also set up the first of a pair off the stick of Chris Battaini, one of which came while the Kings were shorthanded. Ben Wright scored on a Powell River power play in the third period.
Dustin Hendry scored the lone goal in Nanaimo.
Shifting scene
BCHL teams opened training camps under a severelyshifted development model for Canadian junior hockey. A ruling by the United Statesbased National Collegiate Athletic Association that allows Canadian Hockey League (CHL) major-junior players was thought to have a detrimental impact on the Junior A brand, which was previously the only avenue from Canadian hockey into the NCAA.
The Junior A-level BCHL had used it well to become Canadian players’ main funnel into the NCAA. Now the league has competition in that regard from the CHL, so fans can expect to see more one-and-dones in the BCHL.
Just over one-quarter of the players who played NCAA Division 1 hockey
last season came out of the BCHL. How the CHL/NCAA ruling will impact that will be studied and watched over the next few years.
As for now, those are still the dreams being chased as BCHL players in the new Coastal West Division prepare for the regular season, including a pair of preseason contests at Hap Parker Arena when the Kings host Cowichan Valley on Friday,
September 12, and Victoria the next day. Both games start at 4 pm.
Powell River opens the regular season with a pair of home games versus Langley Rivermen on September 19 and 20.
Teams will play 54 regularseason games each. Playoffs will begin April 3, 2026.
With files from Cleve Dheensaw/Times Colonist.
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CLASSIFICATIONS
Yvonne Swan
Apr il 21, 1928 - August 19, 2025
Yvonne Swan passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 Yvonne was bor n Apr il 21st, 1928 She was predeceased by her loving husband Percy in 2008 and her loving son Chr is in 2024
Loving mother of daughter-in-law Vivianne, daughter Mar y (Len, deceased), son Robbie (Donna), daughter Jenny (Mar k), sons Geoff (Manon), Peter (Cher yl) Will be missed by her 14 grandchildren and her 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild
A family memor ial will be held at Kelly Creek Cemeter y
Yvonne was a resident of Powell River since 1980. Well-known for her baking and wares, she was a vendor for many years at the Far mers’ Mar ket, eventually becoming owner-operator of Cottage Baker y supplying other vendors
Yvonne was a standout in our communit y and was loved by all
Michael Stuar t Smith
August 25, 1941 - August 17, 2025
Mike passed away peacefully in palliative care in Nanaimo General Hospital on August 17, 2025 Mike was bor n to Huber t and Nelly in Powell River He grew up in Powell River, moving to Nanaimo as a young adult He is sur vived by t wo brothers, Don (Joan) and Rod (Gerey), seven nephews and nieces and long-time fr iend, Shayne MacLellan Mike was predeceased by his sister, Lynda
Mike wor ked for over 30 years as a fisher ies technician at the Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo with the Depar tment of Fisher ies and Oceans He contr ibuted to fisher ies research on many groundfish species with field wor k in r ivers and coastal sur veys from Califor nia to Alaska Mike made many fr iends dur ing his tenure at the station Those fr iendships have endured well past retirement. Many have shared special times on fishing tr ips and at the cabin on Valdes Island, whose communit y Mike really enjoyed. In addition, his many years of coaching were much appreciated by the Groundfish Highliners slow-pitch softball team.
Fr iends and family remember him for his many interesting stor ies on gold mining histor y, spor t fishing in BC, and what the best lure was at the time. Some will remember Mike as probably the best prawn trap maker, probably the best fisher man, probably the best technician at the Biological Station, probably as the best stor yteller and definitely as a fine fr iend.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, where fr iends and family can gather to honour Mike and share stor ies of his interesting life.
Fr iends and family thank the staff at the Nanaimo General Hospital for the excellent care they provided dur ing his shor t stay
Shir ley Campeau
August 9, 2025
Obituar y for Our Beloved
It is with heavy hear ts and deep love that we announce the passing of our cher ished Mom, Nana, and Great-Nana Shir ley Campeau, who depar ted this life peacefully in her sleep, preceded in death by her beloved husband Roger, on August 9, 2025, at the age of 88
Bor n on December 9, 1936, in London, England Shir ley lived a life filled with grace, wisdom, and unwaver ing love for her family She was the matr iarch of five generations, a guiding light whose war mth and kindness shaped the lives of all who knew her
Shir ley was known for her gentle spir it, shar p wit, and boundless generosit y Her home was always open, and her hear t was always full Her loving stor ies from years gone by, or her comfor ting embrace, she had a way of making ever yone feel special and safe
She leaves behind a legacy of love in her daughter, Diana; grandchildren Sherenna and Amanda; greatgrandchildren Keanna, Taylor, Alexzander ia, Damon, Jackson, Mason, Tallon, and Olivia, all of whom carr y a par t of her in their hear ts Her presence was a blessing, her love a gift, and her memor y will forever be a treasure
A celebration of Shir ley's life will be held on a later date
Though she may no longer be with us in body, her love and strength will remain with us always
Isobel Ar klie
December 3, 1935 - Apr il 8, 2025
With love and sadness we share the passing of Isobel Chr istine Ar klie (nee MacLeod), who left us unexpectedly on Apr il 8, 2025
Bor n on December 3, 1935 in Winnipeg, Manitoba and spent the major it y of her life in Powell River
Isobel is predeceased by her husband John (Jack) Ar klie, she is sur vived by her children Donna (George), Susan (J), Cathy (Ray), Kevin (Kim) and Lisa (Vic) also her 15 grandchildren and 15 greatgrandchildren
A graveside gather ing of fr iends and family will take place at the Powell River Cemeter y on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 2:00 pm to lay to rest both Isobel and Jack
We welcome all who knew and loved her to join us in shar ing stor ies, laughter, and memor ies as we remember the joy she brought into our lives
William {Bill} Shewchuk
William {Bill} Shewchuk, bor n December 27, 1937, passed away on August 28, 2025, at the age of 87 Bill was a long-time resident and well-known in the communit y as Wild Bill
In the ear ly days, Bill was recognized for his cowboy hat, fr inged jacket and handlebar moustache In recent years, Bill would showcase his custom walking sticks Known as a skilled woodwor ker, Bill created many or iginal wor ks of ar t from dr ift wood planters to birdhouses Bill's happy disposition made him a joy to be around, always willing to tell a stor y or t wo
Bill loved to travel, going to Spokane to visit his sister, cr uising to Alaska or taking a train to the Rock y Mountains His favour ite place was bet ween Pr inceton and Osoyoos, which reminded him of the cowboy shows he delighted in
Bill was well-loved by many and will be sorely missed for his eter nal optimism and goodwill
Celebration of Life at Jean Pike Centre on September 27th, 2025, at 2pm
Cit y of Powell River Cit y Hall – MacGregor Building 6910 Duncan Street, Powell River, BC V8A 1V4 Telephone 604 485 6291 Fax 604 485 2913 www powellr iver ca info@cdpr bc ca
CITY OF POWELL RIVER
Volunteer Applications Invited for Municipal Appointments to the Powell River Librar y Board
The Cit y of Powell River is inviting applications from interested individuals to ser ve as a Tr ustee of the Powell River Public Librar y Board ("Board") There are t wo positions avail‐able star ting Januar y 1, 2026, each for a t wo-year ter m
The Board sets policy and provides overall direction of librar y ser vices, in accordance with Par t 2 of the Library Act Board members ser ve without remuneration and are ex‐pected to attend monthly meetings and to share in Board activities and responsibilities
Applicants must be a resident or elector of the Cit y of Powell River Employees of the Cit y of Powell River, the qathet Regional Distr ict, or the Librar y are not eligible to apply
Interested individuals are invited to submit a letter describing their interest in ser ving on the Librar y Board The letter should include references and any par ticular interests, wor k exper ience (volunteer or paid), and other qualifications relevant to the position
Applications may be submitted by mail or e-mail to:
SPCA - Adopt a Pet
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IVY - Don't miss out on this har ming social butterfly disguised as a dog!
SIREN - Super sweet senior lady! For mosan Mountain dog mix
SAMEUL - New boy on the block! Super handsome young feline!
HARVIE - handsome, male feline, also the king of loafing!
SASHIMI - super sweet kitten This boy is a super star!
BAGHEERA - a lil young male panther! Stunning young cat!
BECKIE - Young black & white cat - female feline royalt y!!
JELLYBEAN & JUNIOR MINT - checkout our super cute kittens! Best deal in town!
SOPHIE - quiet, prett y, snuggling Guinea Pig seeking matching humans!
BOO-BOO Green eyed, mature, prett y, fr iendly, black cat-welcomes visitors!
DAISY - Gorgeous, prett y white & gray, super senior seeking her matching super senior human!
Cit y of Powell River
Attention: Jessica Walls, Deput y Cor porate Officer 6910 Duncan Street Powell River, BC V8A 1V4 jwalls@powellr iver ca
Applications must be received by 4:00 pm on Thursday, September 29, 2025 For fur
FRANK SINATRA, & ELVISSweet n playful, cute over load! Corso/Mastiff mix puppies
MAVIS - Stunning, sweet, kidloving, 4 yr old Mastiff mix
OREO - Affectionate white & black stunner! This young boy needs a new family!
SPCA 604-485-9252
OPEN HOUSE TOUR • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
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$459,900 MLS®19267
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Beautifully crafted, brand-new townhome! Environmentally sustainable, this energyefficient home has a zero carbon footprint.
3 bedroom, 3 bathroom
CREEKSIDE LIVING TOWNHOUSES
5191 Manson Avenue • Starting at $499,900
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3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2,846 sq ft
3890 ONTARIO AVENUE
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Great value for waterfront home with suite. Quiet neighbourhood, this home is ideal for those seeking both tranquillity and fine craftsmanship.
3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 3,197 sq ft
4810 SANDERSON ROAD
$945,000 MLS®18993
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This is your opportunity to build your dream vacation home on one of the most beautiful islands in the Salish Sea. This 0.34 acre Savary Island lot has tons of potential. 1908 VANCOUVER BOULEVARD
$129,900 MLS®18559
Incredible ocean views in desirable Grandview Estates (55+) unit in the heart of town, walking distance to everything. 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,323 sq ft 302-6900 BURNABY STREET $429,990 MLS®19010
Character home on a corner lot, low-maintenance featuring established flower beds, hot tub, workshop with power, and a greenhouse.
3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2,266 sq ft
6479 SUTHERLAND AVENUE
$549,900 MLS®19137
BILL: 604.223.0811
Great family home in a desirable neighbourhood with panoramic views of the Salish Sea. Never on the market before.
