April 16 - 2026 by Merritt Herald

Surrey’s Mako Wood Furniture recently received a large financial boost for its Merritt factory.

APRIL 16, 2026

DROUGHT RISK INCREASED AS SNOWPACK ‘WELL BELOW NORMAL’

The Nicola Valley’s snowpack sits at only 52 per cent of normal.

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com

The snowpack in the Nicola Valley is among the lowest in British Columbia, setting the region up for a dry and arid summer.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre has released its most recent data from weather stations across the province in the April Snow Survey and Water Supply Bulletin, and while B.C. as a whole sits at 92 per cent of normal snowpack, the Nicola region is far lower at 52 per cent of normal.

While a month-over-month decrease in snowpack (from 65 per cent of normal in March) matched the trend of much of the Southern Interior, Nicola was one of just a handful of regions in B.C. considered ‘well below normal’ in April, or below 70 per cent. In fact, only Vancouver Island

WILDFIRE SEASON RETURNS

The Nicola Valley has already seen its first significant wildfire of the season, growing to over 800 hectares.

WILDFIRES: continued on page 3

FURNITURE FACTORY GETS $5.5MIL FROM PROVINCE

The Merritt build is set to create almost 30 local jobs.

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com

A major Merritt construction project is getting a significant financial boost thanks to new provincial funding.

The Government of B.C. recently announced $6.75 million to expand production at four manufacturing businesses in the Southern Interior, including Mako Wood Furniture, a Surrey company opening a new factory operation off of Lindley Creek Road in Merritt.

Mako is receiving the lion’s share of the funding, at $5.5 million.

Mako Wood Furniture CEO Harjit Jassal said in a press release that the funding “represents a significant step toward creating a more resilient future, delivering tangible benefits and positive change for residents across British Columbia.

“As a business proudly serving for 22 years, and currently employing 100 dedicated workers, this provincial support will enable us to highlight British Columbia’s dedication to uplifting small businesses,” said Jassal. “This

initiative is pivotal for enhancing community well-being and driving economic growth in Merritt.”

The Herald reached out for comment and more details on multiple occasions, including what the build has cost so far, what the extra funding will be used for and an updated timeline of the project, with no response as of April 14.

According to the release, the funding is expected to help create 29 jobs at the new facility.

Also receiving funds from the initiative are Good Way Homes in the Shuswap, Dinoflex Group in Salmon Arm and Kinetic Custom Trailers in Penticton.

Funding is through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, and a result of B.C.’s Look West plan to grow good local jobs, strengthen regional supply chains and create new economic opportunities. More than $1.2 billion is being invested in the 156 capital projects funded through the fund, with up to $154 million in provincial funding committed so far, creating more than 2,100 jobs and protecting more than 2,700 jobs.

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PHOTO/TY LIM

A view of Mako Wood Furniture factory under construction.

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

WILDFIRES, SALMON POPULATION COULD BE AFFECTED BY LOW SNOWPACK

DROUGHT: continued from page 1

(44 per cent) and Skagit (26 per cent) currently have lower snowpacks.

Northern B.C. saw the majority of areas with higher-than-normal snowpack levels, reaching as high as 136 per cent of normal in Nechako. There is an increased freshet flood hazard for these regions, which also includes Upper Fraser East (121 per cent), Nechako (136), North Thompson (115), Upper Columbia (116), Skeena-Nass (116), Liard (111), Stikine (115), East Kootenay (110), Central Coast (119), and Northwest (123).

The B.C. River Forecast Centre attributes the Nicola area’s low levels to mid-March warming.

“During the first week of April, generally stable weather conditions have limited mountain snow accumulation and the warmest temperatures of the spring, so far, have initiated snowmelt at lower elevations across parts of the province,” reads the April snowpack report.

April’s report is the benchmark survey for assessing seasonal hazards, as approximately 97 per cent of the annual snowpack has typically accumulated.

As a whole, the province’s 92 -per cent-of-normal snowpack remains more stable than that of April 2025, when it sat at 79 per cent.

Historic low in Okanagan

The Okanagan snow basin is experiencing its lowest levels ever seen since

they first began calculating in 1980, at 58 per cent. The region’s previous low was 67 per cent, calculated in 1981.

What a low snowpack means

Monitored by the B.C. River Forecast Centre, snowpack is measured as a percentage of normal, acting as a crucial indicator for flood risk (high snowpack) or summer drought/wildfire risks (low snowpack). Snowmelt is vital for water supply in the mountainous province of B.C., feeding rivers, lakes and reservoirs in the spring and summer.

A lack of meltwater means a higher risk of drought as well as wildfire, with forests remaining drier and more flammable throughout the hot summer months. Spawning fish could also be heavily affected, with a low snowpack acting as an early indicator for low river flows in both the Coldwater and Nicola Rivers.

Although snowpack conditions are indicative of seasonal hazards, the B.C. River Forecast Centre says that spring weather “remains the dominant control on outcomes”, with rapid warming, heavy rainfall, or rain-on-snow events increasing flood hazard, while prolonged warm and dry conditions can exacerbate drought hazard.

The Centre monitors snowpack conditions throughout the province right until mid-June, with the next seasonal flood hazard forecast set for a May 8-12 release.

PHOTO/PROVINCE

A map of British Columbia shows the snowpack levels at different snow stations across the province, including in Merritt, shown in the 50-59 per cent range.

CONCERNS RAISED OVER AI CENTRE WATER USAGE

The Bell facility is a closed-loop system, which is used to recycle water used for cooling and reduce waste.

TYLER REIS-SANFORD

Contributed

With Bell Canada’s new AI data centre set to open in the coming weeks, the Merritt Herald has heard from some residents who are concerned over the potential risks the project could bring to the community.

Data centre water usage has been a common concern for many communities facing the proposition of new data centres, leading to some cities like Olds and Regina protesting their construction. Many of these concerns stem from the water usage of open cycle cooling

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systems that are used to cool the equipment used in the data centres. Because the chips used in data centres are expensive and fragile, clean, potable water is required to cool them. Bacteria and other contaminants can lead to corrosion, so open cycle systems typically require data centres to be connected to municipally treated water.

One case study at the University of Oxford’s department of engineering stated that a smaller 1 megawatt data centre on an open loop cycle could use

MERRITT: continued on page 5

PHOTO/JAKE COURTEPATTE

The Bell AIl data centre under construction in early April 2026.

MERRITT ‘CAN SUPPORT PROJECT RESPONSIBLY’

CONCERNS: continued from page 4

up to 26 million litres of water a year.

Merritt’s 6.5 MW data centre is built around a sealed closed-loop cooling system that transfers heat to air-cooled equipment rather than traditional evaporative cooling systems. During the construction of the centre, it is filled with technical water - a specialized form of water for industrial application, and delivered by truck in drums.

The water then remains in the system, and is not exposed to outside contaminants at the same rate as an open cycle system. The water is not released or routinely replaced during normal operation of the facility.

Closed loop systems are less susceptible to fouling and can reduce water use by up to 70 per cent according to the Environmental and Energy Study institute, but are often more expensive to build and maintain to ensure fluid quality.

“Merritt offers a rare combination of advantages for this project, including a central location with fibre connectivity to key regions of B.C., access to reliable, clean energy, and room for future growth. The city also has a substation built for expansion and shares our vision for future economic benefit, including bringing new technical employment to the area,” said Dan Rink, Bell’s President of AI Infrastructure & Strategy.

Merritt’s data centre is one of six such centres being built in B.C., including a planned three centres in Kamloops. The projects represent roughly 500MW of power, according to a City of Merritt press release from June 2025.

“B.C. has a robust and rapidly growing AI sector, and the supercluster of data centres will drive innovation, create jobs, and further strengthen our province’s position as an emerging world-class AI hub,” said Diana Gibson, former Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation for British Columbia.

Other concerns have risen around the power use of the 6.5 MW data centre impacting the surrounding community. 1 MW is roughly the amount of energy used to power 400 to 900 homes depending on usage rates and the time of

year, meaning a 6.5 MW data centre could potentially use the same amount of energy as anywhere between 87.4 per cent and 136.1 per cent of all private dwellings in Merritt, according to 2021 census data.

Although the facility is designed to support its full capacity, Rink says like most data centres it will not necessarily operate at maximum load at all times, and that the capacity is built in to provide flexibility, reliability and room for growth.

“Merritt was selected in part because the local infrastructure could support the project responsibly,” said Rink. “The city sits at the confluence of significant hydro generation capacity and already has a substation built for expansion, while the site itself is well positioned for access, connectivity and future growth.”

Rink also says that Bell is currently focused on delivering the capacity they’ve already committed to, but that if there was a significant rise in demand, and the Merritt facility was deemed an appropriate site to meet it, that any new development would be conducted in close consultation with the province and community.

In a CBC article from May 29, 2025, Mayor Michael Goetz said that he was excited for the new data centre.

“If you’re first in the door, you can control the narrative,” Goetz said. “If you’re coming up behind once everybody’s jumped on the bandwagon, then you’re playing catch up.”

When the Merritt Herald reached out to the city for their clarification on concerns around water use and the preparations the city has made, Mayor Goetz replied, saying “We as a city do not speak for the AI Centre, as a city our part was to approve the permits and nothing more, we have not been told when the opening is or received and invites on that matter, as far as the water usage again we do not have the plans”.

Building and development of the data centre will support approximately 150 jobs in trades and engineering according to Rink, and the full time operation of the centre will create long-term technical employment, with approximately 15 to 25 full time roles.

Ben van der Gracht

250-374-3344 ext 244 bvandergracht@morellichertkow.com

Jacob M. Brown

250-374-3344 ext 264 jbrown@morellichertkow.com

NICOLA VALLEY VIEWPOINT

ART-TASTIC!

week’s submission is by Camille Gauthier, grade 9.

DIXON: SMILE, YOUR TEETH ARE PRECIOUS

BONNIE DIXON

Healthy Conversations

I love going to the dentist! Sounds weird I know, but truly I do. So far, so good at almost 70, I have all of my own teeth. My challenge is my gum health. I have been dutifully doing all I can for my whole life. I’m hoping to keep all of my teeth. Here are a few tips.

Your smile is one of the first things people notice. Yet, we often take our oral health for granted until something feels off. The truth is simple: your teeth are precious, and your gums are the foundation that keeps them strong.

Healthy gums hold your teeth in place, protect against infection, and support your overall well-being. When gums are neglected, it can lead to sensitivity, bleeding, and even tooth and jawbone loss over time.

Let’s start with brushing. Electric or battery-operated toothbrushes are often more effective at cleaning your teeth compared to manual brushing. They do the scrubbing for you and are generally gentler on your gums. Many of us tend to brush too hard with a manual toothbrush, thinking we’re doing a better job, when in fact we may be causing damage to our gums.

Flossing is another essential step.

Using the “C” technique ~ curving the floss around each tooth ~ helps remove food particles and plaque from areas your toothbrush simply can’t reach. To take your oral care even further, a water flosser (or water pick) can be a gamechanger. It helps flush out debris, stimulate the gums, and provide a thorough clean between teeth, leaving your mouth feeling fresh and healthy. Here’s something many people don’t realize: good oral hygiene is closely connected to heart health. Harmful bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart, potentially contributing to health issues. In addition to daily care, certain dietary supplements may support gum health, especially if you are dealing with gum-related conditions. Omega-3s, vitamin C, bioflavonoids, probiotics, and CoQ10 have all been studied for their potential to reduce inflammation, support healing, and promote a healthier oral environment.

So today, take a moment. Smile. Care for your teeth and gums with intention. A few simple habits each day can protect not just your smile ~ but your whole body ~ for years to come.

VIEWPOINT

LETTERS to the Editor

A THANK YOU FOR A SAFE BURN

Editor,

I would like to extend a big thank you to the BCIT students that helped for a couple of days with a safety burn on my property at Quilchena, a couple of weeks ago. Also, a big thank you to the Nicola Fire Base for supplying the coveralls for the students

- Mike Gilbert Merritt, BC

A PSA FOR CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH

Editor,

As a moral rule, being caring, competent, loving parents — and, not to mention, knowledgeable about factual child-development science — should matter most when deciding to procreate. Afterall, a physically and mentally sound future should be every child’s fundamental right, especially when considering the very troubled world into which they never asked to enter — particularly one in which the parents too often stop loving each other, frequently fight and eventually divorce.

Yet, many people still hold a misplaced yet strong sense of entitlement when it comes to misperceiving and treating children largely as obedient property to use or abuse.

Early-life abuse and/or chronic neglect left unhindered typically causes the brain to improperly develop. It can readily be the starting point of a life in which the brain uncontrollably releases potentially damaging levels of inflammatory stress hormones and chemicals, even in otherwise non-stressful daily routines. It amounts to non-physical-impact brain damage in the form of CPTSD. Among other dysfunctions, it has been described as an emotionally tumultuous daily existence, indeed a continuous discomforting anticipation of ‘the other shoe dropping’. And it can make every day a mental ordeal.

Therefore, the wellbeing of all children needs to be of genuine importance to everyone — and not just concern over what other parents’ children might or will cost us as future criminals or costly cases of government care, etcetera — regardless of how well our own developing children are doing. Mindlessly ‘minding our own business’ often proves humanly devastating.

- Frank Sterle Jr. White Rock, BC

The Merritt Herald welcomes your letters, on any subject, addressed to the editor. Letters may be edited for length, taste and clarity. Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

Email letters to: newsroom@merrittherald.com.

Have your say at merrittherald.com

Do you believe gaps in local services are holding back Merritt’s economic growth?

From the Herald archives

APRIL 21, 2010

NO SCHOOLS TO BE CLOSED THIS YEAR

While there are no schools slated to be closed this year in School District 58, there are no guarantees for 2011.

“We haven’t made a lot of hard choices, yet,” said Bruce Tisdale, SD58 secretary treasurer at a public budget presentation, April 14 in Merritt.

The province is funding the district at about the same level as last year (close to $25 million), but there are some hidden costs.

A labour settlement negotiated with teachers and support staff in 2006 enters its fourth year of wage increases.

Funding was provided for this in the past, but this year the amount is being factored into the per-student grant the school district receives.

SD 58 has a low teacher-to-student ratio, meaning there are more teachers than the provincial average.

Rising pension costs, medical services plan fees, utilities and fuel are some of the other costs not covered by provincial funding.

DISTRACTED DRIVING STILL A BURDEN ON INTERIOR HIGHWAYS

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com

With the month of March once again marking Occupant Restraint and Distracted Driving Month in B.C., BC Highway Patrol was monitoring the province’s highways for those breaking the law.

And while Central B.C., which includes Merritt, Kelowna and Kamloops, saw more tickets for both seatbelt violations and electronic devices than any other region, it was a slight drop from that of 2025.

Over the course of the month, 1,008 electronic device tickets were handed out, down from 1,036 the year prior. Seatbelt tickets also dropped to 268, from 300 last year.

“When you consider staffing changes, different enforcement techniques, weather, and other factors, these

numbers are essentially flat,” said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol. “Having said that, you can look around and see that too many people are still using their phones while driving. And why some people can’t bring themselves to use their seatbelt remains a mystery.”

No other region came close to 1,000 tickets in total, with the highest being the South Coast including Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley (822 electronic device tickets and 138 seatbelt violations).

“Distracted driving is still one of the top three things that can kill you on BC roads, along with speed and impairment, and seatbelts are just such an easy way to save lives in collisions,” said Cpl. McLaughlin. “As long as they continue to be problems, we will continue to educate through enforcement.”

PHOTO/BC RCMP

A BC Highway Patrol cruiser with its emergency lights on and a car pulled over at the side of the highway.

WILDFIRE GROWTH CAUSED BY CULTURAL BURN

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com

An out-of-control wildfire sparked off of Highway 5A east of Merritt on April 8, marking the first significant blaze to hit the Kamloops Fire Centre of the 2026 wildfire season.

Dubbed the ‘Quilchena Creek Fire’, the blaze was discovered around 4p.m. and was immediately suspected to be human-caused. Located in tthe area of Hamilton Creek Indian Reserve no. 7 on Lower Nicola Indian Band land, LNIB put out a statement on Facebook on the same day that they were aware of the fire. It quickly grew to 150 hectares in size by the following morning, before ballooning to 550 hectares then maxing out at 880 by the morning of April 10. 18 firefighting personnel responded to the situation, with the fire considered under control by BC Wildfire by the weekend.

STANDING TOGETHER AT SCW’EXMX HEALTH FAIR

Lower Nicola Indian Band Chief Nicholas Peterson said the growth of the fire can be attributed to a cultural burn adjacent to the wildfire that was started by a member on their own property, which got away from them.

As of April 14, the fire is no longer listed on the BC Wildfire Map.

DRUNK DRIVER GETS PROBATION FOR ASSAULT

TIM PETRUK Castanet

A restaurant patron who returned to hit a waitress in the face after she called police to report him for drunk driving has been ordered to spend the next year on probation.

Rick Michael Downing, 52, was sentenced Thursday in Kamloops provincial court after pleading guilty to a charge of assault.

Court heard Downing went to the Home Restaurant in Merritt on the afternoon of May 28, 2024. Crown prosecutor Anthony Varesi said he was “clearly intoxicated” to staff working at the establishment.

“Employees noted that Mr. Downing got into a vehicle and drove away, so they called the police to report that he was intoxicated,” Varesi said.

“He was stopped by an RCMP officer shortly thereafter and given a roadside suspension.”

An irate Downing then returned to the restaurant.

“He approached one of the employees and berated her for calling the police,” Varesi said.

“He called her a (vulgar name) and said, ‘I lost my license because of her,’ and then he smacked the employee with his right hand.”

The woman was not injured, but she told police her face was sore and Varesi said she was “quite shaken.”

After expressing some concern about leniency, Kamloops provincial court Judge Stella Frame went along with a joint submission for a year of probation, with conditions prohibiting Downing from consuming alcohol, contacting the victim or being within 20 metres of the restaurant.

He was also ordered to submit a sample of his DNA to police for inclusion in a national criminal database.

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com

‘Be the Change’ was the goal at the Opioid Crisis, Drug and Alcohol Health Fair at the Merritt Civic Centre on April 10.

Hosted by Scw’exmx Community Health Services, the day saw hundreds of patrons

come through the doors to learn more about how to combat the rising drug crisis in British Columbia.

Guest speakers captivated audiences throughout the day, as well as plenty of booths and other resources, culminating in a community dinner.

PHOTO/BC WILDFIRE

Scorched earth is shown in an aerial view of the fire on April 10.

SMOKE TO BE VISIBLE FROM PILE BURNING ON IRON MOUNTAIN

JAKE COURTEPATTE

newsroom@merrittherald.com

Merrittonians may be seeing smoke coming from Iron Mountain for the remainder of the month of April, thanks to a pile burning project from BC Wildfire and Cascades Natural Resource District.

Starting this week and running until May 1 dependent on weather and site conditions, crews will be burning up to 50 piles approximately five kms southeast of Merritt along Fox Farm Road.

The purpose of this project is to help mitigate wildfire risk in the area by reducing the accumulation of fuels, like tree limbs, woody debris and organic material.

Smoke may be visible to those within the city limits as well as those travelling along Highway 5. Burning will proceed only if conditions are suitable and allow for smoke dispersal, though smoke may also linger in the following days.

The burn is one of a number of prescribed projects happening throughout the Nicola Valley area this spring, including burns conducted on Coldwater, Upper Nicola and Lower Nicola lands.

For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air-quality advisories, visit www.bcwildfire.ca.

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The proposed Mainline Optimization Project is designed to increase capacity and optimize performance across our system. This will further strengthen Canada’s ability to move energy safely, efficiently and competitively to global markets. Read the details and share your thoughts online – we look forward to hearing from you.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR ORAL HEALTH AS A SENIOR

Oral health for seniors requires daily, diligent care to manage risks like dry mouth, root decay, and gum disease. Key practices include brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, daily flossing, cleaning dentures, and visiting a dentist at least twice a year. These measures help prevent pain, tooth loss, and systemic health issues.

Key Oral Health Tips for Seniors

- Daily Routine: Brush teeth for two minutes, twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

- Cleaning Between Teeth: Floss daily or use interdental cleaners, which are crucial as plaque builds up faster in older adults.

- Denture Care: Remove dentures at night and brush them daily with a denture brush and cleanser. Clean gums and tongue, too.

- Manage Dry Mouth: Use water, sugar-free gum, or saliva substitutes, as many medications cause dry mouth, which raises cavity risks.

- Regular Checkups: Visit a dentist regularly to screen for oral cancers and gum disease.

Common Risks and Solutions

- Gum Disease & Decay: Receding gums and exposed roots are common; address bleeding gums immediately.

- Reduced Dexterity: If arthritis makes brushing difficult, use an electric toothbrush or enlarge the handle with a tennis ball or foam grip.

- Medication Side Effects: Discuss medications with a dentist, as they may cause tooth decay, bleeding gums, or dry mouth.

Warning Signs to See a Dentist

- Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing.

- Loose, broken, or uncomfortable dentures.

- Sores or lumps that persist in the mouth.

- Persistent dry mouth.

Oral Hygiene for people with no teeth

Oral hygiene for people with no teeth is essential to remove bacteria, plaque, and food residue, preventing gum infections and bad breath. Daily care involves gently brushing gums, the tongue, and the roof of the mouth with a soft toothbrush or damp cloth. If wearing dentures, they must be cleaned daily and removed at night.

Daily Oral Care Routine

- Brush Gums and Tongue: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean the gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth at least twice a day to stimulate circulation and remove bacteria.

Use Damp Cloth/Gauze: Alternatively, use a warm, damp washcloth or gauze wrapped around the finger to wipe away residue.

Rinse Daily: Use an antiseptic, alcohol-free mouthwash to rinse away lingering bacteria and freshen breath.

Hydration: Maintain good hydration to prevent dry mouth, which can lead to bacterial buildup.

Denture Care (If Applicable)

Rinse After Meals: Always remove and rinse dentures after eating to remove food particles.

Brush Daily: Brush dentures daily with a soft toothbrush and nonabrasive cleanser to prevent plaque, tartar, and staining.

Remove Nightly: Take dentures out at night and let them soak in a cleaning solution or plain water to allow gum tissues to rest.

Avoid Hot Water: Never use boiling water on dentures, as it can cause warping.

Monitor Gum Health: Visit a dentist regularly to monitor the health of gums, check for infections, and ensure dentures fit properly.

HOW TO MAXIMIZE THE TAX BENEFITS OF DONATING TO CHARITY

People generally make charitable donations out of a selfless desire to help those in need.

Donors may make charitable contributions to help others, but there’s no shame in taking advantage of the tax benefits associated with donating. Laws governing the tax benefits associated with charitable donations can vary from year to year, so it’s best that donors stay on top of the rules, particularly if they plan to prepare their own returns.

Charitable individuals can keep these strategies on maximizing the tax benefits of donations in mind as they prepare to support their favorite charities.

Work with a financial planner

As noted, the tax laws governing charitable donations can change from year to year, and some of those changes may be subtle. That’s why it can benefit donors to hire a seasoned financial planner, ideally before making donations. Financial professionals can advise prospective donors about donation strategies that will earn them the most significant tax deductions. Some donations help donors avoid capital gains taxes, while others may not even qualify for deductions. Making sense of the rules is easier when donors work with licensed, experienced financial professionals.

No donation is too small to help a worthy cause, but donors who want the best of both worlds should do a little math prior to deciding how much to donate. Charitable donations beneath a certain dollar threshold may not make a difference in terms of deductions when it comes time to file a return. Donors who know the deduction thresholds may be able to reduce their tax liability by donating a little more than they initially intended, a scenario that benefits both charitable organizations and taxpayers alike.

Keep digital records and receipts

Even if a donation qualifies for a deduction, taxpayers can only claim it if they keep records of their contributions. Organizations on the receiving end of donors’ generosity may provide proof to donors who lost their original receipts, but that process can take time, particularly if taxpayers wait until April to prepare their returns. When donating to charity, request digital receipts of all contributions, as these are harder to lose and easily accessible come tax prep season.

Donors may not give to charity with tax deductions in mind. But there’s no shame in maximizing the tax benefits associated with supporting a worthy cause.

Do the math before donating

GOFUNDME STARTED FOR LOCAL KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RECIPIENT

Tyler Clark underwent a kidney transplant just last week, and is now on the road to recovery.

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com

A Merritt man is on to the next stage of a life journey with kidney failure, and his family is reaching out to the public in their time of need.

A GoFundMe page has been created for Tyler Clark by his sister Brianna Madden, just days after Clark received a life-changing kidney and pancreas transplant.

“Tyler has been fighting for his life since the day he was born,” said Madden.

“He was born with kidney failure and spent months in the hospital on dialysis until our late father gave him a second chance at life by donating his kidney when Tyler was just 2 years old. Because of that gift, Tyler was able to grow up and experience a somewhat normal childhood.”

It was at just 15 years old that Clark was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, followed by countless hospital visits, infections and ongoing dialysis over the years. His condition landed him in the Intensive Care Unit just last year, when an infection caused him to be

intubated and placed on life support. It was on April 9, 2026 when he received the call to

come to Vancouver for a potential kidney replacement, which upon testing, was found to be a long-awaited match.

One ten-hour surgery later, Clark was the recipient of a working kidney and pancreas.

“This surgery has given Tyler something he hasn’t had in a long time - real hope for a future,” said Madden. “But his journey isn’t over yet.”

It will take Clark three months in Vancouver to recover, while he attends medical appointments and ensures that his body accepts the organs. The GoFundMe has been started to help with temporary living expenses in Vancouver, travel costs, medications and recovery-related needs, and loss of income.

“Tyler has always done his best to work and support himself despite his health challenges, but right now, he needs help,” reads the GoFundMe page. “We are asking for any support you can give - whether it’s a donation or simply sharing this page.

The GoFundMe can be found at www.gofundme. com/f/tylers-second-chance-at-life-help-him-recover.

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PHOTO/GOFUNDME

A GoFundMe has been started to help Tyler Clark in his recovery from organ transplant.

JOB FAIR A HIT AT MERRITT CIVIC CENTRE

Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly hosted its 2026 Employment and Education Fair at the Merritt Civic Centre on April 14, with over 50 booths, information sessions and presentations.

MERRITT MP FORMS ECONOMIC GROUP

MICHAEL POTESTIO Castanet

Business leaders and KamloopsThompson-Nicola MP Frank Caputo gathered for an inaugural economic council meeting last week, brainstorming ideas that could bring more jobs to the region.

It was the first of what is hoped to be many meetings between the MP and members of the business community in his riding.

Caputo hosted the economic council meeting at the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce to generate ideas for how to combat unemployment.

The MP said he felt the first advisory roundtable discussion got off to a “wonderful start” with attendees introducing themselves and highlighting issues within the riding to improve on, as well as positives that bring about jobs.

“My goal here is to bring as

LAND ACT:

Notice of Application for a Disposition of Crown Land

Take notice that Shackan Indian Band have applied to the British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS), Thompson Okanagan Region for a Nominal Rent Tenure for community and cultural purposes situated on Provincial Crown land located at south end of Chataway Lake – District Lots 2795 and 2796, Kamloops Division of Yale District.

WLRS invites comments on this application. The Lands File is 3400571. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to the Senior Land Officer, Thompson Okanagan Region, WLRS, at: PO Box 9012 STN PROV GOVT; Victoria, BC; V8W 9L6. Comments will be received by WLRS up to April 24, 2026. WLRS may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the Applications, Comments and Reasons for Decision Database website at http://comment.nrs. gov.bc.ca/ for more information.

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many people together into one room where we can discuss how do we attract more industry, how do we attract more jobs and how do we keep the jobs that we have?” Caputo said.

Caputo said the group raised issues including the tax structure not incentivizing small businesses, red tape, child care availability and transportation needs. He hopes the yet-named group will meet quarterly.

NICOLA VALLEY SPORTS

MINOR SOFTBALL SEES SPONSORSHIP DECLINE AFTER AD REVENUE CHANGES

A new policy with the City of Merritt has been implemented for the first time in 2026, which will be reviewed by both sides after its initial year.

TYLER REIS-SANFORD

Contributed

Merritt Minor Softball has seen a steep decline in returning sponsors this year, after the implementation of a new policy to split ad revenue for banners on city property.

The policy was passed in May of 2025, and is being implemented for the first time in the 2026 season. Previously, sponsors would pay Merritt Minor Softball directly for the right to hang banners advertising their businesses at Central Park and 100 per cent of the money would go directly to the league. Now, sponsors will pay directly to the city, which will then split the money evenly with the league within 30 days of receiving payment, or as otherwise negotiated with the fundraising group.

Since the change has been made, only two of last year’s 18 sponsors have returned to purchase a banner with Merritt Minor Softball, representing nearly $8,000 in lost sponsorship money for the league.

“It’s a pretty big chunk, it definitely hurts our abilities, we sometimes sponsor players if they can’t afford it, we buy a lot of equipment and their jerseys and stuff so yeah, it definitely takes a big chunk out of our budget,” said Amy Douthwright, the president of the Merritt Minor Softball Association. “We also put a fair amount of money into the fields, it takes away our ability to do that as well.”

Although savings from previous years have helped the league forgo major changes this year, cutting home games, providing players with hats and jerseys, cutting services and raising the price of registration are all on the table for the future according to Douthwright. Douthwright says that the league has offered to put money into the field and

to work more closely with the city, but is usually told they’re unable to do so.

“We’re not able to purchase materials, we’re not able to get volunteer hours,” said Douthwright. “But we buy the bases, the plugs, the pitching plate, we do other small little repairs.”

Douthwright says she knows the city needs to have some policy in place and that the city should get some portion of the revenue, but that the current one isn’t working well for the league or the sponsors. She also feels that the city rushed into making a policy decision without much consultation from the public.

“Nobody knew about it that I’m aware of… we were told three years ago they needed a policy and it took almost three years to get it in place. We want the money to go into the fields, but we didn’t want the city to just pull it into general revenue,” said Douthwright. “We wanted to work with them on something

that would work well…then all of a sudden it was just approved and this is what it is and nobody will think about changing it.”

City of Merritt CAO Rick Green said that the City had met with Douthwright earlier this year and they agreed to operate under the policy for the season and get together to review how it worked once the season was completed, and Douthwright said Green has been “great to work with”.

“Changes will be recommended to council before next season (if required) once we have some operational data from the first full season the policy is in place for,” said Green in an email exchange with The Merritt Herald.

Some previous sponsors who did not renew their sponsorship for the 2026 season, like Lower Nicola Site Services (LNSS), have said that they would be open to contributing in the future if the policy is changed to ensure their

support goes directly to the kids and organization.

“We’ve always been proud to support local kids and sports programs like Merritt Minor Ball association, and that hasn’t changed,” said Tyler Bateson, the Vice President of Operations at LNSS.

“However, with the City of Merritt’s recent policy to redirect 50 per cent of sponsorship funds, it makes it difficult for us to know that our contribution is directly reaching the teams and families it’s intended to support.”

Since the policy changes the league has had to pivot to other ways of generating revenue, like event packages, and leaning more into jersey sponsorship.

“I’m just hoping we can move forward in a more positive light, I know a lot of people are upset about it, and I am too,” said Douthwright. “But it’s important to look for a solution and not dwell on the problem.”

PHOTO/MERRITT MINOR SOFTBALL/FACEBOOK

Banners are shown hanging on a Merritt ball diamond fence during the 2024 Merritt Minor Softball season.

VALLEY COMMUNITY

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com

The pancakes were sharp and the iron was hot at the first Men of Mettle gathering in Merritt on Saturday, held at the Hall of Honour on Quilchena Ave.

‘Strong Men, Honest Conversations, Real Brotherhood’ was the goal for the event, hosted by Tiny Sparks Foundation. Started by Lyle and Lisa MacDougall, Tiny Sparks works towards

creating strong family dynamics, including with events like Men of Mettle.

Discussions and guest speakers paved the way towards almost $5,000 being raised, that will go directly back into the families and youth of the Nicola Valley.

For more information on what Tiny Sparks does, as well as to read up o other initiatives the organization has planned for the Nicola Valley, check out www.tinysparks.ca.