Merritt Herald January 29, 2026

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LETTER OF SUPPORT AIMS TO POSTPONE SCHOOL CLOSURE

Close to 200 signatures have been collected to present to the school board.

JAKE COURTEPATTE

newsroom@merrittherald.com

A concerned group of parents have banded together in a last-ditch effort for an alternate solution to closing a local school.

The Nicola-Similkameen School District (SD58) has been conducting information sessions, presentations and question and answer periods throughout the district’s catchment since the fall to determine how best to save the millions of dollars needed to balance the budget in the coming decade.

Chief among these discussions is the closure of either Merritt Central Elementary or Collettville Elementary, with redisbursement amongst the other SD58 schools.

But for Chelsea Werrun and the other

almost 200 signatures of a letter of support, many of which are parents or caregivers to SD58 students, there is hope of finding a better solution.

“We, the undersigned parents, caregivers and community members, respectfully urge the District to delay any decision regarding a school closure,” reads the letter, having been circulating through the community over the past week. “At this time, there is insufficient information, planning, and community confidence to support a decision of this magnitude.

“Families are not opposed to change when it is necessary and well planned. However, we are concerned about decisions being made without adequate evidence, transparency, or a clear demonstration of how student wellbeing will be protected. Given the permanent nature of a school closure, the level of evidence and planning required should be proportionate to the long-term impact on students, families, and the broader community.”

The letter will be presented to the board prior to its Feb. 11 regular meeting.

Werrun, one of the community members spearheading the letter, said that the community has to come together to make a change.

“While families recognize the financial pressures facing the district, the letter stresses that decisions of this magnitude must be grounded in clear, credible i nformation and meaningful engagement with families,” Werrun told the Herald.

“It also emphasizes that school closures are not purely financial decisions and urges trustees to carefully consider the social, emotional, and educational impacts on students, particularly in a small rural district where schools play a central role in community life.”

The request is for a one-year delay in any school closure decision. However, as it currently stands, the board will need to cut $477,000 in the first year alone from staffing, with more cuts to

come in consecutive years without closure, including the need for an additional $399,000 in savings in year two.

Letter supporters are hoping the delay will allow for accurate enrolment projections to be confirmed, financial data to be fully analyzed and shared with the community, a complete, evidence-based transition plan to be developed and publicly reviewed, and for the impacts on programs, staffing,

and student supports to be assessed. Whatever the outcome, Werrun said she and the group going by ‘Concerned Community Members of NicolaSimilkameen School District’ will be requesting a clear written rationale and a formal response to the letter.

With one more information session in the months-long process still to come on Feb. 2 at the Coldwater School gym, the board is set to make its final decision on closure in March.

HVC MINE TO ADDRESS MAJOR CONCERNS

An investigation by the Office of the Chief Inspector of Mines found a laundry list of concerns including health and safety issues, culture problems and bullying and harrassment.

NICOLA VALLEY WOMEN IN ACTION CELEBRATE

We celebrate the positive impact of women in the Nicola Valley.

MARCH 8

JOSH DAWSON

Castanet

Teck says it’s working with its employees to address major health, safety and workplace culture problems that were concluded in a ministry investigation at the Highland Valley Copper mine in Logan Lake.

According to a publicly available investigation report by the ministry’s Office of the Chief Inspector of Mines dated Dec. 16, increases in the frequency and severity of reportable incidents, complaints of bullying and harassment impacting health and safety, and formal discrimination complains have been coming from the mine.

The investigation collected data from 271 employees anonymously in July last year.

Workers reported unfair punishments, insufficient resources and leadership, gaps in learning and safety personnel, and worries that safety concerns about everyday operations being raised by

workers were being ignored.

“Safety is a fight here… there is a safety culture of fear,” one worker is quoted as saying in the report.

Damned no matter what

The report found there were shared concerns across all employees about equity and inclusion, workload and stress.

A list of frequently mentioned health, safety and compliance issues are included in the report, with the most frequent being dust exposure, housekeeping capacity, structural integrity, persistent running of broken equipment, workers not receiving breaks, operators pressured to “drive to conditions” as well as “Black-Ops Jobs.”

“If you can’t do it right do it at night,” several hourlies and a supervisor are quoted as stating.

Workers and supervisors stated

This marks the 21st celebration honouring women in the Nicola Valley on International Women’s Day. We want to celebrate the women in our community who are working hard to create and support positive changes, and a healthy community.

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

If you have an amazing woman in your life you’d like to recognize, we invite you to nominate those who have made a positive impact on your life, the lives of others, or our community.

Please join us for snacks and cake following the ceremony at Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame - Sunday, March 8 at 2 pm

Please email your nominations to nvwomeninaction@gmail.com by Feb. 13 @ noon

Include the reason for your nominations and their contact information with your submission. ONLY ONE NOMINATION PER PERSON PLEASE

January 24th - 31st

‘THE MILL CHANGES THEM’ - CONCERNED WORKER

from workplace culture.

short-cuts and deviations from standards were often overlooked, but workers would be disciplined when incidents occurred. The report stated this fuelled “disputes over fairness and contributing to union-management tension.”

Some workers are quoted saying they’re told to operate regardless of broken equipment because there isn’t budget to rent, repair or replace it, and some jobs are cancelled or handed off to new people when problems are reported.

Conflicts between workers and supervisors were “widely reported” when workers pushed back on jobs, citing safety concerns. Both groups said these conflicts would sometimes escalate to shouting, and some accounts mentioned physical contact.

Some workers felt “disempowered to speak up and described retaliation for doing so.” That includes being disciplined and handed undesirable jobs.

“Many workers now choose silence over conflict, even in unsafe conditions,” the report reads.

“Some reported being disciplined for performing the same unsafe tasks, leaving them feeling trapped in a ‘damned if they do, damned if they don’t’ situation.”

Out of the employees that responded, 64 per cent of workers, 33 per cent of supervisors and 16 per cent of management said they would not want their child to work at HVC because of safety concerns or undue stress

Majority report bullying, harassment

Of those polled, 56 per cent of workers, 79 per cent of supervisors and 52 per cent of management reported experiencing or witnessing bullying and harassment on site.

“Belittling junior employee on bus, racist comments on the buses and in the dry, making females feel unwanted in the workplace with unsafe horseplay,” one employee is quoted saying.

“Supervisor threatened to take two employees to the parking lot and ‘tune them up,’” another said.

The report states management expressed frustration with a union, describing it as obstructive to discipline and some workers often disregarded rules despite “management’s reported strong emphasis on safety culture.”

“People go into the mill to change the mill and the mill changes them,” one manager stated.

The report states supervisors felt caught between conflicting pressures, often navigating disputes with more experienced workers, facing production demands and expressed concern over management follow-through.

Recruitment challenges were reported to impact crew resourcing and frontline hazard recognition. Over 24 employees said, unprompted, they were concerned that

without a significant change at the mine, “‘luck’ was going to run out.”

“It’s exhausting keeping them all alive,” an employee is quoted as saying.

Working to address report

The report concludes with recommendations to address health safety and compliance concerns, modernize investigative practices, modify discipline practices and pursue site-wide learning opportunities.

In a statement, Teck said HVC and United Steelworkers have been working together to strengthen health and safety performance and workplace culture since the investigation was conducted.

It said that work will address opportunities and recommendations identified in the report, as well as other areas.

“There is nothing more important than the health and safety of our people and providing a respectful and psychologically safe workplace and we take the findings of this report very seriously,” Teck’s statement reads.

The Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals said it would continue to monitor outcomes at HVC, including progress on implementing the recommendations.

“Mining is one of British Columbia’s safest heavy industries, and the Province is committed to ensuring that B.C. remains a world leader in mine health and safety practices,” the ministry said.

NICOLA VALLEY VIEWPOINT

ART-TASTIC!

This week’s submission is by Jasmine Bates, grade 9.

Community members, teachers and students... Submit your artwork to newsroom@merrittherald.com for a chance to be featured in print each week! Submissions are printed on a first come, first serve basis.

DIXON: START GOOD HABITS NOW FOR HEART MONTH

Healthy Conversations

February is Heart Month, and what better time to start — or restart — some good habits.

Your heart beats about 60 to 100 times a minute. That adds up to roughly 100,000 beats every single day, day in and day out, for your entire life. With each beat, it pumps blood out to deliver oxygen and nutrients and pulls blood back in to be refreshed again. All of this blood travels through an incredible network of approximately 60,000 miles of blood vessels - arteries, veins, and capillaries --enough to circle the earth more than twice. Even while you sleep, your heart never takes a break.

The good news? Your heart responds quickly to care. Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week can strengthen the heart muscle, improve circulation, and lower blood pressure. Walking, dancing, swimming, or even energetic housework all count. The key is movement -and consistency. Nutrition also plays a starring role.

The heart loves a diet rich in omega-3 fats (think salmon, sardines, walnuts, and flaxseed), high-fiber foods like vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains, and lower amounts of saturated and trans fats. Small changes really do add up over time.

Our hearts are surprisingly resilient. They can recover from years of stress, poor diet, or inactivity. That said, it’s far kinder -and easier - to take care of your heart now than to ask it to bounce back later.

Modern medicine can do remarkable things. Hearts can be repaired, supported, and even replaced — but often at a very high personal and financial cost. Prevention remains the most powerful medicine we have.

This Heart Month, consider one simple habit you can start today: a daily walk, adding one more vegetable to your plate, or taking a few deep breaths to manage stress. Your heart is listening - and it will thank you for every act of care.

VIEWPOINT

LETTERS to the Editor

SHELTER PROVIDES SUPPORT INSIDE AND OUTSIDE ITS WALLS

Editor’s note: Leanna Wereley is the Community Engagement & Communications Coordinator with the Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society.

Editor,

As the Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society, we understand that our work is not always visible or fully understood, and we recognize the concerns being shared by members of the community.

We operate with clear rules and boundaries that are in place to keep residents, staff, and the broader neighbourhood safe. Not everyone who is unhoused, is able or willing to stay in a congregate shelter setting. Some individuals choose not to come inside due to shelter rules, past violent behaviour that resulted in loss of service, or complex mental health and substance-use challenges that require levels of care beyond what our shelter can safely provide.

That does not mean these individuals are ignored. Our outreach team continues to provide food, supplies, and referrals to people outside our shelter walls as a harm-reduction and safety-focused approach. Outreach is often the only point of contact that builds trust and keeps people connected to services, even when they are not ready or eligible to stay in shelter.

We actively call and work closely with bylaw services, local law enforcement, emergency services, Indigenous partners, and the regional health authority. When individuals are camping nearby or causing concern, we regularly request support from all the appropriate agencies, recognizing that enforcement, healthcare, and housing each have distinct roles to play.

Homelessness is not a single issue, and it cannot be solved by our shelter alone. It is complex, layered, and often tied to mental health, trauma, and systemic gaps in care. While the optics can be difficult, our focus remains on safety, dignity, and long-term solutions. We don’t want those displaced to be without support.

We welcome respectful dialogue and shared responsibility as our entire community continues working toward compassionate, realistic, and effective responses for everyone who calls the City of Merritt home.

– Leanna Wereley Merritt, B.C.

A LOOK BACK

From the Herald archives

JANUARY 21, 1998

NICOLA LAKE ESTATES A GO

It may have taken four hours just for the public bearing, but in the end the Nicola Lake Shore Estates development was given the go-ahead.

The public hearing may have set a new Thompson-Nicola Regional District length record, but the public was there to be be heard and so it was.

TNRD chair John Ranta said after the meeting he knew the large crowd of approximately 200 was mostly there to speak on the Nicola Lake Shore Estates, but he gave each speaker 15 minutes anyways.

“It’s a record,’’ smiled Ranta after the marathon public hearing session.

The debate at the public hearing ran the gamut from concerns over impact on water quality o f Nicola Lake, to access and transportation issues.

In the end, however, it was left up to the directors to decide whether or not the rezoning will go ahead.

FINANCIAL UPDATE

The City of Merritt updates its 5-year Financial Plan every year, starting in the fall and continuing through spring. This year, public engagement begins with an Open House on January 29, 2026. With community feedback, Council will review the plan for potential adjustments, with final adoption by mid-May.

COVERING COSTS: Prior to 2023, the City was unable to cover its costs and relied on reserves to balance the budget. Since then, the City has taken steps to improve financial sustainability. These steps included, among others, seeking cost savings, pursuing grants and sponsorships, updating the Fees and Charges Bylaw (which had not been updated since 2015), and making hard decisions on service levels. Today, the City is better positioned to balance the budget and plan for future infrastructure needs.

TAX DISTRIBUTION: Approximately 56% of your property taxes fund municipal services. Of this amount, 41% goes to Protective Services, with the remaining portion applied to recreation, parks, public works, development, and other services. In the other part of the pie chart, 34% funds schools, BC Assessment, Transit, and the TNRD. Parcel taxes (10%) fund water and sewer projects.

NORMALIZED TAX INCREASES: As of 2026, the City is now able to normalize tax increases to align with inflationary pressures and required service levels, putting the City in a better position to prepare for long-term infrastructure needs. The proposed tax increase on the municipal portion is 4.9% annually over the next five years. For the average $460,000 residence, this translates into an increase of just $8 per month.

Open House

with Presentation & Council Café

CHOOSE FROM TWO EVENTS

• PRESENTATION: A short presentation with an opportunity for questions and answers will be delivered both at 12:30PM and 6:30PM.

• EXHIBITS: Visit various tables and talk directly with City management.

• COFFEE WITH COUNCIL: Have a drink, a snack, and a meaningful conversation with your City Council. 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

CAPITAL INVESTMENTS: Proposed new capital investments, excluding flood mitigation, include upgrades to Spirit Square, new fire hoses and AEDs, park lighting and furniture, and Public Works projects such as Voght Street roundabouts, airport asphalt work, and bridge maintenance. These are some of the capital improvements that are budgeted at $29 million over the next five years. These proposed projects are in addition to projects approved in the previous year’s budget. The Kengard Well project is not included in the current financial plan while treatment options are refined.

SHARE YOUR VOICE: Residents are invited to provide feedback at the Open House on January 29, 2026. If you cannot attend, contact the Mayor or any City Councillor, or address Council at a public meeting when the budget is on the agenda. SEE WWW.MERRITT.CA/HOW-TO-ADDRESS-COUNCIL

STAFFING SHORTAGES FOR SCHOOL BUSES

JAKE COURTEPATTE

newsroom@merrittherald.com

The Nicola-Similkameen School District (SD58) is looking for someone to take the wheel to help them out of a staffing shortage.

The district released a statement last week explaining that positions remain open within the transportation department, and if those gaps are not filled, it could lead to the cancellation of a school bus route in the future.

“At this time, we want to ensure families

are aware of the possibility so that alternate transportation arrangements can be made if required,” reads the release from the district.

It goes on to say that a cancellation would only be implemented as a last resort after all available options to maintain the service have been fully exhausted.

The recruitment process to find bus drivers is ongoing, with more information at www.makeafuture.ca/ bc-schools-and-districts.

LNIB FIRE LOSES ‘BROTHER,

FRIEND’

JAKE COURTEPATTE

newsroom@merrittherald.com

The Lower Nicola Indian Band Fire & Rescue Department lost a valued member of its own earlier this month.

Randy Coutlee, affectionately known as Moose, passed away on Jan. 22 at the age of 66 after dedicating over three decades of service to his community.

“Moose has been with us since the very beginning, from the day the hall opened,” reads a statement from LNIB Fire. “His impact reaches far beyond calls responded to or years served. He shaped people. He showed up. He made everyone feel welcome, valued, and at home.”

Coutlee’s impact was felt far beyond that of the fire hall, and even that of Lower Nicola. On Jan. 26, residents from around the Nicola Valley gathered to pay their respects along the route as he was escorted home from Kamloops.

The department goes on to say that there “truly aren’t words” big enough to express how much Coutlee meant to his peers and how deeply he will be missed.

“Moose was our brother, our mentor, our friend. He was the laughter in the

Randy ‘Moose’

hall, the steady presence when things were heavy, and the first to help in any area of life - no questions asked. If you needed him, he was there. Always.”

Heat Pump, Wall Mounted Mini Splits

Air Conditioning • Dual Fuel System/Hybrid System • Air Ducts & Sheet Metal • Commercial Refrigeration

• Walk-in Cooler & Freezer

• Commercial Ventilation

• Exhaust Fan

Gas Fitting-Gas Permit & Inspection

• Furnace

• Fireplace

• Roof Top Unit

• Make-up Air Unit

Plumbing

• Kitchen, Dishwasher, Garburator

• Shower, Bathtub, Faucet

• Drainage

• Water Pump

• Tankless

• Gas Fired/Electric Hot Water Tank

• Combi, Boiler, Floor Heating

• Leaking Detection

• Washing Machine Installation/ Replacement

SHOPPING CARTS BACK IN FRONT OF COUNCIL

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.

com Shopping carts and their abandonment have once again made their way into city council chambers, with one councillor in particular looking to implement some changes.

Councillor Wendy Charney introduced a motion at the Jan. 13 regular council meeting to bring the issue back to policy, and see who and what can be held responsible.

“The first year that we were in (council) we had quite lengthy discussions about this,” said Mayor Mike Goetz.

In early 2024, the city looked into investing in a trailer equipped to collect and transport abandoned shopping carts efficiently. However, Goetz said it is up to the owners to retrieve their property.

“The RCMP have the

•

•

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authority to take these shopping carts at a moments notice as they can be considered stolen property.

That’s what they were doing for awhile, and I think that’s something we can now talk about. The last thing we want to do is have 75 carts down at the detachment, so I think what we need to do is

“We’re not going to be a delivery service. If we pick up carts, we take them to the dump and recycle them. It’s that simple.”

— Mayor Mike Goetz

alert the people that have shopping carts that they have to come and retrieve them on their own.

“We’re not going to be a delivery service. If we pick up carts, we take them to the dump and recycle them. It’s that simple.”

Charney said she has had quite a few people phone her and say there are shopping carts “here, there and everywhere” in Merritt, some empty, some full, abandoned.

Having looked into examples of our municipalities, Charney said that this is an issue seen not just in Merritt but around the province.

“It’s an ongoing problem, not just ours. I’d like to see if we can get a bylaw that has some teeth in it as to the owners of the facilities - what is their responsibility with regards to abandoned carts? Because as of now, there is no ownership.”

IS YOUR FURNACE READY FOR WINTER

February 1

2025 ‘BUSIEST YEAR IN RECENT HISTORY’ - MERRITT RCMP

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com

2025 was an impactful year for the British Columbia RCMP’s almost 20,000 members, including that of the Merritt detachment, faced with two homicides within five days in the final month of the year.

Total calls up

All in all, the Merritt detachment received 6,795 calls for service in 2025, just over 30 more than the previous year, marking 2025 as what Detachment Commander Josh Roda called “Merritt’s busiest year in recent history.”

“Despite these challenges, our team remains committed to providing responsive, accountable, and compassionate policing to the

Nicola Valley,” said Roda.

The year-after-year reports show a crisis in B.C. left over from the COVID-19 era, as this yearly statistic has steadily stayed above 6,000 since 2021.

“The consistency in demand underscores both the ongoing needs of the community and the sustained commitment of our detachment to meet them,” said Roda.

Total charges down

As of Dec. 9, 2025, Merritt RCMP had submitted 400 charges this year to the BC Prosecution Service.

However, Roda believes this reduction can be attributed to a shift in approach to submitting stronger, more complete files that are less likely to result in ‘no charge’ decisions.

“By focusing on quality over quantity, we aim to respect Crown resources, reduce inefficiencies, and deliver more meaningful outcomes for the community,” added Roda.

New arrivals

2025 also saw the arrival of four new officers to the detachment, all of whom are in their recruit field training.

“Their arrival has provided the detachment with a welcome refresh, and also has created opportunities for senior members to transition into new roles and responsibilities.”

2026 should also see some effective advancements in police technology on the force, with the Merritt detachment being equipped with

STRONGER FILES LEAD TO STRONGER CHARGES

body-worn cameras for transparency and accountability. something that Roda said will work to “enhance public trust.”

Under review

Merritt residents were sent reeling in the days leading up to the end of the year when Pamela Jarvis became the latest alleged victim of domestic violence, tragically losing her life on Dec. 16.

Just days later, major crime investigators were at the Ranchland Motel on Nicola Ave. for another suspicious death still under investigation.

“We are undertaking both internal and external reviews to ensure that all investigative steps and police actions leading up to these events

were consistent with our policies, our training, and the law,” said Roda. “This work is essential to maintaining public trust and ensuring we continue to meet the expectations of the community we serve.”

Downtown core prioritization

Officers conducted 554 downtown patrols involving enforcement action in 2025.

“This sustained presence underscores our commitment to proactive policing and community safety,” said Roda. “Together, these efforts reflect a balanced approach - maintaining visible patrols in the downtown core while also targeting serious criminal activity - to strengthen public safety and advance community priorities.”

CALLS TO PROVINCIAL HIGHWAYS QUESTIONED

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com

Jurisdiction plays a major role in policing responsibility in B.C., a topic that Merritt city council and Mayor Mike Goetz recently brought up at the Union of B.C. Municipalities conference with Minister of Public Safety Nina Krieger.

The conversation revolved around Merritt detachment resources responding to calls on provincial highways, namely the Coquihalla, and the financial impact on the city.

“General duty officers are supposed to stay within your city limits, as the citizens of Merritt pay for them,” Goetz told the Herald. “Now we know with this highway that doesn’t always happen. So when there’s a bad snowstorm, and a lot of accidents happen, our general duty are usually all out of town on the highway.

“That’s not within city limits. That

is helping the provincial RCMP. We do that, and we absorb the cost. We would like that cost reimbursed to us when our RCMP are on the road day after day.”

Goetz went on to say that around 1,000 call responses by the Merritt RCMP in 2025 was to the ThompsonNicola Regional District, effectively “getting RCMP coverage for free”. However, when brought up with the district, Goetz said he is concerned that the TNRD still has a policing cost within their own budget.

“So I’ve asked, openly, where does this go? Nobody has been able to answer this for me.”

Always the high-reacher, Goetz said ideally he would like to see half of the TNRD’s policing costs come back to the city.

“We’re paying for that, and there has to be some sort of compensation. We can’t continue to do that.”

Financials aside, the purpose and goal of the RCMP is the health and safety of all B.C. residents, not those simply within one’s city limits. It is precisely this reasoning that Goetz said they cannot just shut down the Merritt detachment’s role on provincial highways.

“Of course that’s not going to happen. So our job is to find out do we get something back from the province because of that, or what can be done to help out our RCMP.”

Around a staggering 41 per cent of the City of Merritt’s budget goes to policing.

“It’s the biggest part of our budget. It’s a lot. Unless we make a change, that will go above 50 per cent of our budget. It’s a real possibility that in the next five years we will have to cut warm bodies, we simply cannot continue that and keep the community running.”

INDIGENOUS POLICING BREAKING BARRIERS

HARIT JOSHI

hjoshi@kentem.ca

Though police in the community are often approached with caution, for Corporal Jason Olney, and constables Tammy Denning, Derek Versteeg and Grant Bernier, who are a part of the Merritt RCMP four-member Indigenous Policing Services, they are greeted with hugs and smiles whenever they are out. People welcome them, rather than shying away.

Behind that notions is their day-to-day involvement with the five I ndigenous communities and two First Nations bands in and around Merritt.

“Indigenous Policing Services is about providing services to the community a little bit more than what the regular policing. We are not reactive; it’s proactive. We get out into the community into the different groups, whether it’s youths, Elders, and we interact with them,” said Denning, who has been in this department for the last six years and over 15 years in Merritt.

“They have a face to the name. It’s like ‘hey, I know Jason (Olney)’. You end

When I go to the schools, a lot of the times, I’ll have people like, ‘I’m not the police officer, I’m Tammy’. They come running; they want to hug you. That fear (of approaching an officer) is broken down. And it’s more like a friend. I have gone to powwows and I see the kids running around to come and say hi to me. That is the biggest compliment for me,” said Denning.

The Indigenous Policing Services were essentially introduced in 1991 by the federal government to help serve the First Nations communities of Canada culturally appropriately, effectively, professionally and provide greater control over management of policing services.

A dedicated team of police officers for the Indigenous communities has helped in better communications and forged a solid trust factor.

“I’ve learned so much about the Indigenous communities, the culture, the traditions that I

up getting a relationship with individuals. It sort of breaks down the barrier.

PROACTIVE SERVICE THE KEY TO SUCCESS

wasn’t exposed to when I was growing up. I love that I get that opportunity. I got to be a part of a sourdough project about science and fermentation at a school. Another time, I got to be a part of the crow dance. We’ve had Elders come here (at the RCMP office) and teach us about making a drum, the history behind it. There’s so much to learn like medicines or the protocols around funerals. With the time that I have spent with the different Bands, it’s like you get past the police officer uniform, and they get to know me, and I get to know them too,” shares Denning, thoroughly loving what she does. Denning and her team members have initiated several educational projects like traffic safety, internet safety, spreading awareness about various scams and frauds affecting the society and dangers of impaired driving with real driving skill tests on go-karts with impaired goggles.

“We go to Chief and Council

meetings, we go to Elders events, we go to soup kitchens at LNIB. Coffee with a cop is something we have been doing that for a while in Lower Nicola.”

Consistent efforts to genuinely reach out has broken down barriers that existed between the RCMP and the Indigenous communities.

“It’s hard when the mentality is us against them,” said Denning.

“Sometimes circumstances as a police officer makes it seem like you’re against them but it’s not necessarily true. It’s getting past that and understanding that there are things that we can do to improve relations and break those prejudices. The thing about Indigenous policing is that it gives a holistic view of an incident that happens.”

Such is the comfort level that Denning gets calls late in the night too from community members at times.

“I’ve been Santa for one of the Bands. I was in a dunk tank another time. I got dunked a lot! One day I was driving people in a UTV, it’s never the same.”

CRIME STOPPERS

JUST A CALL AWAY

HARIT JOSHI

hjoshi@kentem.ca

With all kinds of fraud on the rise, Crime Stoppers Merritt & Nicola Valley have intensified their efforts to educate and create awareness in the public with the ‘Fraud Fact Friday’ social series.

“Every Friday, we’ll be releasing through our social media, a different fact on some sort of fraud that is affecting our community. We encourage people to follow our social media,” said Community Policing Coordinator and President of Crime Stoppers Merritt & Nicola Valley Marlene Jones while briefing about their recent Annual General Meeting.

Crime Stoppers is essentially known for its anonymous tip line for crime prevention, but their scope is quite wider than that.

“Our anonymous tip line accepts calls for multiple enforcement agencies. We take tips for federal specialized agencies as

well. So, whether that’s Environment and Climate Change in Canada, Transport Canada, insurance crimes, tobacco manufacturing, BC Hydro and others,” explained Jones.

It was heartening for Jones to share that the Crime Stoppers’ anonymous tip line is being used often.

“We never release the number of tips (we receive), but we can say that our tip line is being used. So that’s encouraging that people are speaking up and reporting things. We are also sort of

proud of the fact that we’ve been able to get out there and be highlighted a little bit more. We’re partnering with the City (of Merritt) on a couple of things and just trying to keep crime prevention on top of mind for people to be able to help themselves right,” she said.

For those who are confused as to when to call Crime Stoppers and when to reach out to the RCMP, Jones clarified:

“The relationship between Crime Stoppers and the RCMP has always been very strong, but people also need to realize that

we are two different organizations. If you have a concern and it’s an ongoing and emergency thing, that’s a call to the 911. If it’s ongoing and you need police help, that’s when you’d call your local detachment non-emergency phone number. But i f this is something maybe that is historical information, something about a p ast crime, and you want to remain anonymous, then you can call Crime Stoppers. We have a good working relationship, and share information, but Crime Stoppers is not the police.”

CAMPAIGN BRINGS IMPORTANCE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ISSUES: RCMP

HARIT JOSHI

hjoshi@kentem.ca

Aimed at ending domestic violence towards women and children, the Moose Hide campaign gained momentum recently in Merritt with the death of Pamela Jarvis.

And while harm in the home may have reared its ugly head even higher locally, cases of domestic violence are all treated equally, according to local law enforcement.

“I wouldn’t say it’s different. We treat all domestic violence, all victims seriously. We want all victims to be supported,” said Staff Sergeant Josh Roda, Detachment Commander for the Merritt RCMP.

The BC-born Indigenous-led campaign has become a national movement ever since it began in 2016, which is supported by RCMP, schools, colleges, governments, First Nations communities and non-Indigenous communities. It is their

commitment to end domestic violence.

The Moose Hide Campaign ceremony will be held on May 14. The campaign is observed in traditional Indigenous ways of learning and healing.

The Moose Hide pin is a significant gesture of the campaign as a portrayal of commitment to honour, respect and protect women and children in one’s life. The pin is also a symbol of taking a stand against domestic violence and undoing the impacts of residential schools.

The Moose Hide pins were worn by several attendees at Jarvis’ service at the Merritt Civic Centre last December.

“What’s great about the Moose Hide campaign is, it brings awareness,” said Roda.

“We don’t have a lot of campaigns that do that. The Moose Hide campaign is important, so we’re very supportive of the Campaign as it prioritizes women and children and stopping domestic violence.”

CLEAR PATH FORWARD IN DRUG ENFORCEMENT

HARIT JOSHI

hjoshi@kentem.ca

The ending of the three-year drug decriminalization program of the B .C. government at the end of the month will make the path clear for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to treat the offenders as criminals.

The province, in 2023, launched a pilot program to allow possession of small amount of illegal drugs up to 2.5 grams. That program is ending on January 31 with the province not keen to continue the experiment

any further.

“The path moving forward is very clear for us (RCMP) on how we’re going to be able to deal with it, and that’s the way it’s always been. It’s clearly laid out in the law. So, it’s going to make it better for enforcement,” said Staff Sergeant Josh Roda, Detachment Commander for the Merritt RCMP.

“Drugs will no longer be decriminalized. It will be a criminal offense to possess drugs. So, it goes back to the previous system. British Columbia was the only province to

try decriminalization. And we’re going to be back to normal, so people can no longer possess hard drugs. There will be no drug use allowed in public. We now as police have the ability to enforce that,” Roda added.

While Roda avoided to comment on the success or failure of the drug decriminalization program, he felt the experiment was tough on the people.

“It was very tough on communities. The general public made it very clear to us; they did not enjoy seeing use of drugs on our

streets.

“We conducted drug investigations because trafficking was still illegal and possessing amounts for trafficking was illegal, so we had to change the way we did those investigations.

“Fortunately, with decriminalization ending, we’ll be able to go back to the way we used to do that, and it’s going to make it easier for police to target criminals and drug dealers, and deal with some of the issues of drug use in our communities,” said Roda.

NICOLA VALLEY SPORTS

PANTHERS SWEEP UP ZONE GOLD

JAKE COURTEPATTE

newsroom@merrittherald.com

The Merritt Secondary School Panthers have been right on the button this curling season, with both the boys and girls sides putting together a strong performance on the ice.

The MSS boys claimed first in the West Zone Championship before taking to the ice at the Kamloops Curling Club for the

Okanagan Valley playdowns, where they curled to a strong third-place finish.

Congratulations go to skip Cash Long, third Caleb Chursinoff, second Janzen Despe and lead James Baxter.

The MSS girls team also showed some brilliance from skip Victoria Baxter, third Gwen Finnigan, second Hailey Woods, lead Lucy Hoad, other lead Eva Strang and spare Mia Thompson.

CENTS COMPLETE WILD COMEBACK

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.

com

The discord between the Merritt Centennials and the Princeton Posse reached new heights on Saturday, with over 500 fans packed into Nicola Valley Memorial Arena to see the latest matchup between the KIJHL division rivals.

January 24, 2026

- Merritt Centennials 5, Princeton Posse 4 (SO)

The teams entered the contest with one win each

under their belts in the season series, with Merritt most recently coming out on top 5-2 on Dec. 12.

It was once again a high-scoring affair as the perennial powerhouse Posse chased Tyler Picha from the Centennials net just over three minutes in, taking a commanding lead after scoring on each of their first three shots.

Sam Saskiw entered the game in relief of Picha, allowing Princeton to make it a 4-0 lead on the powerplay just a few minutes later before

locking down his crease for the rest of the game.

Despite falling behind early, the Cents never wavered with Troy Horn breaking the shutout before the end of the first period.

Merritt cut the lead to two with the only goal of the middle frame, off the stick of Tyler Smith, before Horn added another with just under thirteen minutes left in regulation to bring it to a one-goal game.

It was with the man advantage shortly after that Merritt was able to complete the comeback,

NEXT HOME GAMES

Fri. Feb 15 vs Beaver Valley-7 pm

Sat. Feb 21 vs Osoyoos-7 pm Fri. Feb 27 vs Kelowna-7 pm Sat. Feb 28 vs Quesnel-6 pm

with Callum MacLean finding the back of the net to tie it up at four and send the game to overtime.

Extra time solved nothing, with the winner to be decided via shootout.

Both Horn and Noah Lawless, the team’s two top scorers, capitalized on their chances to give Merritt the extra point in a 5-4 shootout win. Saskiw earned the victory with 23 saves on 24 shots.

January 25, 2026

- Merritt Centennials 4, Chase Heat 1

The Centennials returned to their home ice the following day as heavy favourites against the lowly Chase Heat.

Despite Chase opening the scoring just under four minutes in, it was an offensive onslaught from the Merritt side, who pommeled the Chase goal with 51 shots in a 4-1 win.

Kaden Wilkins scored twice to earn first star of the game for the Cents, while Lukas Masters and Marcus Hughes completed the scoresheet.

With points in their last

Congratulations

Centennials being ranked #1 in week 18 KIJHL Power Ranking Alex Cordero & Jobie Siemens on playing 100 plus games in Junior Hockey Volunteers Dennis Chenier and Brock Hedrick on winning TOONIE TIME

ten games (8-0-2) and without a regulation loss since Dec. 6, the Cents were named the top seed in the KIJHL’s weekly rankings. They hold a record of 19-11-3, good for fourth place in the six-team Bill Olhausen division. They sit one spot and a commanding 19 points above the fifth-place Sicamous Eagles, who they host on Jan. 30.

A tough matchup with the Revelstoke Grizzlies (26-5-3) follows on Jan. 31 to start a four-game road trip.

NICOLA VALLEY COMMUNITY

FISH AND GAME LOOKS FORWARD TO 2026

MORGAN HAMPTON

Contributed

The Nicola Valley Fish and Game Club (NVFGC) has been a staple for Merritt’s outdoorsy folks since 1960, and even now, almost 70 years later, they continue to make strides forward in recreation and conservation and provide a welcoming environment for experienced and new members alike.

“The Club is still actively seeking out opportunities to promote activities that take people out to enjoy the outdoors in the Nicola Valley,” said NVFGC President BJ Moore.

And if fishing and hunting aren’t your thing, there are still opportunities for you to take part in what the Club has to offer. Photography, boating, hiking, fly tying, even art such as plein air painting are all hobbies encouraged by the Club.

“We have fly casting lessons for all skills levels,” said Moore.

“From beginners, intermediate, and advanced fly casting, spay casting etc.”

Team building exercises are also popular, with people coming from across the region to join in on the fun.

“We’ve put on archery lessons for many organizations here in town as well as Kamloops and Lillooet,” explained Moore.

The Club also partners with other community groups such as the High School Rodeo committee and the local Black Powder Group to expand their offerings.

Some of the more popular events are an ice fishing derby at Stump Lake, the date depending entirely on the ice, and a Family Fishing Day event on Father’s Day every

year. This event is held across BC and does not require anyone taking part to hold a fishing license.

Fishing gear and instruction is provided by the NVFGC during this event for anglers under the age of 16.

This event is Moore’s personal favourite.

“As we are a volunteer organization, any of the events where we come together and promote something that we’re passionate about would rise to the top of the favourites list. Seeing kids come and learn about fishing, receive their first set of gear, to catching their first fish. Seeing the smiles on their faces and knowing that they are building lifelong memories makes it all worth it.”

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic several years ago, the

NVFGC has mirrored other clubs in increasing membership as people looked for safe, healthy ways to get out and enjoy themselves. Once they’d begun, they soon fell in love with the lifestyle supported by the Club and continued on as members even once pandemic-era social restrictions were lifted.

As a result of the increased membership, the Club opted to improve their range for the benefit of their members.

“The Club is aiming for continuous improvement of the range facilities to provide a well-rounded experience while there,” said Moore.

“We’ve expanded the big bore range to increase both the distance members can shoot and the amount of shooting positions available at both the 100 metre and 200 metre distances. We’ve also built a new shooting building at the rimfire range to improve utilization of the 100 metre range.”

If you’re interested in joining the Club, meetings happen on the third Wednesday of each month, excluding July and August. In January and February these meetings will be held at the Merritt Seniors Centre and begin at 7PM.

The range is located roughly seven kms up Aberdeen Rd. from the turnoff in Lower Nicola.

Approved

On-siterentals

Secured

THE CHURCHES OF MERRITT WELCOME YOU

Crossroads Community Church

2990 Voght St. • 250-378-2911

Service Time: Sundays 10:00 a.m.

Merritt Baptist Church

2499 Coutlee Avenue (at Orme)

Sunday service 10 am, Phone (250)378-2464

Merritt Lutheran Fellowship in St. Michael's Anglican Hall • 250-378-9899

Service Time: 3rd Sunday each month 1:30 p.m.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church Corner of Jackson & Blair • 250-378-2919

Mass Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m.

St. Michael’s Anglican Church

1990 Chapman St. • 250-319-8823

Service Times: 2nd and 4th Sundays only - 10:00 a.m.

Trinity United Church Corner of Quilchena & Chapman • 250-378-5735

Service Time every Sunday - 10 am

Somang Mission Community Church (SMC) 1755 Coldwater Ave. (The Cadet Hall)

Sunday Service Time: 2:30 pm • 250-280-1268

Sunday School Time: 12:15 pm

Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church

1950 Maxwell St. • 250-378-9502

Service Times: Sunday 10 am

Motion Church Merritt

Sundays 10 am

Coquihalla Middle School (2975 Clapperton Ave) www.wearemotionchurch.ca/merritt

MERRITT &DISTRICT HOSPICE SOCIETY

CLASSIFIEDS

The object of grieving is not to get over the loss but to get through it with new strengths, understanding and hope really to fully live your ‘new

DEADLINE: MONDAY at noon. for that week’s paper.

www.merritthospice.org

Email: merritthospice@shaw.ca

ADVANCE CARE PLANNING provides the family with direction when they need to make decisions on behalf of their loved ones.

www.merritthospice.org Email:

MERRITT &DISTRICT HOSPICE SOCIETY

ADVANCE CARE PLANNING is a choice that allows individuals to make health care decisions now, in case they cannot give consent for treatments offered in the future.

REGULAR OFFICE HOURS

Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Fri.: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Wednesday: 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com

2113 Granite Ave., Merritt, BC 250-378-2141 or 1-800-668-3379

www.merritthospice.org

Email: merritthospice@shaw.ca

Never Quit

When things go wrong as they sometimes will, When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill

When funds are low and debts are high

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.

Success is failure turned inside out –

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far,

So, stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit –

It’s when things seem worst that

You must not quit!

In loving memory of JOHN

MERRITT &DISTRICT HOSPICE SOCIETY

HARPER BRADLEY

October 29, 1948 - December 13, 2025

Few of us are prepared to face a life-threatening illness or the loss of a loved one. Hospice provides support services that provide comfort, meaning, dignity and hope.

Relatives of the Nicola Valley are saddened by the passing of our relative John, at the St. Joseph Medical Centre in Tacoma Washington, USA. He moved away with his parents in his early years of life to Vashon Island, Washington and then as a young man built a life with family and worked many years at Todd’s Shipyard as a boilermaker and rigger. Known for his kindness, compassion and generosity, stories and simple humour, along with his first nations heritage of the Coldwater Indian Band.

www.merritthospice.org

Email: merritthospice@shaw.ca

He was survived by his wife Linda, children Leah, Derrick and Mike also grandchildren Leo, John, Laura, Catherine, Angel, Marenna, Aiyana, Will and Russel, Sisters Rose and Mary.

Predeceased by his sons Will Jesse and John Jr and his parents Louis and Carina and brother Louis and cat of 19 yrs “Jag wire” “good humor is the clear blue skies of the soul.” unknown Remembered by relatives of the Nicola Valley

Michael George Catchpole Sr. (Mick)

December 14, 1943 - January 20, 2026

With sincere remorse announcing the passing of Michael Catchpole Sr. at the age of 82.

He will always be remembered as a loving husband, brother, father, Opa, and uncle to all those who survive him. His wife Anneke, brother Eric, children Brenda, Michael, Holly, his grandchildren Trenton, Hannah, Zachary, Emalee, Everett, and Jordan, niece Cindy, and nephew Paul, along with additional nieces and nephews.

Mick was a long time resident of Merritt, BC, graduating from Merritt Secondary School. Mick and Anneke raised their 3 children in Merritt. He was a true craftsman in his own right, constructing numerous home projects including wooden toys for his grandchildren, made with precision and love.

Among his many life lessons he imparted to all of us, he taught the importance of true kindness and sincerity to all around. There are numerous special memories, too many to count. We say farewell to a kindred spirit to us all.

A loving farewell knowing that he is at peace with his mother Effie, father George, and his sister Barbara.

A sincere thank you from our family to Dr. Lali, his team, and to the Nicola Valley Hospital for their excellent care.

As requested, there will be no service.

Carter David Wilkins

June 25, 2002 - January 4, 2026

It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Carter. Carter was born and raised in Merritt,BC and made the move to Chilliwack 2 years ago with his brother Daiton. He leaves behind his parents Tim and Debra Wilkins. Two brothers Daiton Ward and Graham Chaster. 3 nephews Devan Rohrke, Caleb Rohrke and Asher Rohrke and 3 nieces October Rohrke, Aellyn Thomas and Aaliyah Thomas. And Girlfriend Jayda Renee. As well as countless family members and friends.

Carter enjoyed anything outdoors and spent many hours hunting and fishing with family and friends. During his childhood Carter was in both the Navy and Army Cadets. Carter was a one of a kind person with a one of a kind laugh that would light up any room he was in. Carter is going to be dearly missed by everyone he touched.

Celebration of Life will be held at the Legion in Merritt on Saturday, March 21st from 11 am - 2 pm.

• Wages: starting $20 to $28 (depends on experience & attendance)

• Steady day shift work

• Students welcome to apply

• No experience necessary

Will train

Excellent medical & dental plan PLEASE SUBMIT RESUME IN PERSON TO 1195 Houston Street, Merritt BC • 250-378-6161