Merritt Herald June 25, 2026

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Six months after the death of Pam Jarvis, a new law cracks down on intimate partner violence. PAGE 12

NEW COWBOY IN TOWN

THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026

STREET NAMING BYLAW TO BE RECONSIDERED

Proposal for ‘Roger Sloan Way’ brings up talks about naming restrictions

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com

Merritt council is looking to make changes to the city’s bylaws to allow more freedom in the naming of its roadways, partly in thanks to a project a long time in the making.

At its policy review committee meeting earlier this month, council discussed the renaming of the entryway into the Merritt Golf & Country Club off of Juniper Drive to ‘Roger Sloan Way.’

Sloan, who grew up playing the course and still has roots in the area, has seen plenty of success in the sporting world as a PGA Tour professional player. The 39-year-old has two second-place finishes on golf’s biggest stage, as well as wins on both the Korn Ferry Tour and the Canadian Tour.

BAMBOOZLED: continued on page 4

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MERRITT MP’S DOMESTIC VIOLENCE BILL PASSED INTO LAW

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald. com

Major changes are coming to the laws surrounding intimate partner violence in Canada, six months after the tragic death of Merritt’s Pamela Jarvis.

Bill C-225, also known as ‘Bailey’s Law,’ was introduced by KamloopsThompson-Cariboo MP Frank Caputo in response to the tragic murder of Kelowna woman Bailey McCourt, who was killed by her former intimate partner just hours after he was found guilty.

The bill creates new offences for the assault and harassment of a partner.

One of the largest changes to law involving intimate partner violence in Canadian history, the bill revolves around these key points:

- Making murder of an intimate partner a first-degree charge when there is a h istory of coercive control;

- Creating the offence of “violence against intimate partner”;

- Increasing sentences for violence against an intimate partner;

- Creating a reverse onus for those on peace bonds; and

- Increasing the time for holding of evidence after seizure.

The passing of the bill comes just six months after the murder of Pamela Jarvis in her Merritt home last December, of which her husband Christopher Jarvis is accused of second-degree murder and

(Top): Kamloops-ThompsonCariboo MP Frank Caputo. (Right): Pamlea Jarvis, who was killed in her Merritt home last December.

remains in custody awaiting trial.

“30 days from now, because I’m told we just received royal assent, no longer will you have assault being the charge when somebody abuses their intimate partner,” said Caputo in Parliament on June 17. Caputo, the Member of Parliament for the Nicola Valley, was present at Jarvis’ celebration of life in December.

“We just don’t talk about it...we just pretend it doesn’t happen, but it happens more often than we might think.”

— MP Frank Caputo

JOIN US TO CELEBRATE

if somebody kills their intimate partner when there is coercive control present, they will be charged with first-degree murder.”

A rare success in a private member’s bill becoming law, Caputo called intimate partner violence “a scourge on society.”

“We just don’t talk about it. It’s like sexual offenses against kids. We just pretend it doesn’t happen, but it happens more often than we might think. Severely underreported.”

Caputo was joined in the announcement by Debbie Henderson, McCourt’s aunt, adding that it is only with “lived experience” that the change in law was made.

A CENTURY OF SUPPORT. A LIFETIME OF IMPACT.

For a century, the Merritt Legion has supported Veterans, their families, and our community.

Come down and learn about the history of the Legion, our Veterans, and the community support that we contribute to.

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

‘IT’S HORRIFYING’: PIGEON RELEASE TO BE BANNED IN MERRITT

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com

The City of Merritt is following in the footsteps of a number of other British Columbian communities in banning a much talked-about and controversial practice.

Council has voted to ban the release of pigeons within the city, a sporting tradition that has grown in popularity and in turn heightened the conversation surrounding the ethical statutes of it.

“The more research that people keep sending me, it’s horrifying,” said Councillor Yvette Baxter, who has championed the change to Merritt’s animal bylaw. “What they’re actually doing to the poor pigeons, the spray paint actually makes their lungs not capable of living past a year.”

Baxter refers to the dye that is often used for high-flying racing pigeons, used as a visual aid for its owner. Research shows that altering feathers can destroy a bird’s natural waterproofing and expose them to predators, while there are plenty of concerns among British Columbians that have spotted them as to toxicity as well.

Others worry about the pigeons flying rampant after being released, without being corralled and left to the wild.

One Merritt resident who lives on Armstrong Street recently took to Facebook to share that two pigeons had recently been killed on his street.

“The pigeons have not chosen this life, the men haven chosen to use the pigeons as a game,” said Dave Finch.

The practice of pigeon releasing has already been banned in municipalities like

PHOTO/FACEBOOK/MERRITT GRAPEVINE OPEN FORUM

This picture of a pigeon found in the Merritt area was posted anonymously to Facebook in May of this year.

Delta and Squamish.

Baxter said that she would like to see a fine attached to the bylaw to help deter pigeon owners from future release.

“It would make sure that they don’t come into our community anymore. If somebody comes to our community and there is not a fine attached to it, they’re going to come back next week.”

Mayor Mike Goetz said that the issue has come before him and city hall a number of times over the past two years. He initially contacted the B.C. Pigeon Racing Association to see if those that come to Merritt for the practice are part of their group, hearing from them that they are not associated.

“So this is not a group, or any kind of racing group. I’m convinced that this is to see what the community will do and clocking distances on how you get from Meritt to Vancouver, etc. But I think once this bylaw is passed, we’ll let all the associations know, and it’ll spread in the community.”

MERRITT VET UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

MORGAN HAMPTON Contributor

The Merritt Veterinary Hospital has provided care and support to the animals of the Nicola Valley for many years, and as of June 1, 2026 that tradition will be carried on by the clinic’s new owners as the torch is passed to Dr. Liana Thorstenson and Dr. Anaïs Roy.

“I’ve always wanted to be a vet, from as early as I can remember,” Thorstenson told the Herald.

“Probably from the age of six on, and Dr. Molnar was nice enough to let me volunteer at this clinic starting at about 10. I would volunteer here pretty much every Saturday, then he gave me a job working at the front at one point, and then I was a summer student. I ended up going to University and was then able to be hired on here as a vet.”

Thorstenson graduated in 2019 and has spent her career so far at the Merritt Vet Hospital. Dr. Roy joined

the Merritt Vet team in 2021, her timing was rather inauspicious as her first day at the clinic was Nov. 15, 2021 – the day Merritt experienced catastrophic flooding that prompted a complete, city-wide evacuation. Fortunately, that didn’t seem to put her off of a career here.

“Everyone asks how she ended up in Merritt because she’s from France and she did her schooling in Australia, so how did she end up here?” said Thorstenson.

“And I always joke that I just sent something out into the universe asking that someone would come along and she did.”

After working side by side for more than four years, Thorstenson and Roy began to seriously consider the prospect of taking over the Merritt Vet Hospital if the option ever presented itself.

“There came an opportunity to buy the clinic, and it’s not to say anything

VET STAYS: continued on page 10

‘BAMBOOZLED’ INTO NAME RESTRICTIONS

Thank You, MERRITT!

Merritt Elks 441 Society would like to thank all the members and businesses of the community who donated to our Spring Fling Fundraiser April 25, 2026:

• Fountain Tire • Coldwater Hotel

• Best Valu Glass

• Canada Cafe

• Centennials

• Kruse’N’Style

• Hello Pharmacy

• Game On Sports Bar • Cannabis Supply • Valley Graze • YRB • Chloe’s Diner • Lower Nicola Meats • DCS Auto • Hub Insurance

• City Of Merritt Aquatic • Home Hardware

• A & W

• Double D Bakery

• Mary Browns

• Etched Justjan

• Merritt Bowling

• Rest & Restore

Boston Pizza • Nicola Valley Massage

MRM • Breath Bikes

TIBAR • Dianne Bouchard • Save On Foods • Pharmasave

• Black’s Pharmacy • The Grand Pub & Grill • Canadian Tire

“Whenever he does well, he mentions Merritt all the time,” said Mayor Mike Goetz. “The entry into the golf course doesn’t have a name, so we would like to name that Roger Sloan Way, get a sign up there and have him dedicate it when he’s here in July.”

In Merritt, a bylaw currently stands in place to name streets after Indigenous flora or fauna, chosen from a list of approved names.

While as it stands the bylaw would not affect this decision, as it is not technically a municipal roadway, it brought up t alks to revisit the restrictions of the bylaw.

Councillor Adam Etchart said he thinks the city was “bamboozled” into the flora and fauna designations.

“I think having them named after previous families and things is perfectly fine. We kind of got pushed into this flora/fauna business. I think it’s terrible, personally.”

Councillor Wendy Charney was in agreement.

“There are some people in the community that have done extremely well and represented Merritt, and I think that we should be including them in our

streets. Forest, Marmot...these don’t mean anything to our citizens,” said Charney, looking at the list of appproved names, which also includes the likes of ‘Winter’ and ‘Coyote’. “But when you say Roger Sloan Way, that brings something back to our community.

City of Merritt CAO Rick Green said that although he doesn’t have an opinion either way on street designations, the original flora/fauna idea spawned from a need for ‘future proofing’ and making it easier for the city to expand over the next few decades, though there is room for fluidity.

Green added that the golf course roadway is also in the process of being dedicated as a future municipal road with property lines being reset, a project that “definitely is happening.”

“You can do anything you want with the sign right now. When we physically actually get the road allowance put in there, whatever you decide will carry over into naming a set road allowance.”

Council voted all in favour of moving Roger Sloan Way to a regular council meeting for approval, while the bylaw will be reviewed by city staff for future use.

other people or family names should be considered for future street names in Merritt? Let us know at

PIZZA FRANCHISE RETURNS TO MERRITT

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald. com

A slice of the past is returning to Merritt this summer.

The Domino’s pizza franchise will once again be opening its doors to the Nicola Valley on June

29, this time in the Railyard Mall plaza.

Jamie Banner, who along with his wife and two sons has been operating Domino’s Pizza locations in the Okanagan since 1994, said he is very excited to join the Merritt business community.

“One of the main

reasons we wanted to open in Merritt is that we see it as a strong community where we believe Domino’s can provide great service, create local jobs, and support schools, clubs, teams, and community groups through fundraising opportunities.”

B anner added that hiring has been going on for the new store over the past few weeks, and expects to have approximately three to five full-time positions and up to 10 part-time positions.

The franchise previously operated on Voght Street in the Bench neighbourhood, but closed in the la te 2010s.

Find the new franchise on Facebook at Domino’s Pizza (Merritt, BC).

HIGHWAY DEATHS SPIKED OVER MAY LONG WEEKEND

hjoshi@kentem.ca

A total of 1,881 speeding tickets and 93 tickets for excessive speeding were issued in Central B.C. (including Merritt, Kelowna, Kamloops, Clearwater) in May, says a press release from the B.C. RCMP.

The Victoria Day long weekend witnessed five deaths on B.C. roads, which is a substantial spike from the zero deaths in 2025 around the same period.

“The sad increase in long weekend deaths shows how we can’t be complacent after a good year like 2025,” said I nspector Chad Badry with BC Highway Patrol.

Although the total speeding tickets (7,898) in May 2026 are significantly less

than 9,600 issued last year in May, the big spike in excessive speeding with impound (568) as compared to 403 in last May is an indication of “dangerous lack of judgment” from many drivers.

“A lower overall number of tickets is good, but it’s not an indication that we are actually driving more safely,” said Inspector Badry.

As for motorcyclists looking for thrills behind two wheels, RCMP is reminding them to be extra cautious.

“Motorcyclists are three times more likely to be injured or killed in a crash compared to people in a passenger vehicle.”

BC Highway Patrol will continue its ‘education through enforcement’ efforts all summer.

2026 SCIDES GRADUATES

Allen, Sarah  Anand, Sanjna  Bakker, Jack  Bankowski, Tristan  Barclay, Nate Bogh, Robyn  Brick, Jordan  Bridgeman, Jordan  Brunham, Haven  Cornell, Jackson  Cummings, Ryan   Cutler, Tristyn  De Jonge, Madelijn  De Ocampo, Daniza  Dhesi, Aneil  Durant, Rebecca  Forman, Amanda  Froehler, Shea  Gandha, Maddox  Gillespie, Brody  Gojsic, Kanjyu  Gratton, Bethany  Hall, Alex (Kaelyn)

Heggie, Bryce  Hendriks, Isabella  Hoffos, Dawson  Hohmann, Kierianne Ihas, Mabel  Immell, Ian  Kendrick, Trinity   Khairati, Abdullah  Kovich, Nick  Kronhardt, Albert  Lee, Joshua  Lesiuk, Gavin Mahovlich, Madison  May, Hudson  McCombs, Chris  McKay, Corri  Menzies, Nathan   Mostehel, Jade  Mrsic, Milan  Nedelko, Roman  Nyman, Zach  Olsson, Ava  Pantelas, Giorgos

Paull, Mathis  Percival, Hunter  Peters (Kohlman), Emily  Preston, Mathis  Prystipa, Louis  Rocque, Ewan (Cameron)  Ruck, Liam  Ruck, Markus  Ruff, Dylan  Sargeant, Avery  Schultz, Andrew  Scott, William  Shales, Zachary  Shintah, Hayden   Smith, Cage  Steen, Riley  Swanson, Ryker  Walker, Camille  Yu, Daniel (Shunsheng)

2026 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Sanjna Anand

Nate Barclay

Jordan Bridgeman

Jordan Brick

Ryan Cummings

Maddox Gandha

Alex Hall

Isabella Hendriks

Mabel Ihas

Abdullah Khairati

Hudson May Nathan Menzies

Milan Mrsic Ryker Swanson

Alexa Whitford

NICOLA VALLEY VIEWPOINT

DIXON: WHEN YOU GOTTA GO

BONNIE DIXON

Healthy Conversations

Constipation is no fun! One of the body’s most important jobs is getting rid of waste. A healthy digestive system helps remove waste products from the food we eat and supports overall health and well-being.

The digestive journey begins in the mouth, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva. It then travels down the esophagus to the stomach, through the small intestine and large intestine, into the rectum, and finally exits through the anus.

When this process slows down or stops moving efficiently, we can feel bloated, uncomfortable, sluggish, and sometimes even sick.

On average, food takes about 23 to 37 hours to move through the digestive tract, although it can range anywhere from 10 to 73 hours depending on the individual.

One of the simplest ways to encourage healthy digestion is to drink plenty of water. Aim for about eight cups a day. A fun way to track your intake is to fill a two-litre bottle in the morning and celebrate when it’s empty by the end of the day!

Fiber is another digestive superstar. Most adults should aim for 25 to 35 grams of fiber daily. Most Canadians only consume under half of that

amount.

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, peas, pears, and sweet potatoes are excellent choices. Oats provide about 3 to 4 grams of fiber per serving, while a half-cup of beans can contain up to 8 grams.

Don’t underestimate the power of getting in some movement. Even a 15-minute walk after dinner can help stimulate digestion and keep things moving smoothly.

Age, physical activity, medications, stress, and certain medical conditions can all affect digestion. Another tip I find helpful is taking a complete digestive enzyme supplement with meals.

As we age, our natural enzyme production may decline, and supplemental enzymes can help break down food more efficiently.

Fiber supplements can be useful, but whole foods are often the most economical and nutritious source of fiber.

B e cautious with stimulant laxatives containing senna, as the body can become dependent on them over time. If constipation is caused by medications, speak with your healthcare practitioner about possible solutions. Here’s to keeping things moving!

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ANOTHER PANDEMIC ON THE HORIZON? VIEWPOINT

Editor,

The question is not if another pandemic will strike, but when. We are seeing this reality play out right now with the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa. Because the current epidemic involves a rare strain with no approved vaccine, health workers are left to fight a lethal virus with only basic supportive care.

Waiting for a crisis to hit before building a defense is a gamble that costs lives and can trigger panic. Developing vaccines proactively is our best insurance policy. If we fund research into high-risk viral families today, scientists can create defensive blueprints. This

foresight slashes future deployment timelines from years to a few months, allowing us to stop an outbreak before it crosses borders.

The cost of proactive research is a minor fraction of the trillions spent recovering from global shutdowns. We can’t stop new pathogens from emerging, but Canada can change how we meet them. By investing in next-generation vaccine development today, we choose preparation over panic.

BEING KIND AND POLITE ON THE TRAILS

Editor,

How fortunate are we to live alongside a world-class trail where we can enjoy the best of B.C.’s outdoors with terrific vistas.

Visitors to our pristine part of Canada constantly remind us how lucky we are to have the KVR as our playground.

But some of us play better than others. As both a walker and an old school cyclist, I’m on the KVR year-round. Recently, I stepped onto the KVR across from the Arawana car park and a cyclist seemingly came out of nowhere at high speed, with no warning and from behind, almost grazing me.

As we approach the busy season, I suggest some tips rather than commandments like, “covet not thy neighbour’s e-bike.”

Along with much-required common sense, these suggestions might heighten the enjoyment of all and help avoid accidents.

Firstly, on the KVR, there are multiple users on

multiple means of conveyance—on foot, on bikes, e-bikes (some with throttles) and even sometimes on horseback. Users come in all shapes and sizes, with groups of all ages and often accompanied by canines, both tethered and untethered.

In fact, the KVR truly represents a microcosm of our interconnected world. It’s strange how some feel their rights to enjoyment over-ride the rights of others. With the variety of bikes, we all just need to slow down. A little civility goes a long way. Polite signals help. How about a gentle tinkle of your bike bell or a pleasant “good day” or “on your left” uttered about 10 metres from behind rather than barked right in someone’s ear as you pass.

As the great “philosopher,” (comedian) Jerry Seinfeld said to his (television show) sidekick George Costanza who was behaving in typical self-centred fashion, “We’re trying to have a society here, George!”

John M. Taplin Kamloops, BC

SEES

Business in Merritt’s downtown core was shook up this month. Tirecraft shut its doors to the public across the country, with its Merritt location closing abruptly on June 15.

Liquidation World also announced it will be closing down its store in Merritt by the end of August. There are a few other Liquidation World outlets that are also shutting down throughout B.C. by the end of September.

atrick Lindsay, CEO of Community Futures Nicola Valley, points out that jobs are lost as well as revenue for the city.

“When any business closes, the footprint they leave on the community is fairly large. The challenge now is to find tenants willing to go into such a big space,” he says, referring to both sites.

Despite losing businesses downtown, Lindsay says there is a ray of hope with the opening of M & M Meat Shops.

Merritt’s M & M Meat Shops opened on Saturday, and they will be hosting a grand opening on June 28 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Canada Day!

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12:00PM (NOON) | CEREMONY: SONG “O CANADA” ROTARY PARK

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FIREARMS STOLEN DURING BREAK-IN AT CANADIAN TIRE

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com

Two suspects are facing charges after a break-in at the Canadian Tire in Merritt in which firerarms were stolen.

On June 9, Merritt RCMP were called to the Canadian Tire on Forksdale Avenue for a report of a break-in. Both suspects were identified and arrested, Staff Sgt.

Josh Roda told the Herald.

Eleven firearms were stolen from the store and are yet to be recovered.

The suspects have now been released with charges pending. No more details have been released at this time.

Anyone with more information is asked to contact Merritt RCMP at 250-378-4262 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

WRONG-WAY COLLISION ON COQUIHALLA LEAVES ONE DEAD

HARIT JOSHI hjoshi@kentem.ca

The driver of a car travelling the wrong way on the Coquihalla was declared dead at the scene after a head-on collision with a transport van near Comstock Road on the morning of June 15.

The occupants of the transport van sustained “non-life-threatening injuries” and were transported to hospital.

The fatal accident resulted in the closure of the northbound lanes for nearly to se ven hours before reopening at 3p.m.

According to the Merritt RCMP, at approximately 8:08 a.m. they received a report of a “small car” travelling the wrong way.

In the next five minutes, they received a second report that the car had been involved in a head-on collision with the transport van.

“The driver and sole occupant of the car was

pronounced deceased at the scene. The occupants of the transport van sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to hospital for treatment,” police said in a press release.

Frontline officers from the Merritt RCMP, along with BC Highway Patrol, Emergency Health Services as well as local fire crews responded to the scene.

According to the press release, initial witness reports indicated that the car was travelling southbound in the northbound lanes at a “high rate of speed” prior to the collision.

According to the B.C. Emergency Health Services, one victim was airlifted to the hospital in serious condition, while the other two victims of the crash were transported by ground ambulance in serious but stable condition.

Anyone with dash camera footage from the area around the time is urged to contact police at 250-378-4262.

Traffic is shown backed up northbound on the Coquihalla Highway near Comstock Road after a fatal head-on collision on June 15.

VET STAYS PRIVATELY OWNED

MERRITT VET: continued from page 3

against corporate clinics by any means, but oftentimes that is the other option as far as practices go,” explained Thorstenson.

“If there aren’t people within the clinic interested in buying it they are often sold to corporations, so we’re very grateful to Dr. Molnar that he gave us the opportunity to buy the clinic. Potentially he could have gotten more had he chose to sell to a corporation but he just felt it was best if it stayed privately owned and in the hands of people who love it.”

And love it they certainly do.

“The biggest thing overall is the people,” said Thorstenson.

“Because it’s a small town you get to see the same people over and over again. You’re there for the heartbreak of someone euthanizing their pet but then you’re there a few months later for them getting a new puppy and doing the puppy vaccines with them...You really get to know the people and their animals.”

Thorstenson notes that it is quite common to see her clients and their pets out and about in the community, something she enjoys.

“I think sometimes in bigger centres you don’t see the same people all the time, you have such a huge rotating shift… it’s a different feel.”

But according to Thorstenson Merritt is “perfectly situated”, with the ability to send animals to specialists when needed but also rural enough to tackle some interesting cases in house.

“I saw a goose on Friday!” Thorstenson exclaimed.

“That’s not my specialty and I told the owner that but driving him to a bird specialist just wasn’t something his owner could do… There’s a lot of variety and we get to do things we may not get to do in other places.”

Small town veterinary medicine is a terrific way for a vet to both expand and hone their skills, but every vet has a particular favourite. For Dr. Thorstenson that happens to be cats, which she enjoys for the “challenge” of feline medicine.

“I would say I’m a cat person but I love dogs, German Shepherds in particular are my jam, and I love working with horses and I love working with the weird and wonderful too,” said Thorstenson, who also enjoys working with fear-aggressive dogs.

“I’m very passionate about fear free

animal handling and when you get somewhere with them it’s a really rewarding feeling.”

In regards to the clinic itself, Thorstenson maintains that there will be no major changes coming. Dr. Chan will remain, as will all of the front desk and support staff. And, as Dr. Thorstenson has assured many anxious clients, Dr. Molnar has not yet retired, though he may take some “well earned” vacation time.

“He is staying on and seeing patients and continuing the awesome work that he is known for, not only as a vet but also as our mentor especially in our first year,” said Thorstenson.

One of the only things Thorstenson hopes to change moving forward are a few perceptions people may have about vets, such as the idea that vets are “only in it for the money”, that they charge excessively, or “pad the bill”.

“I think that’s a very common misconception,” said Thorstenson.

“ We really do try to work with the community and make it so that we do have some degree of affordable care. I realize that’s a tough thing for people so we try to meet people where they’re at and do what we can on their budget.”

The College of Veterinarians of BC publishes a recommended fee guide each year and Merritt Veterinary Hospital is typically below those recommended fees.

“I hope people know that we’re trying our best with the constraints that we have,” said Thorstenson. “We’re lucky enough to live in a place where human medicine is largely covered so you can go to the ER and you don’t pay anything. But I think a lot of people maybe don’t have a concept of how much medical care costs.”

Part of keeping up with service demands such as expanding into dental work, X-rays, and in house blood work, along with paying staff a living wage, means charging adequately for services.

Vets are also human, and unfortunately it is not a career without its fair share of emotional days. Having a passion for animals like Drs. Thorstenson and Roy means there are many highs, but also many inevitable lows as not every wound can be mended, not every disease can be cured, and not every animal can be saved. But the staff at Merritt Vet Hospital continue to provide exceptional care.

“We’re very proud to be taking over the clinic and proud to be part of the community and excited for the chance to serve the community in this way,”

INVASIVE WEED IMPACTING LOWER NICOLA LAND

MORGAN HAMPTON Contributor

A father and son team in Lower Nicola are waging a battle against blueweed, a highly invasive noxious weed wreaking havoc across the province and particularly in the Interior’s fragile grasslands ecosystem.

Patrick Farmer, a professional agrologist for the Province of BC, and his son Oliver have a yearly blueweed pull to try to keep the plant from spreading.

“Since we bought in Lower Nicola we’ve tried to do a big blueweed pull every year,” said Farmer.

“After a bit of a rain when things are a little softer and you can get more of the root we’ll go out and put on the gloves, put on the pants, grab the wheelbarrow and try and pull these weeds out by hand.”

Blueweed, or Viper’s bugloss, is a tall, hairy plant that is painful to touch. It is toxic to horses and cattle, and while it is a popular plant for bees, honey produced from blueweed nectar poses significant health risks. The nectar contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which can cause alkaloid toxicity, leading to irreversible liver damage in both livestock and humans if consumed regularly.

“That taproot is very intense but it’s very satisfying when you pull it out and you get about a foot of root,” said Farmer, noting his son gets very excited when he successfully pulls the whole root out of the ground.

“It is making a difference… we’re definitely w inning. We’re winning the

PHOTO/CONTRIBUTED

Oliver Farmer pulls blueweed.

battle but we might be losing the war, if the war is Lower Nicola in general, but the battle in front of our place we’re winning.”

Farmer has noticed that there are now several places in Lower Nicola where people have been pulling the weed and that it is making an impact in the neighbourhood.

“You can tell the properties that aren’t trying on the blueweed front and the ones that are.”

While there are effective herbicides for blueweed, Farmer prefers to pull the weeds by hand, particularly the plants that are one to two years old and flowering. The rosettes that form while the plant is still in its early growing stages can be more effectively removed by spraying, but not typically by the herbicides available at a retail level although glyphosate has been shown to work in some cases.

“We dug up a bunch of them but in patches that are pretty big there’s a lot of them, whereas it’s more satisfying to walk up to that big plant and pull the whole thing out and you get the root and you know

yes, this plant is not coming back next year,” said Farmer.

Digging and pulling small rosettes at ground level can be back breaking work.

Blueweed is native to Eurasia. It was intentionally introduced to North America as an ornamental plant for flower gardens but soon escaped cultivation.

“My understanding is it came over here because people thought of it as a pretty flower, they planted it in their flower beds and then it took off,” said Farmer.

“And it definitely loves disturbance. It doesn’t do so well in natural grasslands or undisturbed sites but where places have been disturbed and there is rocky, mineral soil it just takes off. One of the values I’ve tried to instill in my kids is what’s supposed to naturally be there versus what is considered a weed.

I think a lot of people would look at blueweed and go ‘it’s so pretty, why are you pulling it?’ But I’m more like, yes it is quite pretty but it’s taking over a lot of our natural grasslands… what me and my boys have talked about is why a patch of blueweed will be in a spot versus where it won’t be and that these are not good plants. They’re not supposed to be here.”

The Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD) considers blueweed a priority invasive plant and will rebate landowners up to 50 per cent of the cost to have it treated by a licensed contractor using herbicide on their private land, which can help native plants regain dominance.

• LOCK IT UP – Always lock doors and windows,

• LOCK IT

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•

•

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• DON’T

•

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• SECURE VALUABLES – Keep jewelry, cash, and electronics out of sight.

NICOLA RANCH COWBOY ELECTED VP OF CATTLEMEN’S

MORGAN HAMPTON Contributor

Since 1929 the BC Cattlemen’s Association (BCCA) has been representing BC’s cattle operations; a grassroots organization that advocates to all levels of government on behalf of producers, delivers programs and services that support ranchers, and encourages the production of quality b eef hand in hand with environmental stewardship.

Currently, the BCCA represents over 70 per cent of BC’s cattle herd.

The Nicola Valley has always been cattle country, home to numerous ranches from small scale all the way up to Douglas Lake Ranch, the largest working cattle ranch in Canada. Now, the BCCA boasts another Nicola Valley

connection with the election of Nicola Ranch cowboy John Parkes to the role of Vice President.

“I’ve worked at Nicola Ranch for 20 years,” said Parkes.

“I’ve been the manager for six, previous to that I looked after the cattle operations. And I’ve been a Director for BC Cattlemen’s for four years, then I was elected Vice President.”

Parkes was ranch manager in 2022 when Nicola Ranch was awarded the prestigious Commercial Angus Breeder of the Year award by the BC Angus Association, and he plans to carry that level of dedication into his new position.

“On a day to day basis we’re a response team for the province,” explained Parkes.

MERRITT GRASSLANDS: continued on page 13

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Together, we’re helping build strong, vibrant communities across BC, today and for the future.

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AUXILIARY SUPPORTS NEW SAFETY STANDARDS

The Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary joined the Merritt Fire Rescue Department for a cheque presentation on June 16. The Auxiliary recently approved a $7,500 contribution toward the purchase of medical equipment required to support recent scope-of-practice changes implemented by the Emergency Medical Assistants (EMA) Licensing Board. This equipment will help our firefighters meet the new standard and provide an enhanced level of emergency medical care while responding to approximately 500 medical incidents annually.

MERRITT GRASSLANDS BRING

“Whether it’s droughts, floods, infrastructure or any other things that are hitting cattlemen as a whole throughout the province, which is really diverse, we’re then able to connect with the province or the people we need to connect with, to help cattlemen out.”

For the past several years BC has faced drought conditions which have hit cattle producers hard. Not only do they need water for their stock, many rely on irrigation to grow forage and the hay supply needed to support their herds over the winter.

With dangerously low snow pack levels and a lack of seasonal precipitation carrying on into 2026, ranchers are bracing for another dry summer.

“Right now in the Nicola Valley I don’t think it’s any secret about water storage and water shortages. That’s the first thing on our list right now,” said Parkes when discussing priorities the BCCA hopes to address this year.

“We’ve got cattle ranchers with their irrigation licenses and we’re trying to make sure everybody is properly represented and everybody is communicating well and understanding what the situation is.”

The Nicola Valley is somewhat unique in that its residents recognized the need to strengthen water conservation and encourage sustainability more than three decades ago, forming the Nicola Watershed Community Round Table in 1994. These concerns overlap with

those of local cattle producers.

“We’ve worked with the government and indigenous groups on developing storage, and obviously right now with as dry as it is it feels like those things are taking forever, but we have to keep pushing forward with them,” said Parkes.

“They’re complex and expensive projects, there’s no two ways about it.”

Alongside the work he does for BC’s cattle producers as BCCA VP, a job which took him to the Parliament buildings in Victoria for BC Beef Day back in May, and supporting BCCA President Alex Kulchar, Parkes still carries on his day to day work for Nicola Ranch.

Cowboying is no easy occupation, with an abundance of physical toil and sometimes emotional hardship as well – you’d be hard pressed to find a rancher who was never dealt a heavy blow through

the loss of a favourite horse or a newborn calf, rock bottom beef prices or sky high input costs, but Parkes maintains that the pros outweigh the cons.

“The cycle is a grind no doubt about it, but when you throw your leg over a horse at six in the morning and get to look at the beautiful Nicola Valley it’s tough to beat,” said Parkes.

“There’s some spectacular spots in this valley t hat only we get to see. That’s the reward there.”

The Quesnel born Parkes also believes that the Merritt area grasslands and the sheer size of the local cow herds brings something special to the table when you’re talking ranches in this large and diverse province, and he hopes to serve those ranches and the ranchers that run them well.

“I’m honoured that my fellow cattlemen selected me to be the Vice President,” Parkes concluded.

ATV POKER RIDE READY TO DEAL ON NICOLA VALLEY TRAILS

Signage at the Stumbles Forest Service Road.

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com

One of the province’s premiere backcountry experiences on four wheels is coming to the Nicola Valley this July when the Nicola Valley ATV Club hosts the annual Poker Ride.

Put on every year by the Quad Riders Assocation of British Columbia (ATVBC), the ride is dubbed “The Ultimate Off-Road Vehicle Adventure”. The four-day event running from July 1-4 will see four rides per day along three different trails, at Promontory Viewpoint, Gordon Lake and Tyner Lake.

The series will culminate on July 4 with the Poker Ride itself, where participants will collect poker cards from five different stations. Riders will collect a card as they leave the staging area, following a selected route with three stations out in the field to collect cards before collecting the fifth card as they return to the staging area.

At the end of the day, the best poker hand wins. First prize is $1,000, second is $500, and third $250.

Adopt a Pet

Anyone with an ATV or side-by-side is invited to attend, with the cost to enter the Poker Run at $20. Participants can purchase a poker hand for $25, with up to four hands per participant.

Nicola Valley ATV Club President Kevin Joinson says the event is “a chance to showcase the NVATV’s accomplishments, to celebrate the 25-year anniversary of ATVBC and to show what the Nicola Valley has to offer to help boost tourism here.”

Joinson pointed out the “tremendous growth” that the Nicola Valley ATV Club has achieved in recent years, including

receiving tenure last year to build its staging area on Aberdeen Road at Stumbles FSR in Lower Nicola. This year, they received tenure to build their extensive trail system and map it out. Coming from an origin of around 60 members, the club now boasts around 110.

Though online registration is now closed, on-site registration is available on the day of the event. More information can be found at www.atvbc.ca, or e mail Doug Fleming at db-fleming@ outlook.com.

BC Timber Sales

FOREST STEWARDSHIP PLAN #109

BC Timber Sales (BCTS) is seeking to add four additional licences to the Cascades Forest Stewardship Plan (FSP): Replaceable Forest License (RFL) A96814, Non-Replaceable Forest Licence (NRFL) A98837, RFL A96939, and NRFL A98839. The results and strategies will remain unchanged. The FSP is available for public review and comment between June 23 – July 31, 2026

The proposed amendment can be viewed online at: for.gov.bc.ca/ftp/TKA/external/!publish/FSP/Cascades/cascades_ full_fsp_109_amendment13.pdf

Members of the public can review the results and strategies Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the following BC Timber Sales offices:

BC Timber Sales, Kamloops Business Area, 1265 Dalhousie Drive, Kamloops, B.C. V2C 5Z5 or

BC Timber Sales, Kamloops Business Area, 3840 Airport Road, Merritt, B.C. V1K 1M5

Reviews and written comments will be accepted until July 31, 2026. Comments may be mailed to 1265 Dalhousie Drive, Kamloops, B.C., V2C 5Z5, by phone or fax: 250 371-6500, or by email: TKAreferrals@gov.bc.ca

NICOLA VALLEY SPORTS

CANUCKS BRINGING LEARN-TO-PLAY PROGRAM

The program is designed to introduce children aged 6-10 that have never played before to hockey in a fun, affordable, and welcoming environment.

Do you have a child looking to join the over 60,000 others in B.C. playing minor hockey?

The Vancouver Canucks are once again bringing the First Shift program to Merritt, an NHL initiative for first-timers to learn the game.

Having been selected to host the program in previous years, Merritt Minor Hockey Secretary Candice Bateson said the organization is “thrilled” to bring it back to the community.

“Being selected provides an excellent opportunity to introduce new families to hockey, while helping remove some of the financial and equipment barriers that can prevent children from trying the sport.”

Participants receive a full set of Bauer equipment and a series of on-ice sessions that focus on basic skating and hockey skills.

Beginning in October, the program will include six on-ice sessions led by local volunteers and coaches.

“Our goal is to create a positive first hockey experience and encourage participants to continue with hockey following the completion of the program,” said Bateson, who added that they are also looking for volunteers.

For more information, check out www.firstshift.ca or email Bateson at candicebateson@merrittminorhockey.com.

TRACK STARS TAKE THEIR TALENTS TO KAMLOOPS

JOSHI

Several Merritt athletes built on their strong results from the recent school district track meet by taking the next step and competing at the BC Interior Elementary School Championship in Kamloops.

Pictured are the two relay teams made up of athletes from École Élémentaire Collettville, Merritt Bench Elementary, and a guest runner from Kamloops. Both relay teams captured first place in their respective age categories.

Left to right: Owen Puterbough, Linden Mackay‑Smith, Nova Thoo, Peyton Savoie, Eberle Derose, Matthew Martens, Ryker Starrs and Luke Puterbough.

There were also standout performances in the individual events:

Grade 4 girls Nova Thoo earned gold in high jump and bronze in the 60m dash.

Grade 5 boys Owen Puterbough won silver in high jump and bronze in the 300m dash, while Linden Mackay‑Smith claimed gold in triple jump.

Grade 7 boys Matthew Martens earned silver in triple jump, and Luke Puterbough secured silver in the 800m.

Grade 7 girls Eberle Derose captured gold in both the 800m and shot put, along with bronze in triple jump.

MERRITTONIAN SETS NEW COURSE RECORD AT HOME CROWN RACE

HARIT JOSHI hjoshi@kentem.ca

Merritt’s very own Jordan Pehr set a new course record in the male 60km Merritt Crown Bike Race event that took place on June 13.

Pehr clocked 3:14:02.9 to better his own timing of 3:19:49. Amanda Racher emerged victorious in the female category with 4:49:23.4. A total of 21 racers competed in the half-crown race.

With 41 racers vying for the top spot in the 120km full crown race, Jocelyn De La Rosa took the top spot on the

podium with the top timing of 6:39:18.2. Paige MacGregor clinched the top spot with 9:45:47.1 among female competitors.

Crank Masters M&M clinched the two-person team 120km relay with a winning time of 8:06:51.3.

Overall, 68 racers participated in the Merritt Crown. K nown for its gruelling experience and taxing terrains, the 120-kilometre full Crown adventure with over 3,000 metres of elevation tested the endurance of bikers to the core, exhausting every ounce of their energy.

NICOLA VALLEY COMMUNITY

MERRITT ARTISTS JOIN RANKS OF DECADES OF STUDENT CREATIVITY

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@ merrittherald.com

Since the founding of the MSS Permanent Art Collection in 1999, it has become “a symbol of student talent, creativity, and school pride,” according to Shannon Dunn, MSS art teacher. The idea has taken on a life of

its own in its more than a quarter decade of existence, growing into a cherished tradition that celebrates the artistic achievements of MSS s tudents year after year.

PHOTO/SHANNON DUNN

Alan Pratheesh, Jasmine Bates, Alexis Bates and Autumn Bangsund were chosen to join the MSS Permanent Art Collection this year.

young artists a professional experience of having their work juried and exhibited.”

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

The vision was a simple yet powerful way to recognize outstanding student artwork by establishing a permanent collection purchased directly from the student.

Each year, students are invited to submit their best work to be evaluated by a jury. Three, and sometimes four pieces are then chosen to be displayed at the school board office, as well as the Nicola Valley teacher’s Union office this year.

A plaque with

the student’s name and year ensures that their legacy in the art world lives on forever, thanks to funding and support from the MSS PAC, ensuring that “every selected piece is presented with the dignity and permanence it deserves,” said Dunn.

“This process not only highlights student excellence, but also gives

This year, students Alan Pratheesh, Jasmine Bates, Alexis Bates and Autumn Bangsund were chosen to join the ranks of the permanent collection. Their works will be hung among the others over the last 28 years that bring pride to the MSS community, as well as the Merritt community as a whole.

For Dunn, the collection holds a special place that brings joy every day.

“Every time I walk down the main hall, I smile, it fills me with pride.”

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

Sacred Heart Catholic Church Corner of Jackson & Blair • 778-661-1979

Mass Time: Sundays 9:00 a.m.

St. Michael’s Anglican Church 1990 Chapman St. • 604-329-0549

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 ■ Approved mini-storage ■ On-siterentals ■ Secured ■ SaleofNew&Used storagecontainers

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

John “Jack” Williams

October 21, 1952 - June 15, 2026

John “Jack” Michael Williams, 73, of Merritt, BC, passed away peacefully on June 15th, 2026 after a long life that most (can only dream of).

Born and raised in Merritt, Jack lived a life shaped by curiosity, grit, and a deep love to travel the world. After years of exploring the seas, he returned home to live out his final years in his home town in the beautiful Nicola valley.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Denise; his daughter, Ashley (Dustin); and his three cherished grandsons, Michael (20), Bodhi (5), and Brooks (16months). He was predeceased by his father Oliver, mother Betty, and sister Mary. He lived life fully and fearlessly—never missing a chance for a good story, a good laugh, or a new adventure. His spirit, generosity, and love will be deeply missed.

Please bring your chairs to sit with us and share stories at the beautiful Rotary Park in Merritt, BC on Saturday, September 19th (3pm) to celebrate the great man he was.

Ronda Waylene Ashley

April 22, 1954 - May 23, 2026

The family of Ronda Ashley, wish to announce her passing on May 23, 2026, after a long battle with Cancer and Pneumonia. She was predeceased by her father Henry Sisk, her Mother Martha Stubbe, and Step Father Norman Stubbe, her younger brother Johnny Sisk, her in laws Dick and Eileen Ashley and her husband Kerry Ashley. Ronda will be greatly missed by her sister and brother-in-law Karen and Jim Ebbett. Mom loved her 2 nieces Rachel and Melanie Ebbett.

Ronda was born in Newport Tennessee and lived her early years in North Carolina. She moved to BC in 1973 with her mother.

Ronda worked in retail in the Saan store when it first opened and at Walmart. She stayed home when Kerry was sick and looked after him until the end.

She lived a full life and was involved in sports with her son, Mark. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa; her son Mark (Jessica) and their children, Olivia and Ben; and her partner Fred Rhodes. There will

request.

“Land Act: Notice of Application for a Disposition of Crown Land

Take notice that I/We, James Gudjonson, from Kamloops, BC, have applied to the British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS), South Coast Region, for Licence and a Lease for Adventure Tourism located on Provincial Crown land located in the vicinity of Hope, BC. WLRS invites comments on this application. The Lands File is 2413160 and 2413162.

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Written comments concerning this application should be directed to the AT Hub, WLRS, Thompson Okanagan Region, at 441 Columbia Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 3H5.

Comments will be received by WLRS up to August 1, 2026. WLRS may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the website at http://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ for more information. Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit http://www. gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submissions.

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LICENCED SECURITY GUARDS

ASPEN PLANERS Forest Operations Map, Public Notice

Please be advised that Aspen Planers has published a FOM which is publically available for review and comment. A FOM depicts the locations where harvesting and /or road construction may occur. The Public may access and review the map the following ways during the period of June 25, 2026 – July 25, 2026

Excellent medical & dental plan

PLEASE SUBMIT RESUME IN PERSON TO 1195 Houston Street, Merritt BC • 250-378-6161

In person at Aspens place of business located at 1375 Houston street during normal operating hours of 8:00 am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday.

Online at https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects

Public review and comment begins on June 25, 2026 and ends July 25, 2026. Those wishing to submit comments may do so the following ways

By accessing the FOM website listed above and providing comments through the online public website.

By personal delivery at the physical address listed above, during normal operating hours.

By mail c/o Planning forester, Aspen Planers Ltd, PO Box 160, 1375 Houston Street, Merritt BC V1k 1B8

By email at apfom@apgroup.ca

This notice is applicable to the following projects listed below. Aspen Planers may rely upon these maps for three years commencing on June 25, 2026 for the purpose of applying for a cutting authority or for a road permit.

FOM Name Geographic Location

OM – Merritt-June2026 Cascades FOM ID : 3254