Merritt Herald May 28, 2026

Signs have been installed around the lake, hoping to drive up awareness of the dangers of algae blooms and more.

UPPER NICOLA PARTNERS FOR WIND PROJECT

Nicola Wind Project will be the largest windfarm in Canada

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com

Details have been released regarding a joint venture between Upper Nicola Band and Elemental Energy Renewables, in what will be the largest windfarm in the country.

The project was one of four announced last week by the B.C. government, titled the Nicola Wind Project, which was given a 30-year electricity purchase agreement.

UNB TO HOLD: continued on page 4

CHAMBER DISSOLVED

The Merritt Chamber of Commerce has voted to dissolve after a lack of both financial support and membership. Want

GUARDIANS OF NICOLA LAKE BATTLE WITH ALGAE BLOOMS

Adovacy and action society continues work on environmental dangers posed at one of Nicola Valley’s most popular lakes

TYLER REIS-SANFORD

Contributor

The Guardians of Nicola Lake and Watershed Society have just finished posting signage around Nicola Lake warning residents of the dangers of algae blooms.

After a number of dogs died last year from ingesting the water at Nicola Lake, the Guardians have been hard at work determining what factors make the water dangerous, and how to mitigate the risk to the public.

The Guardians’ mission is centred around four pillars: community, advocate, investigate and educate.

“The very first place we started was how to be a good steward to the lake… I think the most important

thing is that we’re not coming in like a big stick and trying to force people to do different things,” said Dawne Tomlinson, the Vice President of the Guardians of Nicola Lake and Watershed Society. “We’re focused on educating people about being good stewards of the lake as well as doing investigations to try to figure out what exactly is happening.”

So far, the group has partnered with researchers, the provincial government and community organizations to study the lake and surrounding watersheds, other areas where precipitation (like rain and snowmelt) drain into the lake and impact its biological and chemical

makeup. In July 2025, the society was selected as one of the first in British Columbia to develop a water sustainability plan under B.C.’s Water Sustainability Act. This helped them to secure approval for level three water testing beginning this spring, which offers a significantly clearer picture than the level one water testing they were previously able to do.

The new level of testing allows for monthly lake water chemistry sampling, surface and deep water sampling, historical data comparison and the ability to monitor things like oxygen, temperature and

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NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

LONG WAY TO GO IN DETERMINING LAKE SAFETY

stratification.

“We have five testing teams around the lake, everybody has done online training and then on May 19 we do our in person training,” said Tomlinson. “level one was very basic, it was clarity of the water, temperature of the water, and then just being able to observe water conditions. Now we’re doing samples at the deepest part of the lake. Right down to the bottom, we do nutrient testing, water quality, oxygen levels in the lake. It really is comprehensive testing.”

Although not everyone in the society has a comprehensive scientific background, Tomlinson says that the guidance they’ve gotten through t heir partnership with Larratt Aquatic Consulting has provided them with access to biologists and limnologists who help fill the gaps in knowledge.

“The idea is to build a full picture of what is happening and where the highest impacts are, so that we can then determine what is it that we can do, whether it’s continuing education, whether it’s having me etings with farmers, ranchers, people in different locations around the lake with septic tanks,” said Tomlinson. “But we’re not the police, we’re trying

to appeal to people because we all love the lake, and we all want to be able to use it for generations to come.”

Currently, the Guardians have developed and shared a working hypothesis based on the research they’ve done.

“We’re just saying hey, based on what we know now, this is what we’re thinking, because we’re trying to be scientists about it,” said Tomlinson. “And then testing to see if those are in fact the high, moderate, and low impacts.”

The most recent work done by the Guardians have highlighted that both internal and external nutrient loading play large roles in causing algae blooms, meaning that even if outside nutrients are reduced, the lake may still continue to experience algae blooms due to it containing decades of accumulated nutrients. Lake sediments release nutrients like phosphorus that can intensify algae a nd cyanobacteria blooms, effectively recycling nutrients that have built up over many years.

Cyanobacteria, also commonly known as blue-green algae, can produce potent toxins called cyano toxins, that attack the liver, nervous system and skin. Although they do not typically produce enough to pose a danger to humans, when they

rapidly multiply, or “bloom”, they can pose a more serious risk to humans, pets and wildlife through skin contact, inhalation or ingestion.

“We all love the lake, and we all want to be able to use it for generations to come.”

— Guardians VP Dawne Tomlinson

According to Tomlinson, a common misunderstanding is that just because you can’t see the algae doesn’t mean it’s not there. Wind, water activity and wildlife can physically mix the upper layers of the water and disperse blooms just below the surface, giving the illusion of safety.

Efforts like the new signage installed in high traffic areas earlier in May help provide the public with more information to make informed decisions.

Currently, the society sees internal loading and cattle access to the watershed areas as the two most impactful factors to algae blooms in the lake. Both internal nutrients and external

nutrients like manure and cattle runoff can contribute to phosphorous spikes and nutrient loading, priming the water for algae blooms.

Other factors, like snowpack changes, septic systems, fertilizer runoff and climate change, currently sit as moderate risks.

Despite the amount of work the Guardians have done, Tomlinson still says they’re far away from being able to confidently determine how safe the la ke is at any given moment, and that their best option is to give the public access to as much information as possible to make a safe decision as to whether or not they want swim in their lake with their pets and children.

“I wish there was a solid clear answer for that, it is going to cycle… We’ve been told there may not be as many blooms because the lake did not freeze over this year, but someone sent me a picture yesterday and it looks like some blooms were starting to form,” said Tomlinson. “The best knowledge to have in hand is what you see, if it’s big and slimy on top, don’t go in, don’t let your dogs in. But you also need to recognize that even though you may not see them, it still might be there… if I had little kids or dogs, I would be really careful.”

Tomlinson went on to say that

there’s no quick fix, and that mitigating external loading factors will take time. Because the blooms move around, and the large size of the lake, constant testing would be a difficult and unrealistic outcome with the society’s current resources.

“I think my practical hope now is that there are some technologies out there that could be p ossible, expensive, but maybe we could get there, that would help oxygenate the bottom,” said Tomlinson. “Larrett is playing with a couple different technologies out there to see if it’s something that might work with a lake the size of Nicola, and if we get to that place, where that’s how we heal the lake, then we would be on a major donation campaign to make that happen.”

Membership to the society costs $25 a year, and helps fund efforts towards the research and conservation of Nicola lake. The fee also allows members to attend the July 9 annual general meeting, held at the Best Western in Merritt. Tomlinson says that the future of their funding is uncertain, and that the more members the Guardians have, the more legitimacy it brings to the organization.

“We know that the numbers are going to extend the strength of our voice.”

UNB TO HOLD MAJORITY EQUITY OF MASSIVE WINDFARM

PHOTOS/GOOGLE

The Nicola Wind Project is expected to be constructed near Highway 97C between Merritt and West Kelowna

UPPER NICOLA: continued from page 1

“We are excited to bring land-based Syilx perspective into the clean energy sector along with our partners at Elemental,” said Upper Nicola Band Chief Dan Manuel. “As we move forward together to advance this project, I am encouraged by our relationship with Jamie (Houssian, Principal of Elemental) and the team at Elemental and look forward to socio-economic improvements for the members of Upper Nicola B and.”

Though full details have not yet been released, the project is expected to begin construction northwest of West Kelowna. The 496-megawatt energy project will see a 51 per cent equity ownership by Upper Nicola Band.

In comparison, the Mount Mabel Wind Project in conjunction with the Lower Nicola Indian Band, announced in 2024 and located around 25km northeast of Merritt, has a capacity of 142.8 megawatts.

Documents indicate that LNIB also had an application for another project in this

year’s announcements of electricity purchase agreements, unsuccessful in securing one for it’s Tulameen Wind Project in Princeton.

The current largest capacity windfarm in Canada is located in Southern Alberta, and sits at 495 megawatts.

With environmental field studies and project design work already underway, ground is expected to be broken on the project by 2029 and be finished by 2032, with the agreement running until 2061.

The Nicola Wind Project was one of four announced by the B.C. government as part of a $4.3-billion investment by international energy developers in partnership with First Nations groups.

It is the only one located in the Southern Interior, with all three of the other projects in Northern B.C, along the Peace River regional system.

All in all, the projects will deliver approximately 3,500 gigawatt hours of clean electricity annually, enough to power 350,000 more homes and boost BC Hydro’s capacity by five per cent, according to Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions Adrian Dix.

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CHAMBER DISSOLVED ‘WITH A HEAVY HEART’

HARIT JOSHI hjoshi@kentem.ca

After 120 years, the Merritt & District Chamber of Commerce has officially decided to dissolve the organization.

Founded in 1906 - five years before the City of Merritt was incorporated - the “tough” decision was “taken with a heavy heart” during their Annual General Meeting on Thursday (May 21) where just seven members out of 38 turned up with five voting in favor to provide the necessary 2/3rds mandate for any decision to pass.

The organization had tied up with the Kamloops Chamber for its last push, but once their one-year contract ended on March 31, the writing was on the wall. With this decision, the general body has given the two-member board all authority to wind up the affairs of the organization in accordance with applicable legislation.

The Merritt Herald spoke to interim chair Max Patel about the big decision and what led to it.

What brings you to this decision?

We have been doing this for the last five years. There were a bunch of things that brought me and my fellow board member Junaid (Din) to this crossroad. Lack of support, like (not) having enough board members (ideal count was 11) to run the organization efficiently. Financial support as well because of lack of membership. So, it’s a collection of those factors. We weren’t able to perform the core objective of the organization efficiently, so it was

time to call it a day. In 2023, we prepared a strategic plan to see how we could fill the void that was being missed that no other organization was covering, which was of advocacy, bringing business professionals together, and supporting the business community with different opportunities. Those were the things that we focused on, but we did not get enough support.

Any reason for poor participation?

We haven’t had any reason for that. When we did a survey for our strategic plan, the two things they (members) asked us for were advocacy and bringing business professionals together, which we tried. Just as an example… we got only five people in attendance when we hosted a networking social event that was open to all members and the community. It was the same when we did it the next time. So, it meant only so much to the people. And I do get it… it’s a small community with business owners doing most of the work, so they don’t have the time to come out.

During the AGM, a member brought this up: From 137 members in 2015, to 38 today. What steps did the chamber take in this?

When we took over five years ago, we had 85 members. With staffing and financial restrictions, and lack of volunteers, we had to take a step back. And when we did that, all those home businesses did not renew their membership.

So, hence that number came down to 38.

Was it taken into consideration that the business community could be further affected with the dissolution?

We definitely considered it, but Merritt has other organizations like Tourism Nicola Valley, Community Futures, Work BC that they can rely on for any support or service. Like one of the things that we talked at the AGM was the chamber member plan, that they might get affected, but they can be a member of any chamber to keep the benefits. Also, we are leaving the door open to bring back the organization in a stronger, structured manner in the future.

Do you think the Chamber should have restructured to meet the community needs rather than sticking to what they have been doing for over the decades?

I don’t think so, because there are other organizations that do that much better than we would ever be able to. If I were to put on a tourism event, the Chamber is not the ideal organization. It would be Tourism Nicola Valley because that’s what they focus on. Vice versa, if there were a networking event to be done, the Chamber is more suitable for that. Doing those events (summer market) was to generate some revenue so we could keep the organization running, but that didn’t serve the main purpose of the Chamber.

NICOLA VALLEY VIEWPOINT

DIXON: IMAGINE YOURSELF AND MOVE

BONNIE DIXON

Healthy Conversations

Imagine yourself standing without a cane, clear of mind, able to move easily at 60, 70, 80, 90, and beyond. It may sound impossible to some, but our bodies were created to move.

The more we stop moving, the more difficult movement can become. Even small daily actions can make a difference over time.

I w as recently talking with a beautiful 97-year-old woman and asked her the secret to living well. She uses no cane, stands tall, holds a conversation with ease, and even sings with joy. Her answer was simple. A doctor once told her to keep her body moving — not just walking, but stretching and moving every part of her body every day. Think hands, arms, legs, torso, neck, and feet. She said that advice became a gift that kept on giving throughout her life.

Many of us make excuses. We might say we do not have enough time or enough space. But it is worth asking ourselves: what do we have time for? We will either invest time in our health now or spend time later dealing with

the challenges that can come from not caring for our bodies. Even while watching television, try doing a few stretches during the commercials.

The good news is that you do not need a fancy gym or expensive equipment. A chair, a bed, or even your k itchen can become a place to move and stretch.

There are many easy movement tips online. Two of my favorites on YouTube are Doc H and the fun team of Bob and Brad.

Here in Merritt, there are also wonderful local opportunities to help keep you moving.

Chair Yoga is offered at the Civic Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. with Sandy Labermeyer. Mindful Relaxation is on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the Merritt Library with Ros for ages 18+.

Persistence Training Centre also offers Move and Mobility classes and Fascia Stretch Therapy with Alyssa.

Your future body will thank you for every movement you make today.

MITRA: PENTECOST, WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?

NARAYAN MITRA

You Gotta Have Faith

On the Sunday closest to the 50th day after Easter, delineated this year on May 24, the church in general observes what is known in church calendar as Pentecost Sunday.

Many Christian denominations observe this special Sunday to commemorate the ushering of Jesus’ promised Holy Spirit upon the 1st century church.

The record of the inbreathing of the Holy Spirit by Jesus into His disciples is found in the gospel of John, chapter 20: “When Jesus had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, ‘receive the Holy Spirit.”’

This is the first message to the assembled early disciples after Jesus rose from the dead on the first Easter Sunday.

Nothing is more wonderful in the New Testament than this message when we take it in all the surroundings of His utterance.

The words, “believe” and “receive” are two of the leading words in John’s gospel (cf. 1 :12; 20:31 ). Believing is receiving and receiving is believing.

The simplest act that God enables and asks us to do is the act of receiving.

When Jesus said, “Peace be with you,” all we must do is receive it. When He said, “I send you as the Father sent me,” all we must do is receive the commission.

When Jesus inbreathes His Spirit, all we have to do is to breath in what He breathes out. It is reception throughout.

O n the day of the first Pentecost, as narrated in Acts 2, we find the same thought brought before us.

When they were all with one accord in one place, “suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind.” In the original manuscript of the New Testament in Greek, it is not “wind,” but “breath.”

Here was God breathing, breathing a rushing mighty torrent of breath. That torrent filled all the disciples. What do we do in the act of breathing?

Two things happen: (1) we create a vacuum; (2) we fill the vacuum. We cannot breathe in if we do

THE MEANING: continued on page 7

VIEWPOINT

THE MEANING OF PENTECOST FOR TODAY’S WORLD

PENTECOST: continued from page 6

not breathe out. The lung must be emptied of air before we can take in fresh air.

Similarly, if we want the Holy Spirit to fill us, we will have to abandon every other dependence and appropriate His sufficiency.

Now, what are effects of breathing?

They are comprehended in this -what is in the air outside comes into the lung inside. The same life-giving properties get inside us. For example, when we put an iron bar in fire, the fire is in the iron.

The effect of putting the iron in the fire is that which is peculiar to the iron.

The result of our receiving the Holy Spirit is briefly comprehended in this - that which is peculiar to the Spirit becomes peculiar to our own spirit. We find it spread throughout the New Testament.

In the book of Acts, the atmosphere that enveloped the disciples was the holy atmosphere of God. T he disciples breathed it, they were filled with it.

In the book of Romans, chapter 8, St. Paul says: “The law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” This breath of God that came to him was the breath of life.

In the rest of Romans 8, we find that in the 39 verses there are 29 references to the Holy Spirit. In these verses, the Holy Spirit is represented as the Spirit of life, teaching us to walk and talk with God as babies.

“Abba” is the Aramaic word for “papa.” And, what is papa? It is the first infant prattle which can only deal with consonants and vowels that do not even need teeth for pronunciation.

As the Spirit teaches us to walk and to talk, He directs our spiritual intelligence to the right objects.

This is spiritual mindedness.

The mind is fixed upon divine things, just as an affectionate mother turns the growing intelligence of the child to things that are best calculated to awaken and nourish the finest order of thought and affection.

We could follow it all through the New Testament and show that there is not a passage which does not manifest to us some new and glorious revelation of what it is to have the Spirit possess and control us.

The life that is impossible to us to get in the natural and carnal state becomes possible in the spiritual state.

If we have the Holy Spirit of God, His power is ours. Let us not care about feelings. It’s a fact irrespective of our feelings.

In the days of the underground railway in America, Canada used to get poor slaves from South by secretly hiding them in cellars and then conveying them at night from one hospitable house to another across the land.

One such slave had once found his way to Canada. When he stepped on English soil, he became a free man.

As his train moved into Toronto, Harriet Tubman, herself an emancipated slave who had helped hundreds of slaves to freedom, went in and saw the fellow crouching in a corner of the train.

“Joe, you fool,” she said. “What are you cowering there for? You are a free man on free soil.

Praise the Lord, Joe!”

This is similar to the work of the Holy Spirit that He does as He enters our souls.

Narayan Mitra is the Pastor of Merritt Baptist Church.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Tolko’s Nicola mill in Merritt will be getting new customers. Tolko Industries Ltd. has signed another major purchase agreement with China National Building Materials, and some of that business will be handled in Merritt.

“There will be no changes to our operating level. There’ll just be a change of our lumber destination,” said Lou Bouwmeester, manager of the Tolko’s Nicola Valley division.

“It’s about 20 per cent of the production that ends up being sent to China,” he said.

The deal allows Tolko to diversify so that the company is not as dependent on a smaller list of companies, explained Bouwmeester.

“It’s the same product, the same length, the same species, just a new customer and one that makes us less dependent on the U.S.”

‘A TRICKY SITUATION’: COUNCIL UNHAPPY WITH LACK OF INPUT FOR NEW SEARCH AND RESCUE

TYLER REIS-SANFORD

Contributor

The alternative approval process for a new regional search and rescue facility began on May 25, and all members of the district will have 30 days to give their input on the request to borrow $6.3 million for the project.

The Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD) has proposed building a new search and rescue station at 4420 Devick road in Kamloops, just outside the city’s Rayleigh neighborhood. The facility would a lso double as a new home for Kamloops Fire Rescue Hall No. 5, with the Kamloops Fire Rescue being a tenant of the TNRD.

Proposed under the province’s alternative approval process (AAP), the new service does not require direct input from the municipalities in the district. Instead it will require at least 14,029 residents of the 11 member municipalities and 10 TNRD electoral districts to oppose the project once the TNRD has published notice of the AAP.

The TNRD did so on its website on May 25, according to TNRD General Manager of Operations Jamie Vieira. No action is

required for residents in favour of the borrowing.

The new facility would operate as a permanent base of operations for search and rescue teams throughout the region. It would provide support training, equipment storage needs and operate as a regional training centre for search and rescue teams in the region.

According to Vieira, the TNRD board has received letters of support for this project from all the different search and rescue organizations, including the Nicola Valley Search and Rescue team.

“Where I can see this really benefitting is in large scale searches where teams need each other to help with boots on the ground,” said President of Kamloops Search and Rescue Paula Davies. “We’ve been called out to Merritt a couple times, the last time was for a rope team leader, because they have rope team members but they don’t have a rope team leader.”

The cost for the new facility would be split proportionally across the district, but Kamloops Fire Rescue would be responsible for 100 per cent of the cost and maintenance of the 25 per cent portion of

the facility dedicated to them.

Additionally, Kamloops would fund approximately 63 per cent of the TNRD portion.

The project could result in a residential tax rate increase of up to 1.11 cents per $100,000 of assessment according to Vieira, a number that would remain consistent across all the municipalities and electorates across the TNRD.

Despite a majority of the funding coming from Kamloops, Merritt councillor Adam Etchart said he was unhappy with the lack of input that Merritt city council was able to give, and that Kamloops may not be paying enough because they have the benefit of a new fire hall.

“I can appreciate the information and what SAR (Search and Rescue) does... I can understand that they would want to have an update to Firehall No. 5 for Kamloops,” said Etchart. “I don’t think it’s unfair for them to pay the lion’s share at all. I don’t think people are going to like it, but so sad, too bad, right?”

Councillor Manuel Olguin also voiced his concerns about council having a lack of say despite Merritt residents facing a tax

increase.

“It’s a tricky situation,” said Olguin.

Following the AAP being received and announced on May 25, residents will have 30 days to voice their

concerns with the TNRD by filing an official Elector Response Form. If more than 10 per cent of the eligible electors submit the form, the TNRD must either abandon the initiative or

hold a referendum according to provincial law. For more information on the project and AAP process, community members can visit the TNRD’s website.

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• DON’T ADVERTISE AWAY TIME – Avoid posting travel plans on social media until after you return.

cash, and electronics out of sight.

FOR WINTER

YOUTH RESILIENCY CONFERENCE BRINGS

HUNDREDS TO SHULUS ARBOUR

MARIUS AUER mauer@kentem.ca

Hundreds of youth from Merritt and surrounding communities filled Shulus Arbour on May 21 for the annual Youth Resiliency Conference, a day focused on culture, connection, leadership and future opportunities.

Hosted by the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly, Teck Resources, and Lower Nicola Indian Band, this year’s conference carried the theme “mlámn kt,” meaning “we are the medicine” in Nlaka’pamux.

Students took part in workshops, panel discussions, games, cultural activities and career exploration opportunities throughout the day.

The event brought together leadership from CNA, including Chiefs from the organization’s eight participating communities, alongside Teck President and CEO Jonathan Price, Teck corporate leadership and representatives from Lower Nicola Indian Band.

Inside and outside the venue, youth moved between booths and activities that ranged from craft stations and resiliency discussions to heavy equipment demonstrations and career information.

Organizers and partners also provided resources focused on wellness, support services, language and culture.

Much of the day’s message centered on youth themselves and the role they will play in the future of their communities.

“Personally today, just seeing the youth and knowing that you are out there and that you are strong and you are following and you’re going to protect this land for all of us,” said Siska Chief Fred Sampson, vice chair of the CNA and K’en T’em boards, while speaking to the crowd.

“I have great, great hopes for us as human beings.”

WOMAN BROUGHT DOWN FROM HIGH-RISE AFTER DISTRESS CALL

Content warning: This story contains possibly distressing material regarding self-harm.

HARIT JOSHI hjoshi@kentem.ca

For nearly an hour, the hearts were in the mouths of those witnessing a desparate woman’s peril at an under-construction building on M erritt’s Crawford Avenue on Saturday evening (May 23).

The woman managed to access the six-storey

building, threatening to jump off.

However, her attempt was foiled after onlookers called 9-1-1 for help. Merritt RCMP’s swung into action, and their swift response resulted in preventing the woman from taking the extreme step. At around 5p.m. the front-line team was called to the scene for a ‘woman in distress’. She was “eight stories up on construction scaffolding,” said Merritt RCMP Staff Sergeant Josh

Roda.

“After over an hour of de-escalation, the woman w as safely apprehended and taken to the Nicola Valley Hospital,” he added.

RCMP urge people who are suffering in silence to seek help.

“Police are always available to assist in an emergency.

Canada also has a crisis hotline for anyone in distress available anywhere in Canada, call or text 9-8-8,” said Roda.

MORE VICTIM SERVICES FUNDING NEEDED AMID RISING DEMAND

Following Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz’s efforts to appeal for more funding for the victims’ services program, the Nicola Valley Women in Action (NVWA) - the organization contracted by the province to run the victim services program - is thankful that the City of Merritt has taken up the cause with BC municipalities.

“First and foremost, we are beyond thankful that the city is advocating to the provincial government regarding funding for victim services. We have one full-time victims’ services caseworker within the program, which is me,” said Shelby Morisseau, who works out of the Merritt RCMP detachment.

At the moment, the City of Merritt provides $35,000 towards the program.

“The province funds on a scale that looks at population and statistics. They fund our program for 20 hours a week, and the contracts request that the municipal government match this contribution toward the program,” said Morisseau.

More funding will help set up a community-based program.

“We currently have a policebased victim services program in Merritt, which supports people impacted by crime and trauma connected to police involvement; we do not have a community-based victim services program,” said Morisseau. “While police- based services handle all types of files that the police are involved with, community- based victim services specialize in supporting people who are experiencing intimate partner violence or sexual violence, including those who may not be

ready to, or may never, involve the police.

“At the end of the day, we just want people in our community to be able to access supports that feel safe for them, whether it’s through police- based victim services or increased support for a community-based victim services.”

Morisseau added that the goal is to ensure people can get the help and support that works for them.

“With increasing caseloads and more complex files, additional funding would help ensure our community members access the same level of support without services having to be stretched too thin or that contact with clients and support offered doesn’t have to be prioritized based on the capacity of the caseworker’s file load. Everyone deserves the same level of care, no matter how they access it.”

BACKYARD ULTRA RUNS FOR KIDS

HARIT JOSHI hjoshi@kentem.ca

The Merritt Backyard Ultra saw a total of 30 participants including 11 solos and six teams, and was held on S aturday, May 23.

Lyndie Sundby, who completed 12 laps of one hour each for a total of 80.4km, won the solo division. Three teams made it to the 24-hour mark with Matt Klassen and Seth Gerhing winning the team event by running

the fastest time on the last lap (6.7km) in 31:30 minutes.

Each runner had to complete the 6.7km loop and return to the starting point exactly at the top of the next hour to be eligible for the next loop. This continued until only one runner remained.

Close to $4,000 was raised with the proceeds being donated to Cops For Kids, according to David Coulombe, a new constable at Merritt RCMP.

“Merritt Backyard Ultra is my CAPRA Project, a

community-driven initiative that each new RCMP member completes as part of their training process,” explained Coulombe. “As a seasoned long-distance runner, I chose this project because running has given me resilience, balance and so much more in my own life. My hope is to share those positive benefits by bringing our community together for a meaningful challenge in support of an important cause.”

PANTHERS HEAD TO PROVINCIAL GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS AS FAVOURITES

TYLER REIS-SANFORD Contributor

The Merritt Secondary School (MSS) Panthers are headed back to the provincial high school golf championships, and t his time they’re the favourites. After winning the zone championship in early May, and becoming Okanagan district champions just a week later, the Panthers are already preparing for provincials at the Redwood Golf Course in Langley.

“It’s an incredibly short season, it’s very fast, everything happens quickly,” said head coach Allyson Kinchella. “It makes for a little bit of pressure, however most of the team has played since about Grade 8 or Grade 9, they’re

very used to it, very versed in it”. Instead of a usual foursome, the boys golf as a team of five, dropping the highest score and combining for their total across three days of golf.

Despite coming from a smaller district than many of the other teams competing, the Panthers are perennial contenders, and will often shoot just a few strokes over par, making them some of the top golfers in the country.

All five of the golfers on the team are members at the Merritt Golf and Country Club, with three of them even working there when they’re not attending class, going to ultimate frisbee practice or working on their golf game at the course.

“We have one Grade 11 and the rest are

Grade 12’s, so they definitely have their work cut out for them, but it’s so rewarding to see,” said Kinchella. “They work so hard, especially being on two teams, two very successful teams.”

Kinchella says the group has played together since Grade 9, and have become lifelong friends. With four of her top five golfers graduating this year, Kinchella says that her expectations for the team are high heading into provincials.

“I have really high expectations only because I know that these boys are so committed to this… they’re so passionate about golf, it’s so rewarding to see,” said Kinchella. “The actual placement doesn’t matter so much to me as the way that our players behave and

how we come off as a school… I’m very excited for them, and I really do think we place very high, but for me it’s about the experience I want them to have in their final year, and also for our Grade 11 who’s coming into his final year next year.”

Although the provincial championship is the end of the golf season, Kinchella says that doing well could open doors for the students to better their standing in junior golf championships and compete at the collegiate level.

The Panthers will compete on June 1, 2 and 3, and updates can be found on the B.C. School Sports website. Live play can be streamed on the B.C. School Sports YouTube page.

NICOLA VALLEY COMMUNITY

SOURDOUGH, A MERRITT FAMILY’S TRADITION

At just 14 years old, Nolan Howell might be one of Merritt’s youngest entrepreneurs.

What started two years ago as baking bread for friends, family and church members quickly became a bakery that community members in Merritt just had to try.

Howell first learned to bake sourdough from his grandmother Wendi Malinsky, and the experience led to Malinsky opening her own business, Baba’s Bread, in 100 Mile House.

“We always made bread together, so we just made it a business. I always liked baking, and I’m the one that came up with the idea,” said Howell. “She loved it. She lives in 100 Mile, so we always try to bake together, cookies or bread or really anything.”

Although the number of orders was originally limited to friends, family and church members, Nolan has seen the number of orders from community members he doesn’t know surpass people he does know in the past two years.

“It can be hard but it’s worth it… making the bread is fun because you just go from flour and water to something that looks good and tastes good,” said Howell. “My favourite is probably the potato dill, that was fun.”

When asked about how he came up with something like potato and dill, and how he made the flavours work together, Nolan hesitated before his mom, Janell Howell, jumped in.

“Secret, secret ingredient,” said Janell. “It’s real dill, but yeah, there’s a secret ingredient. Baba

PHOTOS/CONTRIBUTED

Nolan Howell, left, is Merrit’s newest baking entrepreneur.

(Malinsky) said it was a secret.”

Since then, Janell, Nolan, and grandmother (Baba) Wendi have come together to make a number of other secret sourdough recipes like garlic herb and potato, dill jalapeno cheddar, cinnamon raisin and even an Easter-themed loaf with maple syrup and a carrot cake like base.

How they get the loaves just right, however, remains a family secret.

Like many other entrepreneurs,

Nolan has had to find ways of balancing other areas of his life when business gets busy.

“I think it was during spring break, he had like 16 orders all at once but halfway through there was another big order that came through,” said Janell. “I ended up having to help him because he had to go to school so I’d have to finish the bake in the oven. I’m proud, it’s something we can both do together.”

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

WORKERS (FT/PT)

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

• Steady day shift work

• Students welcome to apply

• No experience necessary

• Will train

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

CERTIFIED MILLWRIGHTS

REQUIRED

CARPENTERS REQUIRED WITH EXPERIENCE

LICENCED SECURITY GUARDS

Excellent medical & dental plan

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

LOGAN LAKE’S ANNUAL COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE

June 6, 2026 from 9 am – 4 pm

PUERTO VALLARTA MEXICO

FOR RENT: 1 bedroom in a shared, large condo at the Marina.

King bed, elevator, swimming pool.

Available for 2 - 4 weeks between January 6, and March 24th, 2027

Please call Lorraine for more information: 250-453-9248

May 25, 1941 - May 29, 2016

10 years have passed, but your love still surrounds us.

God has you in His

and you walk

Maps of participants will be available June 3rd onward at the Municipal Office (1 Opal Dr) during regular business hours, the Campground Office (480 Golf Course Rd.), or online at www.loganlake.ca

OBITUARIES

Help Wanted BAND ADMINISTRATOR

DEPARTMENT: Administration • POSITION/TITLE: Band Administrator

SUPERVISOR: Chief & Council • SALARY: $100,000-$125,000 depending on experience

The Nooaitch Indian Band is currently seeking a Band Administrator to join our team. As the Band Administrator, you will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Band office and ensuring that the Band’s programs and services are delivered in an efficient and effective manner.

Responsibilities for Band Administrator:

• Oversee the operations of the Band office, including human resources, finance, and administration,

• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and guidelines to support the Band’s goals and objectives,

• Manage the Band’s budget and ensure that financial resources are used in a responsible and effective manner,

• Work with Band Council and other stakeholders to develop and implement strategic plans and initiatives,

• Ensure that the Band’s programs and services are delivered in a culturally appropriate and respectful manner,

• Foster positive relationships with Band members, stakeholders, and other First Nations communities,

• Represent the Band in negotiations and meetings with government agencies, funding organizations, and other stakeholders,

• Prepare reports and make presentations to Band Council and other stakeholders,

• Respond to inquiries and concerns from Band members, stakeholders, and the public regarding Band operations and services, and

• Perform other related duties as assigned by Band Council.

Qualifications for Band Administrator:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field,

• Proven experience in a senior management role, preferably in a First Nations community or organization,

• Excellent leadership, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills,

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure,

• Knowledge of First Nations governance and legal frameworks,

• Understanding of financial management, budgeting, and reporting,

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders,

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion, and

• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.

If you meet the qualifications and are passionate about working for a First Nations community, please submit your resume and cover letter to the Nooaitch Indian Band for consideration. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Interested applicants please direct resumes and cover letter to: Nooaitch Band

2954 Shackelly Rd. Merritt, BC V1K 1N9

Ph: 250-378-6141

Email: executive.assistant@nooaitchband.ca

Deadline for applications: Posting will remain open until June 22, 2026

Legal/Public Notices Legal/Public Notices

Notice

To Electors in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District of an Alternative Approval Process (AAP)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Section 86 of the Community Charter, that the Board of Directors of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) proposes to adopt the following Bylaws unless at least 10% of qualified electors in the Regional District submit a signed Elector Response Form by the deadline indicating their opposition:

• Bylaw No. 2909, which will authorize the TNRD to establish a Regional Search and Rescue Service for the construction and operation of a Search and Rescue Base and Regional Training Facility with a maximum annual taxation of $622,143 or $0.0140/$1,000 of net taxable value of land and improvements.

• Bylaw No. 2910 which will authorize the TNRD to borrow up to $6,300,000 to be repaid over a period not to exceed 20 years to provide a portion of the funding required for the construction of a TNRD Search and Rescue Base and Regional Training Facility.

The deadline for submitting an Elector Response Form to the Thompson-Nicola Regional District to oppose Bylaws 2909 and 2910 is June 26, 2026 at 4:00PM.

ELECTOR QUALIFICATIONS

For the purpose of this Search and Rescue Regional Service alternative approval process (AAP), a person must be a resident elector or a nonresident elector within the Thompson-Nicola Regional District to submit an elector response form.

A resident elector is someone eligible to submit an elector response form during an AAP because they live within the affected jurisdiction. When completing an elector response form, a resident elector must:

• be 18 years of age, or older;

• be a Canadian citizen;

• have been a resident of British Columbia for at least six months;

• be a resident of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District; and

Participants in the Search and Rescue Service Area The Alternative Approval Process (AAP) applies to the entire Thompson-Nicola Regional District, which will participate in funding the Search and Rescue Regional Service, including all 10 Electoral Areas and all 11 Member Municipalities.

• The number of qualified electors in the service area is estimated to be 140,290.

• If 10% (14,029) of the eligible electors submit a signed Elector Response Form opposing Bylaws 2909 and 2910, the TNRD cannot proceed unless approval of the electors is received by assent voting (referendum).

expanding base? accessible way you? Directory” page Colour! committment week.

Elector Response Forms

Elector responses must be submitted in writing on the form established by the Regional District. Elector Response Forms are available online or in person at:

• Online at tnrd.ca/sar-hall-aap or by email request to elections@tnrd.ca,

• In person at the TNRD Civic Building — 4th floor, 465 Victoria Street in Kamloops, or

• In person from our one of our Member Municipalities:

Village of Ashcroft — 601 Bancroft St District of Barriere — 4936 Barriere Town Rd

Village of Cache Creek — 1389 Quartz Rd

Village of Chase — 826 Okanagan Ave District of Clearwater — 209 Dutch Lake Rd

Village of Clinton — 1423 Cariboo Hwy 97 District of Logan Lake — 1 Opal Dr

Village of Lytton — 769 S. Trans Canada Hwy City of Merritt — 2185 Voght St Mountain Resort Municipality of Sun Peaks —106-3270 Village Way

• not be disqualified under the Local Government Act, or any other enactment from voting in a local election or be otherwise disqualified by law.

A non-resident property elector is an individual who does not live within the jurisdiction but is eligible to submit an elector response form during an AAP because they own property there. When completing an elector response form, a non resident property elector must:

• be 18 years of age, or older;

• be a Canadian citizen;

• have been a resident of British Columbia for at least six months;

• be a registered owner of real property within the Thompson-Nicola Regional District for at least 30 days; and

• not be disqualified under the Local Government Act, or any other enactment from voting in a local election or be otherwise disqualified by law.

Bylaws 2909 and 2910 are available for public inspection at the TNRD Civic Building during regular business hours. For more information on the Search and Rescue Regional Service and alternative approval process (AAP), visit tnrd.ca/sar-hall-aap or contact:

Marnie Jeremiah, Corporate Officer

Thompson-Nicola Regional District

Telephone: 250-377-7065

Email: elections@tnrd.ca