Merritt Herald November 6, 2025 by Merritt Herald

THURSDAY,

TALKS CONTINUE ON SD58 SCHOOL CLOSURE

Underenrollment and maintenance costs continue to play large factor in decision

Nicola-Similkameen School District 58 (SD58) can’t afford to keep everything. Like many other school districts in B.C., more service cuts are on the horizon including a possible school closure.

A combination of a declining student enrolment in the district and Ministry of Education funding not keeping up with inflation has led to unsustainable spending of SD58’s reserves. Last budget season in April, spending was cut by $1.5 million leading to the reduction of multiple areas of service. Those cuts were enough to stop the district from falling into a deficit. This budget season, it faces a potential deficit

UNDERUTILIZED: continued on page 3

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

GOT NEWS?

Contact Jake or Ty at newsroom@merrittherald.com or call 250-378-4241

UNDERUTILIZED SPACE AN ISSUE IN SCHOOLS

once again. At this rate, doing nothing to the budget would result in a $477,000 deficit next year, and the year after an $879,000 deficit.

SD58 has proposed, and is communicating with the community, a potential c losure of either Merritt Central Elementary, the oldest school in the district, or Collettville Elementary, the single track French immersion school. Doing so would allow the board to save $516,153 (Central) or $494,856 each year (Collettville) or the equivalent of 4.5 FTE teaching positions or around 11 educational assistant positions. The plans to close the school are not yet complete. Though, without closing a school, other service cuts would have to be discussed to meet a balanced budget.

BETTER EDUCATION NEEDED

At the same time as the district is

facing budget pressures, it is reporting a growing population of kids that need to be supported more with their learning.

Since 2019, SD58 reported that there has been a 43 per cent increase in students with SPED (Special Education) designations, from 285 total students to 407. The district said the increase highlights the need to invest into more learning support for students.

Literacy and numeracy rates amongst students of amongst the surveyed grades of four, seven and ten have also continued on a declining trend since 2020. SD58 attributes some of this decline to issues stemming from COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 atmospheric river. The district used these statistics highlighting that more investment into education is needed rather than paying for a school building with maintenance and administration.

CAPACITY AND MAINTENANCE COSTS

maintain.

WHAT WOULD HAPPEN

If either Central or Collettville close, catchments would have to be realigned as students would have to transition to other locations.

The district has expressed interest in keeping educational staff from either school. However, administration and secretary positions may be cut, saving around $420,000 in either case for those positions.

With a closure, the district would then have multiple school properties not being used as traditional schools, including Kengard, Coquihalla Middle School and the possibility of Central or Collettville.

UNITING VOICES

In many of its schools, SD58 is underutilizing its space, a factor compounded b y the declining enrollment issue.

Merritt Central and Collettville Elementary are at 63 and 57 per cent capacity respectively. Outlying is Diamond Vale Elementary which was at 46 per cent capacity. SD58 said the Province wants to see facility utilization rates around the range of above 90 per cent.

As a district, SD58 is operating at around 74.6 per cent capacity.

This issue, the district said, will also hamper its ability to leverage funds or further investment from the provincial government, with the Province wanting the district to clear up its capacity issues first.

Merritt Central Elementary and Collettville Elementary were also named as potential closures due to years of deferred maintenance. The district said Central and Collettville will need $2.3 million and $1.1 million in capital upgrades respectively within the next 10 years if the school is to stay open. Central would also require another $1.8 million in upgrades in 10 to 15 years-time.

Diamond Vale Elementary, a school well under capacity, was not suggested as a school to close due to its newer infrastructure and it being easier to

The district stated that 94 per cent of their funding is coming from the B.C. Ministry of Education and Child Care at around $11,500 per student.

Declining enrollment year-by-year means less funding.

Still, at a school closure public discussion on Thurs. Oct. 30, it was discussed that more voices to the Province for future support.

These voices could be the combined forces of the school board and the parent advisory committee. The district also said it could leverage the voices of First Nations who would be affected by the lack of investment into the district schools.

Public consultation of the school closure process will continue until December. From then on, the board will analyse the data collected for the school closure, strategic planning and next year’s budget.

January and February will see a second round of consultation on those subjects.

In March, the board will make a decision on the school closure and long-term strategic plans before a final budget decision in April.

The website https://www.nssd.ca/ school-closure-process hosts the current questions and answers about the potential school closures so far. A dedicated email schoolclosure2025@ sd58.bc.ca is also open for questions.

PHOTO/MERRITT HERALD

Collettville Elementary is one of two SD58 schools being considered for closure. TALKS CONTINUE: continued from page 1

SHARP OBJECT FOUND IN MERRITT HALLOWEEN CANDY

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com

Parents and guardians of Merritt trick-or-treaters are being asked to check all of their children’s candy after a sharp, nail-like object was found lodged in a piece of chocolate.

Kristina Johnson’s son was trick-ortreating with friends on Halloween (Friday, Oct. 31) around the downtown core areas of Coutlee Ave., Blair St., Jackson Ave., Coldwater Ave., Clapperton Ave., Garcia St. and Voght St. It was the morning of Nov. 3 that Johnson’s son noticed a pinhole in a Coffee Crisp candy bar that he had collected, and upon further inspection, found what appeared to be a framing nail embedded in the chocolate.

Johnson notified the Merritt RCMP detachment after her son sent her the photo while she was at work.

“I did call the non emergency line, an officer did call me back but he said

there wasn’t much they could do because my son visited so many houses,” said Johnson. “I really only wanted to report it so there is a note of it, in case anyone else reports any.”

Johnson added that she was told by RCMP that tracking the candy would be difficult, unless she could narrow it down to one house to prompt an investigation.

As a precaution, the City of Merritt is asking all families to:

– Inspect all treats carefully before allowing children to eat them.

– Discard any candy that is unwrapped, damaged, or appears to have been altered.

– Report any suspicious items to the RCMP non-emergency number (250-378-4262).

As of Nov. 4, there have been no other reports regarding similar cases in Merritt.

LOOKING FOR SECURE EMPLOYMENT? LOOKING FOR SECURE EMPLOYMENT?

WorkBC provides funded Skills Training for jobs in demand if you’re unemployed or have unsustainable (casual, part time or seasonable) employment.

Construction Trades Equipment Operator Class 3 Driver

Find out if you’re eligible. Call us today! 250-378-5151

WorkBC Centre - Merritt

tel: 250-378-5151

email: info-merrittt@workbc.ca

PHOTO/KRISTINA JOHNSON

A sharp object is pictured inside a candy bar collected on Halloween by a Merritt trick-or-treater.

PILE BURNING SCHEDULED THROUGHOUT WINTER

JAKE COURTEPATTE

newsroom@merrittherald.com

Smoke from pile burning in the area of Lindley Creek will be visible in nearby communities during the winter months.

BC Wildfire Service will be conducting a fuel management project approximately five kilometres from the City of Merritt starting Nov. 3, 2025, and running until March 31, 2026. Taking place in conjunction with the Cascades Natural Resource District for wildfire risk reduction, the project will see approximately 50 piles burned over the course of this period.

The purpose of the project is to reduce the intensity of potential wildfire in the area by removing forest fuels,

such as dead branches and woody debris.

Smoke may be seen by residents in Merritt, Lower Nicola Indian Band and surrounding areas, as well as travellers on Highways 5, 8 and 97C. BC Wildfire Service will control and monitor the piles at all times, and burning will only proceed if conditions are favourable.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 tollfree or *5555 on a cell phone or through the BC Wildfire Service mobile app. For the latest information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures and air-quality advisories, visit www. bcwildfire.ca.

MOTORCYCLE CRASH CAUSES

SERIOUS INJURIES

BC Highway Patrol vehicles stopped at the scene of a serious motorcycle crash on Highway 97C. Police are looking for witnesses and video.

JAKE COURTEPATTE

newsroom@merrittherald.com

A single-vehicle incident on Hwy. 97C north of Lower Nicola left one motorcycle passenger with life-threatening i njuries.

On Oct. 27, 2025, a blue HarleyDavidson motorcycle with two people onboard crashed on Hwy. 97C a few kilometres north of Hwy. 8. The driver, a 37-year-old man, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while his passenger, a 39-year-old Logan Lake woman, suffered life-threatening injuries.

Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol said that alcohol and speed are being investigated as contributing factors.

“ Police need your help to learn more about the motorcycle rider’s behaviour in the hours and minutes leading up to the collision.”

If you saw the motorcycle at anytime in the hours or minutes before the incident, or if you have dashcam footage of the event, call BC Highway Patrol Kamloops at 250-828-3111 and quote file (2100) 2025-3634.

Kitchen, Dishwasher, Garburator

Shower, Bathtub, Faucet

Drainage

Water Pump

Tankless

Gas Fired/Electric Hot Water Tank

Combi, Boiler, Floor Heating

Leaking Detection

Washing Machine Installation/ Replacement

NICOLA VALLEY VIEWPOINT

ART-TASTIC!

Community members, teachers and students...

Submit your artwork to newsroom@merrittherald.com for a chance to be featured in print each week!

Submissions are printed on a first come, first serve basis.

HOLIDAY WEIGHT CREEPSTOP IT BEFORE IT STARTS

BONNIE DIXON Healthy Conversations

The holidays are approaching, and with them come gatherings, get-togethers and an abundance of extra treats. Many of us, including myself, tend to lean into winter comfort foods and cozy indulgences. Then, before we know it, we’re carrying around an extra five pounds. It doesn’t seem like much until you pick up a chub of ground beef at the grocery store and carry it around - that’s what those few pounds really feel like!

The good news? With a little planning, you can enjoy the season without the dreaded “weight creep.” Here are a few simple strategies that are easy to implement, fun, and tasty too!

1. Soup it up!

Add a soup to your day~it’s warming, filling, and nutrient-rich. Even a simple cup of broth helps curb appetite and adds hydration. I like Better Than Bouillon or homemade stock if you have the time.

2. Make veggie pâté or hummus

Whip up a dip in your food processor, blender or stick blender ( my favorite)

in about 5 minutes with canned chickpeas, white beans or soft tofu. Flavour w ith roasted carrots, pumpkin, or beets, and fresh herbs. It’s colourful, full of fiber, and a great way to sneak in more veggies. Serve with fresh veggies or whole-grain crackers.

3. Add fibre and fresh produce Fill your plate with vegetables first. Fibre slows digestion, helps you feel full longer, and supports healthy digestion throughout the season.

4. Bake smart

If you’re baking for the holidays, freeze most of it right away. Out of sight means out of temptation - plus you’ll have ready treats for surprise guests!

5. Popcorn over chips. Light, crunchy and satisfying, air-popped popcorn is a great wholegrain swap when the snack cravings hit. Try pumpkin pie spice, curry or Mexican spices for a flavour kick.

6. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate Sometimes what feels like hunger is really thirst. Keep a glass of water or herbal tea nearby throughout the day.

Small daily choices add up - so enjoy the holidays with awareness and balance, not deprivation.

VIEWPOINT

REMEMBERING WHILE LOOKING FORWARD TO PEACE

NARAYAN MITRA You Gotta Have Faith

Remembrance Day 2025 will surely be replete with wishes for peace, security, and tranquility in the still-simmering battlefields of the world as we know it today.

Just a few weeks ago, the much trumpeted Peace 2025 conference held in Qatar to broker a temporary ceasefire, if not a permanent peace between Israel and Hamas, was well-intentioned. Though we have not seen as yet any drastic sign of permanent peace between the parties involved, it behooves constant watch for more signs of progress.

A long time ago, St. Paul in the New Testament gave his secret of peace, his remedy for the troubles and war fares of life. In writing to the Philippian church, he prescribed his antidote to worries in these words: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7, NASB). “Be anxious for nothing?” – in today’s fast-paced world that is rather sweeping. And then, “in everything?” That too is a rather wide sweep again. But if the above is achievable, he guaranteed to his readers that “the peace of God…will guard their hearts and their minds…”

Paul wrote the words of this letter to the Philippians in a dungeon cell, not knowing whether the prison would not open to his grave. Yet, he had no shadow of anxiety. And a few verses on he told them of the secret of his worriless style of living when he

continued in the same letter:

“I, Paul, have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” (Phil. 4:11).

In these days of patched-up ceasefires without any guarantee of real, lasting peace, it is a great comfort to any person to feel that he, like Paul, has a right to speak to the God who made heaven and earth – that he can come into God’s presence and tell Him all his sorrows, doubts, weaknesses, sins and that God will hear him, instead of striking him dead.

And, then, Paul tells his readers not only to comfort themselves by telling God of their troubles, but to bring their prayer and supplication.

Tell God what you want as you tell it to any friend who has the power to help you. There is no trouble that He cannot help us with and get us out of without disturbing the course of the governments of the world.

I know it is easy to say this and not to see its performance with our naked eyes. But the more we study the Scriptures and apply it, the easier it becomes to get even a dim notion of who God is and how He feels toward people.

I think if we could really find out who God really is, and if we could know His thoughts about each one of us, we should not have a fret or anxiety in this world except that we did not love Him and trust Him enough.

So, along with the well-intentioned conferences about peace-making, and along with the secularized support of our Legions and peacekeeping forces spread all over the world, let us come to God first and tell Him about our troubles. Ask Him what we want done and are willing to work for with His help.

And let us not leave out the other little part of Apostle Paul’s remedy: “with thanksgiving.”

Narayan Mitra is the Pastor of Merritt Baptist Church.

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

Email letters to: newsroom@merrittherald.com.

1997

CASINO GETS THUMBS DOWN

Casinos got a thumbs down from Merritt city councillors Monday. With the exception of councillor Rick Typusiak, every councillor supported the motion to not ahow casinos within the boundaries of Merritt.

Typusiak stressed his opposition was raised because he felt “uncomfortable” making a decision on the matter with too little information about it.

“I’m not going to support the motion because I don’t know enough,” he said at a regular council meeting.

What is to become of the Lower Nicola Indian Band’s casino resort proposal is anybody’s bet.

The band’s casino proposal includes a 6,000 square foot casino containing 10 gaming tables and 150 slot machines.

A 6,000 square foot 24-hour restaurant will also sit beside it. The band wants to also develop a gas station, convenience store and a truck rest stop with parking for 70 trucks.

Prepare for Winter

Winter is arriving, bringing the challenges of snow and ice on roads and sidewalks. The City is ready to manage winter conditions, but your help is essential in keeping our community safe and accessible. Discover what you can do to pitch in.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

• REMOVE PARKED VEHICLES: After a snowfall, move your vehicles off the street to allow plows to clear the roads efficiently. Trailers are never permitted to be parked unattached on roadsides.

• CLEAR YOUR SIDEWALKS: Property owners must clear snow from abutting pathways within 24 hours to help enhance pedestrian safety, or by 10:00 AM for commercial operators. View the Good Neighbour Bylaw 2387 for full requirements.

• SHOVEL SNOW ONTO YOUR PROPERTY: Shovel snow onto your property, ideally onto grass, to help with drainage and prevent ice build-up.

• CLEAR WINDROWS: It’s your responsibility to clear the snow piles left by snowplows in front of your property.

• HELP YOUR NEIGHBOURS: Offer assistance to elderly or disabled neighbours who may need help clearing their sidewalks.

• DON’T INTERRUPT PLOW OPERATORS: Snowplow operators cannot

Green has officially been appointed as the City of Merritt’s new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

proven leader as the City of Merritt’s Director of Public Works, Engineering and Development Services over the past three years, we welcome Rick to his new role as CAO.

accommodate personal requests. Let them focus on their work.

• BE PATIENT: Snow removal prioritizes business areas, bus routes, schools, and hospitals first. Residential streets will be cleared later as resources allow.

Note that the City’s Snow Removal Program does not require immediate removal for snowfalls under 5 cm. Since this amount of snow is passable, this approach helps the City avoid overtime costs and stay on budget.

Larger snowfalls (5–20 cm) will be addressed within 8–30 hours. With heavier accumulations, the City prioritizes making roads passable first, returning later to continue snow removal.

• WAIT 36 HOURS BEFORE REPORTING ISSUES: After a snowfall, wait 36 hours before reporting issues to allow the City time to address the most critical areas. You can submit requests online at www. merritt.ca/report-a-problem or by calling 250-378-4224 (press 3).

GATEWAY 286 CONSTRUCTION ON FINAL PHASE

TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com

Local leaders and project developers are celebrating the next step in construction of the Gateway 286 development near Merritt. On Tuesday, Oct. 28, representatives from the City of Merritt, Spayum Holdings LP, Coldwater Indian Band, Lower Nicola Indian Band, Shackan Indian Band and Troika Developments joined together at the construction site at the old Merritt visitor centre.

The event marked the start of the final phase of construction on the commercial project, which aims to open in S pring, 2026.

Troika calls this phase of construction “vertical construction”, meaning structures are finally going up.

Gateway 286 is a commercial development project aiming to capitalize on the s ome-20,000 daily travellers that pass through the Highways 5 and 5A.

CEO of Troika, Renee Merrifield, spoke at the ceremony on Tuesday.

“Today is about the final phase, vertical construction – and it’s about blessing; It’s about pausing to acknowledge the land, its spirit and the people w ho have cared for it for generations.

It’s about grounding this project not just in commerce, but in respect, relationship and reconciliation,” she said.

A longside commercial businesses of dining, retail and fuel stations, Troika say Gateway 286 will also be one of the largest EV charging hubs in Western Canada.

The project, built over the historic Merritt visitor centre, was developed in partnership with Spayum Holdings LP who represent five Nicola Valley First Nations.

The previous rest stop closed in 2019. The next year the province transferred the 11 hectares of land the rest stop was located on to Spayum Holdings.

SOBER-LIVING FACILITY PROPOSED

TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com

A new piece of supportive recovery housing may be coming to Merritt. Nicola Valley Shelter and Support Society (NVSSS) came to the October 28 city council meeting, presenting plans on a property they plan to rent out and turn into supportive housing for people struggling with drug and substance addiction.

The proposed site is located at 2751 Nicola Ave. at the Merritt Lodge Motel, across the street from the current Nicola Valley Shelter at the Knight’s Inn. NVSSS say this recovery housing is the next step in a plan to treat addiction locally.

NVSSS say residents of the Nicola Valley Shelter who show that they want to change will be eligible to enroll in this new facility which would help eventually “reintegrate” them back into the community.

NVSSS Executive Director Nyasha Manyanye said there was an issue in which a lack of a recovery centre caused gaps in recovery treatments, harming their goal of supporting their residents.

In most cases at the Nicola Valley Shelter, Manyanye said people wanting to go to detox have to go out-of-town,

“This program is going to keep them connected to their families while they are still getting support.”

— Nyasha Manyanye, NVSSS Executive Director

mainly to Kelowna or Kamloops. He said these people often have to wait five to 10 days before receiving an appointment, and by then they’ve relapsed or lost interest in detox.

“In addiction life (five to 10 days), that’s a lot of waiting,” he said.

He added that when people come back to the shelter from detox, the open drug use environment doesn’t support those who are getting clean.

Specifically for the shelter, Manyanye said 13 people were referred to detox programs outside town. Four of them got into treatment, but the rest eventually relapsed when returning to the Nicola

who come from the Nicola Valley.

“In our experience at the shelter, 90 per cent of the participants are from Merritt, and these are individuals who are really trying hard to stay close to their families, and we think that this program is going to keep them connected to their families while they are still getting support,” Manyanye said.

The proposed recovery centre would have to be registered as an assisted living facility. To do so, NVSSS would need a temporary use permit from the city.

NVSSS came to the city requesting a temporary use permit for potentially three years. Manyanye said they would learn from the recovery centre for the three year period and after, potentially look to acquire or build a property that is outside the city core.

Last year, the Nicola Valley Shelter opened at the former Knight’s Inn motel despite backlash from the community.

Valley Shelter.

The program at the proposed recovery housing would last at least one-year, with individuals having the option to extend to two-years.

The site would have recovery and wellness programs which include access to external mental health and medical services. There would be 24-hour staff presence and hospitality services which include meals, housekeeping and laundry.

Manyanye hopes the program will address the root causes of peoples’ addiction and especially support those

Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz told NVSSS at the council meeting that he wants to put the proposal out in the public before a decision on a temporary use permit would be made.

“This is going to have to go towards the city in an open house, town hall situation,” he said.

“We’re not going to fall into the same situation that we fell into with the shelter.”

“That was pretty ugly for all of us to have to go through, so this needs to be out in the open in the public before we even consider talking about it.”

If the plans go through, Menyenya said the program could start early next year.

Guest Speaker: Robin Humphrey

PHOTO/NICOLA VALLEY SHELTER AND SUPPORT SOCIETY

The Merritt Lodge Motel at 2751 Nicola Ave. is the proposed site of a new sober living facility, brought to city council on Oct. 28.

Country Christmas Committee presents

MERRITT COUNTRY CHRISTMAS WEEK

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24 - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2025

MERRITT COMMUNITY & CHRISTMAS TREE

LIGHT UP W/SING-ALONG

Monday, November 24

6 pm at Spirit Square

NVIT CHRISTMAS MOVIE NIGHT

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Tuesday, November 25

NVIT Auditorium - doors open at 6 pm, movie 6:30 pm

ADVENTURES IN TOYLAND

Wednesday, November 26

Merritt Civic Center

Matinee at noon (doors open at 11 am)

Evening at 5 pm (doors open at 4 pm)

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CONCERT

LIGHT-UP CHRISTMAS PARADE

Friday, November 28

7 pm start (parade line up starts 5:00pm)

Watch the parade as it happens on the Country Christmas Facebook Page. See map below for parade route or visit MERRITT.CA/CHRISTMAS

Thursday, November 27

7 pm at Merritt Civic Center (doors open at 6 pm)

PICTURES WITH SANTA

Merritt Civic Center

Friday, November 28: 8 pm to 9 pm

Saturday, November 29: 11am to 1 pm

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS CRAFTS

Merritt Civic Center

Presented by: Nicola Valley Arts Council

Saturday, November 29: 11am to 2 pm

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Merritt Civic Center

Presented by: Basque Society

Sunday, November 30:10 am - noon

CAREER FAIR

MINE LIFE EXTENSION PROJECT CAREER FAIR

Saturday November 22 and Sunday November 23, 2025

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Saturday November 22

MINE LIFE EXTENSION PROJECT CAREER FAIR

NVIT Gymnasium

and Sunday November 23, 2025

Saturday November 22 and Sunday November 23, 2025

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

4155 Belshaw St, Merritt, BC V1K 1R1

NVIT Gymnasium

Saturday November 22 and Sunday November 23, 2025

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Teck Highland Valley Copper (HVC) is excited to host a two-day Career Fair at NVIT, open to all members of the community. This event will spotlight awarded contractors involved in the HVC Mine Life Extension (MLE) project and provide a unique opportunity to:

NVIT Gymnasium

4155 Belshaw St, Merritt, BC V1K 1R1

NVIT Gymnasium

•Discover current and upcoming employment opportunities

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology

•Connect directly with contractors and explore career paths

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology

4155 Belshaw St, Merritt, BC V1K 1R1

•Build valuable relationships and expand your professional network

4155 Belshaw St, Merritt, BC V1K 1R1

•Discover current and upcoming employment opportunities

Whether you’re actively seeking work or simply curious about what’s ahead, attend to learn more about the opportunities available through the HVC MLE project. Lunch will be provided.

Teck Highland Valley Copper (HVC) is excited to host a two-day Career members of the community. This event will spotlight awarded contractors Mine Life Extension (MLE) project and provide a unique opportunity

•Connect directly with contractors and explore career paths

Daily Door Prizes and Trade spotlight speakers and more.

•Build valuable relationships and expand your professional network

•Discover current and upcoming employment opportunities

Have questions?

Whether you’re actively seeking work or simply curious about what’s ahead, attend to learn more about the opportunities available through the HVC MLE project. Lunch will be provided.

•Connect directly with contractors and explore career paths

•Build valuable relationships and expand your professional network

Please contact VHOIndigenousRelations@teck.com for more information.

Daily Door Prizes and Trade spotlight speakers and more.

•Build valuable relationships and expand your professional network

Whether you’re actively seeking work or simply curious about what’s more about the opportunities available through the HVC MLE project.

Whether you’re actively seeking work or simply curious about what’s ahead, attend to learn more about the opportunities available through the HVC MLE project. Lunch will be provided.

Have questions?

Daily Door Prizes and Trade spotlight speakers and more.

Please contact VHOIndigenousRelations@teck.com for more information.

Have questions?

Please contact VHOIndigenousRelations@teck.com

CEREMONY SET FOR CIVIC CENTRE CENOTAPH

TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com

The Merritt Royal Canadian Legion Branch is hoping for big crowds this year as it hosts its annual Remembrance Day service.

This year’s service will be held at the Cenotaph in front of the Merritt Civic Centre at 11 a.m. on November 11.

The event will feature a two-minute moment of silence commemorating those who fought and died in the line of duty.

Merrittonians have played a large part in previous conflicts involving Canada. Lifelong Merritt Legion member Nick Tolerton said there are many veterans from the Nicola Valley who served in both world wars for example.

For Tolerton, it is “critical” to honour Canadian veterans.

“It’s absolutely critical (to honour Canadian veterans) that served wherever,” he said.

He said Canadian forces served as peacekeepers in many conflicts. He gave the 1963 Cyprus conflict,

a struggle between Greece and Turkey, as an example.

“Canada was known for being a peacekeeper where there was different conflicts,” Tolerton said.

The Canadian government lists this as the country’s “best known overseas military commitment” and an example of Canadian forces helping to d iffuse tensions and save lives.

Tolteron reminds people to show up for the Remembrance day ceremony, and of the hard work of the Legion and 950 Merritt Cadet Corps to make it happen.

He said people can support their veterans by both attending the Remembrance Day service as well as donating money for a poppy.

“They can (support veterans) by acquiring a poppy, making a donation, because all the monies that are collected with the poppy campaign goes to veterans and their families, and it also goes for buying medical equipment and things like that,” Tolerton said.

PHOTO/MERRITT HERALD

The Merritt Royal Canadian Legion will be hosting the annual Remembrance Day ceremony on Nov. 11.

INDIGENOUS VETERANS TO BE HONOURED AT SHULUS MONUMENT

TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com

The Nicola Valley First Nations Veterans Association is gearing up to honour Indigenous Veterans once again.

The service for Indigenous veterans is happening on Nov. 11 at the Nicola Valley First Nations Veterans monument next to the Shulus Arbour. The ceremony will be from 10a.m. until 12p.m. with

66 NAMES: continued on page A4

We hold dear to us the efforts and sacrifices our heroes have made, that an appreciation of the values they fought for will live on in all Canadians.

PHOTO/LAISA CONDE

Richard Jackson Jr. stands with the First Nations Veterans Monument in Shulus.

Please take a moment to remember

66 NAMES IMMORTALIZED ON PILLARS

INDIGENOUS VETERANS: continued from page A3

lunch to follow.

A member of the NVFNVA, Jimmy Isaac, said the event and monument shines light on many of the armed forces members of the Nicola Valley who have gone unsung.

“We’re getting bigger and bigger every year. We have a lot of our people, and even now, not only the aboriginal people, we have others coming down and honouring this,” he said.

“It’s nice to see that there’s some people out there that still recognize us. Recognize our people where they were never recognized before.”

Isaac first joined the NVFNVA to help his brother, J.F. Isaac, who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

The Indigenous monument and celebration is separate from the traditional Canadian celebration. Isaac said this is because many Indigenous veterans went unrecognized for their service.

“Our veterans were never really honoured,” he said. “Working here (In NVFNVA) is to remember all my Elders that went to World War One and World War Two that passed on.”

Isaac said more and more people are coming out to support the veterans each year.

Isaac, 75, said he is one of the 10 Elders that make up the NVFNVA. He said the group is looking for younger members to help out.

The service will be in front of the Nicola Valley First Nations Veterans Monument, a series of three pillars marking the names of veterans.

Isaac said the monument gives the Indigenous veterans a place to be immortalized, since their names do not appear on the cenotaph.

There are 66 names on the monument of those who served, six of those people did not make it home.

On Oct. 21, Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz was presented with the first poppy of this Remembrance Day season.

The campaign lasts until Nov. 11. During this time the Royal Canadian Legion will be selling

poppies and collecting donations to raise money for the Poppy Fund.

The Poppy Fund supports veterans and their families and may be used for providing grants for food, clothing, medicine or medical equipment.

Elmer (Shorty) Jensen

Reg Eagles

Bertie Ware Ken Moyes

Les and George Griffiths

Archie McDougal

Smitty Bent and Dave Shuter

Gerrard, Charles, Bernard, Urban Guichon

Dave Forsythe

Richard Jackson Jr.

Des Vicars

Dick Goodall

Ceremony to take place outside this year and everyone invited to attend. There will be barricades set up so that immediate area around cenotaph is clear and the street where color party marches is left clear.

Businesses, organizations and individuals may lay their own wreaths this year if they wish to do so. There will be an open house at the Legion Lounge after ceremony. Everyone is welcome to

Fred McDougall Gaylord Blankenship

Fred Geater

Elva & Sam Reid

George Hunter

George Kinvig

Gordon Curnow

Eric Munro

Ernie Sing

Fabian LaRochelle Faye Gay Frank Archer

Alec McIvor, John (Tona) Garcia, Camp Borden, Ont. c. 1940

Smith Bent & tim Voght

Phillip, Willfred, Leo Boulanger

Melvin (Buster) Curnow

Nellie Blankenship

Oliver Lindley Nelson Atkinson Norman Rogers

John Linney

Keith Huston

Johnny Curnow

Joseph Coutlee aka Young Joe

Leslie Gerrard

Mae Elliott Lloyd Barrett Lloyd Fairley

Peter McDonald

Ralph Graham PTE J. McNaney Rab Williamson

Jessie Maxwell

Jack Lockhart

James Alexander Hogg

Jim Maxwell, Doug Maxwell, Ben Shaw Don Peerenboon

David Hogg

Charlie Stirling

Donna McLeod

Dorothy Langstaff

Cecil Hunter

Chubb Kirby

Charles Howse

Richard Jackson Sr.

Cecil Grinstead

David Moyes Denis Curnow

Joe Quinville

James S. Moodie Stan Pattinson Ian Urquhart Roy Brown

Willie Fountain

Pete Meckler

Cyril Cartwright

Mel Woodford Mike Bob

Kenneth Duncan Ellis & Lloyd Hoyne Ellis Norman and Allan Dixon

Brothers Bill and Archie Allan

Erik Sigurd and Thorald Teit

Herman Earnshaw Hugh Vicars

George Hogg

Roberta Mathews Geofrey Curnow

Frank Dodding Fred Dodding Fred

J.J. Johnston

Jack Ewart

REMEMBRANCE DAY

Annie Lauder

Alec Cousin Jr.

Billy McLeod

Bill Palagain Bill Voght

Archie Hardy Sr.

Allan Leonard

Alexander Watson Lonie

Antoine Moses

Tom McGrath

Alphonse Garcia

Allan Eagles

Archie Allan

Andy Garcia

Alan Leonard Albert E. (Dick) Stapleton

Al Hartwell

Henry Castillou

Henry Koller

Henry Ralph Blumenauer

Pvt. Henry Swakum & Friends

Archie York by the Ship Majestic

Stanley Reginald Smith Ted Taylor Teddy Gerrard

William J. Koller

Barney Stirling Austin Williams

Bill & Jim Dunnigan

Bernard and Frank Dunnigan

Brian Dustin

Harold Newman Harry J. Winny Harry Purvis

Earnest Sowerby

Jack Veale James Moyes Senior

Henry Abel Walter Forsyth

NEW VETS CROSSWALK IN LOGAN LAKE

A new crosswalk in Logan Lake memoralizes local veterans.

TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com

The District of Logan Lake is adding a new veterans crosswalk in honour of Remembrance Day.

“This special crosswalk stands as a daily reminder of the courage, commitment and resilience of our veterans and active service members.

I t’s more than just a place to cross the street - it’s a symbol of gratitude, respect and remembrance woven into the heart of our town,” the district

wrote on Facebook.

Logan Lake is not the only one to unveil a veterans crosswalk. Maple Ridge unveiled theirs earlier this summer.

West Kelowna and Merritt are also considering crosswalks.

More are being made and unveiled across the country, with some crosswalks popping up in places like Lethbridge, Alberta and Elmvale, Ontario.

LOWER NICOLA VET ENLISTED WITH WOMEN’S ARMY CORPS

PHOTO/NICOLA VALLEY MUSEUM & ARCHIVES

Nellie Blankinship enlisted in the Canadian Women’s Army Corps in 1943.

CAMERON BRIDGE

Nicola Valley Museum & Archives

Nellie Blankinship was born on Feb. 16, 1922 at her grandmother’s house on the Lower Nicola Reserve, here in the Nicola Valley. Her and her siblings lived on her families ranch. She likely attended the

school out in Nicola as she grew up, but only obtained her Grade 5 education before leaving school.

In July 1943, Nellie left the family ranch to enlist with the Canadian Women’s Army Corps. She attended basic

VET FOUND: continued on page A19

Paddy Stirling

Pat Carr

Ken Berkley

Ken Fairley

Jack Shaw

Major Harold Mathews

Matt Hogan

James Edward Dunnigan

Ray Fairley

Ray Riley

Jim Moyes Jr.

Elizabeth Chaster

Ignatia (Lanigan) Grams

Joan Iver Hendy

Birdie Alice Clarkson

Jim Cartwright

Don Faulkner

Dave Shuter

REMEMBRANCE DAY

Robert Charters (Seated)

Nesbit Robert Hogg

Arthur Monroe Fraser

Cacuse Garcia

Jack Geater

Reginald Shuttleworth

Ken Moyes, Gordon Cameron, Percy Boyd, Maurice Hunter, Billy Drybourgh, Ronnie Laidlaw

George Cressy Jr.,

John Dalton

Gilbert Woods

Thomas Rodgers SSgt. Emmanuel McGee

Gord McDonald Sterling, Frederick Albert

Tommy Williams

“To

honor the sacrifices of those who served, we remember their courage, dedication, and the price they paid for our freedom.”

A message from the Scw’exmx Tribal Council

The Scw’exmx Tribal Council wants to express on behalf of all Canadians our Pride in this history. History is important, the history about Native veterans and the place they served with honor and distinction, home and abroad in the time of war and in keeping peace. More than 200 Canadian native soldiers were killed or died from wounds during the Second World War. Natives earned a minimum of 18 decorations for bravery in action. They participated in every major battle and campaign. On each occasion our soldiers overcame challenges and made impressive sacrifices and contributions to help our nation restore world peace. In order to fight for our country, our Native Veterans had to give up their Native Status on top of the ultimate sacrifice. May we bring home these historic memories of our ancestors and elders as we honor the Native Veterans today...

These pictures represent just a fraction of our Native Veterans

Lawrence Smith

Carl Mierau

Pvt. Henry Swakum

Tona Garcia

Richard Jackson Sr.

Dave Shuter

Richard Jackson Jr.

Percy Joe

Mike Bob Joseph Coutlee

Bill Berkley

Bart Dodding

Harold Mosley

Gordon Geater

Harold Hunter

VET FOUND HER CALLING OUTSIDE OF THE HOME

training at Vermillion in Alberta. Nellie spoke of how hard training was, skirts were long and they were not allowed to hitch them up, uniforms were to be kept in proper shape, and yet there were only four or five irons per barracks. being sent to Gordon Head on Vancouver Island as staff for the Officer’s Training Centre. From there she was transferred to the workforce barracks in Victoria before heading to Chilliwack at the newly opened Vedder Crossing Army Base.

It was in Chilliwack that Nellie decided, “I don’t want to do this work around the kitchen or whatever” and so she asked to join the Military Police. She took a test and was sent to Camp Bordon for military police training. Training was hard, but Nellie completed it, with only her and one other woman earning 100 per cent on the final exam. Nellie was then sent to Vancouver where she’d stay for the remainder of the war. During her time in Vancouver she was promoted to Corporal with a handful of fellow women Military Police working under her. Her main duties were to patrol, and to check the passes of the women coming and going from the bases. They’d travel to the bus depots and train stations to ensure any military women who were leaving had the appropriate

documentation, and for those just out for the evening, ensuring that they returned to the base by midnight. If they were out past curfew, the MPs had jeeps to go and retrieve them. Nellie noted that while it was common for them to be upset, they would rarely get too confrontational with the male Military Police nearby.

She also recalled that it would be common that people would return to the base late, and turn the lights on past the blackout time. Nellie would go up there to tell them to turn off the lights, and they would be rude to her, so she would go and get for fellow Military Police and some officers to get them straightened out.

Nellie would be discharged from the Military Police in August, 1946 and would return home to the Nicola Valley after that. While she did speak highly and enjoy her time in the military, she did undergo sexism. She stated that many of the men did not like to see women in uniform, they would say awful things to them, or would quack at them to make fun of them as they walked by. Nellie would marry Vic Rettenbacher, and would go with him to Germany for three tours, as Vic remained in the military for 28 years until his retirement. Nellie would pass away in Vernon on December 16th, 2019 at the age of 97.

LOWER NICOLA: continued from page A13

MYSTERY OBJECT A BALLOON BOMB

Nicola Valley Museum & Archives

In March 1979, Gwyn Brown-John happened to come across an assortment of strange wooden and rusty metal parts hanging in a tree up Tank Creek near Canford. Being uncertain as to what it was, Brown-John loaded the contraption into his pickup truck and took it home. Still being uncertain as to what the device was, he loaded it back up and took it to the Merritt Herald office where they took a picture, and in the March 14th edition of the paper, they released the photo asking if anyone knew what the device was, believing it to perhaps be a part of some prospecting equipment. The Herald soon received a number of

CAMERON BRIDGE

BOMB FOUND IN NICOLA VALLEY

calls from locals, and Brown-John received a visit from the RCMP and members of the Canadian military. The device that Brown-John found was in fact a balloon bomb. These were incendiary explosives that were launched from Japan during the Second World War and would travel, using air currents, to North America where they would release their explosives with the intent of creating wildfires in the Pacific Northwest of Canada and the United States. The weapons proved to be largely ineffective, with estimates that only 10 per cent survived the trip over the ocean, and those that did reach North America did not manage to start many fires due to the wet weather in the early months of 1945.

The project was eventually abandoned by the Japanese after they were unable to verify if any bombs had reached the mainland, this went in hand with a memo from the military censoring newspaper agencies on any mentions of balloons being sighted or explosions caused by

said balloons. This included the Merritt Herald, which had to censor a story in the late months of the Second World War of a balloon being sighted near Nicola Lake. Crews from Kamloops were dispatched to disarm the bomb, which had yet to detonate when it touched down in the Nicola Valley.

The RCMP took a number of the rings after being unable to ascertain if the explosives were still active or not to the local dump and detonated them, discovering that they were still active after 35 years. After discovering what the device was, Brown-John’s first instinct was to donate the remaining pieces to the local archives. But after the visit with the members of the Canadian Military, decided to donate it to them instead, as it was the most intact version of the weapon that they had ever seen and wanted to use it for training and teaching others. While these explosives were found quite commonly in the couple decades after the war, they have still continued to be found, including most recently in 2019 near McBride.

WORLD WAR I VETERAN SAW MAJOR COMBAT

CAMERON BRIDGE

Nicola Valley Museum & Archives

Robert Hogg was born on April 13, 1885 in Fifeshire, Scotland. At the age of 25, in 1910, Hogg came to Canada and ended up in Merritt working in the coal mines. During the First World War, Hogg would enlist with the 72nd Highlanders of Vancouver on June 28th, 1915.

When he got to France he was dragged into the 16th Canadian Scottish. The 16th Canadian Scottish fought at many of the major Canadian battles of the First World War, including the Second and Third battles of Ypres, the Somme, Vimy Ridge, Hill 70, and Passchendaele.

The battalion would be dissolved and Robert would be discharged on April 14, 1920.

When he returned to Merritt he became heavily involved in the community.

He was often the acting Chief of Police if the chief was unwell, he was also an executive for the Merritt and District Liberal Association, a member of the Hospital Board, and he was involved in organizing local festivities such as Labour Day celebrations as well as the Caledonian Games.

He was elected alderman for the City in 1932.

He was also the second President of the Merritt Legion, first becoming president in 1930, then stepping back during his tenure as alderman, before

PRESIDENT: continued on page A22

LEGION

LLEGION PRESIDENT BURIED AT PINERIDGE

returning to the presidency in 1934. During his time as president, he was best known for his assistance to veterans, arranging pensions, and other needs.

He would also often arrange funerals for many of the homeless veterans after the war who passed away, arranging funerals for those who passed away far away from their families.

On September 6, 1936, at the age of 51, Hogg suffered a heart attack at his home and passed away. His funeral was held under the Legion auspices with the Legion chaplain officiating the service before he was buried at Pineridge. As he was the acting president, a vote was held and Charles Isitt was elected the acting president.

REMEMBRANCE DAY

LOCAL TEEN SAW ACTION IN FRANCE

CAMERON BRIDGE

Nicola Valley Museum & Archives

Reginald Shuttleworth was born in Aspen Grove in 1897.

Shortly after the outbreak of war in 1914, he enlisted with the Second Canadian Mounted Rifles at the age of 17 on Dec. 8, 1914.

Reginald ended up being part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force and was sent to France. Reginald was an experienced horseman, e ven from a young age, and this experience transferred very well to war and made him very popular with his senior officers and fellow soldiers at the front.

At one point

However, Allan Shuttleworth was killed in action in 1917. His name is on the Merritt Cenotaph.

Reginald was medically discharged on August 5th, 1918

during the war, Reginald received a citation for bravery on the front lines. During the course of a battle, Reginald ended up getting wounded.

However, despite his wounds he was still able to carry his commanding officer, Major La

PHOTO/NICOLA VALLEY MUSEUM & ARCHIVES

Reginald Shuttleworth was only 17 years old when he enlisted in 1914.

NICOLA VALLEY SPORTS

BAEK’S ACADEMY KICKS ITS WAY ONTO CHAMPIONSHIP PODIUM

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com

Members of Baek’s Taekwondo Academy in Merritt fought their way onto multiple podiums at the 40th annual K.H. Min Invitational Taekwondo Championship in Edmonton on Oct. 18. Academy Instructor Gary Abbott took six athletes to the competition at the Kinsmen Sports Centre, where they competed in 11 events and took home 11 medals.

In the individual poomsae, where fighters perform a series of pre-arranged movements to practice and d evelop technique, Colten Forgaard (14) finished atop the podium for the gold

NEXT HOME GAMES

Nov. 7 vs Revelstoke 7pm

Nov. 14 vs Osoyoos 7pm

Nov. 16 vs Williams Lake 5pm*

*Note a rescheduled game

Nov. 26 vs Revelstoke 6pm Teddy Bear Toss Game

medal, while Nikhil Vinoj (15), Monika Monika (15) and Mya Sheldon (15) captured silver.

Owen Batican (15) and Lenaya Spahan (12) returned home with a bronze medal each.

The Merritt team also took home a handful of medals in the sparring competition, simulating real-life combat. Both Monika and Vinoj earned silver, while Batican, Sheldon and Forgaard added a bronze each.

The Academy returns to the mat on Nov. 15 for the Calgary Open Taekwondo Championship.

For more information on the Academy, visit www.baekstaekwondo.com.

ICEBREAKER Sat., Nov. 15 at the Civic Centre

Get your tickets at Nicola Valley Sports, at home games on Nov. 7 & 14, or dan@merrittcentennials.ca

NVIT NIGHT

NOVEMBER 7

NOVEMBER 14-16

NOVEMBER 26

Little Britches Rodeo Club, April Schneider, Arianna Hostrawser, Royal Canadian Legion

PHOTOS/GARY ABBOTT

CENTS REMAIN MIDDLE OF THE PACK AFTER ONE WIN, TWO LOSSES

reporter@merrittherald.com

Goals were not hard to come by over the last two weekends of Centennials hockey. The Cents gathered one win and two losses over their last three games, with the team finding the back of the net no less than several times in each game.

October 24 - Princeton Posse 5 - Merritt Centennials 2

After a loss to the Revelstoke Grizzlies the week before, the Centennials looked to get back in the win column for the last October game.

Unfortunately for Merritt, this game wouldn’t be it. The Centennials found themselves on the back foot from the opening period.

A goal from the Posse’s Bryan Morrow at 10:47 marked the first bit of action of the game. The Centennials equalized five minutes later from Brayden Thurlow’s first goal of the season.

No more goals would be seen until the second period. There, Bryton Morrow would continue his streak in front of the net, scoring again within the first minute of the period.

The rest of the period remained a low-scoring affair.

The tempo changed in the third. Bryton Morrow would complete his hat trick, putting the Cents down 3-1.

Noah Lawless undoubtedly found the net in this game. The proficient scorer found his ninth goal of the season with that stroke, giving Merritt a lifeline.

Despite the goal, Merritt would soon sink to the Posse’s pressure. After a series of power plays, the Posse scored two more to put the game to rest, ending at 5-2 for Princeton.

November 1 - Merritt Centennials 7 - Kelowna Chiefs 3

Revenge must have been on the minds of the Centennials players as they ended their two game losing streak in this high-scoring affair.

Merritt scored three in the first period to give them a commanding lead over the Chiefs. Ezra Siemens scored his first goal there and Noah Lawless got himself an early brace of goals giving him 11 on the season.

Kelowna’s Owen Ivanov scored in the last minutes of the first period to give his team a glimmer of hope for a comeback.

In the second, Steven Foster scored his ninth goal of the season at the 18:30 mark. The third period had more goals than some full games.

Steven Foster scored again in the opening two minutes, practically sealing the game for the Centennials.

Kelowna would soon score themselves making the scoreline 5-2 in favour of Merritt. The Cents would find the back of the net two more times. At the end of the period, Phinneas Bermel got a consolation goal for the Chiefs as the game ended 7-3 for Merritt.

CURLING RINK LEASE EXTENDED

PHOTO/ALEXANDRA VERBOOM FRITZ

The Merritt Centennials picked up one win and two losses over their last three games to sit at 7-6-0 in the KIJHL’s Bill Olhausen Division.

November 2 - Sicamous Eagles 5 - Merritt Centennials 2

The Cents went to Sicamous to close out their back-to-back string of games. Unfortunately they couldn’t repeat their goal frenzy performance from the season before.

It was the Eagles who took the momentum early in the first period, scoring three times. Merritt failed to find the back of the net at anytime during the first period.

The second period saw some life spark back into the Merritt offense. Garien Bona and Cole Serdachny both scored making the game 3-2 and put the Cents well within reach for victory.

In the final frame, Merritt struggled once again to get going. Two goals from the Eagles’ Chase Campbell secured his hattrick and removed any chance of Merritt getting back into the game.

The game ended 5-2 for the Sicamous Eagles.

The Centennials will return next weekend on Nov. 7 and 8 as they play the Revelstoke Grizzlies at home and the Kelowna Chiefs at the Rutland Arena.

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com

Merritt City Council has voted to extended the lease of the Merritt Curling Club through 2026, with provisions to determine energy usage for future leases.

Only Coun. Wendy Charney voted against the renewal, citing that only around 100 residents use the club in a population of around 7,500.

“This swings back to privately-owned facilities where taxpayers are paying for it,” said Charney. “I have a problem with this type of arrangement.”

Others on council pointed out the social and recreational benefits of the club, including Coun.

Adam Etchart and Mayor Mike Goetz.

“There comes a point in time where you have to have these items to have people in your community and foster community growth,” said Goetz. “So I will support the signing of the lease.”

Councillor Yvette Baxter also threw her support behind the club.

“The curling club really does benefit this town. They do a lot of fundraising, they help the high school out...my kids love the curling club. Just seeing people playing is fun. It is a benefit.”

Council will recommend staff to install an energy metering device that will capture the rink’s brine pump energy consumption moving forward.

NICOLA VALLEY COMMUNITY

GOOD-NATURED PIEING SCOOPS UP FUNDS FOR FOOD BANK

PHOTOS/TY LIM + MATTHIAS WIEGAND

TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com

A local fundraiser brought in over a thousand dollars for the Nicola Valley Food Bank.

Optometry FYidoctors Merritt raised over $1,100 for the Nicola Valley Food Bank.

Dr. Brian Snee at FYidoctors said the office had laid out a couple of games for people to donate money.

One game involved counting the amount of candy in a jar.

Another saw Snee volunteering to have a pie thrown in his face. Donors would pay for a ticket to have their name drawn. Winners would receive the honour of throwing the pie.

“Very quickly when people found where the money was going to, people asked, ‘how much to buy a pie?” Snee told the Herald.

Snee said the fundraiser was successful and they will look at repeating it next year, perhaps with more people and more pies.

Contact Jake or Ty at

or call 250-378-4241

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. • 250-378-3772

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: 4:00 pm • 250-280-1268

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

NVIT PARTNERS UP FOR BETTER LEARNING

TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com

The Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) has entered into a multi-million dollar partnership to enhance Indigenous learning.

The partnership brings together four learning organizations from across Canada in Colleges and Institutions Canada (CICan), NVIT, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology and Six Nations Polytechnic.

Approximately $16 million CAD has been committed to this partnership funded through the BHP Foundation which states it focuses on environmental stewardship a nd sustainable resource use. In Canada, the BHP Foundation invests in Indigenous communities, listing multiple projects enhancing Indigenous learning and language revitalization.

The BHP foundation is connected to mining corporation BHP Bilton.

According to a press release issued Monday, Oct. 27 by the CICan, the partnership will “expand training, mentorship, and applied-research opportunities to improve economic

and social outcomes to support Indigenous learners and communities.”

It said the partnership will benefit and upgrade programming, help the learning institutions gain access to Elders, Knowledge Holders and childcare. It said it will also

promote innovative learning models.

While the partnership is anIndigenous focused initiative, CICan said the effects of the partnership will be felt across institutions across the country.

“Its impact will extend across Canada’s network of

public colleges, institutes, CEGEPs and polytechnics.

Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous institutions alike will benefit from stronger community partnerships and enriched programming,” it said.

A ceremony for the partnership was held Sunday, Oct.

26 during the National Indigenous Symposium in Calgary.

NVIT President John Chenoweth said the partnership will support more pathways for learners and improve the quality of life for Indigenous peoples.

“This collaboration supports N VIT’s purpose of improving the quality of life for Indigenous Peoples by creating meaningful pathways for learners and communities to lead, innovate and shape their own economic futures.”

Thursday, November 20 at 5:30 pm

A nomination for 5 members to the Board of Directors will take place prior to the meeting. Eligible members will be sent a package by mail which will include nomination and voting details.

Only individuals with current membership can vote or be nominated for office.

Membership application deadline is Nov.19, 2025 at 3:00 pm. Any applications received after this date/time will not be eligible to vote for the Board of Directors or at the November 20, 2025 Annual General Meeting.

M VEMBER M VEMBER

Movember is about more than just growing a moustache — it’s about raising awareness for men’s health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health challenges.

This year, while participation is smaller, the Merritt Herald is proud to feature our local Movember contestants who are helping keep the conversation going. We’ll feature updates in this week’s paper and again on December 4, when we’ll announce our Movember winner!

The winner will receive $100, and 10 percent from each Movember ad sale will go towards supporting men’s health initiatives. Every bit helps — because raising awareness and starting conversations can save lives.

CLASSIFIEDS

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

AUCTION AUCTION

Photos&linktosales@ com.ontiaucdodds 3311-28Avenue,Vernon• Subjecttoadditions&deletions

ONLINE TIMED • IN-HOUSE • VERNON HUGE MULTI ESTATE

LargeSelectionofTools&Misc.ItemsincludingWelders,Generators, AirCompressor,Oxy/ActTorchSets, PipeThreaders,ChainBlocks&Roller Trolleys,Airline,WeldingCable,Toolboxes,PalletJack,Grinders,Corded& sTools,lesCord nch,Wi ts,neorageCabiSt HD ngihelvtSlePal ngdielUnits,W Shields,OfficeItems,DumpBins,OutdoorTankCage,TruckBoxes, ForkliftSnowBlade,PlusMore!! ing:View 1DayOnly-Fri(Sept19)-9am-4pm On-Si te -6248PleasantValleyRoad,Vernon PickUp-2Days-Mon/Tue(Sept22/23)-9am-4pm

*** REGISTER / BID NOW ***

***REGISTER/BIDNOW***

SATURDAY, NOV 15TH - 8 AM (lots start closing)

Bi dOnlineorA bs entee Bids A cc ept ed DODDSAUCTION250-545-3259

The Board of Directors of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District gives notice that it

ONLINETIMED•CLOSEOUTAUCTION NORJAYINDUSTRIESINC.•VERNON SATURDAY,SEPT20TH-8AM(lotsstartclosing) ***REGISTER/BIDNOW*** LargeSelectionofTools&Misc.ItemsincludingWelders,Generators, AirCompressor,Oxy/ActTorchSets, PipeThreaders,ChainBlocks&Roller Trolleys,Airline,WeldingCable,Toolboxes,PalletJack,Grinders,Corded& CordlessTools, Winch, StorageCabinets, HD PalletShelv ng Units,Welding CordlessTools, StorageCabinets, Units,W ng Shields,OfficeItems,DumpBins,OutdoorTankCage,TruckBoxes, ForkliftSnowBlade,PlusMore!!

Dodds AUCTION AUCTION

ONLINETIMED•CLOSEOUTAUCTION NORJAYINDUSTRIESINC.•VERNON SATURDAY,SEPT20TH-8AM(lotsstartclosing) ***REGISTER/BIDNOW*** LargeSelectionofTools&Misc.ItemsincludingWelders,Generators, AirCompressor,Oxy/ActTorchSets, PipeThreaders,ChainBlocks&Roller Trolleys,Airline,WeldingCable,Toolboxes,PalletJack,Grinders,Corded& CordlessTools, Winch, StorageCabinets, HD PalletShelving Units,Welding PalletS ing Shields,OfficeItems,DumpBins,OutdoorTankCage,TruckBoxes, ForkliftSnowBlade,PlusMore!!

Photos&linktosales@ com.ontiaucdodds 3311-28Avenue,Vernon• Subjecttoadditions&deletions

Viewing: 1DayOnly-Fri(Sept19)-9am-4pm On-Si te -6248PleasantValleyRoad,Vernon PickUp-2Days-Mon/Tue(Sept22/23)-9am-4pm

AUCTION

2025.

What is Temporary Use Permit No. TUP 81, Bylaw No. 2897,2025?

Partial List Includes: High-End Jewellery, Coins, Stamps, Antiques, Collectables, Native Items, Diecast & Hot Wheels, China, Crystal, Pottery, Guitars, Records, Large Selection of Furniture, Area Carpets, Freezers, TVs, Stereos, Comics, Huge Selection of Books, Plus More!!

CALL FORMOR EI NFOR MATI ON

Photos&linktosales@ doddsauction.com 3311-28Avenue,Vernon• Subjecttoadditions&deletions

https://doddsauction.com/

Photos&linktosales@ doddsauction.com 3311-28Avenue,Vernon• Subjecttoadditions&deletions

https://doddsauction.com/

Bi dOnlineorA bs entee Bids A cc ept ed

Bi dOnlineorA bs entee Bids A cc ept ed DODDSAUCTION250-545-3259

Dodds AUCTION AUCTION

Photos&linktosales@ com.ontiaucdodds 3311-28Avenue,Vernon• Subjecttoadditions&deletions

CAT XQ30 Diesel Genset on Trailer, Truck Boxes, Uline Trays 2008 Ford Escape, 2002 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2 - Sailboats, 20’ C-Can,

PickUp-2Days-Mon/Tue(Sept22/23)-9am-4pm /com.onhttps://doddsaucti

Viewing: 1DayOnly-Fri(Sept19)-9am-4pm On-Si te -6248PleasantValleyRoad,Vernon PickUp-2Days-Mon/Tue(Sept22/23)-9am-4pm

Bi dOnlineorA bs entee Bids A cc ept ed

To consider the issuance of a Temporary Use Permit to enable seasonal asphalt production (between April 1st and November 1st) for up to a maximum of three years at the subject property on Hwy 97, Hamilton Hill, BC, PID: 013-006-088, as shown outlined in the adjacent map.

/com.onhttps://doddsaucti

Electric Bikes, New Coleman Minibike, Electric Mobile Chair, Wheelchairs, Golf Clubs/Access., Kayaks, Ladders, Huge Selection of Tools, Propane & NG Space Heaters, Forklift Dump Bins, Plus More!!

CALL FORMOR EI NFOR MATI ON

Photos&linktosales@ doddsauction.com 3311-28Avenue,Vernon• Subjecttoadditions&deletions

Dodds AUCTION AUCTION

https://doddsauction.com/

Bi dOnlineorA bs entee Bids A cc ept ed

Sports/Entertain. Memorabilia incl. Collection of 1930s Baseball & Hockey Cards, Babe Ruth & Other Autographs, Sports Jerseys

Viewing: 1DayOnly-Fri(Sept19)-9am-4pm

LargeSelectionofTools&Misc.ItemsincludingWelders,Generators, AirCompressor,Oxy/ActTorchSets, PipeThreaders,ChainBlocks&Roller Trolleys,Airline,WeldingCable,Toolboxes,PalletJack,Grinders,Corded& CordlessTools, Winch, StorageCabinets, HD PalletShelv ng Units,Welding CordlessTools, StorageCabinets, Units,W ng Shields,OfficeItems,DumpBins,OutdoorTankCage,TruckBoxes, ForkliftSnowBlade,PlusMore!!

On-Si te -6248PleasantValleyRoad,Vernon PickUp-2Days-Mon/Tue(Sept22/23)-9am-4pm

PipeThreaders,ChainBlocks&Roller Trolleys,Airline,WeldingCable,Toolboxes,PalletJack,Grinders,Corded& sTools,lesCord nch,Wi ts,neorageCabiSt HD ngihelvtSlePal ngdielUnits,W Shields,OfficeItems,DumpBins,OutdoorTankCage,TruckBoxes, ForkliftSnowBlade,PlusMore!! ing:View 1DayOnly-Fri(Sept19)-9am-4pm On-Si te -6248PleasantValleyRoad,Vernon PickUp-2Days-Mon/Tue(Sept22/23)-9am-4pm onhttps://doddsaucti /com

Photos&linktosales@ com.ontiaucdodds 3311-28Avenue,Vernon• Subjecttoadditions&deletions

DODDSAUCTION250-545-3259

SATURDAY,SEPT20TH-8AM(lotsstartclosing) ***REGISTER/BIDNOW*** LargeSelectionofTools&Misc.ItemsincludingWelders,Generators, AirCompressor,Oxy/ActTorchSets, PipeThreaders,ChainBlocks&Roller Trolleys,Airline,WeldingCable,Toolboxes,PalletJack,Grinders,Corded& CordlessTools, Winch, StorageCabinets, HD PalletShelving Units,Welding Shields,OfficeItems,DumpBins,OutdoorTankCage,TruckBoxes, ForkliftSnowBlade,PlusMore!!

Viewing: 1DayOnly-Fri(Sept19)-9am-4pm On-Si te -6248PleasantValleyRoad,Vernon PickUp-2Days-Mon/Tue(Sept22/23)-9am-4pm

Viewing - Dodds Showroom - Vernon Thu/Fri (Nov 13/14) - 8 am - 4 pm

***REGISTER/BIDNOW*** LargeSelectionofTools&Misc.ItemsincludingWelders,Generators, AirCompressor,Oxy/ActTorchSets, PipeThreaders,ChainBlocks&Roller Trolleys,Airline,WeldingCable,Toolboxes,PalletJack,Grinders,Corded& CordlessTools, Winch, StorageCabinets, HD PalletShelv ng Units,Welding CordlessTools, StorageCabinets, Units,W ng Shields,OfficeItems,DumpBins,OutdoorTankCage,TruckBoxes, ForkliftSnowBlade,PlusMore!!

Viewing: 1DayOnly-Fri(Sept19)-9am-4pm On-Si te -6248PleasantValleyRoad,Vernon PickUp-2Days-Mon/Tue(Sept22/23)-9am-4pm

When you provide an opportunity for a dying person to tell their story, it tells them that their life had value.

www.merritthospice.org Email: merritthospice@shaw.ca MERRITT &DISTRICT HOSPICE SOCIETY

Listening is sacred. Whenever you can do that for someone, you are honouring them. P: 250-280-1701

SUDOKU

All persons who believe that their interest in property may be affected by the proposed bylaw shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to provide input at the Public Hearing. Anyone who wishes to present at the Hearing virtually (via Zoom) must contact Legislative Services prior to noon on November 18, 2025, to arrange virtual access. Anyone may also make written submissions on the matter of Bylaw 2897 (via the options below), which must be received at our office prior to noon on November 18, 2025. The entire content of all submissions will be made public and form part of the public record for this matter.

How do I get more information?

Copies of the proposed Bylaw and all supporting information can be inspected from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday (except statutory holidays) at our

of the Hearing; or please contact us via any of the options below.

P: 250-280-1701

Email: merritthospice@shaw.ca MERRITT &DISTRICT HOSPICE SOCIETY

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a Sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.

www.merritthospice.org

&DISTRICT HOSPICE SOCIETY

Public Notice – Free Disposal Day

June 16th & 17th from 8am - 4pm

Lower Nicola Eco-Depot, 2348 Woodward Road

In accordance with section 94 of the Community Charter, notice is hereby given that the Thompson-Nicola Regional District Board of Directors will consider amending Board Procedure Bylaw No. 2788, 2022 with Board Procedure Bylaw No. 2895, 2025 at the Regular Board Meeting scheduled for November 6, 2025 at 1:30 PM at the TNRD Civic Building, located on the 4th Floor, 465 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2A9.

Key changes to the Bylaw include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Public Notice Place: Revised to confirm the public notice place as the public notice board located on the 4th Floor Reception Area of the TNRD Civic Building.

This is a full-time on-site role located in Merritt B.C, for a Fleet Mechanic. The Fleet Mechanic will be responsible for performing routine maintenance, preventative maintenance schedules, repairs, and inspections on various vehicles and heavy equipment. Additional tasks include diagnosing mechanical issues, troubleshooting, and ensuring equipment is safe, reliable, and compliant with guidelines.

Residents of the TNRD, this is a great time to do some spring cleaning and save money on tipping fees. The event is now over a 2 day period to accommodate any waste created by this year’s flooding event. If you have flood damaged material on your property, this is your chance to bring it in free of charge.

• Disqualification: Provisions have been included to reinforce legislative requirements around disqualification of Board members.

• Question Period: Reduction in time spent during question period to align with best practices and to ensure questions are regarding an item on the agenda.

Qualifications:

- Proficiency in maintenance, preventative maintenance, and general maintenance and repair tasks.

- Experience working with heavy equipment and understanding its operational requirements.

Bring in one load of material per household for free on event day. One load definition: up to 8 foot (full sized) truck box OR up to 8 foot trailer. Does not apply tobusiness or commercial loads

• Closed Meetings: Added provisions to ensure confidentiality when attending meetings electronically.

• Points of Order: Additional language to clarify the process for Members to raise Points of Order.

Fees will be waived for the following material types:

• Electronic Access to Public Meetings: Added language to clarify expectations for publicly available recorded meetings.

Household garbage Tires on rim

Bylaw No. 2895 will be available for viewing on the agenda for the November 6, 2025 Regular Board meeting at https://tnrd.civicweb.net/portal/

- Strong troubleshooting skills to diagnose and resolve mechanical issues.

- Ability to follow safe standards and ensure compliance with operational guidelines.

- Strong attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

- Relevant certifications or trade qualifications are an asset but not a requirement.

- Valid drivers license with a clean driving abstract is a mandatory requirement.

Please send resumes to: admin@arnicacontracting.com

Demolition/renovation/ construction material Mattresses, couches, & other furniture

Cooling appliances (fridge, freezer, A/C unit)

Asphalt shingles

Requests for copies of the proposed Bylaw, questions and comments can be directed to Marnie Jeremiah, Corporate Officer, at 250-377-7065 or mjeremiah@ tnrd.ca.

Concrete & asphalt Wood waste

Please secure your load before leaving home! Please remember- it’s always free to recycle!

Marnie Jeremiah Corporate Officer

For additional information call us at 1-877-377-8673