Merritt Herald October 30, 2025

ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK

REOPENING ASPEN MILL A PRIORITY FOR PROVINCE

TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com

A month after the closure of Merritt wood-processing mill Aspen Planers, B.C. Forests Minister Ravi Parmar is reaffirming his commitment to keeping the m ill open.

During an October 14 council meeting, Merritt Mayor Mike Goetz addressed the Aspen Planers closure, saying many parties are working to get the mill running again.

“I had dinner (in September) with the minister of forests where we chatted about his involvement in getting Aspen Planers back on track, dealing with the management and bringing First Nations, the city and Aspen management into one meeting,” Goetz said.

MINISTER: continued on page 3

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

MINISTER CALLS FOR HELP FOR STRUGGLING BC FOREST INDUSTRY

“We can all discuss how anxious we are to see Aspen back running again. He said he would commit to that.”

Aspen Planers shut down operations in early September as the mill lacked any wood to operate with.

Surinder Momrath, regional manager at Merritt Aspen Planers, told the Herald in a previous interview that the mill was struggling with getting their cutting permits approved on time.

Over the past two-and-a-half years, Aspen Planers has only been harvesting around 29 per cent of what their license of 490,000 cubic metres allows.

Aspen Planers did not respond in time to comment on any meetings with the province regarding getting the mill running again.

PARMAR VOWS TO STAND BY FORESTRY WORKERS

In an email provided to the Herald, Parmar said Ministry of Forests staff are continuing to find solutions to reopen the mill.

“I continue to think about the workers and families impacted by the extended closure of the Aspen Planers mill in Merritt. I know this news is extremely hard for the community. Ministry of Forests staff continue to meet with Aspen Planers on finding solutions,” Parmar said. Parmar said he understands the forestry

industry is struggling and is pressuring the federal government to treat it with more care akin to what he says is shown for other industries.

“Together with Premier Eby, we have been calling on the federal government to treat B.C.’s forestry sector with the same urgency shown to the auto and steel industries,” he said.

Parmar named a number of initiatives he put in place during his time as minister. Some of these include a two-month pause on timber-harvest bill payment - which he said is still in effect - in response to Trump’s 10 per cent tariffs on softwood lumber.

Another part of this was changing the timeline of logging permits out of wildfire-damaged woods from a 40-day approval time period to a 25-days in an initiative announced in April.

Parmar said he had also announced 70 projects through the Forest Enhancement Society of BC, including five in the Merritt area. While these projects are not traditional forestry, some of these projects attempt to put use to excess or leftover fibre.

FORESTRY SECTOR GOVERNANCE IN QUESTION

Despite his efforts,, the B.C. NDP’s treatment of the forest sector is being questioned.

During the B.C. Legislative Assembly question period on October 21, Eby came

under fire from Conservative opposition leader John Rustad as he said the province is not even on track to harvest 30 million cubic metres of timber this year, down from this year’s 45 million cubic metre target. Rustad said the forestry industry has seen a “more than 60 per cent reduction in the forest sector” under the NDP.

Eby responded, deflecting the issue to the fault of the former B.C. Liberal government, who were in power until

2017. The premier said that under the leadership of the former provincial government, there was mass privatization of the logging industry, hampering how the current government can now respond. Eby said his government has created more than 2,100 jobs and has protected 2,700 manufacturing jobs as his policies have given mills more tools to add value to their timber. He also said he is expanding overseas markets.

All

OBGYN CRISIS CONTINUES AT ROYAL INLAND HOSPITAL

TIM PETRUK Castanet

A Kamloops MLA went after B.C.’s health minister in question period on Monday over the maternity crisis at Royal Inland Hospital and a letter signed by more than 100 doctors backing a group of local physicians who resigned en masse earlier this month.

RIH’s entire staff of seven obstetrician gynecologists have tendered their resignation to Interior Health, saying they are overworked and suffering extreme burnout after years of hearing potential solutions to the problem shot down. Their departures are expected to take place over many months. The OBGYNs said they will stay on until a transition plan is ironed out, which is expected to take until January.

Interior Health’s response has been to negotiate with the doctors in an attempt to keep them on, while also touting increased physician recruitment efforts and offering more than $7,000 per day to locum doctors willing to fill maternity shifts in Kamloops. The situation was the subject of a rally on Saturday outside RIH that attracted hundreds of attendees.

FIX CALLED ‘SHORT SIGHTED’

During question period in the legislature on Monday, Kamloops-Centre MLA Peter Milobar used a scathing letter signed by 130 B.C. OBGYNs to tee off on Health Minister Josie Osborne.

Milobar quoted the letter, which calls the reliance on locums “short sighted” and describes IH’s recruitment efforts as “unrealistic.”

“That’s 130 OBGYNs, not a politician speaking,” he said. “What does the minister

have to say to that?”

Osborne repeatedly pointed to the ongoing negotiations between the doctors and IH, as well as recruitment efforts and changes to the credentialing process aimed at speeding things up to get foreign health care workers on the job quicker in B.C.

“It is my expectation of these physicians and it is my expectation of Interior Health that they will come together to talk through these issues, to undertake the negotiations that are underway right now,” she said.

“I am confident that if they do that, they can come together. My commitment to them and to Interior Health is to support them and to do everything that we can to support maternity services, not just in Kamloops but in every community across this province.”

MINISTER HAS CONFIDENCE

Osborne heard from Kelowna-area Opposition MLAs Kristina Loewen and Gavin Dew on the issue. Loewen called for an independent review of IH and Dew suggested “nothing has changed” under the health authority’s new CEO, Sylvia Weir, who has been on the job for less than a month.

“Interior Health continues to work hard each and every single day, delivering excellent, exceptional care,” Osborne said in response to Dew.

“The leadership team at Interior Health has my confidence and I know the new CEO is working hard each and every single day, as is every health care worker.”

Former IH CEO Susan Brown stepped down in June amid a high profile closure of the pediatric ward at Kelowna General Hospital.

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The under-construction Quilchena Community Centre caught fire on Oct. 21, 2025.

FIRE SPARKS TALKS ON NEW UPPER NICOLA STATION

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com

Quick thinking and immediate action prevented what could have been a major disaster in Upper Nicola when a fire broke at at the under-construction Quilchena Community Centre.

Neighbours spotted the fire on the roof in the early morning hours of Oct. 21, with around a dozen residents and volunteer firefighters battling the blaze that took approximately 20 minutes to extinguish.

“This was a very close call that could have wiped out the new Quilchena Community Centre,” said Upper Nicola Band Communications Senior Consultant Bob Price.

The fire was contained to a small section of the building’s roof, a $30-million project that first broke ground in April of 2024. Damage was deemed as minor, though no dollar estimate has yet been given.

Upper Nicola Band Administrator Collette

Sunday said that Unitech Construction, the firm tasked with spearheading the project is reporting only a slight delay in the building’s completion goal of early 2026.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

“While our community members’ quick response likely prevented a more serious situation, this close call also underscores the need for a new community firehall in the area which is currently in the planning stages,” added Sunday.

NEW FIREHALL ON THE DRAWING BOARD

Though the fire was quickly contained and

caused minimal damage, it did highlight the need for a new firehall within the Upper Nicola boundaries. Currently, fire protection for the Quilchena area comes from Douglas Lake, where the Band has equipment on standby.

A new firehall is one of four major capital projects currently underway for Upper Nicola Band, alongside the Community Centre, the Spahomin Water Treatment Plant, and the Nicola/Michelle road upgrade. According to McElhanney Consultants, the firehall project is set to be completed by 2027, though it has been discussed among the community since  at least the early 1990s.

“This is another one of those legacy projects that we’re looking to proceed forward and have at construction level soon,” said Ashley Phillips, a professional engineer with McElhanney.

The new hall would service Quilchena, with a desired location at Douglas Lake Road and Hwy. 5A right across from Our Lady of Lourdes Church.

UNB Director of Community Services

Peyton McRae said that though the project is a long time coming, finding funding can be time-consuming and difficult.

“You’ve got to be able to prove that you can manage that building, and maintain those services. I think that’s one of the bigger challenges in our community is dealing with that capacity, with things like emergency services.”

Phillips said the design aspect of the project has been completed, and engineers are now working with an architect as well as an archaeologist to bring it to fruition. The next step includes putting forward an application for construction funding.

Nicola Valley Museum and Archives

Annual General Meeting

Thursday, November 13th at 7pm 1675 Tutill Court @ Senior’s Centre

Elections of Officers and Directors

Annual Review

Voting on Bylaw Changes

Refreshments Will Be Provided

Guest Speaker: Robin Humphrey

Speaking on traditional Indigenous tattooing methodology and symbology

5 pm - 10 pm

NICOLA VALLEY VIEWPOINT

LETTERS to the Editor

PRIORITIZE HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS IN FEDERAL BUDGET

Editor,

I’ve seen how the housing crisis has deeply affected our community. More and more people are being pushed into homelessness, and it feels like everyone is falling behind. We have to turn things around, and we have an opportunity in front of us with the upcoming federal budget on November 4.

The only way to unlock Canada’s full economic potential is if our governments take leadership to end homelessness and solve the housing crisis once and for all. Recently the federal government announced Build Canada Homes, including a $1 billion investment in supportive and transitional housing. This is an important first step, but the scale of our housing and homelessness crisis demands a more robust response. We need a system that works for everyone, especially in the wake of Trump’s trade war and the uncertainty that so many are facing.

Bold action and even bolder commitments and investments can shape a future where everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home. I know that’s possible, but people in our community have to come together and show our federal representatives that this Budget is our chance to create lasting change and put an end to the housing and homelessness crisis.

I’m encouraging readers to join me. Raise your voice for a bold 2025 Federal Budget that prioritizes action on homelessness and housing. We can’t wait any longer. You can go to https://action.caeh.ca/budget_25 to learn more & take action.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES WORK IN CANADIAN CLIMATE

Editor,

The argument most Canadians have against a mandate for buying EVs instead of gas or diesel-powered vehicles is it is too cold in Canada for EVs to operate effectively. That could be (valid) if we look only at the Prairie provinces and everything north of the 50th parallel—north of Grand Prairie, Alberta and Flinn Flon, Manitoba. If we make a comparison of climate between Canada, south of the 50th parallel, and Norway for example, where the sales of EVs now account for 95 per cent of its vehicular sales, we find our most populous part of the country, southern Ontario, is only 1 C colder than Norway in the winter and is 4 C warmer in the summer. If we want to continue fulfilling our world agreement for neutralizing our CO2 output, stabilizing our temperature to less than 1 C, we need to follow through on making it mandatory for new vehicle buyers to opt in for EVs—at least in those parts of the country that make it tolerable to own them. That would include the populous southern Ontario, southern Quebec, mainland B.C. and most of the Maritimes. “New vehicles” is meant to include cars of all description as well as light delivery trucks, to make sure the latter numbers aren’t successive because of buyers circumventing the EV regulations.

VIEWPOINT

CANADA HAS RESPONSIBILITY TO LEAD

Editor,

In his address to the nation on October 22, Prime Minister Carney said he would cut wasteful spending and make unprecedented investments in Canada. We should all be clear that that cuts to foreign aid, that may be implemented, in fact are wasteful. When other countries pull back, Canada still has an opportunity – and I would say responsibility – to lead the way and reaffirm its global commitments. Maintaining our aid should help to attract new trade partners, create regional stability where flareups may further erode the promise of democracy, and ensure health systems are prepared for future outbreaks. In the long term, we may hope to attract the brightest minds to Canada.

– Randy Rudolph Calgary, A.B.

ART-TASTIC!

This week’s submission is by Alivia Schuitema, Grade 9. Community members, teachers and students... Submit your artwork to newsroom@ merrittherald. com for a chance to be featured in print each week! Submissions are printed on a first come, first serve basis.

GOODBYE TOLLS

Travelling to the Interior just got a lot cheaper.

On Friday afternoon Premier Gordon Campbell announced that the tolls on the Coquihalla Highway would be removed. It was part of his annual address at the Union of B.C. Municipalities, and a cheer rang out when he said by the time the delegates left Penticton the toll would be history.

“The Coquihalla Highway opened British Columbia’s Interior like never before, generating economic opportunities and fostering the tremendous growth of communities,” Campbell told the assembly.

“Former Premier Bill Bennett had a vision for a highway that would see our province reach its full economic potential. It has succeeded beyond anyone’s expectations and has become the foundation for a transportation network that has opened up Canada’s Pacific Gateway to North America and the rest of the world.”

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

Expect Mail Delays

CANADA POST IS CURRENTLY ON ROTATING STRIKES, which may delay the delivery of your invoice. If you have not received your utility invoice by early November, please visit City Hall to obtain a copy. Please note that citizens are still responsible for paying their utility bill by the due date, even if they have not received the invoice.

RESIDENTIAL: DUE NOVEMBER 26, 2025

IF PAYING BY BANK OR CREDIT CARD, SUBMIT BY NOVEMBER 20, 2025.

COMMERCIAL: DUE NOVEMBER 12, 2025

IF PAYING BY BANK OR CREDIT CARD, SUBMIT BY NOVEMBER 6, 2025.

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 he 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).

COOK’S FERRY FIRE DEPARTMENT MAKES

NEW MEMBERS, MORE TRAINING FOR COOK’S FERRY FIRE GHOULISH GRADS PUT ON HALLOWEEN HAUNT

in a moment,” Sherwood continued.

“This lived reality makes our fire department not just important, but essential to this community.”

Chief of the Cook’s Ferry Indian Band, Christine Walkem, said while the department is under the band, it will serve the same area the previous fire service, if not an expanded area.

“What doesn’t discriminate is fire. We have reserves right next to non-reserve lands. When the reserve’s on fire, you’re at risk, vice-versa,” she said.

Walkem said the band and town are working together on this, leaning on each other’s strengths.

“With the town’s bridges and capacity that each of our communities have, we’re able to build something strong.”

Joining the new department are a number of new recruits guided by some veteran members.

During the ceremony, the members - as well as Chief and council of the Cook’s Ferry Band - were presented with challenge coins, a symbol of their achievement within firefighter cultures.

“Years from now, future firefighters will look back and see this challenge coin as a piece of their station’s original history, carried first by the inaugural team who set the bar for service and excellence here,” Sherwood said.

MORE TRAINING TO GO

Most of the new recruits were also presented with their certificates of training.

Despite their recent achievements, the Cook’s Ferry Fire and Emergency Services squad still has a long ways to go.

Sherwood estimates about $1 million has been invested into the department at this point. This investment includes training, hundreds of thousands of dollars into equipment and a new fire truck which Sherwood said cost around half-a-million dollars.

The band’s fire department was able to inherit a multitude of services from the former fire service. Some of these things include personnel, equipment and a number of vehicles purchased from them.

The Cook’s Ferry fire department is using the old fire hall, as a larger one is being planned.

Sherwood said that the department is an “ever-growing and ever-learning environment.”

The fire department is currently not able to offer full firefighting services. Right now, it is able to offer exterior-level fire suppression, fighting fire f rom the outside of a structure.

Otherwise, the department deals with wildfire mitigation and response, road rescue on highway and medical responses as the town deals with the issue of long wait times for ambulances.

Sherwood said the next step is to train and be certified for interior operations and work inside buildings. After that, the department would work on starting to offer full services.

RIGHTS PROTECTED

“This fire department doesn’t just mark an era of service for protection of the community, but it marks an era where the Cook’s Ferry community now has a voice. They have a platform to speak on, to be heard by other agencies out there,” Sherwood said.

He added that without a fire department, the community would have to go i nto a state of local emergency when disaster strikes. With protection, he said the community members will have their rights protected as well as these states of emergencies could called less often.

“We’re able to take ownership again, of not only culture, but the land and also safety over both communities, Spence’s Bridge and Cook’s Ferry.”

LIVESTOCK POACHING NEAR MERRITT

Mounties are investigating an occurrence of cattle poaching near Merritt, B.C.

On the weekend of September 26 to 28, RCMP say a steer calf was shot and poached on Brookmere Road, 53km south of Merritt.

Police on the scene say they found a “substantial amount of evidence” at the scene of the crime and that the investigation is continuing.

Two more recent cases of cattle poaching are also being investigated near Quesnel and Hixon but RCMP state these are separate instances.

The RCMP is seeking further information from the public that may assist the investigation. Those with information that may be able to help the investigation are encouraged to contact Cpl. Cory Lepine of the RCMP Livestock Investigations Section at cory.lepine@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or 250-828-3128.

LOCAL SALMON POPULATION REMAINS LOW

LUC REMPEL Castanet

An expert says it’s looking like a good year to spot salmon returning to the B.C. Interior, but cautioned that a good year for some fish doesn’t mean all populations fared well.

“There’s never just one story for salmon. There’s always a number of different stories overlapping,” said Jason Hwang, chief program officer and VP salmon at the Pacific Salmon Foundation.

The Pacific Salmon Foundation is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to protecting these fish.

“A high level takeaway would be that there were a lot of good news stories for salmon this year and in general, the returns for most runs were in the range of good to very good,” he said. “And there were not very many bad news stories out there.”

Hwang said it seems like ocean conditions were favourable for salmon that were at sea, and most salmon did not face any major problems on their migration home.

“While there were some wildfires, they

were generally more localized this year, as opposed to some years when there’s wildfires that are much more broadly spread around B.C.,” he said.

While some B.C. Interior salmon fisheries are seeing great returns, Hwang said some populations fared better than others.

Fish populations were low in the Merritt area, including the Nicola and Coldwater flows. Hwang said this could be due in part to record-setting high temperatures in late summer.

“It looks like the salmon that were there were experiencing some stress, and there’s a concern that the fish that made it, a lot of them, might die before they spawn,” he said.

Fish returning to Salmon River and Bessette Creek near Salmon Arm would have dealt with similar issues.

SALMON SUCCESS STORIES

Hwang said despite struggles in a few specific areas, many salmon populations across the province are seeing a pretty successful year.

The Stuart run, which is the first major

sockeye run that comes up the Fraser, has seen major returns.

Hwang noted this fish population has been depressed for a couple of decades, and was challenged in recent years by the 2019 Big Bar landslide which blocked their path.

“In 2019 and 2020, the return for the early Stuart run was pretty much zero, because those that came back couldn’t make it past that landslide,” he said, adding experts had hoped to see between 100,000 to 110,000 fish this year.

“The run was way bigger than anyone imagined. …Over 700,000 sockeye came back on that run.”

Hwang said the marked improvement in the salmon run was only possible thanks to cooperation from the federal, provincial and First Nations governments that helped solve the problem.

“There’s been a huge payoff from the investments in salmon recovery and from the sacrifices that people made, backing off fishing and to allow that run to rebuild to numbers that I think even the most optimistic person wouldn’t have expected,” he said.

ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK FOR HOSPICE

JAKE COURTEPATTE

newsroom@merrittherald.com

Break out your poodle skirts and greaser jackets, it’s time for the Merritt Hospice Society’s Sock Hop to bring you back to the 1950s.

Celebrating the society’s 40 years in the Nicola Valley, the Merritt Legion will host a “rock around the clock” dance on Nov. 8, complete with dinner and prizes.

Many Merrittonians may remember the heyday of the sock hop in the 1950s and 60s, cutting a rug in a high school gymnasium. The name ‘sock hop’ came from the fact that shoes were not allowed on the gym floors so that they would not get scuffed or scratched.

“It’s partly a great memory for a lot of people and the fact that the music was incredible back in those days,” said Mae Webster of the Hospice Society. “We still sing along to the songs and dance, of course.”

A live band will be playing all the hits of the 50s and 60s to twist, jive and waltz the night away.

Want to really relive the Rockin’ 50s with your best John Travolta or Olivia NewtonJohn impression? Costumes are encouraged, with spotlight dances throughout the night and prizes for best dance couple and best costume.

A raffle will also be held with donated gifts from the community to raise money for the non-profit society.

40 YEARS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

It was in 1985 that a group of like-minded individuals first came together to fill a gap in the Nicola Valley by providing comfort and support to those with life-limiting illness as well as their families and caregivers.

With a firm belief that no one should die or grieve alone, hospice services are non-discriminatory and always free of charge.

“Trained volunteers reach out knowing although they can not change the outcome, they can soften the journey,” said Carol Fulcher, program coordinator and community liaison for the Hospice Society. Those looking to access the services of hospice can self-refer or receive a referral from Interior Health Authority staff. Merritt and District Hospice Society engages in public education on Advance Care Planning,

Serious Illness and Goals of Care

Conversations as well as optimizing community supports and education surrounding bereavement and grief supports.

“There are hard times because death is never easy to talk about, but I believe the more we make it part of our life and talk about it, the better we’re able to actually work through it in the end,” said Jill Sanford, former chairperson for the society.

So what does it mean for the society to have made a difference in the Nicola Valley for four decades?

“For 40 years, this group of dedicated volunteers has met a need in clients homes, facilities, coffee shops, parks or wherever needed providing companionship, respite for the caregiver and listening and validating without judgement,” said Fulcher. “It has been a pleasure to honour those volunteers who have supported the emotional and spiritual needs of individuals and their families coping with advancing and life limiting illness in the Nicola Valley since 1985.”

Merritt Hospice Program Coordinator

Lori Wright said she would like to thank everyone in the community for helping this event come to life as well as local businesses for donating some amazing prizes.

“I’ve been in this role for just a year, and I am continually amazed by the dedication and compassion of our volunteers. I couldn’t be prouder to be involved in this society.

We all know someone who has passed, and no death is easy. Whether a loss is expected or unexpected, it can hit like a storm - and the waves keep coming. A song on the radio or seeing a couple holding hands can bring those feelings rushing back. Grief changes how we see the world, and we each experience it differently. For me, grief taught me many things after my husband passed eight years ago, and I continue to learn every day.

Merritt Hospice is here to support our community through the emotions that accompany grief. There is no right way or wrong way to grieve — we are here to walk alongside you.”

Tickets for the Sock Hop on Nov. 8 from 5-10p.m. are available at Nicola Valley Chiropractor, Black’s Pharmacy, Miss Vicki’s Flower Shop and Carrie Ware & Co. Call the society at 250-280-1701 for more information.

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MERRITT VIES FOR REVITALIZATION REALITY SHOW

TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com

Happenings in Merritt may be the focus of Canadian media once again, but this time Merrittonians are focusing on the positives.

Merritt has officially applied to be the featured city in the network reality show Home Town Takeover Canada.

Home Town Takeover is an HGTV production which focuses on revitalizing small towns. The show focuses on r enovating homes, businesses and public spaces that have a meaning to the city. Rather than being an episodic series like others of its kind, Home Town Takeover takes on one city per season, tackling one part of the town each episode.

Last month, HGTV announced it was expanding the popular Home Town Takeover programming to the Canadian market, aiming to start a movement to revitalize small towns across the country.

“Home Town Takeover Canada is on a mission to spark a nationwide small town revitalization movement, starting with one special town. Inspired by the success of three seasons in the U.S., the new Canadian series will shine a light on a Canadian small town facing real challenges and give it the boost it needs to get back on its feet,” Rogers Media said in a press release, who own Canadian HGTV rights.

“Merritt makes a good candidate because of everything we’ve been through, the resilience of the people.”

— TNV President Melvina White

HGTV asked Canadian towns with under 20,000 people to apply to be featured on the show. One aspect of the bid was for towns to show its “resiliency”.

“We’re excited to celebrate and showcase the resilience, heart and deep sense of community rooted in small towns across our country,” said Kale Stockwell, Head of Original

Programming, Rogers Sports & Media.

Merrittonians feel like Merritt fits all the criteria, specifically a resilient town.

Hit hard by the 2021 atmospheric river event, Merritt is actively rebuilding its infrastructure and is in the midst of completing its multi-million dollar flood mitigation plan.

People of all kinds in Merritt have been receptive to the idea of welcoming TV crews to come down and help out.

Tourism Nicola Valley (TNV), the designated marketing organization for the city, said that the show’s producers have already interviewed members of the community including Mayor Mike Goetz, developer Frank Rizzardo and TNV consultant Greg Girard.

TNV President Melvina White told the Herald that they believe the interviewing process went well and that t here’s a “positive” reception to Merritt’s application.

“I think Merritt makes a good candidate because of everything we’ve been t hrough, the resilience of the people and the people who’ve stepped up to the plate,” she said.

“It was a rough, rough time with that flood, and then we just get finished with that and then we get a bunch of fires. We lost two full summers here because of smoke and had no visitors because they couldn’t breathe.”

“Throughout the disasters we’ve had, everybody stepped up to the plate the best they could to help each other.”

She likened this situation to one in the past, where a show from Toronto came to Merritt and people came out at 3:00 a.m. to watch. White recalled there was as many as 2,500 people who came out that night.

“It was incredible,” she said.

“I also find that Merritt, when it needs to come together, they come together. There’s just not enough of that on a regular basis.”

White said the Home Town Takeover show would add to the momentum Merritt is building on.

As for a timeline, Merritt could know if it is accepted by the end of the year. The show’s production would be scheduled to run sometime next year.

Multiple areas of town are already being looked at for having their parts of the city touched up in a potential meet.

White said that the Walk of Stars tourist attraction as well as the Tourism

Adventure Centres are in preliminary plans for a touch-up.

She said Spirit Square is also an area that is being looked at to be upgraded, which falls in line with the City’s downtown revitalization plan as well.

NICOLA VALLEY SPORTS

FAIRLEY PARK TO BENEFIT FROM THOUSANDS RAISED

The Heroes in the Park softball tournament was held in late August.

reporter@merrittherald.com

The fundraising goal for the Heroes in the Park softball tournament was hit out of the park, with Merritt first responders raising thousands of dollars for the community.

The four-team tournament happened on Sunday, Aug. 24. Four teams, making up the core of Merritt’s first responders of the fire department, RCMP, EHS and searcg abd rescue came to play under the summer heat.

Over the course of the event, around $5,900 was raised as a crowd of a couple hundred people came to support.

The winners of the tournament were ultimately the fire department. Finishing in second place was the RCMP. In third and fourth place were Merritt Ambulance Services and Nicola Valley Search and Rescue (NVSAR) respectively.

Despite the differences between the groups, they all share the goal of putting others before themselves, said RCMP Constable Manish Dutta who organized the event.

“As cliche as it’s going to sound (our duty) is to protect and serve. And I think that in this line of work, whether you be the fire department or EHS (Emergency Health Services), we’re all in the business of giving to others,” Dutta said. He said the event felt good for emergency services members too, saying it felt good to interact with people under positive circumstances rather than during an emergency.

During an Oct. 14 city council meeting, Dutta and a member of NVSAR presented a cheque to the city worth $4,334.50. The remaining money will be sent later.

The money will go towards improvements to Fairley Park. The park is named a fter the late fire department captain George Fairley, who died in the line of duty in 1967.

“It’s for a kids park, it’s for our own

community. And just the response that I’ve got for something that was just an idea of mine, while I was laying on my bed after the gym... then it turned into this whole thing. I never expected it to turn out that way.”

In an email to the Herald, the City of Merritt said the design for the new equipment at Fairley Park is still being planned.

The City said that the designing consultant group, Modus, will be presenting a concept design to council on December 9, which includes feedback from community members from two prior open houses.

Dutta said the fire department was particularly supportive of the event and were receptive to the idea of keeping the tournament going.

“They were touched by our efforts to do this for a park that held a sentimental value to them.”

Merritt may have a new annual event to look forward to as Dutta expressed interest in keeping the tournament alive.

“This year we’re doing it for Fairley Park. Maybe next year it could be someone else that’s going to benefit the community.”

Dutta had spent countless hours of his own time organizing the event. After grueling shifts, he would still make time to go out and gather donations from businesses or have meetings with other first responders for planning.

Despite the effort exhausting him, he’s not ready to let something like this die.

“I wouldn’t say it was very difficult for me to decide that this is what I wanted to do as for the community,” he said.

“Small communities are usually tight knit. And when you’re just around talking to the people you know, and more people are getting to know you over the period of four-and-a-half years I’ve been here, it just makes you want to do more for the people.”

MSS PANTHERS SERVE UP SENIOR NIGHT ON THE VOLLEYBALL COURT

GRAPPLERS SCORE MEDALS

TY LIM

reporter@merrittherald.com

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) practitioners from Merritt’s Adelphi Grappling participated in one of the largest BJJ tournaments of the year in Canada.

Hundreds took to the Richmond Olympic Oval for the ADCC Canada Vancouver Open, which took place on Saturday, Oct. 25.

ADCC is one of the world’s premier promotions for the sport of grappling, with athletes under the promotion’s banner competing for the prestigious title of world champion of their weight class.

Their open competitions however, are open to any level of competition.

Four athletes from Merritt’s mixed martial arts team competed in the open tournament.

Methuka Mallawarachchi took silver in his weight class. He won his first bout by a rear naked choke, before losing his second match.

Alex Schweitzer had two competitive matches that didn’t end in his favour.

Coach Kasey Wycotte also had a competitive and lively match with one opponent that also didn’t end in his favour.

Finally, Autumn Quewezance closed out the tournament for Adelphi Grappling gaining a silver medal in her division as she submitted her first opponent with a kimura but lost to her second opponent.

NICOLA VALLEY COMMUNITY

Contact

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD RETURNS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com

With the holidays just around the corner, Operation Christmas Child is once again underway around the country and within the City of Merritt.

Since 1993, the campaign has collected and distributed more than 232 million shoebox gifts in more than 130 countries to children around the world living in the midst of poverty, disease, war, and natural disaster.

“Struggling children and families need hope,” said Kendra Shields, director of Operation Christmas Child. “This is the essence of Operation Christmas Child. Every shoebox gift is an opportunity for a child to learn that he or she matters to Canadians and, most importantly, matters to God. That’s why I want everyone to help as many children in need as possible by packing shoeboxes.”

Merrittonians who would like to drop off a stuffed shoebox can stop by the Nicola Valley Evangelical Free Church located at 1950 Maxwell Ave., from Nov. 17 to 23.

Shoeboxes shoeboxes can be packed with everything from toys, to school supplies, hygiene

items, personal notes, photos and more.

In 2024, Canadians filled more than 436,000 shoeboxes with gifts that shared God’s love and hope with struggling children in West Africa, Central America, Ukraine and Philippines, where Shields said donations such as

these are desparately needed.

“In a world weighed down with inflation, political turmoil and the effects of war, children need joy more than ever.”

Canadians can also pack boxes online at PackABox.ca.

■ Approved mini-storage

■ On-siterentals

■ Secured

■ SaleofNew&Used storagecontainers

■ Phone:250-315-3000

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

CLASSIFIEDS

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

Beverly June

Ware/Woods (Hendy)

June 27, 1930 - October 11, 2025

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of long time Merritt resident Beverly Ware/Woods (Hendy) on Saturday, October 11, 2025. She made it to the impressive age of 95.

Bev was born on June 27, 1930 in Kamloops BC. The Hendy family resided in Spences Bridge until Bev was 8 and then moved to Merritt where she spent her remaining 87 years.

Mom and Gramma were Bev’s main titles in her lifetime, but she lived and provided for her family in many capacities over the years. Bev was probably best known for her time at The Corner Market on Coldwater Ave, where her partner Chuck and brother Phillip owned and operated the little corner store from 1980 until they sold it in 1989 and bought the Lower Nicola Trailer Park. She remained at the park until retirement in 1995. She also spoke of her times as a cashier at Overwaitea, in the kitchen at the NV Gen. Hospital and cooking at The Valnic, Granny’s Kitchen and Mr. Mikes.

Bev was a lover of dogs, music and dancing, and her garden. She always enjoyed having dinners with her family. She was a sewing queen, a knitter of sweaters, a long time member of the Legion, the Old Time Fiddlers Square Dancers, she league bowled, floor curled at the Senior Center and in her youth played softball. We also have a picture of her playing donkey basketball, and even though we have no idea what it’s all about, it looked like a great time was being had by all. Bev always enjoyed walking with the ladies of Lower Nicola and travelling with friends and family, which she did whenever the opportunity presented itself.

It is incredibly difficult to fit 95 years of such a tenacious woman into a couple of paragraphs.

Bev is Mother to Karen (Darrel) Schafer, Gerry Ware, Kellie Lawrence and Michelle (Joel) Coulombe. She is Gramma (Gma) to Gitane and Devin Coulombe, Susan, Joann and Anna-Marie Ware and Justin, Katrina and Krysta Lawrence. She is also a Great and Great Great Gramma, she is an Aunt, a Great Aunt and a Great Great Aunt too. She has many extended family members as well.

Bev was predeceased by her partner Chuck Woods (1999), her son Brent Woods (1997), her daughter Terry Ware (1964) and siblings Joyce Mynott, Phillip and Melville Hendy. We pray she is now with all those that she loved that went before her, including her dogs, Tessa and Oreo.

For everyone that had the occasion to care for Bev (Bevy) at Gillis House during her stay, it was apparent that she was well loved by many. Thank you, you know who you are. Please know everything you did and do is appreciated and will be remembered.

If you have a story or a picture to share about Bev, please do: www.merrittfuneralchapel.com Service has yet to be determined.

Anthony Noel Price

1977- 2025

With broken hearts, the Price family must announce the passing of our son, brother, uncle and friend. Anthony Noel Price. He was deeply loved by his family: his parents Lyn and Sandy Price, sister Alicia (Ben) and brothers Matthew and Mark Price (Chloe, Bryn, Alba), his grandmother, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins in BC, AB and Wales.

Anthony was an artist who loved painting; he had great taste in music and always had a favourite new song or album to recommend. He was a decorated athlete in his youth, particularly in track and field and played rugby for the Comox Kickers as an adult. He was a sports fan who loved basketball and had a real soft spot for the Philadelphia Eagles. He could be an absolute hoot, and many laughter-filled Christmas Eve game nights are being fondly remembered. Anthony was a complex man who succumbed to an accidental overdose after a long battle with his mental health. We share this information to eliminate the shame and stigma related to addiction. He was worthy of love and dignity and was, and is, loved by us deeply. Anthony wanted more for himself, but his ambition did not always come to fruition in his all-tooshort life. In his honour, please celebrate his spirit, creativity, character, sense of humour, and smile. Anthony leaves behind loved ones who will carry him in their hearts forever.

To our family, friends, and communities, we extend our deepest gratitude for your love, support and compassion. Your condolences and stories about Anthony have been a balm to our grief.

We wish to thank Staff Sgt. Josh Roda, Cst. Sarah Smith, Cst. Ed Query, Cst. Joey Piattelli and Shelby Morisseau for their empathy, kindness and assistance. Finally, we thank Angela Texmo from the Merritt Funeral Chapel for guiding us through this incredible loss with such care and clarity.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Nicola Valley Food Bank and The Soup Bowl, St. Michael’s, Merritt, in Anthony’s name.

Celebration of Life for Norman Phillips

The family of Norman Phillips warmly invites you to join us to share memories, stories, and laughter as we celebrate a life well lived.

Sunday, November 2, 2025

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Merritt Legion – Downstairs

Please drop in at any time throughout the day to honour Norman’s memory, reconnect with friends, and celebrate a man who touched so many lives. Light refreshments will be served.

Concetta Teresa D’alessandro (Toriano)

October 10, 1945 to October 19, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Concetta D’alessandro, who entered into rest on October 19, 2025 in Merritt, B.C. at the age of 80 years.

Concetta will be deeply missed by her husband Gaetano D’alessandro, after 61 years of marriage; Daughter Maria (Kim); Sons, Nicole and Guido of Merritt, B.C; Brother In Law Pat D’alessandro (Ankie) of Merritt, B.C.; Grandkids, Roberto, Sabine, Cassandra, Graham, Samantha Jo; Great Grandkids, Brody, Sophia and Kaiden; her Sisters, Nicolette and Teresa of Italy and many more family members in Italy and USA, plus many friends from all over.

Concetta was predeceased by her parents Guido and Victoria Toriano of Valafonsina Italy and her son Guiseppe D’alessandro of Merritt, B.C. in 2022.

She has left a tremendous hole in so many lives, more love then she could ever have known and she will never be forgotten.

“Until we meet again,” with prayers that she rests in everlasting peace. At this time, we extend a warm and heartfelt thanks to Gillis House and the hospital in Merritt, B.C., and to those who have been supporting our family during this difficult time. We are deeply touched by all the expressions of love from everyone.

A celebration to honour her wonderful soul will be November 8, 2025, at the Sacred Heart Church, 2302 Jackson Ave, Merritt, BC, at 11 AM for family and friends of family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Merritt Diabetes Clinic. 3451 Voght Street

SUDOKU

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.