Merritt Herald October 9, 2025

Want

COUNT

BC Housing has released the latest numbers for the 2025 Homeless Count in Merritt.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2025

LNIB ELECTS NEW CHIEF

Nicholas Peterson was previously elected to Lower Nicola Indian Band council in 2013 and 2016.

TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com

Nicholas Peterson is the new chief of the Lower Nicola Indian Band in one of the tightest races in the band’s history. Five votes were all that separated the opposing parties running for chief of LNIB. A total of 499 ballots were cast for the position of chief, which were counted in the closing hours of October 4 at Rocky Pines Community Centre.

The count for chief lasted hours, with LNIB members, councillors and other members of the public in attendance.

The race went down to the wire as votes for Peterson and the then-Chief Stuart Jackson piled almost equally.

After the race was called, the result was so close - 246 votes for Jackson and 251 for Peterson - that the ballots had to be recounted in accordance with the LNIB Custom Election Law 2025, which states any result for chief that has a margin of five votes

SEVEN ELECTED: continued on page 3

FIRE PREVENTION

Check out some tips and tricks to be FireSmart prepared and wildfire ready, part of Fire Prevention Week running until Oct. 11.

NICOLA VALLEY NEWS

SEVEN ELECTED TO LOWER NICOLA COUNCIL

or less between the winner and runner-up has to be recounted.

The rule and law is new to the band, only being enacted as of June 27.

After the recount, it was deemed there were no errors made in the count and no change to the winner.

“It’s just awesome to see the community together and have so many people vote,” Peterson told the Herald immediately following the election.

“We had just under 500 people vote, and to have such a close race speaks volumes to Stuart (Jackson) and myself and how the community respects both of us.”

This will be Peterson’s first time as chief, but the newly-elected has years of experience in the political workings of the band, having been elected as councillor in both 2013 and 2016.

Peterson resigned from council in 2017 to move to Utah, U.S.A. with his family.

He returned to the Nicola Valley last year and worked at LNIB as the Cumulative Effects Coordinator.

He also boasts a Bachelor’s degree in Biology Education and a Master’s degree in Environmental Science from Thompson Rivers University. In Utah, Peterson took up a career as a firefighter while in Utah.

“Every step has taught me important lessons. As a first responder, I saw how

trauma affects people, families and our community. That’s why healing and mental wellness will be a top priority. As a high school teacher, I learned how even small choices can change a person’s path in life. I care deeply about our youth, and they will be a focus of my leadership. Returning home, I’ve worked under the late Leesa Mike, balancing the protection of our environment - especially salmon - while supporting economic opportunities for our people,” Peterson wrote in a statement during his bid for chief on August 19.

Peterson inherits LNIB from Jackson, who was first elected chief in 2019 and held the position until now.

After the election, Peterson expressed his admiration for his predecessor and said he was surprised the vote was so close.

“It’ll certainly be a collective decision,” he said. “I don’t necessarily have any grand new, novel ideas. It’s just the time tested true values of listening to our community, being transparent to our community and serving the community, ultimately.”

“What are the needs of the community, and how can we best deliver those through a strong administration, through strong governance.”

Serving on council will be:

Robin Humphrey with 266 votes

“It’s beautiful to have a respectful campaign throughout, so I’m really grateful for that.”

— Nicholas Peterson, Incoming LNIB Chief

“I know Stuart’s been doing great work, and he’s been doing good things, so I didn’t think the vote would necessarily be five votes (apart), but I think (the vote count) that’s very appropriate. It’s beautiful to have a respectful campaign throughout, so I’m really grateful for that.”

Jackson has guided LNIB through multiple projects building their community.

During his tenure, a 14-unit affordable housing complex was constructed in 2023 for LNIB band members, tackling the issue of homelessness in their community.

Peterson said he is still deciding what direction he envisions LNIB going, and that any decision will be made with council and the community in mind.

Leona Antoine with 206 votes

Sue Sterling-Bur with 205 votes

Lesley Manuel with 187 votes

Yental Coutlee with 170 votes

William (Bill) Bose with 169 votes

Lucinda Seward with 167 votes.

Seward had narrowly beaten Hrolfe Joe for the final spot on LNIB’s council by two votes. Again, according to their 2025 Election Law, the band had to recount the ballots for Seward and Joe. Peterson is looking forward to his role as chief.

“Thanks to all the membership, thanks to the community members at large,” he said. “(LNIB) We have neighbouring bands and neighbouring municipalities and Lower Nicola plays an influential part in our local politics. I look forward to getting to know everyone and hope to hold up to the high responsibility that I know this (role) has. And of course, hope and beg for everyone’s patience with me as I am new to the position. There’s a learning curve and strength that I’ll need to cumulatively gather over time.”

UNSHELTERED HOMELESS POPULATION NEARLY DOUBLES IN MERRITT

JAKE COURTEPATTE newsroom@merrittherald.com

There are 94 people experiencing homelessness in Merritt, according to the most recent count conducted by BC Housing and the Homelessness Services Association of BC (HSABC).

Of the 20 communities counted in the survey conducted in April of 2025, 12 saw an increase in the unhoused population, including Merritt rising from a total of 67 at the last count in 2023.

The ‘Point-in-time’ survey, released on Oct. 2, includes an estimated number of people experiencing homelessness, their demographic characteristics, and other information including service use, income, and reasons for housing loss.

Among the most impactful developments in Merritt’s homelessness crisis is the number of unsheltered compared to sheltered. In 2023, 37 individuals were deemed unsheltered, compared to 70 this year.

Unsheltered homelessness includes those who stayed outside in alleys, doorways, parkades, parks and vehicles or those who were staying temporarily at someone else’s place (couch surfing), a hotel without a place to return to, or with their parents in a temporary situation.

Of the 70 respondents experiencing unsheltered homelessness, 52 per cent were staying with others, such as temporarily couch surfing with friends,

relatives, their parents or others.

It is noted that the unsheltered count relies on a variety of factors that individuals may find themselves in on the day of the count.

The number of those sheltered, however, saw a decrease from 30 individuals to 24.

Most are long-time residents

The vast majority of those experiencing homelessness in Merritt are long-time residents, consistent with data retrieved from other communities around British Columbia. 98 per cent of respondents acknowledged that they had been in the community for one year or longer, while 56 percent said that they have always been in the community.

Sixteen per cent said that they have been experiencing homelessness for six months or less.

Mental health and substance use continue to be leading causes

Issues surrounding mental health remain the largest contributing factors to homelessness in Merritt, with 74 percent of respondents identifying mental issues. Similarly, 71 per cent reported substance abuse.

TWO DOZEN MORE IN 2025 HOMELESS COUNT

UNSHELTERED: continued from page 4

Indigenous homelessness continues to rise

Indigenous people continue to be overrepresented within the population of those experiencing homelessness, with 67 per cent of respondents identifying as Indigenous despite representing just 20 per cent of the total census population in Merritt.

“Disproportionate rates of homelessness are rooted in the ongoing structural violence of settler colonial society that creates hierarchical systems of privilege and oppression,” said HSABC. “Indigenous people in Canada face racism, discrimination, and the impacts of intergenerational trauma

which can limit safe and equitable access to services making it easier to lose, and harder to acquire, safe and stable housing.”

Adult men remain the highest demographic

Around two-thirds of respondents identified as male, with 62 per cent being within the 25-54 age range.

The province began doing Point-inTime counts in 2018, with local municipalities tasked with conducting their own prior. A full snapshot of the 2024-25 Report on Homeless Counts will be available this winter once the provincially-funded data is combined with that of federally-funded and independent surveys.

The Lower Nicola Garlic Festival 2025 wishes to thank all of our amazing vendors and hardworking volunteers who gave their time, energy, and heart to make this year’s festival a success.

We’re grateful to the community and surrounding area for coming out to support us, and to Jeff Wyatt of Card Board Alley Productions and the talented musicians for filling the weekend with great music!

— Lower Nicola Community Association —

SEE YOU IN 2026

NICOLA VALLEY ATV CLUB Stumbles Forest Service Road ATV/UTV Staging Area Project

The Nicola Valley ATV Club received a Grant from the Outdoor Recreation Council of B.C. to construct an ATV/UTV Staging Area at the junction of Aberdeen Road and the Stumbles Forest Service Road. The Staging Area will act as the launch point to gain access to a trail system the Club is trying to acquire under a Section 57 agreement with Recreation Sites and Trails B.C. The launch site will be open for use to ‘all’ backcountry users and during ‘all’ seasons.

The NVATV Club is extremely grateful to the many local businesses and individuals who have contributed to this project. In fact, the Club is quite overwhelmed with the response it has received from our community towards this project. In difficult times the true strength of a community and its people comes to light. Separate recognition will be given to these businesses and individuals through a “Special Message” in this newspaper.

The project started with an optimistic $18,000.00 budget, and to date the project has earned over $40,000.00 in donations, equipment time and volunteer labour. A fantastic showing for a small organization. Our hope is that the area will be well used and well respected. We are proud to have been able to provide another much needed backcountry recreation facility to the Province of British Columbia.

Visit our Facebook page –NICOLA VALLEY ATV CLUB –to see what we’re all about.

We think you’ll like what you find!

JOIN THE ADVENTURE –BECOME A MEMBER! We’re always excited to welcome new members to the Nicola Valley ATV Club. Whether you’re an experienced rider or just getting started, there’s a place for you in our community.

NICOLA VALLEY VIEWPOINT

A WELCOMING RETURN TO THE WORLD OF JOURNALISM

One thing about when you’re passionate about your craft, the powers that be always seem to keep you coming back.

After the departure of the Merritt Herald’s intrepid editor Laisa Conde earlier this month, I have moved from the role of office manager/sales lead into the role as the paper’s editor, a chair that I am all too familiar with sitting in already.

The Oct. 9 edition marks my third tour of duty as the Herald editor, coming and going a few times since 2020 as I’ve pursued other career opportunities. Yet, a

combination of my love for writing and the romanticism of the Herald providing me with my first kick at editorship back then seems to always see me coming back to the nest.

My first foray as the Herald editor came at an odd time in the lives of all Canadians. Just over one month after I moved across the country from Toronto to Merritt, the first case of COVID-19 hit B.C. That, combined with the Nov. 2021 flood, was some of the cornerstones of my first couple years.

Add in a career move to the Okanagan, sprinkle in a corporate position that I realized was not my kind of world, and just over one year ago I returned to the Herald as the office manager/sales lead, a new path for me. Being a people person and having a way with words, as well as working with a great team that I already knew, boded well.

As she mentioned on page six of the Oct. 2 edition, Laisa has now moved on to take over the position of editor with the Quesnel Cariboo Observer. I’ve been privileged to call her both a co-worker and a friend, as well as a great journalist that will thrive up there.

So, the move back into the editor’s chair just seemed like a natural one for me. I’ve always felt very lucky to not only be in a career that I went to school for, but also one that I am passionate about and care deeply for.

So for those around town that used to know me as editor and I haven’t seen in awhile, I’ll be seeing you soon. For those that know me through sales, I’m sure I’ll still see you around, and I look forward to maintaining the great relationships that I’ve developed t hrough any of the hats I’ve worn at the Merritt Herald.

FALL IS HERE: WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT DRY SKIN?

As the cool, dry air of fall and winter arrives, many people start to notice their skin becoming itchy, flaky, and tight. The good news is there are simple, consistent habits that can make a big difference.

Start by adding moisture to your environment. Using a humidifier set around 60% can help replenish the skin’s top layer and prevent dryness caused by indoor heating. Dont have a humidifier? Use a crock pot with water set on high, add some cinnamon sticks and lemon peels for

a delicious smell through the house

When bathing, keep it short and warm, not hot. Limit yourself to one five- to ten-minute shower or bath a day. Hot water and long soaks strip away the natural oils that help your skin retain moisture.

Choose gentle cleansers. Skip deodorant and perfumed soaps that can dry or irritate your skin. Instead, use mild, moisturizing, or soap-free cleansers.

Go easy on scrubbing tools like washcloths or loofahs—they can damage the skin’s surface. After bathing, pat—don’t rub—dry with a soft towel.

Then, the most important step: moisturize immediately. Apply cream or lotion while your skin is still damp to seal in moisture. If you dislike the greasy feel, rub a small amount between your hands first, then smooth it over the skin until it’s fully absorbed.

If your skin itches, resist the urge to scratch. Instead, reapply moisturizer or use a cold compress for relief~ It’s hard I know. I had a reaction to a dish soap and my hands itched intensely. I used ice cubes to calm my palms.

Finally, look at what touches your skin daily. Use fragrance-free laundry detergent and skip fabric softeners. Choose soft, breathable fabrics like cotton instead of wool or synthetics that can irritate dry skin.Use wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets.

For a natural boost, try pure coconut oil, shea butter, or aloe vera gel as soothing, chemical-free moisturizers. And remember to hydrate from the inside out—drink plenty of water and eat water-rich foods like fruits, fresh veggies, soups, and broths. Your skin will thank you with a healthy, radiant glow!

is

member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact newsroom@merrittherald.com or call (250) 378-4241. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at www. mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

THANKSGIVING: A MUCH ADO ABOUT SOMEONE

NARAYAN MITRA You Gotta Have Faith

As the harvest season, with its attendant yearly season of pumpkin displays and yellowish harvest rapture begins, it’s a good time to be reminded of the priority of praising God.

The Psalm 145, written by King David in the Old Testament, gives a good handle to do the above.

One of the most common ways to praise God is through our prayers. It’s interesting that Jesus left us only one prayer as an example of how we are to pray, in Matthew 6:9-13.

Commonly called The Lord’s Prayer, its accurate title should be the “Disciples’ Prayer.”

“Hallowed” is a New Testament expression used only in reference to God, meaning to revere Him.

Praise is vocal adoration of God. Adoration is the act of rendering divine honour, esteem, and love.

Praise is also an essential part of life because only praise puts God in His rightful place.

In praising God, we declare His sovereignty and recognize His nature and power. Praise, by its nature, is unselfish, because it demands a shift in centre from self to God.

One cannot praise God without relinquishing preoccupation with self. Praise, then, produces forgetfulness of one’s self and forgetfulness

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

of self is a healthy biblical practice.

The phrase “Praise the Lord” has been so overused and abused in our times that it means very little these days. It has fast become a religious slang, a catch phrase.

Technically, to praise someone is the act of one’s esteem of a person for his or her virtue or accomplishments. It is to pronounce that person worthy of honour.

Because God is awesome, the Israelites in the Bible would simply say the same things over and over again, even though they understood that vain repetition is a bad thing. Therefore, they came up with a system to stimulate praise – the acrostic system we find in Psalm 145.

All but one verse in the psalm starts off with a Hebrew alphabet each.

A simple outline of this 21-verse psalm can be worked out as:

1. Who can praise God? The answer: only those who are His children.

2. When should we praise God?

David’s answer is “forever and ever.”

3. Why should we praise God?

Because His is great. This passage is loaded with attributes and works of God. He is great, mighty, merciful, a mystery, long-suffering, perfectly unconditional and omniscient.

In spite of the above characteristics, David reinforced, that when God seems to be far away from us, let us remember that we are who generally move away from Him. We can go nowhere out of His

presence. He would be always with us. We don’t invite Him into our churches. He is already there. With these reflections on God, David concluded his psalm (song) in v.21 in the only way he could.

It’s as if he was saying: “Look, after all I have said about God, I have no other choice but to praise Him.”

By the way, let’s not forget that the mouth speaks only those things that come from the heart. So David’s heart must have been full of praise for God.

Notice also that his prayer is that all people would praise God forever and ever. Every psalm that David wrote encourages us to praise Him in some ways.

David could think that way because his focus was on God and not on himself. By nature, we are a long way from being like David in our thoughts about God.

At times, we seem to picture the Bible’s characters as guys who were roaming out in the wilderness with nothing better to do.

David was the leader of a vast empire and his days were full, but he always understood the priority of praising his Heavenly Father.

This Thanksgiving, let us recognize the graciousness of God in our lives to the degree that we are in a constant state of praise – praising Him first of all for who He is, and then for what He has done for us.

Narayan Mitra is the Pastor of Merritt Baptist Church.

A LOOK BACK

From the Herald archives

DATE

MOUNTAINFEST PREP

Mountainfest 2012 dates are set and even though this year might have rained on his parade, organizer Claude Lelievre said things are looking up for Merritt’s country music festival.

“This past year showed the promise that Mountainfest should be here,” said Lelievre.

“We had a very good comeback year, and we’re ready to grow.”

Next year’s festival will take place from July 19-22, a week later than it was this year. Even though this year’s festival-goers experienced an unusually cold weekend, Lelievre said the weather didn’t really factor into the decision to push the festival back in 2012.

“The third week in July has been good for us weather wise in the past, but then we’ve had years where August was not worth a damn.”

And as far as booking artists goes, Lelievre said they already have some offers in, which puts them three months ahead of schedule compared to last year.

DID YOU KNOW? Property owners are responsible for maintaining not only their own property but also the adjacent lane or boulevard. This includes more than snow removal — it also means trimming trees, shrubs, plants, and grass that encroach on boulevards, removing debris, pulling weeds, and cutting grass on both your property and the adjacent laneway. (BYLAW 2387, 2024) Let’s

Light

times, as well as firefighter and public

when

MERRITT TO CHASE FEDERAL FLOOD MONEY AS NEW PROVINCIAL FUNDING RUNS DRY

TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com

There will be no new money coming for flood mitigation from the B.C. government as the province attempts to reign in their spending.

Recent budget announcements by the Province show that B.C. is in a $11.6 billion deficit.

Amidst this record debt, provincial officials in ministers Kelly Greene and Randene Neill told leaders of local governments that the debt means there will be no more new money going into provincial flood mitigation funds, the Vancouver Sun reported Sept. 19.

“For the next fiscal budget, there is no new funding,” said B.C. minister of water, land, and resource stewardship, Radene Neill in an interview with Global B.C.

While the B.C. ministry of emergency preparedness and climate readiness and ministry of land and water, land and resource stewardship did not confirm that there will be - or will not be - no new or future funding or how much current funding is available, the ministries did confirm there is still funding available and projects in the works.

These include an ongoing Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) fund and its Disaster Resilience and

Innovation Fund (DRIF).

The CEPF has been responsible for over $340 million in funding throughout the province since 2017, and the DRIF program was created last year, funding $27 million so far. 2026 DRIF projects will be announced soon.

One of the main funding streams for the CEPF program is the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) stream that was not renewed for this next year.

Merritt’s flood mitigation director Sean Strang said this stream played an important role in flood mitigation efforts.

“Previously, this important work was funded by the Province through grants administered by the Union of BC Municipalities, specifically the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund – Disaster Risk Reduction stream. This grant stream ran for multiple intakes, but was not renewed this year. The province instead launched the Disaster Resilience and Innovation Funding (DRIF) program to fund these types of projects,” he wrote in an email to the Herald

“The DRIF program fixed many of the small issues in the previous grant program, and the province has funded two intakes for this program, but neither one even close to approaching the total

OCT 16TH 2025, THURSDAY @2:00PM TRINITY UNITED CHURCH MEETING ROOM RSVP TO NVTSADMIN@TELUS.NET

We are currently seeking board members who will serve a minimum of a two year term and assist NVTS to maintain and expand transportation services in our community. Please email to nvtsadmin@telus.net for application form or more information.

PROVINCE CONTRIBUTED ‘MORE THAN THEIR FAIR SHARE’ OF FLOOD MITIGATION FUNDING

MERRITT: continued from page 9

funding under the previous CEPF-DRR program”

Still, Merritt officials are happy with the amount of contribution the province has given to Merritt’s ongoing flood mitigation plan.

Since the flood, over $130 million has been invested into Merritt’s flood mitigation plan from provincial funding.

Speaking to the Herald about the absence of future funding, Mayor Mike Goetz did not see the lack of new funding as a major hindrance in Merritt’s flood mitigation.

“(The fiscal constraint) that’s for new funding,” he said. “We are in a different area, we are in the area of finishing off, and the province has given us (around $130) million up to this point.”

A majority of the flood mitigation systems in Merritt - which includes dikes, pump stations and land rehabilitation, are currently in construction or have been recently completed, at around 70 per cent of the plan to be specific.

While the province has funded the majority of the plan, Goetz has previously stated that he wants to hold the federal government accountable to their prior word about supporting the city right after the flood hit.

Today, Goetz remains firm on that position.

The government of Canada said in a statement to the Herald that it has invested in Nicola Valley flood mitigation with $2.3 million in funding and an ongoing Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping program along the Coldwater and Nicola rivers.

In the 2025-26 year, the federal government said Merritt will receive $384,471 through the Canada Community Building Fund.

“That’s not acceptable,” Goetz said about the amount of federal funding. “We need them to now finish the last 30 per cent which is about $35 million so I’ll be making a conscious effort with Frank Caputo to get that to Ottawa and get that final funding so we can get our dikes completely repaired.”

At this point, without the funding for the rest of the 30 per cent of the diking system, the rest of the efforts would be for nothing.

“If we don’t take care of the park going east towards the mills, all we’ve created is a bathtub,” Goetz said.

He wants to talk to the federal government about the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF).

Merritt was previously denied their $338,000 application to DMAF last year as a result of a technicality that bundled the DMAF application with another funding program.

To date, the federal government has contributed just over $3 billion to projects within the DMAF program across the country.

“Unfortunately, Merritt has not received a direct response from the federal government about our rejected DMAF exclusion. Goetz continues to advocate heavily for this community, especially in light of the former Minister of Public Safety attending in-person in Merritt during the flood and promising recovery help, which has not been forthcoming,” Strang wrote in an email to the Herald.

If the federal government won’t invest in Merritt flood mitigation infrastructure, Goetz said Merritt will have to go back to the province, but he prefers the federal government to deal with it.

“The provincial government has done more than their fair share,” he said.

“We would have to go back to them if we couldn’t get it from the Feds. But the Feds need to take care of this.”

The federal government stated that their current capacity for DMAF funding is closed, and the funds were all fully allocated.

“Going forward, the Government of Canada will continue collaborating with provinces and territories to support infrastructure projects of local significance and help communities address cost pressures across the board,” the federal government wrote in an email.

Goetz had also presented on Merritt’s flood recovery and mitigation efforts during this year’s Union of British Columbia Municipalities conference in September.

During the conference, resolution EB27 was endorsed, asking for the province’s continued support for the B.C. flood strategy.

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THE DATE: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15TH , 2025

LNIB CAREER FAIR

JOIN US AT OUR OPEN HOUSE!

a fantastic opportunity to connect with leading companies and Postsecondary Institutions!

Whether you’re exploring new career paths or planning your education, this event is your gateway to exciting possibilities.

DATE & LOCATION

October 15th, 2025 9:30am - 3:00pm At the NVIT Campus 4155 Belshaw St, Merritt, BC

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AND

MINE CREEK WILDFIRE NOW ‘UNDER CONTROL’ ACCORDING TO BCWS

JOSH DAWSON Castanet

A 2,900-hectare wildfire that swept across the Coquihalla Highway last month and forced the closure of the major transport route is now under control.

The BC Wildfire Service updated the status of the Mine Creek wildfire from held to under control on Thursday, meaning the fire is not projected to spread beyond its current perimeter.

In an online update, BCWS said both sides of the Coquihalla are an active work site and asks that motorists don’t stop in the fire area and obey posted signage.

The wildfire agency said smoke may be visible from

within the fire perimeter over the coming days, which it said is common with large wildfires and may continue until the area receives precipitation.

The fire was discovered on Sept. 1 burning in steep terrain near the Coquihalla Summit. A couple days later, fuelled by high temperatures and wind, the wildfire jumped the Coquihalla Highway, prompting a two-day closure.

Cooler temperatures and rainfall later that month assisted wildland firefighters in suppressing the blaze.

The wildfire is suspected to have been caused by lightning.

B.C. WORKER PICKET LINES LENGTHENS

THE CANADIAN PRESS

More public service workers in British Columbia are off the job as the union increases pressure to get a new contract.

The B.C. General Employees’ Union says it has added 48 work sites to the picket list, with another 2,600 workers taking part in strike action.

The additional pickets are at 18 provincial liquor and cannabis retail stores as well as about 30 B.C. offices for natural resources and land-use permits.

The union says there are about 25,000

public service workers participating in job action out of a total of 34,000 members. There were brief talks last week, but the two sides couldn’t come to an agreement, with workers demanding higher wages to address cost-of-living concerns and the government trying to find a deal amid fiscal constraints.

The B.C. deficit is forecast as a record $11.6 billion, and Finance Minister Brenda Bailey has said the deal must be fair to both workers and taxpayers.

MERRITT INVITED TO EXPLORE

RECONTEXUALIZED WORK OF ANTHROPOLOGIST JAMES TEIT

TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com

Researchers from the Union of BC Indian Chiefs are inviting Merrittonians to uncover the legacy of ethnologist James Teit and his impact on the Nlaka’pamux people.

Teit, a Scottish immigrant, had moved the Southern Interior in 1884, specifically to Spence’s Bridge and later moved a round the area, even to Merritt.

A community surrounded by Indigenous neighbours, Teit became familiar with the Nlaka’pamux people, including some of their customs and language.

Marrying Nlaka’pamux woman, Lucy Antko, Teit had easier access into these communities than some other settlers.

He documented the life of Nlaka’pamux peoples using - at the time modern - techniques like the recording of their songs on wax cylinders, numerous sets of photographs, learning some of the Shuswap and Lillooet languages. As well as mapping of their territory.

Teit’s work is responsible for much of the early western documentation on the Nlaka’pamux people. His work was even done in collaboration with famed anthropologist Franz Boas.

Today, Nlaka’pamux scholars and researchers are looking at his work through new context.

Angie Bain, who is also related to the Shuter family in the Nicola Valley, is a researcher for the Union of BC Indian Chiefs.

She recently collaborated on a book, Discovering James Teit which dissects and contextualizes the works of Teit and will be coming to Merritt to present on Teit on October 17 in the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology library.

“I’m going to really just try to encourage people to question and to do the work themselves, to go beyond published materials,” she said about Teit’s the book.

Bain specifically specializes as a land claims researcher. She said she has done a lot of work in the Nicola Valley, including assistance on some policy development for the Lower Nicola Indian Band.

Bain said in her work, Teit’s published

resources, such as his memoir on Thompson Indians, are pointed to frequently.

Looking deeper into Teit, Bain said that through her research, she had utilized a lot of Teit’s work that is unpublished and is harder to find. Part of the book is a compendium of the unpublished work in an easy place for people to find.

“It’s a resource in a different way, and I’m encouraging people and maybe helping them understand how to navigate it,” she said.

“It’s really meant for people who don’t have access to the original materials… and provide them with all of these letters that really help humanize the work that he’s done in the Nicola Valley, but also to highlight the limited amount of time he actually spent in the Nicola.”

She said sometimes he would only have a short amount of time when documenting some communities, and that this amount of time is not enough to fully explore a culture.

“Tate wasn’t told everything,” Bain said.

Teit often studied Nlaka’pamux stories. Bain uses this as an example of something he couldn’t “fully appreciate” in t he amount of time he spent in communities.

“For us, you know our stories and hold our laws, and we only tell them at certain times to certain people for very specific reasons. And take my he didn’t have the time to appreciate that. You know, it takes lifetimes.”

While some of Teit’s practices reflective of western antropological practices at the time - such as his and Boas’s tendency to record things like skull measurements, Bain said he was likely more “ethical” than most other settlers of the time.

She said there were also concerns about him grave-digging for cultural items, as evident found in his letters.

Bain said Teit’s work helped the Nlaka’pamux people in some capacity. She said one of the more unknown facts about him is his work on the McKennaMcBride Royal commission from 1913 to

TEIT: continued on page 14

Discovering James Teit A Story

of Collaboration, Culture and Archives

Friday October 17

Presented by Angie Bain

Join us as Angie Bain shares her team’s work on Volume 2 of the Franz Boas Papers Project which shines a spotlight on the remarkable collaboration between Boas and local ethnologist James Alexander Teit.

This volume traces their contributions to anthropology, Indigenous knowledge, and social justice.

10:30 AM

TEIT, A MAN WITH COMPLICATED HISTORY IN INDIGNEOUS COMMUNTIES

1916. The project was started to adjust reserve sizes for B.C. Indigenous bands.

Bain said in the early years of the project, Teit was “very practical on the ground out there, working with communities.”

He was replaced later in the project as he started getting sick and conversations around the commission were c hanging.

Teit had also lobbied the federal government for “Indigenous causes” late in his life around 1920 according to the Dictionary of Canadian Biography from 2005.

He died in 1922 in Merritt.

“I just wish Tate had been able to, in his lifetime, (finish) the work he had started in the Merritt area, around reserves, because we would be in an entirely different place today if we did,”

Bain said.

“For reasons like that, you know, his work is still highly regarded by a lot.”

Bain said Teit’s work is both supported and not in Indigenous communities she works with.

“It’s also that challenge between Who do whose work do we uphold? Do we uphold an outsider’s work, you know, who wasn’t really from our community? … Or do we uphold the knowledge keepers, our own scholars, the people whose lives were lived in the Merritt and know this information?”

Bain said there are more and more Indigenous scholars that come from local communities. She used one project, the Nicola Watershed Governance Project, as an example of a project that uses Indigenous knowledge.

“I’m encouraging people to look at the scholarship coming from our own communities.”

ARMY CADETS CORPS

OPEN HOUSE

2025 THEME FOCUSES ON SAFE BATTERY USAGE

It’s National Fire Prevention Week across North America.

National Fire Prevention week is a national observance tradition over a hundred years old. It was started in commemoration with the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.

Today, the observance provides a platform for public education around fire safety, teaching both youth and adults how to prevent and stay safe during an incident.

This year’s theme is creating awareness around the potential fire-hazard of l ithium ion batteries.

Lithium batteries are materials used to power a variety of products most people use on a daily basis.

While being used in everyday life, the batteries can still be marked as unstable.

The National Fire Prevention Agency is taking steps to make sure people are aware of the dangers of lithium ion batteries, as well as how to prevent accidents.

Faulty batteries, being damaged or overcharged or misused can cause overheating, leading to them catching

fire or even exploding.

Here’s some tips on how to make the safest choices when dealing with batteries:

- Buy only listed products. Only buy

products that have a marking on them that says they have been nationally tested.

- Charge only with a charger that came with the device, or with a compatible charger approved by the device manufacturer.

- Charge on a hard surface and not on moveable material like a pillow, your bed or a couch.

- Overcharging can lead to the batteries overheating as well. It is recommended that devices at 100 per cent battery be unplugged. This can also save on battery-life long-term.

- Throwing batteries in the trash or general recycling can cause fires, instead, it is recommended people throw away their batteries in battery-safe recycling locations.

FIRESMART REBATE OPPORTUNITY EXTENDED

Thompson-Nicola Regional District program tasks residents with taking fire mitigation measures

JAKE COURTEPATTE

newsroom@merrittherald.com

Thompson-Nicola Regional District residents have until the end of November to take advantage of a rebate program to mitigate the risk of fire in and around their home. The Homeowner FireSmart Rebate Program is open to all Electoral Area homeowners, and will cover 50 per cent of costs, up to $500, for fire mitigation work on the property within 1.5 metres of the home (dubbed the Immediate Zone). Those boundaries stretch to a 30 metre radius for those ages 65 and over through the Senior FireSmart Rebate Program, which covers up to $750 in costs.

“These rebate programs are meant to incentivize and support residents in doing important mitigation work that is recommended, during a FireSmart™ home

assessment,” said Carston Turner, TNRD Lead FireSmart™ Coordinator. “We strongly encourage rural TNRD homeowners to get a free home assessment and take advantage of rebate funding that is available this year.”

How do you apply to the rebate program?

1. Request a free FireSmart™ Home Assessment.

2 . After a Home Assessment is completed and a report has been provided, review recommendations for mitigation work.

3. Act on mitigation work that has been recommended. A FireSmart Assessment Work Hours Estimate Form will be provided, and residents will be asked to record personal hours (if applicable) and any money spent on contractors or materials (invoices or receipts will be required). A follow-up inspection will

PROTECTING: continued on page 17

PROTECTING YOUR HOME FROM WILDFIRE

3. Keep gutters clean

be completed by TNRD FireSmart staff.

4. Submit your rebate application form to firesmart@tnrd.ca.

Residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as the rebate program funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

More information on how to apply can be found by contacting TNRD FireSmart staff at 250-377-8673 or firesmart@tnrd.ca.

What does it mean to be FireSmart?

According to the FireSmart BC website, the program is founded on seven disciplines – legislation and planning, education, vegetation management, development considerations, emergency planning, training and inter-agency cooperation – that address wildfire preparedness from different angles. Being FireSmart starts in the home, with even the most minimal changes creating a much safer environment.

1. Assess the roof

Maintenance: Roofs contain many areas in which debris and embers may collect; clean your roof regularly of combustible materials such as leaves and branches.

Roofing materials: Fire-resistant or fire-retardant roofing is referred to as Class A-, B- or C-rated roofing. Options include metal, asphalt, clay and composite rubber tiles. Untreated wood shakes create a dangerous combination of combustible material and crevices for embers or firebrands to enter. Refer to manufacturer’s guidelines to maintain the fire resistance of your roof.

2. Install a spark arrestor on the chimney

A spark arrestor on your chimney will reduce the chance of sparks escaping and starting fires.

Regularly remove debris from gutters, since embers can easily ignite dry materials. Consider screening gutters with metal mesh to reduce the volume of debris that can accumulate.

4. Assess eaves and vents

While vents play a significant role in removing moisture from attics, they create an opening for embers. Consider screening vents with three-millimetre non-combustible wire mesh. Open eaves also c reate a surface that can be affected by embers and direct heat. Properly fitted soffits, fascia , blocking, and/or 3mm non-combustible screens help reduce the risk of embers and heat reaching the attic.

5. Use fire-resistant siding

Stucco, metal siding, brick/concrete and fibre cement siding offer superior fire resistance. Logs and heavy timbers are still reasonably effective. Untreated wood and vinyl siding offer very little protection against wildfire.

6. Install fire-resistant windows

Tempered, thermal (double-paned) windows are recommended. Single-pane windows provide little resistance to heat from an advancing wildfire.

7. Ensure doors are fire-rated and have a proper seal

All doors into the home should be fire rated and have a good seal. This is true for garage doors as well as your doors.

8. Clean under decks

Sheath the base of the decks, balconies and houses with fire-resistant material to reduce the risk of sparks and embers igniting the home. Embers can collect under decks, so be sure to enclose the areas and, more importantly, remove fuel that may accumulate underneath them.

SMOKE ALARMS COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE

National Fire Prevention Week is an annual event aimed at educating Canadians, which includes knowing how to properly maintain your smoke alarms.

Not only is it important to install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, it is also important to know and understand what the sound from each alarm means.

Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom,outside of each sleeping area and on every level of your home, including the basement. Smoke alarms should be on the ceiling or high on the wall and it is now recommended to use interconnected smoke alarms, this means that if one smoke alarm goes off, they will all sound.

To avoid false alarms smoke detectors should be a minimum of ten feet (three metres) from the kitchen stove.

When a smoke alarm makes a series of three loud beeps, that means it has detected smoke and there may be a fire in your home. Proper protocol is to leave your home immediately and call 911.

A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery in the smoke alarm is low and must be changed. If it contin -

ues to chirp after the battery has been replaced, the unit is at the end of its lifespan and must be replaced. Smoke alarms must be replaced after ten years.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms alert you to the presence of Carbon Monoxide, a colourless, odourless, invisible gas that can be fatal for people and pets.

Like smoke alarms, they

should be installed on every level of your home and outside of each sleeping area.

Manufacturers will provide instructions on proper location and installation within your home. Test your CO alarms at least once a month and replace according to manufacturer’s instructions.

If your CO detector makes a series of four loud beeps, Carbon Monoxide has been

detected in your home. You must exit immediately and call 911.

Like a smoke alarm, a single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery in the unit is low and should be replaced. If the chirping continues after the battery has been replaced, the alarm is at the end of its lifespan and must be replaced. Both smoke and CO alarms

rely on loud noises to wake and alert people, which means that individuals that are deaf or hard of hearing will have to use special alarms and devices to warn them when they are in danger.

Some alarms are equipped with strobe lights, which will help alert a deaf or hard of hearing person.

A pillow or bed shaker that is activated by the sound of a standard alarm may also be used, and this may be paired with a strobe light alarm.

Low frequency sound smoke and CO alarms are also available, which works better to wake individuals with mild to severe hearing loss.

Most important with any style of alarm is taking action when they alert you to danger. Be sure to have an emergency plan that informs all household members how to escape the home and where to meet afterwards. Ensure that hallways and stairs are lit with nightlights and clutter free so that everyone can safely evacuate the home.

If you need glasses, keep them by your bed along with your phone and any mobility devices you may require, such as a walker or cane. This will help you exit your home quickly and safely in case of emergency.

CAMPFIRE AND BACKYARD BURNING BANS LIFTED

LAISA CONDE newsroom@merrittherald.com

Campers and backyard fire-pit fans are able to roast some marshmallows once again.

B.C. Wildfire Service lifted the previous campfire ban at noon on Monday, Sept. 29.

Category 1 campfires are now permitted throughout the Kamloops Fire Centre, which covers Kamloops, Vernon, Lillooet, Kelowna, Penticton and Merritt.

A Category 1 fire is defined as any fire no larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide, used by any person for recreational purposes or by a First Nation

for ceremonial purposes.

Other activities that were previously banned, but will be permitted include: sky lanterns, wood fire hot tubs, wood fire pizza ovens and other wood fire devices – including those vented through a structure that has a flue and is incorporated in a building.

T he government agency reminded that both category 2 and 3 open fires remain prohibited throughout the fire centre.

“As the campfire prohibition is being lifted, we ask the public to remain vigilant and follow regulations when enjoying campfires,” the release reads.

Those found in contravention of an open burning prohibition could be issued a ticket for $1,150, an

administrative penalty of up to $10,000, or if convicted in court be fined up to $100,000 or spend one year in jail. If an illegal burn causes or contributes to a wildfire, the individual who started it may be ordered to pay for all firefighting and associated costs.

For more information and updates, check the B.C. Wildfire Service website.

Your yard should be FireSmart, too

KEY ISSUES:

Living where wildfires can occur puts our homes at risk, but it is possible to live safely and resiliently with wildfire. The choices we make about our homes and properties –out to 100 metres from the foundation – can greatly reduce vulnerability to wildfire.

What factors contribute to the vulnerability of your yard?

• Storing items such as firewood piles, construction materials, patio furniture, tools and decorative pieces against or near a house is a major fire hazard.

• If combustible landscaping mulch ignites, it can produce embers that may ignite combustible materials and increase the chance of direct flame spreading to the home.

• Evergreen trees (with cones and needles) are highly flammable and should not be within 10 metres of your home.

Consider these guidelines when planning updates to your yard and as part of your ongoing property maintenance:

• A 1.5 metre non-combustible surface should extend around the entire home and any attachments, such as decks, to reduce the chance of wind-blown embers igniting materials near your home.

• Use non-combustible materials such as gravel, brick, or concrete in this critical 1.5 metre area adjacent to your home. Woody shrubs, trees or tree branches should be avoided in this area; any that are present should be properly mitigated.

• Plant only a few fire-resistant plants and shrubs within 10 metres of your home.

• Do not use bark or pine needle mulches within 10 metres of your home as they are highly combustible. Gravel mulch and decorative crushed rock mulch significantly reduce the risk of wildfire.

• A mowed lawn is a fire resistant lawn. Grasses shorter than 10 centimetres in height are less likely to burn intensely.

• Move firewood piles, stored trailers/recreational vehicles, storage sheds, and other combustible materials a minimum of 10 metres from your home.

• Regularly clean up accumulations of fallen branches, dry grass and needles from the ground to eliminate potential surface fuels.

• Remove all branches to a height of 2 metres from the ground on evergreen trees that are within 30 metres.

To celebrate four amazing years of serving our wonderful community, UK Spice Cuisine is offering a brand-new menu packed with bold flavors, fresh inspirations, and fantastic value. We’re introducing reduced prices on many of your favorite dishes, so you can enjoy our authentic cuisine at even better prices.

NICOLA VALLEY SPORTS

SMALL TOWN MERRITT AIMS TO CAPTURE ATTENTION OF FIFA WORLD CUP

TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com

Avid fans of international soccer will be excited to hear that the City of Merritt wants to capitalize on the attention that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring. The 2026 World Cup will see a selection of its opening stage games played in Vancouver, starting from June 13, to the Round of 16 game on July 7, 2026. Tickets to the once-in-four-year event were put up for

sale earlier, and FIFA said 4.5 million people entered a lottery for the chance to buy a ticket.

With a month of games for one of the world’s largest spectacles coming to B.C., the City of Merritt is keen to get their share of the economic benefit it could bring.

As an example, the 2018 games in Moscow brought around $14 billion USD to their country’s GDP while spending about $10 billion USD.

In an economic impact statement by the B.C.

government dated from last March, it is expected that the event will bring $1 billion to the province’s GDP with over 360,000 people expected to be in attendance.

Approximately five per cent of these visitors are expected to be from within the province.

Merritt, a transit town and a “key corridor” between the lower mainland and the interior, wants to take advantage of its location during the soccer rush.

“We also met with the minister of tourism about trying to capitalize on the FIFA 2026, to get some sort of events here in Merritt,” said Merritt mayor Mike Goetz.

Goetz spoke about some soft ideas the city has, such as setting up viewing party areas or a hotel package for people travelling through to Vancouver.

On the city’s website it also says it aims to grow youth sport and recreation initiatives related to the World Cup.

The city is requesting the support from the province in marketing Merritt as a tourist destination for the tournament.

“Merritt is ready to contribute meaningfully to British Columbia’s social and economic success during this historic event,” it read.

Goetz said they pitched this idea to minister of tourism Anne Kang during their trip to UBCM.

“I think we’re one of the only communities that went to the ministry to talk about it, and she was quite surprised and thinks it’s a great idea.”

The World Cup will start on June 11 and end on July 19. As one of the three co-hosts, Canada has automatically qualified for the tournament alongside the U.S. and Mexico.

Defending champions Argentina have also qualified alongside their powerhouse neighbour Brazil.

Elsewhere, Australia, New Zealand, Islamic Republic of Iran, Uzbekistan, Jordan, Korean Republic and Japan have already qualified from Asia and Oceania.

From North Africa, Morocco and Tunisia have etched spots in the tournament.

Other key South American countries already qualified are Colombia, Ecaudor, Paraguay and Uruguay.

The 2026 tournament has been expanded to feature 48 countries.

Buzz Manuel, Amanda Lamonthe, Leonard Joe, Paul Joe, Maddox Joe for Truth & Reconciliation Awareness. 7th Cent Kinslee Gill. Save on Foods & Roger Welch for Hungry Kids Basket

CURLING CENTRE BACK-IN-ACTION, SHOWING OFF FINISHED RENOVATIONS

TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com

As summer fades and the weather gets colder, curling season is back in swing.

On October 4, the Merritt Curling Club held their open house, inviting people who aren’t part of the club to come and try the sport.

“If you’ve never tried the sport,

this is a great opportunity to get on the ice and see what it’s like.

The only things you need to bring are clean shoes and a warm jacket,” the group posted on social media.

On the day of the event, the ice was packed as many came out to play.

The day also provided opportunity for the club to showcase

its renovations of its upstairs lounge, which saw the first major rework of the club’s facility since its building 53 years ago.

President Susan Newton previously told the Herald the renovations are the work of countless volunteer hours and will continue to serve as a space to help the sport of curling grow.

MERRITT CENTENNIALS 3-0 OVER DRAMATIC WEEK-LONG STRETCH

TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com

Tuesday, Sept. 30 - Merritt

Centennials 8 - 100 Mile House Wranglers 5

Merritt opened their fist game of the home stretch with a commanding - but hard fought - victory against 100 Mile.

The Centennials opened up strong in the first period netting five goals within the first 20 minutes, giving them a commanding lead against the visitors, in a scoring run that included two goals for forward Ryker Swanson, and the first goal of the season for forward Maxim Radmanovic.

The lead allowed for the Cents to take their foot off the gas in the second. The visitors used this opportunity to carve out enough space for them to score twice with goals from Reid Ronning and Kole Duquette, building a platform for a potential comeback.

Any dreams of a miracle comeback were sqaushed, as the Cents added three to

their goal total in the final frame. The Wranglers also found the net three more times in their defeat.

Friday, Oct. 3 - Merritt

Centennials 6 - Grand Forks Border Bruins 5

The first game of October saw the closest game of the season so far for the Centennials.

Both teams wasted no time finding their goal-scoring rythm. The Bruins’ Austin Tellefson scored just a minute after the opening horn. Merritt fought back just three minutes later to equalize. Each team scored again in the first period.

The score 2-2 going into the second, both teams were itching to take command of the game. The first goal of the period didn’t come until 7:17, as Marshall Wagner found the net for his second goal of the season.

Noah Wassing equalized for the Bruins minutes later, and as the final stretch of the period came close, Cole Serdachny scored his first of the season for the lead.

The final frame saw both teams come out with passion, each scoring within the first minute.

With five minutes remaining in the game, the Bruins trailed by one goal. Levi Astill came out and scored at 15:34 to make the game 5-5.

A shot and a chance to win the game, Merritt’s Steven Foster will be celebrated as the hero as he hit the game-winner 16:30 to close out the Cents’ short home stretch.

Saturday, Oct. 4 - 100 Mile Hour Wranglers 3 - Merritt

Centennials 4

The last game of this stretch was another nail-biter in a series of action packed games.

It took a while for both teams to reach their scoring rythym, but at 12:06 of the first, the Cents’ Troy Horn gave his team the lead.

Looking to gain one back after their loss on Sept. 30, the Wranglers got a goal back after a shot from Ethan Davey. The second period was another

back-and-forth with both teams scoring once.

Merritt’s Noah Lawless bagge his fourth goal in the opening minutes, but soon after Reid Ronning from the Wranglers scored too.

The score 2-2 heading into the third, both teams were looking to close the game out.

Callum MacLean scored for Merritt to make it 3-2. The period was far from over though, and Ethan Davey scored for the second time that night just after the five-minute mark of the period.

It was a defensive affair the rest of the period as both teams failed to find the back of the net. The buzzer sounded at the end of the third, with regular time ending with a score of 3-3.

Teams didn’t have to wait too long to put an end to things. At 4:18 of overtime, Noah Lawless found the back of the net again to close out a back-to-back series of close games.

NICOLA VALLEY COMMUNITY

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP STRONG IN THE THOMPSON-NICOLA REGION

TY LIM reporter@merrittherald.com

Environmental stewardship is constantly ongoing throughout the interior.

This month, check out some of the work going on in the Thompson-Nicola region.

The Thompson-Nicola Conservation Collaborative (TNCC) is an organization that brings together ndigenous communities, governments, academia, stewardship groups, resource industries and agricultural producers to aid in the envoronmental stewardship of the land and watersheds. They have multiple works going on with their partners.

Shetland Creek Wildfire Rehabilitation

Some of the TNCC’s partners, the BC Wildlife Federation (BCWF) and involvement from the Nlaka’pamux guardians.

The project is part of the 10,000 Wetlands initiative by the BCWF which aims to install a hundred b eaver dam analogues across the province.

A beaver dam analogue is a human structure that is akin to a natural beaver dam.

For this part of the initiative, efforts were focused around Twaal Valley, north of Merritt, which was badly damage to wildfires in 2021. Over the course of the project, 21 analogues were installed in the region. The analogues also play a part in managing wildfire and drought risk.

“These structures create vital habitats for fish, like salmon, and other species. The aim is for natural beaver colonies to eventually take over and improve the beaver dam analogues,” the TNCC newsletter read.

The Nlaka’pamux Guardians are now also looking at opportunities in the Nicomen watershed according to the newsletter.

Native plant workshop and nursery tour coming soon

A two-day learning opportunity about the region’s native plants will be coming on October 14 to 15.

The event will start at the Shackan Nursery frmo the Shackan Indian Band.

The nursery supports the growth of native and climate appropriate plants. The nursery was built in 2020 using a $250,000 grant from Northern Development.

The October 14 event will also have an optional visit to a “nearby native plant project site”.

The following day will be a day long workshop held at Lower Nicola Community Hall.

“Participants will work together to identify solutions and opportunities for growing this important sector,” the newsletter read.

Those seeking more information are encouraged to contact Robyn Stack from Cariboo Carbon solutions robyn@cariboocarbon.ca.

GOT STORIES?

Contact Laísa or Ty at newsroom@merrittherald.com 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

CLASSIFIEDS

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

Ted Kampa

Ted Kampa passed away Sunday, September 28, 2025, in Kelowna, BC, the day after enjoying his 95th birthday celebrations with his family.

Ted was born in Heidelberg, Germany, where he lived and worked in his family’s restaurant in the shadow of Heidelberg Castle. In 1955, Ted travelled to Canada with some friends, and they made their way across the country, from Montreal to Fort Erie and finally west until his car broke down in Penticton. After several odd jobs to earn car repair money, Ted became an accountant at Penticton General Hospital. While there, Ted met a wonderful nurse, Lorretta Ruth, and the two were married on November 9th, 1957.

- 3:00 p.m. Wednesday: 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m www.MerrittFuneralChapel.com

By Helen Steiner Rice

After the birth of their first child, Kathy, they moved to Merritt when Ted was named Administrator of Merritt Hospital. There, two more children were added to the family: Marianne and Kurt. Ted’s influence on health care in the region contributed to the addition of many important and much needed facilities, which are still vital in the community today. Upon his retirement in 1994, the BC Minister of Health issued a commendation noting:

“It is through your vision, leadership and determination that the Nicola Valley now enjoys one of the most effective and efficient health care delivery systems of any small community in British Columbia”.

While living in Merritt, Ted was an active volunteer in many aspects of the city, from Kinsmen to sports to the arts. His main focus was being a dedicated participant in the Rotary Club, a commitment that continued when he and Lorretta made the move to the Okanagan in 2004. While in West Kelowna, they were active in Our Lady of Lourdes Church and contributed to many worthy causes, including the Peachland Rotary Club for many years.

Lorretta and Ted were proud of their children’s accomplishments and were especially delighted to become grandparents where he was a doting Papa. Ted was pre-deceased in 2020 by Lorretta, the love of his life and wife of 63 years (they fondly referred to each other as “Honski”). Ted is survived by his children Kathy (Michael) Conway, Marianne (Glen) Auch, and Kurt (Lisette) Kampa; and his grandchildren Jay Stevenson, Sean Stevenson, Emily (James) Broddley, Spencer Auch, Max Westenberg and Finn (Israel) Morehead.

A funeral mass service is scheduled at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in West Kelowna on Thursday, October 2, 2025, 4:00 p.m. PT. Family and friends are also invited to view this service by visiting his online obituary at www. providencefuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Ted’s memory to the Rotary Foundation at www.my.rotary.org/en/donate.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Alan Mettrick

May 30, 1944 - May 26, 2025

Alan passed away in Mission, B.C. on May 26, 2025. He resided in New Westminster and was born in England.

Many blessings and cherished memories to all that knew him.

DO NOT GO GENTLE INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT

Do not go gentle into that good night,

Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,

Because their words had forked no lightening they Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright

Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,

And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way, Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight

Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height, Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.

Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light. by Dylan Thomas

William (Bill) Cressy

December 17, 1936 - September 29, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our Father, William (Bill) Cressy. Dad passed away peacefully, on the morning of September 29th, 2025 surrounded by his loving family and under the care of the wonderful staff at the Rocky Mountain Village long term care facility in Fernie, B.C.

Born to George and Violet Cressy on December 17th, 1936 in Hamilton, Ontario, Bill was just 9 years old when the family made the move across the country to Merritt B.C. where he began his lifelong love affair with the beautiful Nicola Valley. At the tender age of 16, Bill met Denise Vaillancourt, the love of his life, constant companion and future mother of his children. Inseparable from the start, Bill and Denise were married at 21 years of age and began their wonderful life together as husband and wife.

Bill was a devoted husband to Denise, a loving father to his two sons, Clifford and David and a loyal friend to so many in the Nicola Valley. His steadfast ways, easy manner and warm sense of humor will be missed by so many. He took great pride in the Cressy family name, it’s presence and contributions to Merritt and the Nicola Valley and it’s place in her history. He loved the outdoors and could often be found honing his fishing skills on one of the local lakes or exploring the area with Mom in one of the many RVs they owned over the years.

Predeceased by his parents, George and Violet, and his brothers Ron and George Jr. Bill is survived by Denise, his loving wife of 67 years, his sons and daughters in law, Clifford (Martha) and David (Jill), his grandchildren, Ryan, Scott, Brittney, Satara and Jake, two great grandchildren, Ayden and Oriah and his younger sister Lorraine (Macdonald). Bill is also survived by his many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews that he loved dearly and was so proud to just be their Uncle Bill.

A celebration of Dad’s life will be held in Merritt at a future date as yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers we ask that you make a donation to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation if you so desire “Godspeed and Rest in Peace Dad, we love you”

Ross Gardner

Sept. 19, 1945 - Sept. 29, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ross Gardner who left us September 29, 2025. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Betty, daughter Geri (Shawn), grandchildren Brandon, Dustin, Alana, Colton, Kyle, brother Jim (Linda), and niece Sandi. He was predeceased by his daughter Lia on September 29, 2005. Also, predeceased by his parents Ken and Doris, brother Gerry, and nephew Ken.

Ross was born in Merritt and spent much of his younger years on the family ranch before joining the Navy. He then joined the cowboy crew at Quilchena and met Betty (nee Shannon); they married October 21, 1967.

He spent his entire working life logging and cowboying. Ross was happiest riding a good horse with his dogs along tending cattle.

Rest in peace cowboy! You will be forever missed.

Following position is now available at the Best Western Plus Merritt Hotel.

FRONT DESK

Are you passionate about hospitality and love creating memorable guest experiences? Best Western Plus is looking for a friendly, professional, and detail-oriented Front Desk Agent to be the welcoming face of our hotel. Must have working knowledge with computers and the ability to handle check-ins, check-outs, and reservations efficiently.

Full and part time positions available. Please respond with resume in person.

VALUE ADDED

LUMBER REMANUFACTURING PLANT

PRODUCTION WORKERS (FT/PT)

• Wages: starting $20 to $28

(depends on experience & attendance)

• Steady day shift work

• Students welcome to apply

• No experience necessary

• Will train

CERTIFIED MILLWRIGHTS REQUIRED

CARPENTERS REQUIRED WITH EXPERIENCE

LICENCED SECURITY GUARDS

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

BigSteelBox Corporation located at 1284 Salish Rd, Kamloops, BC. claims a PPSA Lien against Scott, Chanel of Merritt, BC, for arrears of container rent amounting to $3,114.72, plus any additional costs of storage that accrue. If not paid in full, the contents of the storage container filled with what we believe to be couches, furniture, and other miscellaneous items, will be sold via online auction, on Ibid4Storage.com on October 14, 2025.

Dodds AUCTION AUC TION

SATURDAY, OCT 11TH - 8 AM (lots start closing)

REGISTER/BID NOW ***

Complete Woodworking Shop including: 2 Shapers, 36” Drum Sander, SCM Boring Drill, Mortice Drill, Spindle & Belt Sanders, Drill Bandsaw, Dust Collector, Drill Press, 20” Thickness Planer, Jointer, 7.5hp Air Compressor, Small Hand Tools, Plus More!!

1975

SUZUKI 185 (VERY NICE CONDITION)

1990 Navistar Int’l Truck Tractor, 1991 Fruehauf 28’ Semi Van Trailer, 4 Vehicles, 2 - Trailers, Boat, Ladders, Tires, Patio Fur niture, 430sf Flooring, New Gazebo, Canning Jars & Lids, Outboard Motor, Huge Selection of Tools, Sporting Goods, Plus More!!

HO TRAINS & ACCESSORIES

OVER 35 TRAIN LOCOMOTIVES, OVER 250 TRAIN CARS, TRACK, SMALL CARS & TRUCKS & ASST’D TRAIN RELATED ITEMS

Large Selection of Furnishings, Huge King Size Canopy Bed, Bedroom Suites, Sofa Sets, Dining Table Sets, Occasional Tables, Electronics, Pictures & Paintings, Artwork, Mid-Century Moder n Pottery & Glassware, China Sets, Large & Small Appliances, Huge Lot of Collectable Star Wars Figurines, Watches, Knives, Jewellery, Coins, Navajo Silver, Cards, Stamps, Diecasts, 100s of Tupperware Pieces, Musical Instruments, Plus More!!

Viewing - Thu/Fri (Oct 9/10) - 8 am - 4 pm

Dodds Showroom - Vernon

Pick Up - *Tue/Wed* (*Oct 14/15*) - 8 am - 4 pm

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.

PUZZLE ANSWERS ON SEPARATE PAGE

Bits per inch

Angels great Mike

Own (Scottish)

Notable FI racing

Upper bract of grass

Tax collector

Engine additive

Amounts of time

Fragrant brown balsam used in perfume

Color properties

One who hands over

Thieves of the sea

Put in

Nocturnal rodents

Pouches

Systems, doctrines, theories

17. Electronic countercountermeasures

Informal loan clubs 20. Skeletal muscle

Popular fish type 22. Salts of acetic acid 25. Arriving early 30. Worded

31. Single Lens Reflex 32. Amphibians 33. Warm greeting 38. Belonging to a thing 41. Segmented worm 43. Concerns

12. Greek alphabet letter

14. Greek goddess of youth

19. Satisfy

23. Partly digested food

24. Dictator

25. Parts per thousand (abbr.)

26. The 17th letter of the Greek alphabet

27. A major division of geological time

Audacious

Wings

Type of drug 50. Wind chill formula scientist Charles

Island close to the U.S. 56. “To the __ degree” 57. Daniel __, French composer 59. A way to march 60. Where golfers begin

28. Angry

29. St. Francis of __ 34. Romanian monetary unit

35. Stale

36. Go quickly

37. Commercials

39. Canadian city

40. One who slices

41. Perform perfectly

42. Nest of pheasants

44. Tactile sensations

45. Sword

46. Climactic

61. Spiritual leader 62. Of she 63. Mental disorder concerning body odor (abbr.)

64. Tall, slender-leaved plant

47. Adrenocorticotrophin

48. Fisherman’s tool

51. Swiss river

52. Plant that makes gum

53. A French abbot

54. One point east of northeast

58. Get free of