qathet Living April 2026

APRIL 2026

100% LOCALLY OWNED FIERCELY INDEPENDENT ALWAYS FREE

qL’s guide to services in the region

Help is Here

Coming soon! An integrated hub of barrier-free health and social services for youth aged 12-24. Colead by youth, families & community partners. foundrybc.ca/qathet

Free virtual services: foundrybc.ca/virtual

All families need help sometimes.

Are you ready for a change?

F

eeling stuck? Wondering what your next step could be? On April 27, WorkBC Centre Powell River is offering a free 10-week, group-based program, In Motion & Momentum+ (IM&M+) designed for individuals ready for change. This person-centred, strength-based program offers a chance to pause, reflect, and move forward in a way that fits you. It meets you where you are, starting with your experiences, your strengths, and what matters most in your life right now. Through guided activities, group collaboration, and a hands-on community project, participants build self-awareness, recognize their abilities, and develop

We’re here for you. We offer a variety of programs and services for families and young people from birth to 19 years of age.

meaningful goals and action plans. Along the way, you’ll reconnect with your potential and move forward with greater confidence and direction. You’ll be part of a supportive group environment where you can explore what’s possible, try something new, and take practical steps toward the life you want to live. The program begins and runs two to four days per week (depending on the phase), with lunch and snacks provided each day, along with a $25 daily stipend. Ready to take the next step? Contact WorkBC Centre Powell River at 604-485-7958, centre-powellriver@workbc.ca, or visit 103-4511 Marine Avenue.

www.youthandfamily.ca

We Stand Together A 8-week trauma-informed group for survivors seeking connection, healing & growth. All genders welcome.

604-414-8125 qathetsafe.ca

Email us • sassprogram@telus.net

If you are experiencing: Violence

Trauma

We offer:

Grace House and support for any crime including sexual assault and domestic violence

Poverty & Injustice

We offer:

We offer:

Outreach services and counselling for children, youth, and self-identified women

Support to people with limited means to legal information and to complete applications

Safety & Advocacy for Everyone

qathetsafe.ca • All Free Services • 604-485-9773 (24/7 helpline)

MOBILE SERVICE

FREE TAX CLINIC

Reduce stress & anxiety

Shirley Dunning Reflexologist RCRT

gorendezvous.com/SureHandsReflexology 604-223-1749

Reduce pain & tension Better sleep Deep relaxation

More than a building - a hub for connection, care, and collaboration

WORSHIP: Service • Meditation • Seekers Group COMMUNITY SERVICE: Pasta Dinner • Circle of Friends • Coffee Times SOCIAL ACTION: Everyone Deserves a Smile • Free Seniors Lunches PowellRiverUnitedChurch.org | unitedchurchpr@gmail.com 604-485-5724 | Office Hours 8-10am Thursday | 6932 Crofton Street

2 April 2026 • qathetliving.ca

Community Volunteer Income Tax Program

Free tax preparation and filing for people with modest incomes and simple returns. Learn more at bit.ly/lifttaxclinic or call us at 604-485-0992

Your Logo Here

Who your program helps Tag line.

• Specific Services • Resources • Contacts • QR code?

www.yourorganization.ca

For Parents Navigating Loss The Compassionate Friends offers support. If you’ve lost a child – at any age, for any reason – you are not alone.

The Powell River Compassionate Friends

A support group for bereaved parents meets the 4th Tuesday of each month Refreshments 6:30 pm, meeting at 7 pm For location and more information, please contact powellrivertcf@gmail.com

This space provided by Powell River Health-Care Auxiliary

For 20 years, Hawkins Construction Ltd. has been quietly shaping the landscape of Powell River—one home, one family, and one vision at a time. Founded in 2006 by Shane Hawkins, the company has grown into a trusted name in custom home building and renovations across the region. Today, Hawkins Construction’s projects stretch far beyond city limits, from the rugged beauty of Hardy Island to the shores of Texada and Savary. Over the years, Shane has worked with clients from around the world—New York, Hong Kong, Norway—people who have all found their own piece of paradise here on the Sunshine Coast. At its heart, however, the company remains deeply rooted in community and family. Hawkins employs a core team, supported by a network of skilled sub-trades. It’s a business where family is part of the foundation: Shane’s son, Tristan, works alongside him, and his wife, Ashleigh—also a Realtor®—plays a key role in helping clients navigate both the building and buying journey. That combination of local knowledge and global perspective has shaped the company’s approach. Every project is unique, built around the client’s lifestyle, priorities, and the realities of building in coastal and island environments. Remote builds, in particular, have become a specialty— requiring not just craftsmanship, but careful coordination, logistics, and experience.

The breadth of Hawkins Construction’s work extends well beyond custom homes. That range is clearly illustrated in a recent project just south of Myrtle Point, where the company transformed raw land into the nowactive Duck Lake Storage and Industrial site—clearing, servicing, and developing the property before constructing storage and shop units for customers. It’s the kind of work that reflects Hawkins’ growing focus as a developer, taking projects from the ground up. With in-house heavy equipment and expertise in land clearing and site preparation, the team is equipped to handle every stage of a commercial or residential project— from first cut to finishing touches. As a Licensed Residential Builder with BC Housing, Hawkins Construction offers the assurance of full home warranty coverage, giving clients confidence that their investment is protected. But new builds are only part of the story. The company also takes on major renovations, helping homeowners reimagine and transform existing spaces with the same level of care and attention to detail. Two decades in, the philosophy hasn’t changed: building a home should feel exciting, not overwhelming. With a steady hand guiding each phase— from planning to completion—Hawkins Construction has built its reputation on making the process as smooth and straightforward as possible. After 20 years, the results speak for themselves—not just in the homes dotting the coastline and islands, but in the relationships built along the way.

Construction Management • Fine Craftsmanship

hawkinsconstruction.ca • 604-483-1216

qathet Living • April 2026 • 3

CONTENTS APRIL 2026 The Green Issue

ReNew Faire, herring, gas, Cuba, forestry +

Cartoonists, Unite!

May Day is International Workers’ Day

10 years: Toxic Drug Crisis

& the new Overdose Prevention Site

11th Annual Best of qathet Vote early! New quirky categories

Long Live the Kings

Was that the last game?

At the Paralympics

Coach Gina Grain reflects on Italy

Townsite Jazz & AJ Mulder

A heart-felt tribute and more brillo concerts

Fifth Annual Accordion Fest

Play, dance, listen

36 Voices from Namibia Cultural ambassadors

6 24 28 30 36 39 52 56 58

Photos not finished I got a little nostalgic watching the Kings play their final home game last month, but not just because there was a possibility it could be the last junior hockey game at the Hap Parker Arena. Instead, I was flashing back to a much, much younger version of myself, watching the fledgling Paper Kings team establish itself as a force in the BC Junior Hockey League. Those days, I was a rookie sports reporter who knew little about sports, but a bit about cameras, so I was shooting the action with an all-manual Pentax K1000 film camera for the Powell River News. Now, here I was watching as my son embraced photography, gleefully recording the action with an 11-frames-per-second Nikon that I would have given my right arm for when I was his age. (Nepotistic plug: check out his pics on Page 36.) While the technology has changed drastically, the passion for catching “the moment” remains key to successful photography. And while folks my age often

bemoan the ubiquity of phone cameras, there is something to be said for always having a camera. AI images will never replace that “in the moment” recording of reality, or, as the images local schoolchildren (Page 12) captured for Earth Day show, the unique perspectives and memories of a human photographer. When I was my son’s age, I was an outlier because I always had a camera handy. Most people didn’t. Now everyone does. Because of that, more once-in-a-lifetime moments are captured as permanent records than at any time in history. We may argue about how that cheapens the value of photographs and makes people be less present in the moment; I think the opposite is often true. My son was certainly very “present” at the game while recording the on-ice action and the faces of fans.

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

REGULAR FEATURES Blast from the Past Sports & Rec Section I Made the Move Mailbag Business Affairs Events Section Our Lives Take a Break Last Word

32 35 40 41 42 43 59 60 62

Volume 21, Number 4 ISSN 2817-1667 (Print) ISSN 2817-1675 (Online)

7053E Glacier Street, Powell River, BC V8A 5J7 Tel 604-485-0003

Editor & Owner

Pieta Goudron

editor@qathetliving.ca

No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur. © 2026 Gastropod Media. We reserve the right to refuse any submission or advertisement. Complete issues and back issues are available online for free at:

qathetliving.ca

Publisher

Sean Percy

sean@qathetliving.ca

Sales & Marketing

Suzi Wiebe

suzi@qathetliving.ca

ON THE COVER: Fans clamber to catch pieces of broken hockey sticks thrown over the glass after the Powell River Kings’ final home game on March 23. Photo by Ralph Villaver, a hobbyist photographer capturing community events and sports in Powell River, currently volunteering as a photographer for the Powell River Kings

4 April 2026 • qathetliving.ca

Sales & Marketing

Vicky Osualdini

vicky@qathetliving.ca

Office Manager

Lauren Diemer

office@qathetliving.ca

qathet Living is 100% locally owned and operated by Gastropod Media

qathet Living is a proud member of: Magazine Association of BC International Magazine Centre Tourism Powell River

Powell River Chamber of Commerce Coastal Women in Business

I remember patiently waiting for my brother to leave the house, sneaking into his room and losing myself in Lou Reed’s Transformer, T-rex The Slider, and Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust.

qL is your magazine! Give us your feedback

Email your comments and Letters to editor@qathetliving.ca

​— ​Bob Davey, Page 45.

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APRIL’S CONTRIBUTORS

Pitch us an article or a photo spread. Email editor@qathetliving.ca

Advertise with us

Contact sean@qathetliving.ca 604-485-0003 or suzi@qahtetliving.ca 604-344-0208

ELLEN GOULD is president of Energy Democracy for BC. See Ellen’s story, Dam. That’s Good News, on Page 16.

Having survived cancer in her thirties, ANNA BYRNE is an end-of-life educator and author. She is co-founder of Community Supported Dying qathet and works at Four Tides Hospice. See Anna’s story, Connected while Letting Go, on Page 33.

KARINA INKSTER is

a fitness and nutrition coach, author of five books, podcast host, TEDx speaker, music teacher, and co-director of the qathet Accordion Fest. See Karina’s stories, TEDx and Accordion Fest, on Page 22 & 56.

ANGIE DAVEY has been

singing for the joy of it since before she could even talk. She’s inspired by Joan Osborne, Dido, and Ann Wilson. See Angey’s story, Deeply into Pop, on Page 51.

JACK ANDERSON is a

local climate activist and 50-year resident of Lund with roots in the early labour movement. S ee Jack’s story, International Workers’ Day cartoons, on Page 24.

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Providing honest advice and professional service for 35 years qathet Living • April 2026 • 5

Fashion statements BY TERESA HARWOOD LYNN

T

his year’s Renew Art Faire focuses on environmental themes and is an exciting celebration of creativity. Artists working with fibre, metal, wood, and glass materials will showcase their innovative work, demonstrating how discarded and renewable materials can transform into beautiful, thought-provoking art pieces. Alongside these artists, several non-profits committed to environmental causes will participate, adding an educational dimension to the event. Attendees can expect more than just a traditional art exhibition. The Renew Art Faire will be an interactive hub where visitors can truly engage with the artistic process and learn from hands-on demonstrations. Throughout the day, artists will give demos showing their techniques for working with upcycled materials, creating everything from jewelry to sculptures. These demonstrations offer fascinating insights into how creativity combined with sustainability can result in stunning, eco-friendly artworks. One of the highlights of the event will be a unique fashion show featuring garments made entirely from recycled and renewable materials. This fashion showcase is not only a display of artistic skill but also an inspiring example of how sustainable fashion can be both stylish and environmentally conscious. Visitors will witness firsthand how discarded fabrics and unconventional materials are repurposed into wearable art, pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion design. The Faire also provides a platform for community engagement and dialogue, allowing guests to connect directly with the artists and representatives from non-profit organizations. This interaction fosters

6 April 2026 • qathetliving.ca

RENEW ART FAIRE When: April 25, 10 am to 4 pm Where: Dwight Hall What: Fashion showcase, art, jewelry, art demos, and more, all with a focus on sustainability. a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in sustainable art practices. By encouraging questions, conversations, and collaboration, the event helps build a stronger network of individuals and groups committed to environmental stewardship through creative expression. The timing of the event, so close to Earth Day, is intentional and symbolic. It deepens the connection between the arts and environmental activism, making this art faire a crucial part of local Earth Day celebrations. It also encourages visitors to consider their own environmental impact and supports a community-wide movement toward greener practices. Renew Art Faire is more than just an event; it is a statement about the future of art and the environment. It demonstrates that beauty and sustainability are not mutually exclusive but can coexist and enrich one another. Everyone is invited to join this celebration of sustainable creativity at Dwight Hall on April 25th. Whether you come to see the demos, be inspired by the fashion show, or simply explore the work of talented artists, you will find an event full of meaning, innovation, and community spirit. Together, we can witness how our community is investigating sustainable solutions and contributing to a healthier planet, one artwork at a time.

The Green Issue

qathet Living • April 2026 • 7

“Our stories need to be told, and we shouldn’t be ashamed or judged.” Excerpts from a recent story-telling workshop for locals with lived and living experience of substance use, reflecting on the 10-year anniversary of the public health emergency called in response to the toxic drug crisis.

in Powell River this emergency “To say that it hits home is an understatement. Here dozens and dozens of people lost have we e decad past has left deep scars. Over the strangers, drifters or transients, from our small community...people we knew, not every loss is felt, and that unity, comm but part of this community. In our small a crisis like this persists when mean it does what on: forces us to ask a difficult questi table?” preven for over 10 years, when we know these deaths are

. I lost a daughter to “I have been homeless, but now I own my home them in a safe use and drugs my test an overdose. Being able to it I probably ut Witho . bonus major a is tely defini t environmen or in jail. dead either wouldn’t be here writing this, I would be spending and ork… yardw doing nature Instead, now I enjoy life in lives. “ their in back me ted accep has that family my time with

“My older brother had a back injury and after the prescription pharmaceuticals he was prescribed, turned to street drugs. I was 12. As far as I know he is living on the street in Vancouver. During the 2000s the drug epidemic was taking root in Powell River, and most of my school friends ended up addicted. Most of them ended up overdosing or now are homeless. It breaks my heart to see what is happening in my hometown and I wish there were more compassionate, understanding, caring, loving, generous people in Powell River.”

“I do drugs recreationally but others use it for pain. I guess I use them for pain, too. I’ve lost a lot of important people in the past two years. I recently lost one of the most important people in my life, my grandmother and I had to tell her I loved her over the phone. It was the hardest thing I’ve done. She was the one person I could talk to and not be judged.”

my back, years ago and given Percocet for “I was in a boat accident at work survive and to y luck very were We . iated bulging discs that haven’t fully hern effects from it. My family doctor all have long lasting injuries and side pain out medical support to manage my recently retired and I am left with my pain is use beca pills, t stree ng buyi to and injuries. I have resorted r.” starting to get worse as I get olde

“If “I If it it wasn’t wasn’t for people that have seen my worth when I was clean and fully functioning, I’m not sure I’d still be here. They supported and loved me when I didn’t myself. You Y u Yo end up feeling so ashamed and disgusted and embarrassed. The struggles are so hard to deal with, a constant battle. It happens so fast, you barely realize it till it’s right in your face. I do in fact want to get better, but I can only see that happening with counselling and that’s a minimum 3-month wait.”

“I grew up in a very stable home here in town, where both parents worked. I excelled at sports. Our family always went on a summer vacation, and we traveled the world. Then I got my first boyfriend at 17, and he was abusive, to the point of putting me into the hospital, and along with that came prescription medications— and the start of using marijuana and alcohol.”

Hear more and learn more at the qCAT’s commemoration event:

Tuesday, April 14th from 1pm - 3 pm at the Powell River Public Library. Stories, films, naloxone training, memorial display, information and resources, snacks, and more.

Coupon

$5 off a purchase of $10 or more before taxes at Riptide

New! Riptide Books, Movies & More 4712 Marine Ave (Across from Oceanside) Wednesday-Sunday 10am-5pm

Owner Karyne Bailey and the staff at High Tide Games and Oceanside Entertainment are thrilled to open our third business this spring. Riptide features gently-used books, movies, music, puzzles, and games.

8 April 2026 • qathetliving.ca

Unwrap me this month!

March saw both a fuel and transit shake-up: Is this qathet’s green “leap” moment? Fuel at the Pump, March 25, 2026 City

Regular Unleaded

Diesel

Powell River

2.09.9

2.49.9

Comox

2.02.9

2.34.9

Vancouver

214.0

2.57.4

Edmonton

1.69.2

1.94.9

Toronto

1.78.9

2.23.3

Halifax

1.74.4

2.41.7

WHAT FRESH HECK IS THIS? Left, Shell March 12. Right, Shell March 20.

BY PIETA GOUDRON

Prices Transparency Act and the BC Utilities Commission, no one could adequately explain why gas prices here were so much more. Now, the price spread has diminished between us and other communities, but ouch. Those are some high prices, everywhere. Gas and diesel jumped dramatically in March 2026. The photo on the left represents the first hike, from about $1.79 for regular unleaded and $1.89 for diesel, to $1.94.9 and $2.29.9 when the first shock hit from the action in Iran. The second photo shows

R

emember the good old days in 2018, when qL was railing against the high price of regular unleaded: which was then the ludicrously-low price of just $1.59.9? At that time, the price of gas was high compared to other markets. The spread between the same regular unleaded here and in Comox or Sechelt was about 23 cents. Despite a multi-million dollar effort on the part of the Provincial government, through the Fuel

WE’RE BACK! The Boardwalk Restaurant re-opens for the season on April 23!

This building celebrates 100 years in Lund this year. Watch for 100-year specials all season!

Read more about the Boardwalk building in the May issue of qathet Living.

There's always a reason to come to Lund! Here’s another...

FISH & CHIPS

2025 - the 10 th ANNUAL

Lingcod or salmon or halibut - so yummy! Open every day starting May 1

•

Find us on

•

AS CHOSEN BY THE READERS OF QATHET LIVING

604 483-2201

•

Winner, qathet’s Best Fish & Chips TEN years in a row! theboardwalkrestaurantpowellriverlund.com

qathet Living • April 2026 • 9

Are GET READY you STAY READY ready for the qathet Regional Emergency Preparedness

TEST? A public test of the Community Notification System will be conducted on

MAY 7, 2026, at 2 pm If you haven’t registered yet, NOW’S THE TIME! BE IN THE KNOW! Help protect yourself and your community by signing up to the Community Notification System to receive important emergency notifications and alerts.

ly in order to know what adjustments to trip times we need to make. We encourage riders to try out the routes and let us know what they think using the online “Contact Us” form at bctransit. com/powell-river.” On-demand was having a hot moment a few years ago, with financial help from both Victoria and Ottawa. Back in March of 2024, the qathet Regional District released a feasibility study for on-demand in qathet’s rural areas. It presented several scenarios, which would increase taxes in the RD between $21 and $28 per resident. The RD confirmed that having an on-demand option (like the Zunga Bus) in the rural areas was not recommended, as it would at least double operating costs of the rural transit service. The next priorities for improvements, (as recommended by the qRD Board and BC Transit) are the adding of Thursday service to the Stillwater route, and adding additional weekday round trips on the Lund route. With the carrot of a BC Transit overhaul, and the stick of $2.09.9 for regular unleaded, is this the moment we all leap to the bus?

Weekend

brunch

For questions or registration assistance please email emergency@qathet.ca, call (604) 485-2260, or call the Tla’amin Nation Emergency Management Program at (604) 483-9646

coastal by nature

10 April 2026 • qathetliving.ca

S

Voted Powell River’s Best Patio

SATURDAY 10:30AM - 3PM SUNDAY RESERVATIONS CALL: 604 485 0996

City of

604-485-2260 • 202 - 4675 Marine Avenue qathet.ca • administration@qathet.ca

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1. Go to qathet.ca/emergency-preparedness or scan the code at left. 2. Click on ‘Enroll in the Community Notification System Here’ 3. Complete the registration form, providing your contact information and preferences

CIA

MEN

REGISTER TODAY in 3 easy steps:

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The Community Notification System is used by emergency services to share important public safety messages by phone, email or text message.

the next hike: $2.09.9 and $2.49.9 by March 20. As fuel was peaking (we hope), BC Transit offered the first major overhaul of the local system in 40 years — just in time for Earth Month. The plan is based on public consultations in December 2024 and June 2025. The refreshed service includes an on-demand bus in Westview. This will replace the Zunga Bus, which was previously funded by the City of Powell River and Ottawa. The plan added a day of service to Texada (Tuesdays and Thursday) and changed some routes to be more direct. That means some stops were closed. Currently, Facebook is full of reaction to the changes. They are not set in stone, though, and BC Transit wants to hear feedback: “BC Transit and our partners recognize this is a large shift to the transit system, but one that will set the system up for increased and targeted expansions of service,” the communications department wrote to qL. “With such a big change we know that we don’t always get the schedules and important connections exactly right. As such we will be continuing to observe ridership patterns and listen to feedback careful-

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APRIL’S TRADITIONAL GROCERIES: Betty Wilson and Prashant Miranda’s 2025 children’s book laget hiyt toxwum / Herring to Huckleberries shows her childhood food gathering memories from each month of the year. Herring and herring roe would be gathered around now.

Herring: E little local spawning, but still a nearby commercial catch

lder Betty Wilson is concerned that there’s been no sign of a herring spawn around most of qathet this year. The author of the children’s book laget hiyt toxwum / Herring to Huckleberries, (2025) documented her childhood gathering food year-round. The spring is for herring. Traditionally, she said, herring would be hung on cedar sticks and wind dried. But at Tla’amin Nation’s newly-opened food hub at tishosum (which means “milky white herring spawn” in ayajuthem), there’s none to be found. “As soon as the seagulls started talking and the sea lions, we would go to Scuttle Bay to gather the eggs on the kelp there,” she said over an all-imported fish sushi lunch. “I used to love cooking wind-dried herring over a fire, too. I don’t know if it was the herring that was that good, or just everyone laughing and joking around.” Herring all but disappeared from this region in

the 1970s, after massive seine fisheries. They have slowly returned over the last 20 years. Indigenous nations, including Tla’amin, have asked the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans to lay off the commercial catch, to let the essential food-chain fish recover. On March 16, DFO released commercial fishing guidelines for BC. According to a previous agreement, commercial herring fishing remains closed in Area 15, the waters closest to qathet, until this fall. But it opened in March both north and south of here. Betty hopes locals will learn some ayajuthem words for herring: ɬagət• herring ̓ χawχɛkʷum• herring eggs šɛmɛt • dried

qathet Living • April 2026 • 11

1

Elementary School Photo Contest

Earth Day, through children’s eyes Eco Clubs in local schools took the Bondar Challenge, an idea coming from the Roberta Bondar Foundation that fosters connection with nature through photography, and held a photo contest with an Earth Day theme.

Top photos were: 1 • Kolby Finn, Edgehill 2 • Isaac Mazouzi, Edgehill 3 • Louie Hay, James Thomson 4 • Kyra Doyle, James Thomson 5 • Olivia Antle & Ophelia Agius, Edgehill 6. Hazel Barfoot, James Thomson 7 • William Lament, Westview Elementary

12 April 2026 • qathetliving.ca

7

6

2

3 4

5 qathet Living • April 2026 • 13

How is council doing? As part of our community education work, the Westview Ratepayers Society is asking voting residents of Powell River to complete a short and easyto-complete online Council Report Card and Short Survey. This report card and survey aims to capture the opinions of eligible voters in Powell River regarding the performance of our City Council over the past 3.5 years, and their views on several issues that impact our community. Westview Ratepayers Society will publish the responses and use them to guide our interviewing of municipal election candidates this fall regarding their views on important community issues. We are asking all voting residents to take a few minutes to complete the survey and make their voices heard. The survey can be found at: https://s.surveyplanet.com/lrm4oe01 or scan this QR code: Our city council does not survey residents to find out how they are doing. We are hoping to get a sizable community response so that electors have a sense of our how our community views our council before the next election takes place. This survey is very important, please take 5 minutes to fill it out! Rick Craig President, Westview Ratepayers Society

THE SCENE 100 YEARS AGO: This 1926 photo depicts the Brooks, Scanlon and O’Brien train hauling logs at Stillwater. The company was founded by a Bellingham businessman. Photo courtesy of qathet Museum

O Z M Z M AL M

Even more forest to be managed locally

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14 April 2026 • qathetliving.ca

ast month, qL’s cover story featured Tla’amin Nation’s $80 million purchase of Western Forest Products vast Tree Farm License 39 Block 1 in the local backcountry. Another corporate license holder, Interfor, is dissolving much of its Upper Sunshine Coast holdings ​ — ​which will take effect in April. Although the agreements have yet to be signed, it’s likely that the Interfor holdings closest to town will be scooped by the Powell River Community Forest. If approved, the acquisition will add 10,000 cubic metres of annual allowable cut (AAC) to the PRCF’s existing 35,000, and likely hundreds of thousands of dollars in profit to the city each year. The PRCF is managed by a volunteer board comprised of people who live here. Profits fund local capital projects. On the lower coast, a license with 12,000 AAC will go to the Sunshine Coast Community Forest, which, like here, will likely get converted into an area-based tenure added to the community forest. Interfor is also planning to transfer more than 25 special use permits, including log dumps and roads, to Klahoose Forestry and Homalco Jeh Jeh Tenure 100% LOCALLY OWNED FIERCELY INDEPENDENT ALWAYS FREE

Management. The company will also likely transfer licenses with 44,000 AAC to Homalco. For both money and responsibility, local control matters. Adam Culos, who manages Tla’amin Nation’s Thichum Forest Products, reiterates that forests under Tla’amin’s control are managed with strong cultural and environmental values. “When forests are managed locally— guided by land use plans driven by the Nation—decisions are made by people who live with the outcomes every day. That shifts the focus toward building forests that are more diverse, more resilient, and better aligned with the needs of local communities, while also creating greater certainty at the local level. “We recognize this kind of change doesn’t happen overnight. Our approach is grounded in the quadruple bottom line—balancing social, cultural, environmental, and economic values in every decision we make. “Tla’amin has set a 300-year vision for forestry. That long-term perspective reflects a generational opportunity to do things differently and to bring communities together around a shared future for the land.” MARCH 2026

Tla’amin Nation hegus John Hackett and BC Truck Loggers Association president Bob Marquis celebrate a new era of forestry here.

A DIFFERENT VISION: Tla’amin Nation’s forestry operations are managed balancing social, cultural, environmental, and economic values. Above, Wade Williams (utility/bucker) and Joel Mahy (scaler). Photos courtesy of Thichum

qathet Living • April 2026 • 15

Dam. That’s good news.

BY ELLEN GOULD

M

arch was a great month for local efforts focused on the future of energy production in the qathet region. First, the Canada Energy Regulator decided that Powell River Energy’s application to export electricity for 30 years must have a thorough review. Only days later, the BC Court of Appeal ruled that Powell River Energy Inc. (PREI) cannot avoid regulation by the BC Utilities Commission. The local non-profit Energy Democracy for BC (ED4BC) welcomed both decisions. The Court of Appeals ruling came after years of work by the group to challenge PREI’s attempts to be deregulated. ED4BC intervened several times: in 2021 when PREI sought a partial exemption, in 2023 when it applied for a full exemption, and in 2024 when it challenged the Commission’s ruling that it could not be exempt. Without the deep pockets for legal fees that the company has, ED4BC still managed to gain intervenor status and made multiple submissions to the Utilities Commission. Lawyer Jim Quail of Allevato, Quail & Associates agreed to present their legal case to the Commission on a pro bono basis. The Court of Appeal’s decision validated arguments ED4BC had made to the Commission. Under the Utilities Commission Act, companies that generate and use their own energy are exempt—for ex-

OUR TOWN’S AORTA: For the past 115 years, the dam at tiskwat has generated power for locals — not export. There is significant local push-back against committing to sell this power out of town. Photo by Ryk Griffioen ample, a paper mill using electricity from its own dams. PREI argued it qualified for this exemption because it sold all its power to its own subsidiary. The Court rejected that argument, making the obvious point that a parent company and a subsidiary are two separate entities, not one. But besides ruling on this somewhat esoteric legal principle, the Court also made a powerful statement about the scope of the Utilities Commission’s mandate to serve British Columbians. PREI had argued that because it exports electricity outside BC, the Commission should not oversee it. However, the Court ruled that even if electricity is being exported, the Commission still has an oversight role because: “PREI’s production of electricity and use of electrical infrastructure in British Colum-

bia may well engage concerns about the integrity and dependability of the electricity supply within the province.” In short, energy companies exporting power must still answer to British Columbians for the impact their operations have on the province’s energy security. PREI’s export application and its legal challenge against the Utilities Commission have a common theme. This is a company working to cut its corporate responsibility to the region where its dams are located — choosing to export power rather than foster local economic development and at the same time seeking deregulation from provincial law. That it has had setbacks on both fronts is a win for the community.

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LIFE-LONG LEARNERS:Jesus ‘Chucho’ Iglesias; Ron Berezan; Bob Hackett; Constance Roy; Angelika Hackett; Bob Newman; with five farm workers; Lot Sparham. There were 22 North Americans on this tour. Since February, the news from Cuba is that US has blocked oil shipments, a strategy to bring about regime change. The blockade is causing transportation problems, power outages, a health-care crisis, garbage collection interruptions, food and water supply problems, and more. But corporate news pays little attention to Cuba’s world-leading efforts to address climate change. Yet that impoverished but plucky country has much to teach even wealthy countries like Canada as we contemplate environmental challenges during Earth Month.

Climate change lessons W from Cuba

BY ROBERT HACKETT e’ve heard a lot about Cuba since the Trump administration’s fuel blockade. In February, I joined my second tour of small co-operative and family agro-ecological farms in Cuba. Our group — six from qathet, 11 other Canadians and

five Americans, led by Ron Berezan, farm manager of Wildwood’s Blueberry Commons — arrived at Varadero airport expecting Caribbean heat. Instead, we found the weather surprisingly similar to home. On February 3rd, a nearby weather station recorded 0.1°C — the coldest dawn in Cuba’s recorded history, and actually eight degrees chillier than Vancouver that same day! For the rest of the week, shivering locals greeted us with “Buenos días. Mucho frío!”

The Climate Frontline Cuba’s per-person CO2 emissions are only about half the global average. Despite this minimal footprint, it sits on the frontlines of climate change. Its mangrove coastlines are a “blue” carbon sink — one of the top three in the world, and a natural gift to humanity — but they are increasingly vulnerable. To

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Crops such as guava shrivel from longer dry spells, while tomatoes drown in rains heavier than the elders have ever seen. make matters worse, the country is grappling with an acute energy crisis caused by failing older thermal electric plants, the economic downslide since COVID, and especially by the near impossibility of importing fuel for power generators, vehicles, farm machinery, and so on. Following the US attack on Venezuela, Trump escalated the six decade-long economic sanctions on Cuba into a near-total fuel blockade. From farmers, we heard story after story about how these factors collide. Extreme weather is becoming the new normal — summer days too hot for field work, torrential rains, longer harsher dry spells, and ferocious hurricanes, like Melissa last October, the third most intense Atlantic cyclone on record. Our new friends, Virginia Corrales and Cesar Parra Barraso, having travelled 12 hours by bus from their farm in eastern Cuba to visit our group, described the agony of watching years of work vanish in a few hours. We heard about declining water tables due to drought, and increasing salt in the soil due to rising sea levels.

Crops such as guava shrivel from longer dry spells, while tomatoes drown in rains heavier than the elders have ever seen. One farmer, Abel González, showed us a greenhouse shredded by a tornado — the first he had ever experienced. The challenges are relentless: shifting seasons that make crop planning a guessing game, new insect pests, and a power grid too unstable to run the pumps needed for irrigation. Most urgently, rising sea levels threaten to submerge 10% of Cuba by the end of the century. According to an online presentation by University of Glasgow professor Helen Yaffe, this could force one million people to relocate by century’s end, wiping out coastal towns, tourist beaches and vital agricultural lands.

The Cuban Paradox Fortunately, this nightmarish scenario is only half the story. Cuba is a place of stark contradictions. Some of the farms we visited were so lush and lovingly tended that they felt like a touch of paradise. Meals were bountiful and creative variations on ubiquitous Cuban staples: rice, beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, cabbage, cassava, beef, pork, chicken, fish, guava, papaya, pineapple, and crucially, delicious coffee. Our hosts were consistently generous and openhearted. Cubans working in the tourism sector, one flush with US dollars, are better off than their compatriots. On the other hand, most Cubans are living on the edge, especially those dependent on minuscule state salaries and lacking access to American dollars. They

face long daily blackouts, fuel shortages, stalled garbage collection, and a world-renowned medical system being pushed towards the precipice: surgeries cancelled, ambulances stranded. And yet, the United Nations recognizes Cuba as a global model for how developing countries (and us!) can tackle climate change.

Tarea Vida: A Blueprint for Survival Cuba’s official roadmap for climate crisis is named Tarea Vida (Life Task). Adopted in 2017, it is a longterm plan, outlining both immediate tasks, and goals stretching to the end of the 21st century. The philosophy behind it is straightforward: the state takes responsibility, policy is driven by science, natural solutions are prioritized, and community participation and mutual help is key. The government emphasizes ecosystem-based adaptation — using nature to protect nature. Professor Helen Yaffe suggests that Cuba’s socialist system acts as an advantage here; the government can implement national strategies without having to negotiate with profit-seeking private companies. However, this centralized approach has its critics. Many Cubans see their government as often slow, bureaucratic, long on speeches but short on actual service delivery. At our host institution, the Christian Centre for Reflection and Dialogue (CCRD) in the working-class town of Cárdenas, resident experts Jesús “Chucho” Iglesias and Juan Pérez raised valid concerns. They worry about whether the government is willing to share power and resources with local regions, many

Are you in construction? Do we know you? In June, qathet Living will publish our first Construction Guide, including a directory of all the businesses (or at least all those we can find) that are available to help local homeowners with their building, home, yard & garden projects.

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of which lack basic tools like computers, radios, or even desks. They point out that the program’s budget is skewed. While coastal protection understandably takes precedence, agriculture receives only about 3% of the state budget. Furthermore, the US blockade throttles access to international financial aid, leaving the country without the capital needed for such an ambitious project. Some coastal folks push back against relocation, preferring current livelihoods to unfamiliar new homes. Despite these limitations, Tarea Vida is widely seen as a necessary path to a survivable future. It can draw on the country’s longstanding Civil Defence System against natural disasters, one that involves both technical expertise and regular education and engagement of the public in preparation, emergency response, and recovery. It seems effective. Consider the lower hurricane death toll compared to other Caribbean islands, its recognition by the UN, and Cuba’s willingness and ability to offer specially trained personnel to aid other countries — including, after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, the US! (The Bush administration didn’t respond to the offer.) Cuba’s progress in climate change is also undeniable. Where tree cover had once declined to 12%, it has now rebounded to nearly 30%. Solar power is also surging. Climate education is widespread, from school curricula to national TV programs. But Cuban farmers don’t need TV to grasp the reality of climate change. They live it, in their own fields and harvests.

The Permaculture Advantage

A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY: One of the many fantastic farm lunches and dinners the group enjoyed. At El Renacer, workers brought in a cake and the entire staff sang English and Cuban versions of Happy Birthday for Angelika Hackett.

I was struck by how well the philosophy of permaculture — which emphasizes caring for the land and people — meshes with Tarea Vida and Cuban culture generally. Like permaculture, the climate roadmap emphasizes working with nature, not against it. As for communal solidarity, the farms we visited were hubs of mutual support. Farmers often share seeds, animals, and knowledge, and many avoid middlemen entirely. At El Estadio, an urban farm in Sancti Spíritus, the cultivators encourage the neighbourhood to shop directly at their farm stand. Many farmers donate extra produce to local schools, hospitals, and daycare and seniors’ centres, even when not required by their lease contracts with the state. At a small garden managed by Milvia, an energetic beekeeper and professor, neighbours take what they need and pay what they can. She told us she doesn’t need locks or security; the community looks after the garden. But of course, poverty and desperation take a toll; in some other farms, valuable equipment like water pumps is protected against theft by walls and even guards. Effective adaptation requires “twofer” solutions — actions that serve multiple purposes at once. We saw this everywhere. A simple well might be connected to a windmill, solar panels, the grid, and a manual handle, ensuring that water keeps flowing regardless of the power situation. A spiny plant might be used as a fence to keep animals in, thieves out, and soil healthy. Protecting mangroves reduces erosion and calms storms while simultaneously cap-

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turing carbon. With help from China, the rapid expansion of solar power — now up to 30% of their energy mix — is another terrific dual-purpose move: it reduces greenhouse gas emissions while helping the country survive its energy crisis. Everywhere in the countryside, we saw far more panels glinting in the sun than in 2025’s tour — 49 new solar parks have been established since then. At Finca Caobas (Mahogany Farm), an unexpected sight — goats wandering through the forest. Combining reforestation with goat herding controls erosion by stabilizing the soil, recycles nutrients, constitutes a windbreak, provides shade for plants that need it (like coffee), captures carbon and produces food directly. That isn’t just a “twofer” — it’s a “sixfer”!

Vision, Heart, and Hard Work Plans on paper are nothing without the people who bring them to life. Time and again, we heard stories of remarkable courage. Milvia told us, “I saw an informal garbage dump full of dead animals, and

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I imagined it as a garden. People thought I was crazy at first.” Today, it is a mini-cornucopia producing honey and vegetables, with a Canadian flag hanging at the farm stand to welcome us. When faced with obstacles, Cubans are incredibly resourceful. They famously keep antique American cars gleaming and running for decades. They turn scrap metal into tools or art. One farmer proudly showed us a lawnmower he had stitched together from a discarded power pump and two spinning chains. Humour is another coping mechanism. At one farm with a water tower rendered inactive by lack of power for its pump, locals described is as a monument, “like the Eiffel Tower”. Such creativity and resilience is a massive asset in responding to an unpredictable climate. They are observing, learning, and adapting. Farmers are shifting their planting schedules and swapping in new crops that can better survive the changing weather. But they are limited by a lack of resources. The US-imposed energy shortage is the most pressing issue.

What can we do? Cuba’s experience with climate variability offers so many lessons — advance long-term multi-sector planning, creativity and resilience, education, community solidarity, nature-based solutions, multi-purpose interventions. The Cuban people do not deserve Trump’s punishing policies. This is where we can help. Contact our MP, sign petitions, urging the Canadian government to take

a stand against Trump’s unprovoked energy blockade, and to provide more humanitarian aid to Cuba. The $8 million initially promised is tiny compared to previous disaster relief for hurricanes and elsewhere. Canadian airlines were arguably too hasty in cancelling flights, and the government’s travel advisories too alarmist. Consider vacationing in Cuba regardless. Tourists are treated well — tourism has been the backbone of Cuba’s economy — other airlines continued to serve the island, and it’s a safer destination than many other Caribbean getaways. Thousands of Canadians return year after year to enjoy the warmth, not only of beaches, but of the people. Do the research and hear from those who’ve recently come home. Even from the comfort of our First World homes, we can support Canadian non-profit groups marshalling humanitarian aid. Last year, our tour group was touched by a wonderful multi-generational family struggling to irrigate their small farm. (See qathet Living, April 2025, pages 21-24.) We raised the (to us) modest funds for well-digging equipment, and this year the Bombinos proudly displayed their new well and served a sumptuous supper while our group did token kitchen or garden tasks. Now, our sights are higher: Ron Berezan and his colleagues, including our Cuban friends at CCRD, have launched SOLidarity, a fund for small-scale solar power systems to help farmers achieve energy independence, irrigate crops, operate basic tools, and do what they do best — grow food. You can contribute by e-transfer to solidaritywithcubanfarmers@gmail.com. Please read more at theurbanfarmer.ca/solidarity.

Can you clip? The Powell River Salmon Society is once again looking for community volunteers to clip the adipose fin of Coho Salmon April 27 to May 10. “We are building from our highly successful program last year,” says Terry Peters, who coordinated the effort that saw a record 300,000 hatchery coho clipped in 2025. Volunteers take one or more four-hours shifts. No harm is done to the fish and the Department of Fisheries staff are on site to help and train all coho clipping participants. “We have to clip them to catch them,” says Terry, “and it also helps the Salmon Society to accurately determine returning stock back to the Alex Dobler Hatchery at Lang Creek in three years time.” “The clipping is easy and most of all rewarding,” says Terry. “If you are a fisherman, new to the community, or a passionate supporter of outdoor recreation, this is a fun opportunity to get out and meet like minded people. We even have positions for non-clippers to count fish once they are clipped so there is place for everyone at our clipping table.” The clipping is done at the Townsite Mill hatchery located inside the old mill grounds. Register at clippingprsalmon@gmail.com or go directly to the sign up sheet to pick a time slot at volunteersignup.org/7TQ8E. See more on Page 25.

qathet Living • April 2026 • 21

INSPIRATIONAL HAMSTER: Would you eat Basil? The pet rodent inspired a young Karina Inkster to reconsider her relationship with meat animals. Now, she is a qathet-based vegan personal trainer, author and podcast host who recently spoke about her journey to veganism at TEDx Surrey.

The power of a simple story BY KARINA INKSTER

T

his past August, a former business coach asked me, “Have you ever thought about delivering a TEDx talk?” I had not. And I was intrigued. When she invited me to apply to TEDx Surrey, one of Canada’s largest TEDx events, I thought, “Sure, why not? Might as well see what happens!” I already had a story in mind — one that started with my pet hamster Basil’s birthday party and ended with a lifelong commitment to veganism. Founded in 1984, TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is a non-profit that shares talks online for free, under the slogan “Ideas Change Everything.” TEDx events are independently organized by communities worldwide, following TED guidelines. While I’ve always had some reservations about the TEDx ecosystem — which favours polished storytelling and simplified ideas over deeper nuance — I realized this would be a fantastic opportunity to speak about something I care strongly about to a live audience of 1,000 people.

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I submitted an application outlining a talk about how veganism aligns our daily food choices with values we already hold. I made the shortlist to audition, and was selected as one of the final 12 speakers. As a fitness and nutrition coach, book author, and podcast host, I’m used to long-form conversations and evidence-based deep dives. “TEDifying” my ideas into a short inspirational narrative was completely outside my wheelhouse. Over the next several months, I worked closely with the TEDx coaching team to refine the talk’s script and structure, learn how to tell a story instead of present an argument, memorize the talk, and practice onstage delivery. Event day at the Bell Performing Arts Centre on January 24, 2026 unfolded without a hitch. TEDx Surrey is impressively well-run by a team of volunteers. Every detail was handled, from professional lighting and camera crews to live-streaming the event to viewers around the world. In dressing rooms below the stage, we watched the talks on a monitor as we waited our turn, pacing the hallways

and rehearsing our opening lines. In my talk, which felt like 30 seconds instead of 12 minutes, I shared the childhood moment that first made me question why we love some animals while eating others: celebrating my pet hamster’s birthday while roast chicken cooked downstairs. From that story, I explored how aligning our food choices with our values can benefit animals, our health, and the planet. After my talk, one audience member told me, “I’d never connected my dog to farm animals before.” Another said, “I’m rethinking my food choices.” One even said, “I’m not eating meat anymore!” So the TEDx format clearly resonates with some folks. If memorizing 12 minutes of script encourages 1,000 people to think differently about animals, health, and the planet, it’s worth it. I’m grateful for the chance to share this message with a new audience. When the official talk video is released in the coming months, the conversation will continue — inviting more people to live their values, one bite at a time.

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cadamconstruction.com • 604-414-4699 The staff and patients of the Oncology Unit at qathet General Hospital would like to thank these folks for the generous contributions that help make our days a little brighter: Those who provided beautiful quilts for cancer patients: - The Timberlane Quilters Guild and their many talented fabric artists. - “The Arlenes” (a quilting group that gets together in memory of their friend who passed from cancer 16 years ago): Gaye Denier, Eleanor Delaney, Carol Foort, Lois McArthur, Yvonne Turner, Janet Byles, Christine Nicholl, Lois Jones & Suzanne Hartman. The Powell River Health Care Auxiliary that provides quilted purses and bags, and has done so much to make cancer care at our local hospital possible. The coffee fund lady, Laura Passek, who donates to keep our little coffee section stocked. Paddling for Life Dragon Boat Society: This local non-profit dragon boat team for breast cancer survivors and supporters donates gas gift cards for patients that could use the help when traveling out of town for treatments. Knitted Knockers: These volunteers provide complimentary, soft, comfortable, knit prosthetics for post-mastectomy breast cancer survivors. Order of the Eastern Star: The order collects used postage stamps and exchanges for money that is used for the Oncology Department. qathet Living • April 2026 • 23

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THE PENCIL IS MIGHTIER: John Frederick Anderson drew these cartons between 1920 and 1924. His grandson, Jack Anderson, inherited some of the collection and will exhibit 25 of them at the Library for International Workers’ Day (see sidebar at right).

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y grandfather, John Frederick Anderson, was an artist and a union organizer in the early 1900s in the United States. He immigrated to the Boston area from Sweden when he was twelve years old to apprentice with an uncle there, as a machinist. Later, he became one of the founders of the Machinist Union and its first vice president. Much of his time was spent traveling from city to city organizing locals of the union and doing other union business. My father told me that he was gone from home half the time while he was growing up and got beat up more than once for his efforts. In the evenings, in various “flea bag” hotels, he drew political cartoons that were published mostly in trade union journals, but also a few times in major newspapers. When he retired from this career he donated most of the original cartoons to the Smithsonian Institute and gave his son — ​ m ​ y father ​— ​about 25 of them. I remember my father pulling out the portfolio to show to friends of his when they visited. They would often spark some lively discussion, but always got ample admiration for their content, but also their artistic merit. When my grandfather retired he went out west to draw and paint cowboys on horses, a lifetime ambition. My sister got that collection and I got the cartoons. It is my pleasure to present this collection in honour of May Day, International Workers’ Day (event is May 2, see sidebar). There will be a short discussion and maybe a couple of speakers. Please feel welcome to join us. I think you will find this collection of cartoons from a hundred years ago

MAY DAY LABOUR CARTOONS When: Saturday, May 2, from 2 to 4 pm, Library What: View, in person, Jack Anderson’s collection of century-old political cartoons drawn by his grandfather. Many were published in labour journals and some in major newspapers.

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very relevant to our present time when workers, and jobs in general, are under new threats such as AI, tariffs, resource depletion and climate change. The oligarchs wear different clothes, but underneath is the same disregard for humanity and the ever persistent force of greed. Workers in my grandfather’s time had to “organize” and stand up for themselves in the face of financial exploitation and threats to their safety so that people after them would have it a little better.

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FISH CLIPPERS

Powell River Salmon Society once again will be clipping the adipose fins of hatchery-raised coho before they are released.

CAN YOU VOLUNTEER

for a 4-hour shift (8-12 or 12:30-4:30)? April 27 - May 10. Training will be provided. Contact Terry Peters at clippingprsalmon@gmail.com or sign up as a clipper or fish counter at volunteersignup.org/7TQ8E Help support sport fishing and the science of salmon preservation and enhancement. qathet Living • April 2026 • 25

Learning about other places has also helped students reflect on surrounded by the ocean and home to seals and salmon. The isla connected to mining. For these students, community also means trampolines in their backyards with friends. These are the little g across the country.

13 for 13

Texada Elementary K-2 Students Connect with Classrooms Nationwide

A special t

Texada Eleme What started as a simple idea in Ms. Carol Wyatt’s Grade K-2 classroom at Texada is attached to Elementary has grown into a cross-Canada connection project called “13 for 13”. times a year, a few weeks as While going through the curriculum and learning about Canada’s provinces and

Peter Lock (pic territories, Ms. Wyatt wondered, what better way for her students to learn than by volunteer who hearing directly from other kids who live in those provinces and territories? She a artifacts retired qathe asked the class if they’d like to create packages filled with local and personal stories to send to schools across the country and invite each school to 30 years of exp send one back sharing their own community. The students were immediately on sometimes as board. artifacts and s understand wh With support from Superintendent Paul McKenzie and help from Texada Students have Ms. Carol Wyatt’s K-2 class with their dioramas of Elementary Principal Alex Bella, Ms. Wyatt reached out across the country to help from Peter thro other provinces. build real relationships between young learners and successfully heard back from their communi a school in every province and territory who were excited about taking part.places th other to Peter for his Student-written stories about Texada Island. The goal of the project was simple yet powerful: to help students share their own to sta students stories about the beautiful little island they call home, while connecting with other Thank you to Museum Curator Brenda Rairie as well, for supporting students who live in very different places and hearing firsthand what life is like in My Island” letters on the museum board and preserving them as p their neck of the woods. The lesson was for students to discover the beauty that history, but they are also becoming part of it. Through collaboration exists from coast to coast, gain a better understanding of the differences between community can look different from place to place, but every singl Package delivery! K-2 class at the museum. communities, and recognize the similarities that connect them all.

Q&A

Each package gave a little peek into life on Texada Island…

Q: What pa

All the students contributed to the co-written story, “This is my Island”. Students also included a colouring book featuring The animals from part th the qathet region with their Tla’amin names, rocks and stones they collected, sea glass gathered from the beach, laminated leaves from knowing th their school’s backyard, and a variety of student artwork. Every package also included a question for the receiving school about its With Principal was essen province or territory to spark a response. These packages were carefully assembled over several weeks as students collected their end of the Alex Bella & Teacher treasures and were mailed out on February 24th. The class is now eagerly awaiting a package or postcard in return by April 15th, filled wanted to with answers to their questions and a glimpse into life in another community. Once the responses arrive, the class will gather at the Carol Wyatt Texada Museum, located next door to their school, to read the postcards together and see what has come from across Canada.

Q: Why is experie Q: How did your students react when This project connects directly to what students have Yi been Fu learning in class…wrote a Tuan they realized they’d get to connect Students in Ms. Wyatt’s class have been exploring Canada by studying provinces and territories feelings and ideas with kids from across Canada? through books, asking curious questions, and creating dioramas speaks to bring each regionabout to life. Along how way, they have compared geography, wildlife, industries, and daily life, discovering both the the responded All of my students feelings about a p differences and the similarities that shape communities across the country. When asked what positively. I put all 13 province and we students hope, responsi their attention about the province or territory they were studying, were quick to territory names incaught a box, and they experiences of oth share their favourite facts. randomly picked one. We had a chat students learn how about the places in Canada they might the more they can like to hear from. They wanted to find preservation. - Ale “There was a gold “Quebec has really “Baby belugas live places very different than us and even Did you know... rush in Yukon” big hydro dams” in Nunavut” Q: How does this asked if we can write to the Arctic! Texada Island? Students pored over the pictures we “Osoyoos in BC does not have the ocean like us, but it has a BIG lake” Through this proje could find of other Canadian “There is lots of wildlife in Nova Scotia like foxes and deer” spirit of communi communities, and I took my cue for “Prince Edward Island has a long name but is Canada’s tiniest province” generosity in shar town choice from their excitement “You can find dinosaur fossils in Alberta” rocks offered a ch about particular features or community “There are polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba” similar experience aspects that drew the biggest “There are diamond mines in the Northwest Territories” about what will co response. - Carol Wyatt

26 April 2026 • qathetliving.ca

n their own. The class described Texada as small but very safe, and is covered in forests with tall trees, and many families are Learning about other places has alsoswimming helped students reflect on their own.school, The class described Texadajumping as small but very safe, s tending chickens, after and on surrounded by the ocean and home to seals and salmon. The island is covered in forests with tall trees, and many families are glimpses of island life that they were excited to share with studen connected to mining. For these students, community also means tending chickens, swimming after school, and jumping on trampolines in their backyards with friends. These are the little glimpses of island life that they were excited to share with students thank you... across the country. entary has a wonderful partnership with the Texada Museum, which A special thank you... the school. On average, students visit the museum three to four Texada Elementary has a wonderful partnership with the Texadaover Museum, which and they have found it especially helpful and inspiring the past is attached to the school. On average, students visit the museum three to four they collected artifacts themselves.

times a year, and they have found it especially helpful and inspiring over the past ctured on the right), a museum few weeks as they collected artifacts themselves. o is also a Texada Island local and Peter Lock (pictured on the right), a museum et School District teacher with over volunteer who is also a Texada Island local and perience, visits the school often, a retired qathet School District teacher with over s many as 20 times a year, bringing 30 years of experience, visits the school often, stories that help students sometimes as many as 20 times a year, bringing hat life on Texada used to be like. artifacts and stories that help students e been using what they’ve learned understand what life on Texada used to be like. oughout this project to compare Students have been using what they’ve learned ity’s history with the histories of from Peter throughout this project to compare hey have been studying. Thank you their community’s history with the histories of s time and energy, and for inspiring other places they have been studying. Thank you ay curious. to Peter for his time and energy, and for inspiring Student-written stories about Texada Island. students to stay curious. g this project by displaying copies of the students’ outgoing “This I part of museum collection. Students are not only learning Thankthe you to Museum Curator Brenda Rairie as well, for supporting this project by displaying copies of the students’ outgoing “This about Is n, connection, communication, are are learning that My Island” letters on the and museum board and preserving them as part of thestudents museum collection. Students not only learning about le one is and unique. history, but special they are also becoming part of it. Through collaboration, connection, and communication, students are learning that community can look different from place to place, but every single one is special and unique.

Q&A

art of creating the packages meant the most to them? Q: What part of creating the packages meant the most to them? hat was most exciting about creating our boxes for delivery wa The part that was mostthem exciting about creating our boxes for delivery was hat other students were waiting for to arrive. Student voi knowing that other students were waiting for them to arrive. Student voice ntial in successfully getting other schools on board at the othe With Principal was essential successfully getting other schools on board at the not other phone call, where teachers andinprincipals might have call, where teachers and principals might have not Alex Bella &workload. Teacher end of the-phone add to their winter Carol Wyatt wanted to add to their winter workload. - Carol Wyatt Carol Wyatt ential, relationship-based learning important at their age? Q: Why is experiential, relationship-based learning important at their age? about our relationship to place and space. He writes that our Q: How did your students react when Yi Fu Tuan wrote about our relationship to place and space. He writes that our s arethey based on realized they’d get towho connect we are and the space we occupy. He also feelings and ideas are based on who we are and the space we occupy. He also with kids frombecome across Canada? attached to their environment, and that our w children speaks about how children become attached to their environment, and that our place translate into a positive sense of ownership – and, All can of my students responded feelings about a place can translate into a positive sense of ownership – and, ibility. Interacting with museum exhibits and learning about th positively. I put all 13 province and we hope, responsibility. Interacting with museum exhibits and learning about the hersterritory can help an understanding of context. The more names in a box,develop and they experiences of others can help develop an understanding of context. The more w they occupy and their relationship to where they liv randomly picked one. We a hadspace a chat students learn how they occupy a space and their relationship to where they live, about the places in Canada they might n begin to take care of it and ownership of its the more they take can begin to take care of it and take ownership of its like to hear from. They wanted to find ex Bella preservation. - Alex Bella places very different than us and even project reflect the unique spirit Q: How does this projectof reflect the unique spirit of asked if we can write to the Arctic! Texada Island? Students pored over the pictures we ect, students were ableThrough to extend the this project, students were able to extend the could find of other Canadian ity on Texada Island, nationwide. Their spirit of community on Texada Island, nationwide. Their communities, and I took my cue for ring town personal collections and generosity in sharing personal beach glass collections and choice from theirbeach excitement glass hance connect with other rocks offeredchildren a chance to connectwith with other children with aboutto particular features or community es across the country. We are optimistic similar experiences across the country. We are optimistic aspects that drew the biggest omeresponse. back to Texada! - Alex about whatBella will come back to Texada! - Alex Bella - Carol Wyatt qathet Living • April 2026 • 27

BRIEF HISTORY OF OVERDOSE IN QATHET 1990’s

2016

2017

2018

2019

qathet General Hospital (then Coast Garibaldi Health) initiates a needle exchange program in response to higher than provincial rates of overdoses and Hepatitis C, specifically in the 40-60 year old male population. (The drug of choice at the time? Heroin.)

Province declares public health emergency in response to drug toxicity deaths. Hospital starts offering community Naloxone training. Overdose prevention user group started with support from VCH Harm Reduction and Needle Exchange, BC Ambulance, and Lift Community Services. Unregulated Drug Death Rate per 100,000 BC: 20.5 Powell River: 34.5

Public Overdose Forum at the former Community Resource Centre. Over 85 community members attended to learn about fentanyl and opioid use. Unregulated Drug Death Rate per 100,000 BC: 30.3 Powell River: 24.4

qathet Community Action Team formalized, with over 30 community agencies and organizations. Overdose prevention user group formalized as SUSTAIN (Substance Users Society Teaching Advocacy Instead of Neglect). Unregulated Drug Death Rate per 100,000 BC: 31.2 Powell River: 43.3

qCAT opens Overdose Prevention Site trailer at Joyce and Duncan, offering supervised use, education, and pathways to connecting with health authority and recovery — location selected due to high volume of overdose-related emergency calls from area. Unregulated Drug Death Rate per 100,000 BC 19.4 Powell River: 28.5

2002 Sunshine Coast Treatment Services, an individual physician-directed methadone treatment centre, opens.

BY THE QATHET COMMUNITY ACTION TEAM

What emergency? T

Ten years of the toxic drug crisis

en years ago, on April 14, 2016, the Provincial Health Officer at the time, Dr. Perry Kendall, declared a public health emergency in response to the alarming rates of deaths attributed to the unregulated, toxic drug supply. “This is, frankly, a crisis,” he said at the time. By declaring a public health emergency, the province would rapidly expand harm reduction supports and be able to collect real-time information on overdoses with the purpose of identifying patterns and warning substance users of potential risks in a timely way. Ten years and over 16,000 deaths later, there seems to be no end in sight to this emergency. Since 2024, unregulated drug toxicity has been the leading cause of death for British Columbians aged 10 to 59, accounting for more deaths than homicides, suicides, and accidents combined. The qathet Community Action Team connected with Dr. Kendall to hear his thoughts on the state of this public health emergency today, 10 years out. “If you look at the numbers in 2025, we had 1,826 drug related deaths in British Columbia,” Dr. Kendall tells us on a recent phone call. “That’s almost two times the base year [of the emergency],” he points out, citing the 997 unregulated drug deaths that happened in 2016. Powell River, which had the second highest rate of unregulated drug deaths per capita in the Vancouver Coastal Health region (second only to Vancouver’s Downtown East Side) in 2016, dropped to sixth in 2023. That number has since risen back up to third, highlighting the precarity of responding to an unregulated and unpredictable drug supply especially in smaller more isolated communities. The number of unregulated drug deaths across the

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2020 Overdose deaths skyrocket as the pandemic forces people to use alone, increasing their risk. Youth Cat formed, offering peer support, volunteer opportunities, and harm reduction strategies. Unregulated Drug Death Rate per 100,000 BC: 34.3 Powell River: 56.3

2021

2022

2024

2025

qCAT launches the province’s first rural injectable opioid agonist (iOAT) clinic — providing medically prescribed opioid-alternatives that are administered by nursing staff in a clinical setting. Unregulated Drug Death Rate per 100,000 BC: 43.9 Powell River: 78.5

Complex Care Housing spaces announced for people with mental-health and substance-use challenges, and traumatic and acquired brain injury. The qathet Opioid Agonist Treatment study, a community-based research project, engaged people with living experience of substance use. Unregulated Drug Death Rate per 100,000 BC: 44.6 Powell River: 50.0

Increased community Naloxone trainings to reach a wider audience. Launched a Peer2Peer program to increase accessibility of iOAT Walk With Me, an artsbased project, engaged community in a story-telling walk. Unregulated Drug Death Rate per 100,000 BC: 40.6 Powell River: 57.7

Received the results of qathet Opioid Agonist Treatment research project Launched anti-stigma campaigns to combat misinformation and rising anti-harm reduction rhetoric Unregulated Drug Death Rate per 100,000 BC: 32.0 Powell River: 40.7

supported housing building is up; it will include approximately 20 permanent shelter spaces and 43 supportive homes, some with added Complex Care Housing services. The site at 7104 Barnet Street has been earmarked for permanent affordable rental housing following closure of the temporary shelter.

Timeline compiled by the qathet Community Action Team

province in 2025, despite being nearly twice as high as a decade ago, was still significantly lower than 2024, and the first time it’s been lower than 2,000 since 2020. “We made some great strides,” he says, citing the 30% drop in drug related deaths across the province in 2019, but “we’re at a crossroads now. Recently there’s been conservative pushback across Canada against some of the principles of harm reduction.” Public awareness of and policy response to the toxic drug crisis is rooted in commonly misunderstood terms like harm reduction, diversion, and safe supply. “Harm reduction ​— ​like safe supply and decriminalization — becomes conflated with more and more people on the streets and street disturbances, a lack of affordable and supportive housing, and lack of access to appropriate medication,” says Dr. Kendall. Rather than look at the complex and interwoven systemic issues that contribute to substance use disorder and the inherent harms of a toxic unregulated drug supply, “we’ve decided to blame harm reduction.” Starting a couple years ago, he says, federal and provincial trends have negatively impacted how many people are seeking support for substance use. Dr. Kendall uses the “gold standard” Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) program as an example. It’s a program that provides specific doses of a prescribed opioid alternative, administered at regular intervals. “It’s very effective when people get the right dosage and stay on the medication.” Previously, individuals were able to pick up multiple doses of their medication to self-administer but due to increased caution in unsubstantiated concerns around medication diversion, fewer prescribers are allowing individuals to carry multiple doses of these prescribed medications. Individuals now have to visit a pharmacy

10 YEARS: A COMMEMORATION When & Where:Tuesday, April 19, 1 to 3 pm, Library What: Join the qathet Community Action Team and ACCEPT peer group to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the toxic drug public health emergency.

or clinic more frequently. “The number of people discontinuing treatment [because of this] is very high,” Dr. Kendall says. “We have the lowest number of people entering treatment since 2020 because of [policy changes due to] diversion fears.” When asked where we go from here, Dr. Kendall hesitates for a moment. “I don’t know…well, I know what we need to do, but whether we have the will and resources is another question.” Dr. Kendall calls for more centralized data on treatment (program numbers, length of time in treatment, re-entry rates, health outcomes, continuity of care after treatment, etc.); an evidence-based reassessment of which medications we offer for opioid use disorder and how they are administered; an increase in primary care and mental health care; and more affordable and supportive housing. “To the people working on the frontlines,” Dr. Kendall says, “keep on pushing, keep on pushing. It took more than four years to get INSITE going — these things don’t happen overnight, and more contentious decisions can take a generation to come into effect.” “What worries me is the time it will take, and the number of people who will suffer and die in that period, unnecessarily.”

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2026 - the 11 Quirky qathet

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AS CHOSEN BY THE RE OF QATHET LIVIN The best of us Best all-around local human of 2026 Best volunteer

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Advice for Visitors

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Best BC Ferries food item

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Best coach

Best reason to move here Best small / specialty food store Best reason to stay away Best convenience store Best liquor store

30 April 2026 • qathetliving.ca

ANNUAL qathet Living’s 11th annual

Best of qathet Contest Share your insider knowledge for a chance to win a Pollen Sweater! Deadline: May 31, 2026.

EADERS NG

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Write in your answers ​— ​​​​serious and humorous ​— ​​​​for your chance to win groovy prizes including a Pollen Sweater. Note: One entry per person. You must answer at least 15 categories. Last day to enter: May 31, 2026

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qathet Living • April 2026 • 31

From PO to IPA 110,000 BRICKS: Above left, Christmas time is mail time, and at the Powell River post office at this time of year, things get somewhat hectic, 1963. Top right, the early post office. Bottom right, the Federal Building, 1939 ​— ​and Townsite Brewing, today. Photo courtesy of the qathet Museum

M

any residents and visitors will recognize the former Federal Building as the present-day home of Townsite Brewery. However, this building used to be Powell River’s post office from 1939 to 1974. Before the Townsite Federal building, or any post office building, mail was distributed from the Postmaster’s house on Ash Avenue. The community’s first post office operated inside the Company’s Central Building, which no longer exists but once stood just outside the mill gates. In 1915, a temporary structure was erected beside the Central Building, followed by a second small shack on Elm Street. By the time the Federal Building was finally constructed as the distributing centre for the entire area,

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The building reportedly cost $50,000 to construct and required 110,000 bricks, 250 yards of sand and gravel, 3,000 sacks of cement, 25 tons of steel, 70,000 feet of timber, and 12 tons of steam fittings. It was formally opened by Premier T.D. Pattullo. Before the final bricks were laid, a member of the Town Crier placed some silver coins and copies of the current newspaper into the hollow corner to the left of the main entrance. This small treasure may remain bricked up there to this day. The Townsite Federal Building closed in 1974 after the post office on Alberni and Joyce opened. The building was sold privately in 1976, and over the next several decades, it changed hands several times before it became the home of Townsite Brewery.

DEVAN GILLARD smaller branches had already been established in Westview, Cranberry, and Wildwood. The Federal Building officially opened on April 21, 1939, an occasion considered significant enough that local schools were dismissed early in celebration. The project was completed alongside the Provincial Building (Courthouse Inn) and also housed other government services such as the telegraph office and the customs office.

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FINAL PROJECT: Above, qathet’s Mary Morgan creating art on her own coffin. Below, Anna Byrne’s new book, based on Mary’s realized vision of community care at the end of life. Find The Last Caravan: The Power of Community at the End of Life at Pocket Books or through annabyrne77@gmail.com.

Staying connected while letting go “For me the vision is—we bring death back to the community. Just as the movement started to bring births back to the community. If we don’t have, in our communities, good deaths and good births, how can we have good lives?” –Mary Morgan, on the eve of her death

BY ANNA BYRNE

I

n early 2020, qathet’s Mary Morgan asked a small group of friends—Jules Adam, Laurie Norman and me—to be her “dying team.” Diagnosed with terminal cancer, she wanted to die at home. Mary spent her life living in communities all over the world, and she

viewed death as a normal and sacred part of life. She felt that those who loved her were in the best position to support her practical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Shortly after our group met for the first time, the pandemic began, and BC went into lockdown. Human touch and neighbour-to-neighbour help became restricted and taboo. Amid the limitations on gatherings, COVID also reminded us that human connection is essential, and made Mary’s vision of dying in community even more crucial. From the beginning, Mary believed that ordinary folks had the capacity to

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What to make of these numbers? Unregulated Drug Death Rates per 100,000* qathet

VCH

BC

Overdose calls (local)**

200

While important, hospitals were designed for treating acute illnesses, not as the primary support for those dying an expected, natural death.

150

100

50

0

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

*BC Coroners Service statistical reports on deaths in BC

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

**BC Emergency Health Services Overdose Response in BC Communities

In our worst year, 2021, we lost seventeen community members to unregulated drug deaths. By 2023, that number had dropped to six. In ten years the toxic drug supply has taken 95 of our neighbours— people whose friends and family are still here, who may or may not want the rest of us to know how their loved one passed away. For context, 2,293 people across BC died from drug toxicities in 2021, and 2,590 in 2023. Community advocacy in the face of this emergency has led to innovative life-saving interventions, establishing qathet as a provincial leader in rural and remote harm reduction. We’re seeing a hopeful trend, but given our overdose numbers have hovered above the provincial average for at least three decades, now is not the time to let up.

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34 April 2026 • qathetliving.ca

care for the aging, ill, and dying in our community, and she wanted to use her own death as a blueprint. The team communicated by text messages, email, and virtual calls to document her healthcare wishes and questions for her medical team, and to keep in contact with her friends and family around the world. When provincial guidelines eased to allow outdoor gatherings, local friends came together to build and decorate her casket. The day of Mary’s medically assisted death was filled with the songs, poems, and ceremonies she wanted. We tended to her body before transporting her to the cemetery and participating in her green burial. Mary wanted us to share what we had learned, so Jules, Laurie and I—joined by Sheila Peters—formed Community Supported Dying qathet (CSDq) and began offering free workshops and events. In the five years since Mary’s death, community deathcare is finding its footing in qathet. Living in a rural area, the people of qathet have always had to pull together to solve issues and to thrive. We now face healthcare shortages, an aging population, and premature deaths from substance use or inadequate housing. The most robust type of care we can build is one that exists on a continuum, bringing together provincial, private, and nonprofit care along with the efforts of friends, family, and neighbours. While important, hospitals were designed for treating acute illnesses, not as the primary support for those dying an expected, natural death. In the face of rising costs and service shortages, the answer is not only to increase the robustness of healthcare, but to return it to its place as one resource in a spectrum of end-of-life options. The annual Memento Mori Festival (“Remember, you must die”) is now in its eighth year. The festival, which takes place in November, is a collaboration between qathet Art, Four Tides Hospice Society, CSDq, and others, and encourages conversations through events like the Día de los Muertos ofrenda, advance care planning workshops, open mic nights, and art installations. In Lund, Northside Community-Centred Care is a group of local folks work-

ing on grassroot solutions for aging-inplace, housing, death education, and green burial. Cranberry Cemetery has green burial options that minimize the environmental impact of interment, and Stubberfield Funeral Home offers biodegradable urns, willow caskets, and unbleached cotton shrouds. At the Library, Malerie Meeker facilitates a free monthly support group for caregivers of someone with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. In April, the Library will also be hosting talks on dementia, caregiving, and hearing loss. Four Tides Hospice Society continues to expand its offering of free programs that include caregiver support, grief groups, and one-to-one visits for those with a life-limiting diagnosis in homes, hospital, and long-term care as they work towards a stand-alone hospice house. Other nonprofits, such as Inclusion’s Gerry Gray Place and Better At Home Program, offer places for seniors to gather and access affordable home services, helping to ensure that people build community as they age. Volunteer groups such as Moms Stop the Harm and qathet Coalition to End Homelessness advocate for better support for those impacted by substance use or lack of housing. For people living at the edge of traditional support systems, community deathcare fosters dignity and improves access to resources. These efforts meet hand-in-hand to weave a wider net of care for all members of our community. Perhaps the most important contribution of community deathcare is the questions it raises on how we will engage with aging, illness, dying, and grief. What questions need asking? What reality is before us? How can all levels of community collaborate so that a range of inclusive, inexpensive, and sustainable options can emerge to offer genuine informed choice in endof-life care? Mary believed that aging, dying, and grief are vital parts of the human experience, worthy of a central, honoured place in society. As Jules, Laurie, Sheila, and I work towards this vision, we are joined by others who are stepping in to help. Mary would be pleased.

The recordholding Shufflers are still locals! On Sunday, April 26, about 300 people will tackle 27 kilometres of the Sunshine Coast Trail. This is the 33rd annual Marathon Shuffle. The current record holders for the Shuffle are both from qathet: Female: Darbykai Standrick (left) 2:50, in 2022. Male: Graham Cocksedge (right) 2:13, in 2016. The event is hosted by the qathet Parks and Wilderness Society (qPAWS) with the support of many local volunteers and businesses

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LAST HOME GAME: The Powell River Kings played their final home game of the season on March 23, and left fans wondering if there would be another season. Despite the cloud hanging over the team, and the loss, there were plenty of smiling faces on the ice and in the stands. Photos by Isaac Percy & Pieta Goudron

36 April 2026 • qathetliving.ca

Foundry qathet will bring integrated youth services and a drop-in space to our community. Foundry's vision is to transform how young people aged 12-24, and their families, find the resources and support they need.

Long Live the Kings O n the evening of March 24, 844 people showed up at the Hap Parker arena to watch what was hopefully not the Powell River Kings’ last game here ever. Since 1988, the junior team has entertained fans, but this has been its most difficult season to date. The drama on the ice reflected the drama happening behind the scenes — the Kings were in trouble early, going down 2-0 to the best team in the league. They fought back, even going ahead briefly 3-2 in the second period, before Kelowna made it 4-3 to end the frame. Between periods, a young fan shyly approached former team president and longtime driving force Joe Mastrodonato with a simple, anxious question: would there be a team next season? Joe could offer no reassurances, just that they were trying hard to keep the team here; the next few days would tell. The final period was scoreless until the Kings, in a desperation that seemed eerily reflective of the mood in the arena, pulled their goalie (who turned away 36 shots while the Kings managed just 17 attempts), only to have Kelowna bank a shot that bounced into the empty net and sealed another loss. At deadline, the team had two road games left, and had won just 11 times in 52 games. They will finish secondworst in the league. Attendance this season has reflected that, averaging just 569 people per game, the lowest in the BC Hockey League.

The last home game was also Tla’amin Night, with fundraising bannock sales out front, and a ceremonial welcome by the hegus and members of the Nation. A feel-good coming together over hockey, beer, and games, with a bit of a wet blanket thrown by the uncertainty. Even the larger-thanusual crowd was somewhat muted, with a number of fans admitting they showed up just in case this was the last game ever. On March 11, the Kings Society held a meeting at Town Centre Hotel, to explain the precarious situation the Kings are in. The Birch Group, which has managed the Kings, is leaving. To play in the 2026-27 season, the society needs to either find a buyer (anyone have $1.5 million?), or raise enough to prove to the BC Hockey League that the team won’t fail. The deadline was March 29 (past qL’s press date.) That meeting continued the Society’s December 9, 2025 similar plea at the Evergreen Theatre. At that time, the board explained to about 150 fans that the team’s future was in serious jeopardy. Among the suggestions was a GoFundMe page. The goal of that campaign was $200,000. To date, 57 people have donated, and raised a total of $12,170. Perhaps by the time this magazine hits the stands, the team will have been rescued — or at least found a glimmer of hope. Watch for more in the May qL.

“Foundry is community, it’s connection, and it’s life-saving.” ~Tiera

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Celebrating 110 Years of Service in Powell River’s Historic Townsite

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WU WOOM AND THE SUN RUN: For the past 22 years, Cyndi Pallen has organized local runners from Tla’amin Nation to go to the Vancouver Sun Run. This year, Cyndi Pallen, Nadeen Sierpina, Shelley Chaney, Sean Paul, Leanne Paul will run the 10 kilometres April 19. To raise funds for registration, travel, and accommodation, Cyndi is once again hosting the Wu Woom Festival Saturday, April 4, starting at 5:30 pm at the Salish Centre. See Page 44 for more info.

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n March, qathet’s Gina Grain was in Italy for the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games, coaching North Vancouver skier Mollie Jepsen. Gina has retired from competition in her own sport; she was a road and track cyclist with multiple national and international titles, and represented Canada at the Summer Olympic Games in 2008.

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How will this injury impact Mollie’s future? Gina • We are very hopeful that she will have a positive outcome from her upcoming surgery. She is retiring after this Olympics from competitive skiing, but I have no doubt that she will be back: skiing, snowmobiling, and mountain biking. What memory most stands out from your own experience at the 2008 Olympic Games? Gina • I remember the bus ride to the velodrome, and I was listening to my playlist that I made with all the songs that inspired me, and I remember reflecting on every stage of my career — all the events leading up to it, and being so proud that I reached my goal of representing Canada at the Olympics. I also remember my family being in the stands, cheering me on, as well as my family and friends at home who were watching on TV. The Olympic Games and the Olympic Village is such a special place where you meet people from all over the world and the whole world comes together for sport. It was wild to be walking around the village with the most fit people in the world. What memory will stick with you from the 2026 Paralympic Games? Gina • Being at the Paralympic Games with an athlete that I trained from when she was 13 years old after her first

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As a coach, what runs through your mind when you witness an accident like this? Gina • Honestly, I was very nervous and scared as she went down the run! Just because I knew that her knee was not in top form to be racing. So firstly, I wanted her to finish safely. When she crossed the finish line, I felt a sigh of relief. From a spectator standpoint, you couldn’t really tell that anything went wrong. She didn’t crash. She just landed on the ski a little off kilter. Incredibly, she kept on going to finish the race in fourth place. As soon as she finished the race, we knew something was wrong. And she was unable to weight-bear so she hopped on one leg right to the medical building.

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TWIN JOURNEYS: Paralympian Mollie Jepsen and Olympian Gina Grain in Italy this March. knee injury was a real honour. Celebrating her incredible career together with the family seemed like such a great way to close a chapter and also welcome her new chapter moving forward. What was your proudest moment at the Paralympics? Gina • Seeing Mollie in the start gate, knowing that she knew deep inside, she did everything that she could possibly do to be in that start gate, given the injuries she had in her knee from only four weeks ago. I have seen her grow as an athlete and as a person over the last 13 years and have seen her journey. It brought tears to my eyes as she raced the course. I was just so proud of her. When do you get a chance to ride in qathet? Gina • I have mainly been mountain biking in qathet with my friends and new friends that I have met. I also love the Monday night mountain bike rides in qathet! The Powell River Fondo I have done every year that I have been in Powell River. It’s fantastic! Do you still compete? When and where? Gina • No, I do not compete anymore. Having said that, after I retired from professional bike racing, I trained to do a half Iron Man and I still dabble and race some triathlons. What is one piece of advice you’d give new racers? Gina • Establish your goals and write them down. Make a plan. You need to be responsible for your own career, not anybody else. Keep it fun. Having said that, it is not easy — there are hard times but through those times you grow. It was always a journey for me and it was important for me to enjoy the entire journey because it’s the journey that counts and the memories are made during the journey, not always at the end destination.

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FREE-RANGE FAMILY: Kate Surguine, Francis Surguine, and Heidi Machnee. The grown-ups, both healthcare workers, will run the Marathon Shuffle on April 26.

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ur family of four, three humans and one adventure cat (Mo), settled in qathet in mid-December 2025 after moving from Victoria. Both of us adults, Kate Surguine and Heidi Machnee, work in healthcare-related fields, with education that spans the US, the UK, U Saskatoon, and UBC. We’re happiest outdoors, spending our time trail running, biking, beachcombing, and rock climbing together. Heidi and Kate are excited to be registered for the Marathon Shuffle this year, and Kate has been enjoying training with the qathet trail running group. At home, we keep busy with cooking, music, knitting, reading, and plenty of play, especially for Francis Surguine and Mo, who love Lego and crunchy paper, respectively.

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Kate • We visited our friends a few times and were attracted to what it had to offer. What surprised you, once you moved here?

race as much as possible, wanting a free-range childhood for our kiddo, Francis, easy access to less crowded nature, and good community. Where is your favourite place in qathet? Kate • Out on the trails. The forest here is spectacular. What would make this a nicer community? Kate • I think it’s pretty nice, first impressions are good so far. What challenges did you face in trying to make a life for yourself here? Kate • Transitioning from city amenities and choice and building new community. If you were mayor, what would you do? Kate • I don’t know enough about the complexities of qathet to comment. What are qathet’s best assets? Kate • Nature and welcoming community.

Kate • Things are closed earlier and for more days of the week.

What is your greatest extravagance?

What made you decide to move here?

Which talent or superpower would you most like to have?

Kate • A few things, mostly wanting to align with what felt important to us as this stage of life; opting out of the rat

Kate • A delicious light roast coffee in my v60.

Kate • Teleportation.

THOROUGHLY MODERN: Modern’s 40th is one of several big anniversaries this year. Others include the Freemasons (110), The Boardwalk (100 - for the building), Health Care Auxiliary (80), Coast Auto (50), Hawkins Construction (20), and the Tla’amin Final Agreement (10). Who are we missing? Photo by Sean Percy

MAIL BAG We welcome feedback from our readers. Letters may be edited for length. Email your comments to editor@qathetliving.ca, or mail an old-school letter in the post to qathet Living, 7053E Glacier St, Powell River, BC V8A 5J7.

The fault in our stars To the letter writer who cast aspersions on the ancient study of astrology: typical Scorpio! - Andrea Routley Reply from the original letter-writer, Angelika Hackett: “Actually I’m Aquarius, which means that I’m very scientific and weigh claims against evidence. (That correlation is a made-up “fact,” like most astrological claims!)

Seeing red Re: Overstep Breeds Rebellion, Last Word, March I surmise some person (like me — elderly) was walking the Sea Walk and tripped on one of the many rock heads and went down. That person and or friend/family member complained/threatened the City about the incident. Reaction by the City? Have City employees put up warning signage along

the Sea Walk and (here’s the kicker) spray paint every rock knob red! This is a total waste of employee time and a gross knee jerk reaction. The Sea Walk has existed for how long as a level gravel/rock finished walkway enjoyed by the community since it was established? How many years? Logic and common sense must prevail if our society is going to endure the vagaries of an uncertain future. The City’s reaction is neither logical nor is it common sense. It is knee jerk. On the up side of this situation is the humour of it all. It epitomizes, tragically, all levels of governments and the need to be everything to everyone. - Respectfully, Bruce McGonigal

Pigeon friends Another excellent edition from qathet Living, thank you! Always enjoy your editorial, Pieta — I’m fixated on the pigeons also [Last Word, March]. The other day, I spoke with a young man (unkempt, bearded, skinny) with a phone, standing among the pigeons. Asked if he fed them etc., we commented they appear well fed and happy. He added they are friendly, not like the pigeons in Alberta. “I can tell them back home in Edmonton I found some friends in Powell River.” I looked for him when I came out of FreshCo; he was gone. - Laura Anderson

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Subscribe to qathet Living for just $70 a year, including taxes! Get all 12 issues of qathet Living, plus ZEST and Home Grown.

Simply call (604-485-0003) or email (office@qathetliving.ca), or fill in the information below and mail this, along with your cheque or credit card details to:

qathet Living Subscriptions 7053E Glacier St, Powell River, BC V8A 5J7 Name Email Address City, Prov Postal Code Phone

Q Why would I subscribe when I can get qathet Living free all over town, or online at qathetliving.ca?

A For folks who prefer to read a paper edition and are not in the qathet area, or are not able to get out, getting it in the mail is a practical solution to satisfy their craving for qathet stories. The magazine is still free, we just have to charge for postage.

Yard service so affordable it’s sometimes free Jay Bevan has launched his own yard maintenance business. A former carpenter, his love for gardening prompted him to start JB’s Yard Service, helping people create and maintain a great looking yard. “My prices are so affordable that everyone can use the service,” says Jay. He also offer one 45-minute slot each day for seniors who are struggling financially or physically, at no charge! Contact JB’s at jboakstreet@outlook.com or call 604-989-0622.

New stars at Constellation Constellation Countertops is changing hands. Aaron Gurney, general contractor and owner of Integrity Building, is taking over the countertop sales and installation business. On April 1st, Marcus Canning bid farewell to the business he has cared for since it was established. Aaron plans to continue operating Integrity Building in tandem with Constellation Countertops. He is looking forward to being a bigger part of the finishing stages of his clients’ homes. Marcus will be staying on for a few months to aid in the transition. Constellation Countertops will continue to offer

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New used book store Oceanside Entertainment has launched a third division and location. Owner Karyne Bailey says the new division is Riptide Books, Movies & More! “We wanted to expand the toys, licensed goods, comics, manga, and new books, but we were out of room. So the easiest way to create more room was to move the bulk of the gently used items to its own location. And what can be any more convenient than across the street!” said Karen. The new store is about 600 square feet, and is long and narrow with book cases along the walls and DVD units in the middle. It also has board games and puzzles, with records soon to come. Books are a $4, $5, or $6 unless collectible. “When Oceanside started we were only gently used books. As the business grew we ended up stealing space from the gently used stock. This new location will allow for more gently used items to be seen by the community.” || sean@qathetliving.ca

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“The Russians are Still Bombing Ukraine” Barbara Langmaid’s 32” x 42” acrylic on paper painting can be seen at Tidal Art Centre, April 17 - 26th, along with the other mentors’ and mentees’ paintings in the show. “This image is from a photo dated July 2023,” Barbara explains. “Apologies to the photographer, to whom I cannot give credit. (Most of the photographs are grabbed off of Twitter). So many towns and villages look the same after Russia leaves. Rubble. Death.” This spring, we’re also witnessing newer conflicts: in Gaza and Israel, Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, and elsewhere.

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APRIL EVENTS

2

Thursday

First Day of Passover Holy Thursday Holy Thursday services 4 pm, Maundy Thursday service at St. David and St. Paul Anglican, Townsite 7 pm, Maundy Thursday at Powell River Reformed Church 7 pm, Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Assumption Westview, confessions following mass.

7-9 pm, Cranberry Hall. An exploration of African folktales in the diaspora through storytelling, music, rhythm, and song. Jan Blake shares myths and tales that reconnect her with her African heritage and Jamaican roots, transforming ancestral bone-memory into a source of healing and joyful self‑expression. These tales feature shape shifters—born or made—who slip between human and animal forms: sly Loogaroos, feral lovers, protective mothers, and uncanny elders. Percussion and soundscape by Reg Wilford. Adults $25, Youth (12-18) $10, no youth under 12.

Film • The Super Mario Brother Galaxy Movie

Seniors’ Luncheon

3:30 & 7 pm, The Patricia. Starring Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black

Stand Up Comedy at Townsite Brewing

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11:30 am to 12:30 pm, Trinity Hall, United Church (near 7-11). Followed by Projects Half Done, 1 - 3 pm. Free.

7 pm doors, 8 pm show. $30. OK Dope presents headliner Nash Park.

Harbour Air resumes Powell River service for the season See harbourair.com for more.

Board Game Night

6 to 9 pm, High Tide Games.

Memorial of Jesus’ Death

7:30 pm at the Town Centre Hotel or 7:45 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Everyone welcome.

Steinway Unveiling

7:30 at Townsite Public Market. Benefit concert and preview of the Arts Hub at tiskwat. Tickets $25. Arthur Arnold (cello) and pianist Dr. Moira Hopfe-Ostensen performing in the ILLAHIE Recital Hall, on a newly arrived Steinway Model D concert grand piano. Info at prismafestival.com

3

Friday

Good Friday Good Friday Holiday

This is a day off for most folks, but is not an official stat. Schools are closed

Good Friday services 9 to 10 am, confession, Assumption Westview 3 pm, Solemn Liturgy of the Passion, Assumption Westview 10 am, Good Friday service at St. David and St. Paul Anglican, Townsite 10:30 am, Good Friday at Powell River Reformed Church 10:30 am, Good Friday at Powell River United Church

44 April 2026 • qathetliving.ca

5

Master storyteller Jan Blake’s Re-Rooting Tour

Saturday

Springtime Market

11-3 at Springtime Garden Centre. Easter egg hunt, cocktails, food, more than 35 vendors.

Wu Woom Festival

5:30 to 9 pm, Tla’amin Salish Centre. $25 in advance (includes Indian taco), $15 at the door. Everyone is invited. Bring an appetizer from your own ethnic background to share. Multicultural festival includes singing, dancing, arts and crafts vendors, music and more. A fundraiser for the Sun Run 2026.

Holy Saturday services 11 am to noon, confession, Assumption Westview 9 pm, Easter Vigil, Assumption Westview

First Open Studio at qathet Art + Wares

1 pm. Are you an artist looking for community? A relaxed space for artists of all abilities to share work, give and receive constructive feedback, and explore new ideas. Bring a project you’re working on. No instruction, no agenda — just creative time in good company. Some equipment, tools, and supplies available on a sliding scale.

Sunday

Easter Sunday 10 Years since the Tla’amin Nation Final Agreement Easter Church Services 10 am, Assumption Westview Noon, Sacred Heart, Tla’amin 7 pm, Assumption Westview 10 am, Holy Eucharist at St. David and St. Paul Anglican, Townsite 10 am, Living Water Foursquare Church 10:30 am, Good Friday at Powell River Reformed Church 10:30 am Powell River United Church

Springtime Market

11-3 at Springtime Garden Centre. Easter egg hunt, cocktails, food, more than 35 vendors.

Powell River Farmers’ Market

12:30 to 2:30 pm, Paradise Exhibition Grounds (4365 McLeod Road). Produce, meat, baking, prepared food, artisan vendors.

Texada Farmers’ Market

Egg Hunt, Crafts, and Petting Zoo

6

Soul Groove Sunday Drop-In

Easter Monday Stat Tartan Day Summon Something exhibit opening

Noon ‘til 2 pm, Texada Community Hall

Song Circle at Cran Hall

1-3 pm, Cran Hall. By donation. 1​ 0 am, noon, and 2 pm, Family Farm B&B, 2590 Oxford Rd. $5 per child. Egg hunt, Easter-themed crafts, visit with cute farm animals! familyfarmbnb.com/Easter-egg-hunt 11 am to 12:30 pm, qathet Academy of Arts. Dance space.

Putters Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Rock N’ Bowl 18 - Caveman & The Banshee, CHUNK, DJ Full Bug

11 am to 1 pm, at Putters. Hop down to Putters this Easter! Come any time between 11-1, all ages welcome. $5 per hunter ​— ​Don’t forget your basket!

Video Game Night

10 am to 2 pm, Townsite Market. See more on Page 44.

7 pm door, The Alley. $20 adults $15 teens, $5 kids, free bowling 6 to 9 pm, High Tide Games

Boom! Pro-Wrestling

7 pm doors, 8 pm bell, Dwight Hall. $30.

Film • The Super Mario Brother Galaxy Movie 7 pm, The Patricia

Vinyl Flip

Film • The Super Mario Brother Galaxy Movie 1:30 & 7 pm, The Patricia

Monday

6 pm, Wishing Well. Summon Something is a collection of collage art from artist TheGhostofOJ, bringing his cut up baseball cards and eerie vintage imagery to qathet from Salt Spring Island. The opening will take place at 6 pm. The epically odd and transcendent Headless Chambers will play starting at 7. Snacks, drinks, art.

Easter Community Turkey Dinner

4:30-6 pm at Trinity Hall, Powell River United Church (near 7-11). Free, donations appreciated.

Film • The Super Mario Brother Galaxy Movie 7 pm, The Patricia

the natural world. Through May 14. Reception on April 23.

Toonie Tuesdays: Bowling at The Alley

$2 bowling from noon ‘til 6 pm. See more on the ad, Page 47.

Film • The Super Mario Brother Galaxy Movie 7 pm, The Patricia

8

Wednesday

The Steadies and Turn the 7 in concert

7 pm, Carlson Loft. Entry by donation. 19+.

Film • The Super Mario Brother Galaxy Movie

3:30 pm, The Patricia

9

Thursday

Penderecki String Quartet

7:30 pm, James Hall. $25.

Seniors’ Luncheon

Tuesday

Drawn to Earth Youth Art Exhibition begins

7

qathet Art Centre, Tuesdays and Thursdays noon ‘til 5 pm. Artwork by local youth artists exploring themes around nature and ecology and human relationship to

11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Trinity Hall, United Church (near 7-11). Followed by Projects Half Done, 1- 3 pm. Free.

Townsite Jazz Festival begins townsitejazz.com. Through April 11.

Board Game Night

6 to 9 pm, High Tide Games.

Jazz Fest • Salt & Keys

with Brooks Vocal Jazz Noon, Shinglemill Pub & Bistro. An intimate, vocal-driven jazz trio weaving harmony, groove, and storytelling through jazz, soul, gospel, and contemporary songcraft. $30 (all ages).

Jazz Fest • Sophia Sanford & Jermaine Pugeda: A Bossa Nova Dream

with Brooks Jazz Combo 5 pm, Shinglemill Pub & Bistro. A duo shaped by summers strumming near the water, where the rhythm moves as easily as the tide. Relaxed, melodic music that feels warm, familiar, and just a little nostalgic. $30 (all ages).

Jazz Fest • Black Gardenia

with Gleneagle Jazz Band 7:30 pm, Max Cameron. A band that channels the romance and elegance of classic jazz with a modern edge. Lush horns, smoky mid-century vibes, and a tender, commanding voice create a timeless, cinematic sound. $30 (adult), $15 (student), free (0-5 years).

Jazz Fest • Jim Byrnes & His Band

Jazz Fest • Dawn Pemberton B3 Quartet

Film • The Super Mario Brother Galaxy Movie

Film • The Super Mario Brother Galaxy Movie

with Brooks Jazz Band 7:30 pm, Max Cameron Theatre. With a voice shaped by lived experience, the legendary Jim Byrnes delivers blues and roots songs with deep groove, dry wit, and stories that will draw you in and stay with you. $30 (adult), $15 (student), free (0-5 years).

7 pm, The Patricia

10 Friday

Resource Recovery Centre Reuse Shed Pop-Up

10 am - 3 pm at the Resource Recovery Centre. Free tools, construction materials, wood, furniture, and more! All items are salvaged from the waste stream.

Jazz Fest • James Danderfer Quintet

with Gleneagle Combo Noon, Shinglemill Pub & Bistro. Award-winning saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer James Danderfer delivers a warm, lyrical sound driven by melodic writing and expressive improvisation. Engaging, fluid, and deeply musical. $30 (all ages).

Jazz Fest • Company B Jazz Band

with Gleneagle Vocal Jazz 5 pm, venue TBA. Swing Era jazz with dazzling harmonies, sharp arrangements, and irresistible charm. From toe-tapping swing to pure old-school flair, Company B brings timeless jazz to life — and audiences love every minute. $30 (all ages).

with Brooks Vocal Jazz 9:30 PM, The Blue Room (Dwight Hall Basement) A powerhouse vocalist with deep soul and serious groove, Dawn Pemberton moves effortlessly between gospel, soul, jazz, and funk. Bold, joyful, and electrifying. $30 (all ages).

3:30 & 7 pm, The Patricia

11

Saturday

CJMP People’s Prom: Enchanted Forest

7:30 pm, The Alley. CJMP 90.1 presents Enchanted Forest with local DJ’s leading a dance extravaganza that encourages attendees to dress as their favourite entities from the forest. Admission is by donation with a photo booth, face painting station, and bowling. All-ages are welcome and bring your groove-thang.

Uptown Market

10 am to noon, outside Dr. Varma’s office on Joyce. Bread, pies, cookies, gluten-free baking, eggs, plants, local artisanal gifts.

Pollen Sweaters Franken Sale Lund. See ad on Page 48.

if: prey, then: huntress - poetry

2 pm, Library. Acclaimed poet Christina Shah discusses her new book about her observations and experiences on the road, navigating heavy industry in Canada as a woman.

Vinyl Flip • April 5

W

hen was the moment you became a fan of your favourite musician or band? Was it listening to the radio, reading Rolling Stone or Creem magazine, Spotify, or maybe visiting the local record store? I remember patiently waiting for my brother to leave the house, sneaking into his room and losing myself in Lou Reed’s Transformer, T-rex The Slider, and Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust. Just holding the record cover in my hands, reading the liner notes and studying the artwork was, and still is, exciting! Digging through bins of records is akin to visiting a museum or curated art show with a myriad of styles represented, both visually and aurally!

Approximately 50% of records sold in 2025 were bought by people who don’t even own a turntable, but for their collectibility, aesthetic, or decorative purposes. Fortunately, in qathet we have the Full Bug Record Store and the annual VinylFlip Record Fare on April 5 to help satisfy your need to have and hold physical media the way most artists intended their work to be experienced. There will be plenty of bins to dig through. What’s on your list? Vinyl Flip is Sunday, April 5, from 10 am-2 pm, at The Townsite Public Market at 5831 Ash Avenue. - Bob Davey

qathet Living • April 2026 • 45

APRIL EVENTS 5 April

Runs Every Second Sunday

11:00am 12:30pm

10 April 7:30pm $25

24 April 2:00pm $30

26 April

2:00pm By donation

Soul Groove Sunday Dance Space Drop-in program

Penderecki String Quartet

Spring Cabaret

Men’s Choir Concert

BUY A LINE - FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN HELP MAKE OUR PARKING LOT SAFER

DONATE HERE

60 parking lines in the lot each can be sponsored for $50 for a total fundraising goal of $3,000.

Tickets & registration online: 7280 Kemano St

604-485-9633

Climbathon

Top Out Climbing Co-op’s annual fundraiser for new climbing holds to help improve the non-profit facility. 10 am-8 pm.

Jazz Fest • Nanaimo Musicians’ Association Big Band

with Gleneagle Jazz Band 12:30 pm, The Blue Room (Dwight Hall Basement) A cornerstone of Nanaimo’s jazz legacy, the Nanaimo Musicians Association Big Band has been keeping big band swing alive since 1967. Powerful charts, standout soloists, and deep roots. $30 (all ages).

Jazz Fest • A Tribute to Anthony Mulder featuring Bill Coon & Trio 101

with Gleneagle Vocal Jazz 3:30 pm, Max Cameron. A heartfelt musical tribute honouring the life and legacy of Anthony Mulder, a beloved Brooks Secondary and Capilano University student. Through music and shared remembrance, this concert celebrates a young musician whose spirit and impact continue to resonate. $30 (adult), $15 (student), free (0-5).

Jazz Fest • Gala Dance featuring The Dextones

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with Gleneagle Combo, Brooks Jazz Band & Trio 101 7:30 pm, Dwight Hall. A Nanaimo-based party band built for movement, The Dextones blend familiar hits with groove-heavy flair. Expect tight playing, big energy, and a dance floor that doesn’t quit. $30 (Adult), $15 (Student) free (0-5 Years). Sold in individual seats and as tables of 8.

The Tumblin’ Dice in concert

7:30 pm, Carlson Club. $30 members, $35 non-members.

Video Game Night

6 to 9 pm, High Tide Games

Film • The Super Mario Brother Galaxy Movie 7 pm, The Patricia

12 Sunday

Pollen Sweaters Franken Sale

Lund. See ad on Page 48.

Powell River Farmers’ Market

12:30 to 2:30 pm, Paradise Exhibition Grounds (4365 McLeod Road). Produce, meat, baking, prepared food, artisan vendors.

Community Building from a Baháʼí perspective 2 to 4 pm at the Library.

Lang Bay Song Circle 1-3 pm, Lang Bay Hall. By donation.

Texada Farmers’ Market

Noon ‘til 2 pm, Texada Community Hall

Climbathon

10 am-4 pm. Top Out Climbing Co-op’s annual fundraiser. An afterparty will follow at 4 pm.

Special O Swim Meet Teams from Comox and Campbell River compete against the locals at the Rec Complex.

Film • The Super Mario Brother Galaxy Movie

1:30 & 7 pm, The Patricia

13

Monday

Community Pasta Dinner

4:30 to 6 pm, Trinity Hall, United Church (near 7-11). Everyone welcome. Free.

Film • The Super Mario Brother Galaxy Movie 7 pm, The Patricia

14

Tuesday

10 years of the Toxic Drug Crisis: commemoration

4488 Marine Ave Mon-Sat 11am-5pm www.qa-w.ca create@qa-w.ca 604.413.6830

46 April 2026 • qathetliving.ca

1 to 3 pm, Library. Join the qathet Community Action Team and ACCEPT peer group to commemorate

New: Bowling Beer League Plus pool! The Alley is putting together a new 5-Pin Bowling Beer League starting at the end of April on Tuesday and Thursday nights. The league is aimed at locals who want a fun, social night out — whether that’s a group of friends, a workplace team, or a few people looking to meet others and throw some balls down the lane. Teams can have up to six players, and spots are limited. To inquire about joining the league or signing up a team, email garrett@bowlingthealley.com. Pool league is Monday and Wednesday and the league contact is Chris Moore 604-483-1976. the 10th anniversary of the toxic drug public health emergency.

tia and learn practical strategies for responding in supportive ways.

Assumption School Open House BBQ - The Best Kept Secret in Town

Opera? Are you kidding me?

5 to 7 pm, Assumption School. Free. If you’re curious about what Assumption School has to offer, this event is for you. Kids games, a bouncy castle, guided tours, and food.

Toonie Tuesdays: Bowling at The Alley

$2 bowling from noon ‘til 6 pm. See more on the ad, Page 47.

What is Dementia

7 pm, Library. Learn how dementia affects an individual’s brain and behaviour and some tips on keeping your brain healthy.

Film • The Super Mario Brother Galaxy Movie 7 pm, The Patricia

15

Wednesday

National Canadian Film Day Recognizing your journey as a caregiver

10:30 am, Library. A speaker from the BC Alzheimer Society will discuss signs of burnout, the importance of self-care, and how you can build resilience.

Understanding behaviour and communication changes

6:30 pm, Library. Explore various changes in behaviour and communication caused by demen-

7 pm, Max Cameron. Beloved arias and duets from the world’s most popular operas with a few hidden gems thrown in for kicks. Opera will be presented in a fun and entertaining atmosphere. Singers will be joined by solo violin and piano accompaniment. $35. Tickets at Showpass. com

Film • The Super Mario Brother Galaxy Movie

3:30 pm, The Patricia

National Canadian Film Day Feature Film: Nirvana: The Band-The Show-The Movie 7 pm, The Patricia.

16

Thursday

Malaspina Naturalist Speaker Night Vital Kelp Habitat Restoration

Trinity Hall, United Church, on Duncan Street, 7:30 pm, doors at 7 pm. Lee-Ann Ennis studied Biology at UVic and the Bamfield Marine Station before her career as a naturalist and interpreter with the Vancouver Aquarium, teaching for BC Parks, and here on the Sunshine Coast. She is part of a global effort to restore vital kelp habitat. Everyone welcome. $5 drop-in fee for non-members.

Board Game Night 6 to 9 pm, High Tide Games.

Powell River Farmers’ Market

12:30 to 2:30 pm, Paradise Exhibition Grounds (4365 McLeod Road). Produce, meat, baking, prepared food, artisan vendors.

Texada Farmers’ Market

Noon ‘til 2 pm, Texada Community Hall

qSO Spring concert: “Music of the Night”

Film • The Super Mario Brother Galaxy Movie 7 pm, The Patricia

Seniors’ Luncheon

11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Trinity Hall, United Church (near 7-11). Followed by Projects Half Done, 1- 3 pm. Free.

17 Friday

New Moon Artist Mentorship Program Collective Exhibition Opening

3 to 7 pm, Tidal Art Centre. The show continues until April 26.

DBX the Doobie Brothers Experience 7:30 pm, Evergreen Theatre.

BCO: A Tribute to Bachman Turner Overdrive

8 pm, Carlson. Tickets $30 advance, $40 at the door. Age 19+ no minors. Advance Tickets available at Full Bug records, Armitage Menswear, and at The Carlson Club.

18

Saturday

An evening of popular music sung by the qathet Pop Choir 7:30 pm, Max Cameron Theatre. Admission by donation, at the door. See story on Page 51.

Potential Union EP Release party with Danger Box,

El Camino, and Razorvoice (acoustic) 7 pm, The Alley. $15

Free Bike Repair Workshop

10:30 am - 1:30 pm at the Resource Recovery Centre. Join Kindred Rebuild for another Free Store Educational Workshop. Learn about basic bike repair and maintenance, bring your own bike to repair, and browse free salvaged bikes of all sizes. Kindred Rebuild at rebuildinclusionpr.ca or by the event link: zeffy.com/en-CA/ ticketing/free-bike-repairpop-up-event

Local author & poet Sheila Peters reading 1 pm, Texada Library. Sheila will share poems and stories from her book driftwood / Driftwood about her journey from northern BC’s Driftwood Canyon to her childhood home here in qathet.

Uptown Market

10 am to noon, outside Dr. Varma’s office on Joyce. Bread, pies, cookies, gluten-free baking, eggs, plants, local artisanal gifts.

Video Game Night

6 to 9 pm, High Tide Games

Yacht Club Spring Series Races start

9 am to 1 pm, South Harbour. Each Saturday for four weeks.

19

Sunday

Soul Groove Sunday Drop-In

11 am to 12:30 pm, qathet Academy of Arts. Dance space.

Evergreen Theatre, 2 pm (doors open 1:30 pm). By donation. The qathet Symphony Orchestra invites you to experience selections from Phantom of the Opera; an orchestral version of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata; the Nocturne from Mendelssohn’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”; Vox Madrigal singing alone and with the Orchestra; some Fireworks Music; and a very special world premiere of a brand new piece by Roy Carson, featuring Barrie McDonald on solo Flugelhorn.

Ghostly Hounds, Spencer Jo Band & Shorefox

6 pm, Wildwood Pub. $20.

20 Monday

Community Pasta Dinner

4:30 to 6 pm, Trinity Hall, United Church (near 7-11). Everyone welcome. Free.

Film • The Dark Side of the Rainbow

6:30 doors and shorts, 7 pm screening. The Wizard of Oz to the soundtrack of The Dark Side of the Moon. Open jam afterwards. By donation - $5 suggested.

21

Tuesday

Seniors Together

Rec Complex. You must register at 604-485-2891 for lunch.

Toonie Tuesdays: Bowling at The Alley $2 bowling from noon ‘til 6 pm. See more in the ad, at right.

22

Wednesday

Earth Day Lyrids Meteor Shower Peak

Overnight from the 22 to the 23.

Resource Recovery Centre Reuse Shed Pop-Up

10 am ​- ​3 pm at the Resource Recovery Centre. Free tools, construction materials, wood, furniture, and more! All items are salvaged from the waste stream.

WEEKLY

SPECIALS MONDAY

Just Wingin' it / 12-6pm Wings and 16 oz Persephone Draught -$20

Secrets in the Stacks

7 to 8:30 pm, qathet Museum. $15. Bring your research questions! An overview of qMAS research sources, with one-on-one help to get you started, Ages 12+.

Film fundraiser hosted by the QRCA• Big Bike Film Night

7 pm Patricia Theatre. $15. Hitting only two destinations in Canada: qathet and Winnipeg, this New Zealand-based, international short film fest is “showcasing our uplifting 2026 collection that has everything a cycle-centric audience could want ​— ​action, drama, humour, and plenty of inspiration; the evening is unashamedly and utterly, utterly, utterly designed and devised to delight the two-wheel devotee!” See more and tickets at zeffy.com/enCA/ticketing/bike-filmnight

Leeroy Stagger and his band Wil & Company

Doors 8 pm. Carlson Loft. $50 at the door, $40 advance at Full Bug, Armitage, and Carlson Club downstairs.

TUESDAY

Toonie Tuesday / 12-6pm $2 BOWLING & 2-4-1 Poutine $9 Kids Chicken Fingers

FRIDAY

Happy Hour /3-6pm Burger and a beer (16 oz Draught) -$25

EVENTS POOL LEAGUE Mondays and Wednesdays ARTIST TRADING CARD NIGHT The last Thursday of every month MONTHLY ROCK 'n BOWL, LIVE MUSIC & SPECIAL EVENTS On Rotation. Book your special event with us!

Interested in becoming a part of a beer league bowling team? Emailgarrett@bowlingthealley.com

23

Thursday

Seniors’ Luncheon

11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Trinity Hall, United Church (near 7-11). Followed by Projects Half Done, 1- 3 pm. Free.

a space for those who don't stay in their lane.

just a 5 min. walk from the westview ferry !

4478 Marine Ave.

qathet Living • April 2026 • 47

APRIL EVENTS

Why buy new?

Reception: Drawn to Earth Youth Art Exhibition

Buy used—save hundreds

4 to 6 pm, qathet Art Centre

6 to 9 pm, High Tide Games

7 pm, Max Cameron. Adults $30, students $25, children $20. Tickets online at showpass.com.

24

25

Board Game Night

Friday

The Arts Hub at tiskwat opening weekend with Soprano Nancy Argenta: vocal workshop and vocal masterclass

Like-new Apple computers & iPhones

IN STOCK NOW 1-year warranty Sales

The Arts Hub (Townsite Market). Vocal Workshop “Breathing, posture, and resonance for singing and for health,” 10-11.30 am Fee: $5 per person Vocal Masterclass with six local classical singers 1-3 pm Fee: Free If you are interested in attending these events, please register at singoutsidetheshower@outlook. com

/ Service / Tutoring / Home set-up

Open Tuesday—Friday 10:00am–5:30pm

604 578-1320 4691 Marine Avenue

Only the Best Only Best Usedthe Macs

Look for the red awning

Used Macs

Grant Lawrence’s Stories and Songs tour

Top Ten Reasons Wear A Pollen Sweater

7 pm, Cran Hall. Tickets at grantlawrence.ca

Living well with Hearing Loss in BC

2 pm, Library. Author Gael Hannan with the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association will discuss improving communication and accessibility in your life with hearing loss.

No pop bottles were hurt making Pollen Sweaters. You’ll be helping sheep stay cool in summer. The pure wool stays warm even when wet. Spring Cabaret: Motown & More- a Non-itchy, and soft enough to wear next to sensitive skin. Get your Variety Show. 7 pm, James Hall. $30. Machine washable and dryer safe at moderate limited edition temperature. An intimate evening of muSalmon We put the label on the inside where Sweater it belongs. sical vignettes. Academy choir members and stuThislayer specialsmoothly Pollen sweater is a collaboration with garments. Designed to under or over other dents perform selections the Powell River Salmon Preservation Foundation, of their own choosing, No offshorethesweatshops. Ours hereSweaters at home. Josh Staham Group, andisTAWS. sell accompanied by an Acadfor $250,out and compost can be purchased If it ever wears it. at Pollen Sweaters. emy band. A project to Only 100 available. Net proceeds go to the Salmon raise funds for the qathet Makes youFoundation 50 to 90% more vary)of Music & Arts. Academy to support the handsome. important work(results they do may

APRIL 11-12

to protect and enhance our salmon populations.

PollenSweatersInc. 202 5 - the

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Made in Lund, BC, Canada since 1986 Open1-800-667-6603 10-4 Tuesday-Saturday

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48 April 2026 • qathetliving.ca

DER S THE REA SEN BY LIV ING AS CHO QAT HET OF

The Collective Singers: Choir from Namibia

Family Ceilidh Dance presented by the qathet Fiddlers

Italian Hall. Doors at 6 pm, called dances start at 6:30 pm. Drinks! Snacks! Tunes! Everyone welcome! $30 adults, $15 ages 6 to 17, free 5 and under. Ticket link at goodvibrationsstrings.ca

Saturday

Community Clean Up Day

9 am - 10 am at the Resource Recovery Centre. Pick up a tipping fee waiver and clean up litter or an illegal dump site of your choice. Tipping fee waivers are valid until 5 pm.

ALWAYS ON MY MIND: Rotary is bringing Mind Mentalist Louis Pezzani to town on Saturday, April 25. He stuns audiences with amazing mind reading and metal bending with humour and a pledge to never embarrass anyone.

Petunia & The Vipers

purpose is to encourage local classical musicians to come and practice performing. All ages, instruments and skill levels welcome. $4 donation. More info? Reach out to singoutsidetheshower@ outlook.com.

$25, The Alley. Tickets at door

Uptown Market

10 am to noon, outside Dr. Varma’s office on Joyce. Bread, pies, cookies, gluten-free baking, eggs, plants, local artisanal gifts.

Second annual ReNew Art Faire

10 -4 at Dwight Hall. See story on Page 6. Free.

Plant Sale

10 am to 2 pm at St David & St Paul Anglican Church in Townsite. Coffee and treats by donation. In support of Sycamore Commons Community Garden.

The Arts Hub at tiskwat opening weekend • qathet Symphony Orchestra

10 am to noon, Open Rehearsal. The Arts Hub (Townsite Market). Open to intermediate to advanced, adult and youth musicians. Free!

Kids Field Trip to the Orchestra with the qSO

11 am to noon, The Arts Hub (Townsite Market).

The Arts Hub at tiskwat opening weekend • Open House Celebration

Noon ‘til 4 pm, Townsite Market. Venue tours, live music, scavenger hunt, activities, door prizes, and more. Free!

The Arts Hub at tiskwat opening weekend • Encore: Performance

4 pm, The Arts Hub (see ad on Page 13). Encore’s

Dry Grad 2026 Fundraiser: StandUp Comedy night

Cocktail hour 6:30 pm, Show starts at 7:30 pm, Max Cameron, $20. 17+. ID required for drinks. Adult humour. With Peter Hudson, Max Bank-Jaffe, Sammy Ray Benty, and Elyott Ryan. Tickets on Eventbrite.

Magic of the Mind show with Louis Pezzani

7 pm, Evergreen Theatre. $25. Rotary & Trailriders Fundraiser. Tickets at portal.clubrunner.ca/757/ Speakers/ad5414e0-e0c54829-b2b2-ca08103a3df7

Video Game Night

6 to 9 pm, High Tide Games

Yacht Club Spring Series Races

9 am to 1 pm, South Harbour. Each Saturday for four weeks.

Secrets in the Stacks

1 to 2:30 pm, qathet Museum. $15. Bring your research questions! An overview of qMAS research sources, with one-on-one help to get you started, Ages 12+.

Grant Lawrence’s Stories and Songs tour

7 pm, Cran Hall. Tickets at grantlawrence.ca

26 Sunday

Marathon Shuffle

Starts at 9 am, official finish is at 5 pm. 27 kilometres on the Sunshine Coast Trail. See more at marathonshuffle.com.

Powell River Farmers’ Market

12:30 to 2:30 pm, Paradise Exhibition Grounds (4365 McLeod Road). Produce, meat, baking, prepared food, artisan vendors.

Texada Farmers’ Market

Noon ‘til 2 pm, Texada Community Hall

Men’s Choirs Concert 2 pm, James Hall. By donation. A special concert featuring the Arion Male Choir from Victoria and Men of Notes from the Comox Valley.

27 Monday

Motion & Momentum+ career readiness program begins See ad on Page 39.

Coho clipping begins at PR Salmon Society Can you volunteer? See Page 21 for more.

Community Pasta Dinner

4:30 to 6 pm, Trinity Hall, United Church (near 7-11). Everyone welcome. Free.

PRISMA officially opens The Arts Hub at tiskwat

A Vocalist? Try out the new Arts Hub

Renowned Canadian Soprano, Nancy Argenta, will facilitate two public events at The Arts Hub on Friday, April 24. The supreme Handel soprano of our age, Nancy’s ethereal voice enchanted audiences around the globe, singing with leading orchestras and major conductors. “Any angel could be forgiven if, on hearing Nancy Argenta’s voice, he mistook earth for heaven.” (The Scotsman, Edinburgh) The vocal workshop “Breathing, posture, and resonance for singing and for health” runs from 1011:30 am for $5 per person. A free vocal masterclass with six local classical singers will be held 1-3 pm. To attend these events, please register at singoutsidetheshower@outlook.com

28 Tuesday

qathet Play and Connect

Noon to 1:30 pm. Drop-in. Texada Elementary School. Early Years Development Series: information and resources for caregivers and a bundle of fun activities for the littles! prpl.ca/series/qathet-play-connect/

Toonie Tuesdays: Bowling at The Alley $2 bowling from noon ‘til 6 pm. See ad, Page 47.

Garden Club: Marc Doll, soil engineer.

Cranberry Senior Centre. Doors at 6:30, meeting at 7 pm. April’s speaker is Marc Doll, soil engineer, who will be discussing living soil. Learn about promoting soil health and its benefits to your garden.

Compassionate Friends meeting

6:30 pm. For anyone who lost a child at any age, for any reason. For location and more, email powellrivercf@gmail.com. See ad on Page 2.

30

Thursday

Seniors’ Luncheon

11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Trinity Hall, United Church (near 7-11). Followed by Projects Half Done, 1- 3 pm. Free.

Artist Trading Card night

5:30 pm, The Alley. Free & family friendly.

Board Game Night 6 to 9 pm, High Tide Games.

fter a year of construction, Pacific Region International Summer Music Association (PRISMA) has recently completed work on a new cultural amenity and events venue in the upper level of Townsite Public Market. Known as The Arts Hub at tiskʷat, the more than 5,000-square-foot facility represents a $1.5-million capital investment in the future of arts and culture in the qathet region. Supported by federal, provincial, regional, and local granting agencies, along with transformative gifts from several private donors and foundations, more than 90% of project funding was attracted from outside the community — significantly magnifying local investment. Designed as a year-round home for rehearsal, instruction, performance, collaboration, and community gathering, the Arts Hub includes offices and teaching studios, co-working and boardroom spaces, a lobby gallery, climate-controlled storage, and a Class 3 kitchen. At its heart is the 240-seat Illahie Recital Hall, a flexible performance and events venue capable of hosting concerts, craft fairs, business seminars, wedding receptions, and other celebrations. The building’s post-and-beam industrial aesthetic, expansive ocean views, and adaptable open-concept layout position it as a distinctive destination for a wide range of events. Community rentals will form one of several revenue streams supporting the facility’s ongoing operations, and local residents and businesses are encouraged to contact the PRISMA team to learn more about rental opportunities, rates, and amenities. The space is equipped with theatrical lighting, fixed and portable sound systems, a Steinway D grand piano, dual projection screens, and livestream technology, enhancing opportunities for in-person and virtual programming. With PRISMA as the anchor tenant and operator, the Arts Hub is intended to foster collaboration and resource sharing among the region’s arts organizations, festivals, and ensembles — creating a dynamic creative ecosystem under one roof. Opening weekend celebrations will take place on April 24 and 25, featuring a variety of events that demonstrate the Hub’s versatility — workshops, masterclasses, a play-along rehearsal, performances — culminating in an open house from 1–4 pm on Saturday, April 25 which will feature venue tours, live music, a scavenger hunt, activities, door prizes, and more. See April 2, 24 & 25 in the calendar for full details, and the ad on Page 13.

45

years

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qathet Living • April 2026 • 49

A PEAK AHEAD TO MAY May 1 to 30

Invasive Plant Month Free drop off at Resource Recovery Centre. See ad on Page 63.

May 1 to 3

Accordion Fest

See Page 57 for more.

May 1

May Day

Traditional spring and labour rights celebration day.

May 2

Community Justice Burger & Beer

Doors 5:30, dinner at 6 pm, Legion. Live music, silent auction, 50/50. Tickets at Shin’s Convenience (Townsite), qCJ office, Armitage Men’s Wear. $25.

Powell River Kings Dinner & Auction Dwight Hall, $75.

May 3

Annual Garden Club Plant Sale

Noon to 2:30, Curling Club.

Beachside Accordion Parade 11:30 am, Willingdon Beach. See Page 57.

Island Cup Powell River XC Marathon Mountain Biking islandcupseries.com

PR Farmers’ Market moves outside

12:30 to 2:30 pm Sundays, Paradise Valley Exhibition Grounds.

May 10

Mother’s Day

May 18

Victoria Day

Thursday, May 21

First meeting: qathet Labour Council

4:30 pm at Townsite Brewery and our contact email is qathetlabour@gmail. com. Informal way for unionized workers across different unions in the area to meet and connect.

May 22

May 23

Charity Appreciation Event

Noon ‘til 4 pm, Evangel Church parking lot, 5139 Manson. Hosted by Powell River Community Foundation.

QRCA Poker Pedal Info TBA.

Current Collective, Elastic Band

7 pm doors, The Alley. Music starts at 8 Cost: $10 youth, $15 adult

May 24

Planned power outage BC Hydro

qRD Emergency System test

MacBeth, Hadestown-style

See ad on Page 10.

What: Buy beautiful, affordable plants and garden decor, etc. from locals (such as Lin Morrison, pictured), who know about gardening in this region.

Townsite Actors Guild and qathet Pride. This one person show was written and performed by Dennis Hawkins-Bogle. $25, tickets at Rocky Mountain.

Work BC Job Fair

1:30 to 3 pm, VIU. See Page 57.

When: May 3, noon ‘til 2:30, Curling Club (in Cranberry).

The Blue Taffeta Party Dress And Other Short Stories

8 am to 8 pm, Powell River, Lund, Cortes Island, Texada Island, and Saltery Bay

May 7

PR GARDEN CLUB PLANT SALE

May 28 to 30

7 pm nightly, Max Cameron, by Brooks Theatre.

May 31

PR Garden Tour

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50 April 2026 • qathetliving.ca

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Deeply into pop

POP GOES THE WORLD: The qathet Pop Choir will perform for the first time April 18 at the Max.

BY ANGIE DAVEY

M

usic, it’s universal and it brings us together, unites us and makes us feel like we belong. It creates community and to sing together propels us to another level as we combine our voices and share experiences and feelings. Kate Parnell knows a lot about this kind of musical storytelling. She’s a classically trained musician in violin, viola, voice, and piano. She also co-directed several pop-style choirs in Vancouver before moving to qathet in March 2025 with her wife and two children. Upon arrival, Kate was excited to join a choir, but found none that were pop-centric, and that’s her passion. Kate recalled, “I asked around and although there is so much amazing music and specifically a lot of incredible choral music happening here, there wasn’t a ton of pop happening.” So, Kate took action and following a few notices on social media and at the library, the qathet Pop Choir was born. Response exceeded expectations. The first rehearsal was this past September and immediately it became apparent the original practice space was too small and so within weeks, a larger space was secured for the 60 or so choir members. A January intake saw more voices added to the mix and so this three-part choir now has over 70 registered members — members who have a range of vocal experience from beginner to more accomplished and who share a strong desire to sing. For choir member Jen Zacher, “Pop Choir soothes my soul. I put my phone down, laugh, and feel joy belting out tunes that remind me of singing in the car as a kid with my mom. It’s a break from the madness of the world and sometimes gives me goosebumps.” Part of the appeal also is the supportive and encouraging atmosphere Kate has created. Another big part is the repertoire. Why pop? Kate explained, “Pop is an amazing genre to create accessible music-making experiences. Popular music surrounds

PREMIERE: QATHET POP CHOIR When: 7:30 pm, Saturday, April 18, Max Cameron Theatre. What: An evening of popular music sung by the new-ish qathet Pop Choir. No tickets: Admission by donation at the door.

us in our cars, at the grocery store, as the backdrop to our movies and in our headphones, and it creates a reference point for our emotions and life experiences. When we sing pop together, we collectively access that nostalgia, whether that be our teenage angst, our heartbreak, our inner confidence, or our dancing-in-the-kitchen type of joy.” It speaks to who we are. And who can resist 9 to 5? It’s one of the greatest earworms ever and as relevant today as when it was released in late 1980. Relevant, as are the other songs in the choir’s repertoire, many of which follow re-imagined arrangements by Kate. In Kate’s words, “We sing songs that most folks would know, through a range of decades, and examine the greater meaning of a song that has resonated often with millions of people around the world. A song like Under Pressure (Queen & David Bowie) may speak to the impossibility of the world we live in, while True Colours (Cyndi Lauper) might connect us to a greater exploration and celebration of our true selves.” With rehearsals underway and practicing at home ongoing, qathet Pop Choir is preparing for its first public performance on April 18th, collaborating with members of the qathet Symphony Orchestra and the qathet Concert Band. This follows a packedhouse open rehearsal in early December which was enthusiastically received by family and friends. Jen can’t wait for April 18th. She said she’s “been inviting everyone I know. A lot of us have friends and family coming into town for it. It’s exciting to share the joy and make memories, similar to the dance recitals of my youth.” Following the April performance at Max Cameron Theatre, the choir will take a break, but Kate has plans. “I hope to continue to facilitate this amazing community that the choir members have created. We will definitely be around for many more seasons to come, and continue to dive into the endless genre that is pop.”

April Membership Perks Sign-up fee waived Complimentary goody bag Above the Library 6975 Alberni Street

604 485-4225

Found Stone will be at the

ReNew Art Faire

April 25 10-4 at Dwight Hall showcasing Up-cycled Beach Glass & Reclaimed Wood

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Permanent jewelry will not be available at ReNew Art Fair, but please follow me on Instagram for pop-ups and events schedule Ask any time about booking a party @foundstone_jewelry_art_decor

qathet Living • April 2026 • 51

What makes qathet jazzy? Why do the Upper Sunshine Coast and jazz resonate so strongly?

Adam Robertson

Steven Cramaro

Paul Cummings

In concert April 11 on drums at the Gala Dance featuring The Dextones and with the Nanaimo Musicians’ Association Big Band (Brooks Secondary alumni).

Conductor, Brooks Jazz Band (in concert April 10 with Jim Byrnes, and at the Gala Dance, April 12).

Townsite Jazz Festival founder and president, conductor Brooks Vocal Jazz (in concert April 9 with Salt & Keys and April 10 with the Dawn Pemberton B3 Quartet).

As an art form centered on individual expression and in-the-moment interaction, jazz music thrives in communities that not only embrace the arts in general, but also care deeply about the magic only found during live performance. The people of qathet are the real driver of this music in the region: the attentive audience members, aspiring students, outstanding music educators, and seasoned performers all work together to build a space in which this tradition can continue to flourish. This resonance between jazz music and the Upper Sunshine Coast is a direct result of those who call the region home.

There have been many events that have included, or are all about jazz in qathet: the qathet Festival of Performing Arts, Brooks Jazz Dinner, Vocal Jazz Summit, and now the Townsite Jazz Festival. Not in qathet, but close by was Courtenay Youth Music Camp which has a long-running summer jazz program. I think jazz has a rather large community here because of the music educators that have taught in our community. Music educators such as Peter Taylor, Travis McDonough, Roy Carson, Paul Cummings, and Mike Sanford in the school district, and Walter Martella and Ron Campbell at the Academy always were teaching jazz. Over the years many students were exposed to the jazz idiom and played or sang jazz as part of their musical education.

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qathet is jazzy because jazz has long been woven into the community’s cultural and educational fabric. For over a century, great jazz ensembles and big bands filled Dwight Hall, creating memories that still echo—like Mart Kenney and His Western Gentlemen, the setting of many first dates. Jazz education has been a constant in local schools for decades, nurturing generations of musicians. Legendary artist Don Thompson, a multiple Juno Award winner raised here, inspired countless young players.

Dedicated educators such as Nancy Hollman, Peter Taylor, Walter Martella, and Roy Carson opened doors for thousands of students to study jazz, join ensembles, attend concerts, and perform at festivals. This deep-rooted tradition continues today, making jazz a natural, resonant voice of the Upper Sunshine Coast.

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52 April 2026 • qathetliving.ca

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Townsite Jazz Festival Schedule Thursday, April 9

Salt & Keys

with Brooks Vocal Jazz

Noon, Shinglemill Pub & Bistro. An intimate, vocal-driven jazz trio weaving harmony, groove, and storytelling through jazz, soul, gospel, and contemporary songcraft. $30 (all ages).

Sophia Sanford & Jermaine Pugeda: A Bossa Nova Dream

with Brooks Jazz Combo 5 pm, Shinglemill Pub & Bistro. A duo shaped by summers strumming near the water, where the rhythm moves as easily as the tide. Relaxed, melodic music that feels warm, familiar, and just a little nostalgic. $30 (all ages).

jazz with a modern edge. Lush horns, smoky mid-century vibes, and a tender, commanding voice create a timeless, cinematic sound. $30 (adult), $15 (student), free (0-5 years).

Dawn Pemberton B3 Quartet with Brooks Vocal Jazz

9:30 PM, The Blue Room (Dwight Hall Basement) A powerhouse vocalist with deep soul and serious groove, Dawn Pemberton moves effortlessly between gospel, soul, jazz, and funk. Bold, joyful, and electrifying. $30 (all ages).

Saturday, April 11

Jim Byrnes & His Band

Nanaimo Musicians’ Association Big Band

7:30 pm, Max Cameron Theatre. With a voice shaped by lived experience, the legendary Jim Byrnes delivers blues and roots songs with deep groove, dry wit, and stories that will draw you in and stay with you. $30 (adult), $15 (student), free (0-5 years).

12:30 pm, The Blue Room (Dwight Hall Basement) A cornerstone of Nanaimo’s jazz legacy, the Nanaimo Musicians Association Big Band has been keeping big band swing alive since 1967. Powerful charts, standout soloists, and deep roots. $30 (all ages).

with Brooks Jazz Band

Friday, April 10

James Danderfer Quintet with Gleneagle Combo

Noon, Shinglemill Pub & Bistro. Award-winning saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer James Danderfer delivers a warm, lyrical sound driven by melodic writing and expressive improvisation. Engaging, fluid, and deeply musical. $30 (all ages).

Company B Jazz Band

with Gleneagle Vocal Jazz

5 pm, venue TBA. Swing Era jazz with dazzling harmonies, sharp arrangements, and irresistible charm. From toe-tapping swing to pure old-school flair, Company B brings timeless jazz to life — and audiences love every minute. $30 (all ages).

Black Gardenia

with Gleneagle Jazz Band

7:30 pm, Max Cameron. A band that channels the romance and elegance of classic

APRIL 22, 2026

with Gleneagle Jazz Band

CLIMATE ACTION IN A SMALL COASTAL CITY ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION: A 1.6-kilometer multi-use corridor (Brooks to Recreation Complex) WASTE NOT: Implemented city-wide, automated compost collection

A Tribute to Anthony Mulder featuring Bill Coon & Trio 101 with Gleneagle Vocal Jazz

3:30 pm, Max Cameron. A heartfelt musical tribute honouring the life and legacy of Anthony Mulder, a beloved Brooks Secondary and Capilano University student. Through music and shared remembrance, this concert celebrates a young musician whose spirit and impact continue to resonate. $30 (adult), $15 (student), free (0-5 years)

Gala Dance featuring The Dextones

with Gleneagle Combo, Brooks Jazz Band & Trio 101

7:30 pm, Dwight Hall. A Nanaimo-based party band built for movement, The Dextones blend familiar hits with grooveheavy flair. Expect tight playing, big energy, and a dance floor that doesn’t quit. $30 (adult), $15 (student), free (0-5 years). Sold in individual seats and as tables of 8.

MAJOR RETROFITS: At the Recreation Complex, including LED lighting and heating system upgrades BETTER TRANSIT: New, more direct and convenient routes to launch in March 2026

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ASK U ABO S RENT UT ALS! qathet Living • April 2026 • 53

AJ MULDER TRIBUTE CONCERT When: Saturday, April 11, 3:30 pm, Max Cameron. What: Townsite Jazz Fest presents a heartfelt musical tribute honouring the life and legacy of Anthony Mulder, a beloved Brooks Secondary and Capilano University student. Through music and shared remembrance, this concert celebrates a young musician whose spirit and impact continue to resonate. With Bill Coon and Trio 101. Tickets: $30 adult, $15 student, 5 and under free.

GUITAR SOLO: Clockwise from top left, the Kitchen Sink: Nathanial Hargrave — Bass, Aaron Schweitzer — Piano, Anthony Mulder — Guitar, Tai Brown — Drums, James Leishman — Trumpet (photo by Staci Lee Photography). A painting of AJ, by fellow Brooks student and musician Elton Sutherland. AJ with his Capilano University instructor Bill Coon. AJ in socks, with Tai Brown on drums.

54 April 2026 • qathetliving.ca

IN FOCUS

AJ’s life & legacy: a tribute A

nthony James (AJ) Mulder was born February 7, 2005, and passed away suddenly last spring: May 31, 2025. Locals will remember him playing guitar around town (Sunshine Music Fest, Blackberry Fest, Brooks concerts) with The Kitchen Sink jazz combo, Brooks Jazz Band, and more. He graduated in 2024 and went to Capilano University to continue his musical education. Last year, he performed with friends from both Brooks and Cap U, at Townsite Jazz Fest. On April 11, the Festival will honour his life and legacy with a tribute concert.

James Leishman

Trumpet, The Kitchen Sink, Trio 101 guest A good little memory is that every time I used to come to band practice with him, before the rehearsal started and nobody was there, more often than not you’d find him on the drum kit, hitting everything and causing a racket. I would just stand there with a grin on my face and ask “What are you doing?” And every time he would respond with “Oh me? I’m just hanging around.” A good chuckle always came from those interactions. And that was him, always there and always somehow making something a bit more musical. Also one thing about him, if a guitar was in his hands, people were listening, no matter what.

Eli Conroy

Saxophone, Brooks Jazz Band & Vocal Jazz I had the privilege of calling Anthony Mulder a friend. I met AJ in Grade 9 and instantly felt welcomed by him. At first I saw him as a quiet, talented musician, but as I got to know him, I saw how respectful, hilarious, and genuine he truly was. Friends always said he never sought attention, but the room was drawn to him. I’ll always remember the hours of jam sessions, post-performance McDonald’s runs, and hearing him talk about music theory I didn’t understand, but my favourite memory is watching him get baptized. Anthony was a man of love, and seeing him declare his life to serving something greater than himself is a trait I adore.

AT TOWNSITE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2025: The Leishman-Mulder Quartet opening the Gala Dance featuring the Julio Ávila Cuban Band. AJ Mulder is on the right, with his guitar. The quartet included Capilano University students Eric Manuel and Noah Falkenham, and local James Leishman. Photo courtesy of Eric Manuel I saw him as a role model, incredible guitarist, and lifelong friend. He left joy in everyone he encountered and will always be missed.

Eric Manuel and Noah Falkenham Jazz students, Capilano U, Trio 101

We first met Anthony at Capliano University and quickly began playing music together. Music has a way of developing a special kind of friendship that stays in your heart forever. After playing more, and more, Anthony and James Leishman both invited us to play in the Townsite Jazz festival last spring. We played our hearts out — setting plans to come back the next year. These remain some of our favourite memories with him. This year, we want to honour those plans. We feel lucky to have played with Anthony, and even luckier to say that he was our friend.

Bill Coon

Jazz guitarist and former Capilano University instructor Anthony’s enthusiasm and love of music was evident from the first time we met; his high school jazz combo was opening for my trio at a concert on Lasqueti Island. As I listened to his combo, I noticed his raw talent on the guitar, and even more impressively how he expressed joy in everything he played. Anthony was keen to study in the Jazz program at Capilano University and so on the ferry home I gave him some advice on how to prepare for the audition, and what to expect once he was at Cap. Of course he was accepted, and as a long-time Capilano instructor I saw a lot of Anthony in both my guitar ensemble and my combo-improv class. I remember his ability to listen and learn. I remember his passion and dedication to music. I remember his kindness to other students. He would drop by my office for the occasional informal guitar lesson, always full of questions, always wanting to be a better musician now! Once in a while a student comes along who re-

minds me of the fun I had playing the guitar when I was first starting out. Thank you for that reminder Anthony, and for your love of music, and dedication to being the best version of yourself that continues to inspire all of us.

Arnold Mulder AJ’s father

When Paul first shared the idea of a concert, it made me uncomfortable. I thought, “Why should my son receive all this attention? He was simply one young man among many” — special to us, of course, but no more so than any child is to their parents. Since then, I have slowly come to embrace this tribute. When I think about how AJ might have responded, I see him accepting the honour with his shy smile, then eagerly anticipating the opportunity to share the stage with his fellow musicians. I picture him retreating into his room, practicing endlessly with the determination to give a performance he could be proud of and one that would honour those who came to listen. As I write this, I can’t help but smile as I imagine him doing what he loved. This was a passion, and it wasn’t lost on those around him. I think of Aaron [Schweitzer] who encouraged AJ to join Jazz Band, and of Paul [Cummings] who created opportunities for AJ to develop his skills and share his talent. There is Bill Coon who provided an experience that AJ found completely rewarding and inspiring. I think of the band members, especially those of The Kitchen Sink, for whom I can’t but feel a fondness. And there are many others we don’t know personally— including the public who were amazing in their show of support. Everyone played a role in taking the spark and fanning it into a flame — one that became a real passion and brought great joy. AJ experienced life through that passion in a way many never do. To all, we are deeply grateful! We are grateful, also, for this concert in his honour. Though it’s for AJ, we feel like the blessed recipients. It offers us the chance to connect with something we very deeply miss: the joy in being proud of our son. Because of that, what once made me uncomfortable has become a source of true gratitude.

qathet Living • April 2026 • 55

TRY IT. YOU’LL LIKE IT. (Above) If you are “accordion-curious,” come by the fest Saturday afternoon at 1 pm for the Accordion 101 workshop. Bring your own instrument or borrow one for free. By donation. (Below) Learn to tango at 2:15 pm May 2, and enjoy Tangomundo’s concert at 3:30 pm.

Bring your T squeeze for a tango & a jam

BY KARINA INKSTER he accordion is many things: folk instrument, Weird Al Yankovic’s main squeeze, cabaret showstopper…and occasionally, the punchline of a joke. But every spring in qathet, it becomes the centre of a festival that celebrates just how versatile — and surprising — the instrument can be. The 5th annual qathet Accordion Fest returns May 1–3, 2026 with its most ambitious program yet. For the first time, the festival expands to three days, bringing together local and international musicians for concerts, workshops, community music-making, and a healthy dose of accordionic antics. One of this year’s highlights is TangoMundo, a trio exploring the electrifying music of Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla — the revolutionary who reimagined tango by blending it with jazz and classical influences. The trio features Argentine tango scholar and violist Guillermo Anad, pianist and vocalist Faye Bendrups, and accordionist Anthony Schulz. They’re bringing their program “Piazzolla Unleashed” to the Accordion Fest, performing a mix of iconic works and rarely heard gems from Piazzolla’s catalogue. Daniel Piazzolla (Astor’s son) says, “The great achievement of TangoMundo is to mix classical and popular nuances of my father’s music using an unexpected combination of only three instruments: viola, accordion and piano. This is a novel and entirely Piazzollean approach”. Schulz, who recently moved to Vancouver from Australia, says he’s particularly excited to perform at the festival this year. “I’m looking forward to returning to the 2026 qathet Accordion Festival and reconnecting with the musicians and festival goers.

This year feels particularly special now that I am a resident of British Columbia.” Before the concert, TangoMundo will host a tango workshop led by Anad. The session introduces the musical language that gives tango its distinctive sound, including phrasing, dynamics, accents, and articulation. Workshop participants will be invited to join TangoMundo onstage to perform the final piece of the concert together. “Anybody that’s interested in tango should come to the workshop,” says Schulz. “If you play accordion or bandoneon, bring your instrument!” The TangoMundo workshop and concert take place Saturday afternoon, May 2, and are by donation, along with several other daytime events. The festival opens Friday, May 1, with our main concert. Performers include accordionists Ronen Segall, Anthony Schulz, Walter Martella, and Karina Inkster; guitarists Budge Schachte and Stephen Nikleva; bassist Boyd Norman; violist Guillermo Anad; pianist and vocalist Faye Bendrups; and percussionist Terry Martyniuk. In addition to the tango workshop, events on May 2 include Accordion 101, an open mic, a Klezmer workshop, and the evening Accordion Cabaret, complete with dance floor, desserts, and cash bar. Sunday introduces something entirely new: a relaxed community gathering at Willingdon Beach featuring the 16-piece Victoria Accordion Club Band, an accordion parade (yes, really), and a casual jam session and song circle. Whether you’re an accordion player, tango enthusiast, or simply curious about what happens when dozens of accordions gather in one place, Accordion Fest promises a weekend of music, collaboration, and unexpected delights.

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56 April 2026 • qathetliving.ca

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April is National Poetry Month! Kids as Poets

Hey kids, write a poem about the Land & Sea – there will be prizes for winners one, two & three. Entries accepted in French and English. Visit the library for details!

Teens as Poets

Enter the Land & Sea Teen Poetry Contest at PRPL. The top three entries will win a prize and be posted on the library’s website and social media. Visit the library for details!

HOSTS WITH THE MOST: qathet Accordion Fest founders and organizers Karina Inkster and Walter Martella (left). See more at accordionfest.com.

Fifth Annual qathet Accordion Festival Schedule Friday, May 1 & Saturday, May 2

Accordion Repairs + Sales​

Tempo Trend, a Victoria-based specialty accordion store that’s been in business for over 60 years, will be on site for all your accordion needs! Tune-ups, repairs, and sales. Bring the old squeezebox languishing in your closet, or purchase your first (or seventh) accordion.

​Friday, May 1

Accordion Fest Main Concert / Opening Night​

7:30 pm, qathet Academy of Music. Our main concert, featuring a wide variety of musical genres, special musical guests, co-directors Walter and Karina, and at least 5 accordions! Enjoy a 5-piece tango band, jazz quartet, classical pieces, Klezmer, and more. Featuring accordionists Anthony Schulz and Ronen Segall, guitarists Budge Schachte and Stephen Nikleva, bassist Boyd Norman, and percussionist Terry Martyniuk. Not to be missed!​

Saturday, May 2

Klezmer Workshop

10 am-11 am, qathet Academy of Music. Learn the fundamentals of klezmer music: rhythms, chord progressions, and two klezmer scales. Led by Ronen Segall of Accordion Love, you’ll explore these elements within the context of two classic klezmer songs. By donation.

​Open Mic Performances

11:15 to 12:45 pm, qathet Academy of Music. Local and visiting performers share music in a casual environment. Sign up

(on the day) to play, and/or come and enjoy what’s on offer. By donation.

​Accordion 101

1 to 2 pm, qathet Academy of Music. This workshop introduces accordion-curious folks of any (or no) musical background to the instrument. Bring your own accordion, or borrow one for the session (generously provided by Tempo Trend). By donation.

​Tango Workshop

2:15-3:15 pm, qathet Academy of Music Info coming soon! By donation.

The theme for National Poetry Month was inspired by the League of Canadian Poets and Native Women in the Arts (NWIA) who invite poets and readers to explore their relationship with water and land — to write, reflect, and celebrate our shared responsibilities and the sacred bonds that sustain us all. For more information about the theme visit the League webpage at poets.ca. Join the Poetry Circle on the second & last Thursdays, 4:30 to 6 pm.

Adults as Poets

Acclaimed poet Christina Shah discusses her debut collection if: prey, then: huntress about her observations and experiences on the road, navigating heavy industry in Canada as a woman. Saturday, April 11, 2 pm at the Library.

Adults are also welcome to join the Poetry Circle on the second & last Thursdays, 4:30 to 6 pm.

Check out the library’s events calendar for more information and activities: prpl.ca/calendar

POWELL R IVER PUBLIC LIBR ARY

info@prpl.ca 604-485-4796 prpl.ca

Tangomundo Concert

3:30 to 4:15 pm, qathet Academy of Music. A tango trio from Argentina. Info coming soon! By donation.

Accordion Cabaret

7:30 pm, qathet Academy of Music. The best party of the year! Featuring Anthony Schulz, Ronen Segall, Martin Hergt, Walter Martella, and Karina Inkster on accordions, Stephen Nikleva and Budge Schachte on guitar, Boyd Norman on bass, and Terry Martyniuk on percussion, enjoy an evening of many musical genres. Opening act: The Victoria Accordion Club Band. Dessert and savoury finger foods included in ticket price. Cabaret-style seating, dance floor, cash bar. $30.

Sunday, May 3

Willingdon Beach Party & Jam

11:30 am to 1:30 pm, Willingdon Beach. Song circle, jam session, and Victoria Accordion Club Band performance at Willingdon Beach. Bring the family! Sight read some accordion pieces in a group, or just come and watch.​

Fresh, healthy, local, organic produce is here!

Get locally-grown, delicious food with a Weekly Produce Box Registration is OPEN for CSA (Weekly Produce Box) 2026 Season For details go to paradisevalleyproduce.ca

qathet Living • April 2026 • 57

36 voices from Namibia

B

rooks Secondary choir teacher Paul Cummings used his musical connections to bring a remarkable choir from Namibia to Powell River on April 24.

CULTURAL AMBASSADORS: Conductor Ponti Dikuua founded this choir in 2015, with the vision to bring together talented individuals from Namibia’s most respected choirs to form a single, powerful voice.

How did you get involved in this? Paul • This project is lead by Scott Leithead, founder of the Korora Choir Organization in Edmonton. Scott is a star in the choir world. He is in demand as an educator and choral director throughout Canada and abroad. His choir Korora is outstanding! I met Scott in 2012, and paths seem to cross constantly. We often include each other on a variety of musical projects. Scott and his Korora organization have an amazing relationship with sister choirs in Southern Africa through Korora Choirs ​— ​African Projects. My understanding is that the Collective Singers are partially made up of Korora’s Namibian sister Youth Choir who have become adults. They are seriously great! Scott has organized a Western Canada tour for the Collective Singers consisting of six or seven stops. When Scott offered the qathet School District a chance to host, we jumped on it! What kind of music is this? Paul • The Collective Singers describe themselves as: “Performers ​— ​delivering breathtaking choral pieces that blend gospel, African traditional, classical, and contemporary styles. Cultural Ambassadors ​— ​proudly showcasing Namibia’s musical richness to the world. Community Builders ​— ​hosting charity concerts, donation drives, and outreach programs to support those in need. Mentors ​— ​training and uplifting the next generation of singers through workshops and collaborations.”

THE COLLECTIVE SINGERS When: April 24, 7 pm, Max Cameron Theatre What: Choir from Namibia. Brooks Chamber Choir will open the concert. Tickets: $30 adults, $25 students, $20 children, available at Brooks and Westview schools. What can people expect at the concert? Paul • Audiences can expect a deeply moving performance rooted in traditional Namibian music and culture. The Collective Singers bring powerful African harmonies to life through rich vocals, driving percussion, and expres-

Lund Water Taxi 604-483-9749 Daily runs to Savary Island • Charters serving Savary Island & surrounding areas, including Sunshine Coast Trail • Phone for reservations • Phone hours 8 am – 5 pm

58 April 2026 • qathetliving.ca

Remember your loved one. Donate to the Powell River Hospital Foundation. 604 485-3211 ext 4349 | 5000 Joyce Avenue, Powell River, V8A 5R3

www.prhospitalfoundation.com

sive movement that echo Namibia’s history and traditions. Their performances are raw and soulful—music that resonates emotionally and touches you to the bone. What else will these singers be doing in qathet? Paul • The Collective Singers will be performing a school concert at Brooks. The qathet School District intermediate choirs and Brooks Chamber Choir are working on the Namibian song Kaana Kameme and will receive a workshop with the Collective Singers. The Brooks Chamber Choir are proud to open for the Collective Singers during their public performance at the Max Cameron Theatre on April 24. All singers and staff are home-staying with Powell River families.

Print ads don’t work Made you look.

To book your print ad that doesn’t work, contact Sean at 604-485-0003 or sean@qathetliving.ca or Suzi at 604-344-0208 or suzi@qathetliving.ca today!

Our Lives •

•

Merlene (Wach) Netterfield March 18, 1933 - March 9, 2026 Interment in Winnipeg to be determined

Live Life to Its Fullest (Life’s too short. Eat the perogies.)

In qL’s Our Lives section, anyone can share important news from their loved ones’ lives:

Births Graduations Weddings Job Changes Anniversaries

Retirements Birthdays Obituaries ‘In Memoriam’ Notices & More

Because sharing this kind of news is so important in a community, qL offers free small notices for births, weddings, and obituaries: a 1/18th size, for locals, when the event happened in the three months previous to publication.

Bigger sizes and other announcements: 150 words & photo: $150 300 words & photo: $300 600 words & photo: $500 750 words & photos: $750

Send your info to ourlives@qathetliving.ca, call 604-485-0003, or drop in to 7053E Glacier Street.

Rick Thaddeus March 1, 1950 December 10, 2025

O

n December 10th 2025, Richard Anthony Guy Thaddeus passed away in his family's home in Cranberry. He leaves behind his two daughters, a son in law and three grandchildren, as well as eight siblings and their children. Although he would have loved to have been able to spend his last days at his home on Savary Island the circumstances did not permit and instead his wish was to be at his daughter's home surrounded by family. Born in Karachi, Pakistan, before immigrating to England as a very young boy, he made his way to Canada still a considerably young man, met his wife in Vancouver and they had two children together. One born at home in Vancouver and one on Savary. After raising both girls in the city but summers on Savary Rick moved there full time in 1994 and become a realtor. He flourished under the tutelage of Bill Palfrey and Palfrey Real Estate and continued to keep Savary as his main residence until the day he passed. The outpouring of love and respect since his passing has been immeasurable. He left a lasting memory and imprint on so many of the hearts of our community. I know he kept us all laughing with the latest local news and as much as he may have ruffled many feathers during his time here it appears that most has been forgiven or at least forgotten. As he said near the end “I am running out of enemies.” He lived his life by his own terms right up until the end and he fought as hard as anyone could have given the severity of his diagnosis. He managed to stretch out another seven months past, in his words, his “best before date”. Rick was a willful man, determined

Potluck & Egg Hunt Celebration April 5

Rick did not want to have a funeral therefore we will honour him with a celebration of his life over Easter Weekend On Riggers, Savary Island. An Easter Egg hunt otherwise know as “The Hunch”. Sunday April 5th 2026, from 11am- late. It will be a potluck, please bring a dish, Easter eggs for the hunt, BYOB and of course any story you would like to share to celebrate his memory. to live by his own sword, an activist and an anarchist at heart. Often found with the resilient Palestine protesters on the corner of Alberni. He was a wordsmith, storyteller, a realtor and in many people’s eyes and experiences a martyr. If you knew him, I am sure at some point he fed you, housed you, gave you a ride or helped you out in one way or another. There are countless examples of strangers staying at his home or camping on his lawn and he never drove past a hitchhiker. And if it wasn’t him feeding you, you were feeding him. He had a real knack for arriving at a cabin just as dinner was being served. Often his greatest dilemma was conflicting meal invites. He loved nothing more than the adventure a "classic Savary day" would take him on, filled with drinks and Sequence and the latest hot stories he could relay and relay to so many dear friends. I know he deeply impacted many and his memory will live on. Our deepest gratitude to the whole Savary and Powell River community for your love, kind words, offerings and support. He will be deeply missed.

qathet Living • April 2026 • 59

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Your rosy ruler Mars operates in your sign at “all systems go” for six weeks, igniting a phoenix initiative. Be mindful not to just run around with your hair on fire. Saturn in Aries applies low hurdles to stay grounded and meticulous in your growth. As energy surges, your heart’s magnetism evolves into a sensual glow, and you could be making time for love or a new passion.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20)

April opens with quiet internal thought and a Full Moon that pursues personal alignment or determining a plan to initiate some balance. The Sun entering your sign in conjunction with the New Moon is generating energy toward fresh starts. More attention to self-care can propel subtle personal or social glow ups mid-month, with a lucky Venus-Jupiter alignment.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 21)

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ARIES (March 21 to April 19)

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60 April 2026 • qathetliving.ca

Mars fires up your 11th house of community, and on Apr 14th, Mercury, your ruling planet, gets a fiery boost from Aries, blazing a path for negotiations or pitching new ideas. Holding space for your unique qualities enhances likeability, and you’re cutting the ribbon on a new confidence. Expressing yourself or exploring new wellness paths is key. Be sure to touch grass before you hit the pavement.

CANCER (June 22 to July 22)

Jupiter’s energy remains very present in your sign. Visibility may be significant and you may want to come out of your shell, but there is a quiet magic in truly feeling confident before you expand. Focus on maintenance and stick to consistent operations rather than taking risks while your confidence grows. Your natural warmth may bring in connections or unexpected support.

LEO (July 23 to Aug 22)

Jupiter remains in your house of profitable gains and blends introspection with a new flow. You could be earning more money, but there aren’t many signs of saving. The Sun and Mars in Aries are hot to trot, and you are driven to level up your skill sets. Most of the month, your natural charm shines in professional settings while creative blocks seem to dissolve. Some social circles deepen while others lose their lustre, allowing you to pull back or lean in with intention.

VIRGO (August 23 to Sept 22)

Navigation through career adjustments that have not been fulfilling helps you push toward an image overhaul. Embrace flexibility in your career and explore it with maturity. Mental spring cleaning boosts wellness energy. Venus, moving through your 7th and 8th houses, softens any intense emotions and lends space for substantial conversation that could clear up any lingering misunderstandings.

​The Full Moon in your sign will be pivotal when it comes to personal strengths and boundaries, shining a light on harmony achieved by prioritizing selfgrowth. Focusing energy on your inner world will help recharge from any March burnout. No need to rush through the activities that bring you comfort. Motivation pushes toward professional goals with courage and charm. An acquaintance putting in a good word may open new doors.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 to Nov 21)

​Saturn, sitting in your 5th house, forces maturity in daily routine. Prioritize your mental health while finding your day-to-day flow. There is no need to over-prove yourself. Aries season instigates playfulness, but planning and purpose should be at the forefront. Erratic emotions may stabilize, allowing more rhythm within your deepest bonds. Venus in Aries works to soften the grind and access the bridge toward new opportunities later in the year.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 to Dec 21)

​Highlighting your house of creative joy! The Sun travels through Aries, sparks a happy-go-lucky vibe finding simple pleasures in your daily routine. Late April, healthy habits are in focus. Saturn in Pisces enhances refinement of domestic responsibility and the discipline needed to increase harmony or structure.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 to Jan 19)

There may be a push toward reevaluating your foundations and security. Any overwhelm or pressure that occurs will favour strategic navigation. With so many fires lit in Aries season, it may be warm but a little too smokey. Stay the course. Throughout April, big daddy Jupiter sits directly across from your sign, creating a “golden mirror” supporting opportunities to form new collaborations with mentors or clients.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 to Feb 18)

​April may be busy and social but ideal for brainstorming with like-minded peers. Mercury visiting Aries could heat up mental processing to promote creative change or a new direction of study. Mid-month looks promising for a sunshower of sales, short trips, emails, or local networking. The Sun enters Taurus in your 4th house, accelerating focus toward home and family, creating more harmony. Nostalgia or empathy play into your connections, perhaps mending fences or breaking up with old ways.

PISCES (Feb 19 to March 20)

The Full Moon could bring shared breakthroughs involving hard work or research. Mars in your sign until April 9th sparks passion for self-focus and fuels confidence, applying practical action toward creating your dreams. April demands discipline in how you handle money. Financial volume does not constitute your self-worth. Managing intense emotions may be a focus; maintaining your energy is crucial. Just keep swimming.

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qathet Living • April 2026 • 61

I

Chillax, Gen X buds, and be excellent to each other LAST WORD PIETA GOUDRON

62 April 2026 • qathetliving.ca

f you were a teen in the late 20th century, you probably LOLed, like I did, when you saw the subheading on the Tla’amin Nation press release from March 11: “Chillax, bud.” The release was in response to a Facebook post by MP Aaron Gunn, who wrote, “If the federal government truly believes in the private property rights of Canadians, they should probably stop opening every public meeting by proclaiming the gathering on the “unceded territory” of this or that First Nation.” The “Chillax, bud,” statement, which was signed by all four chiefs from the sister Nations, noted that, “Land acknowledgements have never seized private property, cancelled a mortgage, repossessed a pickup truck, or altered a single title deed anywhere in Canada,” and that, “No one is going anywhere. Canada will survive the brief moment of honesty.” ‘Chillax’ is owned by Generation X, a 1990s portmanteau of ‘chill’ and ‘relax.’ Pop culture steeped us in the laissez faire, libertarian philosophy since we were kids. After decades of social upheaval, it was time for the youth to Hakuna Matata (“it means no worries, for the rest of your days,” from Disney’s 1994 Lion King). So when ‘chillax’ gets unsheathed, we get excited. People in power are speaking our language! And they’re saying what lives in our hearts: Don’t worry, be happy (Bobby McFerrin, 1988). And we did! Apart from some kick-assery spearheaded by Naomi Klein in the late 1990s — ​ ​ the anti-globalization movement featuring riots at APEC and WTO ​— ​we’ve been pretty quiet, as a generation. The nuclear threat we railed against with our parents: most of us stopped doing that after the Cold War “ended” in 1989. We stopped publicly marching against pollution after they took CFCs out of our hairspray or when the protests at Clayquot Sound simmered down in the early 1990s. Not all of us. But most of us. I was born in 1974, a core member of Gen X. I am so Gen X that I have multiple copies of Vancouver-writer Douglas Coupland’s book, Generation X (1991). His novel named my generation, and also described the economic and environmental hopelessness that defines us. The characters lean into fashion, petty crime, friendship ,and storytelling to escape the cultural ennui, fear, and the seeming-purposelessness of their own lives. The characters are ‘chillaxing’ experts, cooler-than-I’ll-ever-be role models. They are the three little birds that landed on Bob Marley’s doorstep. They weren’t alone. Gen Xer Cher in Clueless (1989) begins as a self-centred princess, and arcs towards altruism ​— ​although it’s soft stuff. Everything bends towards romance. Bill and Ted, too, spent their Excellent Adventure (also 1989) journeying from aimless goofs to goofy students of history ​— ​an odyssey designed to ready them for a presidential role in the future. As pleasant airheads, they were destined to lead the world. Their motto: “Be excellent to each other.” Here’s the problem with leaning into our generational, secular “no worries” religion too whole-heartedly, as we did: we still depend on global trade for everything. The tankers in the Gulf of Hormuz and the supply chain crisis

during COVID — ​ ​forget TP, we’re talking PPE and vaccines ​— ​proved that. On January 26 of this year, the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists set the famous Doomsday Clock at 85 seconds to midnight, based on growing tensions between the US, Russia, and China. Most scientists agree that we’ll blast through the 1.5-degree warming threshold by the end of this decade, bringing about a likely-catastrophic future. Our generation’s half-hearted anti-globalization, anti-nuclear, and anti-pollution movements are dust in the wind. “Same old song. Just a drop of water in an endless sea.” Thanks, Kansas. It’s the same message, but far more depressing than “Don’t worry about a thing, ’cause every little thing gonna be all right.” Clearly, there are limits to chillaxing, as a political stance. Additionally, the problem with telling someone else to relax, is that it rarely works. In real life, it’s provocative, rather than soothing. MP Aaron Gunn is not Gen X. He turned 36 in March, placing him in the younger half of the Millennials. These guys are different. Bob Marley’s “Don’t worry” advice was sung to them as children by Ernie and Bernie, the antagonistic Jamaican jellyfish in the Dreamworks movie Shark Tale (2004). From their mouths: everything’s gonna be all right. From their tentacles: sharp stings. With Ernie and Bernie around, nothing is okay. Chillaxing around these dudes is dangerous. Ditto Vancouver condo developer Bob Rennie, who audaciously hung a vast pink neon “Everything is going to be all right” sign on the top of his six-story office and art gallery complex in the Downtown Eastside in 2008. It was provocative. Everything was not all right in 2008, and worse was coming. The 2010 Olympics and the 2016 fentanyl crisis devastated that neighbourhood. Indeed, our millennial MP did not chillax, in the wake of being advised to chillax. If you watch him in the House of Commons, or if you attended his town hall March 19 at Assumption, he is not a chillaxed guy. He’s an ambitious guy who is firm in his convictions and a bulldog on Parliament Hill. Tla’amin isn’t chillaxing, either. The Boomers stuck it out with the BC Treaty Commission and 10 years ago on April 5, delivered a final agreement, setting the stage for nation-building. Now, with plenty of Millennial leadership, this crew is manifesting an ethical, prosperous future, including a visionary forestry tenure purchase completed last month, and much more. “Chillax” is a funny, multidimensional word, a solid linguistic contribution from my generation to those that follow. As President Donald Trump says, “You’re welcome.” But like every aging generation that has come before, my hope is with younger people. My hope is that they will not chillax, but kick the asses that we should have kicked back in the 90s. “Chillax, bud” was used correctly by Tla’amin ​ — ​not to invoke disengagement, but to throw down. And MP Aaron Gunn rose to the occasion. From Lotusland, at the end of the road, their un-chillaxed feistiness gives this Gen Xer hope that maybe, everything is gonna be all right. ||editor@qathetliving.ca

COMMUNITY CLEAN UP DAY th

Saturday, April 25 2026 9am - 5pm

Clean up litter or an illegal dump site of your choice & get garbage disposal fees waived! ILLEGALLY L DUMPED LY trash only! Not valid for personal g arbag ge garbage

Arrive between 9am - 10am at the RESOURCE RECOVERY CENTRE to receive: A disposal fee waiver (valid until 5pm) Gloves, bags, & litter pickers A brief safety overview

GOT INVASIVE PLANTS? MAY IS INVASIVE PLANT MONTH Drop off invasive plants for free!

Morning Glory

English Holly

Scotch Broom MAY 1st - 30th Monday - Saturday, 8am - 5pm Resource Recovery Centre

Himalay aya ay yan Blackberry r ry Himalayan

AVOID A AV OID CUTTING or TRANSPORTING KNOTWEED! It reproduces vegetatively through root and stem. Management options must be evaluated on a site-by-site basis to avoid further spread. Contact the qRD for more information.

Keep invasive plants separate from clean yard waste and transport loads securely by bagging 604-41 4 3-6861 41 604-413-6861 or tarping plants. ntalServices@qathet.ca EnvironmentalServices@qathet.ca qathet Living • April 2026 • 63

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64 April 2026 • qathetliving.ca

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