qathet Living February 2026

Help is Here

Free tax clinic for individuals & families with low-incomes

604-223-5876

qathetsafe.ca menchooserespectprogram@gmail.com

A 9-week group for men who want to foster respect and safety in their personal relationships.

unteers are ready to help you file your return accurately and access the benefits and credits you may be entitled to—at no cost.

The clinic will run Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from March 2 to April 30, between noon and 4 pm. Appointments are not required; taxpayers are welcome to drop in during clinic hours. Select Thursday clinics may be offered at outreach locations throughout qathet to improve accessibility; dates and locations will be announced.

The tax clinic is held at the qathet SAFE offices, located at #207-6975 Alberni Street, above the Powell River Public Library. This service is designed to support community members who may struggle to afford professional tax preparation.

To ensure your return can be completed, please bring all relevant tax documents, such as T4s, T5s, government benefit slips, photo ID, and your Social Insurance Number.

Take advantage of this free service and get your taxes done with confidence. Everyone deserves access to the refunds and benefits they qualify for—let us help make tax time easier.

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 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. www.youthandfamily.ca All families need help sometimes.

(Oceanside Location)

All are $7.50 each:

• Cuddles the Puppy

• Sweet the Kitty

• Thief the Raccoon

• Whisper the Owl

Birthday Parties

at High Tide Games

High Tide Games is now hosting birthday parties for kids of ALL ages!!

Whether you want to play video games or board games, we have everything you need to have a seriously great gaming time.

(High Tide Games and Oceanside)

Oceanside Entertainment

7 days a week

10 am to 5:30 pm 4721 Marine 604-489-3028

High Tide Games

7 days a week 12 pm to 6 pm 7030 Glacier new phone number 604-208-6169

Saturday & Sunday morning parties are a private event with the space fully reserved for your party.

Evening parties may be available. Call to inquire: 604-208-6169.

Codenames Duet 11+ • 2 players • 15-30 minutes

Reg size: $35.95 • XXL Edition: $59.95

You and your partner are on a secret mission to a crowded city. Your objective: to contact fteen agents while avoiding a band of enemy assassins. You know the agents that your partner can contact safely. Your partner knows the agents that you can contact safely. By giving each other one-word clues that can point to multiple words on the table, you try to nd all the agents before your turn runs out.

Need a safe address to ship your things to?

We will order almost anything for folks. We have ordered clothes, wallets, car parts, patio umbrellas, etc.

Our only rule is it must be able to be carried in the door – so no couches, appliances, etc.

Special order charge is $5.00.

athet never fails to surprise. When you grow up in a community, you often think you know all there is to know about your town.

This magazine constantly reminds me that there’s always more to learn and discover about the place that is home.

In part, that’s because our editor, Pieta Woolley, is a master at uncovering the unusual around us. She finds and connects things that sometimes I’ve taken for granted which then lead to discoveries of things I’d never have looked for.

ers, something I’d never have guessed, despite my years as a sports reporter. I knew a few intrepid souls would occasionally catch the waves at Mahood’s Beach, but on Page 32 we’re introduced to a couple of youngsters who are paddling into much bigger surf.

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

Having been happily married for more than 28 years, this issue unveiled things about the qathet dating scene (Page 7) that I would otherwise never have discovered.

It’s also because the residents of this community are willing, often eager, to share the stories of the unique things that they do.

In this issue alone, I’ve met a bunch of people I had never met before — in itself unusual in a community where I grew up feeling I knew everyone. I also discovered that our town is home to successful competitive surf-

I was also introduced to new places. I’ve yet to be invited to an event at the Williams Shop, but after reading about this venue on Page 10, I can’t wait. And on Page 16, Ryk Griffioen’s drone shot of the river below the dam showed me a new perspective of a scene I drive by every day.

What will you discover in this issue?

Volume 21, Number 2 ISSN 2817-1667 (Print) ISSN 2817-1675 (Online)

& Owner

Pieta Woolley editor@qathetliving.ca

Publisher Sean Percy sean@qathetliving.ca

Sales & Marketing

Suzi Wiebe suzi@qathetliving.ca

Sales & Marketing

Vicky Osualdini vicky@qathetliving.ca

Office Manager

Lauren Diemer office@qathetliving.ca 7053E Glacier Street, Powell River, BC

Tel 604-485-0003

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. © 2025 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

qL is your magazine!

Give us your feedback

Email your comments and Letters to editor@qathetliving.ca

See you online

Join us on Facebook and Instagram. Visit our webpage at qathetliving.ca

Show off your community

Send a subscription to an out-of-town friend. $60 a year in Canada.

Publish your work

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

The spark was there immediately, but it wasn’t fireworks. It was something better a slow, steady warmth.

-

Jane Short, Page 9

FEBRUARY'S CONTRIBUTORS

JANE SHORT has lived in Powell River since 2021, moving here after renovating a heart-of-town home. A keen gardener, she cherishes her dog Maxie, close friendships, and community life. See Jane's story, Dating in qathet on Page 6.

DENNIS BROSSEAU was raised in Cranberry, where nature was “just outside the door!” Since his return in 2020, he loves exploring and photographing all the qathet trails! See Dennis' photospread, Not-SoSnowy-White, on Page 18.

CRAIG TURNEY is a carpenter and local history aficionado. He’s on a mission to dig up our town’s forgotten socialist roots. See Craig's story, A Worker’s History of Dwight Hall, on Page 13.

GODSON AKHIDENOR is a lawyer from Nigeria who now calls qathet home, along with his wife, Amaka Akhidenor, an Early Childhood Educator, and their three kids. See Godson's story, Builders of Nations, on Page 41.

DIANA WOOD has lived in Powell River over 50 years. She’s a founder of Powell River Spring Garden Tour, Member of Canadian Rose Society. and has as degree in Landscaping Horticulture. See Diana's story, Fire Horse, on Page 47.

LOVE

Hot & Cold by the Salish Sea

What are you doing Valentine’s Day?

Whatever your relationship status, there are plenty of friendly folks to be found on Saturday, February 14. Here are some possibilities:

Book a private sauna for couples, or choose a drop-in for singles

Orca Sauna at Willingdon Beach is serving cozy, feel-good vibes all Valentine’s weekend — whether you’re celebrating with a partner, a pal, or treating yourself (self-love counts). Sink into the warmth, breathe in the ocean air, and let the stress melt away. Book a private or shared sauna session and make this Valentine’s one you’ll actually remember. orcasaunas.com. See ad on Page 24.

Dry Grad Much Music Dance Party

8 pm, Dwight Hall. Tickets on Eventbrite, at River City Coffee, Westerley, Tla’amin Convenience, and Pacific Coastal Cannabis. Nostalgic 80s, 90s, 2000s music videos. $5 drinks, free munchies, safe rides home, and so much more. No minors. $50. Dinner & Concert at James Hall with Dr. Moira Hopfe-Ostensen & Walter Martella

Dinner 6 pm; concert to follow. $125. James Hall. See ad on Page 35.

Uptown Market

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

Winter Olympics Watch Party

10 am to 3 pm, Library. Key Medal Day. Villa’s Jackson Cup playoff game 1:30 pm, Timberlane.

The Little Mermaid

7 pm, Evergreen Theatre. $25. Advance tickets available for purchase at 32 Lakes and Anchor Apparel. Join Beanstalk Theatre Company under the sea for an immersive experience as we bring the magic of The Little Mermaid to the stage.

Award Winning Author Iona Whishaw 2 pm at the Library. Mystery writer Iona Whishaw will present her new novel A Season for Spies, a cozy and action-packed prequel to the Lane Winslow mysteries, set in wartime England. Valentine’s Dinner & Dance Legion Hall. 6 pm $40 members, $45 for non-members.

CJMP 15 Years of Broadcasting

/ Bob Marley’s Birthday / Valentine’s Day celebration

8 pm, Wildwood Pub. DJ Triple Dub will be spinning all your favourite Bob Marley tunes + dubs, versions, and rarities. Tickets by donation/pay what you can at the door. All proceeds fund CJMP.

The deeply-human, wildly exposed mission of dating in qathet

BY JANE SHORT

Dating

in a small town is not for the faint of heart. As anyone who is single and looking for love in this town knows, there are fewer options, longer memories,

and a very real chance your “new” person once dated someone you sit beside at yoga.

Your first date might be a coffee, but your second is usually a conversation with three people who already know how it went, along with some unsolicited advice, words of caution, or congratulations depending on the local lore attached to your unfortunate (or promising) date.

And yet, against all odds, people keep falling in love. Or at least, they keep believing in love. They keep looking for it, sometimes actively through dating apps, singles events, or the hopeful suggestion that we really should do speed dating here. (Powell River, if you’re listening…)

Other times, they wait quietly, trusting the universe to surprise them with a prince, a princess, or at the very least, someone emotionally available with decent communication skills.

Despite the quirks, complications, awkward runins, and shared histories, and because I am endlessly interested in the wonderfully irreverent business of being human, I reached out to my circle of friends to get their take on love in our town.

I spoke with four singles and one couple, each navigating love (or the search for it) in Powell River in their own way. Their stories reflect the hope, humour, frustration, and unexpected tenderness that come with looking for love — or holding onto it — in a place where almost everyone knows your name.

car on the way to a party south of town where I met someone who proved me wrong. Spoiler alert: that person was not my person, but no sooner had that ill-fated romance ended, and I’d once again declared myself absolutely done, I met the person I didn’t even know I was waiting for.

The Singles: Hopeful, Honest, and Still Willing to Try

After four years on his own, Greg Marshall feels ready. Not desperate—just open. He values the time he’s spent alone getting to know himself but admits the idea of a “partner in crime and pickleball” is starting to sound pretty appealing.

Greg has dipped a toe into online dating, tolerating Facebook Dating while quietly wishing for something more old-fashioned. “You don’t really know someone until you meet them in person,” he says. In Powell River, of course, that meeting might come with an unexpected run-in later in the grocery store aisle—or an awkward moment of eye contact with someone you didn’t quite click with.

Still, Greg sees the upside. In a town this size, shenanigans don’t stay secret for long, and accountability can be oddly comforting. He’s enthusiastic about the idea of a local singles event—after all, he met his partner of 28 years at one. “Come on, Powell River,” he laughs. “Let’s get one organized.”

What Greg is looking for now is grounded and genuine: kindness, humour, honesty, and someone outdoorsy who doesn’t take life (or themselves) too seriously. Bonus points for cooking together, a glass of wine, and the occasional board game.

STEAMY OR FOGGY?: Orca Saunas visitors dive into the freezing, fog-cast Salish Sea at Willingdon Beach mid-January... then it was back to the warmth of

And yes, putting my money where my mouth is, I’ll share my own story too.

I once declared — very emphatically — that I was done with dating. I made this proclamation in the

Geri Anderson approaches dating with curiosity, and caution. She’s using a dating app she’s tried before, though she’s clear-eyed about the downsides: outdated photos, vague profiles, and a surprising number of people who claim they’ve “never been married.” One particularly memorable match asked her to invest in an RV business and floated the idea of living together, literally within weeks. “It became clear he was looking for a soft landing,” she says. “A soft goodbye was all I could offer.”

For Geri, dating in a small town means a smaller

TWO SINGLES AND A COUPLE: Left, Jenn Johannson is new to town, and still believes her mate is out there despite an exhausting-sounding dating history. Middle, Janet Forsyth and Lani Sanders first met in Vancouver, but the romance started in Powell River. Right, like many of his counselling clients, Rob Wynen is hoping to find new love contentment, companionship in mid-life.

pool and the looming question of long-distance relationships. What matters most to her now is independence, humour, family connections, and an active lifestyle. Friendship, she believes, is often the best place to start—not only because it allows people to be themselves, but because even if romance doesn’t spark, connection still matters.

New to Powell River, Jenn Johannson is experiencing small-town dating for the first time. After a year of being single and navigating major life changes—including relocating here—she’s enjoying her independence while remaining open to surprise.

Dating apps, she admits, have changed dramatically since she last used them. “So many scammers,” she laughs. “I’m trying one app to start the new year—time will tell if this was a good idea.”

date, to flying to Australia only to realize at the airport that there was absolutely no chemistry. She’s even appeared on First Dates Canada, where her date thoughtfully explained that since she had the better job, she could pay for half the meal. (Paying 50/50 wasn’t the issue—it was the announcement that surprised her.)

Jenn values thoughtfulness, patience, and clear communication. She’s not in a rush and is drawn to partners secure enough to support her demanding career while allowing space for softness and femininity. Her ideal first date? Coffee, and a walk along the seawall with her sweet pup in tow.

For Rob Wynen, single life is still a relatively new experience after spending 30 years in a relationship. As someone who genuinely enjoys companionship, he admits that solo evenings at home have taken some getting used to, though his affectionate co-pilot, Pepper, a black cat with strong opinions, helps fill the quiet.

At the encouragement of friends, Rob recently dipped a toe into the world of online dating and joined Hinge. “Apparently asking someone to dance to a Cure song isn’t the standard opener anymore,” he jokes. Signing up wasn’t without its surprises, either: Rob accidentally selected “woman seeking men.” “The results were… educational,” he laughs. “At least I got to see the competition.”

Her dating history includes everything from being proposed to with an ex-fiancé’s ring on a first blind

Despite the misadventures, Jenn remains hopeful. “Dating shouldn’t feel like a chore,” she says. “I’m trying to have fun with it.” She believes there truly is someone for everyone—and that we are all deserving of love.

There are undeniable perks to being single —  watching trashy TV without negotiation and occasionally leaving the toilet seat up among them but

Rob admits he misses the simple comforts of partnership: the greeting at the door, the hug at the end of a long day. And, while talking to yourself can be amusing at first, he concedes it eventually loses its charm.

As a midlife transition and relationship counsellor, Rob’s professional life has given him a thoughtful perspective on how needs and values evolve in the second half of life. The focus, he says, often shifts away from building a family or climbing the career ladder toward finding fulfillment elsewhere.

With a wonderful 24-year-old son and a desire to ease up professionally, Rob is now looking ahead to a slower pace—prioritizing health, contentment, and the hope of growing old alongside someone he loves. “I don’t need someone to make me whole,” he says, “but sharing the journey forward is definitely attractive.”

When Love Lands—and Lasts

Not all love stories in Powell River begin here, but some find their way home. Janet Forsyth and Lani Sanders first crossed paths at a Spirit of the West concert in Vancouver, reconnecting some years later with an instant spark. When a film production brought Lani to Powell River for work, what started as a job turned into a move, and a life together.

After past relationships that left them cautious, they’ve built something intentionally non-dramatic: a partnership rooted in kindness, humour, mutual respect, and shared loves—dogs, music, good food, and movies at The Patricia. “Lucky for me,” Janet says, “she decided to stay.”

“I once declared very emphatically — that I was done with dating. I made this proclamation in the car on the way to a party south of town where I met someone who proved me wrong.”

Choosing a Fireplace over Fireworks

Gary Johannson and I started like many modern love stories do, with a cup of coffee.

The spark was there immediately, but it wasn’t fireworks. It was something better — a slow, steady warmth. He walked me home after that first coffee, and that small, thoughtful gesture told me a lot about the kind of man he is.

Powell River has shaped our relationship in all the familiar small-town ways. We share friends, a family member recently moved here, and running into exes is just part of the landscape (sometimes literally) like when mine walked into the coffee shop on our very first date!

What makes our relationship work isn’t flashy. It’s

Power outages can be scary. Unless you have a wood stove. Then they’re romantic.

Wood stoves offer peace of mind.

And they burn cleaner than ever before. Visit our showroom to see a selection of modern stoves, including the Blaze King Chinook 20. From the vertical sides to the large, rectangular glass viewing area, there is a strong European influence in the Chinook’s design. Both the door and bypass handles are painted black and made from ash hardwood. The cast iron front grille and convection deck are standard. The standard ash drawer opens on engineered runners yielding a smooth, gliding motion. An optional dual fan system further spreads the super-heated convection air into your room.

Learn more about how to cozy up your winter at the Cadam Fireplace & Stove Centre

Chinook 20 with Standard Ash Drawer

emotional availability, mutual respect, and showing up, especially when things go sideways. Early on when my basement flooded, Gary calmly stepped in, took control in the chaos, and saved my sanity and my sidewalk. That was the moment I knew I could trust him completely.

My advice to anyone looking for love — especially later in life — is simple: don’t settle, don’t stop living fully, and trust that when the right person arrives, it won’t feel dramatic. It will feel warm, steady, and real. Less fireworks. More fireplace.

After 18 months together, my reasons for choosing Gary remain wonderfully simple. He makes me laugh every day. He is kind. He shows up. He enjoys my cooking which more often than not lands pretty high up the Scoville Scale, indulges my neat-freak tendencies, and brings me coffee in the morning with a smile that still makes my heart skip a beat, regardless of whether his hair is behaving or firmly in Einstein-meets-Whoville territory.

That, for me, is love worth keeping.

Love, Small-Town Style

Taken together, these stories paint a familiar picture. Dating in Powell River can be awkward, limiting, and occasionally hilarious, but it’s also deeply human. Whether single or partnered, hopeful or content, everyone I spoke with believes love is still possible here — and certainly worth looking for. It may not arrive quietly. It may come with history attached. But when it does, it has a way of fitting into your life as if it was always meant to be there.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Powell River.

Upgrade your wardrobe with a Renoir suit that works as hard as you do —without giving up comfort.

Love built this venue

Zackery and Melanie Williams have lived in the qathet region for more than ten years. They were drawn here by the beauty of the place and the strength of the community, and it quickly became clear this was where they wanted to build their lives.

They have a shared appreciation for making things with their hands and living in a way that feels grounded and real.

On May 15, The Williams Shop event venue opens. It can accommodate up to 120 guests (100 seated), and 24 overnight guests.

The idea

Zack and Melanie came together in September 2024 after six years of friendship. Shortly after, Zack moved in with Melanie and quickly realized there was a need for a place of his own, somewhere for his greasy and rusty bits, alongside space for shared woodworking projects.

Zack built the structure himself. Each beam, truss, and steel plate was placed by hand. Logging truck components were repurposed into the structure, and trees milled directly from the property were used throughout the build. The building is inseparable from the land and community it comes from.

Zack told Melanie he was building a church to marry her in. On October 4, 2025, they were married in the Shop, surrounded by established ornamental gardens, and in that moment it became The Williams Shop. It was immediately clear that the space was meant to host gatherings.

A dedicated commissary kitchen is now underway on the property next door and will be ready for the 2026 event season. Both their relationship and the evolution of The Williams Shop followed the same pattern, unfolding with clarity and momentum that left little room for doubt.

“What has surprised us most is how clear the path has been. We did not set out to build a venue, but each step revealed the next. Looking back, it feels less like a series of decisions and more like listening carefully to what was already taking shape.”

The accessibility

Accessibility matters deeply to Zack and Melanie. A close friend requires accessible spaces, which brought an awareness of how often people are unintentionally excluded. While many venues offer beauty, very few are able to offer full accessibility alongside comfort and essential amenities.

The Williams Shop was designed to be mobility

accessible, allowing guests of all abilities to fully participate. The venue includes a 2,400 square foot covered event space, established ornamental gardens, thoughtfully designed guest amenities, and three on site accommodations sleeping up to twenty four people.

The weddings

A great wedding feels honest. It allows space for both quiet and shared moments and gives people time to arrive, settle, and connect.

The most meaningful celebrations are shaped by how the day unfolds.

The setting matters because it influences how present people are able to be. When a venue supports the natural rhythm of the day, the celebration feels calm, intentional, and genuine.

The romance

Zack and Melanie describe their love story as a perfectly timed and deeply needed hug. After that moment, there was no turning back. They were engaged six weeks later, without hesitation.

To many people, their bond did not make sense. They are different, but also deeply alike. What felt confusing to outsiders was immediately clear to them. From that first hug onward, each decision revealed itself without question.

As Zack says, “Do you know how opposites attract? Not to be corny here, but we found in each other the piece and peace that we were missing in ourselves, and we hope many others do and make it official right here.”

Neither of them could have imagined where they would be just eighteen short months later.

The vibe

Zack and Melanie say they hope couples feel that spark of excitement paired with a deep sense of ease. The kind of excitement that comes when something simply feels right.

The space does not demand anything of them. It does not rush decisions or impose expectations. It simply allows couples to see their day clearly and imagine what is possible.

The result is a space that feels both rare and practical. It is handcrafted and deeply personal, while still making it easy for couples and hosts to bring their vision to life. It offers the freedom of a private setting with the essential infrastructure already in place.

Stirring the Pot

By sheer coincidence, the theme for BC Heritage Week, February 16 to 22, is “Stirring the Pot.” Likely no region in the province is living through such an immediate collision between local

built history (Dwight Hall and the Cenotaph) and contemporary issues (the desperate need for an extreme weather shelter).

Pots were stirred at City Council January 20 and 22, as citizens and councilors debated the use of lower Dwight Hall to offer very limited care for people who are living outside and

in their cars, during the coldest and wettest time of the year.

Among those who were against using Dwight Hall as a shelter, reasons expressed included the concern that the Cenotaph may be used as a dumping ground for needles and other waste, and that Dwight Hall itself may be destroyed through vandalism or even fire.

Other concerns were that the location is just too far away from other services, and that the washrooms are

inadequate and the building lacks other basic services.

The shelter is going ahead at Dwight Hall — a temporary solution while the shelter next to the RCMP station is completed.

Local builder and historian Craig Turney didn’t speak at council, but took to his blog, bchistoryboy.ca, to deepen the local conversation about what kind of heritage is represented by Dwight Hall — and what is worth preserving (see next page).

A worker’s history of Dwight Hall

BY CRAIG TURNEY

There’s more to Dwight Hall than a pretty place to get married or have a party. Countless headlines from the Powell River News show that, for decades, socialist rallies and speakers were a regular feature of the hall.

Dwight Hall was built in 1927, two years before the Great Depression. It’s named after Dr. Dwight Brooks, one of the three American lumber barons who founded the Powell River Company. For decades, he ran the company town with an iron fist from his headquarters in Minneapolis.

Under his watch, every attempt by the mill workers to unionise was crushed. Rebellious workers were fired and, along with their families, evicted from their homes and blacklisted from mills across the country.

Dwight Brooks paid for Dwight Hall, but the majority of workers who built it — the carpenters, electricians, painters — were socialists.

In 1932, the Socialist Party of BC joined forces with various labour and farmer groups to form a new party — the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF). Their goal was to fight back against the unchecked power of capitalists like Dwight Brooks. In their words, “no CCF Government will rest content until it has eradicated capitalism and put into operation the full programme of socialized planning.” They believed housing should be a public good and a human right — not a commodity for the wealthy to trade.

Ernest Bakewell was an engineer from the Ocean Falls mill and the CCF’s candidate for Powell River.

BUILT BY SOCIALISTS, A VENUE FOR SOCIALISTS:

Top, a graphic of Dwight Hall created by Craig Turney, including clippings from the CCF a precursor to the federal NDP which held rallies there. Above, the crowd in City chambers Thursday night appeared overwhelmingly against using Dwight Hall for a shelter. The signs in this photo read, “Dwight Hall is Sacred Grounds” and “Respect our Vets”.

Leading up to the 1933 provincial election, he gave a speech to a packed crowd at Dwight Hall. It was reported the next day in the Powell River News and is worth reading in full.

It’s a real case of the more things change, the more they stay the same:

“In spite of an increasing output we are faced with a lower standard of living. We see the sword of Damocles suspended above our heads and those still employed have the uneasy feeling of not knowing whether they will be the next to join the ranks of those on the street…

“[Bakewell] spoke of the situation of the farmers who were producing at less than cost. Decreasing standard of living. The growing army of unemployed  — 2,000,000 still out of work. The business of the

nation was paralysed. Export and import trade had dropped alarmingly. Reduced wages had not remedied matters. Debts, private, municipal, and governmental, had increased. This condition was not confined only to Canada, but was universal.

“The cause (Capitalism) was universal and this is the kind of fruit it raised. Our schools, colleges and universities were turning out 250,000 graduates every year, prepared to take their place in life. They found there was no place for them. The nation which failed to meet the requirements of youth was doomed.

“The capitalistic system was dying. It had broken down and he would not repair it if he could. It had been a great producer. It succeeded in producing, but could not distribute.

“Loud applause greeted the close of his address.”

Bakewell won the riding by a landslide.

It wasn’t a one-off. Over the next several decades, the people of Powell River would consistently elect socialists to represent their interests in the legislature.

After Bakewell was Herbert Gargrave (Powell River’s MLA from 194149). He was the secretary of the National Painters’ Union, a member of

the Socialist Party of Canada, and a founding member of the Young Socialists’ League. He was only (narrowly) defeated in 1949 when the Liberals and Conservatives formed a coalition to keep the socialists out of office.

In 1952, his younger brother Anthony Gargrave was elected. Also a socialist, he was an executive of the BC Federation of Labour and spent his career fighting for the rights of working people. He served five consecutive terms and represented Powell River until 1966.

These are the people, alongside the thousands of workers who supported them, who put their heart and soul into Dwight Hall.

They would understand the crises of homelessness and addiction we’re facing today as the inevitable result of unregulated capitalism.

They would know that the only solution is for working people to band together and fight for a more just world.

I have no doubt they would be stoked about Dwight Hall being used to help the community’s most vulnerable survive another winter.

A version of this piece was first published on bchistoryboy.ca and is republished here with permission.

Annual Budgeting Process

qathet Regional District (qRD) administration and operations are governed by the Local Government Act and Community Charter. Each year the qathet Regional District must undergo an annual budgeting process which includes opportunities for public input.

e annual budgeting process provides a road map to the organization, and assists in the day-to-day management of the qRD. e budgeting process enables the qRD to set their service tax rates for the year, assess liabilities, capital financing and manage assets sustainably.

In addition, the annual budgeting process feeds the Five-Year Financial Plan, which outlines five-year projections for operations, capital project planning, and asset management for the entire region.

e qRD will meet to consider draft three of proposed 2026 budgets and the 2026-2030 Financial Plan at the March 18, 2026 Finance Committee meeting with adoption of the budget and the Five-Year Financial Plan scheduled to occur at the March 25, 2026 Board meeting.

Whenever possible, the qRD works collaboratively with local key actors, as well as the Provincial and Federal government to acquire grant funding to help pay for services and projects to reduce the tax burden on our residents.

e public are welcome to attend budget meetings. A schedule of meetings is available at qathet.ca/2026-budget.

Financial Assistance

e qRD can provide financial assistance to community organizations for special projects, events, capital or general operating expenses. More information on intake dates and application requirements are available by visiting qathet.ca/financial-assistance.

e qRD also considers applications from societies and not-for-profit organizations for permissive tax exemptions in recognition of these organization’s community contributions. Permissive Tax Exemption application forms must be submitted by August 1st, to be considered for a tax exemption in the following year.

e qathet Regional District Finance Department is responsible for financial administration of the services qathet Regional District provides to its residents. Finance activities include: financial planning and reporting, banking and investments, insurance and risk management, grant administration, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable and utility billings. e Finance Department also manages financial administration for the Regional Hospital District.

Regional Hospital District

e Province of British Columbia established Regional Hospital Districts as a means of financing a local contribution to the costs of constructing or renovating major health care facilities such as acute care hospitals or long-term care facilities.

Regional Hospital Districts are governed by the Hospital District Act. e main purposes of the Regional Hospital District are to establish, acquire, construct, reconstruct, enlarge, operate and maintain hospitals and hospital facilities, and provide grant aid for the establishment, acquisition, reconstruction, enlargement, operation and maintenance of hospitals and hospital facilities.

e qathet Regional Hospital District will meet to consider the final draft of the proposed 2026-2030 Financial Plan at the Regional Hospital District Board meeting on March 24, 2026. e financial plan is required to be adopted by March 31 each year.

Parcel Tax Rolls

Each year, the qRD prepares parcel tax rolls for the Lund Sewer Local Service Area, Myrtle Pond Water Local Service Area and Savary Island Marine Facilities Service Area as required by Section 208 of the Community Charter. e parcel tax roll lists the parcels eligible to be taxed for each of the above noted services in 2026.

is is an annual process to review the roll to ensure that the properties to be taxed are correct. Property owners within these service areas can request to view the parcel tax rolls or request information regarding an amendment by contacting finance@qathet.ca or calling 604-485-2260.

Requests for an amendment to the parcel tax roll must be in writing and received no later than Friday, February 20, 2026 at 4:30 pm.

HazyDaze

In January, an unusually thick fog lingered in the qathet region for what seemed like eons. Photographer Ryk Griffioen captured this image of the Powell River / tiskwat, and the remains of the mill, near sunset.

“I just was trying to catch the sunset January 16,” Ryk recalls. “I was actually trying to one-up myself from the first shot I got the night before, but they shut the dam. I ended up just getting a completely different looking shot with a better camera.”

Ryk was using a DJI Mavic 3 drone.

Not-so-snowy whites

PHOTOS BY DENNIS BROSSEAU

In these West Coast forests, the snow may or may not fall. But winter brings plenty of white.

Wispy falls • Sweetwater Creek Trail

Forest rays • Sweetwater Creek Trail

Angel wings mushrooms • Duck Lake

Hair ice • Duck Lake

Trumpeter Swans • Cranberry Lake

Coral fungus • 3 Mile Bay

A death alone, waiting for care

Hello Pieta,

I am sad to announce that since my original contact with qathet Living [Letters, December 2025], the worst did occur. On December 4, my mother did fall in her suite at Coastal Breeze and was taken to Emergency, then eventually to the ACU on the fourth floor of our hospital while awaiting a space in extended care.

MAIL BAG

Mom passed away December 29 after her battle with dementia.

Would she have lived longer if been able to get into Extended Care? Possibly, but one thing for certain: she would not have been alone on the floor of her apartment bleeding from a head wound.

I felt, however, that I must clear up something in the piece that I wrote in qathet Living

I had written that I was afraid Mom would end up on the fourth floor of the Hospital. If a senior has no where else to be, the ACU is not a horror scene of neglect I may have ignorantly portrayed. Overcrowded yes, but the people there were amazing.

The nurses and aids of the ACU are some of the finest, most compassionate, and caring individuals I have ever met. As my brother said, we were treated like family up there, not clients, and I will never forget the treatment myself, my family, and most importantly, my mom received.

This of course does not take away from the need there is for more facilities for seniors on the Sunshine Coast. The fact that our Provincial NDP Government is represented in our area by an elected NDP MLA and still no new facilities in the queue, is shameful, period, and must be rectified soon.

Thank you, Paul Baker

Doctor speaks out about the need for both long-term care and transparency

Dear Editor,

I was dismayed to hear that you were obstructed in your inquiry regarding a lack of local hospital beds due to those beds being occupied by patients waiting for a care home [Who Cares” and Last Word, November, 2026].

I think as taxpayers we should be deeply concerned that our hard earned tax dollars are being spent to pay health authority representatives who stonewall us when we request information in the process of trying to understand a failing medical system.

The lack of community care home space has a very serious impact on hospitals. Aside from the impact on patients and families, a lack of care home space directly leads to backups in hospital emergency rooms, it leads to hospital hallway beds and it leads to a loss of designated wards and spaces.

The government has been avoiding building care homes, and instead, the health authorities pressure caregivers to care for patients at home, often despite extremely difficult circumstances and caregiver burnout.

We need to understand the scope and magnitude of this problem. We need to understand why it matters so much that your questions went unanswered by the Health Authority. We need to understand so we can lobby for what is desperately needed: more care homes.

I spoke about your article with a health authority employee who has an understanding of the qathet hospital bed situation. If my friend is correct, it would appear that you have been misled about the numbers of hospital beds being occupied by patients who are ready for discharge who can no longer return home.

I was told that roughly 40, not 15, beds in the hospital are currently occupied by stable patients awaiting a higher level of care upon discharge.

Forty-two beds is apparently the number of beds originally designed for the hospital. I was also told there are 20 “overflow” or “hallway” type extra beds in use.

I suggest our MLA Randene Neill, who has some experience in investigative journalism and in hospital development, may want to urgently respond to this shocking lack of, and likely untruthful response that you, a highly respectable, award-winning journalist received from the health authority when you enquired about the qathet hospital bed situation.

Let us remember that we designed our democratic system of government, which includes healthcare systems, not to rule us, not to lie to us or mislead us, not to slogan us with propaganda, not to stonewall us, but to represent us. We, as taxpayers, pay their wages to represent our voice and report back to us in the administration of our healthcare programs. When our journalists ask our local government (health authority) for information about care homes and hospital beds, they are entitled to the truth.

We all have a right to the truth from the government we elect and fund. Whatever happened to freedom of information?

I ask the public to consider a few issues while we await Randene Neill’s response:

First, “overflow” “hallway” hospital beds are a currently favored solution to a lack of care home spaces. From my experience as a former healthcare worker, these “overflow” beds are added into hallways, ward corners, nooks and sometimes even a closet. These ad-hoc beds are a poor choice. They are not well equipped for decompensating patients. They cause awkward over crowding for staff, patients and visiting families. They increase infection risk (cleaning staff working in cramped spaces, not enough bathrooms for infectious patients), and the beds often totally lack privacy. (In Greater Vancouver, this looks like flimsy incomplete screens around beds, behind which patients must give their medical histories and staff must give any kind of examinations or treatments. This is all done in major hallways while visitors and staff walk by on the way to the cafeteria or other wards).

Overflow beds are also put into rooms that would not normally contain beds. The rehab/ physiotheraWe 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.

py room in the qathet hospital hosts such beds. I was told the qathet hospital no longer has an intensive care unit (ICU) because the unit’s specialized rooms have each been filled with a second “overflow” bed, and the entire ICU is now comprised of patients awaiting an alternate level of care. In other words, there are no more designated critical care beds in the local qathet hospital, for which the unit was designed, for which taxpayers paid. Hallway/overflow beds are not a solution to a lack of care home beds.

Second, let’s look at how the problem of beds affects us all.

The lack of long-term care beds is one of the largest problems Canadian healthcare systems have faced in the last decade, and is a major contributor to this current healthcare crisis. Hospitalized patients, elderly or severely chronically ill, who can no longer return home because they have decompensated and now await care homes, end up staying in hospital, and therefore “blocking” beds that would normally be available for other patients who need to be admitted, treated, and sent home.

The resultant backup of beds extends into units like the emergency room. Emergency room patients who have been admitted to a hospital ward bed cannot leave the emergency room, due to the ward beds being full of patients awaiting a care home. As a result, there is a consequent backup and lack of beds in the ER for emergency patients to be assessed in. If the emergency room doctors and nurses cannot assess and treat patients due to a lack of monitored, appropriate beds, there is a backup in ER waiting rooms, and wait times for all of us to see ER staff are excessively extended.

I recently accompanied a family member to an ER in Ontario where an announcement was made that there would be at least an 11-hour longer wait for anyone already present. We had already waited five hours. They even urged patients who felt their condition could wait, to go home.

Lack of ward beds also affects elective surgical procedures. Surgical waits can be long, in part, from a lack of post-operative beds available.

Therefore, the questions your editor is asking regarding the availability and obvious need for extended care beds in the community is a very valid and relevant question. It affects all of us who may need an ER visit or a surgical procedure. The health authority doesn’t like the editor’s question about beds and care homes because the answer will bring up the subject of a lack of construction of long-term care and assisted living homes.

Our third consideration therefore needs to be why the health authority is not building more care homes in this aging population elder care crisis healthcare era? The answer is, of course, money. But are in-hospital overflow beds really a cheaper solution?

The daily cost of keeping any patient in a hospital bed is enormous. Perhaps our editor can address this question if she can access the truth? I used to work in a health authority where slogans were aimed at the public in place of building new care homes.

“Home is Best!” They plastered their poster propaganda all over the walls, in halls and elevators and meeting rooms of the hospital. (Again, why does a government that was elected by us, to represent us, need to slogan us? Their job is to report to us, not manipulate us.) “Home is Cheapest for the Government” would have been a more honest communication.

Home can be great in many cases, but home is not always “best” and is certainly not always possible.

Home is not best when an elderly parent has lost their cognitive ability and is peeing in the corners, wandering outside at night, or taking the keys and going for a drive. Unpaid, burned out family caregivers who work jobs all day and are up all night with an agitated, delirious elderly parent who falls, will tell you home is not always best.

The reality in this province is that we don’t have enough care homes because they are not being built. Instead, up come the much cheaper posters, “Home is Best!”. Home is cheapest because the government pays no wages to family caregivers of elderly demented or infirmed, and pays no capital costs for appropriate facilities. Instead, small tax breaks are offered, like crumbs.

Home is cheapest because government only sends home care workers for limited and brief time periods in the day (so if you are a patient in a wheelchair and your diaper needs changing outside of those specified times, you are out of luck). Maybe in 10 years, when Medical Assistance in Dying (euthanasia) is well established, and death has proven itself to be an efficient, highly cost effective treatment option (since a dead patient doesn’t require an expensive long term care bed in a care home), the posters will read, “Death is Best!”.

In the meantime, I suggest we speak up. Let’s support our editor in insisting on our right to transparency and accountability from the health authority in this healthcare crisis. We need full information so we as taxpayers can support informed solutions.

We need to move stable patients out of our hospitals to ease flow, to increase capacity, and likely also save money. We therefore need to create appropriate, fair solutions for those who can no longer manage or be managed at home. The reality is, in this ageing population, we are long overdue to build more care homes. This will be a huge step in solving the current healthcare crisis.

Sincerely,

Katherine Stuart

Warning: astrology is not scientific

To the editor,

stellations as perceived by other cultures, such as the Inuit, we would have a different set of zodiacal signs and dates. Would that change our personalities or fates?

Thanks for another excellent issue. I love qL and read it from cover to cover. I’m glad the new column on horoscopes is entitled “Take a Break”. It is indeed entertaining and a fun break [January 2026]. In fact, I suggest adding a disclaimer, such as “This column is presented for entertainment purposes only. Astrology has no scientific basis.”

How so? As an amateur astronomer I’m sometimes asked what the difference is between astrology and astronomy.

According to the Oxford Dictionary, astrology is “the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies interpreted as an influence on human affairs.” Astronomy is “the study of the universe and its contents beyond the bounds of the Earth’s atmosphere.”

Sorry to sound grinch-like! Astrology can be fun as conversation-starters. But if taken seriously as a way to evaluate character or predict future events, it promotes irrational thinking and behaviour in unsettling times. Our society already sadly lacks in critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making. If astrology has any influence on humans, it is only through people acting on the basis of their unfounded belief in it. Perhaps a local science teacher could write a monthly column on scientific procedures and discoveries?

Angelika

Hackett, Member, Royal Astronomical Society of Canada

Government can’t do everything, actually

To the editor,

So, both astronomy and astrology use systematic observation. But astronomy is a science, astrology is not. As a science, astronomy tries to develop hypotheses and theories that are testable through empirical observation. One example is Einstein’s measurement of star locations near the sun during a total solar eclipse, lending support to his theory of gravitational lensing. Each theory builds upon and is developed in relation to previous theory. Sometimes a theory is abandoned when it is not

Astrology does not proceed through such disciplined theory production and observation. In carefully designed experiments to determine whether astrology can identify a person’s zodiacal sign from their observed personality patterns, it has not demonstrated its effectiveness. Its predictions of future events are either too vague to be testable, or they perform no better than chance, according to Wikipedia.

Why should we assume that a particular arrangement of stars and planets we see from Earth should have any influence whatsoever at the moment of a human’s birth (why not conception?)? Why consider so important the constellation that the sun is “in” — i.e. the one that is located behind the sun (and therefore invisible) during any given month? Besides, as we orbit the sun, it actually passes in front of 13 background “Zodiac” constellations throughout the year, not 12. Ophiuchus, the Serpent-Bearer, between Scorpius and Sagittarius, has been completely ignored in Western astrology’s horoscopes, shoehorning the arrangement of stars to fit the Gregorian

If we imagined the night sky’s con-

I thought your piece on Citizen Anarchy was a bit harsh [Last Word, January 2026]. I might believe that you think the government has people just sitting around with piles of money waiting for someone to point out something they should be doing but aren’t.

My experience from both inside and outside of government is they know they cannot do everything they are asked to do, and when the next demand comes along to add something new, they know they would have to stop doing something they are doing now and face complaints for that.

This leads to the first rule of government: when a request or demand arrives to add something to their list of responsibilities, as much as possible, do nothing. It looks like they’re just being stubborn or uncaring but I think they’re just trying to not get beat up yet again.

Paul Friedman

Writers, on the other hand...

To the editor,

Ms Woolley’s column The Citizen Anarchy Of 2025 [Last Word, January 2026] is, I think, the most valuable, important piece of communication I have experienced in a while.

I believe what we speak to each other makes our reality, our future. So, I take this seriously.

Maybe she could expand her column into a horn of information on citizen anarchy projects, far and wide, not just BC. Feels so good to applaud.

Others want to applaud as well…. Leo Smith

BLAST FROM THE PAST

The early snow surveys

Each year in March, the Powell River Mill dispatched members of its engineering staff into the mountains behind Powell Lake to conduct snow surveys.

The purpose of these surveys was to measure snowfall and estimate the volume of the runoff that would flow into the lake as the snowpack melted, beginning in April and continuing through the summer. This information was critical for anticipating water levels and managing mill operations.

fired boilers.

The exact date when snow surveys began is unknown, although photographs indicate that they were being conducted as early as the 1920s. In 1954, Powell River Digester notes the existence of six survey courses which were later reduced to the two most reliable predictors of runoff.

BLAST FROM THE PAST

DEVAN GILLARD

In years with heavy snowfall, the company could expect the lake levels to rise significantly during the summer, resulting in increased power output by the Powell River Dam. This directly affected the mill’s boilers. A good snow year allowed the mill to rely more heavily on electric boilers, while lighter snowfall meant a greater dependence on the more costly oil-

According to Graeme McCahon in Mysterious Powell Lake, survey crews traveled by boat to the head of Powell Lake, followed by a strenuous hike to the upper snow cabin at an elevation of 3,000 feet. In winter conditions, this trek can take up to five hours to complete using snowshoes. By 1968, they were able to conduct the surveys by taking a helicopter, greatly reducing the travel time.

Over the years, many Powell River Company employees participated in the Snow Surveys. Two notable participants include PR Lockie, a dedicated mountaineer and outdoorsman, and Ozzie Stevenson, the company’s staff photographer, who documented the surveys through numerous photographs.

TORONTO-LIKE: Left, the January 1 snow survey for BC’s South Coast revealed that we’re at 67% of normal snow for this time of year a trend since 2023. Overall, BC has more snow than normal this year. Top, General Map showing No. 1 and No. 2 Snow Survey Courses in the area North of the head of Powell Lake in the Powell River, Daniels River, Silver Creek, Jim Brown Creek, and Durant Lake area. This map shows the location of the snow cabins and a trapper’s cabin. Above middle, Conducting snow survey,1956. Mount Ozzie viewed between the legs of PR Lockie in 1939-40. Above, Photo depicts a cabin used by snow survey crews from Powell River in 1956. Right, PRCo employee working on the snow survey in 1926.

Gymnast rolls in to Lund

Valeria Tedeschi was born and grew up in Rome in 1985 coming from Italian heritage.

She earned a degree in Arts in Italy and then started to travel for many years around the world, performing in a circus as an acrobat. She is a dreamer and always looking to experience something new and different.

During a journey to the Middle East she discovered her immense passion for photography. She saved up money working on a farm which allowed her to purchase her first film camera, and began to take photos in India.

Eventually her interests grew to include videography and cinematic film.

Valeria arrived in British Columbia seven years ago, where she met Dylan and later created a family with him; adopting a Spanish Galgo named Althea and birthing their now-11 month old son, Kosmo Solbrekken.

Why did you choose to move to qathet? When? Where from?

Valeria • We moved to Lund in April 2025 after living nomadicly in various countries over the past few years. Our friends, Seb and Bri who live in Powell River, recommended to us this area and Dylan started to work at Nancy’s Bakery.

What surprised you, once you moved here?

Valeria • The big surprise for me was the nature and the community, how welcoming and powerful they are.

Where is your favourite place in qathet?

Valeria • My favourite place in qathet is anywhere around the water or deep in the forests. I love the changing weather and the blowing wind, the rain, and the sun.

What challenges did you face in trying to make a life for yourself here?

Valeria • I am a new mom and I can’t work due to my status, I’m waiting for Permanent Residency and my Work Permit so my life now is a bit slow and challenging.

What aspect of your previous community do you think would benefit qathet?

Valeria • In my opinion moving from a big city to a little town has shown me the strength in community. I used to live in a big town where people are more busy, competitive, and distant. I’ve found this community very inviting, powerful, and rich in character, whose residents take care of all people, old and young. My most important thought is to empower myself to give what I can to the people around me. We’ve had plenty of help from people, who encourage us to make a life here. We’ve been invited to art exhibitions, concerts, Lund Community Society meetings and events, and Kosmo attends various playgroups for children. This is what makes a difference in daily life.

If you were mayor, what would you do?

Valeria • If I was mayor I would connect with the First Nations People and also be active on a global scale, bringing to atten-

tion the importance of well-being for every person.

What are qathet’s best assets?

Valeria • The best assets here are the ocean, forests, trails, beaches, lakes, animals, mushrooms, and all the nature.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Valeria • My extravagance is to be Italian.

Which talent or superpower would you most like to have?

Valeria • I wish to have outstanding talent in writing and directing films, designing and building timberframe houses, and have the capacity to learn quickly, different cultural and social skills. My superpower would be to fly like the birds of the sky, untethered, soaring through the wind.

Sunday, February 22

Law enforcement torch run Polar Plunge for Special Olympics 11:30 am at Willingdon Beach. Chili, coffee, snacks by donation. Police, Fire and EHS will be there plunging in uniform. Register at plunge4specialolympics.crowdchange. ca/128741 or just show up and plunge / eat on the day.

Sports & Recreation

Build & Design

BY JULIE VENSELAAR

Powell River Minor Hockey’s annual female hockey tournament weekend is coming up over the Family Day long weekend. This year’s Queens Cup runs February 13 to 15 at the Powell River Recreation Complex and includes 11 teams in the U9, U11, and U13 divisions.

Joining the Powell River Queens teams will be female teams from all over Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, and lower Sunshine Coast.

The U9 Queens will be hosting their games, half ice jamboree style, on Saturday and Sunday. For some girls, this will be their first year playing in the Queens Cup and their first chance to play in front of a home crowd.

The U11 and U13 Queens teams will be exciting to watch. The U11 girls have just secured first place in their North Island league and are currently undefeated in league play.

They are looking forward to the Queens Cup and taking on the challenge of facing the top team from the South Island, the Victoria Reign, as well as a strong Vancouver Angels team from the mainland.

The U13 Queens, who are also undefeated and in first place in the North Island league, are coming off an incredible weekend in Surrey at the 2026 Wickfest tournament January 22 to 25, where they were pooled in a rep division. This amazing group of players battled city rep teams to go 1-2-1 over the weekend, securing a bronze medal finish in the gold division at the biggest female tournament in BC.

As the only recreation level team in their division, they certainly surprised everyone with their high level of play, tenacity, and hard work. They will be taking on top recreational teams from the Lower Mainland at the Queens Cup.

In addition to great hockey action over the Queens Cup weekend, teams will also be hosting a bake sale, a 50/50 draw, and a silent auction with some incredible prizes generously donated by amazing community sponsors.

We encourage you to come down and cheer on the girls as they showcase their talent. A full schedule of all Queens Cup games can be found on the Powell River Minor Hockey website, under schedules.

Go Queens! Go!

U13 Queens

Undefeated and first place in the North Island League; Bronze at WickFest in January

Head Coach

Sean Lawry

Assistant Coaches

Ashleigh Tassell

Devon Werner

Julie Venselaar

Manager

Sean Tassell

Players

Autumn Ciarniello

Ayla Ciarneillo

Calleja Kosloski

Ella Lawry

Ella Dixon

Hannah Ollson

Hazel Clark

Illeanna Maclaine

Irie Walls

Madalena Milne

Maddie Tassell

Maelle Bakker

Mekwan Pechawis Blaney

Mikenna Engmann

Scarlett Venselaar

Sydney Kosloski

U11 Queens

Undefeated and first place in the North Island League

Head Coach

Matt Denniston

Assistant Coaches

Stefan Sigurdson

Chris McMillan Manger

Amanda Kerr Players

Audrey Statham

Avery Sigurdson

Brylee Hobbs

Chloe Hillier

Emilia Phillips

Eska Skinner

Jordyn Warman

Lennyn Moore

Maisley Kendrick

Meadow Marceniuk

Mia Clarke

Olivia Kerr

Olivianna McMillan

Reese Denniston

Saoirse Jager

Senna Hannon

Talia Dow

U9 Queens

Head Coach

Torey Wightman

Assistant Coaches

Adma Maclaine

Alena Devlin

Brian Janes

Mallory Denniston

Manager

Jenny Whitten

Players

Aoife Wightman

Avery Trottier

Aylin Mackinnon

Brielle Maclaine

Kate Devlin

Chloe McBride

Elliott Janes

Emily Bourcier

Farrah Currie

Gracen Carmichael

Isla Wightman

Kate Plazier

Kaylee Hewitt

Lila Aumais

Maeve Dickson

Makinnley Melrose

Mira Witten

Olivia Denniston

Reese O'laney

Remi Johnson

Rielle Johnson

Scarlett Adair

Sheridan Baker

Always in the

Nancy Hamilton (604) 849-5777 nancy@nancyhamilton.ca nancyhamiltonlifestyle.com

“Nancy cares about her clients and inevitably she has become a true friend. She took time to get to know me so she could pair me up with the perfect property.

“She has guided me to the ideal location that has brought my dreams into reality! Thank you for being such a contributing factor to my new life here on the coast,”

Bill Bailey (604) 223-0811

bbailey@460realty.com billbailey.ca

“Honest, trustworthy patient, kind, and not pushy! Bill was exceptional to work with!

“He treated us very well. Any questions we had he always answered quickly and went out of his way to find the answers if he didn’t know. He is very kind and easy to deal with every step of the way. Very knowledgeable and helpful. He is so great and even went out and made a video so we could see the house!

“We would recommend Bill to anyone.”

Keeping the “real” in Real Estate

At 460 Realty, we are a team of experienced real estate agents who not only offer an exceptional level of service and integrity coupled with an in-depth understanding of qathet’s ever-changing market, we also deeply connect to our community. We guide buyers and sellers through every step of the process, ensuring that each of our clients receives dedicated and knowledgeable service and results. Connect with one of our #AGENTSWHOGOTHEDISTANCE today!

Dustin Villeneuve (604) 358-2473

dvilleneuve@460realty.com dustinvilleneuve.com

“Dustin sold my parents’ home in Powell River after my mom passed away and my dad had to downsize.

“He was friendly, kind, honest, patient, helpful, accommodating and professional and we were very pleased with the whole experience. He’s a great listener, knowledgeable yet humble, and we’re very grateful for the way he helped everything go so smoothly and according to our wishes at a sensitive and challenging time in our lives.

“We never felt pressured, and always felt heard and supported. We really liked the way he communicated - with detailed and organized emails as well as text messages and phone calls, basically whatever worked best for us at any given time.

“A genuinely good person to deal with, compassionate as well as capable. Just wonderful!”

Katie Indrebo (604) 334-0055

kindrebo@460realty.com katieindrebo.com

“We had the absolute pleasure of working with Katie, and I cannot recommend her enough! Her patience, knowledge, and expertise made the entire process seamless.

“Katie moves quickly and knows exactly what needs to be done to keep everything on track. She always had our best interests in mind and was there to answer every question we had, no matter how small.

“If you’re looking for someone who truly knows the market and cares deeply about her clients, look no further.

“Thank you, Katie, for making what could have been a stressful experience such a smooth and enjoyable one!”

the community

Dean Macdonald (604) 786-2977 dmacdonald@460realty.com realtorontherock.com

“Dean was very helpful with the purchase of our house. He worked for us outside of business hours and he helped us connect to a mortgage broker that ended up getting us a better interest rate then our bank was offering.

“I highly recommend Dean as a realtor. Very genuine and knowledgeable and that made the whole transaction stress free for us.”

Austyn MacKinnon (778) 986-1691 amackinnon@460realty.com austynmackinnon.ca

“Having worked with multiple realtors over the years, I found Austyn to be top notch - we were from out of town and she told us all about the town, the history of the home, family, and the location we bought in.

“She went above and beyond by watching over the home while it was empty, referring contractors, and just being generally responsive and helpful the entire time.”

5th annual Battle of the Badges

RCMP

vs. Firefighters

6 pm • March 28 • Hap Parker

Battle of the Badges raises money for:

• The Powell River Professional Firefighters Charitable Society’s Feed the Kids Program (powellriverfirefighters.ca)

• Cops for Cancer (support.cancer.ca). Donate on behalf of this year’s Tour de Coast rider.

Watch for 460 realtors selling 50/50 tickets on site! There will also be other prizes to be won.

Tickets are $5 and can be purchased in advance at the RCMP detachment on Barnet Street the fire hall on Courtenay Street, TAWS on Marine Avenue, 460 Realty on Joyce Avenue, or at the door (cash only) on game day.

The 460 Realty volunteer crew at the 2025 Battle of the Badges. See you there March 28!

Un

daunted

Former qathet kid Meara Kimball / Dash Dauntless wrestles against a sedentary job and gender norms

BY PIETA WOOLLEY

In late October of 2025, Dash Dauntless sailed through the air in the Brooks cafeteria, an athletic arc over the Big West Wrestling ring. Lean and lithe, the streak of orange and suspenders has to be fast and fearless. Sometimes, they wrestle women  — an even match. Sometimes, they wrestle men. That requires speed. Always, they say, they “give off big camp counselor energy.”

Indeed, when Dash, 33, isn’t leaping or sprinting, they’re high-fiving kids in the front row, or riling the crowd into a cheerful frenzy. A high-energy, positive friend who is occasionally in peril.

Dash will be back at Brooks on February 27, with Buddy Boom against Johnny Barlow and Red Duff.

It’ll be nearly three years to the day that Powell River’s Chris Brown first brought his company, Big West Wrestling, here.

“That was my second show ever,” Dash, also known as Meara Kimball, recalls. (Dash Dauntless, Meara’s character, is nonbinary, and uses “they” pronouns. Meara, the person, uses he, she, and they.)

Meara / Dash was new to wrestling back in 2023, but they are not new to this region.

“I lived here from preschool until I was in Grade 2,” Meara / Dash recalls. “I stayed with a friend last time I was here, and she took me on a tour of sites I could remember from being a kid. The Popeye statues. We went to the Kelly Creek cemetery where I used to have picnics with my babysitter. And I went to see my old house which was pretty crazy. When I was a kid, I went to Kelly Creek elementary, took gymnastics,

And they watched wrestling on TV. Meara’s brothers were big fans of wrestling: WWE

Just before tunring eight years old, Meara moved away to Campbell

Meara became a learning technology support specialist at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, where she supports students at all campuses, including tiwšɛmawtxʷ. About four years ago,

BIG WEST WRESTLING & DRY GRAD FUNDRAISER

When & Where: 6:30 pm, Friday, February 27, Brooks Cafeteria. Opening bell is at 7 pm.

What: The main event is a steel cage match between Cremator Von Slasher and Machete Brown. Former qathet resident Meara Kimball (Dash Dauntless) wrestles Buddy Boom and others.

Tickets: $20 adults, $15 youth at Top of the Hill, Armitage and Kooky Kavern. $25/$17 at the door. Kids with different abilities will be able to attend at no cost. $5 from every ticket sold regardless of price goes to the 2026 Brooks Dry Grad.

Meara was feeling out of shape, stuck behind a computer.

“I wanted to be fit again, like in high school,” they recalled. “Maybe get back into weights, or join a boot camp? Something physical.”

Meara had seen many live wrestling shows with their spouse, a live wrestling super fan, and loved the energy and athleticism of them. Together with their husband (stage name: Randy Ruckus, known for his power moves and dancing), they started taking classes at the Vancouver Island Pro Wrestling Training Center in Nanaimo.

“I learned that there’s no purpose to training if you’re not prepared to get out there and wrestle,” said Meara / Dash. “You’re wasting all the effort your trainers are putting into you, the advice and opportunities you’re given.”

For the student showcase, the new wrestlers were encouraged to toss together a costume from clothes they already owned. In their closet, Meara had 10 pairs of suspenders — an everyday look they enjoyed. So for the showcase, they chose a large pair of red suspenders that originally belonged to their boyfriend’s late uncle. The look stuck.

Within a year, Dash debuted at WrestleFest, a queer wrestling event in Toronto, in front of 2,000 new fans. Their second match was at Big West Wrestling here at Brooks. And the rest is history.

On February 27, Dash / Meara will wrestle — but also be available to meet their fans. To show you’re on team Dash, wear your suspenders!

(You can also buy them at Dash’s merch table — both new and, if you’re lucky, pairs they’ve broken in the ring.)

BY PIETA WOOLLEY

The beaches of qathet don’t get many big waves, but oddly, two of BC’s top youth surfers live here. At the Vancouver Island Winter Surfing Games in Tofino mid-January, Yewen MacDonald, handily took first place in the U12 category. Feather MacDonald took third in U14.

Last year in Tofino, Yewen won first at Off the Lip, and Feather took fifth at Bruhwiler Kids Surf Classic in June.

Yewen is in Grade 6 at Kelly Creek, and Feather is in Grade 9 at Brooks. This is the siblings’ first year in school  — before, they were homeschooled.

How they learned to surf

Feather • My dad loves to surf, so, when we were younger, we would travel to Tofino and Sombrio Beach and play in the water. Over time, we learned to surf with him and started enjoying it more. About two years ago, we competed in our first surf competition, and that got us hooked.

Then we went on a trip to Peru, and that boosted everything. We had a coach a couple of times a week. When you’re self taught, there’s some mistakes you make, especially when you just learn to do it your own way, and there’s some things that can help us be better and faster and more efficient.

We would go surfing with local kids, and hang out with them. Most of the times we surfed with our family. We came back stoked and super into it.

The Vancouver Island Surfing Games experience

Feather • It was our fourth competition. There were about 50 kids. The winter competitions are nice because there’s quite a few competitive kids who live half the year in Tofino, and half the year, somewhere warm, tropical, like Costa Rica or Mexico. And so the winter competition attracts the local kids who really stick out the winter.

Yewen • They put four to six kids in the water and you’ll have a jersey on. You have 20 minutes to catch as many waves as you want. Your best

two waves count. The top two kids advance. I thought I would do, like, goodish, because of the last competition we did. I got first and it was the same kids. But I didn’t think I was gonna do that good.

Feather • I was surprised we did quite good compared to these kids who can surf every day.

How they celebrate

Feather • We went out for dinner with our family. Our older brother and his girlfriend came out to watch us, so that was really kind.

Yewen • When you win a competition you get “benched” up the beach (carried out of the water on people’s shoulders). That feels really fun. Everybody comes and high fives you and cheers you on.

Surf training in qathet

Yewen • We swim a lot. It’s about upper body strength, so we work out quite a bit at home, staying flexible, keeping active, so you’re strong when you go back into the water.

Feather • I also do highland dancing, musical theatre, and soccer.

Yewen • I do a lot of rock climbing and play baseball.

Future surf ambitions

Feather • To be the best I can with the circumstances I’m provided. It’s difficult to continue keeping up with these kids when they can surf whenever they want. But I think my goal is to just like keep doing the best I can and just try to keep up with them and keep improving.

Yewen • I want to keep surfing in Tofino and other places. The nice thing about surfing Tofino is, it’s super hard. If you can surf Tofino, you can surf basically anywhere. There’s different types of waves: a point break and a beach break. Tofino’s a beach break, so you can’t get a long ride. Point breaks break and peel, so you can stay on the wave for a lot longer and you have more time to practice tricks.

Feather • Tofino is quite cold water, so we’re in wetsuits with bootees and

BABIES: Above, Yewen, 11, and Feather, 14, MacDonald placed tops in January’s Vancouver Island Surfing Games the latest in a run of top finishes. Opposite page, Yewen atop a beach break. The whole family surfs, including mom Jenna Fickes and dad Jamie MacDonald. After a first-place finish in Tofino, Yewen gets carried out of the ocean. Photos courtesy of the MacDonald family

gloves and hoods, and those restrict movements. When we go places that have warmer water, it’s like, oh my gosh, my body’s just so free and it’s easier to move and do better.

How it feels to catch a really great wave

Yewen • When I get off the wave and I register that it was a good wave it makes me feel happy, especially if I did a trick that I have been working on. Feather • I just feel so free on the waves, because you can go so fast and your board just glides through the water. I feel like I’m floating or flying through the waves.

Scary moments

Feather • At Sombrio Beach on Vancouver Island, there’s a break 100 metres away that we paddle out to. The waves were about three metres that day. A huge set came and Yewen got caught inside. It broke on him and he got pulled in. There is a triangle of rocks… we call it the triangle of death. It’s all super jagged. He was be-

ing pulled towards that. We were paddling as fast as we could to get over the waves. Then Yewen and I got back out and we started paddling back to the other break. We got caught in a bit of a rip. It took us about 20 minutes to get back. Back at the shore we thought, “Okay, I think we’re done for the day.”

Yewen • When the waves are bigger, when you fall, you get the white water around you, we call it ‘going through the washing machine.’ You get thrown around and upside down and it gets a little bit crazy sometimes.

Feather • So sometimes at home, we train by holding our breath or sitting underwater. Because when you’re underwater, you can’t panic. You have to stay calm and then it will be okay.

Surfing qathet

Feather • Last August, there was like a big storm, and Mahood Beach started having waves. So we all grabbed our boards and then went out there and surfed. That was one of the only times I’ve surfed in Powell River. The waves were really small, but it was just really fun.

New Year, New Quest

Opening the door to a permanent home for pickleball

BY SUSAN YOUNG

On January 3, I was sitting on the packed bench at Oceanview gym waiting for my turn to play pickleball when it struck me that the one-year anniversary date of January 27, 2025, was fast approaching. That was the day the PR Racquet Centre closed its doors for good.

I was witnessing the result of one door closing for pickleball players while another has yet to open.

I saw that there was no room on the bench for some people to sit as there were so many people wanting to play. I sat longer on the bench than I played games that day. The physical health benefits I was hoping to achieve that day (January resolutions) did not materialize. There were 16 people playing on the courts and most likely twice that number waiting to play. I have seen people come into the Oceanview

gym, see how many people are playing, and turn right around and leave— because they know how long it will take to get a turn.

The qathet Pickleball Association (qPA) has also been advocating, wherever it can, to find space for youth and intergenerational pickleball play. While the qathet School District and the City’s Recreation department are sympathetic, sadly, there is a vast lack of capacity to support this worthy endeavor.

It became quite apparent to me, sitting on the bench and watching the play, that pickleball has quickly become one of the most popular recreational activities in the region. What began as a niche pastime is now enjoyed by residents of all ages and abilities.

In fact, the qPA believes that there are about 300 people playing pickleball in the region. Members are delighted by this growth, but it also highlights a challenge: the community lacks sufficient, safe, and weather-protected pickleball facilities. The qPA board has a renewed resolution to continue to advocate for a facility and collaborate with City Council to build a place for the entire community to play. Pickleball for all—no matter what your age or ability.

Planning for Pickleball: A Community Conversation

Although qPA is a relatively young organization, many of its volunteer board members have been advocating for a dedicated pickleball facility for more than a decade. Over the years, discussions with City staff have often pointed to the need for broader planning through documents such as the Official Community Plan or Parks and Recreation strategies. While planning takes time and careful consideration, qPA believes the current level of participation signals that the time has come to move from planning to action.

qPA’s request to City Council is straightforward and future-focused.

The association is seeking a long-term land use agreement on a parcel of City-owned land to build a permanent, indoor pickleball facility. qPA would finance the construction and work collaboratively with the City to determine an appropriate operating model. Most importantly, the land would remain publicly owned.

Council has given priority project status to finding land for a pickleball

facility and has asked staff to develop a report on a parcel of land near the Timberlane running track. While the qPA appreciates Council’s support, after careful consideration, the association believes that co-locating the facility at the Recreation Complex would provide the greatest long-term benefit for residents.

Access Matters

Pickleball is often described as one of the most accessible sports available. Children, adults, and seniors can all play together, and the sport is increasingly recommended by healthcare professionals for its physical, cognitive, and social benefits—including for people living with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. Its low-barrier to entry makes pickleball a powerful tool for promoting health, reducing isolation, and strengthening community connections.

The Complex already serves as the region’s central recreation hub. It is supported by transit routes, walking paths, lighting, parking, and universal access features. Residents regu-

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Where do people play pickleball now?

There are three main organizations that provide indoor pickleball sessions in Powell River. Please visit the qPA’s website: qathetpickleballassociation.ca, for more detailed information on where to play, play schedules and how you can pay to play.

qathet Pickleball Association

Rents the VIU gym for qPA members to play

The school district provides qPA with sessions at the Oceanview gym

Powell River Parks and Recreation

Drop-in sessions at Oceanview gym

Vancouver Island University

Provides sessions directly to the public must register beforehand

larly visit the site for fitness programs and cultural events. From qPA’s perspective, placing pickleball here would naturally extend the Complex’s role as a welcoming, inclusive space.

Building Where People Already Gather

Locating a pickleball facility at the Recreation Complex lands would allow seniors, people with mobility challenges, families, and visitors to access multiple services in one place. It would also help ensure that the facility feels safe, visible, and integrated into daily community life—especially during the darker winter months.

Timberlane is valued for other purposes, and qPA recognizes its importance within the community. However, when viewed through the lens of longterm public benefit and accessibility, it may not offer the same opportunities for integration, shared pro-

A FEW OF THE CREW: Vancouver Island University rents space out to the qathet Pickleball Association. Local pickleballers are working towards a dedicated, central, accessible facility where generations can play together. Photo courtesy of Susan Young

gramming, or ease of use as the Recreation Complex land. For a facility intended to serve thousands of residents over the coming decades, location plays a crucial role in determining success.

Communities across Canada have found that clustering recreation amenities increases participation, improves volunteer engagement, and maximizes the return on public investment. A “recreation campus” approach can also strengthen partnerships with schools, community groups, and organizations.

Looking Ahead Together –Open the door

What legacy do we hope to create with the City and leave for our community? What are our hopes for the future?

An indoor pickleball facility has the potential to advance healthy aging, support youth and rehabilitation programming, attract regional events, and enhance qathet’s reputation as an active, welcoming community.

qPA is not asking the City to build or operate the facility. Instead, it is proposing a partnership model that limits financial risk to the municipality while empowering community volunteers and supporters to lead development and operations.

The Association remains eager to work with City Council and staff to find a solution that reflects shared values of accessibility, inclusivity, sustainability, and the efficient use of public resources.

At its heart, this is a conversation about where community amenities belong—and how best to serve residents now and into the future. By working together, we have an opportunity to turn growing enthusiasm and documented growth in the sport of pickleball into a lasting multi-use community asset.

Even though a year has passed since one door closed, let’s all work together to open a new door —  one that leads to a vibrant, multi-generational home for pickleball at the heart of our community.

No Participants accessing our harm reduction programs bring their own substances to use in a safer, supervised environment

In our injectable Opioid Agonist Treatment (iOAT) program, physicianprescribed pharmaceutical medications are administered by nursing staff in a clinical setting - just like any other medical treatment - but none of our programs supply unregulated/street drugs to participants

Steller Events

BUSINESS AFFAIRS

SEAN PERCY

Another RV Tech

Painter casts new light

qathet Living’s Steller Events brings the best of the weekend straight to your inbox every Thursday.

Don’t miss out on what’s happening around town and beyond. Free, fun, and totally stellar

qathet has a new recreation vehicle repair business, with the arrival of Trevor Gardner from Kelowna, where he took the RV repair course at Okanagan College and worked at various dealerships. Trevor is a licensed and insured journeyman RV technician who has worked on RVs for 15 years. Under the name That RV Dude, Trevor works on gas appliances, electrical systems, plumbing and re-sealing —  “basically anything that can be done in someone’s driveway,” said Trevor. He is licensed, bonded, and insured.

He hopes to eventually move into a shop, but in the meantime, he’s offering mobile service.

Contact That RV Dude at 778-3636557 or gardner104@hotmail.com.

Versatile space

The former Iguana’s restaurant location on Glacier Street has been converted into a rental hall and commercial kitchen.

Lisa Beaulieu has partnered with Diana Rodriguez of Iguana’s Mexican Grill, teaming up as the powers behind El Centro or “The Centre.”

It’s a versatile space with a commercial kitchen ready to rent by food entrepreneurs, community members, or professionals. Lisa and Diana are organizing events, classes, pop-up restaurant dining events, and private party and catering packages to showcase all that this location can offer.

Lisa says that their goal is “to become a central place our community chooses to meet, eat, create, celebrate, or to learn or share a skill.”

The space recently hosted Spanish classes, a chiles rellenos cooking class, and a Korean buffet put on with Shin’s Convenience Store. On Valentine’s Day, El Centro will host wine tastings with food pairings co-hosted with Rocky Creek Winery wine expert, Jeremy East.

“Whether people are planning a party, an event, a professional meeting, a community club, or a class, we hope people will think of El Centro,” said Lisa.

Food entreprenuers can also use the kitchen to produce their own products.

For information or to book the space, email elcentro.bookings@gmail.com or find them on Facebook or Instagram.

A new painting business has launched in qathet, called Prism Paintworks. Owner Sheryl-Ann has a decade of professional painting experience and three decades in the construction industry. Prism Paintworks provides interior and exterior painting services for both residential and commercial spaces, specializing in repaints, new builds, and detailed finishing work.

“As a woman in the trades, I value and ensure an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful approach to my work. With Red Seal certification, full licensing, and insurance, I deliver consistent quality and a high level of customer care, giving clients peace of mind that their homes and businesses are in good hands,” says Sheryl-Ann.

Prism Paintworks offers high-quality coatings, colour and finish consultation, surface preparation, repairs, and finishing services. For details, call 604578-1240, email prismpaintworks@ outlook.com, or find Prism Paintworks on Facebook or Instagram @prism_ paintworks.

Townsite Counselling

An old middle manager’s house in the Townsite is now home to Town site Counselling. Counsellor Rob Wynen, who also works at Sunshine Coast Health Centre, offers mental health counselling from his home in the historic building at 5820 Aspen Avenue. Rob provides counselling for couples and mid-life transitions, as well as general help for those living with depression and anxiety. For more information, email townsitecounselling@gmail.com or visit townsitecounselling.janeapp.com to book a session.

Local helps anti-racism org

A qathet resident has been named the vice-chair of a national anit-racism organization. Kristy Payne, locally known as the director of communications for the qathet School District, says Moms Against Racism (MAR) unites parents, mentors, and community members to dismantle systemic racism. She says MAR provides great resources for parents and provides educational programs to support anti-racism education for children and families. Moms Against Racism was created in 2020 as a safe, brave space for Moms, and those in mothering roles, to root out racist biases and learn how to raise anti-racist children. Learn more at momsagainstracism.ca || sean@qathetliving.ca

Stirring the pot, historically speaking

BY ANN NELSON

The Heritage Week theme this year of ‘Stir the Pot’ has prompted some lively discussions amongst our older docents and some of the newbies about how food, its production, its provision and its reliable supply in this isolated frontier community figured in our local history.

As you can imagine, we at Townsite Heritage Society get asked lots and lots of questions about Tisk’wat, the Mill, Henderson House Living Museum, the Garden City Plan movement, etc., by our many visitors, both locals and ‘from away’ and it surprised us to discover that we’ve all fielded far more questions about quality of life here ( Food!) than any other single topic.

Most visitors have already been educated about the sophistication of the local Tla’amin people in their use of clam gardens and fish weirs, in addition to nets, hooks and spears to harvest the phenomenally abundant coastal waters, as well as seasonal harvesting of the culinary plants and berries that abound.

Earliest settlers to these shores, even before the Mill was conceived in 1908, benefitted from this local abundance, too.

However, the staples of the settler kitchen table presented a bit more of a challenge particularly when you start feeding larger and larger crews of loggers, millworkers, construction workers, and finally, their families. Expansion of railroads created wonderfully efficient food chains supplying the lower mainland, but not us!

Imagine having to anticipate how much tea, coffee, flour, sugar, salt, pepper, meat, fruit, etc. you were going to need to fuel up to a thousand hard-working men in the dining halls of the logging shows and the construction site of the dam and the Mill machine rooms by mail (no phone or marine radio for years yet), knowing that your hide would remain attached only if you didn’t fail to feed these two legged machines!

The thrice weekly steamships that served our coast were, in the most literal sense possible, our lifelines, delivering essential food supplies, work clothes, kerosene and coal, moving pictures and vaudeville acts, repair parts for the industrial sites, feed for the horses, the mail, the payroll…you name it, if it arrived at the dock, it was because someone had had the foresight to write a letter ordering it.

With so much pressure on the quartermasters to provide for their armies, it was only months before workers who had brought farming skills with them as well as skilled trades or labourer muscle, had carved out enclaves in the mud of the Mill building site and planted huge potato patches and table veggies: squash, beans, beets, cabbage and all. An orchard was planted at the top of the hill to Cranberry Lake, and market gardeners in Paradise Valley,

‘Pneumonia Flats’ at Grief Point, and in Michigan Landing (Westview) were joined by dairies in the Valley.

So the picture that has emerged of this busy little frontier outpost is one of superb logistics employed by the Company Store keeping the shelves and the dining halls stocked, hardworking gardening entrepreneurs moonlighting with their families, and a culture of rooming houses and boarding houses and other shared bunkhouses, tents, etc., all collaborating to ensure sustainability and healthy variety in the foodstuffs available. They also adapted their traditional menus to the abundance of locally sourced seafood, venison, and berries. They sahred seeds and plants with their neighbours to ensure everyone has access to that variety.

We’re a community rich in cultural diversity, where northern Italian cuisine meets traditional Scottish and English fare and everything in between: Scandinavia, the Netherlands, Germany, Quebecois and French. God bless the adaptable, hardy women who hauled their families to the edge of the world and the generations of camp cooks who make do wherever they go.

FEBRUARY EVENTS

5

Thursday

Winter Olympics

Watch Party

10 am to 3 pm, Library. Mixed Doubles Curling Canada vs Italy.

11:30 am Women’s Hockey Finland vs Canada.

Seniors’ Luncheon

11:30 am to 12:30 pm followed by Projects Half Done, 1- 3 pm. Free.

Galentines Workshop

6 pm. Pre-register under the Flowers tab at bloom-therapy.ca. Make your own arrangement. Beverage and snacks included.

Boomtaka!

Djembe Drumming course begins

7 pm to 8 pm, qathet Academy of Music. With Chris Weekes. Six week course. See ad on Page 35.

Film: The Housemaid

7 pm The Patricia. A wildly entertaining thriller starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, based on the best-selling book.

From director Paul Feig, the film plunges audiences into a twisted world where perfection is an illusion, and nothing is as it seems.

6

Friday

Luxury Rental Open House: Uptown

10 am to 5:30 pm, Uptown (5130 Joyce & 7110 Edgehill Crescent). See back page for more.

Evolugen Mixed Bonspiel begins Curling Club at 5750 Crown Avenue. Through Feb. 9

ALLEY-OOP: Little Pharmer and Ditch Prescription is a West Coast three-piece that lands somewhere between punk and folk, but so much more. Its songs wander from compost bins to the cosmos—clever lyrics, weird turns, and an exciting live show. Catch Tom Dowding (bass), Cam Twyford (vocals/guitar), and Olo Twyford (drums) at Rock & Bowl 16 on February 7, at The Alley Powered by Persephone. $20 adults, $15 teens, $5 kids. Photo courtesy of Jason Schreurs

Les Petits matins francophones

9 to 11 am, AFqa, 5110 Manson Avenue. For children ages 0-5. A morning full of discovery through stories, songs, games, and crafts— all in French! This activity is free, but a parent or guardian must be present.

Winter Olympics

Watch Party

10 am to 3 pm, Library. Opening Ceremony (ceremony begins at 11 am)

Regals vs. Apollos

7 pm, Hap Parker

Film • Anaconda

3:30pm, Patricia. A group of friends are going through a mid-life crisis. They decide to remake a favorite movie from their youth but encounter unex-

pected events when they enter the jungle. Starring Jack Black and Paul Rudd.

7

Saturday

Kiwanis Club Book & Marmalade Sale

10 am - 1 pm , 4943 Kiwanis Ave.

Luxury Rental Open House: Evo

10 am to 2 pm, Evo (5322 Franklin Ave). See back page for more.

Uptown Market

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

Rock & Bowl 16

7 pm, The Alley Powered by Persephone. The February installment of Rock & Bowl features qathet’s favourite pharm punk, Little Pharmer and the Ditch Prescription, along with Harley Alexander and the Universal Lovers, and Trigger Alert!

A night of all-local auditory bliss. All-ages show. $20 adults / $15 teens / $5 kids. Includes free bowling!

Curated by loud qathet Loaded Mic 6

Doors 6:30, show at 7 pm, Cranberry Community Hall. $15. A curated night of local music and covers. Featuring Potential Union, Tyler Bartfai, Anna Carlson, Cove and the Current, and Ruth Torgerson and friends.

Film • The Nettle Dress

1:30 pm, Patricia Theatre. Free by donation. All proceeds support the Malaspina Land Conservance Society, qathet Flax to Linen, and other community organizations. Film and discussion.

Intro to Block Printing Workshop

1 pm, qathet Art & Wares. $100 including taxes and materials. Learn more and register at qa-w.ca

Winter Olympics

Watch Party

10 am to 3 pm, Library. 11 am Men’s Luge Singles Runs 1 & 2. 1:30 pm Snowboard Men’s Big Air Final.

Harmony Vespers with the JamBerries

4 pm, Powell River United Church. By donation.

Kings vs. Nanaimo Clippers

7 pm, Hap Parker.

Film • Anaconda 7pm, Patricia

8 Sunday

Soul Groove Sunday Drop-In

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

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

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

Magic the Gathering Commander night

6 pm, High Tide Games. Bring your best Commander deck and be prepared to defend your creatures.

Film • Anaconda 1:30 & 7pm, Patricia

9

Monday

Community Pasta Dinner 4:30 to 6 pm, Trinity Hall, United Church (near 7-11). Everyone welcome. Free. Board Game Night 5 pm, High Tide Games. Use one of High Tide’s or bring your own.

Film • Sinners

7pm, The Patricia. Set in 1932 in the Mississippi Delta, the film stars Michael B. Jordan in dual roles as criminal twin brothers who return to their hometown

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PARTY LIKE IT’S 1999: Back in the 90s, Oceanview, Max Cameron and Brooks hosted Much Music Dance Parties video and light experiences hosted by this country’s answer to MTV. On Valentine’s Day, the Dry Grad committee will revive the nostalgic event so you can relive your own teenage glory days. If you were too cool or too dorky to dance then, now is your chance. Tickets are $50. See listing on Page 40 for more. Yearbook photos supplied by Dry Grad chair Melissa Fraser

in the Jim Crow South, where they are confronted by a supernatural evil. Starring Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton (in his film debut), Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Benson Miller, and Delroy Lindo.

10

Tuesday

Winter Olympics

Watch Party

10 am to 2 pm, Library.

10 am Mixed Doubles Curling Bronze Medal Game (in progress). Noon Mixed Doubles Curling Gold Medal Game.

Film • Sinners 1:30 & 7pm, The Patricia

11

Wednesday

Ian Maksin • Songs Of Love & Peace

7 pm James Hall. A healing, multilingual musical journey across the globe with world-renowned cellist, composer, and vocalist Ian Maksin.

Winter Olympics

Watch Party

10 til 5 pm, Library. 10:40 am Men’s Hockey: Slovakia vs. Finland.

2 pm Women’s Hockey:

Canada vs. USA.

Dungeons &

Dragons night

Doors at 5:30, games at 6 pm. High Tide Games. Come to watch or start a character and jump right in on the adventure.

Film • Souleymane’s Story (L’Histoire De Souleymane) 1:30 & 7pm, Patricia

12

Thursday

Seniors’ Luncheon 11:30 am to 12:30 pm followed by Projects Half Done, finishing at 3 pm.

The Little Mermaid

7 pm, Evergreen Theatre. $25. Advance tickets available for purchase at 32 Lakes and Anchor Apparel. Join Beanstalk Theatre Company under the sea for an immersive experience as we bring the magic of The Little Mermaid to the stage.

Film • Souleymane’s Story (L’Histoire De Souleymane) 7pm, Patricia

FEBRUARY EVENTS

13

Friday

The Little Mermaid

7 pm, Evergreen Theatre. $25. Advance tickets available for purchase at 32 Lakes and Anchor Apparel. Join Beanstalk Theatre Company under the sea for an immersive experience as we bring the magic of The Little Mermaid to the

Luxury Rental Open House: Uptown

am to 5:30 pm, Uptown (5130 Joyce & 7110 Edgehill Crescent). See back page

Queen’s Cup: Powell River Minor Hockey U9, U11, and U13 tournaments Hap Parker. Through Feb 15. See more on Page 26. Film • Wuthering

IS THE COAST COMPREHENSIBLE?: Local authors

Magic the Gathering Commander night

6 pm, High Tide Games. Bring your best Commander deck and be prepared to defend your creatures.

Film • Wuthering Heights

1:30 & 7pm, The Patricia

16

Monday

BC Family Day Stat

BC Heritage Week begins. 2026 theme: Stirring the Pot

See story on Page 12.

Community Pasta Dinner

4:30 to 6 pm, Trinity Hall (at the United Church by 7-11).

Everyone welcome.

Board Game Night

1:30 & 7pm, The Patricia. A passionate and tumultuous love story set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors, exploring the intense and destructive relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw. Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, Hong Chau, Alison Oliver, Shazad Latif, Owen Cooper. Directed by Emerald Fennell.

14

Saturday

Valentine’s Day

Dry Grad Much Music Dance Party

8 pm, Dwight Hall. Tickets on Eventbrite, at River City Coffee, Westerley, Tla’amin Convenience, and Pacific Coastal Cannabis. Nostalgic 80s, 90s, 2000s music videos. $5 drinks, free munchies, safe rides home, and so much more. No minors. $50. Dinner & Concert at James Hall with Dr. Moira Hopfe-Ostensen & Walter Martella

Dinner 6 pm; concert to follow. $125. See ad on Page 35.

Pat Buckna, Jan DeGrass, Jo Forrest, and Doris

Good have all contributed chapters to this new book. They’ll be reading excerpts from them at the Library at 2 pm, February 21.

Uptown Market

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

Winter Olympics

Watch Party

10 am to 3 pm, Library. Key Medal Day.

Villa’s Jackson Cup playoff game

1:30 pm, Timberlane.

The Little Mermaid

7 pm, Evergreen Theatre. $25. Advance tickets available for purchase at 32 Lakes and Anchor Apparel. Join Beanstalk Theatre Company under the sea for an immersive experience as we bring the magic of The Little Mermaid to the stage.

Award Winning

Author Iona Whishaw

2 pm at the Library. Mystery writer Iona Whishaw will present her new novel

A Season for Spies, a cozy and action-packed prequel set in wartime England.

CJMP 15 Years of Broadcasting / Bob Marley’s Birthday

/ Valentine’s Day celebration

8 pm, Wildwood Pub. DJ Triple Dub will be spinning all your favourite Bob Marley tunes + dubs, versions, and rarities. Tickets by donation/pay what you can at the door. All proceeds fund CJMP.

Valentine’s Dinner & Dance

Legion Hall. 6 pm $40 members, $45 for non-members.

Film • Wuthering Heights

7pm, The Patricia

15

Sunday

Powell River

Farmers’ Market

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

QRCA Trail Day 9:30 am meet at the Mahony Shuttle Lot.

5 pm, High Tide Games. Use one of High Tide’s or bring your own and play the night away.

Film • Wuthering Heights 7pm, The Patricia

17

Tuesday

Lunar New Year: Fire Horse Winter Olympics Watch Party

10 am to 3 pm, Library. Key Medal Day.

New Moon / peak darkness

The moon will be located on the same side of the earth as the sun and will not be visible in the night sky. This is the best time of the month to observe faint objects such as galaxies and star clusters because there is no moonlight to interfere.

Film • Wuthering Heights 7pm, The Patricia

Black History Month 2026

Builders of Nations, Shapers of History

BY GODSON AKHIDENOR

This year’s theme, “Builders of Nations, Shapers of History,” reflects the enduring contributions of Black people, past and present, to nation-building, cultural identity, and community development in Canada and around the world.

What began as a modest initiative has grown into a meaningful annual tradition in the qathet region. Each year, the celebration brings together residents from diverse backgrounds to learn, reflect, and celebrate.

Under the leadership of the African & Afro-Caribbean Association of qathet, the event has become a platform for storytelling, cultural expression, and dialogue and strengthening relationships across cultures and generations.

Last year’s celebration was especially impactful and marked a turning point for many attendees. One of the standout highlights was the “Pathways to Prosperity: Financial Empowerment for Newcomers” workshop, organized in collaboration with First Credit Union.

Designed specifically for immigrants, the session focused on practical financial literacy, including budgeting, credit building, savings, and navigating the Canadian financial system.

More than a workshop, it provided confidence, clarity, and tools that participants continue to apply in their everyday lives, contributing to long-term stability and growth.

Cultural expression remains at the heart of Black History Month in Pow-

THIRD ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATIONS

When & Where: Noon, February 21,

What: Enjoy Afro-Reggae music, dance, community awards, free food, speeches, workshops, youth programs and much more. Organized by the African & Afro-Caribbean Association of qathet.

Contact: For more information or to get involved, please contact: powellriverblacks@hotmail.com

ell River. The 2025 event featured a vibrant showcase of African and Caribbean heritage, with cultural displays, traditional attire, music, dance, and visual arts.

The atmosphere was joyful and reflective, celebrating resilience, creativity, and the shared human stories that connect communities.

Building on this strong foundation, Black History Month 2026 promises to be bigger and better.

A major highlight will be a live performance by the Mivule Afro Reggae Band, whose energetic fusion of African rhythms and reggae delivers powerful messages of unity, hope, and social consciousness.

Their music embodies this year’s theme by honouring history while inspiring future generations.

The program will also feature a keynote speaker, cultural performances,

and the presentation of community awards recognizing individuals and organizations who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community building in Powell River. In the spirit of togetherness and accessibility, free food will be provided for all attendees, ensuring everyone feels welcome.

Donations will be accepted to support the sustainability and growth of future programming.

Looking ahead, the African & Afro-Caribbean Association of qathet

plans to expand the celebration into a full-day cultural festival, incorporating educational workshops, youth engagement initiatives, business showcases, and broader community partnerships across the region.

At its core, Black History Month in Powell River is about recognition, education, empowerment, and belonging.

It affirms that Black history is inseparable from Canadian history and that Black communities continue to play a vital role as builders of nations and shapers of history.

18

Wednesday

Winter Olympics

Watch Party

10 am to 3 pm, Library. Key Medal Day.

Intro to Watercolour Landscapes Workshop

5:30 pm, qathet Art & Wares. $125 including taxes and materials.

Register at qa-w.ca

Dungeons & Dragons night

Doors at 5:30, games at 6 pm. High Tide Games. Come to watch or start a character and jump right in on the adventure.

Film • Wuthering Heights

3:30pm, The Patricia

19

Thursday

Seniors’ Luncheon

11:30 am to 12:30 pm followed by Projects Half Done, finishing at 3 pm.

Malaspina Naturalists

Speaker Elephant Conservation in Africa

7:30 pm, Trinity Hall, United Church. Doors at 7. Conservation expert David Powrie has over three decades of experience protecting natural resources and fostering community-led conservation initiatives. He has managed a 6.33 million-hectare conservation area in Kenya and introduced endangered species to South Africa. For three years in Africa, he conducted full-time research on elephants. He will share insights into their strategic behaviour, communication, and family dynamics. Everyone welcome. $5 drop-in fee for non-members.

Turn the 7 and Muffdusters in concert

7 pm, Carlson Loft. By donation.

Film • Wuthering Heights

7pm, The Patricia

20

Friday

A New Light dance performance

Laszlo Tamasik Company dancers will perform a number of genres in this fundraising showcase. All proceeds go towards competitive fees for our teams.

Les Petits matins francophones

9 to 11 am, AFqa, 5110 Manson Avenue. For children ages 0-5. A morning full of discovery through stories, songs, games, and crafts— all in French! This activity is free, but a parent or guardian must be present.

Luxury Rental Open House: Uptown

10 am to 5:30 pm, Uptown (5130 Joyce & 7110 Edgehill Crescent). See back page for more.

Winter Olympics

Watch Party

10 am to 3 pm, Library. Key Medal Day.

U11 Rec Hockey

Tourney begins Hap Parker. Through Feb 22.

Film • GOAT

3:30 & 7pm, The Patricia. Animation. A small goat named Will gets a once-ina-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball — a high-intensity, full-contact sport that’s dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world. Ridiculed by his teammates, Will becomes determined to revolutionize the sport and prove that “small can ball!”

21

Saturday

Luxury Rental Open House: Evo

10 am to 2 pm, Evo (5322 Franklin Ave). See back page for more.

A New Light — dance performance

Laszlo Tamasik Company dancers will perform a number of genres in this fundraising showcase. All proceeds go towards competitive fees for our teams.

Black History Month

Celebration

Noon, Dwight Hall. See story, Page 41, for more.

Snippets from a Small Coastal Town:

Understanding the Sunshine Coast

2 pm at the Library. A presentation of a new anthology of prose, poetry, and art, featuring readings by local authors Pat Buckna, Jan DeGrass, Jo Forrest, and Doris Good.

Film • Eve and the Fire Horse

20th anniversary screening and Q&A

1:30 pm, Patricia. By donation. See more on Page 46. Jazz night with the Ron Campbell Trio

8 pm, Magpie’s Diner. $25. Tickets at Magpie’s. Doors open at 8 pm. Light snacks, signature cocktails.

Barney Bentall, Tom Taylor, and Shari Ulrich in Concert

6:30 doors, 7 pm concert at the Max Cameron. $35 advance online (BTU.tickit. ca) or at The Nutcracker Market. Don’t miss these Juno Award-winning performers.

Winter Olympics

Watch Party

10 am to 3 pm, Library. Key Medal Day.

Uptown Market

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

Film • GOAT

7pm, The Patricia

22

Sunday

Law enforcement torch run, Polar Plunge for Special Olympics

11:30 am at Willingdon Beach. Chili, coffee, snacks by donation. Police, Fire, and EHS will be there plunging in uniform. Register at plunge4specialolympics.crowdchange. ca/128741 or just show up and plunge / eat on the day.

Soul Groove

Sunday Drop-In

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

Powell River Farmers’ Market

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

Magic the Gathering Commander night

6 pm, High Tide Games. Bring your best Commander deck and be prepared to defend your creatures.

Film • GOAT

1:30 & 7pm, The Patricia

23

Monday

Friends of Stillwater Bluffs Association AGM 7 pm, Brooks Library. Everyone is welcome. Looking for new members and new directors.

Friends of the Library Book Drive

3 til 5 pm, Library. Collecting book donations from the community.

Community Pasta Dinner

4:30 to 6 pm, Trinity Hall (at the United Church by 7-11). Everyone welcome.

Board Game Night

5 pm, High Tide Games. Use one of High Tide’s or bring your own and play the night away.

Film • GOAT

7pm, The Patricia

24

Tuesday

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.

Powell River Garden Club: Converting lawn to meadows, with focus on native plants

6:30 doors, 7 pm meeting. Cranberry Seniors Centre. New members are always welcome. Satin Flower Nurserie’s Kristen Miskelly is speaking.

Groove qathet gentle dance series for 50+ begins

See ad on Page 53.

Film • GOAT

7pm, The Patricia

25

Wednesday

qathet Festival of the Performing Arts begins

Enjoy the local talents in voice, band/instrumental, choir, piano, strings,

speech arts, and dance disciplines. See the schedule at qathetfestivalofperformingarts.com

Bridging Community Differences

6:30-8:30 pm, Cranberry Seniors Centre. Really listening to each other brings healing and change. The event uses the LivingroomConversations.org process — small groups (of 3-5) that offer an opportunity to really hear from each other and come to know each other’s humanity. For info/to RSVP, email Kate@emergecollab.com Festival of Performing Arts: Band/Instrumental Max Cameron Theatre. Perfofrmances at 9:15, 1:15 and 3:45.

Dungeons & Dragons night

Doors at 5:30, games at 6 pm. High Tide Games. Come to watch or start a character and jump right in on the adventure.

Film • GOAT

3:30pm, The Patricia

26

Thursday Festival of Performing Arts: Vocal Evergreen Theatre. Vocal performances at 1 pm. Vocal/choral at 7 pm.

Seniors’ Luncheon 11:30 am to 12:30 pm followed by Projects Half Done, finishing at 3 pm.

Artist Card Trading Night 5:30 to 7:30 pm, The Alley by Persephone. Hosted by qathet Art & Wares. All ages. Make art and trade art. Supplies supplied. Free. More info at qa-w.ca Film • GOAT 7pm, The Patricia

Law Enforcement Polar Plunge

Fundraiser for Special Olympics, complete with an Olympics-style torch run. Chili, coffee, snacks by donation. Police, fire and EHS will plunge in uniform. Register at plunge4specialolympics.crowdchange.ca/128741 or just show up to plunge or eat snacks! Sunday, February 22nd 11:30 am at Willingdon Beach

27

Friday

Big West Wrestling Caged Match

6:30 pm, Brooks. See story on Page 30, and ad on Page 47.

Working with Artificial Intelligence

2 pm at the Library. David Dumaresq will share his own experience and insights on AI safety with special focus on Perplexity AI as a chat-based research tool.

U7, U8, U9 Rec

Hockey Jamboree begins Hap Parker. Through March 1.

Banned Book

Open Mic 2026

6 pm to 7:30 pm, Library. Celebrate Canada’s Freedom To Read Week (February 22-28) by reading aloud from your favourite banned book. To explore a list of books that have been banned or challenged in Canada or Internationally over past decades, visit freedomtoread.ca/ challenged-works/

Festival of Performing Arts: Choral

Evergreen Theatre. See schedule at qathetfestivalofperformingarts.com

Luxury Rental Open House: Uptown

10 am to 5:30 pm, Uptown (5130 Joyce & 7110 Edgehill Crescent). See back page.

28

Saturday Business Awards

Dwight Hall.

Luxury Rental

Open House: Evo

10 am to 2 pm, Evo (5322 Franklin Ave). See back page for more.

Uptown Market

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

Local Townsite

Heritage

2 pm to 3 pm, Library. Learn about the unique history and value of our Townsite and its relation-

ship with Tla’amin history and heritage, with Stewart Alsgard and the Townsite Heritage Society. The Comic Strippers

7 pm, Max Cameron. No extreme nudity, just extreme hilarity. A male stripper parody and improv comedy show. Grooving and gyrating in between scenes, they banter with the crowd and perform their hilarious twist on improv sketches. They sing, they “dance”, and they are ready to make you laugh. showpass.com/ comic-strippers-a-stripper-parody/

Kings vs. Nanaimo

Clippers

7 pm, Hap Parker. Festival of Performing Arts: Piano

Evergreen Theatre. See schedule at qathetfestivalofperformingarts.com

Twisted Toneadoes

9pm. Cranberry Pub. Rock and roll classic. Tickets $10 at the store beside the pub. 4 singers. Ron Campbell piano, harmonica and vocal. Teflon David Spragge guitar and vocal. Flo Rider bass and vocal. Dennis Fox-Ritchey guitar and vocal. Neko drums.

Let’s review your

The IG Living PlanTM

In the trailer at Spring Time Garden Centre (beside Bloom Therapy):

Galentine’s Day

Friday, Feb 13th 10 am-4 pm

Valentine’s Day

Saturday, Feb 14th 10 am-4 pm

Follow Found Stone on social media for pop-ups and events schedule

@foundstone_jewelry_art_decor

Happy 85th Birthday Christine!

Christine Masters has been a Fitness Instructor for Leisure Services forever and has been active all her life learning from several physical disciplines. She is blessed with a God-given zest for life and an infectious joy of movement. Her two hip replacements have served to inspire and challenge her as she encourages participants in her fitness classes to move at their own comfort level.

Christine has been with the City of Powell River since Sept. 10, 1994. She is a bright light and such a valued member of our team. She radiates love and kindness and goes out of her way to help everyone. Truly a gem.

You can catch Esiana Hargrave, 17, performing three classical pieces at the 52nd qathet Festival of Performing Arts starting February 25: a German song and an Italian song as well as an English piece with guitar accompaniment.

She will also perform a musical theatre piece from Chaplin: The Musical, and “Art is Calling For Me,” which is from an operetta (similar to a musical).

This will be Esiana’s fourth year competing at FOPA. She went to the Provincial Festival in Fort St John for Intermediate Musical Theatre in 2024.

Why you chose those pieces

The classical pieces further my technique, and singing in multiple languages is something I really enjoy! The musical theatre piece is an emotional ballad which is great for working on phrasing and technique as well, and “Art is Calling For Me” is a super dramatic, fun piece that suits my vocal range very well.

What it feels like to perform

When I perform it feels like I am fully present in the moment and living to the fullest extent.

I love the feeling of finishing a performance and seeing how joyful others are after you’ve shared something beautiful with them.

CENTRE STAGE: This is a busy season for youth involved in dance, theatre and music. Above, Esiana Hargrave stars as Ursula in The Little Mermaid (see right) February 12 to 14. Left, Esiana will stretch her vocal skills at the Festival of Performing Arts starting on February 25.

52nd Festival of Performing Arts a unique opportunity for talent to grow

Advice for younger participants?

My advice for younger participants would be remember to ground yourself, breathe and bend your knees and everything will be fine.

When you walk up on stage taking a moment to center yourself is so important, it calms you down physically and helps you get out of your own head, and it can honestly make the difference between you doing your best or your worst.

Longest-running festival continues

This year qathet Festival of the Performing Arts, takes place Wednesday, February 25 to Saturday, March 7.

Sessions for five of the six disciplines: Vocal and Choral, Speech Arts, Piano, Strings and Dance will all be held at Evergreen Theatre this year. Band and Instrumental will take place again at Max Cameron Theatre in Brooks Secondary. The Grand Concert takes place on March 7 in Evergreen Theatre beginning at 7 pm.

Look for full schedule at musicfestivalreg.com/ qathet

Past Grand Concerts and festival history video available at: youtube.com/@prfestivalofperformingarts6169

- Joyce Carlson

UNDER THE SEA: Top, Mira Blacklaws belts it out in rehearsal as the crab Sebastien, as mermaids strut their stuff. Above, Torrin Anderson as King Triton. Katherine Isert as Ariel, with Flounder, played by Blair Babcock. Below, the ensemble.

Little Mermaid, big energy

On February 12 to 14 at the Evergreen, 7 pm nightly, catch the Beanstalk Theatre Company’s production of The Little Mermaid. It follows on last year’s successful produc-

Abigail Fitzgibbon Andrina, Chef Louie & Ensemble

Audrey Sloan Ensemble

Blair Babcock Flounder

Charlie Hildebrand Ensemble

Danielle Welp-Ellis Allana & Ensemble

Digory VanTol Ensemble

Esiana Hargrave Ursula

Esther de Rooy Seahorse & Ensemble

Farron Heppner Arista & Ensemble

Feather MacDonald Atina & Ensemble

Gabriel Chartier Grimsby

Isabel Harvey Ensemble

June Hilleren Carlotta & Ensemble

Katherine Isert Ariel

Koen Wulkan Pilot & Ensemble

tion of The Wizard of Oz. Tickets, $25, are at 32 Lakes and Anchor Apparel, or at the door. The musical is Disney’s version of the 1837 Danish Hans Christian Andersen tale.

Kyra Doyle Jetsam

Loane Herman-Deslauriers Ensemble

Lydia Parsons Aquata & Ensemble

Maya Burnett Ensemble

Mia Girouard Ensemble

Milah Meyer Ensemble

Mira Blacklaws Sebastian

Neave Fitzgibbon Scuttle & Ensemble

Orielle Clark Flotsam

Owen Wuthrich Ensemble

Samuel Chartier Ensemble

Simone Herman-Deslauriers

Adella & Ensemble

Shawn Lacey Prince Eric

Sydney Dodgson Ensemble

Torrin Anderson King Triton & Ensemble

Once-in-a-lifetime Fire Horse year — celebrated with film

By pure coincidence, the producer of Eve and the Fire Horse (2006) moved to qathet in time to screen the film during the actual Chinese Year of the Fire Horse, an event that occurs only once every 60 years.

The last year of the Fire Horse was 1966, when the film’s director Julia Kwan was born. The film draws inspiration from Kwan’s own childhood as a second-generation Chinese Canadian, weaving cultural identity, family, and belief into a coming-of-age story. The drama centres on a nine-year-old girl, Eve, who grows up at the crossroads of cultures and faiths in a traditional Chinese Canadian family.

The film earned a rave review from the late Roger Ebert, who called it “Luminous,” and “one of the most beloved films at Sundance.” Jennie Punter, film critic with the Globe & Mail described the film as “one of the most enchanting and memorable films made in this country.”

The local screening is presented by producer and local resident Erik Paulsson, with both Erik and Julia in attendance for a Q&A session following the film, and a reception afterwards.

Erik moved to Powell River in 2022 with his family and teaches a Grade  4/5 class at James Thomson.

EVE AND THE FIRE HORSE 20TH ANNIVERSARY SCREENING + Q&A

When: February 21, 1:30 pm, The Patricia

What: Screening by donation and Q&A with producer Erik Paulsson (now a local resident) and director Julia Kwan.

“We were drawn to Powell River for a number of reasons,” says Erik. “I knew a lot of filmmakers and artists who had moved to Powell River, and I was excited that there was a thriving film community centered around the qathet film society and the Patricia Theatre. We also love being in a community where we get to know our neighbours.”

Erik has taught film at UBC, Vancouver Film School, In Focus Film School, The Shadbolt Arts Centre, and the Galiano Island Film & Television School. For five years, he was also the Executive Producer of the Crazy8s Film Event, which provided funding and other support for emerging filmmakers to produce their first professional short film.

Over the last four summers, Erik has mentored or managed the qathet Film Society’s summer film camp at the Patricia.

BY DIANA WOOD

February 17 is the Lunar New Year.

Anyone born on this day or after will possess the characters of “Horse.” The one born this year is not just a horse, but a fire horse, having the characters like a regular sign of horse, but much more pronounced.

There are 12 signs, the sequence follows: Rat, Buffalo, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig. And five cycles: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth.

Every 60 years, each sign repeats. Therefore, 60 years ago was the sign of Fire Horse also.

According to Chinese Lunar Calendar, we are still in the year of Snake, until February 17.

Then, we start the year of “Horse”. What are the characters for our horse individual?

- Horses are well-groomed and look terrific.

- They are not known for their patient disposition.

- They tend to tread on other’s hooves … and assert ultimate independence.

- They are egocentric: others, therefore, have to revolve around them.

- They are inconsistent: they can be hot-headed today and sentimental and dreaming tomorrow.

- The masses find the horse charming, entertaining, winning, diplomatic, amusing and popular, and he commands, therefore, their admiration and respect.

Beware the fire horse personality

- Notwithstanding, left to his own devices, his confidence may melt away.

- Horses are home-proud and value their servants.

- They have no time for problems which do not directly concern them.

- They are simple extroverts.

- Strong words or orders rarely have the desired effect.

- Ignore the horse to gain their full attention, and yours is an easy and smooth ride.

- A horse epitomizes sex-appeal and sensuality.

- The ease with which they tackle hurdles makes them natural champions.

A horse should team up with a goat, a dog, a tiger, or a rooster. A rat, pig, or buffalo might be a bit too difficult for the horse. And above all, the horse should stay away from monkey.

Note: I have heard that some women in Vietnam refuse to get pregnant and avoid having a child born during the year of Fire Horse. I guess they can’t afford to play Russian Roulette, if the child happens to possess the pronounced negative traits!

I happen to know a guy who is a Fire Horse, (soon to turn 60). He is the epitome of a Fire Horse. It is a sad story which I don’t want to repeat. He certainly has proven the superstition some women have: avoid having a Fire Horse in the family.

I am sure there are extremely good and successful Fire Horses in the world also.

STEEL CAGE MAIN EVENT!

Friday, Feb 27 at 6:30 pm at Brooks 7 pm BELL RING!

Tickets: $20 for Adults, $15 for youth at Top of the Hill Solutions, Armitage Mens Wear & Kooky Cavern, ($25/$17 at the door) FUNDRAISER FOR BROOKS GRAD 2026

MARCH 6 –14 qathet international

Wednesday, February 25 to Saturday, March 8

Entry to all sessions by donation

Wednesday, February 25 Band & Instrumental at Max Cameron Theatre ALL OTHER SESSIONS AT EVERGREEN THEATRE

For schedule details go to qathetfestivalofperformingarts.com

Grand Concert

Saturday, March 7 at 7 pm Evergreen Theatre

Tickets at the Peak or at the door $25 Adults, $20 Students & Seniors

Supported since 2003 by Rotary

Club of Powell River

Kindergarten

Registration

AGE (Kindergarten)

Children born in 2021

APPLY ONLINE THROUGH MyEd

Instructions available at sd47.bc.ca

PRIORITY DEADLINES

Elementary Schools for ‘in catchment’ enrollment March 31

Elementary Schools for ‘out of catchment’

enrollment March 31

Subject to availability, spot to be confirmed no later than May 31st.

*French Immersion priority will be given to those who register before February 27, 2026

*Students in ANY catchment can register

A PEEK AHEAD TO MARCH

Sunday, March 1

Festival of Performing Arts: Strings Evergreen Theatre. See final schedule at qathetfestivalofperformingarts. com

The Co-conspirators

7:30pm, Wildwood Pub International touring duo return to Wildwood. With heavy emphasis on vocal harmonies, they perform folk/singer-songwriter music with elements of bluegrass, country, blues, gospel, general roots music, and songs of social justice, workers’ rights, anti-war and, of course, songs of love.

Monday, March 2

Festival of Performing Arts: Speech Arts Evergreen Theatre. See final schedule at qathetfestivalofperformingarts. com

Tuesday, March 3

Full Moon and Total Lunar Eclipse Watch for a rusty or blood red colour.

Festival of Performing Arts: Speech Arts Evergreen Theatre. See final schedule at qathetfestivalofperformingarts. com

qIFF Filmmakers

Spotlight

4 pm, Library. Peg Campbell will give an overview of the films and the filmmaking team of təm kʷaθ nan Namesake will discuss the creation of their documentary film.

Wednesday March 4

Festival of Performing Arts: Dance Evergreen Theatre. See schedule at qathetfestivalofperformingarts.com

Visit sd47.bc.ca for registration instructions, information on your catchment, & transportation eligibility.

On March 7, enjoy brunch,

See ad on Page 22 for more.

Suave Melodies and Spanish Follies: Pacific Baroque Festival 2026

7 pm James Hall. Tickets at Showpass.

March 6 to 14

qathet International Film Festival qathetfilm.ca. Watch 16 feature films from BC, Canada, and around the world. See the guide inside this issue.

March 6 to 15

Sunshine Coast Flavour Festival

Dining festival from Gibsons to Lund. See ad at right (Page 49) and more at flavourfestival.ca.

Friday, March 6

World Day of Prayer Service

March 4 & 5

Storytimes: Festival Francophone 10:30 am to 11 am each day, Library.

Thursday, March 5

Festival of Performing Arts: Dance Evergreen Theatre. See schedule at qathetfestivalofperformingarts.com

10m, Reformed Church of Powell RIver, 4372 Padgett Rd. For more info contact Faye Perry, 604-414-5220.

Saturday, March 7

Festival Francophone 5110 Manson Avenue.

Traditional sugar shack brunch and maple taffy on snow, live music, and more. See above and ad on Page 22 for more.

Winter Paralympics 2026 Watch Party

10 am to 3 pm, Library. See prpl.ca for full schedule of

Paralympic watch parties this month.

Festival of Performing Arts Grand Concert

7 pm, Evergreen Theatre. $25/ $20 for students and seniors.

Sunday, March 8

QRCA Group Bike

Rides begin

Follow along on Facebook or Instagram Qathet Regional Cycling Association for more details on our weekly group rides.

Saturday, March 14

Seedy Saturday

Dwight Hall. See more, at right, Page 49.

Let’s Go Surfin’ Beach Boys tribute Evergreen Theatre.

March 14 to 19

BC Hockey U13 Provincial Championships Hap Parker.

Saturday, March 21

Crib Tournament

Lang Bay Community Club. $25 per person. Last chance to register March 18. 604-483-1440

Community Garage Sale 9 am to 2 pm, Carlson Community Club.

Saturday, March 28

Battle of the Badges: RCMP vs. Firefighters hockey game

6 pm Hap Parker. See Page 29 for more.

Julia Avila Cuban Band fundraiser for the Powell River Food Bank Doors 7 pm, concert at 8 pm, Carlson Loft. $35. Tickets at the Carlson Club. See ad on Page 36. Got Stones Rolling Stones Tribute Evergreen Theatre.

Sunday, March 29

Doug and the Slugs Max Cameron Theatre.

Tuesday, March 31 Registration deadline for SD47 Kindergarten See ad, left.

Sunday, April 5 10 Years since the Tla’amin Nation Final Agreement April 9 to 11

Townsite Jazz Festival townsitejazz.com

The Powell River Farmers’ Agricultural Institute (PRFAI) will hold the annual Seedy Saturday on March 14th, at Dwight Hall, 6274 Walnut St.

Why Seedy Saturday?

The intent of Seedy Saturday is to encourage gardeners and farmers to save seed from their crops so as to increase sustainability. This is why the event is focused on seed that has been grown and saved locally.

There is quite a history — from the first seed swap in Ontario in 1988 to the first event in Vancouver in 1990 it has grown to almost 200 events across Canada in 2026.

In Powell River, this year’s event features workshops, silent auction,

and vendor tables, as well as the original, thriving seed swap.

Volunteers are needed to help out with greeting people, at the silent auction, and helping with the seed swap. More information is at prfarmers.ca or call 604-487-1304.

One of our local seed savers is farm er Aaron Ash who has been saving for seven years. He began with tomatoes and has been expanding his seed saving each year. He believes that seed saving is one of the most important practices we can participate in for regional se curity and climate adaptability. Come meet Aaron at Seedy Saturday to learn more about his experiences.

- Ellen De Casmaker

flavourfestival.ca

EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN: Need good quality used furniture or fixtures? Kindred Rebuild, manifested by inclusion Powell River, is at 7030 Alberni. Beyond the shop, Kindred Rebuild will also be at the Renew Art Faire April 25 (see below), and is a partner with the qathet Regional District in the new Reuse Shed at the Resource Recovery Centre, where you can find tools, building supplies, and household fixtures. Above, Todd Clarke. Photo by Benjamen Fairless.

Renew Art Faire • April 25 • Dwight Hall

Renew Art Faire organized in celebration of Earth Day, invites the public to explore creative ways to keep materials out of the landfill by giving them a longer life through art.

Taking place on April 25th at Dwight Hall, this free event showcases artworks made from discard materials such as glass, scrap metal, old lumber, plant life and fabric leftovers.

Come meet community groups like Kindred Rebuild (inclusionPR), Flax to Linen and the Malaspina Land Conservancy to find out about exciting local projects and workshops. The Faire includes a number of interactive stations and live demos.

Some of these amazing art pieces

will be available for purchase, supporting both the artists and the environment. A highlight of the event is the return of the fabulous eco fashion show. Watch regular people wearing incredible upcycled creations as they strut their stuff on the runway. Chat with the designers and learn how they have turned throw away pieces into one-of-a-kind fashion outfits.

Local artists and upcyclers interested in participating can contact teresaann@telus.net for more information.

Join us to celebrate creativity, environmental awareness, and community at this inspiring recycled art show.

- Teresa Harwood-Lynn

March 6-15, 2026

Sip, savour, and celebrate from Gibsons to Lund. For a limited time, local restaurants, cafés, and food trucks will offer special menus and prix-fixe features created just for the festival. No tickets required, just choose a participating spot and enjoy great local flavours!

Presented by:

Slow Love

Tired of Tinder?

Try giving qathet Living’s print-based personals column a chance. It’s a place where real humans can meet, off the online fray.

Everyone is welcome to submit an ad of up to 75 words, looking for any kind of love. Or, if you spotted someone attractive locally and didn’t have the courage to say hello, drop them a note here.

Please keep it all relatively family-friendly!

Seekers:

1. Early‑50s woman, proudly drama‑free—unless you count my ongoing feud with the neighbourhood deer with an affinity for my hostas. I love good food, bad puns, and men who know how to “have fun stormin’ the castle.” Independent, kind, and looking for a guy who is confident, and laughs easily. If you enjoy calm company, real conversation, and someone who won’t text you 47 times in a row, we’ll get along great.

2. Authentic Senior woman seeking authentic Senior man with integrity, loyalty and respect to match mine. Fun loving, compassionate and retired.

Really like day trips, picnics and walks. Enjoy meaningful conversations, shared meals (I don’t enjoy being the only cook). I value kindness, empathy, consistency & emotional honesty. I love animals (the four-legged variety). I consider myself to have a good sense of humor; do not engage in drama or pressure. Open to friendship becoming something more.

I Saw You / Missed Connections

3. I was at River City Coffee on January 12 at 10 am and I watched you reel in your fish! Flirting is fun! Love is real! Thanks for letting us follow along with your rom-com.

The deadline for the March issue is February 20. Send your ad to editor@qathetliving.ca

How to respond to an ad:

Write an email to editor@qathetliving.ca noting which # you’re responding to, and we will forward your note to the right person. You can take it from there. Alternately, to lean in to the “slow love” theme, mail or drop off a physical letter to the qL office. Please note: qL does not screen the people behind the personals ads, nor the respondents. You are all responsible for your own comfort and safety. Please take precautions such as meeting in public places, drinking responsibly, telling a friend where you are, and most importantly, choosing to not harm other people, physically or emotionally.

Slow Love’s official mascot: The Nudibranch.

Each nudibranch (noo-di-brank, see image, of doris montereyensis above) is colourful, vibrant and unique, perfectly themselves just like qathet’s singles.

The similarities are actually uncanny, we hope. These little sea slugs grow out of their shells by the time they’re adults. That’s the vulnerable spirit we hope you take into dating.

In addition, finding another nudibranch to mate with can take time, so they are both male and female any nudibranch can mate with any nudibranch. It’s very West Coast. Nudibranchs live in nearly every ocean, including the waters surrounding this region. qL’s love of nudibranchs is so great it’s in the name. The magazine is owned by Gastropod Media, a company with Pieta Woolley (a fan of slugs, a gastropod) and Sean Percy (a fan of nudibranchs, also a gastropod) at the helm.

The nudibranch: an ancient symbol for modern, slow love.

Love, poetry, playfulness inspire this dynamic communityminded duo

Smith McGovern (they/them) is a solo parent of a 30-year-old daughter, president of qathet Pride Society, student practitioner of Somatic Sex Education and Sacred Intimate. Jules Adam (they/ them) is an adult child of two amazing parents, sibling to a loving, supportive sister, parent to two kids, music therapist with Vancouver Coastal Health, and member of the small team behind qathet Community Supported Dying.

“We are both trans-identifying genderqueer folx who feel lucky to have found each other in this small town. We love to play in nature and be in community with diverse people. We try to walk this earth with open arms, open minds, and live our best authentic selves. We have been together for three years.”

What was the moment you knew this person was special to you? What happened?

Smith • 10 days after our first kiss... I was driving at night and I saw these magnificent two stars in the sky and I just HAD to pull over and make an audio recording of the poem that came into my head and just HAD to send it to Jules right away. It was something I had never done before, it was the beginning of love.

Jules • I knew from the first moment we sat on a beach and dove deep into conversation. The peaceful, playful soul that radiated with humble wisdom was undeniable. I finally admitted to myself that I was deeply in love when I had a moment thinking to myself, “Now THIS is a person I would want by my side when I die.”

I was driving at night and I saw these magnificent two stars in the sky and I just HAD to pull over and make an audio recording of the poem that came into my head.

- Smith McGovern

What challenges did you go through in making a life together / making your relationship work?

Smith • Because of my curiosity and excitement, I wanted to get to know Jules fast and furious, and the challenge was to make sure life felt balanced and that not every moment was spent together or thinking about them. Creating space in our togetherness makes this relationship work. Jules • We were both in transitional stages in our life and had no plans on falling in love… and we just couldn’t deny the love! So, we initially took each day and week as it came

and offered space and freedom to live and honour our individual selves while walking alongside one another.

Top three things you enjoy about the other person: Smith • Jules’ vigor for life, their emotional maturity, watching how they show their love to humankind.

Jules • Their humble wisdom, incredibly playful and loving spirit, and just how compassionate they are towards others, themselves, and our sweet planet.

How this relationship has changed you

Smith • This relationship continues to change me through the lessons of love, and I’m reminded of a line by Kahlil Gibran, “To be wounded by your own understanding of love, and to bleed willingly and joyfully, and give thanks for another day of loving”.

Jules • I am a kinder and more loving version of myself, having met Smith. I speak more honestly and I listen more openly and I prioritize joy, rest, and play more than ever before.

Your best advice for those who are seeking a romantic relationship

Smith • Relationships take fostering, not work. Love is not a task, but a development of something to be nurtured. Jules • Do the inner tending to learn to love the person for who THEY are, and get serious when it is time to do so, but have a lot of fun!

WATER

SCORPIO

(Oct 24 to Nov 21)

Later in the month, Saturn and Neptune align fantasy and structure, creating a fun and committed new energy. Before that, Mars—your ruling planet— is charging you up with the discipline and stamina to complete projects, followed by a shift into romantic magnetism and vulnerability. Even main characters prioritize rest. Stress management will help you sustain a new frequency.

CANCER

(June 22 to July 22)

Your lunar ruler, the Moon, is illuminating finances. You may notice something you didn’t before or realize you missed a payment. Chances are you’re closer to paying off “that big thing” than you thought. Jupiter sits in your sign, enhancing the feeling of support and perhaps adding a little luck; this could ease some of the intensity the Full Moon was influencing. Stay authentic when expressing yourself. Your softness is a superpower.

PISCES

(Feb 19 to March 20)

Mercury backtracks through your sign late in the month, possibly creating a foggy lull in communication of any kind. If old friends or flames return, recognize how much you’ve outgrown them and carry on. Mid-month, the Sun and Venus splash into deep and dreamy Pisces, making you feel very attractive or poetic. If you’re too shy to express it physically, pour your magnetism into artful passions. Anything (or anyone) dragging your energy will reach a breaking point this month.

AIR

LIBRA

(Sept 23 to Oct 23)

Libras’ focus this month is on self-respect and emotional integrity. You are clearing some burntout energy mid-month as your ruler, Venus, emerges from the Sun’s glare, where it has been out of sight since November 2025. The New Moon solar eclipse ignites your graceful Venusian joy, which may spark fated changes in work or friendships.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 to Feb 18)

There might be some mental fidgeting when it comes to leaving behind old habits or trends. Try to

SMALL TOWN ORACLE

tidy up bills before Mercury retrograde (February 25) to avoid snags. Instead of money, spend time on your own healthy habits. The solar eclipse in your sign pushes innovation and focus to the surface. Venus and Mars—also in Aquarius this month—add action and drive toward new goals or love.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 21)

Your ruling planet, Mercury, is very involved in February, making the spotlight feel a little hotter than usual. It is best to get important or professional communication out of the way early in the month. Extra focus will be on leadership roles, double-checking documents, and carefully fine-tuning the vision you know is aligned with your heart and strengths. You may be enjoying a staycation with siblings or children, and the solar eclipse governs a fated shift or sudden plans. You’re feeling lucky.

EARTH

CAPRICORN

(Dec 22 to Jan 19)

Saturn, in your house of home and family, has you tightening the structure in those areas as well as increasing financial discipline within a family or company. Mars approaches with eagerness toward rare opportunities. Self-care habits will not only benefit your inner glow but everyone in your circle as well. Rings could be significant, or a potential success in sports. Mid-month, Venus promotes emotional healing or a deep focus on honest intimacy in relationships. Demonstrate ambition with maturity.

VIRGO

(August 23 to Sept 22)

Neptune conjunct Saturn suggests that stable love, shared resources, security, and commitment might be the focus. Try to have uncomfortable conversations before mid-month. If you’re self-employed, you could see a financial setback, but your close focus will increase the energy needed to regain balance. Ego clashes at work could find a peaceful resolution; choosing compassion over perfection leads to stronger connections. The solar eclipse is turning a page, scribbled with new habits that will enhance your day-to-day life and overall nature.

TAURUS

(April 20 to May 20)

Venus hovers in your house of career and expansion, and wonderful people want to help you grow. Represented by the Bull, you may feel the urge to break the metaphorical fence and explore new friend groups or social dynamics. If life has been tough, mid-month Venus provides a feeling of relief or an “aha” moment that may open blockages. Prioritize goals over pure indulgence; progress isn’t always comfortable, but you’re doing great!

FIRE

LEO

(July 23 to Aug 22)

Leo is host to the Full Moon on February 1. You may be eager to pull back the curtain on something exciting behind the scenes; with Venus directly across from your sign, you get a magnetic charge. Like their ruler, the Sun, Leos will be seen and felt. Stay humble while you radiate. The solar eclipse helps adjust your focus outward, possibly allowing you to see someone in a new light and swap surface-level connections for a soul bond. This month may feel intense, but it’s only conditioning you for future goals. The number 22 may be significant.

SAGITTARIUS ( Nov 22 to Dec 21)

Your ruling planet, Jupiter, flirts with Venus in Pisces this month, leaving you with romanticized feelings toward expansion and emotional foundations. Social energy is high, and you may find yourself writing down new ideas or a project list. Ground yourself, but remain open to creative risks as you pursue authentic connections within your community. If you’ve been focused on an external personal aesthetic, the solar eclipse has you gearing down and staying in to get in touch with what makes you glow from within.

ARIES

(March 21 to April 19)

Rams, this month’s Neptune and Saturn conjunction in Aries offers purity and fresh vision to your dreamiest dreams, helping you align with people who support your authentic self. Allow others to communicate comfortably on collaborative projects, but stay ten toes down. You know what you’re working towards; staying disciplined and kind—yet headstrong—will slowly dissolve anything holding you back from your long-term goals.

TIDY T’S CLEANING SERVICE

CAN YOU FIND THESE WORDS FROM THIS ISSUE?

ARTS

AUTHENTIC BADGES

CHAPLIN

CLASSICAL

DAUNTLESS

DWIGHT

FESTIVAL

FILM

FLAVOUR FLOWERS

GYMNAST

HEARING

HORSE

HOSPITAL

JAZZ

KINDERGARTEN KINGS

KISS

MERCURY

MERMAID MOON

OLYMPICS PAINTER

PERFORMING PICKLEBALL

PLUNGE

QIFF

QUEENS

RACISM

REBUILD

REGGAE

RENEW

RENTAL

REUSE

RUCKUS

SATURN

SEEDY

SNOW

SURFING

TORCH

WRESTLING

FSays who?

LAST WORD

PIETA WOOLLEY

Why more and more citizens are choosing anonymity, and what’s lost when they do.

or the debate this month about using Dwight Hall as an emergency shelter, I dug out my old reporter persona and headed to Powell River city council chambers. Both nights were packed — standing room only. As was my normal practice, I circulated in the room before the first meeting started, snapping photos from various positions. Close-ups of signs. Wide-angle shots of the entire room, showing the shape of the crowd. Lots of faces.

“No photos, please.” “Don’t take my picture.” “Stop.”

This was new. Citizens who wanted to speak out on an issue, but didn’t want their stance or even presence recorded? I was surprised.

Isn’t the whole point of showing up for this debate to register your position, in public? I got the same “no photos” reaction from many (although not all) people there — both those who were speaking for a shelter at Dwight Hall, and those speaking against.

To be clear, legally I’m in the right. City chambers is a public space; media have every right to be there, record, take photos, and publish what happens. A younger, more obstinate me would have taken and published those photos in spite of the push back. Because journalism. This version of me didn’t.

I don’t have a good reason for not taking or publishing them, other than a little maturity and I know that broadcasting big opinions in a small town can be hard — especially a town that lives with its controversies on its sleeve. That’s true on social media, but it’s especially true in print, which lasts, and has a different kind of megaphone. I feel for citizens who both want to speak out, and want to maintain their privacy. So I’ve gotten soft on this, in my old age.

Anonymity has certainly been a theme this winter. At the same meetings, City Councilors read from letters from the public — but didn’t read the authors’ full names into the microphone. Several speakers at those meetings who should have given their full names gave only their first name.

Anonymity isn’t just trending here; qathet’s favourite social media platform, Facebook, started allowing for anonymous commenting in 2022, a feature Meta expanded in 2025. Certainly, it’s used widely here.

On my desk, I’ve received umpteen letters to the editor about the long-term care story in the November 2025 issue of qL — but the authors don’t want their names published. qL doesn’t publish anonymous letters, so you don’t get to read these stories. But I can tell you, the authors want to remain anonymous because they’re afraid of repercussions for their relatives in care.

(In separate but adjacent news, Part 2 of the longterm care story has been delayed yet again, because the communications department at Vancouver Coastal Health is repeating its strategy from the fall: failing to meet my deadlines on basic information requests, and then feeding me bureaucratic makenice fluff instead of answers. Stay tuned for more…)

The City’s only spokesperson now is the mayor. This is really weird. In a normal democracy, I should be able to phone any city councillor or department head directly, and interview them for publication. I am reminded of when Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government restricted federal scientists from speaking with media in 2007, which at the time was treated by media like it was the first step towards fascism. Now, muzzling workers seems to be just business as usual.

Wouldn’t you love to hear commentary from a local nurse, a teacher, or an RCMP officer about the truth of what they’re experiencing on the job? All three types of front-lines workers see up close the result of government policy, from budgets to child protection to border patrol. None of them can be interviewed on the issues their voices are most valuable for illuminating; governments and unions simply no longer allow their most savvy workers to freely participate in crucial discourse.

What are the real impacts of BC’s New Curriculum, eight years in? What is the real impact of the CST Cerner system in the hospital? How is the end of BC’s drug decriminalization pilot (January 31) impacting policing here? I don’t want to know the answers from someone higher up, or a communications professional via a media release. I want to know from someone who is working in the stew every day.    I pulled qL’s original front-page photo this month, for a similar reason. The person in the image was doing something mildly illegal, and I couldn’t secure a promise from local enforcement that he wouldn’t be harassed if he appeared in the magazine. So a beautiful image of our community — and one of my best photos ever — remains private. I’m sad this image wasn’t able to do its job: promote local conversation about current challenges, from a place of humanity and joy. But I also get it. I self-edited. Again, if I were younger, I just would have run it. Maybe that would have been the better decision.

For individuals, it’s hard to gauge what the impact is, of letting your opinions flow publicly. I like to think that standing behind what you believe — in political forums, on social media, and in print — is an indicator of good character, of someone who is courageous enough to make themselves valuable to society. But I also know that in 2026, the personal costs can be astronomical. Often, those most willing to speak out are those without much to lose.

For government bodies, refusing to let information flow, or allow individuals within the ranks to speak out without fear of losing their job? That’s a whole other challenge.

Democracy relies on discourse and transparency for its survival.

Both as a sometimes-reporter and someone who cares about this place, I hope the pendulum swings away from anonymity, and towards protecting and honouring the people who stand firmly behind what they believe.