qathet Living July 2026 by qathet Living

JULY 2026

2026 - the 11 ANNUAL th

100% LOCALLY OWNED FIERCELY INDEPENDENT ALWAYS FREE

qL’s guide to services in the region

Help is Here T

Need a doc / NP?

he qathet Primary Care Network (PCN) brings together local family medicine clinics, health centres, and interdisciplinary healthcare providers to improve access to primary care in qathet and Powell River. Through a partnership of the qathet Division of Family Practice, Vancouver Coastal Health, Tla’amin Health, and community organizations, we work to increase your access to primary care and health information. The PCN supports the recruitment of family doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, and pharmacists who work as a team to provide more holistic care. Visit qathetpcn.ca to find your clinic’s website, access online appointment booking, and

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

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

Hear to make a difference in your life. At Powell River Hearing, we believe it is important to address hearing loss if it is preventing you from living well.

learn more about local primary care services and PCN team members. Looking for a family doctor or nurse practitioner? Register with the Health Connect Registry by calling 8-1-1 or online at healthlinkbc.ca/hcr. Be sure to update your contact and health information whenever it changes. Wait times vary and you will be contacted when a provider is available. The PCN also helps connect residents to local health information, programs, and community services. Visit qathetpcn.ca to learn about local healthcare services, interdisciplinary team members, and resources that can support your health and wellbeing.

604-485-0036 4794B Joyce Ave, Powell River, BC V8A 3B6 www.powellriverhearing.com

Trauma

We offer:

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

Registered Hearing Instrument Practitioner

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

If you are experiencing: Violence

Shannon Formby

Poverty & Injustice

We offer:

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

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

Safety & Advocacy for Everyone

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

All families need help sometimes.

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

The Powell River Compassionate Friends

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

Community House Community support hub with adult drop-in supports, family programs, immigrant services, and more. Free lunch, snacks and coffee! 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, Tuesday - Friday #101-4871 Joyce Ave. in Crossroads Village

2 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

Say thanks. Donate to the Powell River Hospital Foundation. 604 485-3211 ext 4349 | 5000 Joyce Avenue, Powell River, V8A 5R3

www.prhospitalfoundation.com

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

This space provided by Powell River Health-Care Auxiliary

We Stand Together 604-414-8125 qathetsafe.ca

An 8-week trauma-informed group for survivors seeking connection, healing & growth. All genders welcome.

Email us • sassprogram@telus.net

2026 - the 11 th ANNUAL

AS CHOSEN BY THE READERS OF QATHET LIVING

qathet Living • July 2026 • 3

CONTENTS JULY 2026 11th Annual Best of qathet

Reader-generated celebration & silliness+

Wild Life

Winners of the Library’s photo contest

Summer Tunes & Books

qLs semi-annual new pubs round-up

Wildfire on Crowther

It’s getting hotter & drier

Solarize Tiskwat

Films by sunlight

The Braves throw down

Tla’amin men’s soccer team cleans up

U14s to the Provincials Kamloops-bound soccer team

Welcome Brennan New Kings’ head coach

Expo’s wild DC-3 flight

Pilot recalls round-the-world mission

6 19 21 24 27 32 34 39 41

Outside the boxes

’ve spent most of my working life putting things in boxes. My first job, as a paper carrier, I filled customers’ newspaper boxes. My second, less glamorous job, on a fish farm, I put dead fish in big boxes. And in my journalism career, I was constantly putting moments in rectangular boxes (photographs) and stories in boxes that fit between advertisements. As my roles in publishing shifted, I helped businesses put their messages in ad boxes. It’s a necessary evil in print publishing to put everything in a box — because it all has to fit in the box of the page. In real life, it’s not so easy. As tempting as it is to put situations, challenges, and people into neat little boxes, life is a lot more complex than that. People and problems are nuanced and messy and organic, and it’s beautiful. That was particularly evident in this issue of qathet Living. The “Best of qathet” survey always div-

ides our community, mostly along friendly, innocuous lines, but also on social and political topics. Our community is divided as never before, whether you consider homelessness, name change, ferries, or many other subjects. However, being on opposite sides of an issue need not — must not — make us enemies. We can differ without being “right” or “wrong”. You like coffee, I like tea — we both put the kettle on. As our editor points out in Last Word on Page 70, there are many, many ways in which we differ. A diverse community comes with friction, but it also gives us resilience, perspective, creativity, and wisdom. The strength of a community isn’t measured by how often we agree, but rather by the way we treat one another when we don’t fit in the same — or any — boxes.

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

REGULAR FEATURES MLA Randene Neill Sports & Rec Section Mailbag I Made the Move Business Affairs Events Section Colouring Page Blast from the Past Our Lives I Made the Match Horoscopes & Take a Break Last Word ON THE COVER: BC Wildfire Service helicopter bucking water from Okeover Inlet to the Crowther Road fire in late May. See more on this story on Page 24. Photo by Gregory Blais

4 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

20 31 42 45 46 47 53 59 60 66 68 70

Volume 21, Number 7 ISSN 2817-1667 (Print) ISSN 2817-1675 (Online)

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

Pieta Goudron

editor@qathetliving.ca

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

qathetliving.ca

Publisher

Sean Percy

sean@qathetliving.ca

Sales & Marketing

Suzi Wiebe

suzi@qathetliving.ca

Office Manager

Lauren Diemer

office@qathetliving.ca

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

qathet Living is a proud member of: Magazine Association of BC Tourism Powell River Powell River Chamber of Commerce Coastal Women in Business

I’m just a kid from Thunder Bay, having a blast and trying to learn as much as I can and soak in every moment I get out of living.

qL is your magazine! Give us your feedback

Email your comments and Letters to editor@qathetliving.ca

— New Powell Rievr Kings head coach Brennan Menard, Page 40.

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

JULY’S CONTRIBUTORS

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

Advertise with us

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

FRED GUERIN (Ph.D.)

taught philosophy and environmental ethics at VIU in Powell River. He moderates a monthly Philosopher’s Café and is a Board member of qathet Climate Action. See Fred’s story, Three Environmental Virtues, on Page 29.

LIS GENDRON is a

local diver who grew up in Lund, and was raised going to the Sunshine Music Festival. She has been volunteering with the festival since about 2004. See Lis’ story, Dancing Under the Parachute, on Page 55.

JENNY ALLEN TAVES

is a local illustrator and sticker designer. Find her Sticker Shack on your way to Palm Beach park this summer and visit jennyallentaves.com. See Jenny’s illustrated Farmers Market colouring page on Page 53.

DAVE BRINDLE is a

journalist now working for the City of Powell River. See Dave’s story, How We Fought the Absolutely Wild Okeover Fire, on Page 25.

CHARLIE LATIMER is

an organizer with Cinema Politica qathet, screening documentaries monthly at the Patricia Theatre, and has advocated for environmental justice for over 20 years. S ee Charlie’s story, Solarize Tiskwat, on Page 24.

Are you thinking of selling your home this year? I’m here to answer your questions about our changing market and how best to proceed with your plans. Let my 36 years of experience go to work for you. Call, text or email today. MY LISTINGS INCLUDE VIRTUAL TOURS, HIGH QUALITY PHOTOS, 360 VIEWS AND FLOOR PLANS Warren Behan • Broker Owner Cell: 604.483.8173 Office: 604.485.2324 warren@warrenbehan.com

Providing honest advice and professional service for 36 years Independently Owned and Operated

qathet Living • July 2026 • 5

We Love Sunsets 6 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

2026 - the 11 th ANNUAL

AS CHOSEN BY THE READERS OF QATHET LIVING

A lot of cool things won Best of qathet this year. Tattoos. Sausage. Activists. Karaoke. We like a lot of groovy stuff. But this year, what we really liked, was a totally unpretentious, earnest, free, everyday, ever-changing thing: sunsets. Sunsets won “Best Place to Shore Up an Old Romance” and “Best Spiritual Experience”. Sunsets, evidently, are the thing we brag most about to out-of-towners — even though every other part of the world also has sunsets. In the back end tabulation of this contest — where I get to see all the nitty-gritty stuff people write in — sunsets show up in many categories they didn’t win, too. Best Souvenir: a photo of a sunset. Best Thing to do With Kids. Best Free Thing You Do To Keep Yourself Mentally and Physically Healthy. Best Reason to Move Here. This contest is entirely reader-generated. Whatever people write in for their answers is what we go with. It’s a chance for me to look for patterns. A few years ago, readers were writing in “Zunga” at every opportunity. This year, it’s sunsets. Why? Maybe because they’re free. There’s nothing like an ever-worsening cost-of-living crisis to make one appreciate nature. Perhaps it’s because they’re an antidote for looking at a screen: the intensity of the colours, the vastness, the very slow, uncontrollable movement of light and texture couldn’t be more opposite to the experience of scrolling Insta or worse: Swap n’ Shop. Or, because they’re unifying: one of the very few things that, really, we can’t fight about, even at our grouchiest. Can anyone rip apart a sunset? I like that so many people identified sunsets as having an intrinsic relationship to romance. Is it because sunsets inspire silence? Or warmth? Or, maybe they just let our minds and hearts slow down enough to get really mushy. I hope you enjoy this edition of the Best of qathet, another sunset-like, slow, analogue feature of this cool-yet-unpretentious region. — PG

qathet Living • July 2026 • 7

Feeling Groovy Best Place to Find a New Romance 1. Cran Bar 2. Top Out Climbing Co-Op 3. Slow Love Best answers: In the bush. Library. Not looking. On the ferry. Dog park. Yourself. Editor’s note: Shockingly few people named online sources (Tinder, Plenty of Fish, etc.) in this category. BC Ferries take note of this community suggestion: a singles lounge (maybe next to the pet area?)

Best Place to Shore Up an Old Romance Beach / Sunset Editor’s note: WHAT is happening at the beach? Nearly every answer in this category was beach / sunset. If anyone can advise, please email me directly: editor@qathetliving.ca

Best Place to Dance 1. Carlson Club / Carlson Loft 2. The Alley Powered by Persephone 3. Lund Gazebo / Dwight Hall Best answers: Anytime, anywhere. In my car with the 80s cranked. Shower. Good jam singers at Carlson Club Saturday nights. Kitchen / Bedroom / Livingroom. Stardusters. In the streets.

Best Place to Sing 1. Cran Bar 2. Legion 3. At Home / Shower / Kitchen / Car

Best Thing You’ve Acquired Second-hand Best answers: 1976 Datsun from a barn north of town for $1000. Fencing jacket. Pollen sweater. A sick shirt from Kool Thing Vintage that says “why work?” Banjo. Binding machine. Blue suede Ugg shoes (Editor: Elvis would be appalled). Haunted tchotchkes from the hospital auxiliary thrift. My husband. My wife. Sears Christmas Wish Book t-shirt.

8 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

Best Spiritual Experience 1. Sunrise / Sunset 2. Church 3. Hiking

Best Clinic for Physical Health 1. Suncoast Integrated Health 2. Timber Massage & Wellness 3. Harvie Medical Clinic

Best Clinic for Mental Health 1. Townsite Allied Health 2. Suncoast Integrated health 3. Parra Wellness

Best Art Gallery 1. Tidal Art Centre 2. Tug Ghum Gallery Studio 3. Artifact Gallery

Best Live Music 1. The Alley, Powered by Persephone 2. Carlson Club / Loft 3. Wildwood Public House

Best Annual Event 1. Blackberry Fest 2. Sunshine Music Fest 3. Logger Sports

PACKED DANCE FLOOR AT THE CARLSON LOFT: No surprise the Carlson Club and Loft handily won the Best Place to Dance, and second Best Live Music. Above, This Flight Tonight Nazareth Tribute brought out a crowd on June 19. Every style of dance was well represented on the floor, from toe-tapping to ecstatic to two-step and even some Irish-inspired. Most folks were just moving to the music, enjoying themselves and their partners. There’s plenty of dance opportunities coming this summer, at every venue. See the events section.

Best Gifts 1. Little Hive 2. Paperworks Gift Gallery 3. Westerly Studio

Best Work Out or Yoga 1. Elements Movement 2. Sol Collective 3. Wolfheart Wellness

Best Free Thing You Do To Keep Yourself Mentally and Physically Healthy 1. Hike / Walk 2. Swim 3. Garden

qathet Living • July 2026 • 9

Best Second Hand Store 1. Economy Shop by Health Care Auxiliary 2. Kool Thing Vintage 3. MCC / Gear Attic Editor’s Note: Thrift stores, vintage stores, consignment stores, heritage houses, a state of the art Resource Recovery Centre in the centre of town with pop-up free shops, clothing swaps, piles of free stuff at the side of the road, garage sales, Powell River qathet Swap n’ Shop on Facebook, recycled lovers — does anyone aquire anything new here anymore?

Personal Style

1. Betty at Hair n’ Dippity 2. Chantal Hildering 3. Stephanie Cote

Best Mani-Pedi

Best Dog Grooming 1. D’Tails Salon & Spa for Pets 2. Amanda’s Grooming 3. Pet Valu

1. Anchor Apparel & Lifestyle 2. Fits to a T Fashions / The Knack Women’s Clothing 3. Winners / Kool Thing Vintage

Best Hair Stylist

1. 101 Barber Lounge 2. The Little Barber 3. Westview Barber Shop 1. La Fleur Nails Salon 2. Somerset House Day Spa 3. Sunny Nails Spa

Best Women’s Clothing

Editor’s Note: These votes were really, really close, as you can tell from the ties for second and third. Particularly note the diversity — could Winners and Kool Thing be further apart? But apparently qathet loves both.

Best Barber

DECAL DIPLOMACY: Like tattoos, a collection of decals is a personal statement. Who are you? Look at my bumper and peer into my soul. My waterbottle reveals all. Love me, love my laptop decal collection. What does it say about you if you drive around with an “I heart PR” decal — the region’s number-one decal? versus “I heart qathet”? A Thick decal — found inside Powell River Outdoors — took third place in Best Souvenir. Undoubtedly, a well-curated collection of decals is how we let our freak flags fly in 2026 — so our people can find us. It’s how I had a good time, actually.

Thank You

for trusting us with your home and voting us the #1 Builder in Powell River– qathet

Best Tattoos 1. Alex Prachthauser at ETO 2. Danielle Alexandra at Truth & Dagger 3. Tia Ackerman

Best Decal 1. I heart PR 2. I heart qathet or just “qathet” 3. Respect Your Elders

2026 - the 11 th ANNUAL

AS CHOSEN BY THE READERS OF QATHET LIVING

• Licensed General Contractor • Custom Homes • Renovations • Timber Work • Design Powell River - qathet: 604.413.7170 Lower Sunshine Coast: 604.989.1728

10 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

hansonlandandsea.com

Alex Prachthauser ETO Tattoos

his colour fox with nasturtiums in an illustrative/neo-traditional style was for a long-term client and friend. I am an illustrative tattoo artist creating custom work for clients in qathet. Comfortable working in a broad range of styles, I enjoy the process of turning my clients’ ideas into wearable art. My university education in illustration provides a strong foundation for my creative and adaptable practice. Approaching tattooing from a multidisciplinary angle, I regularly further my education in other mediums including painting and ceramics. I deeply appreciate all of the support the community has given me and my business, and I love being here.

Danielle Alexandra Truth & Dagger Tattoos

his is a tattoo I recently did of Robin Williams from the movie Good Morning, Vietnam. My preferred tattoo styles include both large and small scale black and grey work, with a focus on precision fine line, script, portraiture, and nature-inspired realism. While these are the areas I am most passionate about, I welcome a wide range of projects and take great pride in collaborating with clients to bring their ideas to life through custom artwork. My artistic influences include talented artists such as Greg Nicholson, Courtney Laura, and Rebecca Blair. Beyond style, I draw inspiration from the wisdom and perspective shared by John the Dutchman and many other dedicated artists within the industry whose passion and commitment continue to shape my approach to tattooing.

Tia Ackerman Tattoos by Tia Ackerman

he main larger tattoo is my own take on a traditional style fan design. My client asked me to pick from a handful of images she sent over, and just asked me to do my own thing with whatever idea I liked. The second smaller one (the lighter) was a flash design I had drawn up months ago and we just decided to use it to fill in more of her leg. I don’t feel I have a single specific style I do, but if I was describing how I tattoo in form of “my style”. I’d say I like to do an illustrative blackwork style with traditional/neo-traditional influences. Traditional bold line work with dotwork shading or a more fine-line style, with dotwork shading as well.

qathet Living • July 2026 • 11

Good Food Best Take Out 1. Thaidal Zone 2. Royal Zayka 3. Zabb Dee Kitchen

Best Coffee Bar 1. 32 Lakes Cafe and Bakery 2. River City Coffee Roasters, Bakery & Eatery 3. Starbucks

Best Coffee Scene 1. River City Coffee Roasters, Bakery & Eatery 2. 32 Lakes Cafe and Bakery 3. Rock It Music & Coffee Editor’s notes: In the past, humans developed identities based on the big stuff: social class, job, ethnicity, religion, sexuality. In this post-everything and ironic/meta/sus era, identity is granular. Nuanced. For example, there are countless compelling coffee scenes in town — from McDonald’s to A Step Above to the backroom at Rocky Mountain, and many more. Where you prefer to drink coffee (or tea... no judgement) says much more about you than it says about the venue you voted for. Which crowd do you most resonate with? That’s your answer to this question. Certainly, in this edition of Best of qathet, I have noticed trends in identity voting: tribes who like the same coffee shop, pizza, politician, spiritual experience and campground, to name just a few. What does this mean? Are we all hapless automatons? Or just happy little flocks of birds of a feather?

Best Pizza 1. Supercharger Pizza 2. Domino’s Pizza 3. Snickers Pizza Editor’s Note: You know what this town needs? More pizza.

12 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

Best Fish & Chips 1. The Boardwalk Restaurant 2. Royal Zayka Restaurant & Bar 3. The Shinglemill Pub & Bistro Publisher’s Note: You can’t beat the fish and chips from these favourites — the Boardwalk is always worth the trip — but if you’re looking for volume, you don’t have to go far — the slab of fish served at the Town Centre Hotel is tasty — and huge!

Best Burger 1. A&W Powell River 2. Monks on Marine 3. Coastal Cookery Editor’s Note: What is a “best” burger? The burgers served at the three restaurants above are all excellent, I can attest. But the best burger, IMHO, is the one that best matches your mood. Publisher’s Note: Exactly. Some days a quick and delicious Teen Burger is just what’s needed. Other days, you want to commit to a Big Boy at Monks.

Best Buffet 1. Royal Zayka 2. Old Man Pho 3. Forest Bistro

Best Dessert 1. The Shinglemill Pub & Bistro 2. Costa Del Sol 3. Wild Scoop

Best Brunch 1. Magpie’s Diner 2. Julie’s Airport Cafe 3. The Shinglemill Pub & Bistro

Best Vegetarian or Vegan 1. River City Coffee Roasters, Bakery & Eatery 2. Royal Zayka Restaurant & Bar 3. Just Soul Food

Best Food Truck or Booth 1. Just Frys 2. Dump Run Provisions 3. The Bean Buggy Editor’s Note: Just Frys has just opened a second truck; the original is spending most of the summer at the Seawalk near the Marina. The other will be going to festivals. The Bean Buggy, meanwhile,

is for sale. Erika Espinosa launched this business two decades ago to serve Vancouver’s film industry. She brought it up here four years ago to slow down a little.

Best Bar 1. Cran Bar 2. Wildwood Public House 3. Townsite Brewing Editor’s Notes: Huzzah for this region’s walkable neighbourhood watering holes.

Best Meal under $10 1. Shin’s Convenience 2. A&W 3. Seoul Sushi Best Answers: Baloney and bologna; Brooks Cafeteria; Quality Foods Salad Bar; Snack Attack Shack (alas, this locally owned mall gem closed this spring). Editor’s Notes: Every year, skeptics dominate this category. “Doesn’t exist” is the most common answer. Cheap eats is actually something we do pretty well here. But they are some of our best kept secrets.

Best Free Food 1. Blackberries 2. United Church Monday Night Spaghetti Dinner 3. Mom & Dad’s

WESTERLY

ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW ALWAYS WORTH THE VISIT 2026 - the 11 th ANNUAL

AS CHOSEN BY THE READERS OF QATHET LIVING

“My favourite shop”

SO MANY OPTIONS: Left, Jude Strachan, meat maker at Brut Charcuterie, hoists some fine work. Brut won third Best Thing to Take Camping. Above, bags of salad greens from Terra Nostra solve dinner dilemmas for $8. Garlic scapes, these are from Blueberry Commons, require some imagination.

Best BC Ferries Food 1. Fries / Poutine 2. Oatmeal 3. Breakfast

Best Farm Fresh Food Item 1. Eggs 2. Salad Mix 3. Sausage / pepperoni

Best Booth at the Farmers’ Market 1. Cottage Creek Bake Shop 2. Andtbaka Farm 3. Terra Nostra Farm

Best Grocery Store Atmosphere 1. Quality Foods 2. FreshCo 3. Mitchell Brothers

Best Overall Price on Groceries 1. FreshCo 2. Jinky’s No Frills 3. Save-On-Foods

Best Produce 1. Save-On-Foods 2. Farmers’ Market 3. Mitchell Brothers

SHOP LOCAL GIFTS • LIFESTYLE HOME • BEAUTY JEWELERY • INTIMAT A ES AT INTIMATES

Best Butcher 1. Chopping Block 2. Mitchell Brothers 3. Andtbaka Farm

Best Bakery / Bread

FIND US: 4670 MARINE AVE

FB / INSTAGRAM @westerlystudioshop

1. Hearth & Grain Heritage Breads 2. 32 Lakes Cafe & Bakery 3. Nancy’s Bakery

Best Small / Specialty Food Store 1. Sunny Deli 2. Golden Gate Variety Store 3. Townsite Fruit & Veg

Best Convenience Store 1. Shin’s Convenience 2. 7-11 3. Tla’amin Convenience

Best Liquor Store 1. BC Government 2. Capones 3. Duke’s

Best Foraged Food 1. Blackberries 2. Chanterelles 3. Nettles

René Babin CFP® Financial Advisor In 2017, René Babin and Leslie Eckland joined Raymond James with over 40 years of combined experience within the financial services industry. We are devoted to helping clients make informed financial decisions at all stages of life, achieve personalized solutions, and navigate specific challenges to reach their financial destinations.

Leslie Eckland

Jeff Eckland

PFP® Financial Advisor

CFP® Registered Representative

Thank you for voting for us! 2026 - the 11 th ANNUAL

AS CHOSEN BY THE READERS OF QATHET LIVING

We’re proud of our: • Investment Management • Retirement Planning • Tax Planning • Estate Planning

Unit D - 4670 Marine Powell River, BC, CA V8A 2L1 T: 604.489.9797 | F: 604.489.9867 Raymond James Ltd., Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

qathet Living • July 2026 • 13

Vacationers & Staycationers

#1 Best Butcher

11 years in a row

Best Souvenir 1. Pollen Sweater 2. Shells / Rocks / Sea Glass 3. Thick Decal

2026 - the 11 th ANNUAL

Best Patio AS CHOSEN BY THE READERS OF QATHET LIVING

Plan your best-ever summer cook-outs here Store-made smokies made with local meat (including glutenand nitrate-free options) Fresh & ethical meat and fish Delectable sauces and rubs Locally-grown produce Treats to share

Thanks, qathet! #1 Best Butcher #2 Best local product to take Camping - CB Smokies

1. Seasider Bistro 2. The Shinglemill Pub & Bistro 3. Costa Del Sol

Best Hotel / B&B 1. Old Courthouse Inn 2. Beach Gardens Resort & Marina 3. Beyond Bliss Suites

Best Campground 1. Haywire Bay 2. Willingdon Beach 3. Kent’s Beach

Best Local Product to Take Camping 1. Townsite Beer 2. Chopping Block Smokies 3. Brut Charcuterie Editor’s note: I appreciate how there’s no consideration for weight, here. Like, no one is hut-to-hutting with a backpack full of Zunga. This list is giving car camping.

Best Trail for Day Hiking 1. Valentine Mountain 2. Hurtado Loop 3. Scout Mountain

Best Thing to Do with Visiting Kids 1. Beach / Willingdon 2. Putters 3. Hiking

Best thing to Do with Visiting Dogs Editor’s note: Nearly every answer was Beach or Hike. Minus Putters, the same as kids.

4741 Marine Avenue

14 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

604 485-4838

Best Local Bird 1. Eagle

2. Hummingbird 3. Raven

Best Local Plant or Tree 1. Arbutus 2. Dogwood 3. Western Red Cedar

Best Local Fish 1. Coho Salmon 2. Cutthroat Trout 3. Lingcod

Best Thing You Brag About to Out-of-Towners 1. Sunsets 2. Community 3. No Traffic

Best Thing About Living Inside the City Limits 1. Close to everything 2. Water / Sewer / Garbage 3. Walking

Best Thing About Living Outside the City Limits 1. No By-Laws / Freedom / Fires 2. Lower Taxes 3. Quiet

Best Reason to Move Here 1. Access to Nature 2. Slower pace / The Lifestyle 3. Community Editor’s note: Out-of-towners sometimes don’t get “The Lifestyle”. Sometimes they think it’s West Coast 420-fuelled chillax culture. Please. The lifestyle is about values. We’re all more than our jobs here. Family, activism, sports, friendships, spirituality, love, DIY and repairs, off-grid, slow food: all of this takes time and energy and passion to maintain. “The Lifestyle” is all about finding energy for what matters most.

Best Reason to Stay Away 1. BC Ferries 2. Gas Prices 3. Community friction

arly childhood experiences of injustice woke something up in me that hasn’t quieted since. My first experience in collective action was in the mid-90s as a student leader. I led advocacy that froze tuition fees in BC for several years. That thread runs straight to now, through my volunteer work as a founding board member of the qathet Coalition to End Homelessness and president of qathet Community Voices; also through my professional work in BC and Alberta recommending community-driven, equitable policies for housing and climate action at the local government level and helping nonprofits decolonize their practices.

Ari Dublion

he thing I’m most proud of is qathet Community Radio Society/CJMP 90.1fm. As this magazine has recently celebrated, myself and a small group of dedicated radio lovers and DJs saved a radio license and built up a station and community that exists as an alternative (like qL) to mainstream media. I was quite active in the fight to legalize cannabis and am still in the fight today to widen access to medical cannabis. Let’s face it though, I was voted for this honour because of Facebook, so advocacy is maybe a better word than activism. What I try to do is cut through the BS and debunk the myths about the people I’m advocating for, the rest is expressing an inclusive ideology with the hope that a few people

ing? instead of describing what is happening. Looking to see who is most negatively impacted and made most vulnerable and ask them what they need. Also to have an abundance mindset: everyone has gifts and what we pay attention to grows.

What gives you hope

How to make change

Real change requires working at the root level, not the symptom level, so not responding to urgency with urgency, but pausing to ask: why is this happen-

will be moved, or feel seen.

How to make change

Organizing is best in very small affinity and mutual aid groups, in chat groups and offline. Socializing and dancing with the people you are organizing with is also very important to

People

Best All-Around Human Julie Darveau (See page 17)

Best Politician 1. MP Aaron Gunn 2. City Councillor Trina Isakson 3. MLA Randene Neill

Best Advocate / Artist 1. Lisa Moffatt 2. Ari Dublion 3. Kyle Corrigan

Best Power Couple

What gives you hope?

Kyle Corrigan

ocally I organize with qathet For Peace, a group that grew organically out of consistent solidarity vigils for Palestine/ Lebanon over the past few years. We help organize actions, fundraisers & film screenings, link our efforts to broader campaigns, and speak out against growing Canadian militarism. I also advocate for fellow workers as a BCGEU shop steward and member of my union local’s executive, and engage with the broader labour movement in Canada through the Labour 4 Palestine network.

The people right here who show up in kind ways, who keep choosing each other even when it’s hard, who can have the difficult conversations and keep talking. The over 130 unique volunteers who supported the meal train for the Coalition. That those people chose to act in ways that are kind, not loud.

build relationships, but also it’s just hella fun.

Painting by Mark Serlo

Lisa Moffatt

For every gadfly shouting at City Hall there are 30 people outside supporting the ongoing reconciliation efforts. For every aggrieved terminally online reprobate there are 20 people out there doing mutual aid, like the 100+ volunteers active with qathet Coalition to End Homelessness. I’m also very proud of the increased visibility of qathet Pride and Trans qathet and all the young people that feel pretty safe expressing themselves after so many years of struggle. Finally, it’s offline events like Talks & Tides that seem to be inspiring an emerging offline network of people who are doing more than just dreaming of a better world; they’re helping to make it.

Editor’s Note: This category didn’t result in a win. Very few people voted in this one. We have a theory about why: power couples often self-destruct. A couple can withstand one very ambitious person, but when there’s two, watch out. Especially here in Lotusland. Tell us we’re wrong: editor@qathetliving.ca.

Best Fashionista of Any Gender 1. Rowwie McKeown 2. Janette Merrick 3. Star Sayer

Best Beard 1. Alejandro Morandez 2. Charlie Latimer 3. Alfred Bolster

What gives you hope?

How to make change

Still learning how to do that, and thankfully there are plenty of rad folks here to learn from. Something that’s been coming up recently: We don’t need to agree on everything to act on shared values.

Reading people’s history. Everyday humans doing cool shit to support each other and push back against oppression. All empires fall. This economic system cracking isn’t just a crisis, it’s an opening to rebuild with community care. Seeing myself as one wave in a continuous tide of solidarity reminds me I’m not alone. And when you see even small local actions ripple outward to make an impact, you just want to do more. I feel hope every time someone honks, waves, or stops to give thanks!

Painting by Prashant Miranda

Charlie Latimer • #2 Best Beard When did you first grow a beard? It’s all myth, legend, and hearsay at this point. What is it about your style of beard that you like? Had to get an outside perspective: Because it’s scratchy & funny - Meroë (age 3) What’s the best thing about having a beard? It’s completely unintentional, and mostly just happens by not shaving for 3-5 months at a time.

qathet Living • July 2026 • 15

Home is where the Best is

Best Financial Institution 1. First Credit Union 2. Royal Bank 3. Scotia Bank

Best Financial Advisor 1. Raymond James 2. Verecan 3. Investors Group — Toban De Rooy

Best Gas Station 1. Columbia Fuels 2. Chevron 3. Tla’amin Convenience

Best Pharmacy 1. FreshCo 2. Save-On-Foods 3. Rexall Pharmacy

Best Seeds

1. Hanson Land & Sea 2. Kinley Construction 3. Blake Lewis Construction

Best Realtor

1. Mother Nature 2. Springtime 3. Seedy Saturday

1. Neil Frost (Royal LePage) 2. Sunny Dawn (2% Realty) 3. Dustin Villeneuve (460)

Best Tool / Equipment Store

Best Landscaping 1. Coast Garden & Construction 2. Beartooth Excavating 3. River City Mini Excavating

1. RONA Powell River 2. Valley Building Supplies 3. Kindred Rebuild Editor’s note: All three are independently-owned. How many communities can say that about their top building supply companies?

Best New Build

Best Builder

Best Mechanic 1. Tin Hat Services 2. Dox Auto Tech 3. Big O Tires

1. Uptown / EVO 2. PRISMA Arts Hub 3. Tin Hat Shop

Best Electrician 1. Harwood Electric 2. Foxtrot Electrical Solutions 3. Irvine Electric

Best Plumbing 1. Honest Plumbing 2. Bryce Plumbing 3. Island View Mechanical

Best HVAC 1. Tempco 2. Cool Comfort HVAC & Refrigeration 3. Too Cool Refrigeration

Summer is for making memories Spend quiet times together with games, puzzles, books & movies

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16 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

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Best All-Around Human Julie Darveau

ulie is, of course, the “Julie” behind Julie’s Airport Cafe. Up at 5 am, seven days a week currently because staff are away, she has owned this diner since 2010. You probably know her as the friendly character working the room; she has been a waitress since her mid-teens and a bartender since 19, at the Lund Pub, the Inn at Westview, Kane’s Sports Bistro (where she went through breast cancer), and finally, she bought the land and built this business. “I just love the customers,” she said. “Customers are my thing. I like to be around people. And I was born and raised here, so I know just about everyone.” She also loves the many kids who come in, know exactly where the toybox is, and how to get a lollipop when they leave. Julie is also a Platinum Sponsor of Powell River Logger Sports — feeding the carving competitors every morning they’re here. She comes from a logging family: her father, husband, and brother. She also sponsors minor hockey, golf tournaments, soccer, baseball and more. Her husband is her rock, she says. So is her longtime staff, especially Terri Schofield, Maly Phanphouvong, Tamara Jones, and Shauna Renard.

qathet Living • July 2026 • 17

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3 18 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

Wild life BY MARK MERLINO

he theme of the photo competition this year was local wildlife. The Library has been running an annual photo competition for more than ten years and it is open to submissions from local residents. There were submissions for about fifty different local photographers with beautiful

1. Kaela George - Barred Owl (winner) 2. Jesse Masci - Hummingbird Nest 3. Martin Tollas - Otter at the Mill Log Pond 4. Lois Bridger - Hummingbird 5. Mary Macdonald - Black Bear 6. Carl Anderson - Cooper’s Hawk 7. Steven Grover - Dolphin Sunset 8. Mara Johnson-Groh - Honey Bee 9. Linda Stephens - Eagles 10. Niels Voss - Heron 11. Michelle Pennell - Pacific White Sided Dolphin 12. John Hollo - Deer and Daisies on Texada

8 9

shots of all sorts of wildlife, from land animals, sea life, birds and insects. The Library will publish a video with all of the submissions on its YouTube channel. Twelve finalists and the winning photo will be included in a 2027 calendar that the Friends of the Library will be offering for sale.

12 qathet Living • July 2026 • 19

MLA RANDENE NEILL

Four Provincial things MLA Randene Neill is celebrating

BC Ferries is getting better qL • It’s summer. Leaving town on BC Ferries has become increasingly unpredictable due to crowding and mechanical issues, and the new reservation system. What can you tell us that might give us hope that this system will be better — more predictable, more efficient — in the future? Randene • Demand on Route 17 has grown significantly, with traffic up 25% and advance bookings increasing by more than 300% in recent years. That growth has outpaced terminal capacity and contributed to congestion and unpredictability, particularly during peak travel periods. It’s important to note that last season this route saw a 60% increase in sailing waits. The changes being introduced this season are designed specifically to address those pressures and improve reliability going forward. First, there are physical improvements at Little River terminal, including expanded holding space and a new staging lane. This will allow more vehicles to be processed within the terminal itself, reducing lineup spillover and helping sailings load more consistently and efficiently. Second, the shift to a higher level of reservable space, which is up to 85% on select sailings will give far more

Do you have a question for your MLA or MP? This is a new page that will run in qL every month. In August, MP Aaron Gunn will answer your questions and share some news. Then in September, MLA Randene Neill will do the same, again. And so on. Send your questions for Aaron to editor@qathetliving.ca by June 30.

WHAT’S IN THE BUCKET?: That’s the traditional ‘one that got away’ during the last session of adipose fin coho clipping. A huge thanks to Jacob Melville from DFO along with Shane Dobler, Terry Peters, and all the incredible volunteers at the Powell River Salmon Society who helped clip the adipose fins from more than 280,000 coho fry before their release back into Lang Creek in the qathet Regional District. travellers, especially our medical travel residents, the ability to secure a spot in advance. That added certainty is key to reducing unpredictability. At the same time, driveup space is being maintained on every sailing to preserve flexibility. Third, BC Ferries is significantly expanding lower-cost Saver fares and introducing tools like booking alerts and waitlists, which are already being used by thousands of customers on this route. These tools make it easier to plan ahead or adjust when plans change. Two additional later-afternoon shoulder season sailings will improve sailings during high-demand periods to the Horseshoe Bay – Langdale route (Route 3). This is in addition to the 120 additional sailings from mid-May to late June and September to mid-October where demand has historically exceeded available space. Taken together, these changes are intended to smooth out demand, reduce congestion at terminals, and ensure more people can travel when they need to; whether for daily needs, medical appointments, or summer trips. While no system is perfect, these steps are aimed at making travel more predictable, more efficient, and more affordable over time.

qathet Region Community Office 604 485 1249 #109 – 4675 Marine Open Monday to Friday 10-3 Randene.Neill. MLA@leg.bc.ca

1. The Shelter. It was a relief to see the opening of the 40-bed Driftwood Shelter. This was possible through a $4.6 million grant from B.C. Housing. This new temporary shelter will ensure everyone, particularly our most vulnerable residents, have a safe, dry place to stay, as well as access to basic supports to help them to the next steps of their journey. 2. Watershed Restoration. The government of BC and Tla’amin Nation signed a memorandum of understanding in April, almost a decade to the day the Tla’amin Treaty came into effect. This MOU will further work agreed to 10 years ago, including through my ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. It prioritizes watershed and resource restoration, as well as protections of cultural sites. This MOU will increase environmental stewardship that benefits everyone in our region and our province. 3. Pharmacare. B.C. has launched the National Pharmacare Plan, providing 100% coverage for diabetes medications and menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). As of March 1, 2026, nearly 570,000 British Columbians living with diabetes and approximately 160,000 people experiencing menopausal symptoms will have access to these medications at no cost. This expansion builds on the province’s ongoing commitment to making healthcare more accessible, following B.C.’s leadership as the first jurisdiction in Canada to provide free prescription birth control. 4. Family Law Resolution. Powell River joins Sechelt in bringing better access to justice for families under Provincial Court Family Rules. This early resolution process helps people get information and support sooner as well as resolve issues out of court by using mediation instead of long court battles. The expansion will cover family matters like parenting, child and spousal support, guardianship, and more.

How We Can Help: • Income Assistance • Child Protection • Workers Rights • Health & Education • Schedule a Meeting with Randene

We acknowledge that we are living and working on the traditional lands of the Tla’amin, Klahoose, shíshálh, Sḵwxḵwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), Homalco, and the Wei Wai Kum/Kwiakah Nations who have lived here since time immemorial.

20 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

Summer Tunes & Books

Twice a year, in July and December, qL rounds up all locally-written books and music in a special section. This represents what’s been produced since January.

Sophia Sanford • Violet Gave Willingly: Remixes Vol. 1 About the album • My sister made a documentary about my mother, and I made the soundtrack. That album has become a remix series and teaching tool for all women, femmes, BIPOC and other marginalized folks to engage with electronic music creation and gain experience through the music release process and build their community of femme collaborators and professionals. About Sophia • I am an artist who produces and releases music & music

videos and runs Noise Machine, my residency space, music studio and a brand new label. We aim to support artists and audiences in connecting with sound in nature. Where to Buy • It’s a minimum of $9 on Bandcamp, but the real ones pay in double digits (sanfordsanford.bandcamp.com). This is the only place to engage with the album in a way that benefits artists. Streaming is free. Donate at info@noisemachine.studio

John Wright, Ford Pier, Byron Slack, Kristy Lee Audette, Colin MacRae, & Selina Martin Dead Bob: Nothing Changes Everything About the album • Arriving exactly three years after the release of their debut record Life Like, and brings bigger sound and depth than ever before. Spanning eight tracks across 35 minutes, Nothing Changes Everything draws from both archival and recent material written by Wright over many years, including two of the final songs demoed for NoMeansNo with brother

Rob Wright. About the Musicians • Dead Bob is the current musical project of John Wright, known for his work with influential Canadian punk pioneers NoMeansNo and Hanson Brothers. The release launches alongside a major 2026 touring schedule in Europe and North America. Where to Buy • Full Bug Records at Townsite Market, $30.

Pigment Vehicle Murder’s Only Foreplay When You’re Hot For Revenge About the album • Victoria prog punk band Pigment Vehicle is re-releasing its final album, on vinyl, this summer. The remastered Murder’s Only Foreplay (1996) represents a culmination of decades of twisted arrangements, sonic experimentation, and balls to the walls energy. With refreshed artwork, it’s a twelve song vinyl, with a two song, seven inch

accompaniment. About the Band • Started by Jason Bonneau and Colin MacRae in 1990, the band added Craig Vishek and Tolan McNeil. They released five albums over the next six years. Colin is now back on bass with John Wright of NOMEANSNO, in his new project, Dead Bob (see above). Where to Buy • Full Bug Records at Townsite Market.

qathet Living • July 2026 • 21

Prashant Miranda and Ron Bignell Just for the Halibut About the book • Just for the Halibut is a whimsical look into the crazy part of the world we live in: Lund. This lighthearted local tabloid brings comic relief through watercolour paintings and humorous insights illustrating life as we see it. About the authors • Ron Bignell and Prashant Miranda met in kla’amen Lund 7 years ago through a shared passion of documenting life through paintings, comic illustrations, beer and red wine! Where to Buy • In select local newsstands only. 10 bucks for the rich folks, 5 bucks if you’re lucky.

Ron Olsen My Powell River: Growing Up in a Mill Town

Anna Byrne The Last Caravan: The Power of Community at the End of Life

About the Book • My book, My Powell River, Growing Up In A Mill Town, focuses on life in the townsite through the 1950’s and ‘60’s. It shares memories of why Powell River was the perfect town in which to grow up and what an incredible time that was. About the Author • I grew up in Powell River and spent the greater part of my youth there. I eventually ended up in teaching and administration in Penticton. Since retirement, my wife and I spend four months a year in Mexico, where my Spanish lies somewhere between being fluent and effluent. Where to Buy • Locally at Pocket Books or online at Friesen Press ($16.99), Indigo Books ($27.49), Barnes and Noble ($16.47), and on Amazon Books (Kindle Version $6.84 and Paperback $34.54)

About the Book • Facing terminal cancer, qathet resident Mary Morgan invites friends to become her “dying team”. Over 16 months, until her death with MAiD, they provide practical care, ceremony, and companionship, including building a casket, holding a home vigil, and arranging a green burial—demonstrating a community-centred approach to deathcare. About the Author • Anna is Client and Volunteer Manager at Four Tides Hospice, an end-of-life educator, and co-founder of Community-Supported Dying qathet, an initiative that equips communities to care for people who are aging, dying or grieving. Her memoir, Seven Year Summer, was a finalist for the Whistler Independent Book Awards. annambyrne.com Where to Buy • Pocket Books on Marine, $26.

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We have Townsite Brewing favourites on tap, and a completely gluten-free menu (except for the buns.)

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Our crispy house-made chips paired with fresh fish has earned the title of Best Fish & Chips in qathet for 11 years in a row! OPEN DAILY noon-8. Closed Wednesdays.

22 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

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Susan Hocken-Attwell Thumbelina Gets Lost: Adventures in Powell River About the Book • Follow Susie, Shannon, and Paul as they explore the forest just across the street searching for Susie’s favourite book about Thumbelina. Is it lost in the forest forever? Pick it up and find out. Ideal for readers 6–9 and adults who love to reminisce about exploring in forests. About the Author • Susan Hocken-Attwell was born in beautiful Powell River and lived there during her early childhood. The vivid memories of an idyllic childhood stayed with her in both heart and soul. Presently, she is a school counsellor in Winnipeg. Mike Schoofs is an artist and retired teacher, who also lives in Winnipeg. Where to Buy • Pocketbooks, $8.99.

Sheila Peters driftwood / Driftwood About the book • driftwood/Driftwood is Sheila’s eighth book, her third of poetry. A close examination of the forces of the natural world, it explores how the ideas of home and family are tied to landscape and loss. Printed by Patricia Letterpress, the book is hand-stitched and bound. About the Author • After 40 years living and writing beside her beloved Driftwood Creek in the mountains near Smithers, Sheila now lives in her old family home on the shores of Malaspina Strait; the ocean and its shifting intensities have drawn her into new explorations of language and landscape. Where to Buy • Pocket Books or from the author at sheilapeters.com: $20.

Sara Donnelly Seagoing Women at Work About the Book • Through vivid first-person accounts and a wealth of images, journalist and mariner Sara Donnelly creates captivating portraits of thirty-three women who have built remarkable careers on the water, as everything from tugboat operators and commercial fishers to naval architects and whale researchers. About the Author • Over a two-decade career as a journalist and writer, Sara Donnelly has also worked search and rescue with the Canadian Coast Guard, commercial-fished on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island, and served as a quartermaster on ferries. Her family has deep roots in marine industries, with generations of fishers, pilots, and engineers.

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qathet Living • July 2026 • 23

BY DAVID BRINDLE

How we fought the absolutely

wild Okeover fire & what it revealed about our future 24 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

In the early morning hours, on May 22, 2026, a wildfire broke out on Crowther Road, on Okeover Inlet, approximately seven kilometers north of Lund. What happened over four days tells us a lot about the nature of wildfire here — and how we’re able to respond to it. The fire was human-caused, as are 40% of all fires in BC. Once lit, it quickly engulfed the house, vehicles and out-buildings on the property, and spread to the surrounding bush. The Northside Volunteer Fire Department received the 911 call at 4:03 am and, at lightning speed, were on the scene by 4:20 am. The Incident Commander, Lieutenant Paul Shuley, quickly made an assessment: the risk to structures on other acreages in close proximity, the surrounding bush, heavily wooded Malaspina Peninsula forest, and his volunteer crew. “We’re well aware that we’ve got some pretty challenging places in our area and this is the first time we’ve had something happen in one of those sites,” said Northside’s Fire Chief Yves Perrault, who relieved Paul upon his arrival at the incident. When Yves determined his crew were going to be there for quite some time and would require additional resources, he triggered the Mutual Aid Agreement — essentially a call-to-arms for the emergency services of the three regional governments: the qRD, the City of Powell River, and the Tla’amin Nation.

Wildfire Resilience at Home Learn practical, actionable strategies to reduce your home’s vulnerability and manage wildfire risks right here in our region. This session will be led by qRD FireSmart Coordinator Noel Poulin. For more details, contact Mark at mmerlino@prpl.ca. Thursday, July 23, 10:30 am to noon, at the Library. That was the critical factor in stopping the fire from wrapping around the peninsula and keeping it contained to two hectares. Tla’amin Fire Department came first, then the Malaspina Volunteer Fire Department, “We kept Powell River in reserve,” said Yves, but Powell River Fire Rescue Chief Martin Drakeley drove the department’s specialized Structure Protection Unit to the site himself to safeguard surrounding homes and structures. A BC Wildfire Attack Crew was there by 1 pm and installed a sprinkler line. “The next day the crew went back, attacked and held the north side towards Penrose Bay. We also supplied air support by helicopter bucketing water out of Okeover inlet,” said Gregory Blais, an Attack Crew Supervisor for the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) at its Powell River base. Yves said, “BC Wildfire helped us get this fire under control, we could not have done it without them.” It was a massive attack. Five separate emergency response agencies, working in tandem, fought day and night to hold the out of control fire and finally

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THE MOST WATER EVER USED FIGHTING A NORTH OF TOWN WILDFIRE: Left, the BC Wildfire Service crew stationed at Powell River: James Reed, Austyn Leach, Jeff Harrison, Matt Hewitt. Gregory Blais, Odin Petersen, Jake Hollinshead, Andrew Krowitz, and Peter Milner. Above, the May 22 fire on Crowther Roat, at Okeover Inlet. It took five agencies four days to put it out — and the area is still at risk. Photos courtesy of the BC WIldfire Service brought it to bay four days later. On May 25, the BCWS designated it as being held. The Northside crew worked the site until June 2. It is now classified as out, but the area remains at risk. In total there were 20 firefighters and 10 apparatus used — trucks, engines, and rescue. And thousands, upon thousands of gallons of water. On the first day, the fire stretched the available water supply — a pproximately 387,000 litres (100,000 gallons). It was the most water ever used by the Northside Volunteer Fire Department. Tla’amin stepped up to aid. Under their sovereign treaty rights the Nation can tap into water from the Tla’amin lake and river systems. Opening up this system allowed water tenders to bypass restricted municipal lines and use Tla’amin hydrants as a high-speed, inexhaustible filling station, significantly cutting down turnaround times to the fire line. BCWS entered the supply chain, using a helicopter to bucket water from Okeover Inlet. “It was just incredible,” said Yves. “The most we’ve ever used before is 40,000 gallons. We used up what we had, but we were never in a situa-

tion where we were really panicking, thanks to Tla’amin and the BCWS.” It’s dry and it’s going to get drier,” he said. “We were very, very lucky on Crowther because there was no wind. Who knows what would have happened six weeks from now.” The Crowther fire is almost textbook, highlighting the human cause, the speed of response, the training of volunteer fire departments, the success of the Mutual Aid Agreement, the vulnerable nature of our forests, the impacts of climate change and human encroachment, and the challenges of topography, water supply, and emergency preparedness. All fires need three things to exist: ignition, fuel, and oxygen. Without any one, there is no fire. It is Grade 10 science. The first element is something everyone should know by now, given that Smokey the Bear has been saying “Only you can prevent forest fires” since 1944. Yet, it seems some people — “rules don’t apply to me” people — still haven’t learned the lesson. Human-caused ignition comes in many forms: an ember from a campfire, a cigarette tossed out of a car window,

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a spark from a dirt bike on the pole line, a flake from a backyard wiener roast, or intentionally. Once ignited, a fire needs fuel. Dry grass is the most volatile, but pine needles, twigs, dry leaves, dead lower tree limbs, lichens, and brush can all go up like a matchstick in the right conditions. “The biggest thing for us is what’s on the ground,” said the qRD’s Emergency Preparedness General Manager, Ryan Thoms. “How much fuel is on the ground that’s available to burn? That really depends on where that fire has happened.” Fires in the qRD often hang on the edge. People like to build houses with forest as their backyard or perched on a cliff. “There’s a lot of steep slope, and on the most challenging fires where we have slope issues it’s just that much harder to get to fires and that’s much more dangerous. They’re on the edge of very steep terrain and our biggest concern is always, first and foremost, the safety of our firefighters on steep slopes, with rolling rocks and falling trees,” said Ryan. BCWS’ Gregory agrees. “We have really big trees. Sometimes those trees are dead, they might be broken and that makes them a hazard for the crews. We have to remove them because that can be a challenge. “A lot of our role is in prevention. We go in there, we thin out the forest, and burn some of the material. We focus on the understory and keeping those larger trees. “As an attack crew, we’re usually the first ones on scene more often than not and if there is a fire we’re the first ones to start making a plan and all of the resources we’ll need. One of the big issues in this zone is access. How are we going to get our people, gear, and machinery to the fire?” In his first year with the BCWS in 2015, Gregory realized he might be in trouble fighting a fire near Squamish. “We were attacking it from the top of a cliff, but by mid-afternoon, the fire picked up and started spotting below us. That’s when I learned how

fast a wildfire can move. “Just as a couple of trees candled around us with an intense, unforgettable roar, an experienced crew member and I booked it to the safety zone [“candling” happens when a ground fire climbs low branches into the treetops, igniting the canopy in a sudden pillar of flame. It is a critical warning sign that a manageable surface fire is transitioning into a dangerous crown fire, which can leap independently from treetop to treetop]. “I arrived out of breath and a bit shaken, but our crew leader looked completely chill—almost amused by my panic. Seeing that she was pretty chill taught me one of my biggest lessons: always keep your cool.” It’s going to be anything but cool this summer. In June, the BC Government issued a media release forecasting an elevated risk of wildfire and drought in parts of BC this summer. One of those parts is the qRD. Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness said, “Climate change is rewriting what we consider normal in BC, with warmer, drier conditions increasing the risk of wildfire and drought.” “In some places, yes,” said Thoms. “One of the things on the coast is the size of our natural forest. Big coastal trees 100 feet tall or more, and closed in, do a lot to build a resiliency by not letting sunlight down to the ground. “Fires start on the ground. Conditions have changed over the years. Newer second and third growth trees don’t provide the shade necessary to keep the forest floor spongy because of climate change and human encroachment.” The 2024 qRD Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan outlines a comprehensive framework to evaluate and reduce wildfire risk across the qRD. It is, in part, an action plan built around FireSmart Canada principles, focusing on keeping people and buildings safe by clearing away brush and overgrown wood nearby, teaching the public the

provide a thorough, in-depth, property and structure specific mitigation assessment of homes, community assets and critical infrastructure,” said Noel Poulin, FireSmart Coordinator for the qRD. “The most common denominator is that homes typically do not have a 0-1.5m area surrounding the home and decks of non-combustible material.” Noel has seen an increase in assessments over the last month as the weather has been warming up early this year as has the fire risk. “It’s up to the homeowner to take any actions the assessment identifies and as an incentive the qRD has an incentive program that provides funding to the homeowner for works completed that were identified in the assessment. The current incentive is up to $1,000 increasing to $2,000 in mid July of this year which covers 50% of the works completed.”

KEEPING COOL: BCWS Powell River attack crew supervisor Gregory Blais, with his dog Cashew. actual facts about fire risks, and making properties less likely to catch fire. If anything, the Crowther fire exposed the most critical link in the chain: people. “People can close their eyes and visualize their backyard or the neighbourhood around them and how much stuff that you could call kindling, the human stuff. That’s the big part we’re threatened by,” said the qRD’s Ryan. It’s not so much that the authorities are not prepared, it’s the fact that too many of us do not understand the program’s principles. Although FireSmart did not become formal until 2015, there was a memorable collaboration between agencies. In 2004, The BCWS and Powell River Fire Rescue were successful in putting out a fire at Mowat Bay. It caused a temporary evacuation of some nearby homes, but ultimately none were damaged. “FireSmart’s ultimate purpose is to

The days of relying on a wet, natural canopy shield are over. Today, local wildfire defense comes down to a few basic principles: Human activity is providing the initial heat source right where it does the most damage — where neighbourhoods, or just one house in Okeover, meet a dried out forest and a highly volatile fuel bed. Steep slopes act as natural accelerators allowing fires to spread twice as fast while creating dangerous hazards. Survival relies on regional infrastructure, the Mutual Aid Agreement, and a high-capacity water network. A home’s survival is up to the homeowner removing all kindling within the critical 0 to 1.5-meter FireSmart zone. When you put all of these pieces together, you get a clear, undeniable conclusion: The qathet region has officially transitioned out of its historical green shield era. Coastal rainforests were historically protected by a natural, moisture-rich canopy shield. Today, the intersection of changing climate baselines and human behaviour has rewritten the rules of engagement.

Did you know that Marine Avenue boasts well over 50 small businesses? Take a stroll along Powell River’s spectacular waterfront and shopping area . Coffee • Food • Art • Books • Gifts • Soap • Tea • Candy • Games • Go u rmet Treats Art Supplies • Mini Golf • Cloth ing • Ice Cream • Scuba • Cafes & Much Much More! P l ease Su p po rt L o ca l B us i n esses ! Follow Powell River Marine Stroll on Facebook

26 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

Solarize w tisk at Taking back power, one solar panel at a time

BY CHARLES LATIMER

his summer, one of the oldest buildings in tiskʷat is getting an important update. The Patricia Theatre will be getting a free 24 kilowatt solar energy system installed on its roof in August and will start producing clean electricity that, when not used for projecting movies, will be sent back on the grid. The solar energy system is being designed and installed by VREC Solar, a worker cooperative, as part of their community-owned energy project called SolShare. Over the last few years, the qathet Film Society, which owns the Patricia, has worked steadily towards preserving, restoring, and updating the near 100-year-old building. Maintaining a heritage build-

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qathet Living • July 2026 • 27

ing while also striving to update it is a delicate balance, but the Society is successfully doing both. For proof, you need only look to the beautifully restored interior murals and the exterior canopy. Patrons are also sitting more comfortably in the new seats and heatpump regulated space. The value placed on both legacy and innovation in the Society’s care of this historic theatre is an inspiration for other issues in our region, as it demonstrates that it is indeed possible to let go of some things without losing our identity.

Film • Power Station On July 29th, at 7 pm, Cinema Politica qathet and the qathet film society will host Robert Baxer from SolShare at the PatriciaTheatre to speak after the Canadian Premier of the U.K. documentary “Power Station”. Entry by donation! Learn more about Solshare here: solshare.ca

Free solar? SolShare follows the model of similar projects in Europe. The concept is relatively simple: by allowing local individuals to become community investors and pooling their resources, VREC can install solar energy systems at no cost to the building owners—and sell the power it produces. According to VREC’s calculations, the photovoltaic system that converts sunlight into electricity will save money for the theatre and make money for community investors who purchase shares in the project. A win for the climate, a win for the non-profit theatre and a win for the local economy.

A story of power in tiskwat Power—both the electric and political kind—has been at the centre of extraction and injustice ever since settlers arrived in the region and dammed the tiskʷat river. The electricity generated by the hydroelectric dam on the “Powell” river supercharged the logging industry and created wealth for those closely associated with it. Of course, not everyone benefited from this new source of power, and the negative impacts from the rapid industrialization of the area were also distributed unevenly. The displacement of Tla’amin people and the damage to surrounding ecosystems continue to be keenly felt today. The recent controversy regarding Powell River Energy Inc’s application for a 30-year license to export license the power produced in tiskʷat eerily mirrors the past by prioritizing benefits to faraway investors over the wishes of local residents. Seeing history repeat itself, it becomes clear that this is not an unfortunate side-effect, but rather a systemic feature in how large energy projects are developed and implemented in this country.

28 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

Watch the trailer for Power Station here: www.power.film

Small is beautiful Community-owned solar is a breath of fresh air for qathet and a step towards a fairer energy future. And we’ve never needed it more. The current geopolitical moment has sparked a “goldrush” for massive energy projects across Canada, including BC. Some projects are back from the dead, like a northern oil sands pipeline designed to fill super tankers in coastal waters. Or, closer to home, the recently announced hydroelectric megaproject on Homathko River near Bute Inlet, which BC Hydro said it was in the “early stages” of exploring its potential. The danger that comes with these large projects, which so far have ignored local stakeholders, underscores the need to reconsider the scale of energy solutions we seek to implement. Local and decentralized, projects like SolShare at the Patricia aren’t implemented in spite of local opinions, but rather because locals support them. Let’s hope an energy revolution of this sort can gain enough traction to grow, in qathet and elsewhere.

Compassion Empathy Reciprocity Three Environmental Virtues

BY FRED GUERIN

There is a stretch along the Millennium Trail that I walk almost every day. The smell of cedar after a rain, birdsong, light filtering through moss-covered trees, the changes of season that remind one of beginnings and endings. On quiet mornings, especially in autumn or early spring, the trail can feel almost timeless. Walking there often leaves me with a sense of wonder and gratitude that is difficult to put into words. Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring, once wrote that a sense of wonder is one of the greatest gifts we can cultivate in our relationship with the natural world. Wonder matters because it reminds us that the earth is not simply raw material for human use. Places possess beauty, integrity, and meaning apart from ourselves. Yet wonder today is increasingly accompanied by unease. Over the past few years in Powell River, many people have witnessed environmental changes that once seemed distant or abstract. The Crowther Road fire near Okeover Inlet and an earlier fire near Atrevida Road have caused localized smoke and haze; flooding, damaged trails, low streams, shoreline erosion. Experiences like these make climate change feel less

qathet Living • July 2026 • 29

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like a future possibility and more like part of the lived reality of coastal communities. Technology and public policy are certainly part of any meaningful response to environmental crisis. But communities are also shaped by habits of perception, moral attitudes, and shared values. Increasingly, I find myself thinking that three virtues — compassion, empathy, and reciprocity — may be especially important in helping us rethink our relationship with the natural world and with one another. Compassion begins with learning to notice vulnerability. Not long ago, I spent the day picking up garbage along Millennium Trail. You cannot hike the trails in the qathet region without seeing habitat destruction: the result of decades of industrial logging, urbanization, and hydroelectric development. What struck me most was not simply the environmental damage itself, but how easily people can become accustomed to it. Compassion resists that kind of indifference. It asks us to remain sensitive to suffering — human and non-human alike — and to recognize that environmental harm is never entirely separate from the well-being of communities themselves. Compassion also changes how we think about everyday life. It may mean repairing rather than constantly replacing things, reducing waste, driving less when possible, protecting local trails and habitats, or simply paying greater attention to the consequences of our consumption. Small actions by themselves may not solve ecological crises, but they can help cultivate habits of care rather than habits of disregard. Empathy deepens this awareness by expanding the boundaries of concern beyond ourselves. I remember one particular moment when I saw what clear-cut means on a hillside. Standing there, I found myself thinking not only about what was being lost environmentally, but also about what future generations might inherit if these patterns continue. Environmental empathy begins in experiences like this. It is the realization that human beings are not separate from the ecosystems that sustain them. Forests, rivers, oceans, and marine life are not merely “resources” but living systems upon which communities depend for identity, livelihood, recreation, and meaning. Empathy also reminds us that environmental problems are shared problems. Wildfire smoke affects children with asthma and elderly residents. Declining fish stocks affect livelihoods and food systems. Rising costs and climate instability increase stress and uncertainty for already vulnerable people. Environmental responsibility is therefore not simply about protecting nature “out there”; it is also about caring for one another within the places we inhabit together. Reciprocity may be the most important environmental virtue of all because it asks a simple but difficult question: if the earth continually gives to us, what do we owe in return? Modern consumer culture often trains people to think primarily in terms of convenience, speed, and endless acquisition. Standing at recycling depots or watching the steady flow of packaging from online shopping, one sometimes has the uneasy feeling that entire ways of life have become organized around dis-

Smoke, breathing A poem by Sheila Peters. See more on Page 23. Now, as I stare into the sky that isn’t a sky   but a soot-stained mirror reflecting all the lives lived within the rooms of all the homes inhaled by flames and exhaled as ash drifting down this not-snow, this not relief, this too late blanket embedding their stories into our struggling lungs my heart aches to hear out there in the smoke humpbacks breathing. posability. We extract, consume, discard, and repeat. Reciprocity challenges this mentality. It asks us to think not only about what we take from places such as Powell River, but also about how we might contribute to their long-term flourishing. Reciprocity for me means the Blueberry Commons; the Let’s Talk Trash people who have led the charge across a wide range of education and outreach to facility design; environmental cleanup initiatives; the qathet Climate Action group I am a part of who collaborate with others on projects and campaigns that encourage residents to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation) and make us collectively more resilient (adaptation) in the face of climate impacts; the dedicated people who fight to protect the ecological integrity of Stillwater Bluffs. What moves me about these efforts and my own experiences hiking and biking is the realization that environmental responsibility does not always begin with grand political gestures. Often it begins locally and quietly, through practices of stewardship, restraint, gratitude, and care. None of this means environmental questions are simple, especially in resource-based communities. Places such as Powell River depend upon forestry, transportation, tourism, and marine industries for economic stability and employment. Balancing economic needs with ecological sustainability is rarely easy. Yet perhaps this is precisely why environmental virtues matter. Compassion, empathy, and reciprocity won’t make hard choices disappear — but they can help individuals and communities face them more honestly, with a clearer sense that our health and well-being is bound up with each other’s, and with the natural world that makes all life possible. At its best, environmental ethics is not merely about guilt, regulations, or catastrophe. It begins in wonder and develops into forms of care capable of shaping how we live together. The deeper question may not simply be how we solve environmental problems, but what kind of people we become in relation to the earth and to one another. What would it mean to live in Powell River as though the land itself mattered morally? What habits would we need to change? What responsibilities do we owe future generations? And how might communities cultivate ways of living grounded not only in consumption and economic growth, but also in gratitude, restraint, reciprocity, and care? Those are philosophical questions. But increasingly, they also feel like practical ones.

Savary Fun Triathlon If you’re a kid or an adult, competitive or fun-only, want to do the whole thing or be part of a relay team — or if you just like to watch other people sweat from the dock — the 24th annual event is on Sunday, July 19. This event is sanctioned by Triathlon BC but it does not stick to official distances. TriBC supports the Savary Fun Triathlon because it’s an opportunity for anyone to compete in and experience a triathlon in all age groups and all fitness levels. For example, in the swim event, athletes can elect to swim the full distance in the competitor category or athletes can run in waist deep ocean water in the recreational category. savarytriathlon.wixsite.com

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SUCCESS AT SEABIRD ISLAND: The Braves have taken the top place at two of the three big tourneys on BC’s Indigenous soccer circuit in 2026. They are: Jonathan Fraser Monroe, Jevin Hillis, Joel Harry, James Timothy, Jerod Timothy, Jimmy Harry, Johnson Adams, Keon Timothy, Russell Pielle, Daniel Harry, Brayden Louie, Kyle Risby, Peter Cooper, Hunter Galligos, Dillon Johnson, Cecil Hackett, Edgar Cranmer, and Breylen Ludwikowski.

Will the Braves capture a third 2026 tourney? 32 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

While all eyes have been on Team Canada at the 2026 Men’s FIFA World Cup in Vancouver and beyond, Tla’amin’s historic and storied men’s soccer team, The Braves, is just trouncing everyone, everywhere. The Braves took the top spot at the John Rice Senior 61st Annual All-Native Totem Tournament in Victoria April 5 — with a 5-0 win in the final over the Musqueam Blues. Last year, the same two teams faced off in the final, and Tla’amin won in 2025 too. Totem is the tourney that kicks off BC’s Indigenous soccer season. The last time the Braves had a victory there was 1986. “The Victoria finals was a ‘James and Jerod Timothy show,’ scoring four out of our five goals,” said Braves player Johnson Adams. At the end of May, the team headed to Seabird Island First Nation Festival, and finished in top place after a 6-4 win in the final. The team left undefeated with five wins. Last year, they took third at that tourney. Now, they’re looking ahead to the 53rd Campbell River Golden Wings Soccer Tournament July 3 to 5. “We’ve been a contender for the past three years, so all the pieces are finally coming together for us,” said Johnson, who started playing with the Braves four years ago. His late grandfather, Les Adams, was on the Braves; many players on the team have relatives who played on it, in generations past. “I’d like to think it’s making a

huge impact in our community with pride, and giving our youth the inspiration to work hard!” John’s cousin and teammate, goalie Jonathan Fraser-Monroe, is also a descendant of Les Adams, and the son of Dr. Evan Adams, who played for the Braves as well. This is his first year with the Braves. Jonathon grew up in Vernon, but his heritage is Tla’amin, so he’s able to play on the team. He’s an asset. In Vernon, he grew up playing soccer, and has been training in goal since he was 11. He even won a provincial championship in 2019. He also played volleyball and basketball at the university level (he’s currently studying mechanical engineering). “We were just absolute firepower,” Jonathan remembers from the “electric” Seabird Island final, “with a lot of our younger guys, they ended up scoring six goals. It’s very rare that you let in four, which I did, and end up winning a game, but the team really helped me out there and we were able to win. It was not an easy win, facing Musqueam!” Looking ahead, Johnson has high hopes for the team’s third tournament. “We have an amazing team,” he said. “Such strong talent coming out of the Nation right now. It’s really just an honor to be able to play with them.” Dave Moon coaches Tla’amin youth soccer and documents games on video. “For the elders who aren’t able to travel to the games, so they can experience it,” he says. He also collects Braves stories and photographs, to keep a record of the significance of this team. He calls this circuit the “All Native World Cup.” Soccer, Dave said, “brings communities together. It brings Canada together. We can all put down our political hats, take them off and root for a team.”

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PollenSweatersInc. MORE THAN A CENTURY OF THE BRAVES: Tla’amin’s men’s soccer team has a long and stories past, and individual players — such as Leslie Adams and Larry Louie into the BC Soccer Hall of Fame. Above, the team in the 1924 -25 season. Dave Moon is collecting stories about the Sliammon Braves, the team and the players, to document them. Watch for more about this team, and the players, in upcoming issues of qL. Photos from Dave Moon’s collection

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Discipline & fire drive the U14 Villas to the Provincials 34 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

y halftime on March 7, the U14 Villa team tied it up 1-1 with Bays United, the Victoria team fighting for the final in the 2026 Island Cup. Coach Andrew Messner gathered the boys for a speech. “One-all at halftime, in a very physically demanding game, on the other team’s home-field advantage is exactly where we needed to be,” he recalls telling the boys. “Our game is typically more technical and more about passing. It was time to start getting a little more physical. “I know my key points to get them fired up.” It worked. The team fought “a very feisty, physical battle,” and with just 20 minutes left in the match, scored. Over the next 20 minutes, they put two more in the Bays United goal, taking the Island Cup for a decisive 4-1. Now, they’re heading to the Provincial Bs in Kamloops July 15 to 19. It’s four games in four days — the last on the same day as the final FIFA World Cup game. They’re training hard with Andrew and assistant coach Colin Kernohan, managed by Diana Calderone. Where other teams heading to the Provincials play much longer into the season, there’s a gap of nearly two months between Powell River’s last U14 game, and the events in Kamloops. They’re on the field three times a week now, lining up friendly games. Andrew knows the Provincials will be “physical, hot and exhausting.” The average temperature in Kamloops in July is about 28 degrees, with over-30 and

even over-35 days not infrequent — and the top, feistiest teams in the province on the field, with the energy of the FIFA World Cup finals in the background that week. Andrew has confidence in the team. “The core group has been together since they were six and seven years old,” he said. “At about U10, I knew we had a strong group. We were very competitive at the mini World Cups. We push each other along. There’s team chemistry. We’ve worked together a long time.” But he also knows, this is a different kind of soccer. More physical. After eight years playing together well, but too young for serious competition, this is the first year this team is playing for rankings. “At the beginning of the year, I chatted with them,” said Andrew. “Which direction should we go with the team? I asked the players and the parents. Do we want a competitive team with mandatory practice, and a defined and strict program? Or we can go the rec route, we’re there the have fun, and we’ll just do the best we can. In that discussion, everyone bought into what it would mean to be competitive.” All the boys and parents enthusiastically and conscientiously chose to be competitive. Andrew, who works in the City of Powell River’s water department, grew up playing hockey in Manitoba, but switched to soccer as a teen. He played in the Abbotsford men’s league until he was 30, then took a break while he worked camp jobs in Alberta. His son Brayden plays with the U14s.

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THIS FEELING, HOPEFULLY, AGAIN: U14 Villa, after their win against Bays United for the Island Championship in March.

U14 Villa Roster Brayden Messner Lynden Caldarone-Findlay Luca Pierano Calyx Kernohan Sladen Fitzpatrick Jesse Cairns Kyle Veenhof Jasper Wood Wren Barfoot Eric Yurich Xander Longstaffe Elwin Dinny Edwin Dinny Samuel Chartier Alex Sutcliffe Adrian Tom Coach • Andrew Messner Assistant Coach • Colin Kernohan Manager • Diana Calderone

Team manager Diana Calderone grew up playing competitive volleyball in Powell River, and went to the Provincials several times with her team, taking several gold medals home. She is thrilled to be accompanying Villa and her own son, Lyndon (who scored a hat trick against Bays United) to the Provincials. Like every other competitive Powell River team, Villa has to travel. A lot. Diana notes that it may actually help this team win: traveling, she says, builds camaraderie and makes the boys tough. They take every opportunity to train. For example, she said, “it’s all soccer all the time. If he’s not training with his team, Lyndon will go out and train himself. He’ll play with the men’s group, which is really great.” On July 19, both the U14 Provincials and the FIFA World Cup have their final games. Undoubtedly, both will be physically exhausting. Whatever the outcome for Canada or Villa, the U14s can celebrate themselves, while they celebrate the World Cup, too.

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qathet Living • July 2026 • 37

SPORTS BRIEFS Two local swimmers to Special O Canada Games Two Powell River athletes are training for the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alberta August 11 to 15. Erika Barker and Lynn Hinton are BC’s swim team; they’re coached by Melissa Furlotte. “It’s fun being part of a team,” said Lynn. “Competing at National Games gives our athletes the opportunity to compete on a big stage with high calibre competition. Being part of Special Olympics Team BC 2026 means I get an opportunity to support athletes achieving their best on such a big stage,” said Melissa. Since qualifying for their spots on Special Olympics Team BC 2026 through their performances at the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games in Prince George, the provincial team athletes, coaches, and mission staff have been hard at work to be at their best at National Games. Training has included sport-specific work in their local Special Olympics programs, participating in Club Fit, additional

Special O Swim Coach Melissa Furlotte

Swim Athlete Erika Barker

Swim Athlete Lynn Hinton

fitness and dryland training, working with sport-specific experts, and focusing on diet and nutrition. In Medicine Hat, athletes will be competing for the opportunity to represent Canada at the 2027 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Santiago, Chile. The Special Olympics Games cycle operates on a four-year cycle for both summer and winter sports. Athletes compete in regional events and then Provincial Games to advance to Na-

tional Games, and Special Olympics Canada Games are the qualifiers for international Special Olympics competition.

assistant general manager of the NHL team, as well as serving as general manager of their farm team, the Abbottsford Canucks of the AHL. Richard played for the Paper Kings in 199596 as a 16-year-old defence man, before moving up to the WHL and AHL and in Europe. He was drafted by the LA Kings in 1997. He coached in the ECHL from 2015 to 2018 and spent the last eight seasons as general manager of the LA Kings farm team in Ontario, California.

King Richard Seeley AGM of Canucks A former Powell River resident and Kings hockey player is making his mark with the Vancouver Canucks. Richard Seeley has been named

Fall Activities Let locals know what they can join this September Do we have your organization’s contacts? Make sure we do, by emailing editor@qathetliving.ca, or calling 604-485-0003, ASAP.

Ice Sports • Book Clubs • Horses • Activist Groups • Support Groups • Political Groups • Dance Classes • Para-Military • Volunteer Firefighters • Fitness • DIY • Repairs • Food • Social Dancing • Karaoke • Fishing • Boating • Events • Filmmaking • Crafts • Philanthropy • Service Clubs • Volunteering • Fundraising • Caregiving • Baby & Me Groups • Health • Hiking

38 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

Kings will rule again

New head coach and returning GM bring energy & impressive track records to floundering franchise BY PIETA GOUDRON

he last time Tyler Kuntz was head coach of the Powell River Kings, from 2018 to 2020, the team won at the Hap Parker an average of 20 games per season. He wants to move the team in that direction again. In July, as the team’s new general manager, he set in place one key strategy to start winning again: he hired a new head coach. Brennan Menard just completed three successful seasons with the Sherwood Park Crusaders in Alberta, bringing the team to an enviable 111-55-9. As Kings head coach and associate general manager, Brennan will oversee on-ice operations, player development, recruiting efforts, and more. “I’ve watched him from afar for the last couple of years,” said Tyler, who said more than 50 potential coaches applied, but even in the top three, Brennan stood out for his enthusiasm for the game, for teaching, and for how he communicated. Brennan will be walking into, not quite a blank slate, but pretty close. Many of the Kings’ 2025-26 players, Tyler said, are either aging out or will likely be scooped by CHL and other teams. At press time, he wasn’t sure how many would be coming back. The management company, Birch Group, will have fully divested from the team by the time the 2026-27 season starts. Only Dustin Slade remains from last season’s coaching staff. Tyler is hoping to bring back former local coach Kyle Bodie. Tyler’s goals, so far, are lofty for the Kings, who placed last in the BCHL last season. He wants to win at home and bring audiences back. He wants to be in the top five teams in the league. To be one of the most disciplined teams in the league. And to avoid penalties. “The entire program from myself and Brennan and the staff that’s in the building every day, the delivery is just going to be completely different.”

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All the Kings Men & Women General Manager • Tyler Kuntz Head Coach & Associate General Manager • Brennan Menard Director of Hockey Operations • Curtis Fraser Goalie Coach • Dustin Slade Equipment Manager • Marshall Gilday Assistant Equipment Manager • Spencer Hodgins Play by Play Broadcaster & Director of Media • Jordan Kiss Game Day Coordinator • Charlie Black Locker Room Attendant • Scott Hodgins Sales & Marketing • Elise Vos Billet Coordinators • Teresa Reimer and Emily Belyea Education Advisor • Erin Hodgins Board of Directors • Joe Mastrodonato (Interim President); Willie Roberts; Barb Parnham; Chris Reimer; Hayden Tait; John Vanderkemp; Scott Mastrodonato; Lori Alexander. From St. Albert, Brennan is buying a home in Powell River, so he can move with his wife Alex and their three young children here in time for the pre-season. “I coach, so moving comes with the territory,” he said, mentioning he’s done this before — but with fewer kids. His oldest, Oskar is, 8, Jett is 5, and Sunnie is three months old. He also needs to pack in a

ON A CRUSADE: Above, newly-appointed Powell River Kings head coach Brennan Menard spent the past three years with the Sherwood Park Crusaders, manifesting a winning team by building recruiting relationships, a good culture, and on-ice discipline. Left, Tyler Kuntz was the Kings’ Head Coach and General Manager from 2018 to 2020. The Lumsden, Saskatchewan native brings decades of experience as a player, coach, and leader across the BCHL, WHL, USPORTS, and international hockey. Now he’s back at the helm here as GM. trip to his brother’s wedding in their home town of Thunder Bay, Ontario. “It’ll all get done. It always does.” Brennan was on hockey skates as soon as he could walk, he remembers. His father played in the Thunder Bay men’s league, and his uncles played pro in Canada and the US. Some of his earliest memories

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FAMILY & HOCKEY: Left, Kings head coach Brennan Menard (right) with his brother Ehran in their Thunder Bay home in the early 1990s. Right, Brennan with wife Alex, and sons Oskar and Jett — also hockey players. are in dressing rooms, getting carted around as a toddler to games. “It seemed like I was always at the rink.” Thunder Bay, at that time, had more than 100 rinks, indoor and out. It was a factory for the NHL. Brennan and his brother had a key to the outdoor rink in their neighborhood, and even as young boys, would go play there in the dark — sometimes after midnight. Their grandparents’ camp on Lake Superior was also a hockey venue for the brothers; the lake freezes flat, so they could skate. After juniors, Brennan played university hockey in Thunder Bay, then a year in Germany, and started coaching soon after, with successes across Ontario and Alberta. As a coach, he’s been watching Tyler, too. Brennan noticed when he recruited Jeremy Loranger onto the Langley Rivermen — a coup. “He might be the best player in the BCHL over the last long period of time,” Brennan said. “He went over 100 points two years ago.” Powell River, Brennan has learned, is a hockey town that just hasn’t done as much winning lately as it historically has — and can do again. His experience turning around the Sherwood Park Crusaders gives him the confidence that he can do the same thing here. Last season, he watched with sadness as it looked like this franchise might die after 35 years. “We were all just on the edge of our seats — not for the hockey — but for the team.” In Sherwood Park, his strategy was all about relationships. First, he explained, he fostered connections with hockey agencies and schools, and demonstrated that the players the Crusaders recruited were being developed “and on the path they needed to be on even earlier than what they’d thought possible.” So that strengthened the team’s ability to recruit

new top talent. “We developed a reputation of being people of integrity and hard work and good character, and obviously winning helps and hitting milestones with points, and we had two guys get drafted to the NHL last year. I think when you watch us play and the way I’ve coached teams to play, it can be a really exciting thing. How we play and the culture we created made the Crusaders a destination: players wanted to be there.” Players rarely looked for other opportunities, he noted — a rare vote of confidence. Players protected the culture and passed it to new recruits. It was a point of pride, he noted. His first job here: replicate that credibility. So far, Brennan is confident the foundation is in place to be able to do just that. “What you’re able to do comes down to the people you’re around, and I have really enjoyed the process of getting to know the people I’ll be working with on the Kings,” he said. “That’s the reason why I want to be here — the people I’ve met. And I would love to restore the passion for this hockey team. Brennan has a small handful of close mentors, who he will not name publicly. They offer him wisdom and insight about the game and coaching. He always loved playing hockey, but his passion has become building teams and building players. He is also building his own hockey family; Brennan put his sons in skates as soon as they could walk, too, and let them truck around the livingroom, learning to balance on the blades and strengthen their ankles. “I’m just a kid from Thunder Bay, having a blast and trying to learn as much as I can and soak in every moment I get out of living. My life is just unbelievable with what I’ve been able to do so far, and I am so excited about this opportunity to come to Powell River.”

90-year-old plane — and pilot — celebrate Expo 86’s DC3 Flight around the World BY BILL GILLIES Flight Journal June 11,1986 Five minutes to our first checkpoint. We are out over the Pacific and as we pass easily through 5500 feet, our navigation equipment shows a 130 knot ground speed. After a long taxi out to runway 29 in Oakland, we were given our takeoff clearance. The sun was dipping below the skyscrapers across San Francisco Bay when the tower finally cleared us to go. We wore life jackets for the takeoff. Only the four pilots and mechanic were aboard for the long Pacific crossing, the rest of the crew shuttled to Hawaii by modern jetliner. We were 7,000 pounds over the normal maximum weight for this airplane, loaded with extra fuel for the 16-hour leg that faced us. We took a few seconds for a last crew briefing, a reminder that we would have to ditch if one of the two engines fail on takeoff. We wouldn’t maintain flight at this weight even at full power on one remaining good engine. But we had prepared for a full year and knew the risks. There was no turning back. Barry LaPoint eased the throttles forward, Ken Olson calling out the speeds. The DC-3 was slow to accelerate with the extra weight. At 45 knots, the tail lifted as the back wing began to fly. At 85, Barry held her on until the airspeed indicator crept to 90. A few seconds at 95 and the 50-year-old airplane flew off easily, as if eager to be underway. The sky was rich with evening colour and soon we were out over the Bay. Climbing through 3,000 feet, we approached the city of San Francisco. The twinkling lights of the office towers slid by our left wing, the Golden Gate Bridge under our belly and finally the continent of North America was left in our wake. We hung suspended in the ink of the night, a mere 2,127 nautical miles from Honolulu.

THIS FLIGHT TONIGHT: Above, pilot Bill Gillies in the DC-3 he helped fly around the world in 1986. The 1936 plane is on display at the Kelowna Flight Centre. Inset, poster for the 2026 documentary about the flight. And Bill, 40 years ago, in the same plane. That was four decades ago! Vancouver was buzzing with Expo 86 festivities. I was part of an 11-person crew launching on a commemorative flight around the world representing Expo, Vancouver, and Canada. The aircraft was the iconic DC 3 and we were celebrating its 50th birthday. Its design had been a breakthrough for passenger travel in the 1930’s and every major airline had used it until the early 1950’s when jets began to push propeller aircraft out of service. There was a lot of nostalgic affection for this aircraft worldwide and after a year of fund raising, flight planning, and preparing the aircraft and crew,

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we departed Vancouver on June 10, 1986. We did it! Fifty cities in 28 countries in 62 days. And on June 9, 2026, we celebrated not only the 40th anniversary of this successful Canadian expedition but the 90th birthday of this former airliner! The aircraft was restored this year to flying condition and can be visited in the Kelowna Flight Centre for Excellence. A 30-minute documentary has been produced and will be released in September, but can currently be viewed in Kelowna with the aircraft. And just maybe Odyssey 86 will be seen in the air over British Columbia once again this summer, 40 years after it flew for Expo 86.

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

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42 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

Dear editor, It was interesting to see the companion pieces in the June issue of qathet Living featuring Rick Craig and Maureen Mason’s critiques of local Council. There was certainly a lot of overlap: concern about transparency, community engagement, and collaboration. Perhaps the Council, and anyone considering running this year, should take note. There may be some important lessons in those words. What really struck me, however, was Mr. Craig’s effort to establish his progressive bona fides by focussing on his work with CoDevelopment Canada (CoDev). If you are not familiar with CoDev, you can find them by going to the NDP and taking a hard left. Primarily funded by Canadian unions (The BCTF, BCGEU, CUPE, ATA, Unifor, etc), CoDev has tirelessly worked for social justice issues for over 40 years. Their stated values on their webpage are peppered with words like “justice”, “equality”, and “reconciliation”. I understand why Mr. Craig would use CoDev to establish his credentials. Now here’s my confession: I had to wonder if Mr. Craig was, perhaps, inflating and co-opting his involvement with CoDev in order to temper concerns expressed with some of the positions of the Westview Ratepayers Association — essentially saying, “Our positions aren’t so reactionary. Look who’s running this show!” So I called a friend who sits on the CoDev board and asked. Although he didn’t know Mr. Craig personally, he assured me that, in fact, Mr. Craig was the driving force behind CoDev’s creation. Now, I don’t know much about the WRA apart from what I’ve read in local media, and I wouldn’t know Mr. Craig if I tripped over him, but I really would like some transparency on how “justice”, “equity” and “reconciliation” fit into the WRA’s values. I wonder why the values Mr. Craig espoused seem to stop at our neighbourhood boundaries. Every city or municipality faces a myriad of challenges, and I agree with Ms. Mason and Mr. Craig: Let’s have transparency, collaboration, and community engagement in our public discourse. I would only add that our leaders—and neighbours—ought to be ‘solutions-oriented.’ Don’t just say ‘no’ to an idea you struggle with; instead, offer another plan to consider. Mostly though, be like Alice. Strive for honesty and integrity: mean what you say, say what you mean, and ensure your local actions match your global values. Paul Demers, Westview

Consensus among 15,000 — no problem To the editor, I was impressed by Mr. Craig’s resume in his June campaign introduction. I have been in elected representative offices on many levels for over 40 years. All of that time has been focused successfully on collaborative, and, when possible, consensus decision making. Decision making is inherently divisive and polarizing because it involves choosing one of two or more possible paths. That’s not a bad thing, it is part of the reason we have elected local leaders. While members may start with strong opinions as to the desired result they can collaborate to find common ground and in doing so take into account the views of all of the stakeholders in the community including those of unelected groups like the Rate Payers. A healthy reaction to the differences of opinion is to work in collaboration towards consensus. I have experience in leading groups through difficult decision making processes and know that it requires an atmosphere of trust and respect for each other. It takes a willingness of everyone to actually listen and understand the thoughts of others, with faith that everyone (not just your side) wants to find what is best for the community. Our community charter calls for decisions to be supported by a majority of council (4 of 7 in our case). The debates at Council are the process for making decisions democratically, and, frequently, collaboration leads to majority decisions. Consensus decisions can be more difficult and tend to take longer to achieve. Although if you look, you will see that many council decisions are unanimous. My definition of consensus is a decision which all involved agree they will willingly support. That definition can be challenging in a group like Council with seven voting members and is another thing entirely if your goal is to reach a consensus among all 15,000 or so residents of the City and their various interest groups. Efforts at both collaboration and consensus decision making require that all parties listen more than they speak while treating others with respect and allowing them an opportunity to participate without disruption. Transparency is an important aspect of local government and is part of maintaining trust. It is important to know that the community charter requires some business to happen in closed meetings and the charter also allows for other business to be done in closed meetings where disclosure could harm the interests of the community. The first item on the agenda of all closed meetings is the approval of the list of items to be discussed My personal opinion is that that list should be as short as possible and I vote that way when approving agendas. Your June articles (page 16) after generally attacking all incumbent members of council ask questions of candidates for the October election. The following are my responses. I will continue to be transparent in all of my actions consistent with the Community Charter requirements. I have continually engaged in meaningful dialogue with members of the public wherever I meet them,

in the line up at the grocery store, at a PRISMA concert or at a council meeting and those interactions have always influenced my decision making. I will continue to listen to and respect the views of all residents of the City and consider them carefully along with reports and recommendations of City staff the input of other members of Council and my own values in making decisions. Decisions which, I hope, will move our truly great community forward to an even brighter future. George Doubt, Powell River City Councillor

Home & Hammer hammered it home Dear Sean, I am so impressed by the Home & Hammer edition you produced. It is a wonderful resource for the community. I’m sure it will be kept on hand as a reference by many for any building or renovation needs. It obviously took a whole lot of work to research and produce. I thought of one more a category for your next “Helping Hands” pages: Arborists. Congratulations again on such a useful resource. Margaret Behr Dear Sean, I never cease to be amazed by each new qathet Living but the insert in the June 2026 edition (Home & Hammer) was fascinating! As you, Sean, well know, Mrs. C always has been interested in the success stories of her “flock”. It took me an hour to peruse Home & Hammer. Living in a house which we had built in 1964 and trying to keep it up to date is challenging at my age. Now I have The Go To! Already I have noted on the cover several pages to which I will be able to refer. As well, when one of my three sons is home “to check up on Mom”, they will have an incredible resource. Thank you! Muriel Carriere (our publisher’s Kindergarten teacher)

De-centering data Dear editor, As described in the May issue’s article on the former mill site development, some of the current and prospective businesses in the emerging industrial park sound quite promising — from hydroponic cannabis and strawberries to ship-building. There is one disquieting note, though. The article ends with praise for the possibility of a data centre. Why disquieting? Flipping through a recent issue of Harper’s magazine, I came across the following item in its monthly “Index” of intriguing statistics: it takes US$54 million to create a single permanent job at a data centre. That’s such a jaw-dropping claim that I had to double-check it with an AI search. The average investment for a job creation in other US economic sectors is just $322,000. In other words, a permanent data centre job is over 160 times more expensive than in other sectors. (Yes, I know — can you spell “irony”? I used data procured through a data centre to find out more about the limitations of data centres. Such is the sticky infoweb we inhabit.) Sure, the construction of a data centre would create temporary construction jobs. But that’s short-

term, not a basis for long-term employment that creates social stability and spin-off revenues for local businesses. A regional data centre apparently needs only a few dozen to a hundred or so employees for ongoing operations. What about the City’s tax base? Given the huge capital costs involved in data centres, their corporate owners typically ask local governments for major tax breaks. US governments — that is, taxpayers — regularly subsidize each permanent data centre job by about $2 million on average, according to Mister AI. Then there’s the enormous usage of water and electricity — resources that we can’t take for granted as climate collapse continues. And do we really want to contribute to the largely unregulated breakneck development of a technology with such potential for expanding surveillance and centralizing wealth and power? Some of my fellow members in the Westview Ratepayers’ Society have repeatedly raised the issue of democratic participation in decision-making that affects our city. Shouldn’t that principle be extended to development of the mill site? It’s an issue that will potentially affect our community, every day. Our elected City Council has basically no say over how it’s developed. Article 21 of the provincial law incorporating Powell River in 1955 specifically excluded City jurisdiction over the mill site. But is it too much to create a public process of education and dialogue to search for consensus on what sort of economic base we’d like to have? The process could include the Tla’amin Nation, stewards of the land since time immemorial, which has reacquired a portion of its historic village site; the Cranberry group as site developers; and local residents and stakeholders affected by the outcome, including local unions and businesses. There could be open discussion of options for the economic future, and whether there’s anything that ordinary residents could do to help attract sustainable businesses and long-term well-paid jobs. We may not have the capital or the current jurisdiction to “make it so”, but we do have the collective ability to grant social licence. Isn’t that something that businesses investing here would like to have? Bob Hackett, member of qathet Climate Alliance

Our MP vs. MPAs Dear editor, Aaron Gunn claims, in last month’s qL, that he “fought to keep fishing viable” by “pushing back against Liberal attempts to close up to 40% of BC’s coast to fishing (through what are known as MPAs)”. Hard to believe our MP would boast about opposing MPAs, which ought to have been spelled out — they are Marine Protected Areas. It’s easy to find articles (e.g. marinebiodiversity.ca/marine-protected-areas-the-powerhouse-behind-ocean-recovery) which explain how MPAs serve as nurseries that promote ocean health, support the viability of fishing, as well as providing other benefits. One thing I can appreciate about Aaron Gunn — some of his (and his party’s) policies are so ridiculous that I have to laugh. Sadly, the results of policies like continuing to send weapons to the Israeli government or stoking fears of Indigenous rights or doing away with environmental protections are not funny at all. Jan Slakov

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The Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts takes place on the shíshálh swiya, the unceded traditional homelands of the shíshálh Nation.

Thank you! Thank you qathet Living readers for voting for me to be one of the Best of qathet local politicians for each of the past four years. It has been an honour to serve this community, both in times of celebration, and in times of challenge and change.

TRINA ISAKSON Councillor, City of Powell River

Rights vs. Freedoms, COVID edition To the editor, Aaron Gunn would do well to remember that nearly two thirds of the voters in North Island/Powell River, did NOT vote for him. We better hope that Mr. Gunn is not in a position of power or influence when the next pandemic hits, which virtually all experts in the field agree, is not a matter of if, but when. He states that during the COVID pandemic “restrictions were imposed, including vaccine mandates and lockdowns, that divided and stigmatized Canadians.” The fact is, most Canadians recognize that those restrictions saved thousands of lives, and they were an unpleasant, but necessary step. Clearly Mr. Gunn is in favour of risking the lives of our citizens, in the name of protecting our rights and freedoms. He also accuses the government and DFO of making decisions on fishing, based on politics and ideology rather than science, but does not explain what he means by this. Perhaps he needs to be reminded of the collapse of the cod industry in the Maritimes. Does he want to see something similar here in B.C. with the salmon fishery? Or is he just counting on luck, that he won’t be around by the time that happens? It was nice of him to mention the “others”, who contributed to the work being done to stop the export of power to the US by Brookfield, when in fact this undertaking was in the works thanks to the efforts of Energy Democracy for B.C. and the Tla’amin Nation, long before Gunn came on the scene. Terry Taylor

Speaking out feels good I have wanted for a while now to let you know how great it was to be able to contribute (with Elaine of course) to your magazine on one difficult subject, and not just for your community!

2026 - the 11 ANNUAL th

AS CHOSEN BY THE READERS OF QATHET LIVING

It’s exciting and courageous of you to touch a nerve inspiring people to come forward and support each other! You give confidence to many who lack trust in the way media relays “truth!” You have a gift that benefits so many! It was a pleasure to share our story with you. Marie Fossheim Editor’s note: Marie Fossheim shared her story in the March issue. In short, she and her husband chose to live in Alberta over BC (Powell River) because Alberta funds families in need of home care directly, allowing those struggling with dementia and other challenges more contol over their care. For a copy of this story or others in qL’s series on Long Term Care, reach out to editor@qathetliving.ca.

Personals ads are interesting, most men are not Hi Pieta, As you have been featuring Personals ads (Slow Love) in qathet recently, I thought you might be interested to know that my husband Michael and I met through the Georgia Straight Personals in 1992. Coming up on our 34th anniversary! I really liked the way the Personals were done then, as they replied in paper missives. They gave me many more clues about the character of the writer through their choices of paper, writing implement and the words themselves. Also interesting to see that some men sent the very same note to all three of my — very different — ads! I also got a response from one fellow who I knew, an actor, who sent me a brochure full of photos I had taken of him! He didn’t know it was me he was responding to. If I was advertising again, I would miss old-school paper responses. They were so interesting, though most of the men were not! Pat Higinbotham

Come find out why folks vote for Cottage Creek year after year. Find us at the PR Farmers’ Market on McLeod Road Summer Saturdays 10:30-12:30 all year Sundays 12:30-2:30

Legit sourdoughs. Iconic bakes. Seasonally rooted.

The next important vote Local elections October 17, 2026

44 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

Want to help?

trinaisakson.ca elect.trina@gmail.com

facebook.com/cottagecreekbakeshop cottagecreek@telus.net 604-414-0616

I MADE THE MOVE

Sailors delighted to find a post-mill paradise

ick and Carol Blacklaws lived in White Rock, BC, for 35 years, “same house, same spouse, which is a joyful accomplishment.” Eventually, the congestion in Vancouver made them reevaluate what was important. The couple has three children: one lives in Dublin, one near Halifax, and one here in qathet. Two years ago, they decided to move closer to their son—or, more accurately, to their three grandchildren. After earning degrees from Simon Fraser University, Rick and Carol moved to Salt Spring Island, ideally to embrace the beauty of the northwest coast. But when kids came along, Vancouver’s educational and recreational services and other amenities drew them back to urban life. As they acculturated to the big city, their hearts always yearned for a more rural setting.

What made you decide to move here? Rick & Carol • When we rambled about an empty family home, we knew it was time to get out of the big city. How did you first hear about this place? Rick & Carol • Before we moved here, we thought of Powell River primarily as a mill town. Having sailed between Vancouver

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and Lund several times, we had passed by the area without giving it much thought. We became more familiar with qathet when our son and his family moved here. What surprised you once you moved here? Rick & Carol • What surprised us most — and continues to delight us — are the extensive hiking and biking trails, the kindness of the people, the community’s welcoming nature, and the strength of the local arts scene. I was shocked when I went to the grocery store without money for the cart, and a random man gave me his loonie. Thank you, and how kind is that? Where is your favourite place in qathet? Rick & Carol • Now that we have been here for a few years, we would say the separate art studios we have carved out in our home are our happy place. Second would be Willingdon Beach. What aspect of your previous community do you think would benefit qathet? Rick & Carol • Our concern for this community is the potential lack of a vision for the expansion that will come. Without a brilliant Official Community Plan (OCP) that includes bike trails, a second community

HERE FOR THE GRANDCHILDREN... & MORE: Rick and Carol Blacklaws. center, another shopping mall, preserved forest, bus routes, etc., qathet will become an unplanned sprawl of suburbia creeping east like so many unplanned sprawling urban areas on Vancouver Island. My hope is that a brilliant, visionary municipal Council will be elected and will have the foresight to plan a community that reflects present-day values and works to retain views, forests, and open spaces. If you were mayor, what would you do? Rick & Carol • The municipal level of government is the most important to our daily lives. If we were on council, we would study what has been done in other small, cash-strapped communities and fearlessly work to retain what is amazing about qathet. For example, banning single-use plastic, not allowing more franchises in to

encourage local artists and entrepreneurs, doing outrageous things like putting speed bumps along Marine Avenue to allow people to safely access the beach, etc. I’m not on council and have no plans to be, but I’d be happy to help form a visionary, empowered council. I know there are positive initiatives that would help retain the smalltown lifestyle, strengthen the art and music community, and provide easy access to the outdoors. These are all things that are being done and need to remain front and center. What is your greatest extravagance? Rick & Carol • Yes, we are living our best life. So, what is my greatest extravagance? Simply going out for dinner, attending events or a movie and discovering new people and places. Life is good.

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BUSINESS AFFAIRS

Your Local QUARTZ COUNTERTOP Specialists

SEAN PERCY

Accountant returns home

fast, friendly, quality service precision laser templating • CNC machining Pearl Dealership

Nanaimo accounting firm Johnston, Johnston & Associates is launching an office in Powell River, and the top name on the door may be a familiar one. Owen Dobler, who is a partner in the firm, was raised in Powell River. Owen moved to Nanaimo in 2014 to take business administration at VIU, joined JJA as an intern in his final semester, and has worked there ever since. He obtained his CPA designation in 2020 and has returned to town with his wife and daughter, bringing the business with him. The firm started in Nanaimo in 1962 and is growing. They plan to hire locally as they gain traction in town. For now, you can visit Owen at 4493D Marine Avenue, between Elemental Millwork and ELDR. Their services are aimed at local business owners who need assistance with corporate tax, financial reporting, assurance, and advisory services. You can reach JJA at 604-636-7200 or email frontdesk@jjacpa.ca.

Doulas birth business

Do you provide health services in qathet?

Doulas Julia Lehtimaki and Julia Elliot have opened the qathet Birth Collective at 4561A Marine Avenue, near Bliss and Constellation Countertops. The collective also includes social worker Allison Wink. They offer prenatal classes, birth support, breastfeeding/lactation support, counselling, postpartum support, photography packages, and more. They are qualified doulas for indigenous funding through the BCAAFC and FNH. Learn more at qathetbirthcollective.com.

Contact Sean Percy before September 5 to get your free listing in ZEST magazine/directory.

Local named to Tla’amin top job

sean@qathetliving.ca or 604-485-0003

Tlaʼamin Nation appointed Carmen Galligos as Chief Operations Officer (COO) last month. Carmen brings six years of hands-on experience

604.483.7130 4573B Marine Avenue www.constellationcountertops.com

serving Tlaʼamin Nation in roles of progressive leadership responsibility, most recently as Director of Public Works & Capital Infrastructure, where she grew the department to a team of 40 and led major capital projects across the community. Her background spans civil engineering technology, project management, and operations, with a track record of advancing complex, multi-million-dollar initiatives while maintaining strong relationships across departments and with the Tla’amin community. In her new role, Carmen will oversee a portfolio including Lands and Resources, Public Works & Capital Infrastructure, Housing, Fire and Emergency Management, and Building Inspection. “Carmen represents the best of Tla’amin’s emerging leadership,” said hegus John Hackettt. “She has demonstrated the kind of leadership, dedication, and community relationships that this role demands. She has earned the trust of her colleagues and of our citizens, and I have every confidence she will bring that same commitment to her work as COO. I look forward to what we will build together.” Carmen is a Tla’amin citizen, born and raised in ̓ tišosəm. “I take the responsibility of this COO role seriously and want to thank our leadership for believing in me. The decisions we make as leaders impact our people, our lands, and the opportunities for future generations. Our Nation has been through a period of remarkable growth, and now we need to steady ourselves and make sure our base teachings and services remain strong. I plan to focus on clarity and consistency enabling our departments to work together effectively and with common purpose. I look forward to building a healthy and strong Nation alongside our leadership team.”

Jim hangs up his hammer The owners and staff of RONA Powell River congratulate Jim Hopkins on his retirement after 47 years of service. Throughout his career, Jim has provided exceptional service. His commitment, knowledge, and friendship will be greatly missed. || sean@qathetliving.ca

Reach art lovers, visitors, and artists by advertising in the 2026 qathet Studio Tour Guide Who will benefit from being in the Studio Tour Guide? R

suzi@qathetliving.ca 604-485-0003

46 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

Our Programs Include: • Choirs for all ages • Private music lessons & early childhood music • Music theory, history, & conducting • Dance, Acting, & Visual Arts

Our Concert Series features internationally acclaimed performers— bringing unforgettable live music experiences to qathet.

Cen ten

nia l

Art is just the beginning. Discover qathet’s hikes, eats, events, and hidden gems while you’re here.

is R

s Rd

sean@qathetliving.ca

Y 101

Traffe Rd

Bringing Music & Art to the Community since 1981

Mar

om Bro

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Pebble Beach Rd

Eagle

Padgett Rd

Lamb Rd

Ramsay Rd

The guide is published by qathet Living, in cooperation with qathet Art

Booking deadline is July 10.

HWY 101

3 Twin

and Crafters Local Markets Mechanics Health Services Financial Services

e Rd

Art Supply Stores Fall Events Rental Venues Galleries Artists, Artisans

Reav

Accommodations Restaurants Clothing Retailers Souvenir Stores Recreation

Forest Island Studio Rick Giesing Found Art

At the qathet Visitor Centre, you will find helpful staff ready to provide maps and directions, offer local services, help source and book local adventures and tours, as well as secure accommodation.

Join us in September 2025 for a new season of lessons and concerts.

604-485-9633

7280 Kemano Street

www.powellriveracademy.org

qathet Visitor Centre 4760 Joyce Avenue

By appointment 604-483-3727 qathet Studio Tour Guide 2025 • 9

Artist Trading Card Summit 2026 Calling all artists on the shores of the Salish Sea and beyond! You are warmly invited to come for an afternoon of Artist Trading Cards: August 9, 12:30 to 2 pm, at The Alley. Hosted by qathet Art & Wares. What’s that? You don’t know what Artist Trading Cards are? In short, they are self-made unique works or small series, signed and dated on the reverse by the artist, exchanged and collected by everyone who participates. There are only two rules: the cards must be 2.5”×3.5” (the same size as a modern hockey or baseball card), and they are only to be traded, never sold. QAW holds regular ATC meetups on the last Thursday of every month. Make cards ahead of time, or make them on the spot. Blanks and supplies will be on hand. Family-friendly. Everyone welcome.

July events Next day delivery. 100% guaranteed.

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604.485.8100 CITYTRANSFER.COM qathet Living • July 2026 • 47

Why buy new? Buy used—save hundreds

JULY EVENTS

Thursday

A&W Show n’ Shine

4:30-ish to 6:30-ish, A&W at the Town Centre.

Friday

Like-new Apple computers & iPhones

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Library Teen Takeover begins

1 to 2:30 pm, Library. Between July 2 and August 15, teens are invited to takeover the library Tuesday to Saturday! Get a snack and just hang out. Play Nintendo, use the gaming computers in the Makerspace, or enjoy range of DIY crafting and arts activities.

Rock n’ Bowl: Swordfern, Sharome, Equals

8 pm, The Alley. $20 adults, $15 teens, $5 kids. Free bowling.

3D Printing at PRPL Teen Summer Drop-in

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11 am to 1 pm, Library. Youth 10+ are invited to drop-in at the Library to learn about 3D printing. Meet Teen Services Coordinator Mel at the Library’s 3D Printer in the public computer area and make a thing. Drop-in throughout the summer between July 3 and August 14, and learn to download and prepare prints, calibrate the machine, and more!

Teen Summer Book Club

3:30 to 4:30 pm, Library. Ages 12+ welcome. This summer we will be reading Dead Flip by Sara Fazan, a supernatural horror novel filled with friendship, nineties nostalgia, and evil pinball! The book club will meet on Fridays, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm between July 3 and August 14. Register online at prpl.ca.

Film • Scary Movie

3:30 & 7 pm, The Patricia. 14A.

Saturday

Pride Parade & PrideFest

2 pm parade down Willingdon Avenue, festivities 2 to 6 pm at Willingdon Beach, afterparty 6 pm at The Alley.

Open Studio at qathet Art + Wares

1 to 5 pm. A relaxed space for artists of all abilities to share work, give and receive constructive feedback, and explore new ideas.

Powell River Farmers’ Market

10:30 am-12:30 pm, 4365 McLeod Road. Produce, baking, prepared food, frozen meat, artisan vendors, live music.

Central Farmers’ Market

10 am-1 pm, Willingdon Beach. Enjoy shopping local for organic produce, cured meats, fresh eggs, home-baked goods, artisanal crafts, live music, and more.

Video Game Night

6-9 pm, High Tide Games. See ad on Page 16.

Film • Scary Movie

7 pm, The Patricia. 14A.

Sunday

Springtime Classic Car Show

11 am to 2 pm, Springtime

Iron Kingdom and WMD

8 pm, Carlson Loft.

Powell River Farmers’ Market

12:30-2:30 pm, 4365 McLeod Road. Produce, baking, prepared food, frozen meat, artisan vendors, live music, and train rides.

Texada Farmers’ Market

Noon-2 pm, Gillies Bay Ball Park.

Paradise Valley Miniature Railroad

12:30-2:30 pm. Train and handcar rides, $2 per person.

Cranberry Hall Song Circle 1-3 pm, Cran Hall

Film • Scary Movie

1:30 & 7 pm, The Patricia. 14A.

Monday

Rock Band Camp begins

Academy of Music. Ages 9 and up, some experience needed. See more at prambc.ca

Grant Lawrence & Friends

7:30 pm, Lund Community Hall. Between stories, songs will be performed by special musical guests Danny Michel (Ontario), Desiree Dawson (Vancouver), Jill Barber (Desolation Sound), Tyler Bartfai (Powell River) and Prashant Miranda (Lund) and many special surprise local guests. Tickets at grantlawrence.ca. Other boat-fuelled performances this month are: Tue July 7, Dockside Kitchen, Refuge Cove, West Redonda Island (with local guest Tyler Bartfai); Wed July 8, Hacienda Pascalito’s, Savary Island; Thu July 9, Gorge Hall, Cortes Island; Fri July 10, Lamberts Beach

Gazebo, Read Island; Doors at 6:30 pm, showtime 7 pm. All ages! Presented by the Lund Resort at Klah ah Men and Hollyhock.

Classic Movie Monday 3:30 pm, The Patricia. By donation.

D&D & Board Game Night

6 to 9 pm, High Tide Games

Film • Scary Movie

7 pm, The Patricia. 14A.

Tuesday

Powell River Farmers’ Market Work Party 10 am, 4365 McLeod.

Savary Island Farmers’ Market

11 am to 1:30 pm, Hacienda (2778 Brian’s Way). Fruit and veg, art, wine, spices and ice cream, plus hot food vendors including fish & chips.

Film • Scary Movie

7 pm, The Patricia. 14A.

FESTIVALS PLANNER Pridefest & Pride Parade • July 4 Logger Sports • July 11 & 12 Texada Sandcastle Contest • July 11 & 12 Texada Aerospace Camp • July 15 to 25 Showtime & Shine • July 18 Texada Blues & Roots Fest • July 18 & 19 Savary Fun Triathlon • July 19 Lund Daze • July 25 Texada FlyIn • July 26

Wednesday

Summer Reading Club Launch: Let’s Get Kraken!

3-4:30 pm, Library. Everyone welcome. Dive into the library’s wildly inspiring treasure trove of recycled and upcycled materials, transform yourself into a mythical undersea creature, and parade around the library in this “wearable art” kickoff event. Register for Summer Reading Club at prpl.ca

Local Author Margaret Brittain

7 pm, Library. Margaret Brittain presents She Runs With Wolves, the tale of an abandoned girl raised by wise mind-reading wolves who reveal the world’s hidden secrets to her.

Trusted Local Sophisticated Rob Villani* • Brandon Henderson Cole Villani** • Katya Buck* Stacey Fletcher *Denotes a law corporation **Denotes articled student

Rotary Club celebration for Walter Martella and Arthur Arnold

6 pm, Cranberry Seniors Centre. Tickets $35 “To recognize their leadership, dedication and professionalism in transforming Powell River into a world-renowned hub for music.” See more at rotaryclubpowellriver.com

The Steadies & Dave Neal Band in Concert 8 pm Carlson Loft. $20 at the door.

Logger Sports Carving Competition begins

Willingdon Beach. The event ends Sunday July 12. See Logger sports guide, inserted into this magazine.

SUMMER DAZE: On July 25, head to Lund for Lund Daze (above) — one of July’s many local festivals (see right). Many weekly activities doze for the summer; in their place, this extraordinary scene, plus lake swims, beach days, and sunset walks.

Thursday

A&W Show n’ Shine

4:30-ish to 6:30-ish, A&W at the Town Centre.

Film • Billie Eilish: Hit Them Hard And Soft 7 pm, Patricia

Loud qathet • August 20-22

Omniesia / Decryptor / Butcher All Ages, Doors: 7, Bands: 8, Presale: $15, Doors: $20. Bands from Vancouver and Vancouver Island.

Saturday

Texada Sandcastle Weekend begins

11 am Parade. Family zone, bed races, Show n’ SHine, Skim Jam, Lip Sync contest, food vendors, beer garden, Laser show and dance, and more. See more at texada.org.

Omniesia, Decryptor / Butcher 8 pm. The Alley. All Ages. Presale: $15. Doors: $20 July 11 & 12.

Logger Sports begins See guide, inserted into this magazine.

Powell River Farmers’ Market

Blackberry Festival • August 21 & 22 qathet Studio Tour • August 22 & 23

Central Farmers’ Market

Fall Fair • September 12 & 13

10 Friday

July Work Party at the Powell River Farmers’ Market

10 am Paradise Valley. All welcome.

Real Estate Commercial Law Wills & Estates

10 am-1 pm, Willingdon Beach. Enjoy shopping local for organic produce, cured meats, fresh eggs, home-baked goods, artisanal crafts, live music, and more.

Video Game Night

6-9 pm, High Tide Games. See ad on Page 16.

12 Sunday

Very Low Tide 10:34 am, 0.7 ft.

See guide, inserted into this magazine.

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

Texada Sandcastle Weekend

10:30 am-12:30 pm, 4365 McLeod Road. Produce, baking, prepared food, frozen meat, artisan vendors, live music.

Sunshine Music Fest • September 5 & 6

Logger Sports

8 am, Sunrise Service, 8:30 am, pancake breakfast. Dog show, sandcastle judging, food vendors, beer garden, and more. See more at texada.org.

Powell River Farmers’ Market

12:30-2:30 pm, 4365 McLeod Road. Produce, baking, prepared food, frozen meat, artisan vendors, live music, and train rides.

Texada Farmers’ Market

Noon-2 pm, Gillies Bay Ball Park.

Paradise Valley Miniature Railroad

12:30-2:30 pm. Train and handcar rides, $2 per person.

Monday

Farm to Art: Plein Air event

4-7 pm, at Paradise Valley Produce, 3959 B Padgett Rd. Tickets available at qathetART.ca. Join qathet ART and Paradise Valley Produce for a land based afternoon of plein air creating and farm fresh nibbles.

Very Low Tide 11:25 am, 0.2 ft.

Classic Movie Monday 3:30 pm, The Patricia. By donation.

D&D & Board Game Night

6 to 9 pm, High Tide Games

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qathet Living • July 2026 • 49

JULY EVENTS

Tuesday

Very Low Tide 12:14 pm, 0.1 ft.

Savary Island Farmers’ Market

11 am to 1:30 pm, Hacienda (2778 Brian’s Way). Fruit and veg, art, wine, spices and ice cream, plus hot food vendors including fish & chips.

Shoreline Cleanup with Ocean Legacy

10 am to noon. Join PRPL and Ocean Legacy Foundation for an informative and fun shoreline cleanup starting at the Willingdon Beach Pavilion and ending at the Ocean Plastic Depot at the qathet Resource Recovery Centre! Participants must be accompanied by a caregiver. Please come prepared with your own water, sturdy footwear and sun protection!

Wednesday

Texada Aerospace Camp begins

For ages 10 to 15-ish. See more at texaero2023. wixsite.com/texadaaerospacecamp

Very Low Tide 1:01 pm, 0.6 ft.

Thursday

Welcoming Canoe Journey canoes at Lund

Time TBA. Everyone is invited to greet the paddlers. This weeks-long canoe journey ends at Nisqually,

at the head of Puget Sound. allnationspaddlesup.com

Tech Savvy Top AI Guide

4 pm, Library. At this Tech Savvy Session, we will look at and compare the strengths and drawbacks of the dominant generative AI platforms.

A&W Show n’ Shine

4:30-ish to 6:30-ish, A&W at the Town Centre.

17 Friday

Welcoming Canoe Journey canoes in tishosem

Time TBA. Everyone is invited to greet the paddlers. This weeks-long canoe journey ends at Nisqually, at the head of Puget Sound. allnationspaddlesup.com

Kids & Teens: Summer at the Library

Kids and preteens dive into books — and engaging ocean-themed events — at the library this summer with Summer Reading Club Under the Sea/Sous la Mer, launching with a “Let’s Gets Kraken” wearable art kickoff parade on Wednesday, July 8! Pick up a BC SRC Reading Record at the library, track your summer reading, and collect stickers as you go! Explore a (manta)-array of drop-in and by-registration events and book clubs throughout the summer! Pick up a summer brochure and calendar at the library or download prpl.ca! Youth aged 12-18 can read books and win! Read a book (ebook, audiobook, magazine, and more in any language) and fill out the online entry form for a chance to win a gift card from a local business. Winners are chosen every week (on Saturday), so there are many chances to win. Contest runs until midnight, August 15. Teens are also invited to the Library “Teen Takeover” through August 15, featuring snacks and games. Summer 3D Printing Drop-ins for youth aged 10+ are on Wednesday & Friday from 10 to 11 am. See prpl.ca for much more.

Townsite Showtime & Shine

First Run Movies

Powell River Farmers’ Market

12:30-2:30 pm, 4365 McLeod Road. Produce, baking, prepared food, frozen meat, artisan vendors, live music, and train rides.

Texada Farmers’ Market

Noon-2 pm, Gillies Bay Ball Park.

Paradise Valley Miniature Railroad

12:30-2:30 pm. Train and handcar rides, $2 per person.

3:30 pm, The Patricia. By donation.

D&D & Board Game Night

6 to 9 pm, High Tide Games

Central Farmers’ Market

10 am-1 pm, Willingdon Beach. Enjoy shopping local for organic produce, cured meats, fresh eggs, home-baked goods, artisanal crafts, live music, and more.

Video Game Night

6-9 pm, High Tide Games. See ad on Page 16

Sunday

World Cup Final: Where to watch

Noon PST, game in New Jersey. Here, you can watch it at the Townsite Brewing tasting room; the Carlson Club;

Wednesday

Tide Pool Accordion Books

3 to 4:30 pm, Library. Start with a read-aloud of “Don’t Worry Little Crab,” then make your own mixed media accordion book in this workshop that combines art, natural science, and a sweet message about trying big, new things, when you are just a little crab. Register for Summer Reading Club at prpl.ca

Thursday

Wildfire Resilience at Home

10:30 am, Library. Learn strategies to reduce your home’s vulnerability to wildfire and reduce risks of wildfire in this region from qRD FireSmart Coordinator Noel Poulin.

A&W Show n’ Shine

4:30-ish to 6:30-ish, A&W at the Town Centre.

24 Friday

Wassabi Collective

8 pm, The Alley. Canadian West Coast tribal electro-funk band. Teen $15, Adults $20, kids free.

Tuesday

Savary Island Farmers’ Market

11 am to 1:30 pm, Hacienda (2778 Brian’s Way). Fruit and veg, art, wine, spices and ice cream, plus hot food vendors including fish & chips.

New Films Weekly

i n h i sto r i c tow n s i t e ■ pat r i c i at h e at r e . c o m ■ 6 0 4 - 4 8 3 - 9 3 4 5

50 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

Competitive, rec and relay categories. Sanctioned by Triathlon BC. See more at savarytriathlon.wixsite. com

Classic Movie Monday

10th annual Texada Blues & Roots Fest

10:30 am-12:30 pm, 4365 McLeod Road. Produce, baking, prepared food, frozen meat, artisan vendors, live music.

Savary Fun Triathlon

Monday

See more on Page 58.

Powell River Farmers’ Market

Blues and Roots music, food and craft vendors, a kids’ zone for the young ones to play, the Farmers’ Market on Sunday, and a place to quench the adults’ thirst. texadabluesfestival. com

Saturday

blues and roots, food and craft vendors, a kids’ zone for the young ones to play, the Farmers’ Market on Sunday, and a place to quench the adults’ thirst. texadabluesfestival.com

10th annual Texada Blues & Roots Fest

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Texada Legion. Doors open at 3:30 for the “Meat Draw” and 50-50. The grill is open at 5 for burgers and wings. Music begins at 7 pm, dance till you drop. Cover by donation.

Powell River Farmers’ Market

10:30 am-12:30 pm, 4365 McLeod Road. Produce, baking, prepared food, frozen meat, artisan vendors, live music.

Central Farmers’ Market

10 am-1 pm, Willingdon Beach. Enjoy shopping local for organic produce, cured meats, fresh eggs, home-baked goods, artisanal crafts, live music, and more.

Video Game Night

6-9 pm, High Tide Games. See ad on Page 16.

26 Sunday

Texada Fly-In

Pancake breakfast, followed by a BBQ lunch, contests, car, plane and bike show and shine, flight demonstrations, and skydivers. More at texada.org.

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Saturday

2:30 pm till late. Featuring Wassabi Collective, Beach Crashers (right at 3 pm!), Elastic Band, KP Duty, Savanna featuring Walter Martella, and more! Community Art, BBQ, Craft and Food Vendors, Teen Tent, Kids Corner, Volleyball. $10 - $20, kids free.

Sharing your wealth

Powell River Farmers’ Market

12:30-2:30 pm, 4365 McLeod Road. Produce, baking, prepared food, frozen meat, artisan vendors, live music, and train rides.

Texada Farmers’ Market

Noon-2 pm, Gillies Bay Ball Park.

Paradise Valley Miniature Railroad

12:30-2:30 pm. Train and handcar rides, $2 per person.

27 Monday

Classic Movie Monday 3:30 pm, The Patricia. By donation.

D&D & Board Game Night

6 to 9 pm, High Tide Games

28 Tuesday

Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower

Average shower of about 20 meteors per hour. The full moon will obscure it. Best seen after midnight.

Compassionate Friends Meeting

6:30 pm refreshments, 7 pm meeting. For bereaved parents who have lost a child at any age, for

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/ / / Wednesday

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Full Moon Film • Cinema Politica qathet Community Power Night: Screening of the documentary “Power Station”

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7 pm, Patricia Theatre. By donation

Film • Ocean with David Attenborough

3 to 4:35 pm, Library. Embark on a breathtaking cinematic journey showing there is nowhere more vital for our survival, more full of life, wonder, or surprise, than the ocean. By registration (PRPL.ca) or drop-in.

Making law make sense. Wills - Real Estate - Criminal - Family

Thursday

A&W Show n’ Shine

4:30-ish to 6:30-ish, A&W at the Town Centre.

orcalawteam.com qathet Living • July 2026 • 51

A PEAK AHEAD TO AUGUST August 3

August 17

BC Day

Super Senior Club Championship

Holiday

Myrtle Point Golf Club

August 3 & 10

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August 20 - 22

Men’s Senior Club Championship

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Saturday August 8

August 21 & 22

Short shorts & Animal Shirts Dance Party

Blackberry Festival Street Party & Blackberry Jam

9 pm-1 am, Lund/Kla Ah Men Gazebo. By donation.

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And other events.

August 22 & 23

August 8

qathet Studio Tour

Rockin’ the Beach

Free and self-guided tour of artist studio spaces and galleries along the northern Sunshine Coast. qathetART.ca

10:30 am to 9 pm, Willingdon. All local performers play all day at the beach. This is a charity event for the Friends of qathet. Donate on-site to enter into prize draws.

August 28

Partial Lunar Eclipse

August 9

Artist Trading Card Summit

12:30 to 2 pm. The Alley.

4488 Marine Ave Mon-Sat 10:30am-5pm www.qa-w.ca create@qa-w.ca 604.413.6830

September 5 & 6

August 12

Solar Eclipse & Perseids Meteor Shower.

August 13 to 16

Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts writersfestival.ca

Sunshine Coast Music Festival

September 7

Labour Day

Back to school tomorrow.

ART SHOWS & MORE To July 15

“Show Arne Your Garbage”

Safety, a Priority! WARNING!

Always stay clear of dams. Near them, water conditions can change quickly and without notice. ALWAYS RESPECT WARNING SIGNS AND SIGNALS!

Submit your best pic of garbage, to fanaticpaddler@gmail. com. Best images will be printed in the August qL.

Now to December

Joyce Furness Exhibition “Powell River and Area Through My Eyes”

qathet ART at PR Public Library. qathetART.ca for more information

July and August

Summer Art Camps

at qathet Art Centre for youth ages 6-12. qathetART.ca for more information and to register.

August 8

qathet Art + Wares turns 5 celebration

August 9

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52 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

Artist Trading Card Summit

12:30 to 2 pm. The Alley. Hosted by qathet Art + Wares.

MYRTLE ROCKS SYMPHONY: By local artist Joyce Furness. See her exhibition, Powell River and Area Through My Eyes, at the qathet Art Centre above the Library through December.

Powell River Farmers’ Market When • Every Saturday from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm and Sunday from 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Where • 4365 McLeod Road What to expect • Community vibe with local produce and meat, eggs, baked goods, plants, flowers, prepared food (lunch!), arts, crafts, live music, a miniature train (Sundays), playground, etc.

Central Farmers’ Market When • Every Saturday to October 10, 10 am – 1 pm Where • Willingdon Beach What to Expect • Local produce, organic produce, local meat, prepared food, lunch options, baked goods, flowers, arts and crafts, etc.

Savary Island Market When • Tuesdays 11-1:30 pm in July and August Where • Hacienda – 2778 Brian’s Way at Vancouver Boulevard. Across from the church. What to expect • Fruit, vegetables, local art, wine, spices, and ice cream. Hot food vendors, including fish & chips.

Texada Island Farmers’ Market When • Sundays 12 – 1:30 pm to mid-September Where • Ball field, Gillies Bay What to expect • Sweet and savoury prepared food, local produce and meat, jewelry, artisans, live music, community info, and more.

qathet Living • July 2026 • 53

təm kʷaθ nan

Namesake is on the festival circuit

athet’s locally-written and produced feature film, təm kʷaθ nan Namesake, is screening at festivals around Canada — and soon, the world. Both festival coordinators and audiences are taken with the 2026 film, which captures the local tension about changing the name of the City of Powell River, from a Tla’amin perspective. The tag line is, “A film about what it means to live together.” The film previewed at the qathet International Film Festival in March, where it won the Audience Choice Award. In April, it premiered at Hot Docs documentary film festival in Toronto, where it came in 13th out of 115 films for Audience Choice. In May, Namesake screened at DOXA in Vancouver, where it won the Vancouver Film Studios award for Best Director — or in this case, directors: Dr. Evan Adams and Eileen Francis. In June it screened at the Vancouver International Film Festival Centre (not a festival — a year-round theater). This month, it screens at the Victoria Film Festival’s F1RST: A Celebration of Indigenous Film. Then, it’s off to the Dave Barber Cinematheque in Winnipeg in August, at the Windsor International Film Festival in October, and it will be at Native Spirit Film Festival in London UK in October, and the Wairoa Maori Film Festival in New Zealand in the spring of 2027. Executive producer Claudia Medina, who was born and raised in qathet to immigrant parents, started documenting the community engage-

ment events alongside the Tla’amin media team of Eileen Francis and Alex Sutcliffe. She started shooting film during the 2022 City-led process, after Hegus John Hackett asked the City, on behalf of the Nation, to change its name as an act of reconciliation; Dr. Israel Powell was Superintendent of Indian Affairs in BC during the expansion of the residential school era in the late 1800s. “We all recognized the significance of it. It was a big story,” said Claudia. “Obviously, it’s very local, but very connected to the bigger picture. There was going to be a lot of benefit to capturing it and telling it through a Tla’amin lens.” Eileen said, “I wanted the film to be rooted in Tla’amin tradition, to have its roots here. It amazes me that people are so receptive to it. So many communities are going through similar things.” Other people who worked on the film are Davis Mckenzie, executive producer; Peg Campbell, producer, writer and story editor; Angela Kendall, camera and sound, editor and writer; and Emily White, Executive Producer. Together, the group has a depth and breadth of skills in filmmaking, communications, governance, medicine and art, among much more. Local groups can request community screenings. Head to the website, namesake.film, to learn how.

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54 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

BREADTH OF SKILLS, DEPTH OF KNOWLEDGE: Above, the filmmaking team of (from left to right) executive producer aʔǰɛmaθot Davis McKenzie; executive producer / camera & sound Claudia Medina; camera & sound, editor & writer Angela Kendall; executive producer Emily White; director t̓agəm Eileen Francis; producer, writer & story editor Peg Campbell; and director ƛɛsla Dr. Evan Adams (Photo Gary Shilling). Below, stills from the film: tiskwat, and Dr. Israel Powell.

Shoreline Cleanup with Library & Ocean Legacy Tuesday, July 14, 10 am to noon

Informative and fun shoreline cleanup starting at the Willingdon Beach Pavilion and ending at the Ocean Plastic Depot at the qathet Resource Recovery Centre. Ages 6+ and must be accompanied by an adult. Register at prpl.ca This space available to non-profit organizations, courtesy City Transfer

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SUNNY WAYS, FOR REAL: Mary Burgett finds her groove at Lang Bay.

BY LIS GENDRON-BOILART

Dancing Under the Parachute Celebrating 45 years of the Sunshine Music Festival, a tradition that marks the end of summer

or 45 years, the Sunshine Music Festival, formerly known as Folk Fest, has held a unique place in the community: timeless, distinctly local, and deeply rooted in ritual. That feeling echoes through the stories shared by musicians, volunteers, organizers, and attendees alike. Ask people what keeps them coming back, and the answers are consistent: community, dancing under the iconic parachute, unforgettable performances, the Salish Sea backdrop, and, of course, the food. For one weekend, life seems to slow into something simpler, more generous, and more connected. “It’s kind of the perfect punctuation mark at the end of summer,” says Mackenzie Adamson of SassyMack’s, whose connection to the festival has spanned more than two decades as an attendee, performer, vendor, and now, parent. “It’s like stepping into a time machine,” says Clay Brander, former artistic director and longtime volunteer (plus Regional District chair). “Kids running around, people listening to music, visiting, and enjoying good food. If every day were more like a day at the festival, we’d all be better off.”

Connecting Across Generations From children experiencing an increasingly rare kind of freedom to adults seeing new sides of par-

SUNSHINE MUSIC FEST When: September 5 & 6 (Labour Day Weekend) What: 17 local and travelling bands / musicians on stage, plus a kids zone, artisan vendors, food vendors, and much more, right by the ocean. Pre-festival kick-off concert September 4 at Cranberry Hall. Where: Palm Beach at Lang Bay Tickets and info: sunshinemusicfest.ca

ents and grandparents, the festival has long connected generations. Clay’s children “grew up at the festival, starting in the womb,” he jokes. For Mack’s family, the festival remains one of the few times they camp together. He remembers childhood festivals filled with pinecone fights, fort-building, playground adventures, and beach games. Today, his own children are living out remarkably similar moments. “It’s fun seeing the kids go through the same little formative moments that you went through as a kid,” Mack reflects. Children who once spent the day on the playground are now bringing children of their own; parents become grandparents. That continuity — memory folding into memory — may be one of the

qathet Living • July 2026 • 55

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Summer is for book clubs! Read to Me Book Club (suggested ages 6-9)

Participants in Read to Me Book Club will have Song of the Sea read aloud to them. Registration required. Tuesdays from July 7 • 3:30-4:30.

Read Together Book Club (suggested ages 9-12)

Participants in Read Together Book Club meet weekly chapter goals alongside fellow readers of The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat. Registration required. Tuesdays from July 7 • 3:30-4:30.

Teen Summer Book Club (ages 12+)

This summer we will be a reading Dead Flip by Sara Fazan, a supernatural horror novel ﬁlled with friendship, nineties nostalgia, and evil pinball! Register online to receive a copy of the book, or just drop-in to hang out. Fridays from July 3 • 3:30-4:30.

ESL Book Club (English learners)

Meet others, practice your English skills, and discuss a good book! July’s book is short story collection How to Pronounce Knife by Souvankham Thammavongsa. Contact emily.mckee@immigrantwelcome.ca. Starts Tuesday, July 7 • 6-7:30.

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

56 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

festival’s quietest and most meaningful achievements.

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Behind those carefree weekends, however, lie decades of volunteer work. The festival’s longevity rests not just on artists and audiences, but on volunteers, organizers, stage crews, vendors, and families who return year after year to make it possible. Few can attest to this more than Michael Conway-Brown, who served as stage manager for 35 years, orchestrating the backstage work audiences rarely see. “The real job was moving information,” he says. That meant coordinating stage plots, sound checks, timing, and troubleshooting on the fly. Over the years, he witnessed everything from violent coastal storms threatening to lift the parachute skyward, pirate bands attempting to commandeer the stage, and musicians pausing mid-performance to point out orcas off the beach. “It was an honour and a joy to play a part in it,” he reflects. Best of all, Michael eagerly anticipates “finally getting to listen to the music sittin’ out front in a lazy chair.” His spouse, Mary Burgett — known affectionately by many as the legendary “festival fairy” — offers a different kind of contribution: dancing. “As an old lady I often have difficulty walking,” she says, “but at the festival I can just relax and let the music dance me.” At 82, Mary is still first on the dance floor, moving with grace and élan, and once she starts, others quickly join — from toddlers to grandparents. Robyn Andexser, who first attended in 2018 and now helps coordinate the event, speaks with admiration about

the setup and takedown crew. “What a team of gems they are,” she says. “There are so many volunteers behind the scenes doing so much work!”

Music, Food, and Community Palm Beach Park’s shoreline is an iconic part of the festival — the ocean isn’t just a backdrop, it’s part of the show. The view from the stage is one performers never forget. Some years bring huge wind and rain storms, but these festival-goers are die-hard; it takes more than rough weather to send people home when there’s good music to dance to. The festival has hosted artists from across British Columbia, Canada, and beyond, while always continuing to showcase local talent. Clay recalls his first festival in 2002 and being “astounded by the level of talent the festival was able to attract.” Mack says he always looks forward to closing their booth a little early so he and his family can go dance for the last couple of bands. “Sorry folks, we’re going to dance!” he jokes. For local musician Devon Hanley, the festival is special because of its intimate size and setting. “Artists are met with warmth and friendliness, and treated like gold,” she says, describing an increasingly rare closeness with the audience, where performers become fellow participants when off-stage. “The Sunshine Music Festival has an inclusive, good community feel,” she says. The lines between performer, volunteer, vendor, and audience member blur easily here. Everyone shares the same beach, the same dance floor, and the same late-summer atmosphere. Sometimes, that casual intimacy leads to unexpected moments that

Over the years, [stage manager Michael ConwayBrown] witnessed everything from violent coastal storms threatening to lift the parachute skyward, pirate bands attempting to commandeer the stage, and musicians pausing mid-performance to point out orcas off the beach. tall ins ring! o als oo We nate fl i lam

THE SCENE: Above, dancing in the dark under the parachute. Above right, attendee, musician, vendor and parent Mackenzie Adamson at his Sassy Mack’s ice cream booth. Left, stage manager Michael Conway-Brown. Below, Lang Bay provides an escape from the sun. Photos submitted by Lis Gendron-Boilart

become festival folklore. Mack recalls fellow beachgoers joining a spontaneous log-rolling competition as a teenager. Later that evening, the festival’s closing band took the stage, and he realized, “Hey — it’s the log-rolling guys!” Clay recounts when one year Mohinder Singh, longtime festival vendor with Little Hut Curry, showed everyone how to dance to Bhangra music between sets. The festival evolves, but certain traditions endure. Every interview returned to the same topic: the food booths are not simply refreshments; they are ritual. Meals are planned strategically, favourite vendors are revisited faithfully, and the corn booth is spoken of with reverence, whether it be plain, buttered, or slathered in irresistible pesto. “Don’t underestimate the corn,” Mack advises. “It slaps.” Robyn agrees: “You must dance and you must eat corn; it’s the best you’ve ever had!” Forty-five years in, the Sunshine Music Festival continues to be sustained by volunteers, artists, organizers, vendors, dancers, and families who return year after year. Some longtime contributors are gone now, remembered fondly by friends and collaborators. The festival changes, but its spirit remains remarkably consistent. Warm. Welcoming. Musical. A little chaotic. Deeply local. Sure, we can measure the Sunshine Music Festival in music lineups, ticket sales, and years on the calendar. But perhaps the better measure is what it has and continues to do so well after nearly half a century: creating a weekend where even the smallest moments can become lifelong memories. Let summer end the way it has for generations: corn on the cob, dancing under the parachute, children running barefoot between blankets, and the sounds of live music drifting across the Salish Sea. Or, as Mack puts it: “All the best parts of rural Pacific Northwest living crammed into one little cultural event.”

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qathet Living • July 2026 • 57

Fifth Annual Showtime and Shine

The ByGone Days Are Here Again

BY PETRA EBNER

Every car lover will tell you that owning an old car never gets old, and this year, on July 18th, the bygone days are here again at our Fifth annual Showtime ‘n’ Shine in front of the Patricia Theatre. There is still time to pre-register your vintage vehicle for $20 or just come and enjoy chatting with old friends and fellow car-lovers. As we know, old cars come in all shapes and sizes with many surprises under the hood, which are sometimes good and, well, sometimes not so good, like not starting when they are supposed to. The day’s events will be from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm followed by a movie at 2 pm. Car registrants will be entered in our draw for cash prizes, but space is limited so come and claim your spot soon. So, see you In the Hood. It will be a great day with food and fun for everyone! When: Saturday, July 18th, Showtime & Shine 10:30-1:30 followed by a free movie. Where: In front of the Patricia Theatre in The Hood on Ash Street. Pre-register your car: for $20. Contact: Paul at reelcars@shaw.ca

58 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

UNDER THE HOOD: Above, Petra Ebner and Paul Lavigne, Showtime & Shine organizers, at a past event on Ash Avenue, in front of the Patricia Theatre. Below, the “American Graffiti” gang at another event. Bottom, a “Starsky and Hutch” 1976 Ford Gran Torino. Photos courtesy of Petra Ebner

SUMMER & CLASSIC CAR CULTURE Fifth Annual Showtime & Shine: 10:30 am to 1:30 pm, July 18, Ash Avenue in Townsite. Film at 2 pm. See more, left. A&W weekly Show ‘n’ Shines: Thursdays approx 4:30 to 6:30 pm at A&W Powell River, at the Town Centre. Springtime Nursery Classic Car Show: July 5, 11 am to 2 pm. Blackberry Festival Street Party: August 21, 6 pm on, Marine Ave. Watch for classic cars. 30th Annual Sleepy Hollow Rod Run & Show ‘n’ Shine: Sechelt, August 7 & 8 40th Annual Cruisin’ the Valley: July 25 & 26, Comox Valley.

BLAST FROM THE PAST

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A PLACE TO STAY: Above, the Malaspina Hotel with the original hotel showing behind. At right, the first hotel. Fred Thulin is standing behind the horse. Pho-

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From the Hotel Malaspina to the Lund Resort at Klah ah Men

aʔamɛn (Klah ah men), meaning “a place to head toward” or “a place of refuge” in ʔayajuθəm (Ayajuthem), has been described historically as a safe location for canoe pullers. In fact, on July 16, the public is invited to welcome canoes in Lund, that are on the Canoe Journey, on a weeks-long voyage to Nisqually, at the head of Puget Sound. Still a safe harbour, ƛaʔamɛn is home to a marina, restaurants, and the Lund Resort at Klah ah Men. Now operated by the Tla’amin Nation, the hotel in “downtown Lund” has had many names. Nearly 130 years ago, the first projects were the construction of a wharf and a small store. The first hotel was most likely built by 1891, and in 1894 the Thulin brothers obtained a hotel licence — t he first one north of Vancouver. In 1905, the Hotel Malaspina (also known as the Malaspina Hotel and

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BLAST FROM THE PAST DEVAN GILLARD the Lund Hotel) was built to replace the first hotel. There are two stories about the fate of the original hotel; Fred Thulin recounts it being demolished once the new building was completed, however there are also local stories about it being destroyed in a forest fire in 1918. In 1935, ownership of the hotel passed to Holger and Gerald Thulin. They undertook major renovations in 1949. At that time, the village of Lund had a population of approximately 200 people. The Thulins sold the hotel in 1962, after which it was renamed the Breakwater Inn. It remained the Breakwater Inn until 1999, when the Tla’amin Nation purchased the property in partnership with a local businessperson. The 2014 Final Agreement returned ƛaʔamɛn to the Tla’amin Nation, and the protected waters continue to be a place of refuge and gathering.

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Our Lives •

Mary Kathleen Koivu (nee Smith) February 9, 1942 – June 6, 2026

Predeceased by her husband Garry. Survived by her daughters Karen Wick, and Christine Wilson (Maurice), four grandchildren and two great granddaughters, and her dog Reggie.

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

Births Graduations Weddings Job Changes Anniversaries

Retirements Birthdays Obituaries ‘In Memoriam’ Notices & More

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

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

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

60 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

John Zaikow

January 8, 1949- March 21, 2026

ur family is heartbroken by the sudden loss of John, a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather. He was born in the Powell River General Hospital on January 8, 1949, to parents Mike and Maria Zaikow. He and his sister Sonia had an adventurous childhood in Van Anda on Texada Island. He gained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Regina, and was a lifelong learner, always willing to expand his knowledge through reading, courses and workshops. He became a licensed realtor in 1979 to join his dad, Mike, in the family business on Texada. For 47 years he enjoyed helping people find their homes, and was known for his authenticity and integrity. John married his high school sweetheart, Betty, in 1972, the same year they bought their Texada homestead. They farmed, lived lightly on the land, raised their children and hosted events from simple barbeques to family weddings. John was happiest at his homestead, surrounded by nature and his beloved family. He was grateful to call Texada Island and the qathet region home, and appreciated exploring the mountains, beaches and forests in every season. John was committed to building community, as a Boy Scout leader and founding member of TAN. He spent many years as a board member of the Texada Parks Board, United Way, Sierra Club, Sunshine Music Festival and many other organizations. He will be forever missed by his wife, Betty, son Jake (Angela), daughter Amanda (Dillon) and cherished grandchildren Sage, Amy, Reed, Nile and Lorenzo. He is also lovingly remembered by his sister, Sonia (Chuck), brother-inlaw Bill (Jeidre) and many close nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. We are so grateful to have had this intelligent, kind, witty, compassionate man in our lives. In honour of John, donations can be made to a community organization of your choice.

Jacqueline Rebecca Denise

“Jacquie” Dawson

December 19, 1954 - June 16, 2026

here are people who pass through your life and people who leave a mark. Jacquie Dawson was the second kind and you knew it the moment you met her. She grew up in Keswick, Ontario, a marina kid, daughter of Art and Irma, little sister to Doug and Jim. Jacquie’s days were full of excitement, laughs, friends, and drama from sunup to sundown. As an adult, when she ran straight into the theatre world, it fit her personality and ambitions as though it had been tailored just for her. From Halifax to Winnipeg, from Banff to Regina, and everywhere the stage took her, Jacquie spent decades doing the work she was born to do: stage managing, producing, floor directing, and being the steady hand and sharp eye every great production needs but rarely thanks enough. She described it as being “half football coach, half air traffic controller.” The people who worked alongside her called it something else: irreplaceable. Powell River was Jacquie’s last great chapter, and what a chapter it was. Nearly two decades at the Max Cameron Theatre, building something beautiful in a community that loved her right back. She mentored, championed, connected, and she showed up. She remembered your name, she

remembered your story and Jacquie made you feel like the most important person in the room — because to her, in that moment, you were. Jacquie was many things. She was coffee in the morning and wine in the evening. She was Zucci’s person, and Zucci was hers. She was the friend you called when you needed someone who would tell you the truth — and then make you laugh about it. On June 16, 2026, after a courageous fight with cancer, Jaquie passed gracefully away surrounded by the love of many. She was 71 and just about to retire. It wasn’t enough time. It never would have been. She was preceded in death by her parents Art and Irma, her brother Jim, her soulmate Wayne, and dear friend Mike. She is lovingly remembered by her cherished dog, Zucci; her brother, Doug, and his family; and the extraordinary circle of friends whose lives she touched from coast to coast. Jacquie and Wayne are together again now, lifting a glass, and toasting their reunion. To Team Jacquie — you know who you are and so did she. Thank you will never be enough. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Love you later. qathet Living • July 2026 •

Robert Dufour

September 15, 1959 - May 25, 2026

obert Dufour was born in St. Jovite, Quebec. His family moved to Powell River when he was 8, when his father was offered a job at the mill. He attended Max Cameron Secondary, where he was a star student, and played the role of Johnny Canuck in Hurray for Johnny Canuck (a Monty Python-like version of the comic strip). He then took a BA in Economics from UVic. Robert worked in management for The Bay at locations around BC, and then at Granada Entertainment in Vancouver. That’s where he met Guadalupe and her son David in 1988. They walked in to buy a VCR. She remembers him as professional, helpful, and respectful. In her home country of El Salvador, stores offer to set up electronics at their customers’ homes. Guadalupe asked if this service was available. It wasn’t… but he said it was. A few days later, he showed up at her house, helped David, then 8, learn to work the VCR, then asked if he could call Guadalupe. She said yes. Robert soon became a part of their lives. Early in their relationship, they helped each other through health struggles. “That set us up for the rest of our lives,” recalls Guadalupe. “Facing challenges, we get closer every time.”

62 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

In 1993, Guadalupe was offered a job setting up Grace House. So the family moved to Powell River, and bought a house in Westview. A decade after they met, Robert asked Guadalupe to marry him, and she said yes. That was in January of 1998. They set their wedding date for September 26. Weeks later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. By summer, she lost most of her hair. He organized a party; they both shaved their heads. At the wedding, she wore a beaded lace cap. “He insisted on not letting cancer rule our lives. He was my lighthouse,” she said. “In the midst of that bravado, he was such a gentle man. He would do anything to help anyone.” Robert opened Works Printing & Design, a home-based graphic design company. Over the next decades, he helped bring countless local projects to life: locally-written books, calendars, programs for plays and musicals, Powell

River Living magazine, business cards, posters, and much more. Guadalupe opened Perfect Fit, and for many years, the couple worked from home. In his later years, Robert was a fixture at River City Coffee, either working on his laptop, socializing, or reading, always enjoying a good coffee and conversation. He called the shop his “branch office.” Usually, he would arrive on his Kawasaki motorcycle, one of his passions. He liked wind on his face and speed. He travelled down the coast to California and Oregon, and across Canada. Robert died from complications following open heart surgery. He is survived by his wife, Guadalupe, son David, daughter-in-law Megan, grandson Diego, and sisters Sandra and Brigette. His celebration of life will be in September, details TBA.

qathet Living • July 2026 • 63

Jacquie Obit Christopher Graham Nightingale

April 20, 1949 - June 1, 2026

hris was the best of brothers, beloved uncle, and a dear friend. He was an explorer on land and sea, a life-long learner, social activist, union shop steward, counsellor to many, a 35-year postal veteran, board member for the Food Bank, and volunteer fireman with the Northside Fire Department. He spoke Spanish fluently and loved to travel, particularly to South America; he

64 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

visited Machu Pichu, the Galapagos and the Amazon basin. He was a chorister, with Chor Musica. Chris practiced both transcendental meditation and Tai Chi. He loved to sing and tell stories. His celebration of life is July 18, at the Cranberry Seniors Centre. Gifts in lieu of flowers to the Gene Jamieson Frozen Meal Program.

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inclusion Powell River and qathet Living’s Slow Love are co-hosting a singles event at Gerry Gray Place. Watch this space for more info coming soon.

Tired of Tinder? Everyone is welcome to submit a free 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 as an “I Saw You” or a “Missed Connection.” The deadline for the August issue is July 15. Send your ad to editor@qathetliving.ca.

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How to respond to an ad: Write an email with your response 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.

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qathet Living • July 2026 • 65

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itchell and Brittany Stainton have been together for 14 years (married for 11 as of this August). He is a welder and fabricator for Remote Marine Solutions and she works for SD47 and Powell River Youth & Family. They have two children: Mitchell Jr., 11, and Aurelia, 9. The couple plays Slo-pitch and drives their kids around to various activities. “We enjoy game nights with friends and being tourists in our own town,” said Brittany. “We do most things together, but when he is on his own, Mitch likes to game or build random things. I like to listen to audiobooks and over commit myself to things that sound fun and that I probably shouldn’t say yes to.”

When, where and how did you meet?

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66 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

Brittany • We met on a dating website called Plenty of Fish. Online dating was relatively new at the time so in the beginning we were a bit shy to tell people — but now we tell everyone. For our first date we took his pug Bruce for a walk in a park near his house in New Westminster. Our conversation felt really easy and natural from the start. How did you date / get to know each other? Brittany • He was a broke student, going to BCIT at the time and I was going to SFU and working at Starbucks. We didn’t have much money for dating so most of our hanging out was spent outside in different parks or at beaches. We did occasionally go clubbing in downtown Vancouver together with our friends. In the beginning of our relationship, he was hired to work at a mine out of town, so we spent a lot of time talking on the phone.

What was the moment you knew this person was special to you? What happened? Brittany • It is hard to pinpoint an exact moment because I really liked him from the start. He can be very romantic. He wrote me lots of love letters and we were very mushy. I think I realized I was in deep when we had only been dating for a few months and he asked me to move in with him and I had been fully hoping he would ask. I knew I loved him long before I was brave enough to tell him. Mitch • It was quite awhile ago, but everything just seemed right. I was working away in camps at the beginning so we would spend a lot of time on the phone and that really helped build our relationship. What really solidified how special she is, was how she interacted with my family. What challenges did you go through in making a life together / making your relationship work? Brittany • Living in the city was expensive and the city driving was killing our time together. Moving to Powell River was very intentional to fix this problem. I personally have also had a lot of health problems related to stress and he has always been the most understanding person you could hope for. I am anxious and he is chill. He is my calm. But sometimes he is too chill and needs me to push him. We have learned to work well for each other. Mitch • Work lives were long and left very little together time. I really think slowing life down and moving out to Powell River really improved the health of our relationship. The top three things you enjoy about the other person: Brittany • 1. He is an amazing husband and father. He grew up with a single mother, and he always wanted to have a family and you can see how much he loves us in the amount of effort he puts in for us. 2. He is so fun! He is always singing and dancing and being silly with everyone.

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VERY MUSHY: Brittany and Mitchell Stainton bridged every kind of romantic technology, from paper letters to online dating. Now, they’re parents. 3. He is a romantic, a lover not a fighter. After all our years together, he is still very sweet to me. 3.5. He’s hot. Mitch • 1. Brittany has great drive, passion and determination which then trickles down onto me, pushing me along to get goals done that may of taken longer (but we’ll never know) 2. Britt has a great sense of humour (well she must to put up with my shenanigans). She’s usually in a good mood or at least not letting her day get ruined and happy wife means happy life. 3. She’s really good at staying true to her word. If she says she’ll do it, it’ll be done and probably beyond the regular standards. She might be 10 minutes late getting whatever it is there though.

What’s different about this relationship, from what you’ve experienced in the past?

How this relationship has changed you?

Brittany • Work on yourself first. Genuinely find out what you like to do and what you need to work on. Go on dates not to find “the one”, but just to meet people and have fun. Experience everything you can experience just for the joy of it. The right person will fit your life. Mitch • You do you. Try new things that excite you and that’ll bring in a new circle of people you might not typically get to interact with. Step outside that safe zone and take chances that open up new doors and experiences. It’ll just happen once you stop looking.

Brittany • Growing up, my family didn’t have the healthiest dynamic. Mitch and I communicate really well. We never fight. I had to learn how to communicate in a more straightforward way instead of hoping he would read my mind. I have learned that I am safe to say things to him like, “I feel annoyed when you…” and he will respond in a mature way. Mitch • I open up and express myself more, but if you want to have a successful and meaningful relationship that’s just what’s got to happen. I’ve had to get used to the give and take of a partnership, but its been all for the better.

Brittany • Everyone likes Mitch. I love that we can go anywhere together and he can get along with anyone. He doesn’t bring any negativity or drama to my life. Every day is fun and I trust him completely. Mitch • In the past I’ve put so much effort into relationships solely because I wanted to help my partner when they might not be at the right time to be helping themselves. Britt has always had a pretty healthy outlook on life which takes unnecessary stresses out of an already stressful life. Your best advice for those who are seeking a romantic relationship:

604-485-6163 4670A Marine AS CHOSEN BY THE READERS OF QATHET LIVING

WHAT’S COMING THIS FALL? AUTOMATED RECYCLING COLLECTION MORE WASTE REDUCTION INJURY PREVENTION Download the qathet Waste Wise app for service reminders and other information on our waste collection services at powellriver.ca, or scan here:

RECYCLING TIPS SMART SORTING KEEPS RECYCLABLES OUT OF LANDFILLS. ENSURE YOUR BINS ONLY CONTAIN PERMITTED ITEMS. EMPTY & RINSE: Clean your plastic jugs, jars, and metal cans before tossing them into the bin. KNOW WHAT TO DEPOT: Plastic bags, overwrap, and foam packaging (such as Styrofoam containers or egg cartons) go to the Resource Recovery Centre. FLATTEN & SEPARATE: Flatten all cardboard and boxboard boxes to maximize space in your bin, before sorting paper products into your curbside recycling.

qathet Living • July 2026 • 67

APRIL HOROSCOPES CANCER (June 22 to July 22)

Cancer is hosting a New Moon this month, trapped in the potent energy of Mercury joining the summer get-together in your sign. Memories may appear rippled, and you’re pondering past personal choices. Give yourself applause for the inner growth or new habits and anchor through Mercury’s mental retrograde clutter. Moments of clarity are coming surrounding a positive new direction, long-term abundance, financial security, and emotional trust.

LEO (July 23 to Aug 22)

Jupiter shamelessly turns it up to 11 in your sign, amplifying your roar and creating a radiant new pathway. The New Moon mid-month focuses on classic comforts before a full send into a new vision, team, or collaboration. Your birthday season hits July 22nd, but some of Cancer’s energy still lingers. Allow love, nourishment, and rest. Your incendiary ruler, the Sun, recharges your natural charisma and optimism. Shine your light on long-term visions and put insecurities in the shadows.

VIRGO (August 23 to Sept 22)

A poignant time for open conversation to avoid tension in career settings or significant relationships regarding the need for your time. Have patience and invest wisely, whether it’s head, heart, or money. Mars in Gemini gives you the urge to move fast, but the universe wants to see you dilly-dallying. Impatience will likely bring more delays. Try to avoid big contracts or emotional pressures, as communication gets choppy with Mercury retrograde putting its watermark on early summer.

LIBRA (Sept 23 to Oct 23)

The lunar North Node enters your 5th house of joy and attention. Its giving ‘magnetic baddie’. Expression becomes more poetic with the waxing Moon in Libra. Later, Saturn retrograde pushes reflection on certain relationships that drain energy. Neptune backs it up in your opposite sign, Aries. Aries doesn’t waste time and is knocking the rose-coloured glasses right off when it comes to one-on-one connections. You’re welcome. Stop over-promising. Learn to anchor to your own values, personal health and harmony others might manipulate.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 to Nov 21)

Jupiter is in your 10th house of achievement,

SMALL TOWN ORACLE KRYSTAL THOMPSON suggesting some promising opportunities for a new direction or lucrative shift. Most of July, your ruler, Mercury, is in retrograde. Focus is narrowed and a little cloudy, but you’re encouraged to look at what is limiting your long-term goals. To end July, there is a celestial comfort with Venus in Virgo. She is resurrecting enjoyment of the simple luxuries in life and knowing you’re highly favoured.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 to Dec 21)

Mercury is retrograding in the lachrymose sign of Cancer. You may be experiencing fog around emotional or job situations. With Mars in your house of partnership, the universe urges avoiding reactive choices. Applying meticulous focus could lead to recognition. Venus in Virgo boosts sass, visibility and turns up the charm! There’s a significant lunar node shift (July 26), and you’re guided to explore your lore, babe! Tap into your wisdom, natural skills, or dormant talents and show off a little.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 to Jan 19)

The New Moon in Cancer (July 14th) is mirroring two competing areas of life. Equal parts emotional need and professional ambition may have been tricky to balance lately. Right now, life should be less about strategy and more about feeding your soul. Your anchor is at home; make sure the foundation is sound. You’re doing a great job! Later on, Saturn retrogrades and has you reconditioning your wellness plans as well. Avoid the temptation to cut corners. Slow down, and do the heavy work.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 to Feb 18)

Fine-tune your daily groove to a frequency that allows you to stay in a rhythm of self-love. Listen to your body! An air sign, yes, but you are the water bearer of the zodiac. Grab a floatie and hit the lake! The South Node and the Sun lock into Leo. These vibes inspire vitality, new hair, and a period of release, finally. Drive toward healthy experiences where emotions aren’t temporary. The thick lunar energy in your sign looms with a Full Moon on July 29th. This illuminates old patterns that are not serving.

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Congratulations to all the 2026 Best of qathet winners

PISCES (Feb 19 to March 20)

On July 9, Venus enters your fifth house of joy and creative passion. Artsy impulses are enhanced and might inspire DIY projects or a summer party. Embrace the fresh homebody vibes our New Moon will provide. You could ask for more responsibility or an opportunity to show off a creative talent. Go with the flow; and as Jupiter and Neptune align, so does your trust in the universe to pair your dreams with reality.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19)

Saturn remains planted in your sign, sparking leadership and raw ambition. Don’t ignore creativity while you take playful yet stable steps into your power and learn to tame your wildfire into sustainable warmth. High-energy Mercury is in reverse until July 28th, and you should romanticize home sweet home for a bit. Heal, clean, or detox. Lock in on community and nutritional comfort. Acting on impulses could come up stagnant or delay success. The lunar node shift is balancing some celestial energy that could focus around creativity and romance.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20)

You’ve been growing or closing wounds and feeling more worthy of all the good things. Allow yourself time to enjoy the golden moments of where you are right now before rushing into a new phase. Work may slow and lend a temporary opportunity to reorganize or re-evaluate. Early in the month could ignite fireworks literally, and metaphorically, with potential changes or a surprise. The New Moon in Cancer (July 14) lets us nurture our home’s aura, inspiring plans for a new space or renovations to enhance comfort, function, and creativity!.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 21)

There’s a desire to live more in the moment rather than chase after the future. Sip the drops of daylight this summer and enjoy the Sun’s energy while it struts into the exuberant sign of Leo. Mercury retrograde is forcing a slower motion. You may use the lull to clear up old tasks on your project list or unwind with family and friends. Near the Full Moon in Aquarius (July 29), your quick nature may have you making bold changes or releasing yourself from outdated situations that no longer align with your personal identity or emotional commitments.

Thank you for the votes! Make an appointment to find out why Betty won: 604-279-1906 Downstairs in the Townsite Market

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@simplybronze • Visit us above the Library

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Visit us above the Library Across 4) Thousand year trail 7) Savary race 8) Salmon to the point 9) 1986 party 11) Show & Shine feature 14) Colorant 17) John Wayne, of Earl 19) Universal fire suppressant 20) Faster than an axe 23) Better than better 24) Slow love ads 25) Sweater, or bee food 27) Prashan’ts flat fish 29) Necklace, or logger’s loop 32) Coast, or Music Fest 33) Cup, or forestry co 35) Mythical squid, rum 36) Shape wood 37) SE Asian oceanic play on words

Down 1) Buckethead 2) Trout, or assassin 3) Not a lie 5) Festival food 6) Bigger cutting 10) Doc connecting acronym 12) Wildwood mountain 13) Kings GM, Logger Sports prez 15) Lund’s strait hotel 16) Texada bay, DC3 pilot 17) Tattoo co’s knife 18) Superman’s alter beach 21) quiet religious guys 22) Sun power 23) Best free food and event 26) Cabin, or cheese 27) Fireplace frontage 28) Romance spot makes waves 30) Banner ship 31) Plenty of them 34) No fishing zone, acr

PRODUCE FARMERS’ MARKET EGGS SATURDAYS 10:30 - 12:30 MEAT SUNDAYS 12:30 - 2:30 POWELL RIVER

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Train Rides on Sundays

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604.414.3327 | 4365 McLeod Rd.

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604 487 0466 Celebrating 36 years in business

Perimeter Tiles / Drainage Landscape Preparation Certified Onsite Wastewater Systems Excavating & Site Services Rock Walls

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Office: 604-487-0466 • Cell: 604-208-2010

qathet Living • July 2026 • 69

The Great Divide LAST WORD PIETA GOUDRON

Know thyself. The beginning of all wisdom comes from figuring out on which side of these common local divisions you find yourself.

Cutthroat ❏ Dam ❏ E-Bike ❏ Liquidation World ❏ Floating Hulks ❏ Haywire Bay ❏ Himalayan Blackberry ❏ Central Farmers’ Market ❏ qathet ❏ Savary ❏ Off Grid ❏ PIE ❏ Second-Hand ❏ Chillax-ivity ❏ City Limits ❏ Sealion ❏ Logging ❏ Harm Reduction ❏ Hunting / Fishing ❏ Cell Phone ❏ AI ❏ Data Centre ❏ Vape ❏ Hotel❏ Flip Phone ❏ Hockey ❏ Soccer ❏ Smokie ❏ Trust the Science ❏ Export Energy ❏ Lake Swim ❏ Keto ❏ Sus ❏ Edible ❏ Orthography ❏ BC Ferries Reservation ❏ Born & Raised ❏ Apprenticeship ❏ Electric ❏ Tai Chi ❏ Yoga ❏ Recycle ❏ Woodstove ❏ Guaranteed Annual Income ❏ Lawn ❏ Regulated Cannabis ❏ Tent ❏ Hawaii ❏ Retirement Apartment ❏ Seawalk ❏ It’s called Second Beach ❏ Monogamous ❏ Kijiji ❏ Facebook ❏ Powell River Message Board ❏ Mini Golf ❏ Moose Lodge ❏ Plastic ❏ Make Powell River Great Again ❏

❏ Coho ❏ No Dam ❏ Motorcycle ❏ Raquet Centre ❏ Sunken Hulks ❏ Inland Lake ❏ Native Blackberry ❏ Powell River Farmers’ Market ❏ Powell River ❏ Texada ❏ Grid ❏ Brooks ❏ New ❏ Productivity ❏ Outside the City Limits ❏ Seal ❏ No Logging ❏ Forced Treatment ❏ Grocery Store Protein ❏ Digital SLR ❏ No AI ❏ No Data Centre ❏ Cigarette ❏ Air BnB / VRBO ❏ Smart Phone ❏ Curling ❏ Rugby ❏ Hot Dog ❏ Question Everything ❏ Retain Energy ❏ Ocean Swim ❏ Drive-Thru ❏ Gnarly ❏ Smokable ❏ Phonetics ❏ No BC Ferries Reservation ❏ Transplant ❏ Degree ❏ Gasoline ❏ qi Gong ❏ Pilates ❏ Reduce ❏ Heat Pump ❏ Welfare ❏ Food Garden ❏ Unregulated Cannabis ❏ RV ❏ Mexico ❏ Retirement Trailer ❏ Willingdon Trail ❏ It’s Called Third Beach ❏ Polyamorous ❏ Swap n’ Shop ❏ Instagram ❏ Inner Peace ❏ Serious Golf ❏ Carlson Club ❏ Glass ❏ The Best is Yet To Come

Obviously, choosing between many of these is impossible. Both. Neither. Both and this other thing. Neither, but this other thing. Things are complicated. People are complicated. Life is nuanced. There is no divide. There is only conversation. And hopefully some joy.

70 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca

2026 - the 11 th ANNUAL

AS CHOSEN BY THE READERS OF QATHET LIVING

qathet Living • July 2026 • 71

72 July 2026 • qathetliving.ca