MAY 2026
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For Parents Navigating Loss
qL’s guide to services in the region
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The Compassionate Friends offers support. If you’ve lost a child – at any age, for any reason – you are not alone.
The Powell River Compassionate Friends
A support group for bereaved parents meets the 4th Tuesday of each month Refreshments 6:30 pm, meeting at 7 pm For location and more information, please contact powellrivertcf@gmail.com
This space provided by Powell River Health-Care Auxiliary
Check out Foundry online
or life’s challenges, large and small, Foundry qathet will offer youth ages 12-24 and their caregivers connection, tools, and support. Now more than ever, we recognize that youth need meaningful, accessible support. This is especially true for rural and remote communities such as ours, where youth-specific spaces and services are limited. Foundry centres bring real, sustainable, systemic change that supports young people and their caregivers in a way that is accessible, welcoming, and built specifically for them. The development of Foundry qathet involves the coming together of existing youth-focused organizations in our community. Integrating these organizations creates a coordinated, full spectrum of servi-
ces delivered through a collaborative approach that avoids duplication and is responsive to the needs and priorities identified by our community. Our goal is for Foundry qathet to become a central hub, fostering connections, early intervention, and long-term community resilience. We have been busy fundraising and planning out the capital build, and mapping out service delivery with our working groups and community partners. Our Family Advisory and Youth Advisory Committees are a key part of our planning. To learn more about how to support or get involved, visit our website at foundrybc.ca/centre/qathet Virtual services are available now at foundrybc.ca/ foundry-virtual-bc
A lasting legacy. Donate to the Powell River Hospital Foundation. 604 485-3211 ext 4349 | 5000 Joyce Avenue, Powell River, V8A 5R3
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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
www.youthandfamily.ca
2 May 2026 • qathetliving.ca
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 Hear to make a difference in your life.
All families need help sometimes. 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.
We Stand Together
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
At Powell River Hearing, we believe it is important to address hearing loss if it is preventing you from living well.
Contact us to start your journey to better hearing
604-485-0036 4794B Joyce Ave, Powell River, BC V8A 3B6 www.powellriverhearing.com
Shannon Formby Registered Hearing Instrument Practitioner
appare l & life s tyle
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qathet Living • May 2026 • 3
CONTENTS MAY 2026 Radical Roses
Gardens for social change
Building Boom
Five new long-anticipated projects
The Other Building Boom
The former mill is exploding with new stuff
Double Shuffler
The McLean family conquers the SCT
The Kings Reign On
What’s ahead for the 2026/27 season
Karate kids head for Worlds
Hard workers head for Berlin
Thinker, Sailor, Alpine Guide
P.R. Lockie’s life in photographs
Vote in Best of qathet 2026 May is the last month to vote
The Scottish Play Fever Dream
Brooks Theatre Department’s MacBeth
6 10 10 24 25 25 29 34 49
So much to do, so little time
O
n a busy spring Sunday just before deadline, as I worked on constructing yet another raised bed for my wife’s ever-expanding garden, I paused for a moment to look around at all the other projects that needed doing — the firewood that needed splitting and stacking, the boat I’d like to be working on (or fishing or diving from), the grass that needed weed-whacking, the trees that needed pruning, and the never-ending war on the blackberries, which needed reinforcements. When I thought about the beautiful gardens that will be featured in this month’s garden tour, I felt wholly inadequate, until my wise wife — perhaps inspired by appreciation for the garden bed construction I had underway — reminded me that “you can only do what you can do.” It’s a truth that bore remembering as I edited this issue. I’d like to have a garden like Diana Woods’ (Page 6), and I’d like to climb all the mountains that P.R. Lockie climbed (Page 29) and I’d like to run the Marathon Shuffle as fast as Joseph McLean’s boys (Page 24). But now, on the wrong side of 50, I have to choose my battles. Yesterday, I chose carpentry and gardening. Today, I choose to get this magazine to press, and this winter, I’ll
choose to attend a few more hockey games. I was relieved to hear that the Kings will have another season, even though I got to only one game this season. The Kings are one of those things — like the library, the garden club, community theatre, and the local mountains — I’m highly supportive of their existence and I want to take advantage of them more, but there’s only so much time in my schedule and energy in my body. Even if you never go to a Kings game, a garden tour, or a mountain hut, they’re part of what makes this community what it is. (And yeah, you’re missing out.) I aspire to go to more events than I do and be part of more groups than I am, but I love that I could never be bored in a place this lively. The events section in this issue makes me dizzy. So many things to do, so little time (and energy). At the very least, I vow to get to more Kings games to show my appreciation, read more books, and get into the mountains more. But in the meantime, there are garden beds to build and typos to find.
REGULAR FEATURES I Made the Move Sports & Rec Section Blast from the Past Business Affairs Events Section I Made the Match Our Lives Horoscopes & Take a Break Last Word
22 23 36 38 39 50 50 52 54
Volume 21, Number 5 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:
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Sean Percy
sean@qathetliving.ca
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Suzi Wiebe
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ON THE COVER: Horticulturalist Diana Wood hosts the Powell River Spring Garden Tour lunch at her acre of gardens near Squatters Creek in Westview. For more about the May 31 tour, see Page 6. Photo by Pieta Goudron
4 May 2026 • qathetliving.ca
Office Manager
Lauren Diemer
office@qathetliving.ca
qathet Living is 100% locally owned and operated by Gastropod Media
qathet Living is a proud member of: Magazine Association of BC International Magazine Centre Tourism Powell River
Powell River Chamber of Commerce Coastal Women in Business
Jim, being new to mountaineering, was a bit under-dressed. The next morning, as they ate over a fire, P.R. handed Jim a coffee and his Cowichan wool sweater. “Take it with you to the top, son. I’ve lost my head for heights.”
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BEN BOUCHARD builds
homes and community on the West Coast, serves as a firefighter and first responder , and uses music as a force for connection, generosity, and meaningful change grounded in love. Read Ben’s ‘Love Before Words,’ on Page 46.
DENNIS HAWKINS-BOGLE is a
writer, storyteller, and actor living in Campbell River. His work spans children’s tales, fantasy, comedy, memoir, and political and social commentary. R ead Dennis’ story, Blue Taffeta Party Dress, on Page 48.
JASON ADDY spends
CATNIP is an artist,
his spare time bushwhacking up the valleys of qathet to get to the summits of the peaks that he obsesses over. S ee Jason’s story, Thinker, Sailor, Alpine Guide, on Page 29.
gardener, and community organizer of gardens and galleries. See Catnip’s story, One Magic Garden,” on Page 8.
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.
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Providing honest advice and professional service for 36 years qathet Living • May 2026 • 5
Making law make sense.
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orcalawteam.com • 236-328-4007
I
n central Westview, horticulturist Diana Wood has spent the past 30 years transforming an acre of blackberry-infested, garbage-strewn land into an oasis of flowers, food, and Japanese-style huts. Every plant has a story; some started as clippings. Many have been shared multiple times with other gardeners. All plants at Boxwood Gardens have been nurtured by her knowledgeable hands — and a team of woofers. Diana has been involved in organizing the Powell River Garden Tour for 26 years. If you’re one of the lucky 350 people to snag a ticket to the tour this year (they sell out every year), you can see it for yourself — and have lunch there, too.
How did you first get involved in the Garden Tour? Diana • I heard the government was going to cut down the welfare supplement income to people in need, so I wanted to start a community garden to help people grow their own food. In order to build a fence and install watering system and build a tool shed, money had to be generated from somewhere. I invited friends to brain storm. We decided to follow the Denman Island meth-
6 May 2026 • qathetliving.ca
od of raising money: a garden tour ticket sale! Des Kennedy, the founder of the Denman Island Garden Tour, came to my house to tell me the story of how they did it. We followed their successful story to raise money for creating a community garden. PRACL donated two acres of land in Wildwood. With the money we raised that first year, we were able to hire a backhoe to clean the land of debris and level it for garden plots, hire a plumber to install watering systems, and volunteers built the fence and storage shed. What are the three most interesting things you’ve seen in someone else’s garden? Diana • I have seen very interesting things in Des Kennedy’s property during the Denman Island Garden Tour. I was very impressed with his half-circle sandstone wall enclosing a secluded seating area with a little pond below the tall wall. He had a deer fence with a cross-bar on top to support Wisteria to climb. The fence was beautifully decorated with wisteria blooms. The most interesting thing in his garden is an outdoor bedroom without conventional windows and door and front wall, but sheer cotton lacy fabric as the wall, for he and his wife’s summer retreat. It sits on top
Behind every garden is a gentle revolutionary. Meet two local crews who are nurturing plants and beauty as social change: The Powell River Garden Tour organizers, and the folks behind “The Magic Garden” in Townsite (Page 8).
Roses
of the property overlooking the entire garden. What is something you’ve seen in another garden, that you replicated in your own?
Diana • I grew roses on trellises and arbours to elevate the garden design, to view roses at eye level. I watched and learned from a famous rose garden in California from a YouTube video. What three things do you most like to show people in your own garden? Diana • Roses growing on arbours and trellises. How I use bamboo sticks that grew in my garden as deer fences. And the plants that I propagated myself. As a fundraiser, what else has the Garden Tour achieved over the last quarter-century? Diana • We donated $10,000 towards buying lot 450 from the Mill. We bought three benches at the corner of Marine and Westview Avenue. We donated a drinking fountain for people and dogs at the Viewpoint on Marine. We gave money to green public spaces and for school gardening projects. We donate an annual scholarship to students entering higher education. We are hoping to help beautify the space
POWELL RIVER GARDEN TOUR
When: Sunday, May 31, 9 am to 5 pm. What: A self-guided tour of seven unique gardens. Each ticket includes map and description of each garden. “Do take time to ask questions; the hosts will be happy to answer,” said Diana Wood. Lunchtime Shenanigans: At Diana’s garden, lunch will be sold by Aggie (Peace and Paradise) from 11 am to 2 pm. Live music includes Roger Langmaid on guitar (11 to noon), Walter Martella on piano (noon to 1 pm), and Hugh Prichard on cello (1 to 2 pm.) Artists Debbie Dan, Joyce Furness, and Maggie Poole will be plein-air painting on site. Tickets: At Mother Nature and Spring Time Garden Centre. Cost is $20/ticket.
on Marine Avenue where most business are located, where tourists get their first impression when they arrive in Powell River. If the Marine business owners are interested in working together with us, we will provide plants and horticultural advice and knowledge to the business community.
DREAMY LILAC: Powell River Garden Tour committee members Judy Youngman, Bonnie Whelan, Lesley Moseley, and Diana Wood. Missing: Wendy Devlin. Above, a bee rests in Boxwood Gardens, Diana’s property.
qathet Living • May 2026 • 7
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8 May 2026 • qathetliving.ca
idden in Townsite / tiskwat, there is a little community park that was conceived in 2020 and quickly became the best place in the neighbourhood to take a little break, read a book, or meet with friends for a chat. The Magic Garden, as it came to be colloquially called, was built near the mill gates, in the corner of an old concrete foundation of what was once a mill lodging building. The building burned down in the 90s, and had since become a place where the pill bugs frolicked and where people spent the next decades dumping all sorts of trash. It was one of many forgotten corners of the mill’s history, and for the artist and carpenter duo Kile Ius and me, it was a hidden gem worth cleaning up. After a few emails and agreements with then-Catalyst Paper, I got to work painting the long retaining wall that stretched across the parking lot, and using the treed area as shade and a place to envision. Cleanup began of all the trash and a few small plants were introduced. Then before long, it was somewhat of a whole production with the community coming to see what was happening. During the process of painting the 150’-long wall, Kile got to work hand crafting benches and tables and fences and arbours out of recycled wood found around the community, including an old Shinglemill dock that was decommissioned and left out for free. He milled off all the rot and denailed what needed it, and created countless things for the space. Another friend in the community donated a big water storage tank, and in a jiffy we added a copper sink and running water from the tank to it. A lot was changed in the space, so much trash and debris was removed and The Garden started to take shape, and people began to discover it in magical ways, often times offering to help out, donate time or soil or various plants. By the time July arrived, it was time for an opening event to show the community the hard work. The mural was done, there were new concrete steps, fencing, garden beds with strawberries and daffodils and kale, and dancing humans. And so a new community park was born out of the labour of love, self-funded and sourced through recycling and community connections. Over the next few years the space was maintained by the same crew and has grown even more. In the winters or less-active months, some things would get a bit ruined and kids had a history of going there to take out their frustrations (it seemed anyway), and
Are you a guerrilla gardener, too? If you would like to contribute in some way, we are open to helping hands, soil or plant donations, paint donations (the bright colourful kind!), or anything you think might fit the space. Reach Catnip (Stefan Fogarty) at lookupcatnip@ gmail.com or Rod Paynter at 778-867-8547 some benches and pots and the like would end up smashed. But with perseverance, the crew would convene again in the spring and make it stronger and more adapted to being more and more a public place. All of that aside, many great things happened there and the garden continued to change and morph in beautiful ways as time went on. Live music events, art shows, gatherings, silent moments reading a book, coffee break for the employees in the neighbourhood, and even a cat that lived nearby would frequent and utilize the calm space that was juxtaposed against the backdrop of the decommissioned mill site. Too many stories exist in that space to mention here, truly. So that brings us to today. Born out of the COVIDera and gifted to the community, The Garden continues to be a space people go for a little break. After a bit of a hiatus last year, it’s ready to be brought to a new level with the support of the ones that came to appreciate it over the years. Last January, my friend Rod Paynter, approached me with
“INCREMENTUM”: Left, artist Cat Nip has been working on this garden near the Mill gates since 2020. Landscaper Tamara McIntee, volunteer Rod Paynter, and students Caleb Plows, Iris McIntee, Melody Beaton, and Raven Roberts are all working to make this retreat green and growing. Above, see more about Terry and Draigh Creamer’s Magic Garden wedding on Page 50. the idea of renewing the Garden this spring. The Garden over the years had fallen somewhat into disrepair, with faded paint and an accumulation of organics and other trash.
Rod, a retired project manager and landscape gardener, offered to lead the renewal effort. He brought on board “The Guardians of the Garden,” Terry and Draigh Creamer (see their story in I Made the Match on Page 50), a lovely couple who used the garden as their wedding site last year. I recruited Tamara McIntee, owner of McIntee Works, a landscaping company and friend of the Garden, to pitch in as well. Together with the help of other volunteers, we plan to make the garden better than ever before and bring colourful long lasting life to the little nook. The mural will be getting a spruce up, and the garden beds will all be rejuvenated with various things, as well as some new seating areas and cleanup for the enjoyers of the park. The land that was once owned by the Mill is now a part of the Tla’amin lands, and we are seeking the Nation’s blessing to continue creating that space for the community at large for all and anyone who needs a quiet moment in their day. The Magic Garden is a symbol of what can happen when a forgotten piece of land is opened up and shared with good intentions to those that are willing to clean it up.
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Building COMMUNITY BUILDER: Above, volunteer Kristi McCrae on top of the under-construction Northside Community Recreation Centre. Lund residents brought the stones (above and below) as a symbol of coming together on this build. Below right, the much-needed commerical kitchen.
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10 May 2026 • qathetliving.ca
Northside Community Recreation Centre. Driftwood Shelter. The Arts Hub at tiskwat. Evo rental apartments. And even a long-anticipated bus shelter!
g Boom This Spring, this region is blooming with new builds.
Longest planning phase
Northside Community Recreation Centre Addition 9656 Larsen Road, Lund
Opening • Friday, May 8. Ceremonies 1-3 pm. Open house party starts at 5 pm, potluck with live music and DJs starts at 5 pm. What it is • This $6 million addition features a gym and stage for hosting mid-sized events, a commercial kitchen, showers and washrooms, a lobby, and a covered outdoor area connecting the new build to the existing centre, which is home to the Lund Community Daycare. Who’s behind it • The Lund Community Society and qathet Regional District. Time between planning and opening • 20 years.
Most urgently needed
Driftwood Shelter and Overdose Prevention Site
7104 Barnet Street
Opening • The shelter opened April 27; the OPS will move here mid-May. What it is • A 40-bed temporary facility that offers shelter and support, including meals, showers and laundry, 24/7. It will be decommissioned when the second supportive housing building opens. Who’s behind it • BC Housing is the funder, LIFT is the operator. Time between planning and opening • Nine months.
COMFORTABLE AND SAFE: After more than a year without an overnight shelter in place in qathet, The Driftwood Shelter opened April 27.
qathet Living • May 2026 • 11
THE RENTAL BUSINESS: The only privately-funded building out of the five, Veyron’s Evo (and Uptown) apartments are serving to fill a severe need.
Most surprising
Evo Residences
4322 Franklin Avenue
Opening • This rental apartment building opened in February. What it is • A 40-unit, privately owned rental apartment building — one of only two purpose-built rental apartments opened here in decades. The other is Uptown, which has 141 units (opened 2023), for a total of 181 new rental units built by Campbell River’s Veyron Properties. Who’s behind it • Brett Giese, owner, Veyron. Time between planning and opening • Complicated due to COVID.
Most humble and most complex
Bus shelters, at the loop at the mall 7100 Alberni Street
Opening • April 30 What it is • Three bus shelters with three seats on each bench, at the loop at the mall. Back in 2024, the mall was being renovated and had to move the bus loop away from the north side. The new loop didn’t have an overhang like the old one did, so commuters were exposed to sun, rain, and snow while they waited. Because the loop and the shelter is a shared responsibility between the mall owner (which recently changed), the City of Powell River, and BC Transit, funding and responsibility for the shelter was a hot potato. Who’s behind it • The Jim Pattison Group Time between planning and opening • Two years
12 May 2026 • qathetliving.ca
ROOM WITH A VIEW: PRISMA founder Arthur Arnold at the opening of The Arts Hub at tiskwat. Behind him, The Elastic Band in concert. Below, The Arts Hub is inside Townsite Market.
Coolest
The Arts Hub at tiskwat 210-5831 Ash Avenue
Opening • Open house was April 25. What it is • This 5,000-square-foot space in the top of Townsite Market is the new home to the PRISMA offices — and much more. It features a commercial kitchen, performance space overlooking the former mill and the Salish Sea, a Steinway Grand Piano, teaching rooms, meeting rooms, and a gallery. Who’s behind it • The Pacific Region International Summer Music Association (the annual PRISMA festival is coming up in June), and funders, including the Illahie Foundation. Time between planning and opening • Three years: concept spring 2023, fundraising began fall 2024, broke ground spring 2025, opened spring 2026.
qathet Living • May 2026 • 13
Twenty Years of Mentorship & Literacy: A Legacy of Co-operators/Westview Agencies & The Powell River Kings Community Impact In 2005, Co-operators/Westview Agencies proudly launched the Read Program, in partnership with the Powell River Kings, with the goal of fostering literacy and mentorship in our community. This year marks a significant milestone as we celebrate 20 years of success, growth, and impact. Together with the Kings and local schools, we’ve been able to bring joy, knowledge, and inspiration to students—one book at a time.
A Partnership Built on Literacy & Community The Read Program is an annual 18-week initiative that supports local Junior A Kings hockey players as they visit elementary schools to provide reading mentorship. Each week, Kings players work with students, reading together and encouraging them in their literacy journey. This interactive, personal approach helps to develop a love for reading and provides students with the tools they need to succeed academically and beyond. But the program goes beyond just reading. After the sessions, players join the kids on the playground or the hockey court, building strong relationships with the students and creating lasting memories. It’s a unique and effective way to engage youth both in the classroom and through recreation.
Honoring Our Reading Heroes Every week, a Reading Hero is selected from each school. This student could be someone who excels in reading, is making strides in their learning, or is a positive influence and mentor to their peers. These students receive two tickets to a Powell River Kings game and are entered into a monthly draw for a special prize: a pizza lunch with Kings players and their entire class. These rewards not only acknowledge the efforts of the students but also inspire others to continue growing and developing their literacy skills.
Game Day Event We celebrate the READ program, at our annual game day event, children select free books of their choice, games, facepainting, ceremonial puck-drop by our mascot and autograph sessions with the Kings players after the game.
The impact of the Read Program has been truly life-changing for many students. Here are just a few of the heartfelt testimonials from those involved. A Parent’s Perspective: “My son’s name is Ty, and I would like to take a moment to share how the Read Program has helped him. Ty is in Grade 1, and last year he was behind in his reading and had no interest in learning. His teacher enrolled him in the Read Program, and after just two sessions, he was practicing sight words. This program has changed the way he sees reading. Thank you for being part of my son’s education!” Jamie Burt, Principal at Edgehill School: “As an elementary principal, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible value of the Read Program. The players are amazing role models, both in and out of the classroom, and they make a lasting impact on our students. Our students get excited every Tuesday, knowing the players are coming. That enthusiasm helps foster a real love of reading and learning. The fact that they also play road hockey at recess, get to know the kids, and sign the odd autograph is an added bonus. This program builds strong connections between our school and the community and gives our students positive mentors they truly look up to.” Captain, the Powell River Kings: “The Read Program is an important community project in Powell River, and one that the Kings are extremely proud to take part in. It’s a great feeling helping in local schools and watching the students get excited about reading. It’s very rewarding to be looked upon as ‘reading heroes,’ and we do our best to set a good example. Reading was an important part of my childhood, and it’s rewarding to pass on my love of books to the next generation.”
A Vision for the Future As we celebrate 20 years of the Read Program, our entire team here at Co-operators are incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together with the Powell River Kings and the schools in our community. We look forward to continuing to work together, to grow the love of reading, nurturing young minds, and making a positive difference in the lives of children. Thank you to all who have been part of this extraordinary journey.
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS 14 May 2026 • qathetliving.ca
Through the cooperation of schools, the Powell River Kings organization, and Co-operators the READ PROGRAM has been a great success for two decades.
OF THE READ PROGRAM
qathet Living • May 2026 • 15
IMPLOSION: On March 21, Cranberry Group imploded Power Boiler 18 — a vast structure adjacent to the stack on the mill site. A crowd of about 30 people gathered at the gate to watch it come down. If you missed it, check out Clearview Demolition’s film documenting the historic event. Photos courtesy of Cranberry Group
16 May 2026 • qathetliving.ca
The other
Building Boom qathet Living • May 2026 • 17
BY PIETA GOUDRON
Many locals will remember working in the Paper Machine 11 building on the peninsula of the former pulp and paper mill. Although the building still stands — a future site of ship repair, perhaps — it is in mid-shred. The machine is out. The vast steel paper rollers are broken and sitting in a pile outside. The walls are a textural collage of shredded wood, wire, metal, and concrete. Walking through the dark building, the floor is covered with inches of grey, superfine dust, which creates a sensation that’s almost like walking through water. Cranberry Group is now nine months along in its project of transforming the waterfront site into an industrial park. qathet Living is committed to keeping this town updated on its progress, and Cranberry Group wants locals to keep locals informed.
Big things coming down On March 21, Clearview Demolition imploded Power Boiler 19. There is a stunning video (see QR
18 May 2026 • qathetliving.ca
The stack “wasn’t built to be a monument, although it is an amazing structure. It’s got concrete that’s falling off. It you get up close to it, you can see the chunks that have fallen off or been patched up.” - Cranberry Group CEP Craig Austin code on Page 16.) It’s part of Phase 1 of site transformation — clearing much of the peninsula for new industries. The other power boiler, built in 2000 by Foster Wheeler, is still in good shape. It has been bought by a company on Vancouver Island. “For them to buy a new one, it’d be $150 million,” said Cranberry CEO Craig Austin. “They can get ours for a fraction of the price.” The challenge: moving it across the Salish Sea, un-
damaged. This is a huge machine — the equivalent of 18 stories high. Cranberry has hired global industrial mover Mammoet to barge it across, standing up. The company is planning to film a short documentary about the move. The stack, too, will come down soon — likely when the first big anchor tenant moves in, said Craig. They’re working with a local charity to auction off who gets to push the button to implode it. “I get phone calls about keeping it all the time,” he said. “But it wasn’t built to be a monument, although it is an amazing structure. It’s got concrete that’s falling off. It you get up close to it, you can see the chunks that have fallen off or been patched up.”
Selling stuff Cranberry continues to sell off site assets — a key revenue stream for the company that is funding the demolition and clearing. A spike in the price of steel is making scrap valuable. That includes a recent sale of 25 “massive” 20,000-horsepower electric motors.
Slaying rumors After the Power Boiler was imploded, there was chat on Facebook that the asbestos hadn’t been removed — that it had been imploded. Patently untrue, said Craig. “We spent over $1 million removing asbestos from
604-485-6163 4670A Marine
INDUSTRIAL CHIC: Left, Clearview Demolition supervisor Cole Baird and Cranberry Group CEO Craig Austin on the peninsula, with the remains of Power Boiler 19 and other machines. Above, the buildings slated for demolition during Phase 1 of the mill’s transformation into an industrial park. Below, a rusty tank, and the remains of the rollers from Paper Machine 11. They are broken by dropping them, so the pieces can be sold as scrap.
Get local at the library! SoulCollage® Finding Solace in Symbols Workshop
Heather Conn facilitates this fun, intuitive art workshop that helps us embrace both the dark and light of our lives. Discover how SoulCollage® can provide comfort and clarity in today’s challenging world. Register with Mark at mmerlino@prpl.ca Saturday, May 9, 1:30 to 4:30 pm
Bookbinding workshop
Stuart Isto will lead a two-day book binding workshop. Registration Required. For more information contact Mark at mmerlino@prpl.ca May 15 & 16
A History of Badass Women Skateboarders
Join our very own skater librarian, Natalie Porter, for a presentation that honours female and nonbinary skateboarders, many of whom she had the privilege of interviewing for her new book Girl Gangs, Zines, and Powerslides: A History of Badass Women Skateboarders. Porter also emphasizes the importance of combating archival silence, when only a narrow perspective of history is acknowledged, which motivated her to create an online archive to celebrate these unique skateboarders and their impact. Wednesday, June 3, 7 to 8 pm
Check out the library’s events calendar for more information and activities: prpl.ca/calendar
POWELL R IVER PUBLIC LIBR ARY
info@prpl.ca 604-485-4796 prpl.ca
qathet Living • May 2026 • 19
WORKERS’ MEMORIAL FRIEZE NEEDS A NEW HOME: This historic monument to local forestry and fishing workers is part of the mill. Cranberry Group is actively looking for an organization that is able to preserve and show this piece. Please contact editor@qathetliving.ca.
Workers Unite for pensions, buses & beers First meeting: qathet Labour Council All union members are welcome to come out for this May 21 event, at 4:30 pm at Townsite Brewery. It’s an informal way for unionized workers across workplaces in the area to meet and connect. Connect at qathetlabour@gmail.com.
Municipal Retirees meeting The Municipal Pension Retirees Association (MPRA) comprises retired and soon-to-be retired members of the Municipal Pension Plan. If you are currently collecting or will be collecting this pension, we invite you to join our association and help bolster our collective influence. MPRA members participate in decisions that impact pensions, benefits, and other significant matters pertaining to retirees. MPRA Powell River meetings are held four times
a year. The next meeting scheduled for June 4, 1 p.m. in the Poplar Room at the Recreation Complex. For more information, please call 250-768-1519, email administration@mpra.ca, or visit our website at mpra.ca. - Suzanne Bornestig, MPRA
Advocacy for better buses On April 28, an online event launched the Public Transit Alliance of B.C. Our first campaign will be focused on achieving a greatly expanded, comprehensive, accessible, affordable, and publicly-funded system linking rural towns and cites throughout all the regions of the province. For more information, visit: transitalliancebc.ca - Drena McCormick, chair, qathet Council of Canadians.
Hike for Hospice
11 am May 23 at Willingdon Beach Rotary Pavilion Hike (walk) the Willingdon Beach trail along the coastline and back (1.2 km each way). Details on Page 40. Scan QR code to donate.
This space available to non-profit organizations, courtesy City Transfer
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20 May 2026 • qathetliving.ca
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ENDLESS POTENTIAL: Above, the cavernous interior of the building that once housed Paper Machine 11, which is now in pieces outside the building, awaiting transportation and new life. Cranberry CEO Craig Austin said the building may be used for manufacturing, ship repair, or other uses. Left, thick, silty dust on the floor of the paper machine building. Power Boiler 19,” he said. Furthermore, the stack, contrary to more rumours, Craig said, is not needed by airplanes as a navigation aid.
ministration building adjacent to the mill site. After three years since startup, Meridian is in full-operation as of April, with 32 full-time employees (see Home Grown inside this issue for more). Potential new clients include a group that wants to process rare earth In April, Cranberry secured its first minerals mined in BC. two tenants. First, a local company “The exciting part is that nobody has taken on the old two-story white does that here in Canada,” said Craig. heritage clapboard office near the “It’s currently all sent to China.” gates. Another group is hoping to produce Second, Vertigrow Bios (where methanol from wood waste on site. Cranberry’s Thomas is also managing Cranberry is working with a few shippartner) has moved six shipping con- building and ship repair companies. tainers of hydroponic strawberries to And, of course, there’s the potential the site as a pilot project. If it goes for a data centre to take advantage of well, there will soon be 60 of them — the power generation at the site. The the vertical strawberry farm Cranberry construction alone would be worth $1 mentioned in qL’s original article in billion, said Craig. “That’s what would August’s magazine. really contribute a ton of money into Two of Cranberry’s executives, Craig City coffers every year.” and Thomas Ligocki, are also behind Craig said Cranberry Group “thanks Meridian 125 West — t he hydroponic all the local companies doing such cannabis farm in the former mill ad- great work on site.”
New industries moving in
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qathet Living • May 2026 • 21
I MADE THE MOVE
Creative worker immerses herself in the arts & the sea
J
essica Brousseau is a 36-year-old graphic designer, illustrator, and letterpress printer. She was born in Terrace, raised in Calgary, and has “a lot of stamps in my passport.” She is passionate about art and design, sewing clothes, baking/cooking/ growing good food, being outside in all forms, yoga, and being in bodies of water no matter the temperature. “This summer I’m excited to get to at least some of the 32 lakes, get into a kayak, do some sailing, bike to some islands, throw some pots in Lund, and meet good people.”
Why did you choose to move here?
When? Where from? Jessica • I arrived at the end of February of this year! I came from Calgary, after spending 2025 working remotely during which I slowly traveled from Vancouver Island to California. What surprised you, once you moved? Jessica • Patricia Letterpress! My last chapter was running a design and letterpress shop in Calgary called Feast Studio + Press, so to arrive in a small coastal town that has a community print shop with two presses I know how to operate has been a delightful surprise. I have been working on personal projects there as a creative outlet and I feel very grateful — like hand setting type for a Spring Bingo card that I put around town recently! What made you decide to move here?
How did you first hear about qathet? Jessica • The first time I was here I had driven through, and stopped for groceries at the Chopping Block en route to my friend’s cabin on Savary.
SPRING-GO: Artist Jessica Brousseau made these hyper-local bingo cards at Patricia Letterpress, and placed them around town — guerrilla-style. What challenges did you face in trying to make a life for yourself here?
What would make this a nicer community?
Jessica • The distance from my last Jessica • It still feels like I am getting home, and friends and family there, feels to know this place and the community — like a challenge. And the increased effort which so far has been incredibly warm and and coordination it takes for internationwelcoming. al travel. But it also could feel like a good challenge to create a beautiful life here What aspect of your previous comthat entices people to visit me. munity would benefit qathet? Jessica • I ran my business in Calgary out of a creative co-working space and I believe there is never too much of that type of infrastructure. So more collaborative, makers’ spaces that allow small businesses and creativity to thrive is always a benefit in my books.
If you were mayor, what would you do? Jessica • I would create a tiny home village, with some shared communal resources and affordable individual plots of land — for people looking for alternatives to traditional ‘homes’.
What are qathet’s best assets? Jessica • The incredible views, access to nature, and the vibrant arts and culture community I am just starting to get to know. What is your greatest extravagance? Jessica • I will always be the one to bake and/or receive a decadent, highly decorated birthday cake. Which talent or superpower would you most like to have? Jessica • The ability to identify any bird by sight or call.
Shorts: by land or by sea Beach, hike, camp and work in cool comfort.
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22 May 2026 • qathetliving.ca
Jessica • In the colder days of arriving here, Orca Saunas at Willingdon Beach was definitely a favourite place to be. Now that they are gone, I’m looking to make new friends who have saunas.
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Paddling for Life Who • Breast cancer survivors - both women and men. When • Tuesdays at 5:30 pm and Saturdays at 9:30 am Cost • $75 for the season Contact • jepoucher@shaw.ca
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Who • Anyone When • Year round on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. In addition we paddle Wednesday evenings from April to October. Cost • $200 (plus $100 for competitive) Contact • suncoastpaddlingclub@gmail.com
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qathet Living • May 2026 • 23
B
Double
Shuffler
y now, stories of 12-year-old Marathon Shuffle legend Kevin McLean have been making their way around qathet. In short, he biked to the trailhead, ran the 27 kilometres course in 4 hours 22 minutes, refuelled on homemade muffins, then re-ran the entire course, in reverse, and biked home. That was a total of 64 kilometres of running in 11 hours and 18 minutes — plus a bike commute. “I’m so grateful to be able to run in these magnificent Tla’amin lands,” he said. “The old growth trees look so peaceful. I hope they will never be logged.” Kevin was just 10 minutes slower than his dad on the official race. Dad, Joseph McLean, local trail runner extraordinaire, is one of only two people to have completed the Shuffle 13 times (the other is organizer Ean Jackson). Kevin’s brother Ryan, 14, ran the Shuffle in just 3 hours 34 minutes — finishing in the top 15% and beating Dad Joseph’s record by 15 minutes! “Ryan plots all the courses they run, and gives Kevin a GPS track to follow on his phone,” said Joseph.
How Kevin trains
“It’s a very simple training plan. I run one day a week. I started by running 2k one day in September, the next week I ran 4km, the next 6km, and most recently I ran 64km. I run from my house or by biking to a trailhead. Never driving!”
How long he’s been running “I first ran the Shuffle in 2022, but it was more of a hike. We did it in nine hours. Each Shuffle was faster, and I decided to start run training last September.”
Whether he’s faster than his dad “Not yet! I’m getting pretty close, though.”
Why he ran the trail a second time “To do a 64km trail run and meet my goal. And to collect my bike again and ride home.”
Marathon Shuffle 2026 Top 20 (of 249 participants) 1. Adam Skinner 2. Keenan Nowak 3. Darbykai Standrick 4. Nathan Reimer 5. Jesse Watt 6. Julie Van Der Hoop 7. Dane Sherstad 8. Adrian Walton 9. Clayton Beier 10. Matthew Bourcier
(M, 40-49, Powell River) (M, 19-29, Powell River) (F, 30-39, Powell River) (M, 30-39, Powell River) (M, 19-29, Vancouver) (F, 30-39, Squamish) (M, 40-49, Powell River) (M, 50-59, Nanaimo) (M, 30-39, Fanny Bay) (M, 40-49, Powell River)
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(M, 40-49, Nanaimo) (M, 30-39, North Van) (M, 40-49, Powell River) (M, 40-49, Powell River) (M, 40-49, Powell River) (F, 40-49, Powell River) (M, 40-49, Nanaimo) (F, 19-29, Powell River) (M, 30-39, Powell River) (M, 30-39, Nanaimo)
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SALUTE TO THE FANS: At the Kings’ last game March 24 — which then had the possibility of being the King’s last game ever — players gave appreciation back to the fans. Photo by Isaac Percy
The Kings will reign on
Like any good sports story, the near-death experience of the Powell River Kings team — a staple at the Hap since 1988 — has ended in victory. Or, at least, a reprieve. This winter, the BCHL demanded a substantial amount of money for a performance bond to secure the Kings place for the 2026-27 season. The Birch Group, which has been managing the team, pulled their financial support from the Kings before Christmas, amid a deficit, a losing streak, and the weakest game night attendance in the league. The Kings society, led by acting president Joe Mastrodonato, hosted two town halls at the Evergreen and the Town Centre Hotel, asking for community donations — to prove to the BCHL that this town is willing to support the team. Several fundraising initiatives later, what worked best was Joe’s direct-ask of several individuals to put up some of their own money — which they will eventually get back. A week after March 29, the BCHL’s original deadline to secure the money, the Kings had it. Enough locals had lent the Kings cash, that the league got its bond. The season was secure. “A lot of Powell River folks don’t want to see the team leave Powell River,” said Joe. “That’s been pretty evident in the last two or three months. We still need everyone’s strong support, because nothing is easy.” Since then, there’s been a flurry of activity. The Kings hired marketing manager Elise Vos to fill the stands and showcase the team in the community.
They brought back Charlie Black as game night host. “He really has the crowds,” said Joe. “He gets everyone jacked up for game night.” And, the Kings secured the Langley Hockey Academy to manage the team — or at least, get it going until a new owner is found. Not-so-coincidentally, Tyler Kuntz, the Kings’ former coach and general manager from 2018 to 2020, is the man at the helm, on behalf of the LHA. At the end of April, he was interviewing 12 potential coaches for the Powell River team. About 50 applied from all over the world, and the job was advertised for only a week. “There’s a lot of people who really want to go there,” said Tyler. Tyler loved his time coaching the Kings, but he also knows the challenges. He remembers a year with 10 “3 and 3” weekends — three games in three days, and two nights in a hotel. Those are tough on the players, Tyler explained, but necessary because the cost of travel is so high. Ultimately, he knows it’s possible for Powell River to have a great team. “The Kings has always been able to get by, but it’s been close,” said Tyler. “That’s a testament to the board and Joe. I mean, they’re the heartbeat of the team and have really done a great job keeping it there as long as it has been. And the team has been really good for the majority of its time in Powell River. So now we just need a coaching staff, and once we get that in place, then we’re off and running.” He’s aiming for May 15, to give the Kings maximum time to set up for September. In the meantime, the Kings hosted an auction to raise money on May 2. Early bird pricing for seasons tickets, at a significant discount, is in place until May 31.
qathet Living • May 2026 • 25
3-Stars and Player of the Year awards
45th Annual
September 5th & 6th Labour Day Weekend Palm Beach Regional Park qathet, BC
Early Bird Tickets Now On Sale! Early Bird Available till July 1st sunshinemusicfest.ca
U11C1
And the award goes to... P
owell River Minor Hockey Association’s executive hosted the annual Awards Night on April 16 at the Evergreen Theatre for the U11 and up hockey divisions. Coaches from all teams submitted to the executive their recipients in a number of player categories. All members of the Association contributed nominations of coaches, managers, and volunteers for the executive to consider in a number of volunteer categories. Every player in PRMHA’s youngest divisions, U7 and U8, was recognized earlier in March at their season wrap up celebrations. Registration for next season is open from May 21 until June 15. We have hockey programs for boys and girls starting at age five for all levels including beginner.
Leadership Patrick Devlin Most Improved Gavin Rae Sportsmanship Anson Skinner U11C2 Leadership Owen Gustafson Sportsmanship Jordyn Warman Most Improved Jacob Kang U11 Recreation Player of the Year: Quinn Bittle U11D
A.G.E Star A.G.E Star A.G.E Star Dennis Clancy Award U11F
Leadership Jordyn Warman Most Improved Oliviana McMillan Unsung Hero Chloe Hillier U11 Female Recreation Player of the Year: Maisley Kendrick U13C
MVP George Mathieu Most Improved Keisuke Takahashi Most Sportsmanlike Kaleb Harry U13 Recreation Player of the Year: Tristan Bordignon U13A
Most Dedicated Connor Gustafson Most Improved Grady Meyers Most Sportsmanlike Carter Ricketson Brandon Kremsater Memorial Plaque: Tobin LeBlanc U13F
U13F All Star Maddie Tassell U13F All Star Ayla Ciarniello U13F All Star Ella Lawry U13 Female Recreation Player of the Year: Hannah Ollson U15C
Most Sportsmanlike Myles Rockwell Most Improved Peter Cameron Unsung Hero Pheenix Cudmore U15 Recreation Player of the Year: Owen van Egteren U15A
3 Stars Trey Lingard 3 Stars Blake Peters 3 Stars Cam Milne 3 Stars Griffin Fraser Gary Lupul Memorial Plaque: Reid Stekman U18C1
MVP Jackson Peters Most Improved Max Carriere Most Dedicated Josiah Holler U18C2 MVP Rowen Jones Most Sportsmanlike Garner Burnett Most Dedicated Sheamus Stonehouse U18 Recreation Player of the Year : Kai Nouwens U18A
3 Stars Nathan Gruntman 3 Stars Carter Stekman 3 Stars Beau Gagne Sokolowski Award: Luke Dennis
Junior Coach of the Year / Dustin Clark Memorial Trophy
Rookie Official of the Year
Recreation Coach of the Year Harvey Small Award
Junior Official of the Year
Stefan Sigurdson Matt Denniston
PRMHA Rep Coach of the Year
Bryce Fraser
Team Manager of the Year
Amanda Kerr
Team Manager of the Year
Brandi Frehlich
Volunteer of the Year / Frank Sutton Memorial Award
26 May 2026 • qathetliving.ca
Porter Shaw Harrison Quigley Easton Deveau Micah Culos
Emma Green
Henry Newman Quynn Lefler
Senior Official of the Year
Josh Chernoff
Stripes of Excellence
Norm Hanley
Most Improved Junior Official
Carter McDowell
Most Improved Senior Official
Brendan Behan
Ice Cats & Regals finish 2025/26 strong
THE 2025/26 ICE CATS WERE: (45+) Laurie Madelung, Stephanie Keane, Christy Sullivan, Jessie Macdonald, Diana Lamont, Deanna Rachkowski, Julie Venselaar, Sharon Lover, Jodi Mastrodonato,
BY SNEETA TAKHAR
T
his was the first year the Powell River Ice Cats won at their own hosted tournament Cats Classic Tournament. On April 17-19, 12 female teams faced off at the Hap in two divisions; 19+ and 45+. Local players were able to divide into two teams,
Traci Abbott, Alena Devlin, Elaine Maclean, Wendy Thomson, Inge Tholen, and Sneeta Takhar. (19+) Stephanie Edwards, Claudia Piccinin, Stef Launay, Bayley Hollingsworth, Nicole Wagner, Kaila
Auger, Shelby Lacey, Devan Gillard, Jordan Robertson, Sydney Piccinin, Bella Peters, Kellie Cristante, Katie Marciniak, Aubrey Palme, Emily Heron, and Kao Lawrie (not pictured).
one for each division. In the finals, both Powell River teams faced their toughest rivals for the weekend and redemption was served. The 19+ dominated the game against the Courtenay Whalers, taking the lead and never looking back with a 7-1 victory. The 45+ team faced the Sechelt group in a tightly
contested battle that did not see any scoring until 9:02 into the third period. Jodi Mastrodonato scored by deflection from a point shot by Julie Venselaar. The 45+ squeaked by with a nail-biting 1-0 win despite a penalty resulting in six-on-four action in the last two minutes of play. Plans are already underway for next year.
BY TOD ENGLISH
W
inning the McCallum Cup in March propelled the Regals to the 104th Coy Cup final four in Dawson Creek. We started the round robin on March 31 with a close 3-1 loss to Rossland Warriors. The next game saw the Regals dominate the home team, Dawson Creek Canucks, 4-2 Regals. The Regals won the third game in a shoot-out against the Quesnel Kangaroos. In the semi final facing Quesnel again, it was 2-2 with two minutes left, when Quesnel converted on power play, eliminating Powell River. Four games in four nights is always a grind, but our entire team played to win. This makes it two times in the semi final and one final in three years. We look to take this experience into next year. The WCSHL 2026/2027 season schedule will be announced in late July. We would like to thank all our fans and sponsors for supporting us through a league playoff win and very successful season. Thanks to our players, as the commitment to take off work and put their body on the line every game as a group is amazing.
THE 2025/26 REGALS WERE: Nic Peters, Travis Granbois, Matteo Porchetta, Brett Kinley, Cohen Mastrodonato, Brad Cimaglia, Mikey Markland, Tyler Durant, Ethan Schmunk, Cory Burnett, Issac Shelton, Trevor Burnett, Nic Porchetta, Garrett Brandsma, Chad Niddery, Mason Windsor, Mike Behan, Gabe Shipley, Riley Billy, Kyle English, Mac Roy, Josh Gray, Bekkam Willis, Dieter Mccintosh, Ryan Pouliot, Brock Sawyer, Bryson Cecconi, Mitch Williams, Jack Frost, Jack Long, Ryan Fairgray, Lucas Wadsworth, Ross Ciarnello, and Evan Piniewski.
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hansonlandandsea.com qathet Living • May 2026 • 27
Teens qualify for the Worlds in Berlin BY PADDY TREAVOR
T
wo local karate kids will represent Canada at the upcoming World Kickboxing and Karate Union (WKU) World Championships in Berlin, Germany in August. Damien Stride, a 16-year-old black belt, and Cielo Treavor, a 15-year-old black-brown belt, both train at the Canadian Martial Arts Academy in Powell River, under Sensei Frank Clayton. They traveled to Calgary to participate in the WKU Canadian Nationals, April 19, and were selected to join the WKU Team Canada for the World Championships to be held August 3 to 9. Damien participated in seven events in the national tournament and brought home six medals including three gold and three bronze, and a fourth place. Cielo participated in four events, brought home a gold, two bronze, and a fourth place. These results landed them both the invite to travel to Germany as a part of the WKU National Team. Both Damien and Cielo have been training locally under Sensei Clayton for several years, with Damien starting at age four in 2013 and Cielo starting at age nine in 2019. The pair have been two of the dojo’s top performers in competitions for several years.
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I was so excited to win my first bronze, but then I wanted more. - Cielo Treavor, 15
WORK ETHIC NETS SPOTS ON THE NATIONAL TEAM: Cielo Treavor, 15, and Damien Stride, 16, are consistent karate champions. CMAA sensei Frank Clayton, a world champion (Italy, 2000), is pleased but not surprised his students qualified for the WKU World Championships this August. Prior to Calgary, Damien’s competitions have taken him to Las Vegas, Hawaii, Ontario (multiple times), as well as to several larger tournaments in the Lower Mainland. In 2023, he also travelled with Sensei Clayton’s competition team to Okinawa, Japan, to train. Cielo, who is a more recent addition to the dojo’s competition team, has competed in Hawaii and Ontario (three times) and last year started to attend the larger Lower Mainland tournaments as well. The pair have had great success in their competitions and often bring home multiple medals from events. The week after the Nationals, the pair traveled with their team to Gibsons to compete in the Battle of the Dojos and both swept their divisions, bring home three gold medals apiece, dominating the black belt divisions. Sensei Clayton has felt that Damien had what it took to qualify for the world championships for a few years and qualifying this year has been a goal. Damien’s father approached Sensei Clayton a few years ago to ask if Sensei felt Damien had what it took to be a world champion one day. “My immediate answer was, ‘Yes’,”
said Sensei Clayton. “He (Damien) has a great work ethic.” Damien had known for several months he would be competing in Calgary, attempting to qualify for the Berlin tournament, but Cielo was a late addition to the tournament trip. “Damien and I were heading to Calgary for the WKU National Championships, and I believed that Cielo could make the team,” stated Sensei Clayton. “Cielo has been putting in the work along side Damien,” Sensei Clayton added, and this work ethic along with recent progress and results in tournaments prompted him to invite Cielo to Calgary just a month or so before the tournament. Both Damien and Cielo have been putting in extra training both with Sensei Clayton, and in Vancouver at the West River Karate dojo, with Sensei Kenny Lim, who is well known for producing top-class nationals and international calibre karate competitors, in preparation for their upcoming Windsor Open Karate Championships. Damien and Cielo knew the Calgary tournament was going to be a tough challenge and both are thrilled with their results and the invite to WKU Team Canada.
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“I did not know what to expect and did not think I would win medals,” stated Cielo. “I just did not want to finish last in my divisions. Once I got there (Calgary) and started competing, I felt I could do it. I was so excited to win my first bronze, but then I wanted more. When I won the gold, I was so thrilled and relieved. I cannot explain how happy I was.” Damien stated he was more afraid of losing than nervous and when he was done, and saw his medal haul, he was proud of his accomplishment. “I felt like I was finally living up to expectations of myself and the expectations of others,” he stated. Sensei, who was in Calgary with both the competitors to witness their performances, was more than pleased with the results. “I am very proud of their accomplishments,” stated Sensei Clayton. The Powell River dojo has a history of producing world champions, and the dojo has a “Wall of Fame” naming the former world champions who trained at the dojo, including Sensei Clayton, who won a world champion title in sparring in 2000 in Italy. “It is the one thing I have wanted and imagined as long as I can remember,” says Damien about having his name on the wall. “Now that there is a chance, excited does not even begin to describe how I feel.” Cielo echoes Damien’s desire to see her name on the dojo’s Wall of Fame. “I look at it (the wall) every time I am in the dojo and imagine my name up there.” They will not have long to wait to see if their dreams come true as August is approaching quickly.
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Thinker, Sailor,
Alpine Guide The prolific life of P.R. Lockie
BY JASON ADDY
I was recently entrusted with a large box of P.R. Lockie’s old notebooks and photographs that are destined for the qathet Museum. I have only just started to look through the well-over 1,000 photos. One thing is certain, from even a quick glance through this box: the man was busy. I first heard about P.R. Lockie when I moved here from Vancouver. I had the mountaineering guide to southwestern BC, which covers this area, and it showed his first ascents on a few peaks, and there was even a mountain that bore his name. But it has taken me the past 17 years to even begin to learn the breadth of his interests and accomplishments.
qathet Living • May 2026 • 29
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HOME BASE: P.R. Lockie built this cabin at the head of Powell Lake, in 1937. For 30 years, he conducted the Mill’s snow survey from here. This note in his handwriting from 1971 is still pinned to the door. “The two garlic eaters. Boy, what a life.” Photos are part of the P.R. Lockie collection in trust to Jason Addy
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A courtesy I extend to P.R. Lockie is to not use either of his two given names. In a recent conversation with his grand-nephew, Rob Fales, it was explicitly passed on to me that he asked people to call him P.R. or Lockie. P.R. had many interests, which are well documented in his stacks of photos. Mountaineering for sure, all of his life. Sailing seems to have been an interest of his in his 30s, and there are hundreds of shots of different sailboats and sailing trips. I’m not sure to how deep his other interests went, but he has many photos of boating on Powell Lake, canoeing, golfing, skiing, skating, goat hunting, fishing, concerts at Dwight Hall, and plenty of just hanging out with friends, posing, and doing acro-balance. Swimming, too. In 1927, on a whim, he jumped in the ocean at Grief Point and tried to swim to Van Anda. He made it about 5km, a few hundred metres shy of his goal, before he cramped up and had to stop. He also travelled up and down the coast to Los Angeles, Portland, and Mount Hood, and also to the BC interior and Rocky Mountains for trips with the British Columbia Mountaineering Club. For most people, Lockie is known for the annual snow survey, which he started and led for 30 years. I will get to that, but I want to start from the beginning. P.R. Lockie was born in St. Helens, England in 1900, and moved to Vancouver with his family in 1909. Because he was born in 1900, his age is always immediately obvious. He moved to Vancouver in 1909, at the age of 9. In his teens, he got involved with the British Columbia Mountaineering Club, his first mountaineering trips from Vancouver. He spent time on Grouse Mountain with the club at their cabin for weekend ski trips, as well as climbing various peaks around the Lower Mainland and up to Garibaldi Park near Squamish. There are many photographs of his from
the early 1920s taken during these trips, which was the start of a life-long love of both mountains and photography. After finishing high school, he worked in Vancouver as draftsperson for Dominion Engineering until at least 1921, before moving up the coast. During his first years here, he worked a variety of jobs. His first was as a physical education teacher at the high school. This didn’t last long because the religious principal at the school didn’t like the way Lockie would talk directly and honestly to the students. The principal called it “Lockie talk.” “No more Lockie talk,” he would say, but it had little effect. After the job at the high school, he did various labour jobs and even taught tap dance for a time. He eventually got on as a lifeguard at Willingdon Beach, employed by the mill. He was well-loved by the children, who he looked after and taught to swim. He life-guarded for years, and in fact lived in a cabin on Willingdon Beach for a time. To this day, there is a water fountain there with a plaque in his honour. Life-guarding for the mill eventually led to his main occupation: working as a draftsperson for the Powell River Company’s pulp and paper mill until 1965. He also became the physical education instructor for the mill. In 1937, the mill started the annual snow survey so it could plan for the upcoming year of power production based on expected water in the lake. Lockie was the person in charge of starting the survey, and he ran it for the next 30 years until he retired. There were three different sites at the start, but eventually it got pared down to one main site: just below Lockie’s Table, at the head of Powell Lake. In 1937 he built a cabin — a home base for conducting the survey. It was made out of large yellow-cedar logs, and is still in perfect shape today, 90 years later. There is a note still pinned to the cabin wall: “June 4,5,6 1971 P.R. Lockie (76 time to this G D. cabin).”
He has the first recorded ascents of Central Rainbow Peak in 1935, Beartooth Mountain (kwɛyʔməmɩn) (1935), Mount Freda (1950), Lockie’s Table (1952), and Mount Theodosia (1959). These are, of course, first ascents with written records, and do not include the likely first ascents that pre-
dated European contact. There were an estimated 30,000 people living in qathet precontact, and their ancestors had lived here for at least 10,000 years. There is ample evidence that people were travelling through and harvesting from the alpine over that entire time. It then seems
probable that they would have also climbed these peaks at some, or many points, in the past. Apart from P.R.’s first recorded ascents, he successfully climbed a dozen or so other peaks around qathet, and also failed on a few as well. His approach to mountaineering was differ-
ent than that of a lot of today’s mountaineers who care more about bagging the summit. He revelled in the approach; bushwhacking through forests where there were no trails. He loved to camp out in the mountains and enjoyed stopping for a view, a snack or to see a new plant. He was fast be-
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A VIEW AND A SNACK: Above, mountaineering legend P.R. Lockie made the most of his time in the woods. Right, Big Jim Sinclair (pictured) climbed Beartooth Mountain with German climber Christian Schiel, guided by P.R. — who had led the first four documented ascents of the 6,243-foot peak. Bottom, a plaque on the water fountain at Willingdon Beach, in honour of P.R.’s work as a lifeguard. Photos are part of the P.R. Lockie collection in trust to Jason Addy
cause of his physical strength, but he was in no rush. P.R. was a mentor to and champion of the mountaineers who followed after him. He often shared information and went on trips with younger climbers. He led the first four documented ascents of Beartooth and stayed in camp on the fifth, likely attending as a mentor and showing off the mountains he loved. And when Dick Culbert was writing his 1964 Climbers Guide to Coastal Ranges, it was P.R. whom he contacted for details on the mountains of this area. P.R. was a local climbing legend, to the point where there is some misunderstanding about how prolific he was. It is reported in various publications that he had climbed Lockie’s Table 75 times in his life, but this seems unlikely to the point of being impossible. He did the first ascent in 1952 and from the stories, it seems like his last ascent was in 1958. Even if he climbed it twice a year, that would be fewer than 15 ascents. (Although he did go to the goddamned cabin 76 times.) Later in life, P.R. was known to people around town as either a grumpy old hermit, or a warm and engaging man. The thing with him, the thing that allowed for these opposite viewpoints, was that he did not suffer fools. For those he liked, he was a bighearted friend who could chat on almost any subject and was ready with stories, and plenty of photos to go with them. A story that exemplifies these two Lockies comes from legendary climber, Big Jim Sinclair, from the
Squamish Rock Climbs guidebook. In 1957, when Jim was 23 years old, he moved up here to escape Vancouver. His first stop was the Panda Café, downtown beside the Westview Hotel, where he overheard two people at the table adjacent talking in reverent tones about Beartooth Mountain. Jim leaned over and boldly asked how to climb it. They admitted that they had no idea, but that if he wanted to find out, he
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PAPER MACHINES: Physical education staff at the Powell River mill. P.R. Lockie is second from the left. P hoto is part of the P.R. Lockie collection in trust to Jason Addy would have to go talk the mad hermit P.R. Lockie, because, they said, he was the only one who had ever climbed it. Jim drove out to Lang Bay and found a large property with a high fence around it. The gate was locked, but Jim managed to pull himself over the fence. When he landed, he looked up to see an imposing man wielding an axe, splitting firewood. In a panic, Jim blurted out, “I want to climb Beartooth.” Lockie’s face softened a little. He lowered the axe and said, “You better come inside, son.” Inside the log house the walls were adorned with pictures of mountains. A couple of packsacks lay there, and ropes, ice axes and crampons. Lockie started planning a trip. It would be the two of them, along with a new-totown German climber named Christian Schiel. They boated up the lake to the trailhead at Beartooth Creek where they camped. Jim, being new to mountaineering, was a bit under-dressed. The next morning, as they ate over a fire, P.R. handed Jim a coffee and his Cow-
ichan wool sweater. “Take it with you to the top, son. I’ve lost my head for heights.” He stayed in camp and awaited their return. I have interviewed a few people who were friends with Lockie, and they all say how kind and warm he was, and how much he loved children. All of them have stacks of photos that he gave them over the years. Some were Christmas cards, and some just random gifts. Many of the photos are taped-together panoramas, and most them have locations, dates, and mountain names and heights on them. P.R. Lockie also has photo collections in museums in the Canadian Rockies, in North Vancouver, and here in qathet. Whether or not he summited Lockie’s Table 75 times, his last visit to the top was after he passed away. He died from a heart attack, at home, alone, in March 1976 — 50 years ago this spring. A group of his friends carried his ashes to the summit to spread on the wind on July 31 of that year.
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DANGEROUS VACATION: Left, a boat house on tiskwat / the Powell River in the early 20th century. Below, the boat houses in 1925 (PR Digester photo). Bottom, one of the boat house fires between 1945 and 1950. Photos courtesy of the qathet Museum
Remembering the River Boathouses
T
he Tla’amin village tiskʷət (Teeskwat or Teekukt) was located at mouth of Powell Lake, allowing easy access to a bounty of resources. In the Ayajuthem language the name for Powell Lake is θaʔyɛɬ (Thah yetl), meaning “freshwater lake.” It was common for the early settlers of Powell River to own or lease a boathouse on Powell Lake, using it as a summer getaway, and you can still find boathouses on the lake today. Responding to this demand, in the years after the mill was well underway, the Powell River Company built a series of boathouses between the dam and Wildwood bridge. These floating cabins provided a shelter for the boats travelling up the lake and served as places to fish, relax, and stay overnight. By 1928, the Powell River Digester reports that there were over 60 boathouses erected by the Powell River Company.
BLAST FROM THE PAST DEVAN GILLARD However, by the mid-20th century, concerns began to grow regarding the floats adjacent to Townsite. In 1958, they were frequently deemed dangerous and unsightly. Specifically, there were concerns about the risk of fire. These concerns were not unfounded. In 1946, a fire swept through the boathouses on the wharf, damaging two, destroying another two, and consuming several boats. Decades later, in 1976, another fire destroyed seven of the remaining 54 boathouses.
By the 1960s some of the boathouses had further deteriorated. Reports of accidental drownings and repeated thefts likely reinforced the perception that the boathouses were a safety risk. In the 1970s, discussions began about relocating them as part of plans to expand the Powell Lake Marina. Between 1985 and 2006, three notices were issued to owners of the floats requesting their removal, at this point the boathouses were mainly used as storage and garages. The final lease expired on December 1, 2006, and the Powell River Mill maintained that the structures posed a risk to the dam. In early 2007, the remaining floats were destroyed, a sorrowful moment for those who were unable to relocate their structures. While the boathouses adjacent to Townsite are gone; the memories of quiet weekends on the water remain.
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he Boardwalk Restaurant began its life as a floating bunk house for timber cutters further up the coast, and was towed into Lund harbour in 1926 by creditors who claimed it after the logging company went into liquidation. It was then placed on piles, which was the beginning of a chequered career for the building. It was used as a house for many different families over a number of years, spent some of its life as Carvers Coffee Shop (“Keith and Ann offer you a... Skookum Mug of Fresh Brewed Coffee”), then the Starboard Café, The Sunset Restaurant at The End of The World, and now, The Boardwalk Restaurant. It has been added to on several occasions, the victim of fire and floods, and spent some time as a plant nursery — activities which are probably best not mentioned. Major renovations took place in 2007-2008 with the deck being completely replaced, the interior reconfigured to accommodate more seating and the kitchen updated to provide a more efficient service. The dining room at The Boardwalk today is in this original bunkhouse.
BOARDWALK THEN & NOW: This formerly– floating bunkhouse for loggers is now a restaurant with a view, serving fish & chips and much more.
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A new consignment store has opened on Marine Avenue. Laura Langille, a part-time emergency room nurse, launched Second Tide Consignment at #102- 4690 Marine in the 600-square-foot space between Little Hive and Artifact Gallery. “I felt there was a growing need for more accessible, thoughtful ways to shop secondhand. We already have so much on this planet, and I’m drawn to the idea of extending the life of items rather than creating new ones,” said Laura. She has seen how giving a second life to items also builds community, as her partner started Gear Attic two and a half years ago. “Watching him grow his business I’ve really learned that a big part of it is about community, sharing stories, and giving pieces a second life. It’s also been a really fun and fulfilling creative outlet for me. From curating collections to shaping the space and experience, it allows me to express myself while building something meaningful.” “I am working really hard at curating a selection of higher end textiles and brands with sizing and pricing that feels inclusive for all. I have a lot of respect for the other boutiques and consignment stores in the area—each one brings something unique to the community. I see us as complementary rather than competitive. I’m very selective. My goal is to create a space where people can find beautiful, lasting items without having to search through racks and racks—everything has already been thoughtfully chosen. I really appreciate it when people find my website secondtide.ca and sort items before bringing them into the shop. It makes consignor intake seamless and enjoyable. I am currently a one-woman show, so really appreciate it when my clients are organized and have an understanding of intake guidelines.” Find Second Tide on Facebook and Instagram (@ secondtide.consign), at secondtide.ca or email Laura at secondtideconsign@gmail.ca. The opening comes on the heels of big shakeups in the second-hand market in qathet: the closing of Madrona Boutique and the Salvation Army Thrift Shop, and the relocation of the Healthcare Auxiliary Thrift Shop to its own space on Joyce Avenue.
Empty that house Downsizing just got easier, with the establishment of Headway Estate Liquidation, specializing in home organization. Camille Gilbertson, who recently moved here from Gibsons, said she saw no one offering estate liquidation services here and wanted to fill that gap. “With an aging population entering a new chapter, I believe there is a need for this type of service here,” said Camille. “My gift is to walk into an overwhelming task and see the path forward. I know how daunting dealing with an accumulation of a lifetime can be. I want to offer relief from that burden, whether it is time to downsize or you have been left with a family member’s estate.” For example, an out-of-town resident may have
been left in charge of an estate here, and Headway will offer a no stress service to help them empty the property to prepare for the next chapter, whether that is a sale or a renovation, without hours of travel and time off work. In addition to assisting executors and realtors, she also helps locals moving to smaller spaces who don’t know what to do with all their belongings. Find Camille at makesomeheadway.ca or @makesomeheadway, email hello@makesomeheadway.ca or call 604-414-7103.
Wildwood baker rises to the occasion Cortez Island’s loss is Wildwood’s gain, as Jamie Rebecca James has moved here and is baking bread for the community. Jamie, also a dance/fitness instructor, creates European-style sourdough products using fresh rosemary and roasted garlic. Perfect for health-conscious people with a big family to feed, the Wildwood Bread Co is at the Powell River Farmers’ Market on Saturdays. You can contact Jamie at wildwoodbreadco@gmail.com.
Desolation restaurant to rise again Gorge Harbour Marina on Cortes Island in Desolation Sound is getting a major upgrade thanks to the Klahoose Nation and the provincial government. Qathen Xwegus Management Corporation received $1 million to redevelop the restaurant at Gorge Harbour Marina Resort. The restaurant, highlighting Klahoose culture and food, is expected to open in 2027. The harbour has been a popular gathering spot for boaters since the 1960s. “Rebuilding the restaurant at Gorge Harbour will create local jobs, support tourism, and help make Gorge Harbour a vibrant destination,” said Klahoose Chief Kevin Peacey.
Maintenance made easy Land & Sea Property is a new division of Hanson Land & Sea, offering ongoing maintenance of homes, businesses and facilities throughout qathet, on a subscription basis. From routine maintenance to fast response when something breaks, Land & Sea Property Care plans the work, coordinates specialists, and keeps clear records so you always know what was done, when, and why. Services include scheduled, seasonal and safety checks, minor repairs, accessibility upgrades, energy and comfort improvements, and those tidy-ups that never seem to get done. Like their parent company, they also serve remote and coastal operations, providing on-site coordination for properties without local caretakers. Hanson was already doing some of that as warranty service for customers for whom they had built homes. This expansion provides that for a wider market. “For some remote properties here, the owner is there only a few weeks a year. We can be the caretaker and bring in the trades to do the work necessary,” said managing director Tom Wojtusik. But it’s not just remote properties that can benefit, he said. “Business owners want to focus on their business, and don’t want to be chasing down a plumber, or deal with seasonal power washing, or gutter cleaning and so on. They can have us take care of all of that.” Learn more at landseaproperty.com. || sean@qathetliving.ca
Free Style Todd Clarke, manager of Kindred Rebuild for inclusion PR, and Jeremy Reid, the assistant manager of the free store and novel projects, test out some of the furniture that was available for free at a recent Reuse Shed pop-up at the Resource Recovery Centre. Another pop-up is planned for Saturday, May 23.
May events Next day delivery. 100% guaranteed.
CALL TODAY to schedule your next delivery
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604.485.8100 CITYTRANSFER.COM qathet Living • May 2026 • 39
MAY EVENTS Throughout May
Invasive Plant Month
DRIFTWOOD SHELTER Now open at 7104 Barnet. St. We offer: An immediate place to sleep
Free drop off at Resource Recovery Centre.
2026 Wildlife Photo Competition
Hosted by the Library. Each local resident is eligible to submit one photo. The submission deadline is June 5, 2026. For prizes and competition rules, visit prpl.ca
7
24/7 staff support 2 meals daily Laundry and shower facilities Connection with health care
Thursday
supports Referrals to community services Assistance finding permanent
WorkBC Spring Job Fair
BUILDERS: The board of Four Tides Hospice members — Malerie Meeker (past-president), Lynn Webster, Kim Barton-Bridges (president), Jodie Young, Sophie Call, and Niky Burnett — will share “something exciting” soon.
qRD Emergency System test
Will you help raise $18,000 for Hospice?
1:30-3 pm, VIU.
housing
Beds available on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 4:00 pm daily. Learn more at bit.ly/driftwoodshelter
@liftcommunityservices
www.liftcommunityservices.org
2 pm, on your phone.
Seniors’ Luncheon
11:30 am - 12:30 pm, Trinity Hall, United Church (near 7-11). Followed by Projects Half Done, 1 - 3 pm. Free.
Board Game Night 6 to 9 pm, High Tide Games.
Film • Michael
1:30 pm and 7 pm, The Patricia. The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fuelled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world.
SPICY CHIPOTLE
8
Spicy Spicy Chipotle Chipotle Teen Burger Burger 680 Cals 680 Cals
Friday
Haywire Bay Campground opens for the season
TEEN BURGER
™
Noon. See ad on Page 55 for more.
Food As Medicine - Dementia
WITH PICKLED JALAPEÑOS AND SPICY CHIPOTLE MAYO For a limited time.
Introducing the Spicy Chipotle Teen Burger! We’ve taken your favourite classic and turned up the flavor with our legendary spicy chipotle mayo. Bite into pickled jalapeños and a smoky and spicy chipotle mayo for the perfect kick. Enjoy this with our signature juicy grass-fed beef patty, topped with real cheddar cheese, bacon, crisp lettuce, tomato, and onion, all served on a perfectly toasted sesame seed bun. Available for a limited time only!
Open at 5:30 am, 7 days a week Open late on Fridays & Saturdays © 2026 A&W Food Services of Canada Inc.
Not available in Quebec. © 2026 A&W Food Services of Canada Inc
40 May 2026 • qathetliving.ca
SpicyChipotleTeen_POS_NSP_6.375x10.75_EN.indd 1
2026-03-13 2:59 PM
7 pm at the Library Author Todd Caldecott looks at dementia through biomedical research and holistic traditions, reviewing dietary and lifestyle strategies for cognitive resilience.
T
his month, the Four Tides Hospice Society has a lofty goal of raising $18,000 through the May 23 Hike for Hospice. The hike starts at 11 am at the Willingdon Beach Rotary Pavilion, and we will hike (walk) the Willingdon Beach trail along the coastline and back (1.2kms each way). The Beach Crashers will be playing, and we will have prizes, lawn games, and some snacks at the end of the hike. Four Tides Hospice is a registered charity that provides end-of-life, caregiver and bereavement support to those in the qathet Regional District, including Tla’amin and Texada Island. We are working very hard behind
Northside Community Recreation Centre Grand Opening
1-3 pm official ceremony. 5 pm-late, Lund Community Society community celebration. Potluck, music, and dance. 9656 Larsen Road.
Beanstalk Performance Skills Showcase 2026
7 pm, Evergreen Theatre. Tickets $25 at Anchor Apparel and 32 Lakes.
Video Game Night
6-9 pm, High Tide Games
the scenes to make a stand-alone hospice a reality. It is something that we are working on each day. We are looking forward to being able to share something exciting with the community in the near future. Stay tuned! Hike for Hospice funds go towards operational and program costs for Four Tides. These funds enable us to provide compassionate support to individuals at the end of their life, to their family and friends, and to those who are grieving. Donate at: canadahelps.org/en/ charities/four-tides-hospice-society/ p2p/hike4hospice2026/ - Melanie Munroe
Film • Hoppers
3:30 & 7 pm, The Patricia. Animation. What if you could talk to animals and understand what they’re saying? In Disney and Pixar’s all-new feature film “Hoppers”, scientists have discovered how to “hop” human consciousness into lifelike robotic animals, allowing people to communicate with animals as animals! The adventure introduces Mabel, an animal lover who seizes an opportunity to use the technology, uncovering mysteries within the animal world that are beyond anything she could have imagined
9
Saturday
Powell River Health Care Auxiliary 80th Anniversary Celebration
11:30 am, 4752 Joyce Ave (at the new Economy Shop.)
Powell River Farmers’ Market
10:30 am - 12:30 pm, 4365 McLeod Road. Produce, baking, prepared food, frozen meat, artisan vendors, live music, and Kids Market.
Lang Bay Community Club’s Annual Fundraising Plant Sale Noon - 2 pm at Lang Bay Hall. Donated plants, a raffle, and 50/50 will all be available to support the Lang Bay Hall. Friends of Stillwater Bluffs will also be in attendance. Contact 604-487-1259.
Spring Market: plants and baked goods 10 am - 1 pm, Powell River United Church. Market is free - come browse before lunch.
Mother’s Day Lunch
Noon - 1 pm, The Gathering Space at Powell River United Church. $10 for soup, sandwich and dessert.
Of Bears & Bees: Readings & Reflections in the Forest Grove
2 pm, in the forest behind Blueberry Commons in Wildwood. An afternoon of story, reflection, and connection in the forest grove at Blueberry Commons. Authors Trina Moyles and Jenna Butler will read from their recent works and dialogue together and with us on themes of sharing our homes and our journeys with other creatures, with each other, and with the land. Entrance by Donation. Pre-registration is not necessary. Signed copies of Black Bear and Revery: A Year of Bees will be available for purchase.
SoulCollage®: Finding Solace in Symbols Workshop
comfort and clarity. To register contact Mark at mmerlino@prpl.ca
goes outdoors for the season, beginning the May 2/3 weekend.
Harmony Vespers with Simon Schumpf and Susan Lines
Texada Farmers’ Market
4 pm, Powell River United Church. By donation.
Beanstalk Performance Skills Showcase 2026
7 pm, Evergreen Theatre. Tickets $25 at Anchor Apparel and 32 Lakes.
Film • Hoppers
1:30 & 7 pm, The Patricia.
10 Sunday
Mothers’ Day Lang Bay Song Circle 1-3 pm, Lang Bay Hall. By donation.
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.
Paradise Valley Miniature Railroad
Noon - 2 pm, Texada Community Hall
Film • Hoppers
1:30 & 7 pm, The Patricia.
11
Monday
Community Pasta Dinner
4:30 to 6 pm, Trinity Hall, United Church (near 7-11). Everyone welcome. Free.
Film • Hoppers
7 pm, The Patricia.
12
Tuesday
QRCA road ride down Padgett
6 pm, bike kiosk at Townsite Market. See ad on Page 47. Road, gravel, and e-bikes all welcome!
Zunga Warriors Dragonboating begins
Tuesday and Thursday, 6 -7:15 pm, at the Shinglemill. No experience necessary. Dryland practice for two weeks before on the water. Everyone 16+ welcome. Email for $$ and more info. prdragbt@ gmail.com
Film • Hoppers
7 pm, The Patricia.
13
Wednesday
Townsite Heritage Society AGM
7 pm, Henderson House. Everyone welcome.
Intro to Watercolour
5:30 pm, qathet Art + Wares. This workshop will serve as an introduction to several essential watercolour techniques and provide you with the skills and tools to create a watercolour landscape and continue on your painting journey. $119.
Film • Hoppers
3:30 pm, The Patricia.
Film • Fairy Creek
7 pm, The Patricia. Film followed by Q&A with the film’s qathet-based director Jen Muranetz.
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Friday
qSD Professional Day Four-day Victoria Day long weekend for students.
Tyson Ray Borsboom ‘These Days’ Tour
Thursday
Sing Out with Laurence Cole
8 pm, The Alley, all ages. $15.
Video Game Night
6-9 pm, High Tide Games.
6:30 pm, Hearthstone Village. Siding scale $10 to $25. Laurence Cole is an advocate for the reclaiming of our natural right to sing together as a most basic and primal way of belonging and connection.
Seniors’ Luncheon
11:30 am - 12:30 pm, Trinity Hall, United Church (near 7-11). Followed by Projects Half Done, 1 - 3 pm. Free.
Board Game Night 6 to 9 pm, High Tide Games.
Film • Hoppers
15
Film • The Sheep Detectives
3:30 & 7 pm, The Patricia. In this witty, new breed of mystery, George is a shepherd who reads detective novels to his beloved sheep, assuming they can’t possibly understand. But when a mysterious incident disrupts life on the farm, the sheep realize they must become the detectives! Starring Hugh Jackman, Emma Thompson, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Regina King, and more!
7 pm, The Patricia.
12:30-2:30 pm. Train and handcar rides $2 per person. The Paradise Valley Railroad has a smaller model railroad under construction alongside their popular ride-on railroad. Check it out when the Farmers’ Market
1:30 pm, Library. Heather Conn facilitates this fun, intuitive art workshop that helps us embrace both the dark and light of our lives and provide
qathet Living • May 2026 • 41
If I only had ballet... J L
Beanstalk wraps it up with style
aszlo Tamasik Dance Academy’s student ballet production of The Road to OZ will be at the Evergreen Theatre on Saturday, May 23rd at 6:30 pm. Tickets $25 at The Peak and the Door. The Academy’s end of the year show,
featuring all kinds of dance, is on May 29 and 30. Above, Raelyn Zakkour as the Cowardly Lion, Piper Leahy-McHugh as Tin Can Sally, Malia Mikkelsen as the Scarecrow, Alexa Culos as Toto, and Kyla de Villiers as Dorothy.
oin Beanstalk Theatre Company on May 8 and 9 to watch our third annual Performance Skills Showcase, and seventh live production. Showcase 2026 highlights the dedication, talent, and passion of 74 performers aged 5-18. We are so excited to share what we have been working
on this season. The showcase begins at 7 pm at the Evergreen Theatre. Head over to Anchor Apparel or 32 Lakes to get your tickets, $25 cash. Tickets will also be available at the door on show nights (while quantities last). - Sydney Spenst
MAY EVENTS
16
Saturday
New Moon Powell River Farmers’ Market
10:30 am - 12:30 pm, 4365 McLeod Road. Produce, baking, prepared food, frozen meat, artisan vendors, live music, and Kids Market.
Playing for Peace Concert
7 pm, St. David & St. Paul Anglican Church, Townsite. By donation, in support of Cuban farmers. See more on Page 46.
Colour Theory
1 pm, qathet Art & Wares. In this workshop, you’ll learn the foundations of colour theory using your choice of acrylic or watercolour. $119.
Film • The Sheep Detectives
1:30 & 7 pm, The Patricia.
17
Not the latest it’s going to set, but that’s a nice long evening here on the Coast.
Film • The Sheep Detectives
1:30 & 7 pm, The Patricia.
18
Sunday
Texada Farmers’ Market
Noon - 2 pm, Texada Community Hall.
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.
Paradise Valley Miniature Railroad
12:30 - 2:30 pm. Train and handcar rides $2 per person.
19
Sunset at 9 pm
Monday
Victoria Day Victoria Day Stat
Tuesday
QRCA road ride to the Southview Rd. mailboxes
6 pm, bike kiosk at Townsite Market. See ad on Page 47. Road, gravel, and e-bikes all welcome!
Film • The Sheep Detectives 7 pm, The Patricia.
Happy birthday to the late Queen Victoria.
20
Community Pasta Dinner
4:30-6 pm, Trinity Hall, United Church (near 7-11). Everyone welcome. Free.
Film • The Sheep Detectives
3:30 & 7 pm, The Patricia.
Wednesday
Watercolour Landscapes
5:30 pm, qathet Art & Wares. Join Noelle Blue Moon as she teaches you
how to use watercolour techniques to render a beautiful landscape painting. $119.
Film • The Sheep Detectives
3:30 pm, The Patricia.
21
Thursday
First meeting: qathet Labour Council 4:30 pm at Townsite Brewery and our contact email is qathetlabour@gmail.com. Informal way for unionized workers across different unions in the area to meet and connect.
Seniors’ Luncheon
11:30 am - 12:30 pm, Trinity Hall, United Church (near 7-11). Followed by Projects Half Done, 1 - 3 pm. Free.
Board Game Night
6-9 pm, High Tide Games.
Film • The Sheep Detectives
3:30 pm, The Patricia.
22 Friday
Spring Poetry Slam 6 pm, Library.
The Blue Taffeta Party Dress And Other Short Stories
7 pm at Cranberry Hall. Townsite Actors Guild and qathet Pride. This one person show was written and performed by Dennis Hawkins-Bogle. $25, tickets at Rocky Mountain. See more on Page 48.
Video Game Night
6-9 pm, High Tide Games
Thunder Bay Saw Shop is now a Toro™ dealer. Come see us for mowers, trimmers, blowers, yard tools and more...
42 May 2026 • qathetliving.ca
604.485.5041 | dana@thunderbaysawshop.ca | 7125 Duncan St
MAY EVENTS Church of the Assumption Annual Spring Plant and Bake Sale
9:30 am - 1 pm, Assumption Westview. Seeds, seedlings, plants, garden decor, boxes, and much more. Plus concession.
qathet Concert Band presents Wind Band Time Travellers: Mozart to Mackey
1 pm, Max Cameron Theatre. Directed by Steven Cramaro, including small ensemble performances. Admission by donation
Our Ice Is Vanishing / Sikuvut Nunguliqtuq
2 pm, Library. Professor Shelley Wright presents her book examining the significance of the Arctic to Canada’s Sovereignty, Global Peace, and Indigenous Rights.
No Red Dress walk this year: candlelight ceremony instead Join Nadeen Sierpina, Emily McKee, Cyndi Pallen, and, Mara Park (above) on May 28th, at the pavilion on Willingdon Beach for a candlelight ceremony to honour all MMIWG2S, and to honour all women of the world. 4 to 5:30 pm Film • Mortal Kombat 2
3:30 & 7 pm, The Patricia. In this follow up to the 2021 blockbuster Mortal Kombat, the fan favourite champions -- now joined by Johnny Cage himself -are pitted against one another in the ultimate battle to defeat the dark rule of Shao Kahn that threatens the very existence of the Earthrealm and its defenders! Mortal Kombat 2 is a fast-paced total blast, and a gory good time with incredible fight choreography with its embrace of its arcade roots.
23
Saturday
Free: Reuse Shed Pop-Up Event
10 am - 3 pm, Resource Recovery Centre recycling depot. Free tools, construction materials, furniture, and more.
Artist in Residence show: Alison Bigg
Tidal Art Centre
Family Day and Ride-a-Thon
10 am, Therapeutic Riding. Horses get dressed up. The event is a fundraiser that showcases riders and horses and the skills they have gained throughout the year. This is a time for families and the community to come and see what we are all about! Lunch available.
Powell River Farmers’ Market
10:30 am - 12:30 pm, 4365 McLeod Road. Produce, baking, prepared food, frozen meat, artisan vendors, live music, and Kids Market.
QRCA Poker Pedal
10 am. $25 for families, $10 for single participants, $5 for single under 12 participants. Non-competitive ride for great prizes!
Hike for Hospice 2026
10 am registration at Willingdon Beach band shelter. Pledge drop-off, face painting, opening ceremonies, and warmup. 11 am: the walk begins. Noon: closing ceremonies, awards and treats. fourtideshospice.org/events/ hike-for-hospice-2026. See more on Page 40.
Charity Appreciation Event
Noon - 4 pm, 5139 Manson church parking lot. Lively afternoon of connection, celebration, and learning about the volunteer organizations that help our community thrive! Music, food, entertainment! Hosted by the Powell River Community Foundation.
Dance party with Current Collective and Elastic Band
7 pm doors, The Alley. Music starts at 8. $10 youth, $15 adult.
The Road to Oz: A Laszlo Tamasik Dance Academy production
6:30 pm, Evergreen Theatre.
Film • Mortal Kombat 2
1:30 & 7 pm, The Patricia.
24 Sunday
Texada Island, and Saltery Bay. BC Hydro crews will also complete system maintenance during these outages to help prevent future emergency outages. For project updates or to sign up for notifications, visit bchydro.com/ jervisagamemnon.
Lund Flea! Fundraiser for Puddle Jumpers Pre-School
12:30-2:30 pm. Train and handcar rides, $2 per person. Note: The Patricia Theatre and other businesses may be closed due to the power outage.
25
10 am - 2 pm, market at Northside Community Recreation Centre - 9656 Larson Road. Tasty lunch options available.
Monday
Powell River Farmers’ Market: Power is off, market is on 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, Texada Community Hall
Suncoast Paddling Club ‘Have a Go’ Day
1-3 pm, near the Shinglemill on Powell Lake. Paddle in an outrigger canoe. All equipment provided.
GoByBike Week begins
May 30!
Paradise Valley Miniature Railroad
Community Pasta Dinner
4:30-6 pm, Trinity Hall, United Church (near 7-11). Everyone welcome. Free.
Film • Mortal Kombat 2 7 pm, The Patricia.
26 Tuesday
QRCA road ride town tour
6 pm, bike kiosk at Townsite Market. See ad on Page 47. Road, gravel, and e-bikes all welcome!
An Evening of Kirtan with Shell & Anton 6:30 pm, Hearthstone Village. Suggested donation of $25 to $50.
Planned Power Outage 8 am - 8 pm. Two planned outages are required to safely complete system upgrades. These outages will affect Powell River, Lund, Cortes Island,
Weekend Brunch 11-2 Saturdays & Sundays It’s patio season!
Capone’s Cellar is now a More Rewards partner! Sun to Thurs 9am to 10pm • Fri & Sat 9 am to 11 pm Duncan & Joyce • 604 485-9343
Patio • Gas Dock
shinglemill.ca • 604 483-3545 reservations@shinglemill.ca Proud Member of the PR Chamber of Commerce
qathet Living • May 2026 • 43
MAY EVENTS Garden Club: Invasive plants
6:30 pm doors, Cranberry Seniors Centre. Diane Watson from BC Invasives will be discussing local invasive plants and what you can grow instead. Everyone welcome .
Compassionate Friends meeting
6:30 pm. For anyone who lost a child at any age, for any reason. For location and more, email powellrivercf@gmail.com. See ad on Page 2.
Film • Mortal Kombat 2 7 pm, The Patricia.
27
Wednesday
Artist Trading Cards
Doors, 7:30 pm, The Alley.
Seniors’ Luncheon
11:30 am - 12:30 pm, Trinity Hall, United Church (near 7-11). Followed by Projects Half Done, 1 - 3 pm. Free.
7 pm, The Patricia. Entry by donation. Panel discussion after the film. notaidoc.com
28
Thursday
Honouring All Women of the Four Directions 4-5:30 pm, Willingdon Beach Rotary Pavillion. Candlelight ceremony to honour all MMIWG2S, and honouring all women of the world. More info on Page 43.
MacBeth, Hadestown-style
7 pm, Max Cameron, by Brooks Theatre. See more on Page 49.
Beach Texture Painting
3:30 pm, The Patricia.
1 pm, qathet Art & Wares. This workshop is a fun (and slightly messy!) way for anyone & everyone to create a beautiful piece of wall art. Participants will learn how to create textured waves and beach. All materials included. $95.
29 Friday
Laszlo Tamasik year-end show: The Stage is Ours
32 Lakes. See Page 47.
7 pm, Evergreen Theatre. $25.
3Fates: An interactive public sound experience begins
8 pm doors, Carlson Loft. Special guests: Electric Brains. $30 advance, $40 door. Tickets at Armitage Menswear, the Carlson Club, and Full Bug Records.
qathet Art Centre. Performances May 29 & 30 at 7:30 pm. Doors at 7. Exhibition June 1-5. Viewing hours 2-5 pm (Wednesday 2-8 pm). 1:1 Artists Project Feedback with Donna Lytle available during 3Fates exhibition hours.
MacBeth, Hadestown-style
7 pm, Max Cameron, by Brooks Theatre. See more on Page 49.
Laszlo Tamasik year-End Show: The Stage is Ours
Encore!
4 pm, Patricia Theatre. Encore is a monthly concert which provides an acoustic performance-practice opportunity for local classical musicians.
7 pm Evergreen Theatre. $25.
3Fates: An interactive public sound experience begins
qathet Art Centre. Performances May 29 & 30 at 7:30 pm. Exhibition June 1-5. Viewing hours 2-5 pm (Wednesday 2-8 pm). 1:1 Artists Project Feed-
First Run Movies
LOCAL LEGENDS: Find Current Collective (top, West Coast roots) and Elastic Band (RnB, jazz, above) at The Alley, May 23. This all ages event is just $10 for youth and $15 for adults. Doors open at 7 pm.
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
44 May 2026 • qathetliving.ca
Big West Wrestling
31
Through June 5. See “A Peek ahead to June” on Page 45 for more.
Film • Mortal Kombat 2
The Ramores, a tribute to the Ramones
30
Doors 12:30, show at 1 pm, Gametime Athletics. Tickets at Armitage and Kooky Kavern. $20 adults, $15 kids to 12. $25 at the door.
Saturday
6-9 pm, High Tide Games.
Film • Cinema Politica qathet presents: Ghost in the Machine
6-9 pm, High Tide Games.
Go By Bike Week begins
Board Game Night
Film • Mortal Kombat 2
MacBeth, Hadestown-style
7 pm, Max Cameron, by Brooks Theatre. See more on Page 49.
Video Game Night
Pranatricks: Infiniteness Album Release Tour
Orfeo photography exhibition opening night
3:30 pm, The Patricia.
back with Donna Lytle available during 3Fates exhibition hours.
5:30 pm, The Alley. Hosted by qathet Art & Wares. Free and family friendly.
Powell River Farmers’ Market
Sunday
Full Moon 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.
Powell River Spring Garden Tour
Multiple locations on this self-guided tour. Tickets at Mother Nature and Springtime nurseries for $20 each. See more on Page 6.
Texada Farmers’ Market
Noon - 2 pm, Texada Community Hall
Marketing for Hippies 9 am - 5 pm, Cran Hall. Tad Hargrave leads this Pay What You Can (PWYC) workshop. It offers ways to get clients that are deeply respectful, trauma-informed, and conscience-driven. Register on eventbrite.
Paradise Valley Miniature Railroad
12:30-2:30 pm. Train and handcar rides, $2 per person.
10:30 am - 12:30 pm 4365 McLeod Road Produce, baking, prepared food, frozen meat, artisan vendors, live music and Kids Market.
HarwoodElectric.com Dan@HarwoodElectric.com
604-223-7901
Coro Cantiamo! The new name A PEEK AHEAD TO JUNE Tuesday, June 2 Friday, June 5 for the Powell River Chorus QRCA road ride up Padgett
A
fter 71 years the Powell River Chorus is proud to announce its new name-change. There were over 25 submissions, but after narrowing it down to three, the committee unanimously voted on CORO CANTIAMO. It roles off the tongue like an Italian song wrapped in velvet and translates into English as, “The choir who sings with love.” The word Cantiamo on its own is an invitation for others to sing along with heart. Founded in 1955, this chorus is the longest continuously running choir in Powell River and boasts almost 80 members strong. It is a non-auditioned, mixed choir comprised of sopranos, altos, tenors, baritones, and basses, and for over 20 years has been under the guidance and direction of musical director Walter Martella. We are also very fortunate to have the gifted Dr. Moira Hopfe-Ostensen as our accompanist. Choir practices are on Wednesday nights at the Academy of Music and new members are always welcome!
CORO CANTIAMO! SPRING CONCERT When & Where: 7:30 pm, Wednesday, June 3, Evergreen Theatre What: Coro Cantiamo in concert. Led by Walter Martella and accompanied by Dr. Moira Hopfe-Ostensen. Tickets: $20, Nutcracker Market and at the door.
6 pm, bike kiosk at Townsite Market.
June 2 to 4
GoByBike Week Stand
3-5:30 pm (4-6 pm on Thursday), Joyce Ave entrance to Complex. Tim Johnson will have his bike stand up for simple bike checks and RCMP Cst. Paula Perry with Project 529 (anti-bike theft) will attend.
Thursday, June 4
Our season is split into two segments; September to December and January to June. Public performances are usually held at Christmas time and during the Spring. This year’s performance is scheduled for Wednesday evening on June 3 and we hope you can join us for a wonderful, music-filled evening at the Evergreen Theatre. I promise you that there will be something for everyone to hum and sing along to. - Petra Ebner
PRODUCE FARMERS’ MARKET EGGS SATURDAYS 10:30 - 12:30 MEAT SUNDAYS 12:30 - 2:30 POWELL RIVER
Train Rides on Sundays 604.414.3327 | 4365 McLeod Rd.
BREAD & PIE
ARTISANS
Food Access qathet Gathering
12:30 pm food, program starts at 1 pm, by the Food Action Network Food served 12:30 pm and welcome begins at 1 pm, VIU tiwšɛmawtxʷ (7085 Nootka Street). A showcase and discussion with Food Access groups.
Municipal Pension Retirees Association, (MPRA) Meeting 1 pm, Poplar Room, Recreation Complex. Contact suzbornestig@gmail.com
June 5 & 6
Celebrate Grad and Mother’s Day at Anchor Apparel
Found Stone Permanent Jewelry will be on site. Dream up your unique & personal look. See ad on Page 3.
GoByBike Week wrap-up party
4-6 pm, Townsite Brewery. Party and QRCA raffle.
Saturday, June 6
Central Farmers Market opens for the season
10 am - 1 pm, Willingdon Beach.
Sweet Scarlet accompanied by Academy Choirs 7 pm, James Hall.
Sunday, June 7
be open as normal (8 am – 5 pm).
June 19 to 28
Pacifiq Journeys: Prashant Miranda art show Tidal Art Centre
Saturday, June 20
ALS Move for a Cure
9:15 am, Willingdon Beach.
Film • ilm təm kʷaθ nan – Namesake
1:30 pm, the Patricia. Free.
Sunday, June 21
Planned Power Outage
Father’s Day National Indigenous People’s Day
Powell River Farmers’ Market: Power’s OFF Market’s ON
Spring into Summer Market
8 am - 8 pm.
12:30 - 2:30 pm.
Friday, June 12
Donovan Woods Evergreen Theatre
Deadline to register for a school bus pass See ad on Page 37.
June 15 to 27
PRISMA Festival prismafestival.com
June 16 to 18
Resource Recovery Centre Transfer Station Closed
Annual maintenance closure. Accepting bagged household garbage only ($5.00 per bag). No other materials will be accepted. The Recycling Depot will
June 20 & 21
at Springtime Market
Thursday, June 25
Last Day of School before Holidays
Saturday, June 27
PRISMA on the Beach 6 pm, Willingdon, free.
5Rhythms Dance Workshop
10 am - 4 pm, Gillies Bay. shaunadevlin.net.
Wednesday, July 1
Canada Day
159 years, coast to coast. Will we make it to 160, Alberta?
Last day to buy Sunshine Music Fest passes at Early Bird rates See ad on Page 26.
qathet Living • May 2026 • 45
Sweet Scarlet accompanied by Academy Choirs
6 June 7:00pm $25
BUY A LINE - FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN HELP MAKE OUR PARKING LOT SAFER
We are repainting the parking lot to improve safety and traffic flow, and we are inviting YOU to be part of it.
60 parking lines in the lot -each can be sponsored for $50 for a total fundraising goal of $3,000.
DONATE HERE Thank you to everyone who has donated so far. We are 20% of the way to reaching our goal.
Tickets & registration online: 7280 Kemano St
604-485-9633
Love Before Words
BY BEN BOUCHARD
Something ancient is moving. Not new but returning. Before borders. Before flags. Before Canada, the United States, Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Cuba, Gaza, Israel. there was no “other.” Before language, we did not speak love. We lived it. A hand reaching, food shared. A child held. A circle gathered around fire. No philosophy and no debate. Care was survival, connection was life. You belonged, or you did not live. And so, without words, we understood the deepest truth; that our lives are tied to each other. Then language came. Stories came. Beliefs came. And still, across time, the same remembering kept rising. Jesus Christ—love your neighbour. Gautama Buddha—compassion for all beings. The Qur’an—mercy and justice. Krishna—see yourself in all life. Moses—love your neighbour as yourself.
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46 May 2026 • qathetliving.ca
Different words exploring the same truth. Not to believe but to live. Because love is not a feeling; Love is a verb. Love moves.It reaches beyond blood. Beyond family. Beyond the illusion of “mine.” To a stepchild, to a stranger. To people we were taught were not ours. Love stands where someone is mistreated. Love speaks when silence would be easier. Love pushes back against hate, racism, division not with more noise, but with presence. The grief of a mother in Ukraine is not separate from a mother in Iran. The fear in a child in Cuba, Gaza, Russia is not distant from a child in Canada. We are one body. And when one part suffers love moves toward it. Not away.
PLAYING FOR PEACE
When & Where: 7 pm, Saturday, May 16, St. David & St. Paul Anglican Church in Townsite. Entry by donation. What: A concert in support of Cuban farmers. With local musicians Colleen Eccleston, Ben Bouchard, Devon Hanley, Pat Buckna, Lukah Bouchard, and Annabelle Tully-Barr. With speaker Ron Berezan.
This is the quiet revolution. Not loud. Not violent. Relentless. People choosing to care when it would be easier not to. Choosing connection when division is rewarded. Remembering what we knew before words. I am adding fuel to that fire. And from that place, Playing for Peace was born. A gathering of kindred spirits music, presence, shared humanity not just to feel, but to act. To extend love beyond our immediate world. To reach those carrying the weight of hardship, division, and quiet suffering. This time, toward Cuba. Toward its farmers the backbone of life on a resilient, beautiful island that continues to endure. Guided by Ron Berezan, we stand with those who grow, who sustain, who keep life moving forward. This is love. Not spoken. Done. So the question is simple: What do we spread? Fear… or love? Because everything spreads. But love lived, not said moves the furthest. One world. One body. Love is not what we feel. Love is what we do. Love is a Verb.
20% off all in-stock tubes of paint
for the month of May proud retailer of these fine artist brands, and more! ORFEO: A photography display of the qathet artist Valeria Tedeschi, the creator of Hikuri Studio. The opening reception is the 29th of May from 7-9 pm at 32 Lakes Cafe and Bakery, 6812 Alberni St. There will be local seasonal food offerings and refreshments. The collection presented in the cafe consists of analog 35mm and digital photos, edited and manipulated during the development and printing process. Orfeo explores the concept of time and con-
stant transformation, revealing a deep immersive view and memory of the artist. “. . . I have to deal with you, time. You slip away from me, and I just don’t know how to grasp you. I feel so far away, and I long to touch you. I play with you, I cut a portion of you and glue it back into another dimension, at the same time, in the same space, and the action persists. You’re there in that moment, and it’s only an instant...”
ART SHOWS
SUMMER PLANNER
To May 10
Unbridled: A Deep Dive into Process Art, by Sue Muirhead 10 am - 5 pm, Tidal Art Centre, Lund.
To May 14
Drawn to Earth: Youth Art Exhibiton
Tuesdays & Thursdays 12-5 pm, qathet Art Centre.
Through May
Ceramic artist Camille Hamilton Showing at qathet Art + Wares.
Through June
Lund Seafood Fest • Not happening this year Spring Garden Tour • May 31 Pride Month • June PRISMA • June 15 to 27 Canada Day • July 1 Pridefest & Pride Parade • July 4 Logger Sports • July 11 & 12 Texada Sandcastle Contest • July 11 & 12
May 29
Texada Aerospace Camp • July 15 to 25
Orfeo photography exhibition opening night 32 Lakes. See above.
May 29 & 30
3Fates: An interactive public sound experience begins
qathet Art Centre. Performances May 29 & 30 at 7:30 pm. Exhibition June 1-5. Viewing hours 2-5 pm (Wednesday 2-8 pm). 1:1 Artists Project Feedback with Donna Lytle available during 3Fates exhibition hours.
SPRING 2026
National Indigenous People’s Day • June 21
Janet Southcott Paintings Library.
4488 Marine Ave Mon-Sat 11am-5pm www.qa-w.ca create@qa-w.ca 604.413.6830
Show & Shine • July 18 Texada Blues & Roots Fest • July 18 & 19 Texada Fly-In • July 26 Loud qathet • August 20 - 22 Blackberry Festival • August 21 & 22 Sunshine Music Fest • September 5 & 6 Fall Fair • September 12 & 13
MAY 30 MAY 30 -- JUNE JUNE 5 5 1
CHOOSE to GoByBike
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More coming next month!
qathet Living • May 2026 • 47
“Homophobia, mental health struggles, religion, resilience, healing, and love.” BY DENNIS HAWKINS-BOGLE
T
he Blue Taffeta Party Dress & Other Stories is a collection of 19 autobiographical stories from my childhood to my life as the principal of the high school I graduated from. Set in a small northern town in the 1970s, this is more than a coming out story. It is a raw, honest, and often wry journey through the psyche, the politics, and the pressures of a time that had little room for difference. I grew up in Quesnel in the 1960s and 70s, a time when homosexuality was illegal, entrenched in the Criminal Code of Canada, and was classified as a mental illness in the DSM, the manual of mental disorders. I knew at a young age that my sensibilities balked at the social norms and jarred the behavioural expectations of what, and how, a boy was supposed to be. My fight for equality was born at a young age. At six years old, the dissonance I experienced when wearing a blue taffeta party dress clashed with how those around me made it clear how a boy was supposed to be. Yet my desire to dress-up, twirl, and feel the feminine energy, was a powerful motivation within me. As puberty set in, I came to understand the nature of my sexuality and how I was different. In high school, I endured verbal assaults, physical violence, harassment, threats, sexual assault, and social alienation. To survive in my town, I would live two lives, one life pimply, awkward, funny, fake, made up on the spot, and on full display, the other life, completely hidden, an internal turmoil rooted in shame and fear. Coming out is a definitive event, an experience in time, and is also a lifelong journey. When I came out of the closet at 19 years old I suddenly felt
THE BLUE TAFFETA PARTY DRESS & OTHER STORIES When: 7 pm, May 22, Cranberry Hall What: Written and performed by Campbell River teacher Dennis Hawkins-Bogle, this one-man play shares 19 stories about his childhood in small town BC, coming out, and growing into pride. Presented by: qathet Pride Society and the Townsite Actors Guild. Tickets: $25, Rocky Mountain Pizza & Bakery
Pride Celebrations The annual qathet Pride Parade and PrideFest are coming up on July 4 — but much more is happening before then. June is Pride month in qathet. Watch for socials, films, the flag-raising, and much more, in the June qL calendar. free. Embraced within the Vancouver gay-scene of the early 1980s, pre-AIDS, I realized that the narrative I had created about my life was based on the shame, guilt, and fear. My self-esteem and self-concept were negatively impacted. I suffered anxiety and depression, all of which manifest in odd and unhealthy behavioural choices. I set out on a journey of re-discovery, coming out to recover and reclaim my identity, to become a proud, gay man. I offer a heartfelt collection of stories that chronicle my life through homophobia, mental health struggles, religion, resilience, healing, and love. My stories are drawn from my own experiences of being a target of relentless an-
The HIDDEN TREE
PRINCIPLED PRINCIPAL: Dennis Hawkins-Bogle grew up in Quesnel, and became the principal of the same school where he endured assaults and alienation as a gay teenager. ti-gay aggression, unhealthy relationships and lifestyle, healing, and falling in love. I aim for emotional truths. My stories are playful and full of optimism; they are also gut-wrenching and full of despair. My voice is lyrical, optimistic, and full of abundance; it is also harsh and dense. The tone is tender, gentle, joyful; it is also ruthless and painful. I hope to share with my audience snippets into our common humanity to encourage the growth of community that supports and celebrates everyone .
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48 May 2026 • qathetliving.ca
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“Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t.” - Lady MacBeth
LADY IN RED: Bones Rankin as the infamous Lady Macbeth and Mia Girouard as Hecate, Goddess of Witchcraft, in Brooks Theatre Department’s MacBeth.
The Dagger Before Us S
hakespeare’s MacBeth is not a musical. But that’s not stopping the Brooks Theatre Department from transforming the 16th century tragedy into a 21st-century fever dream. With hints of 1920s New Orleans, borrowed from the Tony-award-winning Hadestown, this production features both new and seasoned performers. Costumes are created by Star Sayer. Choreography is by Sariah Hull and Ayla Bresden. And the whole thing is directed by theatre teacher Jennifer Didcott. The qathet Community Band is augmenting this performance, under the musical direction of Roy Carson. Come for the dancing witches, feather boas, evil scheming, and guilty murderers; stay for Sir William’s infinitely quotable iambic pentameter, sure to be useful in your everyday life
The Cast of the Scottish Play
MacBeth • Abigail Fitzgibbon Lady McBeth • Bones Rankin Hecate / Lady MacDuff • Mia Girouard MACBETH, HADESTOWN--STYLE Duncan / Caithness • Ellie de Leon Malcolm • Melissa Martineau When: May 28 to 30, 7 pm nightly, Max Cameron Donalbain / Son of MacDuff / Porter / Ghost • Elizabeth Thornton What: Classic Shakespeare, shaken up with jazzBanquo • Othello Bellmane era style, and a little song and dance. Music by the MacDuff • Connor Robinson qathet Community band. Lennox / Seyton / Ghost • Emilia Peterson Tickets: $20, from the Brooks office, the NutRoss / Young Siward • Arwen Anderson cracker, and 32 Lakes. Menteith • Hayden Morrison Angus / Sergent • Ruby Morrison here on the Upper Sunshine Coast: “Fair is foul Doctor • River Ladoski and foul is fair,” “O, full of scorpions is my Waiting Gentlewoman • Marie Gretzinger mind.” “Out, damned spot. Out I say.” “Double Siward / Ghost • Freddy Didcott double, toil and trouble.” Old Man • Karli Muskee And, of course, “Look like the innocent Three witches • Abi Woolley, Emily McCormack, Annika Stroomer flower, but be the serpent under’t.” Three murderers • Freddy Didcott, River Ledoski, Flint Keys Good advice. Soldiers, messages, attendants • Grades 8/9 drama class
qathet Living • May 2026 • 49
Our Lives •
•
Duncan James Kennedy May 16, 1953 - March 26, 2026
A special guy whose humour will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace, our brother, Dad and Grandpa.
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.
50 May 2026 • qathetliving.ca
I MADE THE MATCH
Online and in the dirt, author and designer found love
D
raigh and Terry Creamer have been together six years and on May 3, they will have been married one year. Together, they are known as the “Guardians of the Garden,” for their commitment to upkeep at Catnip’s rogue garden in Townsite, in the parking lot near the mill gates. Draigh moved to Powell River four years ago from Richmond, where he was a graphic artist, and silkscreened t-shirts. His son, daughter-in-law, and grandsons are still in the Lower Mainland. “My hobbies are biking, reading, leather working, crafts, and playing music,” he said. “I have written a couple of plays which were performed in Richmond.” Long-time local Terry is a retired preschool teacher and daycare worker. She has written three books. All four of her children and two grandsons live in Powell River. “Biking is my number one passion,” she said. “Prior to meeting Draigh, I was a long distance hiker.” The couple plays music together — Draigh on guitar and Terry on ukulele. They go out dancing at the Carlson Club. Draigh and Terry are currently writing a book about their cross-Canada biking journey.
When, where and how did you meet? Draigh & Terry • We met online when we were in our late 60s, on September 4, 2019, through Facebook’s dating app. We met in person at the Vancouver airport a couple of weeks later. How did you get to know each other? Draigh & Terry • We lived in different cities (Powell River and Richmond), but we had long phone calls every night and visited for a week every month. Every time we were together we went biking. We loved to go out dancing. What was the moment you knew this person was special to you? Draigh & Terry • We went to see the movie The Goldfinch. We were both strongly affected by the movie. Afterward at a restaurant, we both realized we felt the same about many things and decided we’d take a chance on each other.
Tell me about your wedding! Draigh & Terry • On one of our bike rides, we stumbled upon the garden in the Townsite where Catnip had painted lovely murals. We felt this garden was magic, with fairy lights strung in the trees, surreal carvings, and, of course, the amazing murals. We called it The Magic Garden. It became our go-to place. We loved to bike there most days and hang out in its calm, peaceful ambience. When Draigh proposed on Christmas 2024, it was obvious that’s where the wedding should take place. We had a small intimate wedding attended by our families and our best friends, on May 3, 2025. It was a beautiful sunny day. Instead of confetti, the participants threw wild flower seeds at us as we descended the steps. After the ceremony, we pedalled away on our bikes in all our wedding finery, with “Just Married” signs on the back. What challenges did you go through in making a life together? Draigh & Terry • At the beginning, we had the challenge of a long-distance relationship. Also, we had both been
Salesperson wanted
BIKER WEDDING: Draigh and Terry Creamer hung “Just Married” signs on the back of their e-bikes as they cycled off from their May 2025 wedding at “The Magic Garden” in Townsite. alone for many years and had doubts and fears about such a big change in our solitary lifestyles. Top three things you enjoy about the other person: Draigh • Terry makes me laugh easily. She makes me feel alive. She brings excitement and adventure into my life. Terry • I love Draigh’s sense of humour. I love how gentle he is. It’s great having a live-in master chef and all around fix-it guy.
What’s different about this relationship, from what you’ve experienced in the past?
Draigh • Terry is so easy to be with and to just be myself with. In previous relationships, I was always putting on an act. I felt pressured to be somebody I’m not. Terry • The honesty and the trust. I can totally just be myself without having to worry about his reaction. We’re so well-matched and compatible—true soul mates.
How has this relationship has changed you?
Your best advice for those who are seeking a romantic relationship:
Draigh • Terry has made my life happy and full by being there for me through thick and thin. She has filled my days with excitement and adventures. She’s the woman of my dreams. Terry • Draigh has brought a lot more joy and a lot more music into my life. My relationship with him has taken me places I never would have gone. There is no way I would ever have attempted biking across Canada without him.
Draigh • Communication. Say “I love you” every night at bedtime. Say “I’m sorry” when you fight. Leave your anger in the past. Terry • Honesty. Build each other up with your words, instead of always complaining. Lots of physical contact: hug and kiss randomly throughout the day. Don’t sweat the small stuff—just let it go and hang on to the love instead.
Join the team at qathet Living magazine!
Flexible hours, cool coworkers. editor@ qathetliving.ca 604-485-0003
qathet Living • May 2026 • 51
MAY HOROSCOPES ARIES
SMALL TOWN ORACLE
(March 21 to April 19)
A great month for personal change and self-leadership. Mars in your sign ignites action, boosting confidence, energy, and charisma. Seeing value in yourself! Your persistent efforts in career may seem high-effort, low-reward. Stay committed as the New Moon in Taurus brings grounding and potential financial alignments. Continue to prioritize health and wellness to assist when you’re feeling a little too fiery.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20)
The first Full Moon this month highlights trust, and with the Sun in your sign until May 20, you’re still in the spotlight. Rejuvenate your evolved needs and steady any recent life changes. Mercury also entering Taurus (May 2) helps support common-sense and negotiating clearly. Joined by the New Moon, you could be setting new goals within reach and finding the stamina to carry forward or finish tasks at a more stable pace.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 21)
The Sun enters your sign May 20, bringing focus to personal liberation and a notable shift in direction. Jupiter serves its final weeks in Gemini, inspiring an optimistic boost toward new growth and finding harmony around healthy living. Gemini season also inspires joyful networking, making friends, or stirring up old connections. Mercury’s energy in your sign is giving “Chatty Cathy,” and gossip is best avoided. The second Full Moon this month could trigger a breakthrough or simply promote independence in daily routine.
CANCER (June 22 to July 22)
Jupiter is acting notoriously in your sign and nurturing your expansion
KRYSTAL THOMPSON of joy and personal ‘je ne sais quoi’. Venus in Cancer influences wanting to grow your popularity, and in your 11th house of profit, opportunities may arise. Stay authentic and expand your ideas to avoid the energy of standing out but blending in at the same time. The closing Full Moon could encourage reflection and long-term strategy in all areas.
LEO (July 23 to Aug 22)
Saturn enters Aries in your 9th house and is checking for structure. You may be influenced to take a more serious approach to higher education. If you’re thinking of travelling long-distance or being self-reliant, a focused learning phase is recommended. As the sun shines in Taurus, Venus also hits a sweet spot! Thus favouring advancement and being driven toward creative and high-efficiency, hard work. Avoid the risky stuff this month, Leo (no matter how fun it sounds).
I can help.
(Sept 23 to Oct 23)
Achievement unlocked! Jupiter floating in fellow air sign Gemini supports learning and next month activates your 10th house, highlighting career advancement. The early full moon is a gear shift followed by continued acceleration. To maintain speed on this course, daily balance of wellness and work is needed. Ambition is great, but where will you go with no gas? Venus shuffles through your 8th house of fortune and a second Full Moon could present favourable opportunities.
SCORPIO (Oct 24 to Nov 21)
You may be feeling defensive or pressured. The May 1 Full Moon dominates in your sign, confronts change, and could bring emotional release. (It’s ok to like who you are.) Early in the month, Pluto backtracks, pointing the finger inward and allows evaluation of power and authority. Mid-month, Venus dips into Cancer, creating more harmonious ideas when it comes to sharing the workload. Being open to new may bring a shift toward unexpected romantic or financial abundance.
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Your social pace may be picking up after a few focused and possibly challenging months in career. Feeling more grounded, the Sun in Taurus boosts pleasure and creativity. The New Moon could motivate, and taking initiative toward romance could see a long-term abundance. Mid-month could bring high workloads and your ruler, Saturn, is standing on business when emphasizing mental fortitude and patience.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 to Feb 18)
Pluto redecorates your view of personal authority and presentation with an ongoing focus on how you connect with others. If doing home renovations and stubborn for luxury, Mars’ influence may need careful navigation through power struggles. Pluto is out of whack in Aquarius, retrograding May through October, and it may be a wild one. Later in the month, we flow from Taurus to Gemini season, bringing some creative but grounded stimulation to your social life.
PISCES (Feb 19 to March 20)
All of that deep daydreaming may signal the need for a break. Saturn is still sitting heavy in your 1st house, demanding you focus on discipline and identity. Packing two Full Moons, May could feel chaotic, but the New Moon in Taurus is charging in with fresh momentum, open windows, and self-nourishment. You’ll still need to put in some hard work, but there will be sunshine, flirting, and creativity.
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SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 to Dec 21)
A rare Blue Moon (2nd full moon in a single month) in your sign provides emotional reflection and celebration on how far you’ve come. This lunation also lends a chance to tidy up our life direction or see breakthroughs after a significant personal chapter. Creative
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CAPRICORN (Dec 22 to Jan 19)
LIBRA
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VIRGO (August 23 to Sept 22)
ou may be having mixed feelY ings about exiting your comfort zone. Sensitive and home-focused this month, Venus supports higher learning and Uranus in your 10th house of career encourages flexibility and a non-traditional approach. Focus on your health, digestion, and stress-related issues from overworking. The lunar influence this month brings intensity to emotional reputation and resilience. Partnerships will benefit from broad honesty that may test bonds. Try not to nitpick.
Buying or selling a home?
INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED
inspiration may be better than average with the Sun in both Aries then Taurus in May. The month highlights one’s daily habits or accountability, and romance may require caution when communicating. Avoid gossip or dramatic exits.
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Across 1) God of war 5) Downtime 6) The Scottish play 8) Not Kansas 11) Bruin’s mountain fang 14) Not soloists 15) Jack’s pole 17) Rain cover, or housing 18) Makes dress go “swish” 20) Charles, Henry, George 21) Greedy chasm 22) Purple-ish flower 23) Sea rise 24) Royal, or skater 28) Inheritance 29) Dojo teacher 30) Builders, or MMMBop brothers 32) Restaurant, or wooden stroll 33) Waxes and wanes 34) Diploma holder tall ins ring! o als oo We nate fl i lam
Down 1) Parent 2) 35mm or digital 3) Chaotic fencing, camping spot 4) Construct anew 7) Rangers, or electricity 9) Swiping right, or time stamping 10) Slow walk, or card move 11) Cycle 12) For comfort, not cure 13) Broom, blackberry, ivy etc 15) Not the worst 16) Artist, or feline drug 19) Market, or dog’s annoyance 20) Dojo art 25) Bed with no mattress 26) Long run 27) Lion’s entourage 29) Klondike bread 31) Noodles 32) Collection of logs, explosion
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qathet Living • May 2026 • 53
Cooking up some care & creativity this Mother’s Day LAST WORD PIETA GOUDRON
54 May 2026 • qathetliving.ca
I
n late April, my oldest child came home from university for the summer, and — after a year of eating what looked like resort-worthy food at UBC’s student residence — he wanted me to cook for him. I was delighted. Of course I did. His request: a tomato and feta cheese pasta we’ve made together many times. I’m in the final stretches of inhabiting my alter ego: The Mom Who Cooks and Cleans. Kid 1 is well on his way to independence. Kid 2 graduates next year. As a now-single human, I’ve dropped the nightly routine of big meals and big clean-up. Mostly, we forage. Eggs and salads. Lots of yogurt. The occasional actual pots-and-pans meal. I’ve spent the better part of two decades cheffing up breakfasts, lunches, and dinners daily, each adapted slightly for everyone’s tastes. At its height, this represented 84 meals per week (four people, three meals a day, seven days a week), plus planning, shopping and clean-up — the constant responsibility for running a real-ingredient kitchen humming like a motor in the back of my head. No matter how liberated from the burden of gender roles or career-driven a mom is, there’s this reality: people gotta eat. Sometimes, performing the whole family food thing is genuinely fulfilling. Other times, it feels like drudgery. For work that has occupied so much of my hands and mind for so long, I admit I’ve barely thought about it beyond these gut feelings. On a recent walk through Westview, I stopped at a front-yard tiny library, and a book practically fell into my hands: The Gift of the Sea, by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. It’s a 1955 meditation on motherhood and creativity: specifically, the imperative for mothers to spend their time working creatively and resting well, so we can hear our own thoughts and feel our own feelings.
In the mid-20th century, she wrote, much of motherhood was becoming automated, stealing the core of that inner life. Clothing that once was hand-knit, sewn, and mended by moms could now be bought cheaply. Same with bread, once baked by moms. “Many of their [disappering] duties were conducive to a quiet, contemplative drawing together of the self,” Anne wrote. On the one hand, she wrote, the automation gave women more time. However, she asked, how were they spending it? Did women’s new routines offer them the same satisfaction, born of creativity and contemplation, that older (probably romanticized) life did? These are questions that are being revisited now across gender. Making music, not just streaming it. Slow fashion. The right to repair. Farmers’ markets selling produce that requires grappling — good for nutrition and the soul. I love Anne Lindbergh’s idea that domestic cooking is fundamentally radically creative, that it nourishes both the people who eat, and the person who prepared the food. In April, local brothers Ryan, 14, and Kevin McLean, 12, ran the Marathon Shuffle. Ryan did it in just 3 hours 34 minutes, putting him in the top 15% of mostly adult competitors. Kevin famously ran the Shuffle, then ran back, for a total of 64 kilometers and over 11 hours of running in a single day. At first, a rumour circulated that Kevin ate a bakery cinnamon bun to refuel, mid-run. His dad, Joseph McLean, set the record straight with me. It was their mom Katie’s muffins that fueled the boys’ extraordinary feats. In honor of Mother’s Day May 10, and in honor of the creative, overwhelming, and crucial act of cooking, here is Katie’s recipe:
Kevin & Ryan’s Adventure Muffins (by Katie McLean) Dry ingredients 1 cup (120g) oat flour 1 cup (100g) almond flour 1 cup (170g) fine cornmeal 2 tablespoons (or 4) dark brown sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon guar or xanthan gum 1 teaspoon salt 2 cups (190g) fresh or frozen cranberries Wet ingredients 1/2 cup (110g) grapeseed or other neutral oil 4 eggs 1/3 cup (80g) yogurt or dairy-free yogurt Directions: Preheat oven to 375°F. Measure all dry ingredients into a bowl, stir well with a whisk to break up any clumps. Add cranberries and stir. In separate bowl, measure all wet ingredients. Whisk
thoroughly or blend together with immersion blender. Pour wet ingredients into dry, mix well. Spoon into mini muffin trays (silicone, or metal that has been well greased with butter or coconut oil). Makes approximately 24 mini muffins. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until tops are browning. Let sit in muffin trays for 5 to 10 minutes. Then remove and let cool. Notes: The easiest way to cook these is to use silicone muffin trays, then if you’re having trouble unsticking the muffins, you can just pop them out. If you’re using metal trays, make sure to grease them well. You need to let the muffins sit in the pan for a few minutes to firm up before removing them, but don’t leave them too long. Kevin and Ryan prefer savoury muffins; you can use the higher amount of sugar if you want it sweeter. These would also be good made with raspberries, blueberries, huckleberries, or a mix. If using smaller berries, you might need only one and a half cups.
||editor@qathetliving.ca
Escape to Nature and visit Haywire Bay! Opening Day is Friday, May 8 for the 2026 season. Gates open at noon. Nestled along the picturesque southeast shore of Powell Lake, Haywire Bay Regional Park & Campground offers a serene retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The park features 49 individual RV and tent campsites, two group campsites, a cabin, piped drinking water, dry pit toilets, showers, a boat ramp, and two swimming beaches. The park is operated and maintained by the qathet Regional District, with an onsite caretaker responsible for managing the campsite and guest needs. SCAN ME For more information, scan this QR code or visit our website at qathet.ca
If you have questions, please contact our park caretaker at 604-483-1097 during the camping season or Operational Services during the off-season at 604-485-2260. You can also email us at haywirebaypark@qathet.ca.
Haywire Bay Regional Park Campsite Map 0
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Drop off invasive plants for free!
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MAY IS INVASIVE PLANT MONTH
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GOT INVASIVE PLANTS?
Morning Glory
English Holly
Himalayan Blackberry
MAY 1st - 30th Scotch Broom Monday - Saturday, 8am - 5pm Resource Recovery Centre Keep invasive plants separate from clean yard waste and transport loads securely by bagging or tarping plants.
AVOID CUTTING or TRANSPORTING KNOTWEED! It reproduces vegetatively through root and stem. Management options must be evaluated on a site-by-site basis to avoid further spread. Contact the qRD for more information
604-413-6861 EnvironmentalServices@qathet.ca qathet Living • May 2026 • 55
56 May 2026 • qathetliving.ca