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Loved ones establish scholarship in memory of Braxton Leask and Dylan Buckle

DAVID BRINDLE community@prpeak.com

Families and friends of Braxton Leask and Dylan Buckle are still trying to cope with the tragedy of losing the two young men. Collectively, the group has established a scholarship fund in memory of the best friends who were shot and killed in Lund on June 17.

The new scholarship is meant to provide high school graduates with financial assistance to pursue careers in the trades and athletics, and also memorialize the lives of Leask and Buckle.

For Leask’s mother Nichelle Guignard and family friend Anita Adams, the tribute keeps them focused on something other than the loss.

“We thought this is one way of keeping Dylan and Braxton’s memories alive and also help youth in Powell River continue on with their education,” said Adams, who is a School District 47 elementary school teacher. “It’s a positive thing to do.”

Guignard said there have not been any positive days since the loss of her son and she has not accepted that he is gone.

“That’s life; you have to go on and try to make it a better life for people,” said Guignard. “That’s the symbol of the scholarship.”

Buckle’s mother Terry said her family is doing okay and trying to adjust to a new kind of normal.

“I’m still waiting for the boys to come home,” said Terry. “It seems like they’re just still away. Dylan was living in London, England. I feel like he’s still there and he’s just not home yet.”

Scholarship supports students

sons’ memories alive.

Knowing real efforts are being made as a tribute to Leask and Buckle has helped, according to Guignard.

“It takes away that big, dark despair,” she said.

In the weeks since the two young men were killed, Guignard has been able to go through boxes of Leask’s belongings, including photos, a newspaper article from when he lost his eye and medals from soccer.

Throughout the day on June 17, as news of the crime spread throughout the region, family and friends congregated at Guignard’s home to mourn. It was then the idea to establish an award was formed.

Braxton’s brother Taylor Lance and his fiancé Ariana Sian first broached the subject, according to Adams. Almost spontaneously, Adams said she had the same idea. Then Terry and Guignard agreed it would be a fitting way to keep their

“It’s very important to me,” said Guignard. “The more I get better, the more I’m easing into doing more things like this because people come up to me and ask, ‘How can I help?’ They really mean it.”

In school, Leask and Buckle were bright but did not excel academically, according to Guignard. Terry said her son struggled in elementary school, but one educator made a difference once he went to Brooks Secondary School.

“[Former Brooks principal] Jamie Burt totally turned Dylan around and he ended up doing great in school and doing things he never thought he’d ever try,” said Terry. “All he needed was one teacher to believe in him.”

Burt was principal at Henderson Elementary School when Dylan was a student there. He said he was devastated when he heard the news of Dylan and Leask’s deaths.

Burt said it is rarely just one teacher who influences a student.

“Not to be too cliché, but that’s the best thing, having all different kinds of teachers,” he said. “Kids have an opportunity to connect with different personalities.”

Burt said he and Dylan had

Burt said Dylan wasn’t a straight-A student, but he was talented. As an educator, Burt knows the need that scholarships fill.

“We know in this day and age that post-secondary training of some sort is almost a necessity, and it’s costly,” said Burt. “More and

Powell River is an incredible community. We really look after our youth in education and the scholarship plays a major role for a lot of children and a lot of families.

ANITA ADAMS

a special connection, sometimes up and down, but they always came around.

“Dylan was a real neat kid who just needed time to find his interests and his passions,” said Burt. “He just needed someone to be patient with where he was at. He was an amazing young guy.”

more students need help.”

Leask and Buckle were set on career paths in the trades. Leask was an apprentice pipe-fitter and Dylan wanted to be a firefighter, but sports was their passion.

The pair are fondly remembered when talk turns to soccer in Powell River. Both had returned to their home-

town, Leask from Alberta and Buckle from London, to be with their friends and play soccer for Villa.

Adams has approached Villa about the scholarship, but a decision has not been made by the club, according to Villa president Jamie Zroback.

“We’ll decide sometime in the future whether it’s a fundraiser or it’s a game,” said Zroback. “We will do something but we don’t know what it is yet.”

Villa’s training camp has opened and as the team prepares for the 2017/2018 Vancouver Island Soccer League season, the fallen teammates are very much on players’ minds. The same can be said for Villa’s new coach Chris McDonough as he prepares for the upcoming season.

“You can’t forget those guys, honestly,” said McDonough. “It’s on my mind. I can’t speak for everyone, but I’m still shocked.”

A scholarship account has been established at

First Credit Union and anyone wishing to make a donation can enquire inside the branch at 4721 Joyce Avenue, according to Adams. She and Guignard are trustees of the account.

“Powell River is an incredible community,” said Adams. “We really look after our youth in education and the scholarship plays a major role for a lot of children and a lot of families.”

The account will be open for one year, then the funds will be invested in an interest-bearing account to ensure the scholarship will have enough in reserve to be awarded each year to a deserving student. Adams said she hopes $10,000 to $20,000 can be raised.

“It’s been good for Anita and I, just doing something,” said Guignard. “It has also given Taylor a focus because he is hurting; we’re all hurting. A lot of people are angry; this is to take that away. We know kids who are going to Brooks are going to get a helping hand.”

Summer traffic tests new BC Ferries vessel

Overloads

increase in July for smallercapacity Salish Orca

CHRIS BOLSTER reporter@prpeak.com

Increased summer tourism traffic and a smaller vehicle capacity have put BC Ferries’ newest vessel to the test.

July 2017 traffic numbers for the Comox-Powell River route show a 1.9 per cent increase in traffic over July 2016 and a 5.5 per cent increase over July 2015.

As vehicle traffic has increased, so too has the number of overload sailings with cars left behind.

According to BC Ferries’ traffic statistics, in July 2015 fewer than one per cent of sailings were overloaded. By this July, that number had risen to five per cent.

Powell River Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons said it is obvious that overloads have gone up as result of the reduction of route’s vehicle capacity.

“People were saying this would happen,” said Simons. “We’ve got a new vessel that has a number of problems, not least of which is that its capacity is insufficient for our heavy traffic periods.”

BC Ferries spokesperson Deborah Marshall said there has been about a three per cent increase in traffic across the fleet, including Powell River routes.

“We’re seeing a lot of tourism traffic this summer,” said Marshall. “It’s great news for everyone here on the island and coastal communities.”

July’s traffic is the first test for new vessels to see if BC Ferries’ gamble on

smaller boats that run more economically will pay off during the busiest time of the year. Salish Orca’s vehicle capacity is about 30 fewer than Queen of Burnaby could load.

Simons said it was costcutting that led to decisions to reduce the number

of July. Out of Powell River, July saw the ferry carry 7,172 vehicles with 63 overloads, she added.

Marshall said Salish Orca is handling its first summer well, despite the fact that the ferry corporation is still ironing out some electrical issues with the ship that

The vessel is handling the traffic very well.”

of sailings on the route in 2014 and build the smaller vessel.

“You hope that decisions are made to improve public mobility and access and not just what is going to save the most money,” he said.

Marshall said Salish Orca carried 7,548 vehicles and had an overload of 101 total out of Comox for the month

crop up from time to time.

Northern Sunshine Coast Ferry Advisory Committee chair Kim Barton-Bridges said the comparison between Queen of Burnaby’s 168-vehicle capacity and Salish Orca’s capacity of 138 vehicles may not be fair to make.

“The effective capacity of the Burnaby is actually quite

close to that of the Salish Orca,” said Barton-Bridges.

Marshall said Salish Orca’s capacity is only “slightly reduced” compared to Queen of Burnaby. Barton-Bridges said if the ship is dealing with consistent overloads it is an indication that more runs should be included in the schedule.

Brought into service in May, Salish Orca was the first of BC Ferries’ new Salishclass, dual-fuel intermediate vessels built in Poland.

Replacing the now-retired Queen of Burnaby, Salish Orca was built to provide service between Powell River and Comox, but also to be interchangeable with routes served by other Salish-class vessels, including Salish Raven and Salish Eagle, which serve the Tsawwassen-Southern Gulf Islands route.

Meanwhile, the ferry advisory committee chairs’

Foulds appears in court

Trial dates for the man charged with two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder related to the June 17 deaths of Braxton Leask and Dylan Buckle and the shooting of Zane Hernandez will be set early next month.

Jason Timothy Foulds, 19, appeared by video in Campbell River Provincial Count on Monday, August 14. Foulds’ lawyer requested the case be put over until Monday, September 11. A spokesperson for Crown counsel said it is expected that trial dates will be set at that time. The trial is expected to take place in Powell River.

Problem delays ferry

meeting is planned for Thursday, August 17.

Barton-Bridges said she plans to discuss the issues of Salish Orca ’s exterior doors, which have remained propped open during the summer heat, elevators that have not been working consistently and problems with the lower car deck being too hot for pets.

When Salish Orca came into service, BC Ferries chief executive officer Mark Collins said, similar to all new vessels, it will take about a year to solve all of the issues that arise with the ferry.

Barton-Bridges said the issue of ensuring properly sized replacement vessels are brought in will also be raised.

“We want to ensure that BC Ferries is looking at capacity,” she said, “when they are looking at replacing vessels.”

Travellers to Vancouver Island faced lengthy delays on Monday, August 14, as an electrical problem with Salish Orca cancelled the 10 am sailing from Comox and 11:50 am sailing from Powell River. A ferry corporation spokesperson said the fix required the communications system to be rebooted.

City unveils crosswalk

City of Powell River unveiled its rainbow crosswalk across Ash Street in Townsite on Wednesday, August 9. City director of infrastructure Tor Birtig said the design maintains the white reflective bands of a standard crosswalk due to provincial regulations for uncontrolled crossings.

Setting it straight

In our August 9 story, “Vandals target cars parked in Lund,” we mistakenly attributed Lund resident Erin Innes as saying few “businesses” benefit from increased summer tourism traffic, when it fact she said few “residents.”

Arts Alive in the Park

Fire fears rise

CHRIS BOLSTER reporter@prpeak.com

Leniency and patience are being abandoned as local officials continue to deal with people lighting fires despite an almost province-wide fire ban and the extreme fire threat in and around Powell River, but the number of fines handed out remains unknown.

Willingdon Beach and Rotary Pavilion

Saturday, August 19, 11 am-7 pm and Sunday, August 20, 11 am-6 pm For more information or to register, call Nina at 604.485.6506 or Ann at 604.483.9345

Sponsored by the Powell River Arts Council

NOTICE OF MEETING TIME AND LOCATION CHANGE

POWELL RIVER REGIONAL BOARD

The Powell River Regional Board meeting regularly scheduled for 7 pm on Thursday, August 24, has been rescheduled to 6 pm. The location of the meeting has also been changed to the Powell River Regional District’s Maintenance Facility located at 2815 McCausland Road.

Brenda Paquin, Manager of Administrative Services

Tickets are being written by a number of provincial agencies in Powell River, including BC Conservation Officer Service, Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations compliance officers, RCMP and local fire departments.

The involvement of multiple agencies makes it difficult to know how many illegal fires are being discovered and how many tickets are being handed out, said Coastal Fire Centre fire information officer Marg Drysdale.

“As of now, we do not have any kind of numbers,” said Drysdale. “We have been very busy fighting fires and resources have been sent to other parts of the province.”

On August 7, nine people at a bush party near Gibsons were fined $1,150 each by RCMP after they were caught sitting around a large fire on Home Island.

Conservation officer Gerry Lister said his department in Powell River has issued two tickets in the past few weeks for illegal fires they found during routine evening checks.

“Compliance with the fire ban has been pretty good if you consider it on a per capita basis,” said Lister.

BURN BAN: Tickets for illegal fires have been issued by provincial agencies, but officials are unable to say how many in total have

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

surprised to be ticketed when it comes to being caught with illegal fires, he added.

“No tickets have been issued yet on Savary, but patience has run out,” said Thoms. “It’s hard to believe, given what’s been in the media, that people are still finding the need to have a campfire.”

Lister said the people he ticketed said they did not know a fire ban was in place.

Powell River Fire Rescue chief Terry Peters said while compliance with the city’s yearround standing ban has been improving, the department has still been responding to calls from people having beach and backyard campfires.

1. THURSDAY, AUGUST 3 Lang Bay Road

At 8:20 pm, police responded to a report of threats with a firearm at a residence. Police attended and discovered a 16-year-old male suspect had run away from the area. A witness reported that the male had held a black handgun to a 61-year-old female’s head and threatened to shoot her. Police conducted an extensive search for the suspect and located a handgun-style BB gun. At approximately 10:30 pm the suspect called police to turn himself in.

2. THURSDAY, AUGUST 3 Cranberry Street, 6700 block

At 10:25 pm, police received a report of a break and enter to an apartment. Its resident reported that between 6 and 10 pm, someone gained access to her apartment through a back window and stole items including a black iPhone 5 and a gold colour Quartz watch.

3. THURSDAY, AUGUST 10 Manson Avenue, 4000 block

At 4:30 am, a man was seen breaking into parked, unlocked vehicles. The male suspect opened an unlocked door of a pickup truck and rifled through the vehicle before departing on a bike. RCMP believe the man is responsible for several break-ins to unlocked vehicles on Manson Avenue, Collingwood Place, Huntington Street and Hazelton Street on the same night. Stolen items from various vehicles include cash, spare change, CDs and a wallet. The suspect is described as 24 to 25 years of age, five-feet, seven-inches to five-feet, eight-inches tall with a thin build. He was wearing a dark hoodie and all dark clothing. The bike is described as having a small frame with large handlebars and squeaky brakes.

4. SUNDAY, AUGUST 13 Borden Place, 5400 block

At approximately 5:30 pm, RCMP received a report that someone had gone through an unlocked and parked 2002 Honda Civic. After hearing a dog barking, the complainant looked outside and saw someone inside their vehicle. By the time the complainant made their way outside the culprit had left the area. A wallet was stolen.

The amount of conjecture on how many fires are being lit could be due to people using propane burners instead of campfires

“Everyone in the province is on guard with the smoke in the air, but we’re still getting people who think it’s okay to spark up a little fire in the backyard,” said Peters. “If everyone was responsible, we wouldn’t have a problem, but the reality is that everybody’s version of a small fire is very different. That’s why these bylaws are in place.”

Peters said recklessly discarded cigarette butts are posing an even larger issue than illegal campfires. He added that his crews have been called out on a number of occasions recently to attend to small fires outside of Powell River General Hospital where discarded cigarettes have caused bark mulch to start smouldering.

“It’s just smokers being careless,” said Peters, “with their cigarettes.”

Breach of probation

Earl Charles Henry Fogarty (born 1959) was sentenced to one day in jail with 18 months of probation, ordered to provide a DNA sample and levied a $100 victim surcharge for assault causing bodily

Brian Gerald McCullough (born 1966) was given a conditional discharge with six months of probation and levied a $100 victim sur-

Austin Kenneth Petalik (born 1998) was given a conditional discharge with three months of probation and levied a $100 victim surcharge for breach of a probation order.

Assault

Ulla Darlene Joy Rewega (born 1967) was handed a suspended sentence with 18 months of probation and ordered to provide a DNA sample for two counts of assault.

Residents petition for road service

Service agreement will

provide twothirds of Nootka paving costs

CHRIS BOLSTER reporter@prpeak.com

Upper Nootka Street residents will be petitioning the Powell River Regional District board to establish a servicing agreement to pave a half-kilometre of the gravel street in their neighbourhood.

Surfacing the stretch of unpaved road near Powell River’s city limits has been a longstanding issue for Electoral Area B residents who access their homes using city streets. Over the years, residents have appeared before, and submitted petitions to, the region’s governments, but the street remains unpaved.

Local resident Igor Skobkarev has lived in the area for the past two years and said he feels recent advocacy has been paying off.

“This is one of those gaps that needs to be closed,” said Skobkarev. “I’ll sleep better when it’s all done and the road is paved.”

Last year, Skobkarev gathered 160 signatures from city and rural residents and currently has an online petition open to have the road paved.

Electoral Area B alternate director Al Rebane met with Skobkarev on August 9 and explained how the area’s residents could ask the regional district to create a new service for resurfacing the road.

Rebane estimates surfacing the gravel road with chip seal, a common option for rural road surfaces, will cost approximately $70,000.

Area residents would provide $46,000 through taxation with the remaining $24,000 coming from the city.

“We need to put our end up,” said Rebane, “then bring the city to the table.”

City director of infrastructure Tor Birtig said that given the high traffic on the road, he does not think that a chip seal surface will stand up.

“Normally we use the chip seal on low-volume roadways,” said Birtig. “With the heavy traffic on Nootka it wouldn’t be my recommendation to go that way.”

Rebane said a petition signed by a majority of the 44 property owners in the upper Nootka area supporting establishment of a service to provide two-thirds of the cost to pave Nootka is required. Due to the way regional districts are legislated, they are unable to take money collected for one

purpose and use it to pay for something else, he added.

Birtig said if outside funding was provided to trial the surface he would not be against it. He estimates that paving the 500 metres to a regular standard with a curb could cost approximately $375,000.

On July 16, City of Powell River mayor Dave Formosa told approximately 50 Nootka residents gathered at a community rally on a corner next to the intersection of Westview and Manson avenues that if they raised one-third of the project costs and the regional district put forward another one-third, he would try to convince city council to come up with the remaining third.

Rebane said that because the road is within the city limits, it is fair for Nootka residents to pay the majority of the cost. He added that he would like to see the project

JOAL AND LAUREN KAMPS

included in the 2018 budget.

“It sounds good to me,” said Skobkarev.

Skobkarev added that he supports canvasing his neighbours with the petition and asking their preference on what the timeframe of borrowing should be. He said he expects only two or three neighbours to oppose the tax increase.

Birtig said the road and BC Hydro power poles would need to be moved because they are not centred in the right-of-way. If the road were paved without first moving it, he said, then when development proceeds later the road would have to be ripped up and moved over to accommodate installing sewer lines.

Once a Nootka agreement, similar to the regional district’s Myrtle Pond and Lund sewer agreements, is in place it will allow the regional district to borrow money for the project.

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Fight hate

An incident of terrorism at a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, that left one woman dead and dozens of others wounded has many of us questioning how deep hate runs in America.

The August 12 gathering was disgusting enough; a “Unite the Right” protest bringing together some of the most bile-filled white nationalists in America, spurned on by the words and actions of their hate-mongering president.

But the racist rally turned deadly when a car driven by a 20-year-old white supremacist ploughed through dozens of counter-protesters, killing a 32-year-old woman and injuring at least 30 more.

In the aftermath of this horrible incident, much speculation has been made about whether Canadians are immune to violent incidents of domestic terrorism.

The answer, of course, is no. Canada has its own fair share of white-supremacist groups and, although our borders shield us from a racist American president and some of the repercussions of a nationalist movement swelling just below us, we are not safe from them.

An important question right now is: what can we do as Canadians to stave off the hate that fuelled the tragic events in Charlottesville?

An important question right now is: what can we do as Canadians to stave off the hate that fuelled the tragic events in Charlottesville?

We can start by speaking out and fighting against it. That does not mean resorting to violence being touted by the “punch a Nazi” movement. Instead, it can be achieved by the type of community mobilization we saw in 2014 when racist anti-Chinese posters were put up around Powell River.

The immediate response to the hateful actions of someone hiding behind a photocopier and bad grammar was impressive. The cowardly act of hate speech and racism was denounced and community forums were held to discuss the issue, thanks to the efforts of Powell River Diversity Initiative. Another important element to fighting hate is to challenge racist comments from people who are often fearful and/or ignorant of what they do not fully understand. A little education can go a long way.

Hatred left unchecked and unchallenged will grow and fester. The violent events in Charlottesville are now a constant reminder that fighting hate is paramount to a functioning society, and freedom of speech comes with the hope that those with the most intelligence, love and compassion will always have the last word.

Jason Schreurs, publisher/editor

LAST WEEK’S ONLINE POLL QUESTION

Should more be done to bring outdoor-adventure tourists to the area?

This poll was answered by 135 respondents. This week’s poll question: Who should pay to pave the road that leads to the top of Nootka Street? Go to prpeak.com to cast your vote.

and

VIEWPOINT Free trade promotes peace

By Jay Fallis

Whether you shop downtown or at a box store, almost all of the products available for purchase are affected by Canada’s various free trade agreements. Economic development in Canada over the past three decades has been significantly shaped by this policy direction of open borders.

In recent weeks, there has been serious talk of opening up the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that dictates the terms by which Canadian, American and Mexican products can be produced and traded throughout all three nations. There is little concrete understanding of how these negotiations will affect NAFTA. However, the federal government’s recent appointment of high profile political figures to a

NAFTA Advisory Council indicates the high potential of monumental change.

These talks reinvigorate the age-old question: is free trade worth pursuing?

This is one of the toughest po-

The establishment of free trade played an instrumental role in creating peace and stability following an era of international conflict.

litical questions to answer. Up for debate can be the effectiveness of sector specialization in the international economy, increased economic inequality, improved living conditions, job creation, national

identity, environmental protection and regulations around investor/state dispute settlement mechanisms, to name a few. So many factors contribute to an individual’s personal interpretation of whether free trade, and by association NAFTA, is perceived to be bad or good. This is not a black and white issue, but an issue that can be depicted by a grey paint swatch with shades ranging from darkest to lightest. However, despite these intricate complexities, one argument for free trade cannot be disputed. This argument, which outdates our current era of free-trade prevalence, is rarely considered during present day trade negotiations. According to the 1948 memoirs of Cordell Hull, the longest serving United States secretary of

Lack of transparency

I was surprised to read in Murray Dobbin’s column [Counterpoint: Community Futures has room for improvement, August 2] that Community Futures in Powell River has $2.7 million sitting in its bank account.

The fact that this money could have been loaned to new businesses or businesses looking to expand

is really unfortunate given how badly Powell River needs economic development. The lack of profile this organization seems to have in the community is a problem since it is supposed to be attracting potential entrepreneurs.

When I checked out Community Future Powell River’s website, I found the success stories it highlighted were quite old, such as

the Alchemist Restaurant, which closed over a year ago, and the Lund Hotel, which underwent renovations that were completed years ago. Also, I could not find any information on the organization’s finances and how it is being managed. This does not seem to set a good standard of transparency for a taxpayer-funded agency.

From what former City of Powell River community

Higher wages a social responsibility

One of the reasons BC New Democratic Party was able to form government, with support from BC Green Party, is that it keyed in on the cost of living issue, promising to make life for BC residents more affordable.

BC Liberal Party made a fatal mistake believing that because the economy was doing well they had the election in the bag. The Liberals’ line has always been that the solution to poverty is a job, but that assumes every job will lift an individual or family out of poverty. That has not been true for a very long time.

NDP’s election promise to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour over four years sounds dramatic given that BC has the lowest minimum wage in the country at $10.85. But even $15 an hour is a long way from meeting the goal of what has been dubbed a living wage.

According to the 2015

6« VIEWPOINT

COUNTERPOINT

By Murray Dobbin

Vital Signs report for Powell River, the living wage (for a two-earner family of four) in our community was $21.30 per hour, or about $39,000 per year, yet 53 per cent of income earners here earned below $30,000 and 39 per cent below $20,000 for the year. Many in the business community express anxiety about increases in minimum wage, which is understandable given that some in Powell River have trouble making their payrolls now. But many studies have

state, free trade was not solely an economic driver. It would be vital in initiating peace within the international community, which at the time was recovering from World War II.

Among the reasons for this argument was that one country would not be able to justify employing violence against another country it depended on for economic sustenance. Additionally, trade would facilitate dialogue between nations, providing more opportunity for peaceful negotiation.

This perspective on free trade became very significant in shaping our international community. Advocacy of this approach by Hull and others influenced American foreign policy and led to the establishment of the European Coal

futures board liaison Karen Skadsheim said, it is clear the local branch needs to be much more transparent and accountable than they currently are.

Nearly $3 million dollars could go a long way to help grow the economy, create new job opportunities and encourage entrepreneurship in Powell River.

Alice Robert Powell River

shown that while there is an initial period of difficult adjustment for some businesses, everyone benefits mid to long term. People earning a higher minimum wage will have an additional $200 a week to spend in local shops.

Wages in general have been flat for decades. A Statistics Canada study in 2005 showed that between 1980 and 2005 the real increase in average income was just $52 after inflation. In other words, $2 per year for 25 years.

One of the reasons is changes in laws and regulations that favour the employer over the employee. Less than one third of people who pay into employment insurance ever qualify for it, down from 75 per cent in the 1980s.

Social assistance rates are punitively low. These two factors mean people are loathe to quit jobs, even if their employer is harass-

and Steel Community, predecessor of the European Union.

The establishment of free trade played an instrumental role in creating peace and stability following an era of international conflict. When considering this fact, free trade becomes a goal worth pursuing.

Accepting a lopsided NAFTA deal for free trade’s sake would be an error. However, in a world seemingly becoming more adversarial, it is important we as Canadians go into these negotiations remembering the essential role free trade plays in promoting international peace and stability.

Jay Fallis has a master degrees in political science from University of Toronto.

ing them or forcing them to work overtime with no pay, as some do.

Employees’ bargaining positions are weakened further by the fact that governments no longer strictly enforce labour standards, such as the law that says you have to be paid time-and-a-half for overtime.

Paying employees a decent wage is the social responsibility of employers. While some local businesses are close to the edge, many could easily afford to pay their employees more.

The city is already doing its part. It pays union wages to its employees and has not contracted out services like so many other communities. It is time for private-sector employers to step up and pay their workers enough to bring them and their families out of poverty.

Murray Dobbin is a Powell River freelance writer and social commentator.

Letters to the Editor/ Viewpoint

The Peak publishes all letters it receives regarding the stories on its pages, as long as letters are signed, dated, and include the writer’s address and a daytime telephone number for verification. We do not publish anonymous letters. The exceptions are those letters which may be libellous, in bad taste, or describe an incident involving other people which, to be fair, should allow both sides to be aired in a news story. Letters should not exceed 350 words and Viewpoints must be approximately 500 words. The Peak reserves the right to edit based on taste, legality, clarity, and length.

Opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor and Viewpoints are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Peak or its employees.

ACROSS

1. Nautical call 5. Briny expanses

Burglarize

Evening garment

component

Dance instruction

Consume text

Dinner breads

Bolted

Chick’s sound

Chime

Lanky

Excessive vanity

Blazing star

Expel

Astonish

Signals

Additionally

Street party highlights Blackberry Festival

Annual week of events culminates with social gathering and fireworks display

DAVID BRINDLE community@prpeak.com

New residents to Powell River not realizing the prevalence of Rubus armeniacus in the area might think the city’s annual Blackberry Festival is an event sponsored by a mobile phone. That is not the case.

Powell River’s biggest party is thrown for an edible fruit, and an invasive one at that. The 29th annual event hosted by Marine Avenue Business Association (MABA) started August 15 and continues until Sunday, August 20.

Six days of activities include a blackberry trivia contest, high tea and a pancake breakfast.

“It started off with a group of people who had a blackberry wine and pie contest,” said Cathy MacDonald, executive director of MABA, “and it just evolved into a festival.”

Movie under the Stars is the first big event of Blackberry Festival and features the animated musical comedy Sing at Larry Gouthro Park on Wednesday, August 16. But the blackberry’s biggest day is Friday, August 18, when Marine Avenue between Alberni and Duncan streets is trans-

formed from a highway to a walkway for the popular street party. Thousands of people wander up and down Marine sampling food, much of it infused with blackberries, enjoying live entertainment and catching up with friends.

The street party could be referred to as the see-you-next-year event of the summer season. Many people who attend see certain friends and acquaintances only once every 365 days, on the street at Blackberry Festival.

“It’s where I will see people who live in Powell River that I never see except for once a year,” said City of Powell River councillor CaroleAnn Leishman. “Everybody you don’t

run into in your normal routine comes out to the street party and you see people you haven’t seen in years, or just once a year.”

The crowd eventually converges at Willingdon Beach later in the evening for the Festival of Lights fireworks spectacle.

Former residents come home specifically for the street party. No fewer than three high school reunions have been purposely planned to coincide with this year’s festival, including Max Cameron Secondary School classes of 1967, 1975 and 1977.

“I know from personal experience that graduates of high school in Powell River always try and arrange their reunions around that

Sober Sports

Ball hockey now in Powell River

MONDAYS from 6–7 PM at Christian School. $3/drop-in. All gear provided. No experience necessary. Just come and have

weekend,” said Leishman.

Dawn Adazynski will be attending the class of 1977 reunion with nearly 350 of her fellow graduates.

“We picked the date because we thought if people were coming to town it would be something for them to do on the Friday that we didn’t have to organize,” said Adazynski.

The Himalayan variety of the blackberry was brought to BC in the late 1800s by Western Europeans and has aggressively taken over landscapes and displaced native species ever since.

The irony of festival being held for a plant considered a weed by definition is not lost on Invasive

Species Council of BC executive director Gail Wallin.

“It’s a catch-22 because the blackberry is part of our environment now,” said Wallin. “The chances of getting rid of it are slim and none. You can celebrate it without realizing you’ve actually changed the local ecosystem.”

In other words, if it cannot be eradicated, celebrate it.

Closing out the week of events, local artists present their work at Willingdon Beach during Arts Alive in the Park on Saturday, August 19, and Sunday, August 20.

For more information, go to Powell River - MABA Blackberry Festival on Facebook.

SMART Recovery® Meetings

Wednesdays at 6:30PM Currently at 4536 Willingdon Ave. Will be at the CRC (4752 Joyce Ave) starting July 26th.

SMART (Self-Management and Recovery Training) is a non-12 step addiction recovery support group for anyone looking for help and support with their addictive behaviours.

Texada Island prepares for Pride celebration

Annual LGBT events are small in size but big in heart

DAVID BRINDLE community@prpeak.com

A small Irish town is reported to have the smallest LGBT Pride parade in the world. Sligo, Ireland, has about 100 participants in its annual parade. Texada’s Rock in Pride parade on Saturday, August 19, will have that number beat, with only a couple of dozen participants expected to take part.

Not only does Texada have a Pride parade, which its mainland neighbour does not, organizers have more weekend events planned than the recent Pride celebrations held in Powell River.

Texada’s small population of 1,200 results in its Pride celebrations being different than those taking place in cities, not just due to its size, but because of its sense of community, according to organizer Joseph Scott.

In Toronto and Vancouver, which attract hundreds of thousands of people, members of the LGBT community are active participants and everybody else comes to watch. On Texada, it is more of the community at large coming together, said Scott.

Powell River Regional District Electoral Area D director Sandy McCormick moved to Texada 11 years ago from Vancouver, where Pride celebrations are among the largest in the world.

“On a small island we should be open and flexible to whatever people want to do,” said McCormick.

Rock in Pride 2017 marks the fourth year the annual event has been held.

“It grew a little bit last year, but not exponentially,” said Scott. “It’s been getting

PJ Macalintal BSc.Pharm, RPh Vaccination Provider Pharmacy Manager

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a little bit bigger each year.”

Scott said he knows of four people flying in from Edmonton this year and about 12 coming from Vancouver who have made Texada’s Pride celebrations part of their vacation plans.

When Scott moved to Texada in 2003, he did not know if any members of the LGBT community lived on the island.

“I expected none,” said Scott. “I expected to be the gay in the village.”

Much to his surprise, he was not.

“Some people said, ‘Whew, good, we’re not alone,’” he said.

According to Scott, only the inaugural year of Rock in Pride faced any kind of opposition. The action was as quirky as Texada, he said.

“One poster the first year got taken down and crumpled up,” said Scott. “A couple of days later it was flattened out and pinned back up again. Remorse got to them.”

After a casual meet and greet on Friday night, Texada’s Rock in Pride parade winds its way through Shelter Point Regional Park on Saturday, August 19, starting around 12 pm.

“We were going to change it this year to have it on the main drag, pun intended,” said Scott, “but we ran into some logistical things and decided to stick with the park.”

A gender-bending drag race follows the parade.

“We have all kinds of clothing, bling, shoes and undergarments,” said Scott.

“People have to get dressed

up in drag and then do the three-legged race with their ankles tied together with brassieres and do an obstacle course. Try doing that wearing six-inch heels on grass.”

After drag-racing during the day, Dragaoke at Texada Community Hall in Gillies Bay stars three female impersonators. Audience members can also live their own diva dream by wearing drag and bling on stage, starting at 9 pm.

A Shelter Point campsite has been booked for Pride guests on a by-donation basis for Friday, August 18, and Saturday, August 19. The weekend winds up with a pride breakfast and brunch on Sunday morning.

For more information, go to Texada Rock in Pride 2017 on Facebook.

Reggae DJ plays Vancouver Island festival

Ari Dublion joins diverse lineup of performers at Atmosphere Gathering

DAVID BRINDLE community@prpeak.com

Powell River DJ and master of reggae Ari Dublion, is one of 48 mu-sical acts appearing under a big top and two other stages at Atmosphere Gathering, a festival of music, art and dance held in Cumberland from Friday, August 18, to Sunday,August20.

The only Powell River musical performer invited this year, Neimand plays under the circus tent on Sunday afternoon.

“I’ve played there twice in the three years they’ve had it,” said Neimand. “I love playing at Atmosphere. There’s always a good crowd and daytime reggae is a good time for a tropical dance party.”

Every summer music festival has tents for shel-

ter, shade and performers. Atmosphere Gathering has a tent like no other in BC. The festival’s distinctive focal point, a classic red and yellow big-top circus tent, can accommodate about 1,000 people, according to festival production manager Ben Howells.

“It’s the only tent around Vancouver Island of its kind,” said Howells. “Cirque du Soleil has one nice big top they store somewhere in the Lower Mainland, but it’s only ever set up for Cirque shows.”

A diverse lineup at Atmosphere, with its strong similarities to Diversity Festival on Texada Island, is not lost on Neimand, who has been a driving force and fixture of the Texada festival.

He said Atmosphere started when Diversity took a hiatus for a few years. Because both events attract many of the same people, playing Atmosphere is like a Diversity family reunion, he added.

“A lot of those people come to Atmosphere,” said Neimand. “There’s wider variety and a bigger demographic coming. It’s fun for

the whole family.”

Atmosphere falls under the broad genre of a dance festival, according to Howells.

“It’s not to be mistaken for a rave, although we have a very strong electronic component,” said Howells. “We consider ourselves a participatory festival with games and activities, workshops and interactive things. This is not a spectator festival.”

Howells said Atmosphere is diverse in attendees and music.

While only a fledgling in the world of music festivals, the gathering is making its mark, he added.

Atmosphere’s lineup is unique among summer dance festivals due to a strong presence of female acts in every dance genre. Indigenous music is also a big draw.

Notable this year is an appearance by Montreal indierock band Half Moon Run, which is sometimes compared to Radiohead and was named as a band to watch by Rolling Stone

“First and foremost, we book acts we love and enjoy, and many of them happen

to be first nations acts,” said Howells. “We do feel proud about booking some of the more well-known acts in the past.”

Inuit throat singer and artist Tanya Tagaq and A Tribe Called Red have performed in the past and DJ Shub, formerly of A Tribe Called Red, and Juno award-winning Digging Roots will be on stage this year.

“With much of the first nations’ music coming for-

ward, that young generation is becoming more empowered, breaking paths through the various things that have held them back,” said Howells, “and the music coming out of that demographic is amazing.”

Atmosphere is a festival where people are immersed in a variety of activities, musically and otherwise, according to Neimand. It has a real circus atmosphere, he said.

Teenage rapper joins record label tour

DAVID BRINDLE community@prpeak.com

MC Initial has created a bit of a buzz around Powell River’s music and club scene lately. The 17-year-old rapper, whose real name is Malcolm Crocker, is about to take his rhymes on the road before returning to Powell River for a homecoming gig at McKinney’s Pub.

Do you remember when you first heard hip-hop?

Yes, I do. I was in grade four. There was a talent show at my school and some kids lip-synced to “Boom Boom Pow” by the Black Eyed Peas. I remember freaking out thinking, “What is this?” I ran home, memorized all the words to that song and then realized there was a bunch of other rap out there with deeper lyrics and inspiring messages, so I dug in and never turned back.

When did you know you could rap? I always believed in myself, but when

I started going to [local producer] Ben Wittrock’s studio he inspired confidence to be the best me I can possibly be and he said, “Dude, you can actually rap!” After encouraging me to freestyle on the spot to a beat he laid down, I realized I could actually do this.

What was it like performing for the first time?

It was really awkward because it was a small crowd, a brand new experience and I was very nervous, but the adrenaline rush and sense of conquering those nerves is unbeatable.

What kind of reaction does a 17-year-old rapper from Powell River receive?

People tend to judge it, but then they hear me rap and realize that I really do this.

Do you create your own beats and write your own lyrics?

I like to collaborate, so most of the

In addition to the big top, other aspects of the festival include workshops, performances, yoga, crafters and vendors, an elixir temple and an after-hours silent disco. Activities for children and youth, serious danceoff competitions and games such as crate stacking also take place.

For more information about Atmosphere Gathering, go to atmospheregathering.com.

beats I perform aren’t mine. I write all my own lyrics all the time. I focus a lot on wordplay and my message ranges from just having fun on the track and being lyrical to trying to help people who have problems like depression or other mental disorders. I just listen to the beat and let it take me wherever it leads.

Who is your biggest musical influence?

I definitely can’t pick one. I’d have to say Lorde, Tupac, Vince Staples, Kendrick Lamar and Jacob McDonald, who I’ve worked with a few times.

Are you sticking close to home right now?

I’ve only performed locally, but I’m going on tour with Raise Your Voice Records in August and I’ll be performing at the homecoming show with Punk Jams, Razorvoice and Hate the Rich at McKinney’s Pub on Saturday, August 26.

Villa prepares for upcoming season

Soccer club opens training camp under new coach Chris McDonough

DAVID BRINDLE community@prpeak.com

Major changes are in store for Powell River Villa soccer club as it opens training camp for the 2017/2018 Vancouver Island Soccer League (VISL) season. The team has a new coach and is making a concerted effort to develop a youth movement as it will play in a lower division this year.

Villa was relegated from second to third division in the VISL after a disastrous losing season in 2016/2017 resulted in only one win in 16 games. The team recently lost a challenge match against Victoria’s Fernwood Town, its last chance to salvage a spot in the second division.

Chris McDonough, who led the team from 2013 to 2016, returns as coach this season. McDonough began his Villa career as a teenager with the reserve team before joining the big club from 1994 to 1996. After an 18year absence he returned as a player for the 2012/2013 season.

McDonough said he cannot turn the team around

on his own.

“I’m going to have to lean on the veterans of the team to really help out a lot this year; we’re going to need as much leadership as we can,” he said. “I’m excited to try to get this team back to winning and if we’re in Division 3 to try to win that league and get promoted. That’s our goal.”

Veterans McDonough will look to include player/assistant coach Dean Thorsell and team captain Kye Taylor. Thorsell said training plans include bringing a fiery emotion and grit back into the team, in addition to conditioning and technique.

“We need to bring in some tactical knowledge,” said

WESTVIEW RADIATORS

Thorsell. “Last year we suffered a few breakdowns in our tactical play and it cost us.”

McDonough said Villa has a strong core group of players and interest from young players who have come through the youth soccer program.

“We have a lot of returning players from last year,” said McDonough. “It will give us a lot of depth having players pushing for positions. There are some youth players who are going to play a big part for us this year.”

A constant challenge for Villa in recent years has been player commitment, but McDonough hopes younger players coming up and some new faces in town will change that.

“A lot of them can be more committed,” he said. “They’re eager to play and they want to push for positions. Having those guys coming through will give us a little bit more depth and

PUBLIC NOTICE: Site C Inquir y Initiated

The BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) has initiated an inquiry into BC Hydro’s Site C project, as directed by the Provincial Government in Order-in-Council (OIC) 244 on August 2 2017

The full scope of the inquiry is set out in the government’s terms of reference for the OIC, which is available online: http://www.bcuc.com/Sitecinquiry.html

The inquiry will be handled in two phases. In the first phase, the BCUC will gather information and produce a preliminary report Those parties who would like to submit data and analysis to be considered for inclusion in the preliminary report are invited to submit that by no later than August 30, 2017 Data and analysis submitted during this first phase must be within the scope of the OIC Opportunity for public comment on the preliminary report will be provided during the second phase of the review Process details for the second phase will be provided once established.

To find out more about how to file data and analysis on the questions above, please check our Site C website at: http://www.bcuc.com/Sitecinquiry.html The BCUC will make arrangements with members of the public not able

access or submit information online In these instances, please contact our office using the contact information below

NEW HOPE: Powell River Villa team captain Kye Taylor will lead a new crop of talent in Vancouver Island Soccer League Division 3 play this season. Villa is currently running training camp in preparation for the 2017/2018 campaign. JASON SCHREURS PHOTO

a bigger player pool to draw from for those away games, and it’s a long season.”

Villa holds training ses-

sions at 7 pm every Tuesday and Thursday night at Brooks Secondary School’s turf field.

Runners on the rock

Annual Texada Island marathon attracts international participants

DAVID BRINDLE community@prpeak.com

A runner has to be tough to take on Run the Rock Texada Island Marathon. The 7th annual Texada marathon, half-marathon and eight-kilometre run takes place Sunday, August 27.

Former champion Janet Green from Courtenay, who has run approximately 500 marathons, has said Run the Rock is the toughest road marathon in Canada.

Entries are up over last year, according to race director Rob McWilliam, with 17 racers registered for the full marathon and 40 for the half.

McWilliams said the event has never attracted a lot of road runners from Powell River; instead it features people looking for adventure and have turned the event into part of their holiday.

“We get a lot of runners from Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland,” said McWilliam, who has tackled the marathon six of the seven years. “But we’ve also got runners from as far away as England and Switzerland, a number of American runners, and Alberta and Ontario. It’s not the local runners who are coming to this.”

Green will be participating in the half-mar-

SOLID: Powell River’s Will Rice will be returning to defend his title in the eightkilometre race at the upcoming Run the Rock Texada Marathon. The event takes place on Sunday, August 27, with runners from around the world competing.

RODGER HORT PHOTO

athon instead of the full run this year due to injury. Another previous champion, Keith Wakelin from Merville on Vancouver Island, is also returning.

Deadline for entry in the full and half marathon is Wednesday, August 23. Competitors entering the eight-kilometre run can sign up on race day.

On July 28, organizers of Run the Rock donated $500 to the United for BC Wildfire Recovery Fund.

For more information, go to runtexada.ca.

Regional tourist activity increases

CHRIS BOLSTER reporter@prpeak.com

Powell River is in the middle of one of its best years for tourism, but despite the increased activity the number of visitors stopping by Powell River Visitor Information Centre has dropped this year compared to last.

Between May and July 2016, 1,677 people came into the information centre, but during the same months this year only 935 came through.

Fewer people are stopping by brick and mortar locations to learn what and where Powell River’s tourist attractions are, according to Sunshine Coast Tourism executive director Paul Kamon, and instead are turning to mobile devices for information.

“Because of that, it’s hard to get an accurate gauge of the ups and downs of tourism,” said Kamon.

According to Kamon, 2017 has been a strong year so far for tour and accommodation providers, as well as some restaurants.

“Last year was a huge year for tourism and we are seeing similar numbers this year,” said Kamon.

The number of European visitors to Powell River is up and so is the number of people coming for the region’s adventure tourism, added Kamon.

BC Ferries spokesperson Deborah Marshall said the ferry corporation’s Powell

River routes have all seen above average increases for ridership this year.

According to BC Ferries’ traffic statistics, ferry traffic is up between four and five per cent, depending on the route. But ferry stats tell only a partial picture with resident and visitor traffic intermingled.

According to City of Powell River wharfinger Jenn Kinahan, traffic in the south harbour has resulted in a record-breaking summer for visitors arriving by boat.

“Our harbour is super, super busy with transient boaters,” said Kinahan.

Totals will not be available until the fall after boating season wraps up and Kinahan starts putting together a report on the season.

Meanwhile, Lund harbour manager Darlene Denholm said July was not busier than previous years.

“I wouldn’t say it’s up,” said Denholm. “The insanity that normally lasts four weeks here did not last four weeks this year.”

Overall, numbers of visitors do not tell the full story of how Powell River’s tourism sector is developing.

Much of what passes currently as a barometer for how tourism is doing comes from stories business owners or tour operators tell about what they experience.

Hard data is available less often, which makes it a challenge to measure the pulse of tourism, a sector of the local economy growing in

importance, said Kamon.

That lack of hard data is about to change in one significant way.

“The plan is to get benchmarks in place so we can have a better understanding of the economic impact of tourism,” said Kamon.

Visitor accommodation providers on the Sunshine Coast began charging a two per cent municipal and regional district tax on rooms

last August. As a result, the provincial government is now able to measure how many visitors are staying in hotels and provide data to Sunshine Coast Tourism.

Kamon said plans also include gathering visitor data through surveys and studies.

“This is not just about tourism,” said Kamon. “This is about economic development for the whole region.”

Should I protect my eyes from UC and short wavelength visible light?

Absolutely. The effects of this light on our eyes can cause changes to the surface of the eye and damage the cornea. This type of light also causes cataracts and may play a part in causing macular degeneration. Choose high quality sunglasses and think about protecting your eyes the same way you protect your skin.

Dr. John Wyse and Associates 106-4801 Joyce Avenue, Crossroads Village 604.485.7115

With winter fast approaching, what can we do to prepare for the upcoming heating season?

The first thing is to determine the age of your heating system. If your heating system is 12 years or older, now is a great time to upgrade to a high-efficiency, energysaving heating system. If you are not due for an upgrade, you will want to schedule a heating system safety and performance inspection to be completed prior to starting heating system.

What are some helpful tips for backpacking?

Wear it right; this is important for your back. If you have a pack with hip and chest straps, put on the backpack, loosen all the straps and tighten the hip belt at the hips (not above) before tightening the shoulder straps. Lastly, tighten the strap across your chest for shoulder support.

I haven’t had my hearing tested in years. What is a hearing evaluation like?

You will meet with a hearing care professional and a thorough history will be taken. An ear canal and middle ear inspection will take place and then you will be placed in a sound-treated booth and asked to respond to specific tones important to hear speech. You will undergo word testing to give us information about your communication abilities and how you hear speech in quiet and noisy situations.

Monday, 9 am for Wednesday publication Wednesday, 9 am for Friday publication

June MacKenzie

June 10, 1942 - July 18, 2017

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of June MacKenzie. She now walks with our Lord at 75 years of age.

June was predeceased by her parents Joseph Liska and Mary Liska (Romano), sisters Margaret Weibe and Georgina Listenchuck, nephew Michael Listenchuck and brother-inlaw Murray Jones. She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years Don MacKenzie, son Joe Mackenzie (DeAnne) of Powell River, daughter Lenore Marko (Jesse) of Port Alberni, grandchildren Olivia Marko (Chad), Ilonia Berg and Jarodin Berg, and great-grandson Norman Brettermayer. June is also survived by her sister-in-law Merrilyn Jones and family of Nanaimo and Victoria and brother Larry Liska and family of Winnipeg.

June was born in Fort William, Ontario, on June 10, 1942, and raised in Port Arthur, Ontario. She met Don at a dance. They were later married in Thunder Bay on February 24, 1962. After welcoming their two children in Thunder Bay, they moved to Powell River in 1970 to enjoy better weather and job opportunities.

June had an affinity for entertaining, hosting card parties and darts (in a dart league) and loved bingo. She also had a knack for art, which led to crafting. She and Don spent countless hours creating, making and selling their wares at the local farmers market. They also enjoyed travelling. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.

A service will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, August 19, at Church of the Assumption; a tea will follow.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family can make a donation to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, or charity of their choice.

David Robert Pearson

May 9, 1958 - July 20, 2017

Gone Golfing…Sadly. Dave slipped away on July 20, 2017 at the age of 59 after a battle with melanoma. He lived a big life that was rich in family and friends. He was taken too soon and will be in our hearts forever.

Born a Calgarian, Dave moved to BC at the age of nine with his mom and brother. He spent his first years in Burnaby and Vancouver, then moved to Chilliwack for his high school years. From there his work as a parts person took him to Campbell River, then Powell River, where he settled and considered home. Along the way Dave met many amazing people: family, friends, colleagues and customers. He loved sports, loud cars and trucks, the outdoors and new adventures, whether it was on a long-distance bike trip, in a boat, school bus, vehicle or motorbike, on the golf course or a sports field, in a hockey arena, at work or in front of his television, he was always ready, willing and able. Dave married once before he met Linda and the boys in 1994, when his life was forever changed and a new series of adventures began. He became an instant family man, welcoming the challenge, and he never looked back.

Dave left behind Linda Wightman and the sons they raised: Torey (Sydney) and Stevie (Katelin) Wightman and the newest member of the family, granddaughter Aoife Wightman. He also leaves behind his mother Gloria Lawson, brother Rick (Diane) Pearson, fathers-in-law Andy Byrne and Harold Wightman, sisters and brothers-in-law Val (Brent) Rothwell, Sandra (Rob) Stewart and Pam (Dan) Iwasiuk, nieces and nephews Kris, Mike, Nicki and Kaity and their families, Kevin, Amanda and Amy and Powell River cousins Albert (Shelley) Randle and Pam (Ray) Dube and families. Dave was predeceased by Mary Byrne and Beryl Wightman. A celebration of life will be held from 2-5 pm on Saturday, September 9, at Dwight Hall, 6274 Walnut Street.

Jeanie Margaret Tweedle

April 23, 1928 - August 7, 2017

Jeanie was born, raised and lived her entire life in the Powell River area, including Savary Island, Southview, Wildwood and the Townsite. She was the last member of her Haslam family. Jeanie was predeceased by her loving parents Walter (1960) and Jean (1984) Haslam, her husband Raymond H. Tweedle (2004), daughter June Tweedle (2013) and her only sister Dorothy Martin (2016).

Jeanie is survived by her loving family: daughter Diane (Dennis) Lackey, grandsons Keith and Graham, and great-granddaughter Brianna Moore, son Walter (Lynn) Tweedle, grandson Curt and Vancouver Island Mossey cousins and many dear friends, including Inge-Lore (Tom) Freeman, Joyce and Ray Osmond and Elly Pratt.

In her late 70s Jeanie was known as “The Ticket Lady” for the Senior Citizen’s Association of British Columbia. She was also an active member of the Legion Cribbage Club and Kiwanis cards, whist, synch, canasta and Scrabble, and kept her mind sharp by playing solitaire and enjoying daily crossword puzzles. She also loved watching Jeopardy and guessing correct answers.

Ray and Jeanie drove and camped everywhere through and around BC, Alberta, as far as Niagara Falls, down through the mid and northwest states, Yukon, Alaska and Northwest Territories. Bus tours and air flights to Reno with her sister were a regular bimonthly adventure with the night lights and gambling. Together they knit hundreds of baby outfits for the Powell River General Hospital Gift Shop. Her happiest and best holidays were spent with her “new family” of Heather Tours on gambling trips to the Lower Mainland.

The family would like to thank Doctor Dohm and the fantastic nurses and care-giving staff at Powell River General Hospital and Evergreen Care Unit.

A celebration of Jeanie’s life will be held at 1:30 pm on Thursday, August 17, at Stubberfield Funeral Home. Reverend Jim Erb will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be deeply appreciated and may be made to the Source Club Society, 4476 Cumberland Place, Powell River, BC, V8A 2X4.

Two years have passed

Myles Thomas Gray

February 20, 1982August 13, 2015

In memory of the valiant spirit of Myles Thomas Gray, who was violently taken from us at the prime and happiest time of his life. His family and friends miss his positivity, encouragement, laughter and jokes. He was a warrior for good, helping the troubled and those in need. His legacy of helping others continues...

Until we see you on the other side we must warrior on...

Love you forever.

“Cowards die many times before their deaths, the valiant never taste of death but once.

justiceformylesgray.ca

remember your family or friend.

Donate to Powell River Hospital Foundation

All funds raised used locally to improve our health care.

prhospitalfoundation.com

604.485.3211 ext 4349

FOOD HANDLER needed, must be fast with hands for sorting fruit. Wage negotiable. Apply to, cherryferry0@gmail. com. 604.414.5507.

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION!

In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1.855.768.3362 to start training for your workat-home career today!

CUSTOMER SERVICE positions available in fast-paced location. Preference will go to those with FoodSafe. Email resumés to bcatc.jobs@gmail.com.

ROOFING, Locally owned and established business. Don’t wait, get your free quote now.

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ANTIQUE HUTCH late 1800early 1900. 604.483.6503. COAST BERRY Company has blueberries and strawberries for sale. The farm is open Wednesday to Friday, 9 am-4 pm, 10084 Nassichuk Road. LARGE/MEDIUM size ceramic planter pots. Great prices, call 604.483.6503.

SAWMILLS FROM only $4,397 - MAKE MONEY and SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info and DVD: NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT

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STEEL BUILDING sale, “Priced to sell!” 20X21 $6,296, front and back walls included. 25X25 $6,097, no ends included. 32X35, $9,998, one end wall included. Check out pioneersteel.ca for more prices. Pioneer Steel 1.855.212.7036.

RIDE ON lawn mowers, running or not, cash for some. Don, 604.487.0487.

AURORA, gorgeous two year old Husky, white and gray female dog, seeking cat-free energetic home. SPCA 604.485.9252.

FOUR KITTENS, 3 orange, 1 tabby, free. 604.487.1781.

Family Place Coordinator

PREP is seeking a coordinator for the Family Place program. You enjoy working with parents and children, and will use your organization and planning skills to coordinate staff, volunteers, and parent mentors. The position is approximately 20 hours per week.

For a detailed job description, please go to prepsociety.org

Submit resumé and cover letter to lyn@prepsociety.org

#103, 4511 Marine Avenue, Powell River, BC V8A 2K5

Application deadline: 4 pm, Thursday August 17, 2017

Front Services Team Member

Looking for a career helping people?

Career Link is seeking a full-time employee for our Work BC Centre to work in the Career Lab and at the front desk. The ideal candidate will bring professional customer service; an aptitude for research and writing; advanced computer and social media skills; and a desire to learn and grow in the employment services field. For the detailed job posting, please visit http://www.prepsociety.org

Email or submit a self-designed resumé and cover letter to: Kate Cooper #103, 4511 Marine Avenue, Powell River, BC V8A 2K5 kate.cooper@careerlinkbc.com

Application deadline: Friday, August 18, 2017, by noon

MODERN ALUMINUM AND VINYL PRODUCTS LTD Window Factory Position

Required immediately

Full time/Seasonal: 40 hours per week

Work location: 7045 Field Street, Powell River

Major work sector: Manufacturing

Area of specialization: Product assembly

Specific job training: To be provided

Work conditions and physical capabilities: Fast-paced environment, physically demanding

Worksite environment: Factory, indoors

Essential skills: Working with others, detail oriented, job task planning, willingness to learn

Wage is negotiable depending on experience

This is an equal opportunity position. Provide resumé and references by email to rob@modern.ca, fax to 604.485.5165, or mail to 1-7045 Field Street, Powell River, BC, V8A 0A1.

LOST/FOUND a pet? Adopt-apet? Pet behaviour problems? Abuse or neglect concerns? spca.bc.ca/powellriver 604.485.9252.

NANOOK, handsome cream and white Husky, male dog seeking cat-free energetic home. SPCA 604.485.9252. REGINALD AND RONALD, little boys seeking a mousefriendly home. SPCA 604.485.9252.

NEW 2017 manufactured homes starting under $80,000 delivered!

CONTINUOUS GUTTER truck and inventory, turnkey operation with tools and people, $10,000. 604.414.8595.

14’ DEEP fisherman 25hp Yamaha, boat trailer, depth sounder, downrigger, rods, reels, nets, boat cover, anchor, six prawn traps, floats, 1,700’ trap line, spare cruiserday and prop and much more. $4,350. 604.485.5392.

1997 HONDA Shadow Ace, 1,100cc, 34,000 kms, $2,500, 604.483.2164. 2001 HONDA Shadow, 750cc, 11,500 km, $3,500, recent carburetor job and plugs, good condition. Call John, 604.485.3077.

2008 HARLEY Davidson Heritage Softail Classic with extra exhaust mufflers, seat, etc. Must sell, reduced to $12,000. 1.250.545.9944.

1995 CAMARO, V6, 5-speed, $4,000 OBO, lots of new parts. Call Mike, 604.223.0914.

2006 TOYOTA Solara, convertible V6, 75,000 kms, driven only on sunny days, garage kept, immaculate shape, $10,900. 604.414.9487.

2007 MERCEDES E350, A-1 condition throughout, a must see. $60,000 new, asking $13,900, OBO. 604.483.1734. 2009 FORD Focus SES, silver, leather/sun roof/sync, 94,700 kms, $7,500. 778.772.9447.

GARAGE KEPT, driven three months a year, red, supercharged VW Corrado, new tires and brakes, $4,500. 604.487.9705.

2006 DODGE Durango, 8-passenger, 4x4, air, power windows, leather interior, good condition, $6,200. Call 604.485.6219.

1991 NISSAN pickup truck, well maintained, excellent truck for work or pleasure, $1200. 604.414.9572.

15’ GREGOR Welded aluminum boat with trailer, 25-hp Yamaha electric start, steering console, two swivel seats, solid boat, $3,400. 604.483.4588.

26’ COLUMBIA Sailboat, 9.9 Evinrude outboard motor, roller furling, Force 10 heater pressurized alcohol stove, $4,000. 604.414.4716.

28’ FIBERGLASS cruiser, suitable for live aboard, trailer included, 4-cylinder diesel engine, $12,000. 604.414.4483.