The Peak - January 29, 2026

FEDERAL FOCUS

Tanille Johnston campaigns to lead NDP PAGE 7

SAILING STORIES

Author dives into history of coastal ferries PAGE 12

Realtor looks back and forward

Statham

After 15 years in one industry, some people might think things can get a little repetitive, but a decade-and-a-half later, Josh Statham still enjoys the unique opportunities offered by the people and properties he represents in the qathet region.

“I’ve gained a whole new appreciation for this profession,” says Statham. “It’s an honour to continue to serve my hometown, facilitating the physical distribution of its real estate property.”

Regarding the perception that a lengthy career in one industry can make a person jaded, Statham feels that time has had an opposite effect on him.

“Over the past number of years I’ve begun to relish each opportunity to help people buy or sell real estate,” he adds. “When you’re new everything is exciting and fast-paced, but as the process becomes more routine you get to be in the moment, more present, and enjoy the journey of each transaction.

“Shelter is an essential need, and a real estate sale is often the biggest transaction a person is ever involved in. How can you not continue to be excited about guiding that process?”

Real estate hasn’t always been a walk in the park, but the challenges of running his own business has always been motivating for Statham.

“After my third year, and I’d managed to increase sales every year, I’d bought my first house, my oldest daughter was born and the market was bad; I took a side job,” explains Statham. “My best friend’s mom was my bro-

opportunities to provide real estate services

ker at the time and she sat me down and told me I had the lowest average commission in the company. I think I had only sold one listing that year.

“Shortly after that I quit my second job, signed up for the brokers course and developed a business plan to offer improved marketing services to homeowners, and my career really took off.”

Statham says he has always looked ahead to the next opportunity, whether it’s digital imaging, online or tech and his recent move to EXP Realty is the latest in innovative choices.

“This is one of the fastest growing brands in the industry and a completely new way for real estate agents to run their businesses, putting the emphasis on the agent, not the broker. The opportunity to be their broker on our board was a no-brainer.”

Starting as an agent with Coast Realty in 2010 and now the broker for EXP Realty, Josh has seen multiple brokerage and regulator changes, market swings and business practice changes, but the constants are what counts.

“Everything has changed in the past 15 years, but one thing remains the same: people,” he says. “That’s what this job is about, agency, and putting others first.

“I’m at a point now where I bumped into a young guy I helped buy his first home seven years ago, and a month later I’m helping he, his wife and young child move from his twobedroom bungalow to the three-storey home they’ll raise their family in over the next few decades. Moments like that really put in per-

spective the value of not only the job, but the relationships.”

Statham says he is excited to see what’s next for the market in the qathet region.

“2025 had steady growth, and I think things are looking up for our community, and the

market. For genuine care and trusted results, contact me for your upcoming real estate needs.”

Statham can be reached by phone at 604.223.5674, or email at josh@joshstatham. ca. For more information, go to joshstatham.ca.

City council defeats emergency shelter motion

Dwight Hall available to be rented to Lift Community Services during instances of extreme weather

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

City of Powell River Council, by a five to two margin, voted down a motion that would have made Dwight Hall unavailable to be used as an extreme weather response shelter.

At the city’s committee of the whole meeting on January 20, after extensive deliberation and presentations from members of the public in attendance, the committee sent a motion to city council for staff to pursue the use of the Wildwood fire hall instead of Dwight Hall.

At the January 22 council meeting, councillors considered the motion that upon provision of applicable legal notice, city staff advise the provincial government (BC Housing) and community partners that Dwight Hall is not available as an extreme weather response facility, and that city staff pursue the use of the Wildwood fire hall as soon as possible. The city has been without an extreme weather shelter since the building that housed the Community Resource Centre and tem-

porary shelter was sold last year. Lift, which operated both facilities, has been looking for another location without success.

City council stepped in, however, and on December 18, directed staff to activate city space in partnership with community partners to open a warming centre or extreme weather response shelter, and if necessary, amend the licence of occupation with qathet Coalition to End Homelessness for the Duncan Street bylaw building.

According to a staff report, after the direction from council, on December 19, staff met with representatives from Lift at the former library space located on the lower level of Dwight Hall, and the former Wildwood fire hall.

“Of the two locations, the former library space was preferred by Lift and city staff for several reasons,” the report stated. “Its location in Townsite is closer to the city’s central core where many of those experiencing homelessness are drawn to for other services. It is also further removed from schools and residential properties.

“Lastly, while it only has one washroom, the limited number of entrances (compared to the Wildwood fire hall, which has many), would make it much easier to manage access and egress of guests.”

During debate at the council meeting, which was packed with spectators, city director of planning ser-

vices Jason Gow answered some questions that had come up in previous debate. Regarding insurance, he said city staff confirmed with the Municipal Insurance Association of BC that the city was covered.

Gow also said that Lift deemed the Wildwood fire hall as unsuitable for an extreme weather response centre. He said Lift indicated it was not an appropriate location and that Lift would be unable to operate at this site, for reasons including accessibility, and its proximity to residences and James Thomson Elementary School. The interior layout prohibits continuous visibility of guests, he added.

City councillor Rob Southcott said there had been conversation about using a big tent to house people in extreme weather. He said the regional emergency program has a large tent that could have a heater inside. He asked if staff had investigated that possibility.

Gow said staff didn’t investigate using a tent.

Councillor Cindy Elliott said when talking to BC Housing staff, they indicated that there are no programs to fund outdoor shelters.

Councillor Jim Palm said when the matter of a shelter was discussed before Christmas, staff made it very clear that none of the city’s buildings were suitable.

“Because of our compassion, we unanimously passed a motion that was very broad,” said Palm. “It gave staff the wherewithal

to find something.

“They met with Lift, and the two options, Dwight Hall and the Wildwood fire hall were both looked over by staff and Lift. That’s how we have ended up with this, with Lift saying Dwight Hall is the best option. Now, here we are. We’re in a crackerjack. We didn’t listen to staff and we have to deal with it.”

Palm said Dwight Hall is an historic monument. He said this is not the city’s problem. It is the province and their chosen operator’s problem to solve, he added.

Elliott said council had a decision to make and could say no to Dwight Hall, which would mean there would be no emergency shelter.

“The question before us today is whether we don’t provide city space for warming people, or whether we provide an undesirable space,” said Elliott. “I have an idea that we may have the ability on council to direct staff and RCMP to increase security

on our own property.”

Councillor George Doubt said he was opposed to the motion and then read some correspondence from residents in favour of using Dwight Hall.

“There is not just one point of view in this community,” said Doubt. “I received many emails that were in favour of Dwight Hall, not because it is a perfect choice, but it is the only choice that exists.

“If we don’t accept Dwight Hall, there is going to have to be some scrambling to find an alternative. If we pass the motion, my concern is that we will not end up with an emergency shelter and people will be suffering in the cold.”

Doubt said the motion should be defeated and Dwight Hall should be used.

Mayor Ron Woznow said he was fully supportive of the motion.

“It is the only logical step forward,” said Woznow. “The responsibility lies with the

provincial government and whoever they choose to operate a facility. If the province decides it is important to have an extreme weather facility, they can make it happen.

“Not passing this motion is avoiding the responsibility that we should put back on the province.”

Southcott said he could not support the motion, and he would support the use of Dwight Hall, but hoped the community could come up with something better. When the vote on not allowing Dwight Hall to be used as a weather shelter was called by Woznow, he and Palm voted in favour, with the rest of council opposed.

The Peak was planning to ask a question about Dwight Hall availability at the conclusion of the meeting, but Woznow adjourned the meeting before the public clarification period because the meeting ran past the time that council had approved.

Mailboxes damaged and out of commission

Residents surprised by what they saw north of town

TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com

When qathet resident KC Bell left home on Atrevida Road in the morning of January 22, and then returned home around 1:30 pm that afternoon, he was shocked to discover the community mailboxes, located on Gifford Road, had been knocked to the ground and strewn onto the side of the road and bushes nearby.

"I was on my way back from town, but I didn’t notice them

[damaged mailboxes] on my way in, in the morning, so I don't know when the damage was done," Bell told the Peak.

Bell's partner Jan Sanderson sent the Peak a voice message about the mailboxes, explaining her shock about what she saw, and her confusion about how they were going to receive their mail.

"Our mailboxes were torn up and destroyed," said Sanderson. "They weren't just vandalized, they were ripped out of the ground and thrown into the bush."

However, Bell said when he contacted Canada Post, they told him they suspected a different turn of events had caused the damage.

"I got a call back from the post

REGIONAL DISTRICT BRIEFS

Amendment approved

qathet Regional District’s board approved a budget amendment to recognize and support substantial completion of the Lund Community Centre building expansion in 2025, rather than 2026, by moving $657,176 of the project into 2025.

At the January 13 regional board meeting, directors voted unanimously in favour of the amendment. According to a staff report, during development of the 2025 to 2029 financial plan, staff anticipated that expan-

sion of the centre would reach substantial completion in early 2026. The project is progressing very well and is ahead of schedule, the staff report stated. Staff recommended a budget amendment to recognize expected substantial completion of the project in 2025, rather than 2026.

Report received

Sunshine Coast Tourism’s preliminary design report for connecting the coast, linking Sechelt to Lund, has been received by the regional board for information purposes. On

office to tell us that it appeared to be the result of a car accident," said Bell. "That wasn't obvious, nor is it easy to understand how a car accident took out all those mailboxes when it's 20 feet off the highway."

The couple was told to temporarily pick up their mail at the post office in Powell River, until the boxes can be replaced.

Bell said he doesn't blame Canada Post, but indicated he was surprised by their findings.

"I thought I didn't see any obvious signs of an accident, and was surprised that a car could have actually taken out all of them," said Bell. "I thought it was malicious, but the post office says they think it was a car accident."

February 28, 2024, Sunshine Coast Tourism appeared as a delegation to committee of the whole to present the Preliminary Design Report for Connect the Coast: All Ages and Abilities Active Transportation Route linking Sechelt and Lund.

The report envisions a segregated two-way active transportation path along one side of Highway 101 between Sechelt and Lund. Costs are estimated at $4 million per kilometre, or $232 million for a total build-out. Active transportation paths are currently not a service provided by the regional district.

Maintains

membership

The regional district will maintain membership in

The Peak contacted Powell River RCMP, as well as Canada Post, to ask about the incident, and is waiting for a response.

the Coastal Douglas fir and Associated Ecosystems Conservation Partnership by resigning the statement of cooperation.

In 2017, the regional district became a member of the partnership and signed the statement of cooperation. In August 2024, the qRD’s planning committee received a presentation from a partnership representative outlining the mapping resources available and requested the regional district resign the statement of cooperation.

The mission of the partnership is to promote the conservation and stewardship of the Coastal Douglas-fir and associated ecosystems in southwestern BC through sound science, Indigenous knowledge, shared informa-

DON’T MISS THIS WEEK

SATURDAY JANUARY 31

NEGOTIATING BUCK NAKED

Greg Cran presents his book, Negotiating Buck Naked: Doukhobors, Public Policy, and Conflict Resolution, on the turbulent history of Russian Doukhobor immigrants in Canada and his own personal journey responding to this conflict. The presentation starts at 2 pm in Powell River Public Library. For more information, email Mark at mmerlino@prpl.ca.

tion, supportive policies and community education.

Seeking grant

The finance committee recommended that the regional district endorse an application to UBCM for the 2026 next generation 911 funding program. If approved by the regional board, the grant application for $45,000 would go toward the cost of mobile computer-aided dispatch terminals in Northside Volunteer Fire Department vehicles.

According to a staff report, installing the mobile, computer-aided dispatch in the fire apparatus fleet will provide benefits for firefighter safety through improved communication between the fire dispatch centre and firefighters in the field, as well as providing live mobile access to pre-plans and identifying potential hazards.

Provides authorization

qRD’s board has authorized its chair to sign the share transfer agreement and instrument of transfer

with power of attorney to complete the requirements on behalf of the regional district in order for Tla’amin Nation to become a shareholder and active participant in North Island 911.

Remuneration adopted

Regional district directors adopted the directors’ remuneration and expenses amendment bylaw at a board meeting last month. The bylaw came into effect on January 1, 2026. According to the bylaw, the base remuneration for a director will be $18,774, the premium for each electoral area will be $6,930, the Electoral Area D location premium will be $2,413, the Electoral Area E location premium will be $4,001, and the board chair premium will be $17,411. All distance allowance claims will be paid at Canada Revenue Agency automobile allowance rate for the calendar year. Meals and incidental allowances shall be paid at BC government travel allowance rates for the calendar year.

Pickleball site decision postponed

Council awaits decision on reconvening a committee to further examine the matter

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

A decision on locating a pickleball facility in City of Powell River has been postponed until the potential reformation of a standing committee to look into the matter.

At a council meeting last month, manager of city development Melissa Howey said council had directed staff to examine the potential sale or lease of the Timberlane property identified as a potential site for a pickleball facility. She said the property was granted to

the city by the province in 1974 and is encumbered by a proviso restricting use for park purposes.

“Any sale of the property would require approval by the crown and include a lengthy and costly process with an uncertain outcome,” added Howey. “For these reasons, staff do not recommend a sale of the property.”

In a report, Howey stated that long-term leases are permissible if the use remains consistent with park purposes, public-serving recreation, and preserves the park character of the site.

Howey said the site’s land use designation and zoning align with the proposed use. She said staff consider the property to be a suitable candidate for the proposed use.

“Whenever the city leases land to an external organization, there is an inherent level of risk that must be

carefully considered to protect public assets, manage liability and support longterm community benefit,” said Howey. “These considerations become more important when the lessee is a volunteer-run organization proposing to construct and operate a specialized recreation facility with a long operational life.

“Staff recommend a due diligence process with qathet Pickleball Association to confirm project readiness and long-term organization sustainability.”

City councillor Jim Palm said it would be wise and less costly for the city to reconvene the working group involving the pickleball association in the new year to come up with some concrete ideas on a pathway forward.

Councillor Cindy Elliott said she would support a motion to postpone a recommendation from staff regarding

proceeding with a due diligence process with the pickleball association to assess the viability of its proposal for an indoor pickleball facility at Timberlane. She said the postponement should happen until the committee can meet again and get more in sync with how to move forward.

“The suggestion from councillor Palm that the committee get back together and be on the same page before looking at this motion again would be the right way to go,” added Elliott.

Palm made a motion to postpone the direction on a pickleball site and reconvene the standing committee for further discussion.

Councillor George Doubt, who chaired the council meeting, said councillors had spoken about the Timberlane property, and the Powell River Recreation Complex property preferred

City of Powell River Council heard a staff recommendation about potentially locating a pickleball facility at Timberlane, but councillors decided to ask the mayor, or acting mayor, to reconvene a standing committee that had been formed to look into locating a site for a qathet Pickleball Association indoor facility.

by the pickleball association.

“Even if the recreation complex is out of the question, they would like to explore all possibilities, not just this particular one.”

Spacious

Laundry

“Postponing this motion would give the acting mayor, or the mayor, when he comes back, an opportunity to reconvene the committee to look into this,” said Doubt. “We should take a step back and make sure we are spending our money on studying the place where everyone wants the facility to go.” Palm said the pickleball association is not fully committed to the site being proposed.

Level

The motion to postpone carried unanimously.

Large

Aussie-cross puppies waiting at SPCA

Siblings raised in foster home looking for forever homes

TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com

An Aussie-cross puppy named Karu is one of four siblings waiting at BC SPCA qathet to be adopted into their forever homes.

According to the qathet Community Animal Centre (qCAC) team, Karu may be the tiniest of her litter, but she is overflowing with energy, curiosity and a zest for life that could power a small village.

"At just eight weeks old, this Aussie-cross beauty is ready to wiggle her way into a forever family who can keep up with her spirited little self," stated the team. "She is deeply peopleoriented and already showing how eager she is to learn, bond and please her humans."

Karu, along with her three siblings, was raised in a loving foster home and has been socialized with both dogs and cats.

"She’s got great manners for a youngster and is ready to join a multi-pet household with ease. Karu would thrive in an active home that embraces play, adventure and positive training."

Her foster mom provided the following notes: "Karu is a special one. She tilts her head in this way that makes you swear she fully understands everything you’re saying. She’s the engine of the group, sweet, peoplefocused and easy to scoop up, even though her spirit is absolutely huge."

Stats about Karu: Days in care, 32; Approximate age, two months; Breed: Australian shepherd; Colour, tan/brown; weight, 3.36 kilograms; Sex, female; Animal ID, 619137.

The qCAC team is also reminding pet owners that January is a good time to revamp healthy habits and take inventory on relationships between them and their pets. The busy holiday season, plus inclement weather, may have disrupted a regular exercise/ activity routine with a pet, so committing to exercise more is beneficial to both parties. Although dogs like routine, BC SPCA recommends switching it up and exploring a new environment.

"It provides them with essential mental enrichment, even if you and your dog have some favourite dog-friendly trails and parks you love to visit, why not try some new places in 2026?" the team stated. "And when you

are on your walks, let your dog indulge in all the sniffing they want."

But, what about cats? How can they get enough activity and exercise, especially if they live indoors? BC SPCA recommends cat guardians consider giving them a window perch or building a catio to increase their mental enrichment.

"Has your cat shown an interest in the outdoors, is it confident and curious, then they might be the perfect candidate for leash training. Cats can learn to walk on a leash; start practising in your home, taking it slowly, then allowing your cat time to adjust at their own pace. Once they’re confident, take them outside to a quiet, controlled environment like a yard or balcony. When they’re confident, they can explore the great outdoors right alongside you."

Giving pets more focused attention is another recommendation.

"Cats and dogs love spending time with you and, just like your human friends and family, if you are constantly looking at your phone or distracted in other ways, it can make them feel ignored. Not only will more focus and attention improve the connection between you and your pet, it can also help keep them safe. If you aren’t giving your full attention to your dog and the dogs around them at a dog park or on the street, you can miss cues that your dog is feeling uncomfortable or others are stressed."

To enquire about how to adopt from BC SPCA qathet, located at 7558 Duncan Street in Powell River, go to adopt.spca.bc.ca/ pets/788619, or call

Former MP candidate covets NDP leadership

Tanille Johnston on-the-move reaching out to rural and remote communities

TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com

The federal New Democratic Party (NDP) was dealt a double-whammy last year, earning only 6.3 per cent of the national vote in the 2025 federal election, which resulted in the loss of official party status.

Those defeats have not deterred Tanille Johnston, former NDP candidate for North Island-Powell River, from hitting-the-groundrunning and seeking the leadership of the federal NDP.

After entering her name in the nominee race in October, Johnston hasn't stopped moving; criss-crossing BC, visiting communities on Vancouver Island, in the qathet region and recently along Canada's east coast. "It was super-awesome to be back in the area [qathet] and get to see people again," said Johnston. "Part of the outreach that I did when I first was confirmed as an [NDP] candidate was to talk to other candidates who ran in the last election; I quickly discovered that there's been

a huge loss of connection between the federal party and rural ridings."

Johnston believes that during the last federal election, the NDP campaign ran too centrally, concentrating on urban ridings, ignoring smaller and remote communities.

"Rural ridings, not shockingly enough, have a lot in common across the country," said Johnston. "A lot of us are resource based or agriculturally based, and we have a lot of similarities."

Johnston is from We Wai Kai First Nation on Vancouver Island, and the first Indigenous woman to seek NDP leadership. Although the North IslandPowell River riding flipped to Conservative blue in the 2025 federal election, Johnston said she sees opportunity for the NDP to gain traction in rural ridings.

"I really see those areas as key opportunities for party development and kind of our pathway to more seats in the House [of Commons]," said Johnston. "I just wanted to get out to those areas to let them know that, I know you're out there; we have members in all of these places across the country, but we haven't really shown up and given them the time of day, and they're feeling pretty alienated."

Johnston recently returned from Atlantic Canada

and said she sees how the tariffs implemented by the USA and China have impacted the resource industry.

"We did 10 events in 72 hours, and we covered a ton of geography, from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI," said Johnston. "Everyone was just so thankful that I showed up."

Johnston said she heard from many folks who felt like they had been ignored by the federal government for a long time, and hopes the NDP makes that shift, to sit down, listen to people and show up for them.

"I'm a big supporter of public libraries, and that's definitely something that folks feel is really neglected," emphasized Johnston. "Public libraries are under primarily municipal and provincial purview, and the federal government doesn't really help out with public libraries, and I disagree with that."

Johnston's recent west/ east coast tours were mainly to reach out and talk to people on the ground, and not necessarily to talk election strategy.

"So the work is really going to be outside of the House of Commons; it really is building a party. It's going to every nook and cranny in the country and reinvigorating the folks who are still there, and then starting to capture new audiences," said Johnston.

After a pause in book sales a couple of years ago, Kiwanis Club of Powell River will once again host book and marmalade sales. The photo above was taken of longtime organizer Kathy

"We don't have really strong relationships with our campus clubs and we need to fix that; the student movement is huge in Canada."

Johnston believes it's important for the NDP to build strong relationships with the next generation.

"You have to have a variety of generations around the table to make sure your decision-making is good," said Johnston. "We need to make sure we are writing good, comprehensive policies that cover all Canadians, not just a portion of Canadians."

Another important factor Johnston believes in to tackle affordability and the housing crisis, is to bring the federal government back into housing.

"I know [prime minister Mark] Carney is taking some of the same approaches as we have in BC, such as providing grants to private developers, but granting private developers isn't going to get us out of our housing crisis," said Johnston. "We've been doing that for years, and we're getting nowhere with it; we have to have a federal government that's ready to build for itself, like we used to."

However, Johnstone said she would want the federal government to build better than in the past, meaning building a variety of housing options.

"We need family units that actually fit large families,

small families, families of differing physical abilities," added Johnston. "I want to make sure the housing we're building has the least amount of impact on our environment as possible."

She said new builds should have heat pumps, solar panels on the roof, and there should be more multi-use facilities built.

"Maybe the first floor is commercial, or maybe the first floor is a public library and a Canada Post office, and then above it is the housing," said Johnston.

"We've got to think about diversifying the way we do this work, in order to keep up with what Canadians need, and to make sure we're spending smart."

Public transit is also a big priority for Johnston.

"I just feel these issues so deeply; I've lived my whole life here [northern Vancouver Island] and we need a truly public option. We have to start championing these public options as the federal

Book sales to resume

to continue this year, but on Saturday's only

TANYA HILL

thill@prpeak.com

Kiwanis Club of Powell River is once again hosting book and marmalade sales, but instead of a

two-day event, the dates will be on Saturday's only, according to longtime book sale organizer Kathy Maitland.

"The first three sales in 2026 are for books and marmalade, but the last sale in November will be a garage sale only," explained Maitland. "Money raised will go back to the club towards our future donations." Kiwanis members regularly

government, across Canada, to make sure they actually happen and to make sure they stay affordable."

Johnston said she knows that infrastructure and services cost money, but that there could be a solution.

"All this stuff costs money, and you'll hear that all the time, 'how are you going to pay for it?'" she added. "A wealth tax isn't very complicated; you can put a wealth tax in place and we can be bringing billions and billions of dollars into our government to actually pay for these big, beautiful things that are also going to end up saving us money."

NDP leadership candidates have until January 28 to sign up members and raise the last of four $25,000 payments required to be on the ballot.

The NDP membership will elect its next leader on March 29. The other candidates are: Avi Lewis, Rob Ashton, Heather McPherson and Tony McQuail.

fundraise for places such as the Salvation Army and Powell River Action Centre Food Bank, for example.

2026 book sale dates: February 7, May 2 and August 1.

The garage sale will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 10 am to 1 pm. Both the book sales and garage sale take place at 4943 Kiwanis Avenue.

Origins of the regional cycling association

qathet Regional Cycling Association (previously Powell River Cycling Association) was formed in 2009. I spoke with Russell Brewer, former City of Powell River councillor and the first president of the cycling association, about how and why the bike club started.

Brewer noted there were many people in the region at the time wanting to improve cycling options for mountain biking, road riding, commuting, and for getting more kids riding to school.

There was a “diversity of people wanting to get involved,” said Brewer. “We figured we could get more done if we came together.”

In addition to forming a cycling association to advocate with a

LETTERS »

Grateful for priority

“There but for fortune, go you or I.”

I remember those words, the recognition that things like who our parents are or whether we're comfortable "making a killing," as the saying goes, or whether we've been impacted by road accidents, floods or fires can make a huge difference in our lives.

I also remember growing up in Vancouver, when "homelessness" wasn't what it is now. I'm grateful that our City of Powell River Council, which is working hard to keep taxpayer costs down, has made it a priority to get a shelter built [“Facilities for homeless recommended,” January 15].

Hats off to over 100 volunteers who stepped up since the previous shelter closed in March 2025. At first, volun-

WALKQATHET N’ ROLL

By Chris Morwood

more united voice, Brewer's team connected with other outdoor user groups, as well. Initially, he noted, “there were some tensions for sure,” but “people slowly built mutual respect, recognizing all the work done by others.”

This allowed for better planning, and a more collaborative approach to trail development and usage.

Cycling association members also made presentations at city hall, and council began to agree there were multiple benefits to supporting cycling within the city.

“At the same time, the city really started to focus on resident attrac-

tion as a means to diversify the tax base and bring new businesses to town,” noted Brewer.

Better biking infrastructure fit well with the plan to make the community more livable, healthy and attractive to newcomers, investors and residents alike.

In addition to working with city council, the cycling association also worked to engage the community. In 2010, the first local Go By Bike Week was organized with significant support from community sponsors. Many community members reported not feeling safe enough to ride their bikes on the streets around town.

After years of advocacy and significant work by city staff, Powell River received its first provincial

teers were serving supper to over 20 people in a parking lot each evening.

Then the city let them lease the former dog pound. You can imagine the cleaning that was needed to make that space work.

Obviously, people need more than food. We need to be treated with respect and dignity; when that falls away, society as a whole ends up paying for it.

That's why I think work done by the qathet Coalition to End Homelessness (qCEH) is truly heroic. I haven't volunteered, so I'm sending in a donation to the qCEH via e-transfer (qathetceh@ gmail.com).

Thank you also to the United Church, which provides spaghetti suppers on Mondays.

Jan Slakov

qathet Regional District

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bike infrastructure grant in 2015. The first bike lanes in our region were created later that year. Following that, a dedicated municipal cycling plan was developed, and other bike lanes and multi-use paths followed.

Brewer stepped down from the cycling association in 2018, but he is still a club member and rides regularly. It is clear to him that more work and advocacy is needed. He recently had two close calls riding home from work on a narrow stretch of highway through Townsite, with cars brushing by him, near enough to touch.

“It made me want to do more again,” he said. “I would not want kids riding that section right now.”

While a vision is important, “you

need to stay open,” noted Brewer, talking about community projects, “and really try to listen.”

When the cycling association started in 2009, there were no bike lanes, no bike park, few sanctioned mountain bike trails, limited bike tourism, no bike to work/school events and no municipal cycling plan. All of this we have today, thanks in large part to the shared work of dedicated advocates and committed local governments and staff.

Let us hope the next few years bring as much positive change, with both older and younger generations leading the way.

Chris Morwood is a member of qathet Regional Cycling Association.

Office pickup available for addresses in a non-delivery area

COPYRIGHT NOTICE Full, complete and sole copyright in any advertising produced by 1553164 BC LTD dba The Peak is vested in and belongs to 1553164 BC LTD dba The Peak. No copyright material may be reproduced in

GERI ANDERSON admin/office manager

EARL ALMEIDA circulation director

TANYA HILL reporter

Why is generating climate action so difficult?

This iteration of the Climate Crossroads column is composed from a set of notes on the main themes presented in the recent Al Jazeera series broadcast All Hail the Planet entitled The Power of Psychology in Blocking Climate Action.

It begins with the statement that “people and the planet are being throttled by our dependence on fossil fuels, and climate action has not gone nearly as fast as it should have.” Why not? What follows is a plausible explanation of how various individuals process the enormity of the crisis we are in, based on what is already known about human psychology.

Climate change psychology is now a definitive field of study, investigation and thought in the social sciences. How people perceive and react to disasters with fear, anxiety, feelings of being overwhelmed, hopelessness and fear of the future are the focus.

News of climate breakdown is inescapable, and impacts are real for many. Floods, droughts, wild fires, violent storms, sea level rise and all forms of extreme weather are now in the daily news. So why is generating meaningful action on the climate crisis so difficult?

The human response is the subject of much speculation and concern, the most current understanding of which comes from the social sciences, psychology in particular. Academics are struggling with the question: “why is the massive scientific evidence readily available not enough to counter the oil industry’s propaganda and exploitation of our natural human responses?” In the program, five psychological

CLIMATE CROSSROADS

By William Lytle-McGhee

barriers that prevent climate news from sinking in are presented as the five Ds: distance, doom, dissonance, denial and identity.

Psychological distance encompasses the idea that climate change is distant in time and space for the majority and seems impossible for the individual to do anything meaningful to prevent, thus a psychological barrier to individual action.

guzzling vehicles or take flights to other destinations.

CROSSWORD

Psychological distance encompasses the idea that climate change is distant in time and space for the majority and seems impossible for the individual to do anything meaningful to prevent, thus a psychological barrier to individual action.”

Doom scenarios presented in the media don’t match what most people are seeing in their everyday environment. It is all future stuff. The stigmatic “cry wolf” concept typically comes to mind when awfulizing about the future takes place and, similarly, the Chicken Little sky is falling or climate alarmist judgements are made.

Dissonance is about the inconsistencies between the choices we make in our daily lives and what we know and believe. This creates more internal discomfort. An example is the awareness that CO2 emissions must be reduced but individuals continue to drive gas

Letters to the Editor/Viewpoint

Denial is used to get rid of the discomfort of dissonance. Examples include rationalizing our vehicle use because so many others are worse. Or blaming others for the problem, China or the USA, for example, or taking the position that anything we can do will not make any difference. And we are learning to live with the ongoing list of disasters as they are framed by the dayto-day news cycle of here today gone tomorrow. We have learned to forget about things that are painful as the parade of news sensationalism proceeds. Identity involves the lifelong development of who we are. So, everything we are presented with must fit somewhere into our already developed identity, and if it doesn’t, we reject it. There is a collision between what is new and real, and what we have already crystallized in our own personal value system. Climate change is, regrettably, a perfect example of how this operates because there are so many examples of how our current and successful behaviours are in conflict with the actions required to combat climate change. When people feel that their identities are threatened, they typically reject the source.

The conclusion is that our well-known human psychological reactions have been intentionally played upon by big industry, politicians and the media, leading to warped public understanding and a paralysis of climate action. The misinformation campaign continues.

William Lytle-McGhee is a member of qathet Climate Alliance.

The Peak publishes letters it receives regarding the stories on its pages when space allows, 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.

Scale watcher

Clarinet’s relative

Smudge

So long, in London: 2 wds.

“____ Are So Beautiful”

Horrify

Stags and bucks

Domino or Waller

Hawaiian instruments

Rotary offers to help with hands and funds

Providing service at home and around the world

After celebrating 70 years in qathet Regional District, Rotary continues to live by its motto “Service Above Self.”

In addition to providing funds to various organizations such as Powell River Action Centre Food Bank, Christmas Cheer Fund and Everybody Deserves a Smile, the club undertakes to finance and provide hands-on contributions for projects such as the gazebos at Palm Beach and in Van Anda. Or it may use its base of volunteers to take on a popular community event such as the annual Santa Claus Parade when previous organizers are unable to continue. Rotarians also help by partnering with organizations such as Powell River Chamber of Commerce on a golf tournament and Blackberry Festival Street Party. The most recent example is a decision to support financially and with labour, the much-needed renovations at the Powell River Trail Riders clubhouse off Padgett Road. Several Rotarians, including Mel Munroe, community services director, toured the facility late last year.

“We are always looking for worthy community projects that we can assist with, and this particular one had lots of appeal,” explained Munroe.

Rotarians were hosted by Laura Field, president of the trail riders club, which was founded in 1965 to support the local equestrian community.

“We are an inclusive organization, and in 2018 we introduced a social membership to welcome non-horse owners,” said Field. “Membership fees are intentionally kept low to ensure accessibility, particularly for youth, which means our primary revenue comes from events and clubhouse rentals.”

Built in the early 1970s, the clubhouse remains the heart of the organization. It provides an affordable rental venue for local clubs and groups, offering a large open meeting area, kitchen, storage, heat, and men’s and women’s washrooms. In recent years activities at the facility have increased with an event last year attracting participants from Vancouver Island and the lower Sunshine Coast.

Past and ongoing community events include hosting the BC Disability Games equestrian events in 2007, annual horse shows, Fall Fair events, Halloween and family-friendly equine events.

“After more than 50 years of use, the building now requires significant repairs to remain safe, welcoming and functional,” said Field. “We are not a large, nor a rich club, so we look to grants to add to our elbow grease. The interest from the Rotary club came by a chance enquiry into

grants available. It has blossomed into a pledge of funds and support.”

When the RCMP Musical Ride was held at the facility in 2013, Rotarians helped to prepare the grounds and assist with the event.

“Our members now feel the momentum and potential for the project, and the vision we have for its future is more tangible now,” added Field. “We are filled with gratitude for the Rotary club’s interest.”

“This fits our club’s purpose so well,” said Munroe, “to help make our community

Author examines history of ferries and ships

Steamships, paddlewheelers, ferries and passenger vessels crucial to connect BC’s coastal communities

TANYA HILL

thill@prpeak.com

From early paddle-wheelers and steamships to modern ferries, passenger vessels have been central to the lives and livelihoods of British Columbia's coastal communities, including the northern Sunshine Coast.

In his new book titled, Coastal Connections:

A History of British Columbia Ferries and Passenger Ships, historian Derek Hayes describes early attempts to provide links between the Mainland and Vancouver Island as well as the Sunshine Coast. Many earlier attempts to provide service to coastal communities were infrequent and not scheduled.

Hayes said it wasn't until BC Ferries came along that regular scheduled service started to occur, and now has grown to become one of the world’s largest ferry fleets, with 35 ships carrying more than 22 million passengers and nearly 10 million vehicles per year over more than 25 routes.

"[Coastal Connections] started off as being a history of BC Ferries, but of course, once I started writing that, I realized that we needed to cover the predecessors," Hayes told the Peak. "The steamships were very intermittent and they didn't tend to run on a specific schedule, and so you had to pretty well fit into the company's timetable."

A company called Gulf Lines advertised daily passenger service to Powell River, as

well as Texada and Savary islands.

"The Gulf Lines was a company started by a couple of war veterans in 1946, after the war," said Hayes. "They managed to pick up a navy cruiser fairly cheaply and they started a service to Westview, and it was one of their ships that basically took a wrong turn."

A tragic shipwreck was reported by the Powell River News on Sunday, October 12, 1947: "Five people, three of them children, and two women are believed trapped and drowned in their staterooms at the aft-end of the MV Gulf Stream, which crashed full speed into Dinner Rock last night at 8:20 pm."

Hayes said there were many attempts to service the Powell River area, but it wasn't until 1954, when the route across Jervis Inlet was opened by Black Ball Ferry Line from Earls Cove, that service became frequent.

"It was considered quite innovative that Black Ball basically gave the provincial government a half-a-million-dollar loan to build the road from north of Pender Harbour so it would connect with that ferry," said Hayes.

Coastal Connections is illustrated with hundreds of archival and modern photos, plus artwork of vintage posters designed to advertise passenger ferries in the 1940s and 1950s.

"There's a lot of photos of my own in there, but the archival photos came from archives and museums all over the place, and also from BC Ferries," said Hayes. "BC Ferries has an archive of sorts, full of timetables and ephemera that came with running a ferry system."

Although folks today can easily look up a ferry schedule on their phones or computer, it wasn't that long ago when passengers needed to look at a printed time frame to find out when the next ferry would be coming.

Although many people tend to grumble

about BC Ferries’ service and vessel breakdowns, Hayes emphasized that before 1960, it was a lot worse, and now BC’s passenger ferry system is considered one of the best and biggest in the world.

"The reality is that you've got a scheduled service and most of the time it works," said Hayes. "It may be late, delayed or sometimes it completely goes awry, but it's not very often, in the general scheme of things."

Hayes' previous books include Historical Atlas of the Pacific Northwest and Incredible Crossings: The History and Art of the Bridges, Tunnels and Inland Ferries That Connect British Columbia

So, he said it made sense for his next book to be about ferries and ships that have connected BC communities and geographies together.

"One [crossing] I always liked was on the Bowen Queen, which went from Horseshoe Bay to Bowen Island," said Hayes. "There's a little story in the book about my family with young kids at the time. We went on a day trip to Bowen, and we brought a couple of handicraft-type chairs. We put these chairs on the very front of the ferry and sat on them, and, you know, it just felt like we were being nicely transported."

Hayes said BC Ferries is unique because of the size of its vessels and the comprehensive coverage of the coast.

"The boats that typically go out of Horseshoe Bay are, at least at the time, the largest double-ended ferry boats in the world," said Hayes. "Hong Kong may have similar size boats and more people, but they go a shorter distance."

Hayes said soon after what was called the "fast ferry fiasco" in the 1990s, a new government came to power and made BC Ferries quasi-independent.

Award-winning historian Derek Hayes examines the long history of ferries and ships linking the BC coast in his new book titled, Coastal Connections: A History of British Columbia Ferries and Passenger Ships HARBOUR PUBLISHING PHOTO

"As soon as they did that, [BC Ferries] was free to get the best deal on a ferry," said Hayes. "The very large ferries they bought came from Germany."

Before becoming semi-privatized, ships like the Spirit of British Columbia were built in BC.

"They called that ship the Queen of Lego because it was put together in bits and pieces," said Hayes. "As a private company, they have to get the best deal they can, so, since 2003, they've got ferries from Germany, Poland and Romania."

The latest ferries being built in China, which has caused some political drama, is just a continuation of this practice of simply doing it because they get the best deal, explained Hayes.

"The trouble is there's also other things like delivery guarantees and overrun guarantees and so on," he added. "It's a lot safer [in terms of timeline] for BC Ferries to buy ferries from China than it is to build them locally. The reality is, they would have cost two or three times as much, so the public wouldn't like that either, because they'd be paying for them through their taxes."

To find out more about Coastal Connections and other books by Hayes, go to derekhayes.ca.

Artist creates video poem to elevate collaborative piece

TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com

qathet-based artists Whitney La Fortune and Jo Forrest collaborated together for the Arts and Words Festival, which took place in Gibsons in August 2025.

Forrest said she wrote a [very long] poem, while La Fortune created a visual piece to go with her words. However, Forrest wanted to give the collaborated piece a little boost, bringing the artwork to life by creating what she calls a [digital] visual poem that she recently posted to her Instagram page.

"The festival was fantastic," said Forrest. "I was paired with Whitney; I wrote the poem and she did some fantastic sketches."

To see the visual poem titled, I Bloom Like a Rose in a Garden of Lilies, type forrey102025 on Instagram or go to instagram. com/p/DTgkZ3sjXFY.

Minor hockey team claims silver

Locals runnersup in eight-team tournament

Powell River Kings U13C squad earned a silver medal on January 18 at their hometown tournament. They lost to Juan de Fuca Grizzlies 7-2 in the gold medal game.

The contest was close at the end of the second period with the visitors ahead by a single goal. Scoring four times in the final 20 minutes allowed the island team to take gold.

Tristan Bordignon’s unassisted marker tied the game for Kings in the first period. Henry Newman notched the second goal on a set up from Elliott Dickson.

Victoria Admirals took the bronze with a 10-3 victory over Oceanside Generals earlier in the day.

Kings earned a berth in the gold medal game with a 13-0 blanking

of Oceanside Generals. They scored four goals in the first period and six in the second.

It was goaltender Logan Muzylowski’s second shutout of the tournament.

On the score sheet were River Larscheid with three goals and an assist, Jase King with a pair of goals and one assist, Declan Paul with a goal and two assists, Jack Stoltz and George Mathieu with two goals each, Borys Bohdanov with one of each, Caden Ladner and Jesse Webber with two assists, Keisuke Takahashi and Simon Sarrasin with a goal, and Newman with an assist.

In their opening game on Friday, the Kings outhustled Comox Valley Flyers to collect a 6-4 victory.

After Kings allowed the first goal, Mathieu scored the next two, one on a power play and one shorthanded. He added an assist later in the game.

Other point-getters were Webber with two goals and one assist, Ladner and Newman with a goal each, and Larscheid, Dickson and VanEgteren with an assist.

Early Saturday morning, the home team tied Victoria Admirals 4-4. Kings led 2-1 after the opening frame with an unassisted goal from Webber and a second from King who converted a pass from Mathieu.

Webber scored unassisted a second time to tie the game after the visitors went ahead 3-2 after 40 minutes. A third unassisted tally for Kings, this time from the stick of Takahashi, put them ahead but the Admirals scored under a minute later.

Kings picked up a shutout in their second game of the day, potting six goals against Alberni Valley Bulldogs. Larscheid scored a three hat-trick in the third period, including two in 10 seconds of the

Kings add trio of players

Goaltender, forward and defender join BCHL team

Powell River Kings announced the signings of three players in mid-January: Tyler Russell, Devin Peck and Pepino Langmeier. Russell is an 18-year-old right-shot defender from Redondo Beach, California. Most recently he was with Coquitlam Express, playing in 22 games this BC Hockey League season while collecting seven points.

"Tyler will bring hard work, experience and composure to our D core as well as some good size for his age," stated Kings’ general manager and head coach Stephan Seeger Jr.

Last season Russell played in the WHL for Wenatchee Wild, and registered three points in 27 games. Peck is the oldest (20)

of the new signees. The netminder from Colorado Springs comes to the Kings from the Flin Flon Bombers of the SJHL.

"Devin has had great success everywhere he has played," added Seeger Jr. "He battles, competes and has the type of athleticism that is engaging for fans to watch on second and third opportunities. He is determined to integrate quickly.”

This season with the Bombers, Peck compiled a 13-6-1 record with a 2.43 GAA and .904 save percentage.

Also joining the Kings is European forward Pepino Langmeier, who is a dual German and Czech citizen. This season he has played for his hometown junior team in Czechia, HC Energie Karlov Vary, where he scored five goals and helped set up five others in 29 games.

The 18-year-old forward, at six-feet four-inches tall, will add some size to the

final minute of the game.

Also collecting points were Dickson with a goal and an assist, Mathiew and Webber with a goal each, and Paul and Newman each

Kings’ forward group.

“Pepino moves well for his size and has a good motor," stated Seeger Jr. "He will bring additional grit to our forward core. He's hungry and excited to begin the transition in his hockey career to the smaller ice surface."

Langmeier has also played on the international stage, suiting up for the German

U17 and U18 teams on seven occasions.

Kings had a busy schedule last week with four games in six days, the last three of which were wins.

After falling 7-3 in Cranbrook on January 20, Powell River travelled to Vernon and defeated the Vipers 6-5 in overtime. Eliot Compton scored twice, in-

with an assist. The tournament included teams from Campbell River, Parksville, Comox, Victoria, Port Alberni, Squamish and Juan De Fuca.

cluding the game-winning goal.

Kings returned home and put on an offensive display in front of their home fans versus Surrey Eagles. The teams met twice at Hap Parker Arena, with the Kings edging the Eagles 6-5 on January 25 and 7-3 the next afternoon.

Ryan Hedley scored the eventual winner in game one

on a third period power play and was named first star. He scored again the next day, and added three assists, but had to settle for second star behind Chris Battaini, who recorded a hat-trick and an assist.

Powell River hosts Chilliwack on January 30 and 31. Both games start at 7 pm.

Texada landline service restored

Customers had been without Telus service since November 2025

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

A group of Texada Island residents were without landline phone service after a tree branch dropped on a phone line in November, cutting off service.

Texada resident Gerry Childress, who lives in the Van Anda area, stated in an email that his telephone landline worked on and off since November 6, 2025, then did not work for the past month or so.

“I contacted Telus, but it is very frustrating on how to do it,” stated Childress. “They say they will call back in 48 hours but that does not seem to happen. They tell you to login, which I have done to my ac-

count, and through the chat, which is AI assisted, one never gets to a person that will document your concern or call. If you call their 800 number, be prepared to wait an extremely long time, tying up cell phone minutes.”

In an interview, Childress said when using the AI chat, the customer is sent through a system that asks questions.

“All I want to do is talk to somebody and report it,” said Childress. “We have about five or 10 people, and there might be 20 people without landlines, and they have just given up. They are just using cell phones.”

Childress said the biggest issue is having to login to the internet account in order to try and remedy the problem. He said there is a number to call, but Texada resident Dick Fahlman has done so and been on hold for an hour.

“Are you going to use your cellular minutes up?” asked Childress.

North Island Dental

Dr Cyrus Bachus

“I refuse to sit on an 800 number for more than five minutes.”

Fahlman, who lives in the Gillies Bay area, said one of the reasons why he has been active on the file is because he received his bank statement for December and it showed he was paying three bills – one for his cell phone, one for his wife’s cell phone, and one for the landline.

“They are still billing me for the landline that hasn’t worked in two months,” said Fahlman. “They make the situation so that it is almost impossible to contact them. There is a 611 phone number, and if you call it, you get an automated voice. You have to wait minutes and minutes for the explanation of all your options, and then if you try the options, half the time they don’t work.”

Fahlman said he eventually received a message where he could enter his phone number for a callback from Telus, but he has not had a reply.

“Customer service is nonexistent,” said Fahlman, adding that his landline also went out on November 6.

After the Peak received emails from Childress and Fahlman, Telus was contacted and dispatched work crews to Texada to restore service. In an email on January 16, Childress wrote that his landline was working again.

In an email to the Peak on January 19, Telus representative Chelsey Higdon indicated that Telus technicians had successfully restored Fahlman’s and Childress’s landlines, and that they had been credited for the time they were out of service.

“Regarding the root cause, our team is still investigating,” stated Higdon.

SCENE

AROUNDTOWN

Poker party

qathet Pickleball Association hosted a Poker for Pickleball tournament on Saturday, January 18, which drew a large crowd for the fundraising event at the Carlson Community Club on Joyce Avenue. The association is raising funds in an effort to build a dedicated pickleball facility at a yet to be determined location in the community.

ANDREW BRADLEY PHOTOS

Jacqueline

Thelma Durling

April 5, 1931January 10, 2026

Our mum, Jacqueline (Jackie) Durling passed away peacefully on her own terms on January 10. She was predeceased by her husband Robert (Bob) in 2018.

Jackie was born and raised in London, England. After completion of her nurse and midwifery training, Jackie immigrated to Canada. Upon arrival she soon made many lifelong friends among the nurses she met. She travelled with many of them and practised nursing in Quebec City and Hamilton before making her way to Vancouver.

In Vancouver, Jackie worked at Shaughnessy Hospital, at the time a veterans hospital. In Vancouver she met and married Bob. In 1969, after their two children Janet and Ian were born, the family moved to Powell River, where Bob had opened a land survey company. Jackie worked at PRGH and the Olive Devaud Seniors Living Residence, where many more friendships were formed.

Jackie strongly believed in supporting her community and volunteered for more than 40 years with many organizations including the Powell River Public Library Board, Powell River Garden Club and the hospital auxiliary.

In retirement, Jackie ran a bed and breakfast from her and Bob’s home in Douglas Bay. She enjoyed meeting the many guests and treating them to her wonderful homemade marmalade and blackberry jam.

Jackie was an avid reader and kept herself well informed of local and global events. She was never shy of voicing her opinion.

Jackie is lovingly remembered by her daughter Janet (Frank) and son Ian. She was loved and is missed by her grandchildren Ryan, Scott and Sky (Brad), and her great-grandchild Holly Jacqueline.

The family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation to the staff and residents of Kiwanis Village Assisted Living for their care and friendship.

Robert Edward “Ed” Dunn

Ed Dunn of Powell River passed away on December 26, 2025, at the age of 78. He was born in Powell River on June 27, 1947, to parents Bobby and Audrey Dunn. The family lived in the Townsite and when Ed was 10 years old, they moved to Westview as his father had built them a new house.

Ed loved his adventures with the Sea Cadets and continued this for many years, spending numerous summers with the Sea Cadets at Esquimalt. He also loved rink ratting at the old arena and playing hockey and refereeing. He “Circle Eddie” played hockey until he was 67 and was very happy about that and all the good memories.

Ed was a papermaker in the mill and later started his carpentry apprenticeship in the mill and became a Red Seal Carpenter. He could make anything with wood and was very good at his profession. He built and renovated many houses around town. He took up boating and loved being on the ocean fishing and site-seeing. His positive can-do attitude made it a joy to be in his company.

Ed and his wife loved the tropics and spent many vacations enjoying the sun. The last few years he made wooden toys and crafts and was a constant vendor at the Powell River’s Farmers Market; he enjoyed his time and friendships with the other vendors. His grandsons loved the toys he made.

Ed is survived and loved by his wife Dawn (Gouthro), stepdaughter Lauren, grandsons Damian and Macyn, sister Libby (Randy), his nephews and nieces Matt, Carleen, Dane, Nathan, Bridey, Ryan, Kyle and Meghan, and great-nephews and nieces Carter, Austin, Cameron, Easton, Ciara and Jaelle.

Ed was predeceased by his parents and siblings Janice and Sara.

The family wishes to extend its sincere thanks to Dr. O. Yahaya for his care and kindness.

A celebration of life will be held in June when we can all get together.

NEED SOME OLD PAPERS FOR WOOD FIRES, CRAFTING, ANIMALS, OR YOUR GARDEN?

Friday, February 20

Potluck 5:30 pm

Meeting 7 pm

Northside Community Recreation Centre 9656 Larson Road

Come by the Peak office to grab a bundle or two. Our newspapers are printed with vegetable- based inks. We are at: 4493F Marine Ave

A donation of $5 towards the Food Bank would be appreciated.

• 604-485-6994

• 604-223-1270

• 604-414-5232 (Texada)

Meetings

FRIDAYS, 7:30 to 8:30 pm qathet General Hospital, third floor SUNDAYS, 8 to 9 pm Union Hall, 5814 Ash Ave

Richard Stanley Vanier

Richard Stanley Vanier, 84, passed away peacefully December 29, 2025, in Kelowna, BC. He was born in Iroquois Falls, Ontario.

He is survived by his son Rick (Karen), his daughter Pamela, stepson Barry (Marina), stepdaughter Sheri, six grandchildren, nine greatgrandchildren, sisters Marilyn, BettyAnne and Andrea (Lenny), and his brothers Larry (Maryon) and Gord. Richard (Dick) was predeceased by his wife Tina, his son Mark, father Victor, mother Blanche, brother Mickey and sister Peggy. In 1960, he married Gail and had three children. In 1970, he moved the family from Northern Ontario to Powell River for work at the papermill. Dick completed an apprenticeship as a steamfitter/gasfitter and was fiercely passionate about training, working as an instructor at the Pacific Vocational Institute (now BCIT) and for the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, where he became director of training. After retiring from the Operating Engineers, he started his own consulting company.

On his 40th birthday, he received the Gift of Sobriety and felt that it was divine intervention by God. He spent the rest of his life helping others through the AA program. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local AA office.

In 1999, he married Tina and welcomed her children Barry and Sheri as his own. He loved the ocean and convinced Tina to move to Powell River in 2004 and enjoy retirement together. In 2025, he moved to Kelowna, to be close to family.

A celebration of life will be held on February 21 from 1 to 4 pm at Guildford Golf and Country Club, 7929 152nd Street, Surrey, BC.

CITY OF POWELL RIVER NOTICE

GRAYSON

Stunning, young, female cat seeking a new loving family

BRIAN & BRUCE

Super cute kittens. Wow, worth a visit!

CACHE & HOPPER

Double the sweetness, gentle, affectionate lil male kittens

AMELIE, MYSTIQUE, MOONPIE, MERLIN, MORTY, & MORTICIA

Take one, take two, hard to choose

SAILOR

Pretty, young, female cat with super silky fur

SIREN

Permanent

Closure and Removal of

Highway Dedication Bylaw 2760, 2024

Pursuant to Section 40 of the Community Charter Council may, by bylaw, close a portion of a highway and remove the dedication of the highway provided Council gives notice of its intention to do so. Notice is hereby given under Section 94 of the Community Charter of Council’s intention to consider adoption of City of Powell River Permanent Closure and Removal of Highway Dedication Bylaw 2760, 2024, at the Council meeting to be held on February 5, 2026, in Council Chambers of City Hall, 6910 Duncan Street, Powell River, BC.

The intent of proposed Bylaw 2760, 2024, is to close and remove the dedication of a portion of Complex Way adjacent to 5000 Joyce Avenue outlined in black on the map below. This would support a proposal from BC Housing to develop a supportive housing and shelter facility over a portion of these lands directly adjacent to Joyce Avenue.

Super sweet senior lady, Formosan Mountain dog mix

HARVIE

Super handsome grey and white, male feline, also the king of loafing

BOO-BOO

Green eyed, mature, pretty, friendly, black cat, welcomes visitors

FRANK SINATRA & ELVIS

Sweet n’ playful, cute overload, Corso/Mastiff mix puppies

A copy of the proposed bylaw and any relevant background documents may be inspected at the Planning Services offices of City Hall during the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday from January 22 to February 5, 2026. Pursuant to Section 40(3)(b) of the Community Charter any party who feels their interests may be affected by the proposed bylaw may make written submission to Council. Submissions may be emailed to info@powellriver.ca or mailed or delivered in person to 6910 Duncan Street, Powell River, BC, V8A 1V4. All submissions are published and, if received by 5 pm, seven business days before the meeting, will be included in the agenda package. Submissions received after this time, up to 2 pm on the date of the meeting, will be distributed to Council directly in advance of the meeting or on table at the meeting.

Peter DeJong Corporate Officer

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OPEN HOUSE TOUR•SATURDAY,

BILL: 604 223 0811

2018 Park Model Manufactured Home on a delightful pad with grassy views all around, only thirteen minutes from central Powell River. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 585 sq ft 125-8430 SPRINGBROOK ROAD

$199,900 MLS® 19542

Affordable living in a well-maintained condo on the bus route and a short walk to the Townsite Market, theatre and restaurants 2

$344,900 MLS®19527

NANCY:

South facing fully serviced 0.19 acre lot ready for your dream house design. Take in the expansive view of Malaspina Strait and sunsets to dazzle you at the end of the day.