The Peak - March 12, 2026

CHAMPIONSHIP CHASE

U13 hockey team hosts provincial finals PAGE 11

FOOD FOCUS

Farmers collaborate on produce boxes PAGE 20

Broker brings personal touch to home financing

When Elise Vos first moved to the qathet region in 2007, it was hockey that brought her west. She spent five seasons working with Powell River Kings, a role that immersed her in the rhythm of rink life and the connections that come with it.

While she loved the sport, she says it was the sense of community that mattered most.

“I love hockey, but what I love more is the connection that happens in the stands around the rink,” says Vos. “Connection and community have always been close to my heart.”

Vos is building those same connections in a different arena as a mortgage broker with BRX Mortgage Brokerage. Her goal is to help people in qathet smoothly navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.

Before becoming a mortgage broker, Vos worked behind the scenes in real estate, handling bookkeeping and administrative work. That experience gave her a detailed understanding of the paperwork and financial structures behind home purchases. It also revealed a need for customized mortgage solutions.

“Over the years there have been some quality service providers in town,” she says. “But I saw an opportunity to step in to add value and provide a broader variety of service as a mortgage broker.”

As a broker, Vos works with a wide range of lenders, including major banks, credit unions and monoline lenders who specialize solely in mortgages. She also has access to alternative and private lenders for clients whose applications may not fit traditional criteria.

Each client’s situation is different, she says, and having access to multiple lenders allows her to tailor options based on income, credit history, down payment and long-term goals.

“The biggest advantage is that I have a wide range of lenders and different programs,” she adds. “Each family or individual has a different story, and I can find a fit based on what

navigating life changes such as separation, relocation or long-planned upgrades.

For homeowners approaching renewal, she encourages people to start planning early, ideally six months before their term ends. In some cases, refinancing can help consolidate higher-interest debts or fund renovations or help support higher education costs. Because mortgage rates are typically far lower than credit card or car loan rates, rolling debt into a mortgage can reduce monthly payments, extending repayment over a longer period.

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that financial story is. When I get lenders competing for your business, we tend to get a better mortgage rate offer.”

Vos can assist anyone looking to purchase a home, including first-time homebuyers, selfemployed individuals, clients with bruised credit as well as homeowners looking to renew or refinance. She also works with people

Vos also addresses a common misconception about mortgage brokers: for most standard mortgages, clients do not pay the broker directly. Instead, the lender compensates the broker once the mortgage is finalized with no additional costs to the client.

“I genuinely care about my clients,” she says. “This is usually the biggest purchase of someone’s life and often a cornerstone of building wealth. It’s extremely rewarding to walk with them from start to finish.”

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For Vos, helping someone secure a home in the qathet region is about more than financing. It is about helping people plant roots in a community she has grown to love.

“I still have that ability to connect like I did around the rink,” she adds. “Now it’s on an entirely new level helping people secure a place to call home in a community that means so much to me.”

For more information, email elise@mortgageswithelise.ca, visit mortgageswithelise. ca or call 604.414.8186.

Electricity export decision rendered

Canada’s governor-in-council allows energy regulator to further review Powell River Energy application

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

Canada’s governor-in-council has given the Canada Energy Regulator (CER) commission the opportunity to review the application by Powell River Energy Inc. (PREI) to export electrical energy to the United States for 30 years.

In correspondence to PREI and the company’s legal counsel on March 4, CER stated that on August 15, 2025, PREI filed an application with CER for a contract-specific electricity export permit.

The correspondence stated that on December 18, 2025, the commission of the CER recommended to the minister of energy and natural resources, pursuant to section 359 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act (CER Act), that the application be designated by order of the governorin-council under section 360 of the act.

On February 26, the application was designated by order of the governor-incouncil, meaning that in changing the application from a permit to a licence, CER has the means to deny the application, impose conditions, or hold a public hearing. If the governor-in-council had ruled that the application remain a permit, CER would not have the legislative means to deny the application, although it could impose conditions.

mer Catalyst Paper Tis’kwat mill site and at Lois Lake, which formerly provided electricity for the mill.

Locally, Energy Democracy for BC is welcoming the federal cabinet decision that will allow far greater scrutiny to be applied to Powell River Energy Inc.’s application to export all the power it produces to the US for 30 years.

ED4BC president Ellen Gould, on hearing the news about the cabinet’s decision, stated: “We see this as a very positive sign that the federal government recognizes the importance of clean energy for Canada’s economic development. That the federal cabinet took the time with all that is going on in the world to address our issue is testament to how hard our elected representatives and citizens have worked to get their attention. We also celebrate the decision as an indication of what can happen when our community comes together to work for common goals.”

Gould added that in a letter to Powell River Energy sent March 4, the Canada Energy Regulator informed the company that the

possibly hold public hearings, to set broader conditions on any approval, and to potentially reject the application outright.

City of Powell River, Tla’amin Nation and qathet Regional District had written to Hodgson urging him to make this decision given how significant hydropower is for the economy of this region. CER also received submissions from nongovernmental sources in opposition to the application.

Tla’amin, in a media release, welcomed the decision by the governor-in-council to require a full licensing process for Brookfield’s proposed electricity export rather than proceeding through a permit.

“I want to acknowledge the more than 2,600 residents from across qathet who took the time to write letters and speak up; your voices helped ensure this issue received the attention it deserves,” stated Tla’amin hegus John Hackett. “Our community has spoken and we are strengthened by the cooperation between Tla’amin Nation, the City of Powell River and qathet Regional District. Working together, we have shown that our community cares deeply about decisions affecting our region.”

Our community has spoken and we are strengthened by the cooperation between Tla’amin Nation, the City of Powell River and qathet Regional District.”

JOHN HACKETT

TLA’AMIN NATION HEGUS

federal cabinet had made a critical decision regarding the application.

PREI operates dams at the for-

The federal cabinet, on the recommendation of the federal energy minister Tim Hodgson, has designated PREI’s application as one that requires a licensing procedure. Gould stated that this is significant because a licensing designation allows Canada Energy Regulator to

The release stated that the rivers and waters which power these facilities flow through Tla’amin territory and have sustained Tla’amin people since time immemorial.

“They are not simply sources of electricity,” stated Hackett. “They are part of a living system that supports salmon, wildlife and the health of our communities.

“The unprecedented and historic water rights that allow these projects to operate were granted with a clear understanding that the energy produced would support the local mill and the regional economy.

30-year export licence to the United States will undergo further scrutiny as the federal government has given the regulator permission to expand its procedures for a ruling.

That history matters as we consider proposals that would send this power out of the country when we are trying to rebuild our economy here at Tis’kwat.”

Hackett stated that as the Canada Energy Regulator begins the licensing process, the Tla’amin invites them to its territory.

“Holding the hearings here will mean people who live with the impacts of these decisions can participate directly,” stated Hackett. “We thank the Government of Canada for recognizing that a decision of this scale deserves careful review.”

North Island-Powell River MP Aaron Gunn said it is great to see the outcome that “we all have been fighting for.”

“I brought this up four times in the House of Commons, trying to increase pressure on the government,” said Gunn. “It took them a bit longer than we would have liked, almost three months to accept the regulator’s recommendation, but we’re glad that we got here. It’s an important win, but the fight is just beginning as we enter this full licensing phase.

“The next fight, for me, will be to ensure there are public hearings held in the City of Powell River. First and foremost, the regulator should be going to hear from those who will be affected the most, which are the residents who live there.”

Gunn said he spoke with the regulator at the standing committee of natural resources and the regulator informed him it was the first time in the history of Canada’s energy regulator that a permit has been denied and they have proceeded instead with a full licensing process.

“It’s quite the accomplishment for the people of Powell River and everyone who has been pushing back against this,” added Gunn. “It’s more important than ever with what is going on with the United States to make sure our national interests come first and Canadian resources go toward benefitting Canadians first.”

The Peak has reached out to PREI’s parent company, Evolugen, for comment and is awaiting a reply.

Committee discusses expired fire agreement

City council will determine whether to enter into automatic aid affiliation with other regional fire departments

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

City of Powell River Council will consider having Powell River Fire Rescue (PRFR) staff enter into discussions with Tla’amin Nation and qathet Regional District (qRD) regarding an automatic aid agreement.

At the March 3 committee of the whole meeting, fire chief Martin Drakeley outlined the process for creating a new automatic aid agreement, with the last one having expired in 2021. Currently, the fire departments have a mutual aid agreement, where fire chiefs can contact other departments to access more resources in cases of significant incidents.

Drakeley said local fire chiefs and qRD general manager of emergency services Ryan Thoms had been

discussing an automatic aid agreement with Drakeley, with the sole purpose of providing assistance strictly with fire response for structure fires or wildfires in other areas. Drakeley said the expired automatic aid agreement covered all types of calls, which put an undue load on PRFR for going out medical calls and motor vehicle incidents, as well as fires. He said the discussion for a new automatic agreement would be strictly for fire calls.

“As a group, the regional chiefs feel strongly about this type of agreement that alleviates a lot of anxiety over members not showing up, especially in the volunteer departments,” said Drakeley. “Powell River provides a stable base because of full-time staffing.”

Drakeley said mutual aid and automatic aid agreements differ in that mutual aid is requested by the incident commander. He said an automatic aid agreement is a set of parameters and dispatch sends out whatever the fire departments ask them to send out. In Tla’amin’s case, they would never send their single and only fire engine to help Powell River, but they would send firefighter resources, he added, and each region

gets to specify which they send.

“There is also the issue of availability,” said Drakeley. “Sometimes there are no available resources, or the department is at minimum resources, in which case they would not be able to send anybody. Those are all items that are worked out in the agreement.”

City councillor Trina Isakson said when she looked at documentation regarding the automatic aid agreement, it was noted that there had been no automatic aid responses within city limits in the past five years. She asked about the scale now compared to 2021, when the last agreement expired.

Drakeley said it would be different, in that Powell River was going outside a lot for medical aid and motor vehicle incidents. He said that will not be part of the proposed agreement. He said regarding responses for 2025, Northside Volunteer Fire Department had no structure fires, Tla’amin had one, Powell River had 22, and Malaspina Volunteer Fire Department had nine.

“It depends on which area,” said Drakeley. “The outside areas will be coming into Powell River more often than we will be going out.”

The qathet region has been without an automatic aid agreement for fire department callouts for five years, but discussions among fire and emergency personnel indicate that entering into a new agreement might be a good measure. Automatic aid agreements provide for other fire departments to be dispatched automatically to help with fires in other districts under certain parameters.

Drakeley said part of the discussion will be that if an outside fire department asks for resources, but there is a higher priority in town, PRFR will remain in the city.

“Within the boundaries of Powell River, there are a lot of two calls happening at the same time,” said Drakeley. “Outside the area, not so much.”

Councillor and committee of the whole chair Rob Southcott said he recalled from 2021 that there was dissatisfaction within council with compensation. He said service was more

outside of city boundaries than what was coming in.

Southcott said he understands that mutual aid costs are already covered in that agreement. He asked if that would apply to an automatic aid agreement as well.

Drakeley said automatic and mutual aid run parallel to each other, so costs would apply to automatic aid, with some variances.

“For mutual aid and automatic aid agreements that I have been part of, it was supplies, like foam and that type of thing,” said Drakeley.

“If a vehicle gets into an ac-

cident, it is the individual department’s responsibility and if they lose equipment, it’s the individual department’s responsibility. Strictly, with structure fires, I know that a lot of the outside departments will be coming in because of our call volume; a lot more than what will be going out.” The committee voted unanimously that staff be directed to enter into discussions with Tla’amin and qRD regarding an automatic aid agreement and report back to council with findings and recommendations.

proud to be named

Dock meeting proposed

Regional district board will consider meeting with Sunshine Coast directors regarding Saltery Bay harbour

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

qathet Regional District (qRD) board will consider meeting with Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) board to discuss options regarding the Saltery Bay dock facility.

At a committee of the whole meeting last month, qRD directors reviewed a recommendation from Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne to meet with SCRD to discuss options and opportunities related to

the proposed federal divestment of the dock transfer foreshore and dock lease as requested by the Saltery Bay Harbour Authority. At a meeting in January, directors received a request from the harbour authority to take over the foreshore and dock lease for Saltery Bay dock from Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Gisborne, at the February 25 meeting, said the dock optimally should remain with the federal government. He said if the federal government divests the dock, and if the regional district was to take on the dock, qRD could have a meeting with SCRD because the dock also services Nelson and Hardy islands, which are in the SCRD.

“That way, they could understand our concerns, and we can find out where they are coming from, and then we could direct staff to take

next steps,” said Gisborne. Electoral Area A director Jason Lennox said he was in support of the recommendation because there is a lot of inter-connectiveness. He said he believes a federal asset should remain a federal asset. He said, however, the regional board should also understand, if the Saltery Bay facility falls into the divestment list, that it has to be dealt with.

Electoral Area C director and board chair Clay Brander said a resolution would be brought up at the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC) convention in April that addresses this issue directly. He said a meeting with the SCRD is getting ahead of the matter, and that the regional board does not know anything more than what the harbour authority has told the board.

Brander suggested, suggesting to the harbour authority to have them present to the SCRD to create awareness regarding the situation.

“We’re jumping the gun here when we don’t have much information,” said Brander.

Electoral Area E director Andrew Fall said the regional district should proceed cautiously. He said the federal government wants to divest the facility, but they are not actively divesting it. He said docks can be removed, so there is a risk.

Fall said meeting with SCRD was not a bad idea, but there was other information that would be useful in the meantime. The AVICC resolution should proceed first before any meetings with the SCRD occur, according to Fall.

“The best approach is the federal government keeping it,” said Fall.

Gisborne said that stat-

ed in the correspondence from the harbour authority, Fisheries and Oceans plans to divest 49 of the 101 federal docks on the BC coast and Saltery Bay is one of them, as there are not enough commercial fishing vessels using the dock. He said the Fisheries and Oceans wants to transfer ownership to another organization.

Gisborne said he believes meeting with the SCRD is

important and agrees that it should be done after AVICC. The committee unanimously carried a recommendation that the committee recommends to the board that the board express its interest and intention to meet with the SCRD board to discuss options and opportunities related to the request from the Saltery Bay Harbour Authority regarding the dock facility.

Power outages planned for region

Region-wide 12-hour outages coming on

Sundays in May and June

BC Hydro is planning two more region-wide power outages in May and June. The outages are necessary to continue to advance the Jervis Inlet and Agamemnon Crossing power line replacement project, stated Mary Anne Coules, BC Hydro stakeholder engagement advisor, capital projects engagement, in an email to the Peak.

“Two transmission lines supply electricity to approximately 10,000 customers in Powell River and the surrounding communities: a 138-kilovolt (kV) line and a 230-kV line,” stated Coules. “The 138-kV line is

being removed and replaced due to age-related deterioration and corrosion from ocean spray exposure. The Jervis Inlet crossing was removed in October 2025 and will be restrung in spring 2027. The Agamemnon

Channel crossing is scheduled for removal in April and will be restrung this fall. When both crossings are reinstalled, they will be built to 230-kV standards to increase system capacity and support future growth in the region.”

Ahead of restringing, extensive system upgrades are required, including the construction of a permanent bypass line near Saltery Bay. These upgrades will improve overall reliability and operational flexibility.

“To complete this work safely, two 12-hour outages are needed as the 230-kV line will require de-energization,” stated Coules. “These

outages will affect customers in Powell River and the surrounding areas, including Lund, Cortes Island, Texada Island, and Saltery Bay.”

Outages will take place on Sundays, May 24 and June 7, from 8 am to 8 pm.

“While we know that any outage – planned or unplanned – can be disruptive, these dates were selected to minimize impacts on schools and businesses and avoid conflicts with community events and holidays,” stated Coules. “Work must occur during daylight hours to ensure crew and public safety. To help shorten and reduce outages, BC Hydro is bringing in additional crews from across the province, combining several tasks into each outage window, and organizing construction activities.

“Crews will also take advantage of these planned

BC Hydro has been replacing high-voltage power lines in the qathet region to increase system capacity and support future growth in the region. Two Sundays, May 24 and June 7, have been identified as days power will be shut down from 8 am to 8 pm. BC HYDRO PHOTO

outages to complete important maintenance that keeps the system safe and helps avoid unexpected outages later on.”

BC Hydro encourages customers to prepare for the planned power outages by building an emergency kit and creating an outage plan in advance. Information on how to prepare for power outages is available on the BC Hydro website at bchydro.com/outages.

Draft one of hospital budget approved

Motions carried pertaining to fiveyear financial plan

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

qathet Regional Hospital District board has passed draft one of its 2026 to 2030 financial plan.

At a board meeting in February, directors considered three recommendations pertaining to the budget. General manager of financial administration Linda Greenan said that a two per cent tax increase has been forecast for this budget over the 2025 requisition. She said this would result in a tax rate of about $34 per $100,000 of assessed property value in qathet Regional District and $25 per $100,000 for Tla’amin Nation.

Electoral Area A director Jason Lennox said one of the motions pertained to facilities at qathet General Hospital (qGH). He said in a presentation from Vancouver

Coastal Health (VCH), he believed the ask was for an x-ray unit, and the recommendation was contributing to an x-ray room. He said he believed the $800,000 requested by VCH was for a machine and associated hardware.

“Have we turned it into a room now?” asked Lennox.

Greenan said in the agenda package, there is the request from VCH, and it does say it is an x-ray room replacement at the hospital. She said the agenda commentary from VCH states the x-ray room at qGH is the only x-ray room in Powell River. She added that it states that the x-ray unit requires replacement due to the aging technology, which may require being rebooted during procedures.

“I took away that it was an x-ray machine and now it is a room,” said Lennox. “I’d like to know the details on that.”

The cost of replacing the x-ray machine is $2 million, of which the hospital district would pay 40 per cent.

Electoral Area E director Andrew Fall said he had a question about

surplus, which is earmarked to be added to a reserve fund. He asked how much the surplus was expected to be.

Greenan said the surplus is anticipated to be about $673,000.

The board carried a motion to accept the draft one budget as presented at the meeting.

The second recommendation was for the x-ray room. Area B director Mark Gisborne said he would like to amend the recommendation that the expenditure be for x-ray equipment.

City of Powell River director Cindy Elliott said if the wording is changed, it could hinder VCH in following its plan.

Area D director Sandy McCormick said she was not in favour of the amendment because there may be things that need to be done to enable the equipment.

“Sometimes you have to do alterations to the room to make the equipment work,” added McCormick.

Area E director Andrew Fall said the request was for x-ray room investment and he did not know

Regional Hospital District directors considered draft one of the 2025 to 2030 financial plan and carried a motion to accept it. The financial plan calls for a two per cent increase over the 2025 budget. PEAK

if changing the recommendation would impact VCH in a negative way.

“If we are in favour of supporting that project, that is the intent of this motion,” added Fall.

Gisborne said he would amend his amendment to be room instead of equipment. The motion to approve a 40 per cent contribution of $800,000 for a cost share toward replacement of the x-ray room was

carried unanimously.

The board then considered a recommendation to approve that the annual administration fee paid by the hospital district be increased to $137,000 per year, plus GST, effective January 1, 2026, with a fee increase by two per cent annually thereafter. The annual administrative fee paid in 2025 was $100,000. The recommendation carried unanimously.

Funding decision postponed

qRD discuss amount to contribute toward recreation complex

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

qathet Regional District directors have postponed a decision on what to contribute to subregional recreation, which provides funds from the regional district for operation of Powell River Recreation Complex.

Directors were recently presented with a recommendation to direct staff to include a requisition of $350,885 in draft three of the 2026 budget for the subregional recreation contribution service.

Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne said the proposal was for the maximum amount that is allowed under the service establishment bylaw. He said the question

he would have for other directors is, what is the amount that they would like to see if there was no requisition limit?

“I recall a couple of years ago that there was a request that the regional district increase to the maximum amount and ask for the minister to increase the requisition limit,” said Gisborne. “If there was no requisition limit, what would the number be?”

Gisborne said the number he would be comfortable with was a number that is based on the formula that was presented to the electorate when the service was created by referendum.

“That is not what is being respected around this table,” said Gisborne. “That’s why a service review was triggered. I have been clear on what number I think is appropriate. I keep hearing around this table, that is not high enough. How much do the other directors want?”

REGIONAL DISTRICT BRIEFS

Funds added

qathet Regional District (qRD) directors have directed staff to include several community works fund expenditures in the 2026 to 2030 financial plan.

At the February board meeting, staff members were directed to: include a $142,500 expenditure for a new well in the Myrtle Pond water system; $55,000 for the Texada Island community hall flooring replacement; $10,000 for farmers’ market booth electrical upgrades; $120,000 for Savary Island Wharf fire protection; $750,000 for Malaspina Volunteer Fire Department’s replacement of a 2005

Recycling funding

Staff members have been directed to include in draft three of the budget funding from the local government climate action grant program of $120,000 toward replacement of the Lund recycling depot.

Accessibility audit

The board has directed staff to include in draft three COVID-19 funding of $13,018 toward the cost of a third-party accessibility audit of qRD buildings. The funds will come from the general administration service budget.

City of Powell River director Rob Southcott said he regarded the motion for $350,885 as a good faith motion. City director Cindy Elliott said she wanted to see contributions based on actual costs. She said what is in the bylaw is not necessarily the best way to figure that out and that is not equitable.

Area A director Jason Lennox said he was hearing two things that are in opposition to the motion. He said a recreation service review has been established to determine what should be the formula. He said that electoral areas A, B and C decide on the amount.

“This is actually a preemptive strike,” said Lennox. “Whatever comes out of negotiations will be the agreement. This [recommendation] is basically saying we don’t care what the service committee wants and then we can work backward. We have a service review established. Let it do its work.”

Consultants needed

Two consultant hirings have been included in the financial plan to look into water rates at Myrtle Pond water system and sewer rates at Lund sewer system. The cost for the Myrtle Pond water system is $6,000 and the cost for the Lund sewer system is $4,500.

Library contribution

The board has directed staff to include a contri -

Area C director Clay Brander said the way he reads the recommendation, it gives the board the option to go with the maximum, and any money left over from the negotiations with the city could be transferred into the next year’s surplus.

“It keeps options open,” said Brander. “I understand fully the concept of putting the cart before the horse, but it’s not like we are settling on $350,885 before we have negotiations. It just gives us the option to go to that amount if we want.”

Gisborne said with the service review, the regional district requested that city council meet with regional directors in relation to the requests to increase the requisition to the maximum amount. He said the request was made in April 2025 and a meeting was held on December 11, 2025.

Gisborne said regarding the funding formula, if the regional

bution of $2,060 in the Powell River library service for the Texada library in 2026.

Museum money

A contribution of $275,845 from the heritage conservation service to qathet Museum and Archives for 2026 has been added to the budget. The board also approved that the museum use up to $5,000 in 2026 for capital expenditures.

We are honoured to be the Winner of Small Business of the Year by the Powell River Chamber of Commerce.

A heartfelt thank you to our community for your continued support.

district was just to use the formula that was agreed to during the referendum that established the service, it comes out to about $240,000.

“To put $350,000 before us to start negotiating, that is in bad faith,” said Gisborne. “If the negotiating and service review groups indicate they would like to stick to the formula for the next five years, adjusted for population and inflation changes, the city could say we passed a motion for $350,000, why is it now going down to $240,000? We should postpone this issue until our financial plan draft three.”

Gisborne made a motion to postpone until the March 18 regional board meeting. Brander asked if that would create any operational problems with the budgetary process. Corporate officer Michelle Jones indicated that the postponement could be accommodated. The motion to postpone carried.

Officers identified

At the February committee of the whole meeting, the committee recommended appointing Michelle Jones as chief election officer, and Rebecca Coleman as deputy chief election officer, for the 2026 regional district elections and other questions as

may be put to the electorate at that time. The committee also recommended that the board authorize regional district administration of the 2026 elections for Lasqueti Island Local Trust, School District 69, School District 47 and the shíshálh Nation Government District as requested, and on a cost-recovery basis.

VIEWPOINT

Harnessing our superpower

The latest news of soaring local taxes reminds us that Powell River has a huge structural problem at the core of municipal finances. And that problem is the loss of revenue from the mill, having been stripmined by its final owner, the billionaire Jackson Widjaja.

City of Powell River has one and only one near-term solution to the hole in its annual budgets (apart from soaring local taxes) and that is revenue from the Powell River Community Forest (PRCF) fund. But deploying PRCF revenue to fill the hole left by lost mill revenue has been controver-

sial and council has been unwilling to endure the remarkably vitriolic abuse associated with potentially “re-profiling” the necessary revenue in navigating a fiscal path forward.

Discussion of the region’s economic future has been far ranging and includes public musings about data centres as a driver of economic growth and revenue. But that is a truly terrible idea.

We are fortunate in many ways, even as we face many challenges. On the fortunate side, we have a stunning superpower. Abundant fresh water.

In a time of quickening climate

By John Young

crisis, fresh water takes on ever greater importance. How we use our local water resources maps directly onto how healthy we will be as a community and touches everything from food security to fire suppression in a time of intensifying 21st century wildfire.

Data centres use almost unimaginably vast quantities of fresh water and we would squander our superpower if we ever went down this road. The other thing data centres use vast quantities of is electricity.

Thanks to the united leadership of Tla’amin Nation, Energy Democracy for BC and local poli-

ticians, we may successfully defeat Brookfield Renewable’s plan to export 100 per cent of the power generated by Powell River Energy Inc. In the event this vital effort at safeguarding industrial scale electricity for regional use is victorious, we will then – as a community – need to determine its smartest, most sustainable utilization.

Data centres peddled by AIloving tech bro’ billionaires are popping up everywhere as AI rapidly reshapes our economy and society. The surveillance state that the Trump administration is driving toward, along with au-

When is it time to maintain a bike?

You may ride your bike every day, maybe you’re a weekend warrior, or possibly it’s been under that blackberry bush in the backyard since last summer.

Well-built bikes are quite durable, but all bikes have some basic maintenance needs to keep them running happily. Here are some guidelines for when you should be taking care of your bike.

Keeping your bike clean and lubricated is a great start. A clean, well-stored bike is a happy bike. With washing also comes lubrication, as proper washing will strip the drivetrain of its protective coating of oil/ wax/et cetera.

QATHET WALK N’ ROLL

By Josh Andrykew

The question most often asked is “how often should I oil my chain?” The best answer is, your bike will tell you.

A dry chain is often noisy, and in later stages, it will look rusty. Following this guideline will ensure you aren’t over lubricating, which causes premature wear from dirt and grime build-up. Clean, dry, lubricate and store it until your next ride.

Regularly inspecting your bike is key for identifying issues, as well as for safety.

We respectfully acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional and treaty lands of the Tla’amin people.

Published every Thursday by 1553164 BC LTD dba The Peak.

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A good habit is to check your bike before every ride. Follow the ABCs for your daily check over: air, brakes and chain. By making sure you have

commuters should check tire condition, shifting performance and axles weekly. More casual riders can get by making these checks monthly.

Catching and repairing a small flaw early is almost always simpler and more cost-effective than leaving it to cause further damage.

proper tire pressure, your brakes are adjusted and your chain is clean and lubricated, it will ensure you’ll be as safe and trouble-free as possible. Daily

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Paying attention to how your bike operates is also an important way to keep problems in check. Not shifting well? Are your brakes noisy or the lever

tonomous weapons systems that Trump and his minions are excited about, provide an excellent opportunity for us all to reflect on what kind of world we want to live in and how best to use our superpower here in qathet.

Let’s be sure to remember our last experience with a billionaire who didn’t care one bit about our community. And let’s be sure we keep our superpower to ourselves, for the benefit of all who live here and for the benefit of our beleaguered planet.

John Young is a resident of Wildwood.

goes all the way to the bar? Suspension isn’t operating smoothly?

These are all indicators that your bike needs some attention, and leaving what might seem to be a small issue can become more costly in the long run. Stretched out chains can wear out an entire drivetrain and worn brake pads can eat through a rotor or rim if left too long.

Catching and repairing a small flaw early is almost always simpler and more costeffective than leaving it to cause further damage.

Local bike shops can help you with parts and/or repair services to get your bike functioning properly again.

If you are still wondering when you should maintain your bicycle, the answer is now. Ongoing maintenance, regular inspections and paying attention to how your bike operates will keep your bike in great shape. The last step to bike maintenance is having your local shop go over your bicycle at least once a year. This can be done at any time of year, spring being the most popular, but expect longer lead times if you wait for the first warm sunny day to bring your bike in for some upkeep.

Josh Andrykew is a member of qathet Regional Cycling Association.

Name change report vote fails

City staff will not proceed with documentation for the next council regarding a potential renaming of Powell River

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

City of Powell River Council has voted not to proceed with a staff report regarding a potential city name change engagement process.

At the March 5 council meeting, councillor Cindy Elliott brought forward a motion that: council direct staff to prepare a report intended to inform the next council about background information regarding the potential name change to the city, with a community engagement framework that includes resources required to implement, with the objective of identifying a potential new name for the community to consider.

At the beginning of the meeting, during the public input period, Diane Sparks suggested that Elliott was in conflict of interest on matters related to a potential renaming.

“In my opinion, in light of the legal standards governing nonpecuniary conflicts of interest, and the evidence that has been publicly raised, councillor Elliott should recuse herself from this matter to preserve the integrity of the decision-making process,” said Sparks. “Or will taxpayers be forced to seek a determination from the BC supreme court, a step many residents have already indicated they are prepared to support through a public fundraiser to finance the legal action?”

During discussion on the motion, Elliott said for the purposes of transparency, she wished to make a voluntary disclosure regarding the potential name change matter. She outlined how family members are employed by Tla’amin Nation.

“I have carefully reviewed this relationship in the context of the proposed name change, and I have determined I do not have a conflict of interest,” said Elliott, adding that these matters had

nothing to do with the name change, and as such, she would participate in the discussion and vote in the interests of the entire community.

Also before discussion on the motion, councillor Rob Southcott ruled himself ineligible to discuss matters pertaining to the potential renaming, having recused himself previously on a name change discussion.

Elliott said council had discussed that it did not have time for community engagement that would result in the information needed from the community to hold the public opinion vote during the election period.

council until after the October municipal election, in conjunction with staff, was based on the realistic nature of what is possible between now and the election.

“Putting together the engagement and the work that was part of the original council strategic priority related to the name change is not feasible before the next election,” said Isakson. “Exploring this, even if we are not the recipients of that work, is important to do. This will help the next council get a baseline of understanding to make an informed decision.”

Putting together the engagement and the work that was part of the original council strategic priority related to the name change is not feasible before the next election.

Councillor George Doubt said he was going to vote against the motion. He said council has heard numerous times from chief administrative officer Sundance Topham that staff has limited ability to write reports for council.

“We made a motion to defer actions to next term, with the exception being asking staff for a framework for that community engagement,” said Elliott.

“The intention is to have all the background information that has come to the city to date, to be summarized in a report, along with the steps for moving forward, which is to engage the community in a conversation to try identify what name might go on a ballot for a vote.”

Councillor Trina Isakson said the original vote put forward by mayor Ron Woznow to postpone action by

“Reports are a good idea, generally, but we have literally hundreds of pages on our website about work that has been done that anyone can read,” said Doubt. “It would be taking up staff time that is precious and we’ve heard is not available.”

He added that the current council does not know the composition of the next city council and what its priorities will be.

“It may or may not be the name change,” said Doubt.

When it came to the vote, councillors Elliott, Isakson and Earl Almeida voted in favour. Councillors Doubt, Jim Palm and the mayor were opposed. Because the vote was tied, it failed.

2026 POWELL RIVER MINOR BASEBALL REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

SPORTS »

Regals oust top team

Season starts in April

SUDOKU

Hockey club sweeps Hope in semi-final series

SHANE CARLSON editor@prpeak.com

Powell River Regals will play for a second consecutive West Coast Senior Hockey League (WCSHL) title after sweeping Hope Icebreakers in a bestof-three semi-final series.

Following a decisive 9-5 win in game one at home on February 21, Powell River edged Hope, the top team during the regular season, by a score of 5-4 in front of more than 1,000 fans of the Icebreakers on February 28.

“We had a strong first period with a sustained forecheck,” said Regals’ coach Tod English. “Garrett Brandsma opened the scoring with assists going to Mike Behan and Cohen Mastrodonato, then Tyler Durant and Kyle English set up veteran Travis Granbois to make it 2-0.”

Hope bounced back with a power play goal, another at even strength and then a shorthanded goal to lead 3-2 by the midway point of the second period. Bryson Cecconi tied the game with a goal just prior to intermission, assisted by Granbois.

Chad Niddery (from English and

Powell River Regals’ players celebrate a 5-4 win over Hope Icebreakers in game two of a West Coast Senior Hockey League series on February 27, which clinched a two-game sweep and a spot in the championship final. ELISE ENGLISH PHOTO

Cecconi) gave Powell River a 4-3 lead six minutes into the final frame, but Hope tied the score for the third time seven minutes later, setting the stage for a dramatic final five minutes of play.

“Our forwards were relentless around the net, and with 4:44 left, Cecconi buried the game and series winner,” said English.

Minor hockey teams head to provincials

Three Vancouver Island championships earned

JOYCE CARLSON Peak contributor

Powell River Minor Hockey Association will see three teams compete for BC provincial championships during spring break. Powell River U18 and U15 Kings started with an away win and took best-of-three series on home ice February 28, while the U13s won at

home and then on the road. They will host the provincials from March 15 to 19.

In the 1 pm game on Saturday, the U15 squad beat Sooke Thunderbirds 9-5. After falling behind 1-0, the U15s rallied for three unanswered goals in the first period and added another early in period two. The visitors made it close at 4-3 before Kings responded with a trio of markers to end the second period ahead 7-3. The two teams traded a pair of goals each in the third.

Captain Blake Peters led the scoring with a hat-trick and a pair of assists. Others

Shots were 46-40 in favour of the Regals, who will face Nanaimo Steelmen in the McCallum Cup final to determine the WCSHL champion, which starts at Hap Parker Arena on Saturday, March 14 (7 pm). As the higher seed, the Steelmen, who swept Lake Cowichan in their semi-final, will host games two and three (if necessary) the following weekend.

on the scoresheet were Reid Stekman with two goals and a pair of assists, Griffin Fraser with a goal and three assists, Milo DeWolfe with a goal and two assists, Trey Lingard with three assists, Cameron Milne with one of each, Sophie Green with two assists, Pearson Coburn with a goal and Jasper Street with an assist.

Later in the afternoon, Kesler Brown shocked the visitors when he scored five seconds into the U18 contest against Peninsula Eagles.

Luke Dennis stopped 29 shots in the 6-0 game to record the shutout while

his teammates peppered a pair of netminders with 50 shots. The line of Beau Jameson Gagne, Carter Stekman and Brown combined for a total of 11 points; each tallied once with Brown and Jameson Gagne collecting three assists and Stekman a pair. Lucas Gruntman converted a pass from Chase Fontaine before Hendrik Adam found the mark to make it 5-0 after 20 minutes.

Cooper Lawry added the sixth from Lucas Gruntman and Fontaine early in the second. Neither team scored in the third.

2026 BC HOCKEY U13 TIER 3 CHAMPIONSHIP POWELL RIVER U13A

Island champs seek BC title

Young players

look forward to hosting tournament

PAUL GALINSKI reportervsprpeak.com

Nine teams from around BC will descend upon Hap Parker Arena starting on March 15 for the minor hockey U13 provincials hosted by Powell River U13 Kings.

Head coach Alan Fougere said there are nine zones in BC. Two teams from the Vancouver Island zone, the Kings, and Kerry Park from Cobble Hill, both made the provincials. The Kings received a bye into the tournament as hosts, although they also qualified for the tournament by virtue of beating Kerry Park in a bestof-three playoff series.

spot.

“It’s a prestigious thing to go to provincials and hopefully win it. Our U15s won provincials last year and we are hoping to build upon it.”

Fougere said the organizing committee for the provincials deserves a big thanks, with parents, and team manager Alena Devlin, putting in many hours of work. He added that Powell River Minor Hockey has retained the services of Brooke Hanson, a tournament coordinator, who has done an amazing job of putting all the pieces together.

Fougere said the Powell River provincials will be a tier three tournament. There are four tiers in the province, based on the size of the minor hockey associations.

Kerry Park also qualified for the provincials, being the second team in the island zone. The host zone qualifies two teams because of the bye.

Fougere said the Kings have come a long way from the beginning of the year.

“It’s amazing how this group has developed and really come together down the stretch,” said Fougere. “In the playoff run, we were playing our best hockey at the right time. We were heading into the provincials and were getting our stride in the right place.”

“Powell River is a smaller association, and the tiers are designed so you are playing other associations of similar size,” said Fougere. “Something that is really cool is Powell River hosted these provincials about seven years ago and Gavin McKenna, from Whitehorse, was here. Gavin is projected to be the number one NHL draft pick this year and he was here representing Whitehorse. So, who knows, the next Gavin McKenna might be here for the tournament.”

“Our team has a lot of hard workers and we don’t have high-end scoring on our team,” said Fougere. “It's a contribution by committee, so everyone steps up for us. Our team is starting to have structure and systems in place that are starting to show on the ice.

“These kids are 11, 12, and some of them have just turned 13 years old, and they are starting to learn and think the game. It’s not like tyke hockey where the strongest, best player just grabs the puck and skates through everybody. They have started playing as a team and our team has really come together.”

Fougere said the Kings anticipate playing against top talent, but his team is a top talent, too.

“We’ve earned our spot,” said Fougere. “We are the best team on the island and we’re eager to play the best teams from all over BC.

Fougere said this will be the first time for his players to make it to a provincial championship.

“I have been to three provincials, starting when I was their age and a little bit older,” said Fougere. “It is really special to say you went and that you are the best from your zone. We earned our

Fougere said the U13 Kings have received great fan support during the playoff run and he’s hoping that continues during the tournament.

“It’s really good for the kids to have those big crowds out,” said Fougere. “We play evening games during the tournament. As the host, we get the prime-time slots.”

volunteers and others who really get these kids going at a young age.”

Fougere said there will be tournament action at Hap Parker Arena from morning

“Our players are excited. You could see the joy on their faces when we won the island championship. It was not just the players but our parents, siblings, grandparents – everybody. It was a magical time with the players throwing off their gloves and jumping on the ice, celebrating together and getting the team banner with the number one. It’s really special.”

Fougere said minor hockey in Powell River is strong, with all three rep teams going to the provincial championships.

to night, all day long.

“It’s going to be great hockey to watch,” said Fougere.

“It’s fun for the players but it’s a lot of fun for me, coaching these kids, seeing the joy and watching them develop. Seeing the kids flourish like this makes it all worthwhile, even with the early mornings, the travel, the ferries, and all that stuff.”

POWELL RIVER U13 TIER 3 CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

Sunday, March 15

7 to 9:15 am Quesnel vs Winfield

9:15 to 11:30 am Powell River Kings vs Greater Trail Arena

11:30 am to 1:45 pm Kerry Park vs Arbutus Club Arena

1:45 to 4 pm Squamish vs Terrace Arena

4 to 6:15 pm Whitehorse vs Quesnel Arena

7:30 to 9:45 pm Powell River Kings vs Dawson Creek Arena

Monday, March 16

8 to 10:15 am Greater Trail vs Squamish Arena

10:15 am to 12:30 pm Winfield vs Arbutus Club Arena

12:30 to 2:45 pm Whitehorse vs Kerry Park

2:45 to 5 pm Dawson Creek vs Terrace Arena

4:30 to 6:45 pm Arbutus Club vs Quesnel Rink 5 to 7:15 pm Squamish vs Powell River Kings Arena

Tuesday, March 17

8 to 10:15 am Kerry Park vs Winfield Arena 10:15 am -to 12:30 pm Terrace vs Greater Trail Arena

In terms of preparing for the tournament, Fougere said the team has been working in practice on defensive play.

“It’s testament to the grassroots development that minor hockey has established here over the years,” said Fougere. “It’s been a long time since all three teams have gone to the provincial championships. It’s amazing. We’re a small town and we love our hockey. Credit goes to the

12:30 to 2:45 pm Arbutus Club vs Whitehorse Arena

2:45 to 5 pm Dawson Creek vs Squamish Arena

5 to 7:15 pm Quesnel vs Kerry Park Arena 7:15 to 9:30 pm Terrace vs Powell River Kings Arena

Wednesday, March 18

8 to 10:15 am Greater Trail vs Dawson Creek Arena

10:15 am to 12:30 pm Winfield vs Whitehorse Arena

5 to 7:30 pm Game #21 – 2nd Div. B vs 1st Div. A Rink

5:30 to 8 pm Game #22 – 2nd Div. A vs 1st Div. B Arena

Thursday, March 19

8 to 10:30 am Game #23 – Bronze Medal: L22 vs L21 Arena 11 am to 1:30 pm Game #24 – Gold Medal: W22 vs W21 Arena

Position: Defence

When not playing hockey, I like to: Do school work, hang out with friends

Favourite NHL or PWHL player/team:

Cale Makar/Colorado Avalanche

I look

Position: Centre

Favourite NHL or PWHL player/team:

Position:

Position: Centre

When not playing hockey, I like to: Play baseball

Favourite NHL or PWHL player/team:

Player: Crosby Team: Edmonton Oilers

I look up to: Isaac Newton

My goal for provincials is: To

Favourite NHL or PWHL player/team:

Position: Defence

Position: Defence

When not playing hockey, I like to: Play volleyball and basketball

Favourite NHL or PWHL player/team: Marie-Phiilipe Poulin-Montreal

I look up to: My Dad

My goal for provincials is: To compete and have fun GRACE CALDARONE #4

Position: Left wing

When not playing hockey, I like to: Golf

Favourite NHL or PWHL player/team:

Mitch Marner

I look up to: Nathan Mackinnon

My goal for provincials is: To play well, to score and to win!

Position: Right defense

When not playing hockey, I like to:

Play other sports

Favourite NHL or PWHL player/team: Vancouver Canucks

I look up to: Brad Bombardir

My goal for provincials is: Get at least one goal

Position: Right wing

When not playing hockey, I like to:

Hang out with friends and go up the lake!

Favourite NHL or PWHL player/team:

Vancouver Goldeneyes (Sarah Nurse) and Canucks

I look up to: Female hockey players and my parents

My goal for provincials is: To win with my team and get better!

When not playing hockey, I like to: Ref hockey and quad

Favourite NHL or PWHL player/team: Montreal - Lane Hutson

I look up to: Sidney Crosby

My goal for provincials is: To score a goal

Position: Wing

When not playing hockey, I like to:

Play baseball, basketball and shred the piano

Favourite NHL or PWHL player/team:

David “Pasta” Pastrnak / Boston Bruins

I look up to: Brad Marchand

My goal for provincials is: To play hard every shift and snipe bar down! CARTER RICKETSON

Position: Goalie

When not playing hockey, I like to: Fish, Golf and play Baseball

Favourite NHL or PWHL player/team: Jesper Wallstedt

I look up to: My dad

My goal for provincials is: Win!

Queens’ continuesreign

Hockey team completes undefeated season

JOSH STATHAM Peak contributor

It was smooth sailing on the ice for Powell River U11F Queens on Saturday, February 21, unlike the return trip on the Salish Orca after a shutout double-header sweep over Oceanside.

The six-team North Island U11F league plays a 10-game regular season. Queens faced each team twice this season, home and away. Parksville cancelled its trip to the Sunshine Coast earlier this season, so the final weekend of the regular season became a double-header to facilitate the make-up game.

Last month, the regular season championship banner was on the line on the road against an unfamiliar opponent. Due to the previously cancelled game, the Queens hadn’t played the Ice Breakers yet this season.

The Queens had won the two previous U11F North Island banners and were gunning for a three-peat. They headed into the final weekend of the regular season one point behind Lake Cowichan, but with the make-up game in hand. A single win would secure the banner even if Lake Cowichan won its final game of the season as the Queens held the tie-break in both goal-differential and headto-head record.

Queens came out of the gates swinging as forward Brylee Hobbs bulged the twine just 38 seconds in. The two teams played the majority of the first period scoreless before Hobbs’ bookended the period with her

second of the game with just 47 seconds left in the opening frame.

Consecutive penalties to open the second period led to a lengthy two-player disadvantage. Queens built momentum off the penalty kill and Hobbs – number three – scored goal number three of the game for a natural hat-trick, extending the lead to 3-0 heading into period three.

Defender Maisley Kendrick added her own natural hat-trick in the third to secure the banner for the Queens by a score of 6-0.

Goalie Reese Denniston preserved the shutout. A relentless forecheck, tireless back check and involved defense – all hallmarks of the Queens’ game – were on full display in the banner-winning first game.

Queens showed no signs of exhaustion locking down a third consecutive undefeated VIAHA U11F regular season record with a 3-0 win in the back-half of the road double-header. Kendrick opened the scoring in a thrilling first period, and

defender Jordyn Warman roofed one over the stingy Ice Breaker netminder to extend the lead to 2-0 before Kendrick added the insurance marker late in the third.

Avery “Big Saves Aves” Sigurdson was solid when tested to earn a shutout of her own, and towering centre Talia Dow played a complete 200-foot game.

The pair of wins secured a bye before Queens hosted the VIAHA North Island U11F playoffs, in an attempt to win their third straight league championship on home ice.

“The best part has been watching the girls become a team,” said head coach Matt Denniston, to sum up the regular season. “All of this time travelling together, other teams don’t get that.” Queens finished the season with a 9-0-1 record and plus-88 goal differential. As successful as the season was on the ice, Denniston is preoccupied with the growth of the team.

“They’re building lifelong friendships,” he said.

COMMUNITY »

Salmon society expands Fry Day

Two days set aside for children to release small salmon back into

Lang Creek

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

Powell River Salmon Society’s Fry Day, which allows school-aged children to release salmon fry into Lang Creek, is expanding to two days this year.

This year’s event will take place on April 1 and 2 and the hope is that several hundred children can attend to release chum salmon on their way to the ocean and to learn more about the salmonid life cycle.

Misty Oakes, the salmon society’s education and development coordinator, said more than 800 students attended the salmon expo at the Lang Creek Alex Dobler Salmon Centre last fall.

“They got to witness the egg take and learn about the salmon life cycle,” said Oakes. “Now, this is their chance to come back to the centre and see that the fish have developed and they are

ready to start the journey. The kids get to have firsthand experience in releasing those fish.”

Oakes said at this year’s Fry Day there will be a prize for the children. She said the society is going to set up a treat station in the gazebo by the creek so students don’t just show up, dump the fish and head off.

“They are going to have a hot chocolate station and they can do some colouring,” said Oakes. “They can write on their sheets of paper what the wish was for the fish. If they want, they can draw a little picture and we’ll post some of those entries on social media.”

Oakes said the salmon society is trying to create a cyclical learning experience for the children that attend the salmon expo and Fry Day. She added that the society is able to offer the expo and Fry Day for free, but community builders are needed to help with basic event support. She said the society receives cash donations, in-kind donations, and has people from the community coming to the events to help and show support. The society has annual fundraising initiatives such as the annu-

al tide guide, but the society is always looking for more support.

Salmon society manager Shane Dobler said last year’s Fry Day was successful, so to build on that, it has been expanded to two days.

“We want to create more opportunities for community participants, not just for the event, but to learn more about the organization,” said Dobler. “Currently, at Duck Lake, the fish we are rearing have more than doubled in size since we started feeding them. We also have our hatchery at the mill with coho, and we’ll soon have those fish coming out of incubation.

“A lot of people don’t know about us. Educating the community is something our organization is focused on, and we are looking for Misty’s help to expand more knowledge through the community.”

At the salmon expo and Fry Day, all schools are invited to participate, but it is usually kindergarten through grade seven students who go to the salmon centre.

“We love having the kindergarten and grade ones come in every year because

they have such energy,” said Oakes. “They are very impressionable and very much into the environment. It’s nice to see kids being raised in Powell River having a really strong connection with nature.”

Dobler said he is already lining up volunteers and has received commitments for assistance. The cadre of volunteers is what makes the salmon society so suc-

cessful. Assistant manager Phil Nakatsu said organizationally, there are more than 200 active volunteers who donate more than 13,000 hours per year.

Oakes said the salmon society is working hard to grow even larger.

“Each year, we’re sitting at the table thinking how we can make our events bigger and how we can make them better,” added Oakes. “Who

else can we get in the door? So really, we need those community builders to come out and help us build this legacy. The more the community is involved and engaged, the better our prospects for raising salmon.”

Anyone interested in becoming involved in the salmon society as a contributor or volunteer can email misty@salmonpreservation. org.

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School board chair provides update

Construction continues at Edgehill Elementary School

TANYA HILL community@prpeak.com

qathet School District (qSD) trustees recently toured the Edgehill Elementary School to view progress being made on its expansion. According to board chair Jaclyn Miller, the project is on track and taking shape.

"Importantly, this construction is happening while staff continue teaching and students continue learning every day,” explained Miller. “That balance requires flexibility and professionalism, and we are grateful to our school communities for navigating growth so thoughtfully.”

The last update on the expansion project, by qathet School District (qSD) director of maintenance Jared Formosa, was given last September. According to Formosa, there was significant progress last summer, including HVAC upgrades with new electric heating/ cooling units, with natural gas retained only as backup.

"I would like to acknowledge the devastating news out of Tumbler Ridge," said Miller. "Because while headlines move on, the impact on students, families and staff in that community, and across our sector, does not. Our thoughts continue to be with the families impacted."

She said moments like those in Tumbler Ridge reinforce the district's responsibility to ensure schools are places of safety, care and connection, not only physically, through strong protocols and planning, but emotionally and socially as well, where students feel a sense of belonging, respect and trusted relationships with the adults around them.

a public education system."

Miller said as trustees, their work is to monitor how policies, reporting processes and school cultures are working in practice to ensure students feel safe speaking up and confident that concerns will be addressed.

Showing skills

Several qSD students participated in the recent North Island Skills Canada Regional competition.

“The event highlighted the incredible talent, creativity and practical skills of our learners and the importance of hands-on, career-connected learning opportunities,” said Miller.

Pink Shirt Day is more than a campaign or a symbol; it is a reminder that preventing harm, addressing bullying and fostering belonging are daily commitments.

JACLYN MILLER

Miller said with the board meeting taking place on Pink Shirt Day, “that responsibility feels especially present.”

Lead remediation through a new domestic water system, along with upgraded electrical and sprinkler systems and new LED lighting, was also noted by Formosa in the Edgehill expansion update last September.

Preceding the qSD regular board meeting on February 25, Miller spoke about the tragedy that took place in Tumbler Ridge earlier this month.

“Pink Shirt Day is more than a campaign or a symbol; it is a reminder that preventing harm, addressing bullying and fostering belonging are daily commitments,” she added. “It asks us to pay attention to how students experience our schools and whether they feel seen, respected and supported. In light of recent events, it underscores that creating cultures of kindness and vigilance is not optional work; it is core to our role as

Brooks Secondary School/ Vancouver Island University dual-credit student Finn Gow-Hignall placed first in the culinary arts competition; Dustin Wesley and Aidan Crawford placed first and second in carpentry; Ross Infanti placed second and Marshall Jepson placed fourth in automotive; AJ Cassar placed fourth for cabinetry; and grade seven student Hallie Thom placed fifth in the gravity car competition. Wesley and Gow-Hignall advance to the Skills Canada 2026 provincials, taking place in Abbotsford on April 15.

Trisomy awareness highlighted

Resident living with complex chromosome condition has thrived with community support

TANYA HILL community@prpeak.com

Betty Rae gave birth to Powell River's New Year's baby, named Pamela, on January 4, 1995. Pamela was born with Edwards syndrome due to trisomy 18, a medically complex condition of human chromosomes. March is Trisomy Awareness Month. Edwards syndrome occurs in approximately one in 6,000 live-born infants, and is the second most common trisomy syndrome after Down syndrome/trisomy 21.

Pamela is now 31 years old. Betty said with help and support, she has thrived and participated in the community throughout her life.

"Instead of having two pairs of chromosomes, she has three," explained Betty. "When she was born, she was my fifth child born in Powell River, and [medical staff] knew right away there was something

wrong."

Pamela was flown to BC Children's Hospital, where she was diagnosed with trisomy 18, and was not expected to live longer than a couple of days.

Children affected by trisomy usually have a range of birth defects, including delayed development and intellectual disabilities. After going back and forth from the hospital, eventually Betty started to take Pamela home in the evenings, and back to the hospital during the daytime.

"Eventually that was just too much work, and then we just kept her at home," said Betty. “They provided a nurse to stay with her during the day.”

At that time, Betty said her family had a lot of support provided by the provincial ministry of children and family development. Pamela was put into programming right away.

"I also became involved then, in the disability community," said Betty. "She had speech therapy early in her life, and that was good."

Pamela did hit some developmental milestones, but still does not speak.

"But she's very charismatic," said Betty. "If you spend enough time with her, her body language will tell you she's always a happy

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go-lucky-girl, and she uses an augmented communication device."

As a young person, Pamela attended Assumption School and benefitted from services provided by Inclusion Powell River when she was school age as well as an adult.

"Pamela helps to bake, she swims and [participates in] Special Olympics bowling and bocce," said Betty. "She has also fundraised for the Variety Club bowl-a-thon for years, and for Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association [PRTRA]."

Until recently, Pamela took part in PRTRA programming, said Betty. Unfortunately, this year, the association has not been able to accommodate Pamela to ride, which she has been doing since before she was six years old and truly benefits her physically, as she is not self-ambulatory.

"So the community support makes a huge difference," said Betty. "There are many survivors, but [people with trisomy] definitely have health issues."

Betty said she hopes the awareness month for people with trisomy and other disabilities will raise the awareness that people with disabilities still have a function in society.

"Powell River is a very welcoming community for that," said Betty. "We have lots

of great services, which are always under stress, too, because they're underfunded."

She said online support groups such as Support Organization for Trisomy 18, 13, and related disorders (SOFT community), have been a big help for her as well. To find out more about SOFT, go to trisomy.org.

BUSINESS »

Farmers launch collaboration pilot

Food box program includes four local farms

TANYA HILL community@prpeak.com

A charity called One Straw Society, located on the lower Sunshine Coast, recently launched a collaborative, community supported agriculture (CSA) pilot project called the Powell River Foodbox Program.

The four local farms participating include: Terra Nostra Farm, Paradise Valley Produce, Blueberry Commons and Coming Home Farm.

"If you're familiar with CSAs, this is like a super CSA, with farms working together to make it happen,"

stated society members in a social media post. "Our goal is to get you a balanced box of produce every week during harvest season, help farms to grow more over time and subsidize some boxes in a dignified, inclusive way."

The group says the CSA program on the lower coast has been led by local farms over the past seven years.

"The Powell River Foodbox Program launched [March 3], with Blueberry Commons, Paradise Valley Produce, Terra Nostra Farm and Coming Home Farm growing for you all season, collectively," society members stated. "This is a pilot project, this first year, to explore what farms need, what people in the community want, and how to best juggle it all."

Blueberry Commons farm

Powell River Regional Transit Service Change and OnDemand

Effective March 22, 2026

New Powell River Transit Network

cooperative manager and permaculture expert Ron Berezan said he and other cooperative members love the collaborative nature of the project.

"Most of the farms in this region already collaborate and this is an opportunity to take that a step further," Berezan told the Peak. "Customers will also be able to sample produce from four different organic farms in the region, which will add tremendous value to the box."

One Straw Society executive director Casandra Fletcher said farms from the northern Sunshine Coast reached out to her and the society, to possibly participate in lower coast’s CSA programs.

"We entertained those conversations last year and decided that it just didn't make sense to be bringing food from up there to down here," said Fletcher. "Part of the story of a local food system is to not have to haul it on a ferry to somewhere else."

The big goal of food box programs like the one on the lower coast, and now in Powell River, emphasized Fletcher, is for farmers to see other farms not as competition but as potential collaborators.

eat down here; so, no matter how much farms grew, they would never be in competition with one another."

Fletcher emphasized that farmers are in a tough and incredibly challenging economic situation to make growing food viable.

She said local farmers are always looking for more ways to distribute their products, and the collaborative CSA is one more channel.

Routes 1, 2 and 3 are being entirely redesigned. The new routes offer:

 More direct service for more people to the most common destinations – so trips are faster and routes easier to understand

 Improved access to the hospital area

 Matches transit service better with transit demand

Rural Transit

 13 Texada Island: Now operating on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting March 24

NEW! OnDemand Service in Powell River Transit

OnDemand is BC Transit’s modern on-request transit option that offers transit riders the convenience of booking trips using a smartphone app, or by phone. OnDemand service offers more direct trips, quicker commutes, and shorter wait times.

OnDemand transit is available Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Download the OnDemand App from the Apple Store or Google Play Store OR

Call the OnDemand call centre at 1∙855∙995∙5872

Regular transit fares and payment options apply to OnDemand trips.

For more information about OnDemand, please visit bctransit.com/ondemand or call our transit info line at 604∙485∙4287

"Farms can easily see each other as a competition, rather than as collaborative partners growing food for a community," said Fletcher.

"We had done a research project that showed that, on the southern Sunshine Coast, we grow less than one per cent of the food people

"If we [One Straw Society] can take any semblance of the administrative, marketing, sales, customer management, logistics, deliveries and packing off of their plates, so they can just grow, we want to do that," said Fletcher. "Farm direct to consumer is pretty limited.

The community loves the farmers market, but, logistically for farms, it's costly, and they're going home with produce afterwards."

Berezan said he would love to see this initiative grow the consumption of local food in the qathet region.

"This provides another option for the community to access the best healthy, delicious fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs that our region has to offer," added Berezan. "We hope it will continue to grow the local food system, and we expect there will be high demand for this offering."

To learn more about how to sign up, go to onestraw. ca/foodbox.

SCENE

AROUNDTOWN Science

showcase

Assumption School students displayed projects for teachers, families and classmates at an annual science fair that took place on February 25. Students, who ranged from grades three to seven, presented experiments that followed the scientific method. TANYA HILL PHOTOS

January 17, 1934February 27, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Liliana Del Giudice (née Zorzi).

Liliana was predeceased by her husband of 67 years Valter and is survived by her children Ernesto (Elaine), Antonella (Lloyd), Rolando (Linda), Sylvia and Sandra (Hans). She is also survived by her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Liliana leaves behind a sister in Variano, Italy, and many relatives and friends in Canada, Italy and the USA.

A private family mass of Christian burial was held on March 9 at Church of the Assumption.

The family would like to thank the staff at Willingdon Creek Village, Kiwanis Garden Manor and Dr. Schweitzer for their compassionate care of Liliana.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the BC and Yukon Heart and Stroke Foundation.

NOTICE OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE DEADLINE, March 31, 2026

Applications for financial assistance will be accepted until midnight on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Application forms, eligibility and submission requirements can be found at qathet.ca. Submissions must be from applicants that meet the eligibility requirements and must include all documentation requested in the application form in order to be considered. For more information, please contact Celinde Lillies, Manager of Financial Services at finance@qathet.ca or call (604) 485-2260.

Western Forest Products Inc. Stillwater Forest Operation Forest Operations Map (FOM)

Western Forest Products Inc., Stillwater Forest Operation, gives notice and invites comment on the Forest Operations Map (FOM) FOM# 929-007 within the Sunshine Coast Natural Resource District.

FOMs show the approximate location of proposed cutblock(s) and/or road(s) and may be relied upon for the purposes of cutting permit and/or road permit application until March 12, 2029. The FOM can be viewed and commented on from March 12, 2026 to April 12, 2026. Comments can be accepted through our online form, email (FOM-STW@westernforest.com), in person at the address above, or by mail at 201-7373 Duncan St, Powell River, BC, V8A 1W6.

Please visit www.westernforest.com/fom-stillwater/ to view the FOM online and provide comments digitally. After making an appointment, the FOM can be viewed at our place of business between the hours of 8 am to 4 pm, excluding weekends and holidays. Please book the appointment through email (FOM-STW@westernforest.com).

By providing comments on the FOM through any of the above forums, you acknowledge and consent to the use of any such information provided to Western to conduct, monitor and analyze our business operations. We may share such information with third parties, including government agencies, during the course of our business operations. Please refer to Western’s Privacy Policy at www.westernforest.com/privacy-policy/ for more information.

FOREST OPERATIONS MAP

NOTICE OF PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT

Tla’amin Timber Products Ltd (TTP) and Thichum Forest Products (TFP) invite the public to review and comment on the proposed information package relating to Forest Operations Map (FOM) IDs 2982 and 2983

Maps are available online for review and comments at: https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects.

The public review and comment period for the FOM IDs identified above will be open for at least 30 days. Comments must be in writing and be received between March 12, 2026 and April 12, 2026.

Written comments can be submitted during the 30-day period via the website above, by email (sebastien.lecours@tmslp.ca) or by mail (4885B Highway 101, Powell River, BC, V8A 0B6). Please reference the applicable FOM ID when commenting.

If interested parties cannot access the FOM website, printed maps are available to view by appointment at the TTP/TFP office. Please contact sebastien.lecours@tmslp. ca to arrange an appointment.

This FOM may be relied upon to apply for road and cutting permits for a 3-year period after the commencement of the public review and comment period. The FOM packages under this notice expires March 12, 2029.

Land Act: Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land

Take notice that I, Taylor Shellfish Canada ULC from Union Bay, BC have applied to the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS), for an amendment to a licence of occupation for shellfish aquaculture situated on Provincial Crown land located in the vicinity of Allies Island , Waddington Channel. The Lands File Number that has been established for this application is 2401956. Comments may be submitted electronically via the provincial Applications, Comments & Reasons for Decision webpage at https://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to: BC Aquaculture Authorizations, Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, at 1422080 Labieux Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9T 6J9. Comments will be received by WLRS up to date (60 days after the publication of the last notice). WLRS may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the website at https://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ for more information. Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit, http:// www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submissions.

Land Act: Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land

Take notice that I, David Hamoline, from Powell River, BC,have applied to the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS), for an amendment to a Licence of Occupation and Shellfish Aquaculture tenure situated on Provincial Crown land located at Thors Cove, Lancelot Inlet.

The Lands File Number that has been established for this application is File1415516.

Comments may be submitted electronically via the provincial Applications, Comments & Reasons for Decision webpage at https://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to: BC Aquaculture Authorizations, Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, at 142 - 2080 Labieux Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9T 6J9.

Comments will be received by WLRS up to date (60 days after the publication of the last notice).

WLRS may not be able to consider comments received after this date.

Please visit the website at https://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ for more information.

Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit, http://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submissions.

OPEN HOUSE TOUR •

HOSTED BY BILL BAILEY

11 AM TO 12 PM

HOSTED BY BILL BAILEY

12:15 TO 1:15 PM

BILL: 604 223 0811

2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,487 sq ft

4678 ONTARIO AVENUE

$589,900 MLS® 19603

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

$184,900 MLS® 19542

HOSTED BY KATIE INDREBO 11 AM TO 1 PM & 4 TO 5:30 PM

BILL: 604 223 0811

2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 1,004 sq ft

301-5701 WILLOW AVENUE

$344,900 MLS®19527

LISTING

KATIE: 604 344 0055

This well-kept 1993 mobile home is located on a corner pad just 15 minutes away from downtown and features many upgrades.

2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 1,123 sq ft 17-9298 WILLIAMS ROAD

$189,900 MLS® 19587

AUSTYN: 778 986 1691

This bright, spacious open-concept home showcases a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops.

1 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,245 sq ft

B2-6900 BURNABY STREET

$419,000 MLS® 19622

DUSTIN: 604 358 2473

Functional layout and some peek-a-boo ocean views, this property is perfect for anyone seeking a well-situated home with added flexibility.

4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,830 sq ft 6957 CROFTON STREET

$559,900 MLS®19684

KATIE: 604 344 0055

3 bedroom, 3 bathroom CREEKSIDE LIVING TOWNHOUSES

5191 Manson Avenue • Starting at $499,900

DUSTIN: 604 358 2473

Well-maintained ocean-view condo situated on a quiet street in historic Townsite.

2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 921 sq ft 307-5700 WILLOW AVENUE

$329,900 MLS®19621

AUSTYN: 778 986 1691

Wildwood charm at its sweetest. Nestled on 1.1 acres down a quiet no-thru road, this homestead house has a detached shop.

2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 1,008 sq ft

5875 FRASER STREET

$550,000 MLS®19688

AUSTYN: 778 986 1691

Great value for waterfront home with suite. Quiet neighbourhood, this home is ideal for those seeking both tranquillity and fine craftsmanship. 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 3,197 sq ft 4810 SANDERSON ROAD

$875,000 MLS®19520