The Peak - October 23, 2025

MP

SWEET SCIENCE

Boxer earns provincial championship PAGE 18

Mall staff works to tighten security

Powell River Town Centre steps up safety after rise in incidents

Powell River Town Centre’s new general manager says the mall is tightening safety measures and building partnerships with police after a sharp rise in security incidents.

Shannon Taylor, who took over in June after two decades of managing centres in Richmond and Delta, says incident reports at Town Centre are about five times higher than two years ago. The mall logs every occurrence handled by security, categorizes them and tracks trends through data software.

“I can pull data by date or occurrence and create graphs and reports to analyze what’s happening,” explains Taylor. “Right now the main concerns are shoplifting, staff safety and open drug use, or drug paraphernalia.”

Taylor says her first 90 days included a flash flood in August and city-wide power outage in September.

“Each of those was a challenge that we figured out as a team,” she adds.

Powell River Town Centre has 40 shops and services. Taylor says the centre’s current security program includes foot and vehicle patrols, a camera system and alarms. Washrooms are inspected regularly by security and janitorial staff, and all staff are certified in first aid.

She says she has also been making community connections with City of Powell River and Powell River RCMP to see how they can work together. A seminar on loss prevention and staff safety held on October 15 served as a starting point, she adds.

“I am asking for a partnership and advice from the RCMP to teach us how to protect

ourselves, and how to provide what they need to assist us.”

Taylor has engaged police to provide training for staff and stores, and wants tenants to follow consistent reporting practices so police have workable cases. She said future sessions will expand on the seminar.

When frontline workers face threats or intoxicated customers, Taylor notes that the

viding foot or vehicle patrols. We have cameras throughout the property and have installed code of conduct expectations at each mall entrance in an effort to deter unwanted behaviours.”

She adds that, as private property, the mall and its stores have the right to refuse service provided decisions are not based on prohibited grounds such as race, age, religion or gender. When individuals are found sleeping in doorways, alleys or dumpsters, staff seek assistance from the RCMP.

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immediate guidance mirrors what shoppers should do.

“For shoppers, the same as our store staff, call 911,” she says.

Powell River Town Centre is also applying crime prevention through environmental design principles.

“PRTC has lighting throughout the entire property, and we have 24-hour guards pro-

Taylor communicates with and updates merchants through email newsletters and is urging the wider business community to participate.

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“Call 911, attend training seminars and do not perpetuate negative misinformation,” she says. “Please be a part of the solution.” As for how success will be measured over the next six to 12 months, metrics are still being developed, according to Taylor. She expects the data tools already in place will inform that work and be used to share trends with tenants.

Taylor says her experience in larger urban centres translates to the qathet region in one key way.

“Be kind and always listen,” she adds. “We are working on it, creating partnerships and holding training sessions. It is a starting point.”

Powell River Town Centre’s administration office is open from 9:30 am to 4 pm Monday to Thursday. For more information, call 604.485.4681 or go to prtowncentre.com.

New CAO builds toward cohesive structure

Sundance Topham

brings years of experience to creating a city team

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

Having been involved in local government administration since 2006, City of Powell River’s new chief administrative officer (CAO) Sundance Topham is building a team to carry the city forward.

Having started his civic career in the small community of Wells, near Barkerville in BC’s Interior, Topham’s first responsibility was marketing and communications for the municipality.

“Eventually, it morphed into working as the deputy clerk in the small organization,” said Topham. “Wells was so small that there were only three of us. So, I did everything from answering the phone, to taking minutes, to writing bylaws, to shovelling snow.

“When the CAO retired, the secession plan was for me to take over. So, I took over as the chief administrative officer.”

Topham said by that time, however, his children were getting older and he felt he needed to be in a different sort of community.

“So, I was lucky enough to move from Wells, down to the Village of Cumberland, as chief administrative officer there; that was a big move,” said Topham. “The great thing about local government is that except for the City of Vancouver, all local governments follow the same legislation, so you can start off in a small town and

learn the Local Government Act and Community Charter, and move to a new location.”

When Topham arrived in Cumberland, it was undergoing a lot of development and change. He said he was hired by an outgoing council and didn’t know how the election was going to go when he took the position.

“I started the position not knowing who my bosses would be,” said Topham.

“I was lucky enough that three people who were part of my hiring process were re-elected.”

Topham served as CAO in Cumberland until 2019 and said the municipality had lots of successes. He said the position was a great opportunity for him, and spending eight years as CAO was considered a long time.

“I think the average is three years,” said Topham.

After Cumberland, Topham worked for a nonprofit organization that provides local government services to approximately 17,000 people who live on campus at the University of British Columbia. He

PAUL

cause my mother had lived here previously and we’d come and visit her,” said Topham.

Along with the prospective CAO position, he was attracted to the outdoor opportunities that are part of the local landscape.

“It is easy to ride your bike, be by the ocean, or go out and be in the middle of nowhere,” said Topham.

He was also intrigued by

The key part of this position is working with the elected officials and working with your senior leadership, trying to ensure alignment between the two different bodies.

CAO

did this for three and a half years and found the job “super-interesting.”

Topham took some time off for travelling after the UBC position, and served in temporary positions in Union Bay and Lantzville, before applying for the Powell River CAO job.

“I knew Powell River be-

the challenges the CAO position here afforded.

“This organization feels like it has gone through a lot over the last few years,” said Topham. “There has been lots of change in senior leadership. There have been lots of vacancies and those problems aren’t going to be solved overnight.

“What I found during my time in Cumberland was that trying to get people on the same page really worked. We had a cohesive group of elected officials who worked with staff to move things forward. So, that’s the goal here, working with elected officials and community members, trying to have as much communication about what we’re trying to do, and see if that helps move the ship.”

Topham said his role with the city is similar to a filter.

“The key part of this position is working with the elected officials and working with your senior leadership, trying to ensure alignment between the two different bodies,” said Topham. “The important thing is to move forward in the direction that city council wants, along with the obvious statutory requirements, and get all the senior leadership to buy in and work together to move forward. These jobs are challenging, but there is also a tonne of opportunity.

“I like improving things and moving things forward, so I think Powell River is going to give me that

opportunity.”

A key, said Topham, is communication.

“One of the things I’d like to bring is more reporting to council, whether it is strategic priority updates, whether it is staff reporting on basic functions, financial updates and other things that equip elected officials with the ability to make decisions with the best information,” said Topham. “That’s one of my priorities moving forward.”

At the October 16 meeting, Topham presented an update on city council’s strategic priorities from 2024 to 2026. He asked council to provide direction to staff regarding which strategic priorities staff should focus on for the year remaining in council’s term.

“A big thing is that there hasn’t been any reporting out on the plan to date, which makes it challenging for council to know exactly what has taken place,” said Topham. “The first thing I wanted to be able to bring is an update in terms of what’s been done. There are certain items in the plan that have had work done on them.

There are certain things in the plan that haven’t had work done on them. With one year left in the term, what does council want to see done?

“There are some big-ticket items on there. The whole prospective name change is one I want direction on, for sure. Any direction going into the budgeting process is going to give more guidance to staff to help us move forward.”

Topham said it is great to have strategic priorities, but it is about implementation. He said the city has been dealing with a deficit in terms of people to do the work and he has already noticed that bringing on a few key positions is starting to move things forward.

“When I took the job, one of the things I expressed was the fact there needs to be a bit of time to build the team back up in order to actually move forward what council wants,” said Topham. “Without staff, it’s impossible to move things forward, and that’s both for management and unionized staff. We have to build a team.”

Overview of properties provided

City staff present councillors a prioritization of council resolutions related to city-owned lands

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

City of Powell River councillors are supportive of a priority list drawn up by staff relating to city-owned properties.

Melissa Howey, manager of city development, at the October 14 committee of the whole meeting, presented a report on the prioritization of council resolutions related to city-owned lands. She said she was also providing an overview of the framework staff used to evaluate and rank these inprogress resolutions.

“City-owned lands are among the most valuable and finite public assets,” said Howey. “They are held in trust for the benefit of the community, for today and for future generations. Given the significance, it is important that decisions about their use are guided by

a structured, consistent and fulsome framework.”

Howey said staff members have collaborated on a prioritization framework to use in the evaluation, with five principles. The first is alignment with council’s strategic priorities, policies and plans.

The next principle, she said, is financial implications. The third is community benefit, the fourth is feasibility and risk, and the final point is organizational capacity, which is a measure of the city’s ability to deal with the workload required.

Howey said by applying the framework to outstanding city-owned land resolutions, staff provided recommendations for prioritization that is rooted in a consistent and comprehensive review process.

“This results in a list that distinguishes between items of primary, secondary and tertiary focus,” said Howey. She said resolutions which are best positioned to advance have been identified, based on their alignment to the principles, while those with greater complexity or risk may progress more gradually.

“I would like to emphasize that this list is not to suggest that the items appearing in the secondary and tertiary

positions are not valuable initiatives, or without merit,” said Howey. “Their placement does not prevent progress. Rather, it provides a roadmap for managing work in a way that is transparent, accountable, and aligns with capacity.

“What staff has provided is a recommendation, and of course, it is council’s discretion to provide alternative direction.”

The primary projects list contained five projects, including a request from Powell River Orphaned Wildlife Society for cityowned property. The second was a request from Four Tides Hospice Society to construct and operate a hospice facility in the city.

The third request came from qathet Pickleball Association for property to construct and operate a pickleball facility. The fourth was regarding Barnet Street rezoning and subdivision to facilitate multi-unit residential development.

Finally, the city’s property policy was on the list to amend it, so that it has broader scope, including all types of acquisitions and dispositions.

Councillor George Doubt said in reading the staff report and the list of projects, one of the items in the secondary projects listed, at the bottom, was formation of a housing authority to create sustainable, permanent affordable housing.

“That was on the mind of every candidate for council during the last election,” said Doubt. “It’s something that everyone thought was a priority, but now it is at the bottom of the list. Below that is a concept that came to council for tiny homes. What is staff’s impression of how this will be used? How will a project that is on the secondary or tertiary list become a priority of council in the next 11 months, which is the time council has to do anything?”

Howey said the items in the primary, secondary and tertiary categories are not ranked, they are in buckets, so the list is not intended to prioritize the items.

“This is intended to provide us with a bit of a road map,” said Howey. “It is not

meant to imply that one item has to be completed before we can move onto the next item. If we have the capacity, we can work on more than one item at a time.”

Councillor Trina Isakson made a motion that the committee recommend that council endorse the proposed priority ranking for the outstanding resolutions regarding city-owned land, and that the ranking be used to guide staff in advancing work on these resolutions.

“The items in primary potentially have high impact for lower amounts of work, or that are able to be done in a shorter time frame,” said Isakson. “Some of the secondary and tertiary ones, in particular the housing authority, the old golf course lands and the development of city-owned properties, have the potential to have high impact, but we’d be looking at the course of a three- to five-year period to make substantive prog-

ress to the level that council would like. I appreciate that the primary ones are likely to be successful in a shorter period of time.”

She said, however, she would like to reiterate what Doubt said regarding the housing authority item. She said it had been on a previous council’s strategic priorities, and this council’s as well.

“Although that is a secondary option, it is one of those higher impact options where we can make some movement on housing, especially given that so many of our housing societies have boards that are over-tapped. We want to make sure we get involved in housing that makes sense for our community.”

Councillor and committee chair Rob Southcott said he was very aware of staff capacity, so the list looked like best bang for the buck. The motion carried, with Doubt opposed.

Transit agreement supported

Regional district finance committee endorses threeyear plan that will provide for service expansion

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

qathet Regional District’s (qRD) finance committee is recommending that the regional board sign a three-year transit plan letter, which will provide for expansion of the service in the regional district. At a finance committee meeting earlier this month, Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne said the recommendation gave him a little bit of trouble. He said the regional district will be receiving a full transit service review in December and there is going to be a lot of information regarding community priorities, as well as qRD’s priorities.

“We have heard that we can sign the agreement and reassess it each year, but the motion is that we sign the three-year transit expansion plan,” said Gisborne. “To me, that is troubling because so much of Area B isn’t covered by transit. In the three-year agreement, there is no plan to provide service. There is no commitment to provide service to a significant portion of Area B.

“Before we came in [to the finance committee meeting], I was tempted to postpone this item until December, when we got the full synopsis of the service review from BC Transit, because I was really surprised that the most densely populated portion of Area B was not served.”

Gisborne said he would like to see those areas served before signing an agreement.

City of Powell River director

Cindy Elliott said if the recommendation is delayed, BC Transit can’t put it in its budget request.

“You are guaranteeing no approval until another year goes

down the road,” said Elliott. “There is an opportunity to make improvements each year at this time. It’s a three-year rolling agreement, so it’s changeable in the sense that we can add things.”

Elliott said Gisborne was saying that the agreement wasn’t enough, but she suggested working on that for the next window.

“We can’t hold up the Texada Island expansion or anything else that we are trying to improve in order to get all the improvements into the same list,” she added. “I’m supporting the motion, but I completely understand that there are un-serviced areas that we need to continue to work on.”

Electoral Area D director Sandy McCormick said she would like to express appreciation to the regional board for supporting the Texada expansion.

“I appreciate the commitment of the board in doing that,” said McCormick. “I’m willing to support expansion to any areas of our region that need to be expanded to.

“I hear what director Gisborne is saying and there is an element of unfairness. If you are not getting any benefit at all, it makes taxpayers reluctant to pay their taxes. We need to have a process to address the other underserved areas.”

Electoral Area E director and finance committee chair Andrew Fall said in signing the agreement, what the regional district would be supporting is expansion to Texada.

“If we found a process where we could identify though our procedures, places we want BC Transit to serve, if we backed Area B, that could be consistent messaging that we transmit,” said Fall. “We need to communicate this to BC Transit during or prior to the December service review, maybe even sending a letter to them ahead of time. We need to up our game a bit and make sure we are communicating the needs of our residents.”

qRD general manager of operational services Patrick Devereaux said it is a one-year commitment, not a three-year commitment, so if

the board has other options, qRD has at least two more times before the next service expansion request comes in.

“The board could add what they want, not just what has been proposed,” said Devereaux.

According to a staff report, the expansion consists of two improvements. The first is the introduction of Thursday service on the Route 12/Stillwater run starting in May 2026. The second improvement is the addition of two additional round trips on weekdays all year long on Route 14/Lund. If approved, these expansions will provide the public with bus service on these routes Monday to Friday, the report stated.

The finance committee unanimously endorsed sending the matter to the regional board to authorize the board chair and CAO to sign the three-year transit expansion plan letter, and to direct staff to include the funding of the expansion in the 2026 to 2030 financial plan.

Name change vote defeated

City

council narrowly downs motion that would have removed commitment for public opinion poll

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

City of Powell River Council narrowly defeated a motion regarding a possible name change for the city, which would have removed the commitment for a public opinion poll in 2026.

At the October 16 council meeting, councillors were reviewing the city’s 2024 to 2026 strategic priorities. Chief administrative officer Sundance Topham brought forward a recommendation that council provide direction as to which strategic priorities staff should focus on for the remainder of the council term. Elections for the new council will be held in October 2026.

Topham said over the past two years there have been major changes in organizational leadership and significant staffing shortages throughout the organization that have lessened the ability of staff to move forward on several key initiatives. He said some strategic

goals have advanced, but others have had limited action, or no action taken.

“I’m hoping council will be able to review strategic priorities tonight and provide direction to staff as to which priorities council wants staff to focus on for the remainder of the term,” said Topham.

Councillor Rob Southcott said he would like to make a motion with respect to item number two in intergovernmental relations, which read: Take substantive steps towards reconciliation with Tla’amin Nation by engaging the public on the topic of a name change, including a possible new name, leading up to a public opinion poll timed with the 2026 municipal election.

Southcott’s motion read: That intergovernmental strategic priority number two be amended to strike the phrase “timed with the 2026 municipal election” and for staff to bring back a report to council on possible paths forward to address this strategic priority and the 11 recommendations of the joint working group, including budget, resource allocation, time requirements and other relevant information.

Southcott said this has worried him for some time because it outlines engaging the public on the topic of a name change.

“There certainly has been no lack of conversation and

concern in our community, but there hasn’t been any substantive engagement achieved by the city or the community,” said Southcott.

“It’s my belief that there isn’t time to really achieve that. We are still in a situation where there is limited staff capacity. We have had more turnover of staff who would be involved with this kind of work.

“It’s only the timing that has changed. The rest of the intention of that strategic priority, according to this amendment, would be maintained.”

Councillor Cindy Elliott said she has always been in support of having a comprehensive community engagement process.

“It’s fair that we need a report from staff to see how that process could work,” said Elliott. “We do not have time to sort out the budget, the process and everything to make that timing work out. It is a good idea to decide sooner rather than later that we are not in a position to make that engagement happen in this time frame. I’m in support of this motion.”

Councillor George Doubt said before the last election, council appointed a group to look into the name change in response to the request from Tla’amin. He said the group did a bunch of work and consultation. He said there was a recommendation of 11 items.

“Council has never sat down and looked at those 11 items in detail and made decisions on going forward,” said Doubt. “We did get together in our strategic planning and make a motion to have an opinion poll timed with the 2026 municipal election.

“Frankly, I’m not in favour of putting off the idea. We could get a report. If we have to, we could hire a consultant and talk about positive ways to have community engagement. If we start that community engagement with a commitment in place to have an opinion poll in 2026, we could see if we could get anywhere.”

Councillor Jim Palm said council settled on a process that would give Powell River residents a voice regarding this process.

“I am of the same mind and thoughts that the public needs to be consulted,” said Palm, adding that an opinion poll would be nonbinding, but it would show where people of this community stand.

Councillor Trina Isakson said the motion was realistic.

“As time has ticked by over the last three years, my concern about the realities of taking substantive steps in a good way has increased,” said Isakson. “The only thing this motion would change is the timing. Staff are saying there are concerns about adequate timing to undertake the necessary engagement in advance of the municipal election.”

Mayor Ron Woznow said Powell River residents have had a significant number of opportunities to communicate regarding this issue.

“Unless the corporate officer says there is no way we could prepare the paperwork before the next municipal election, I will vote against this motion.”

Woznow asked if the city was to put a simple question about whether the voter supported a name change, would that be possible?

Topham said if council decided that’s all they wanted

Broom Bash planned for Duck Bay

Goal is to remove invasive plant from Savary Island sand dunes

TANYA HILL

thill@prpeak.com

Another Scotch broom removal effort will get underway on Wednesday, November 5, from 12 to 3 pm at Duck Bay on

Savary Island, hosted by Nature Trust BC.

"The main goal is to remove broom from a section of sand dunes that is home to a plant community that isn't found very frequently in BC, " said Dr. Jasper Lament, Nature Trust BC’s CEO. "One of the species at risk we've been paying a lot of attention to is the contorted-pod evening-primrose."

Laura Holt is the field scientist organizing this year's broom bash event. Afterward, there will be hot dogs and s'mores to roast over the fire, according to Lament.

to ask, it could be put on the election ballot.

Southcott said the first part of the amendment does not preclude the city from conducting a poll at the next election.

“It just takes that language out, so it softens our commitment,” said Southcott. “If we are not ready, we are still committed to the process. We could delay the opinion poll.”

Woznow said he sees no need for further education.

“There’s been three years of active discussion on the issue of a nonbinding vote at the next election,” said Woznow. “If, for whatever reason, we are not able to put this on the next election, I am sure we will see the result by who is elected and their position on the name change.”

When the motion was voted on, councillors Southcott, Isakson and Elliott voted in favour, with Woznow, Palm, Doubt and councillor Earl Almeida opposed, so the motion was defeated.

"We hosted this last year and it was a lively event that resulted in the removal of a huge amount of invasive Scotch broom,” he added. “Both new and returning volunteers are welcome."

The timing of broom-pulling and burning events are in compliance with burning restrictions, and are tackling the broom before it starts flowering and producing seed in the springtime. To find out more information or to volunteer, email communications@naturetrust.bc.ca.

Directors recommend firefighting grants

Regional board will consider applying for funds to help with services

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

qathet Regional District board will consider applying for up to $120,000 for the four regional firefighting services for equipment and training.

At the October 7 finance committee meeting, directors considered a recommendation that the board endorses an application to Union of British Columbia Municipalities for the vol-

unteer and composite fire department equipment and training fund stream to help Northside Volunteer Fire Department, Savary Island Volunteer Fire Department, Malaspina Volunteer Fire Department and Lasqueti Island Volunteer Fire Department. Each fire department is eligible to apply for $30,000 for equipment and training.

Electoral Area D director Sandy McCormick asked if this grant was available to the non-regional district fire departments in Van Anda and Gillies Bay. qRD general manager of emergency services Ryan Thoms said he needed to double-check whether the nonaffiliated fire departments could apply, but in

the past, the grants have been available to fire departments in improvement districts.

Electoral Area A director

Jason Lennox said just to be clear, the recommendation was applying for $30,000 for each department, and that it was a reduction from last year’s amount, which was $40,000. He asked Thoms if there was a focus for these funds.

“Is it to accomplish the objective wherever it is needed each year, or do you have a focus on live fire, or the equipment?” asked Lennox. Thoms said the grant is prescriptive, but within that, almost any training, or items on the list of required equipment, would qualify.

“We have found it easiest

to apply it to personal protective equipment and other firefighting equipment that we are purchasing almost every year,” said Thoms. According to a staff report, the funding application guide states that all structure firefighters in BC are required to meet the provincially established minimum training standards, and therefore the intent of this funding stream is to assist volunteer and composite fire departments to be better prepared to meet the training and equipment requirements. Ongoing operational costs and the purchase of major fire apparatus are not eligible, the report stated. Firefighter training and the purchase of new or replacement equipment to enhance

Sailing reroute and sun entices passengers to take a tour

Jervis Inlet marine closure allows some to enjoy the beauty of Agamemnon Channel

TANYA HILL PHOTO thill@prpeak.com

For some passengers sailing on the Saltery Bay/Earls Cove ferry route during the planned detour due to BC Hydro’s marine traffic closure in order to replace power lines, the trip was an excuse to enjoy the October sunshine and natural beauty along the alternate course around Nelson Island.

“Around 17 foot passengers just stayed on the ferry and did the return trip immediately, including my husband Brian McRae,” said qathet resident Mitch Kenyon.

Typically, the route takes approximately 50 minutes and the detour was scheduled to take 90 minutes, however, Kenyon said when they arrived at Saltery Bay Terminal, the ferry was late.

“In reality it took even longer,” said

Kenyon. “We were supposed to catch the 10:15 am ferry but it was already running behind.”

Kenyon said more than two hours later they arrived at Earls Cove, but that sightseeing on such a beautiful day and a very scenic journey around Nelson Island made the extra time worthwhile.

“There was even a violinist on board,” said Kenyon.

BC Hydro’s marine traffic closure for the Jervis Inlet and Agamemnon Channel power line replacement project took place from October 14 to October 17.

ENDORSE APPLICATION: qathet Regional District’s finance committee is recommending that the regional district apply for $120,000 for the four regional fire services to help with equipment and training. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

the ability of eligible fire departments to meet the needs of the community and toward meeting the BC structure firefighter minimum training standards in accordance with the declared level of service are eli-

gible for funding. qRD has successfully applied for and received grant funding from this fund on four previous occasions for all four of its local fire services for firefighter training and equipment.

Powell River Professional Firefighters Local 1298 would like to say

for your continuing generosity to our annual Muscular Dystrophy Boot Drive With your help we raised $8,800 for Muscular Dystrophy Canada

Finding joy in the dark and wet

It’s seven in the morning. Rain is coming down in sheets. In the glow of my bike light, the pavement glistens as I roll down the driveway.

Soon, my tires hum against the wet road as I pedal to work, breath clouding in the chill. This scene played out regularly during my winter commutes in North Vancouver. Challenging, yes, but no matter how wet, the ride always brought a smile to my face.

Fast forward a few years. I now live in beautiful qathet and work from home.

Appalling conduct

QATHET WALK AND ROLL

By Sibylle Tinsel

I still ride my bike for exercise, errands and pleasure, but for the past few winters, I’ve avoided dark, wet rides. Back when commuting, the choice between car and bike was easy. Now, between a rainy ride or another coffee, I’ve often chosen coffee. This fall, though, I resolved to ride until the tulips bloom again.

Why ride in the dark and wet?

It can feel dangerous, and getting soaked doesn’t sound fun. But cycling keeps you active when days are short, lessens dependence on the car, and sometimes even makes you grin while splashing through puddles. With the right gear and mindset, it’s not only possible — it’s enjoyable.

Gear is simple: think visibility, warmth and bike care.

Today’s LED lights are bright and long-lasting. Mount them on your helmet, handlebars and seat post, and pair with reflective clothing. A mirror helps

Thanks to Lisa Moffatt for her letter [“Toxic talk,” October 16] calling out mayor Woznow’s appalling conduct as reported by the Peak [“Organization’s name to remain,” October 9].

I’ve worked in and around politics for most of my adult life; at the international level, the national level, at the provincial level here in BC and locally. I’ve seen a thing or two.

The mayor’s conduct – where he tells councillor Isakson to “shut up” – is simply unacceptable. It is a new low for a council that has been profoundly dysfunctional for its entire term, with the mayor leading the way on intolerance and divisiveness.

The demented authoritarian in the White House has debased politics and public life not just in the United States but everywhere. We cannot allow the kind of crass, cruel and menacing conduct that has poisoned the US to creep into and define our politics here in Canada.

The mayor is not a young man. He has said he loves fishing. Powell River is a wonderful place to fish. He should resign immediately and spend more time in his boat. It is peaceful and beautiful out there and he might resolve his anger problem trolling slowly through our magnificent waters rather than lashing out in council chambers. John Young Wildwood

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keep an eye on traffic. To stay warm and dry, layer up: a merino top, light fleece and rain shell work for most rides. Gloves, shoe covers and fenders go a long way to keep you comfortable.

As for your bike, winter grit and salt wear down chains fast, so clean and lubricate often. If your tires are slick, upgrade to something with better tread. You don’t need bike-specific clothing; your hiking jacket and pants will work just fine. But if you are in need of equipment, we are

lucky in qathet to have two excellent bike shops. And if you are on a budget, a business in Townsite Market has a great selection of secondhand gear.

The mindset matters as much as the gear.

Winter riding builds resilience. There’s joy in experiencing the elements, in knowing you rode through the storm rather than hiding from it.

Beyond the satisfaction, cycling improves cardiovascular fitness, builds strength, reduces stress and protects joints.

And if motivation is what you need, join others. The Silver Cyclists meet at McDonald’s at 7:30 am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and qathet Regional Cycling Association also offers group road rides. So don’t mothball your bike this winter. Give that chain some oil, add a string of lights and keep riding. You may find the darkest months hold the brightest rides.

Sibylle Tinsel is a member of qathet Regional Cycling Association.

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MP’s power export video goes viral

Aaron Gunn’s production regarding Powell River Energy Inc receives huge viewership

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

North Island-Powell River MP Aaron Gunn has submitted a letter to the Canada Energy Regulator (CER), urging it to deny Powell River Energy Inc.’s (PREI) application for a 30-year power export licence for electricity generated by the dams on Powell Lake and Lois Lake.

Gunn, in an interview, said the PREI application to the CER has generated the most feedback to his office of any single issue since he was elected.

“We’ve been receiving emails, phone calls, and people have been coming into the office,” said Gunn.

He said he went with his constituency staff to the Powell River dam site on October 18, with his letter to the CER, to produce a video opposing the power export that has gone viral. On X, there were more than 290,000 views, and more than 200,000 on Facebook.

“I’m not surprised by the level of interest and opposition to the project in Powell River itself, because we have been hearing from people over the past couple of weeks,” said Gunn. “Hundreds of people have signed a petition that I will be presenting in the House of Commons this week or next.

“I’m a little surprised at the interest about this issue from people outside Powell River, and the frustration of basically giving our power to the United States, with very little in terms of tangible benefits to the people who actually live here.”

Gunn said he understands that BC Hydro has recently submitted a document to the CER asking for the electric utility to block the export permit, which he thinks is “interesting and newsworthy.”

“These are Canada’s natural resources and they should be used to benefit the Canadian people,” said Gunn. “This export permit, basically, is for a foreignowned company that is going to be

taking these resources, providing almost no benefit to the community, and sending it off to the United States.”

Gunn said the decades-old dam was built to provide power to the paper mill, which provided thousands of jobs over the years in the community, hundreds of millions of dollars of investment into the community, region and province, and billions of dollars worth of sales. He added that with redevelopment of the mill site, it would be good for the facility to benefit the people who live in Powell River, in the province and in the country, through jobs, tax revenues and other economic means.

“Sending the power to the United States is not the best use of that resource as far as it pertains to giving back to the community and creating jobs,” said Gunn. “British Columbia is expecting significant increases in demand for electricity in the years ahead. This 30-year export permit just allows PREI to send electricity out of the country to pad their pockets. It’s not in the best interest of anyone who lives here.”

Gunn, in a media release, stated that PREI is a wholly owned subsidiary of the foreign-owned Brookfield Renewable Partners, which Gunn stated is “trying to use Canadian natural resources for foreign gain with no benefit to the citizens of Canada.”

In the video he posted to his social media, Gunn reflected on Powell River’s past and advocated that Canadian resources should stay in Canadian hands. He stated: “This dam was built to create power to the paper mill, which created thousands of jobs here in Powell River.

Unfortunately, the paper mill is gone, but the dam is still here and as long as it is here and it is using a finite natural resource, it is my belief that it should benefit first and foremost the people that live in the region, the province and our country.

“We should not be allowing a foreignowned corporation to exploit that resource, send it out of the country and pocket all the profits for themselves.”

Gunn’s letter to the CER can be read at @Aaron Gunn on X and readers can watch Gunn’s video statement at facebook.com/AaronGunn.ca.

Letters to the Editor/Viewpoint

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.

Friday, October 24

Saturday, October 25

FOOD FUNDS: Powell River Logger Sports organizers brought competitors from all over Canada and around the world to Loggers Memorial Bowl this past July. Hundreds of spectators came out to watch spring-boarding, underhand-chopping and a variety of other events at the Willingdon Beach venue, but they also stepped up with donations at summer event, opening their wallets and making donations that went to Powell River Action Centre Food Bank. Logger sports volunteer and carving competition coordinator Laura Passek [above, right] told the Peak that she finally had everything together and brought the cheque to the food bank, where it was presented to food bank manager Savanna Dee [left]. “Logger sports donated $2,500 in cash and $500 in nonperishable food,” said Passek. “Thank you, Powell River, for the wonderful support. I’m looking forward to next year.” CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Sales remain solid

Higher amounts recorded both year-to-date and month to month

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

Real estate sales in the Powell River Sunshine Coast Real Estate region in September 2025 were considerable ahead of sales in September 2024. Year-to-date figures are also promising.

According to real estate board president Curtis Yungen, in year-to-date figures, new listings are up 10.02 per cent, from 409 in 2024 to 450 in 2025.

“Year-to-date sold listings are also up by 19.57 per cent, from 184 in 2024 to 220 in 2025,” said Yungen.

Median sales prices are almost the same year-to-date in both years, with only a very minor increase of 1.13 per cent. Yungen said in 2024, it was $620,000, and this year, yearto-date, it is at $627,000.

Comparing month-to-month sales, Yungen said September 2025 saw an increase in total sales compared to August 2025. In August, total sales were $20,053,499, and in September, sales amounted to $26,116,500, for an increase of 30.23 per cent.

“It was also a significant increase from total sales in September 2024, which showed an increase of 35.75 per cent,” said Yungen.

Median prices jumped from $590,000 in August 2025 to $655,000 in September 2025, for an increase of 12.71 per cent.

In the single-family residential category, in September 2025, there were 32 sales, valued

at $23,496,600, compared to 27 sales, valued at $17,603,800, in September 2024.

Mobiles and manufactured homes had four sales in September 2025, valued at $644,900, compared to one sale, valued at $332,500, in September 2024

There were two sales in the condo, apartment and duplexes category, valued at $820,000, in September 2025, compared to two sales, valued at $827,000, in September 2024.

Totals for residential sales in September 2025 were 38 units sold, valued at $24,961,500, compared to 30 units sold in September 2024, valued at $18,783,800.

In the nonresidential category, there were four parcels of vacant land sold in September 2025, valued at $1,155,000, compared to one parcel in September 2024, valued at $475,000.

Grand totals for residential and nonresidential sales were 42 units sold in September 2025, valued at $26,116,500, compared to 32 units in September 2024, valued at $19,239,650.

Average price for a single-family residence in September 2025 was $734,269, with an average of 80 days on the market, compared to $651,993 in September 2024, with an average of 73 days on the market.

Median price for single-family residences was $665,000 in September 2025, compared to $650,000 in September 2024.

There were 47 new residential listings and 19 new nonresidential listings in September 2025, for a total of 66 new listings.

In terms of active listings at the end of September 2025, there were 191 residential listings and 87 nonresidential listings, for a total of 278.

Colour the images on pages 11 to 15 and bring completed entries into the Peak (4493F Marine Avenue) for your chance to win a prize. Remember to fill in your name, age and phone number so you can be entered to win.

Don’t delay, deadline for entries is 4 pm Thursday, October 30, 2025

PHONE:

SUDOKU

Knuckleheads crew completes work on trail

Popular backcountry route gets much needed upgrade

TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com

Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association (KWRA) volunteers have been hard at work upgrading the Emma Lake Trail and cabin, a popular, yet challenging 11.5-kilometre out-and-back hike in qathet region’s backcountry.

KWRA vice-president Roger Artigues confirmed

with the Peak that seven volunteers had tackled the job, rain or shine, with enthusiasm.

“The Emma Lake Trail, from the cabin at 1,400 metres down to 1,000 metres elevation, has received a major upgrade thanks to the hard work of our seven incredible volunteers, KWRA members stated in a social media message.

“Since its opening in 2019, the Emma direct trail bed has never had any love; it was all flattened by our footsteps. Our team used mattocks, rogue hoes, rakes and the ever-popular pulaskis [hand tool] to flatten

the trail bed, add steps and switchbacks, and eliminate side-hilling throughout this upper section.”

In partnership with Recreation Sites and Trails BC, KWRA maintains four huts in what’s called the Knucklehead Range, and at Emma Lake. The group recently received a $10,000 BC Recreation Council grant for trail maintenance.

“With water pooling on the trail, it was clear where erosion control was needed, so we created and cleared numerous water bars and side ditches to divert water and prevent backups, ensuring the trail stays in great

Travelling exhibit launches at museum

TANYA HILL thill@prpeak.com

Since 2021, Lasqueti Island island resident and archaeology professor at Simon Fraser University (SFU) Dana Lepofsky has led the Xwe’etay/ Lasqueti Archaeology Project (XLAP); a community-based endeavour uncovering evidence that before contact with Europeans, northern Coast Salish people lived and thrived up and down the coast, including on Lasqueti Island, for thousands of years.

Now, a travelling exhibition showcasing XLAP, titled The Island in the Middle of Everywhere, can be viewed at qathet Museum and Archives (qMA) until January 2026.

“In concert with the exhibit, there will be a talk at the library with archaeologist Dana Lepofsky on December 12,” said qMA assistant curator Ava Hansen. “After hearing Lepofsky and Sean Markey talk about the project at the library in October 2024, we were excited to hear about this new opportunity to share information about the project.”

Hansen explained that XLAP con-

nects people and communities from throughout the broader region, as Lasqueti did itself in the past.

“We also thought it was important to have the exhibit in this community because members of the Tla’amin Nation are involved in the project, and it connects to Tla’amin history,” said Hansen.

Developed by Ingenium in partnership with XLAP, the exhibition includes large five-by-eight feet panels of photographs and video that showcases the archaeological work in progress and landscape of the island.

In a description of what museum visitors will see, qMA says the exhibition showcases a community-based project that documents the long history of sustainable food production by northern Coast Salish peoples.

“Through their innovative practices, they secured a rich supply of fish, clams and plants, sustaining generations of Indigenous people on this island,” stated qMA. “The remains of these practices are reminders of the deep history of Indigenous people on Xwe’etay and why it is vitally important to protect that heritage today.”

Qualicum (Qualicum Beach),

shape for years to come, “ the message stated. “The entire section was thoroughly brushed and cleared of downed trees. A new, less direct detour was added around the cave/hole, eliminating the need for a rope, while offering a stunning view of Scrub Lake.”

The group also installed new reassurance markers to guide hikers, and the Emma Lake cabin was restocked with propane, a new bookshelf and a new hatch cover. Artigues added that the group also just completed another much-needed repair and kilometres of brushing on Beta Lake Road.

Tla’amin (qathet), K’ómoks (Courtenay/ Comox) and Halalt (Chemainus) people share historic ties to the island and for thousands of years before Europeans arrived, managed the land and sea on and around Xwe’etay/Lasqueti.

“Lasqueti’s position in the middle of the Gulf of Georgia, relatively far from both Victoria and Vancouver, makes us think that we’re living in the middle of nowhere, but this is, of course, a Eurocentric view of the social-economic goings on in the Salish Sea,” said Lepofsky.

“When access through the [Georgia] Strait was via canoe, Lasqueti would have been the obvious stopping place, and the centre of regional communication and trade routes.”

Lepofsky emphasized that the goal of XLAP and the travelling exhibit is to bring people together.

“The idea was really, through these beautiful images, the videography and text, to showcase Indigenous heritage and archaeology, but more specifically, to bring people together,” said Lepofsky.

Lepofsky will give a talk at the library on Friday, December 12, at 7 pm.

Men’s group requires honesty

Arka Brotherhood looking for new members interested in working on life improvement

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

Chris Volkart is working through the Arka Brotherhood to create an environment where men can be honest and vulnerable with each other, holding each other accountable.

Volkart said he had been part of the Arka Brotherhood for three and a half years in an online capacity. He has since expanded to in-person meetings for men in qathet. According to the Arka Brotherhood website,

it is a leadership development container dedicated to forging integrity and accountability in men through coaching and peer support.

“Part of the intention of the online groups is to take people who live in smaller towns who don’t have access to in-person groups, get them trained and eventually, if they are interested and ready for it, to step into a leadership role and start their own group,” said Volkart. “I’ve been in Powell River for a year and was encouraged to step into the role of leader and start a group here.”

The local group has been running for the past four months. Volkart said currently, the Arka group meets weekly.

“There’s five of us and we are slowly growing,” said Volkart. “Groups cap off around 10 to 15 guys, depending on how it’s going and what the needs are. The

idea is to bring men together and create a space where men can be honest and vulnerable with each other and find support, and find accountability through sharing of their deepest truths.”

Volkart said Arka’s founder Phil T. Mistlberger has stated that the organization is about two things – healing, and creating leaders. Volkart said that leadership can mean finding leadership in one’s own life.

“What does it mean to live your life with integrity, honesty, passion and purpose, and that sort of thing?” asked Volkart.

He said there is a high degree of confidentiality among the membership. He added that the group has a strict attendance policy.

“The important thing is if the members of the group show up every week, it shows that there is a trust that can be built, and part of that is

confidentiality, obviously,” said Volkart. “So, if you step into a group, like a circle of 10 men, and you don’t trust them, you are not going to tell them the full truth about yourself. Some of the things we share are pretty deep.

“A lot of the things we hold inside ourselves and don’t share tend to eat away at us. If we’re not completely honest, it starts to eat away inside, or resentment can build. All of us are carrying that to some degree. The idea is, if we can move that energy and speak it, even if it is just to a group of men who you meet with weekly, that can start to heal some of the wounds and the stuff that is festering inside of you.”

So far, building membership has been word of mouth, said Volkart.

“My belief is that every man needs this, and every person needs some sort of group where they can feel

trust and can be helped in staying accountable,” said Volkart. “I’ve been trying to get the word out because I know there are a lot of guys struggling now in this world and I want to make sure there is space for them.”

Volkart said if men are interested in the Arka Brotherhood, they can go to the organization’s website at arkabrotherhood.com. He said there is a space where people can join, and they will be directed to Volkart’s email.

“We’re looking for guys who are ready to fully step into this,” said Volkart.

He said the website outlines the 14-point code that members follow. He added that the website goes into a deeper explanation of what the points in the code mean.

“We explore those ideas as a group and always refer back to them,” said Volkart.

“If a guy is having problems in his relationship, or what-

ever, it’s like, okay, are you following these principles?

“The first one is, speak your truth, and that is about being honest, and not saying one thing to your partner and then feeling a different way, or acting another way, or saying something different to someone else. So, are you being honest?”

Volkart said he has seen powerful changes in his own life, as well as in the lives of the men who surround him.

“This work has literally saved my marriage – twice,” said Volkart. “I feel very strongly that this is the work men need to be doing in these times.”

Boxer wins bronze gloves

Emil Valing a provincial champion at BC Boxing provincials

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

In his first major tournament, 17-year-old Powell River boxer Emil Valing won the bronze gloves championship at the BC Boxing provincials in Chilliwack.

In the event held September 26 to 28, Emil fought three bouts in the 60- to 65-kilogram weight class to win the bronze gloves competition. Emil had his father, Peter Valing, in his corner for the tournament.

Emil said in his first bout on the Friday, which featured three twominute rounds, his competitor came out fast in the first round. Perhaps because this was his first fight, he wasn’t fully ready for that, he added. However, the referee ended up calling the fight in the second round on a technical knockout (TKO).

“About halfway through the second, I landed a couple of good shots with the right and then the ref called it, which was a good call on his part,” said Emil. His next fight was on the Saturday. Emil said he looked at the competitor he was going to fight beforehand.

“I kind of underestimated him,

actually,” said Emil. “I came with kind of a cocky attitude. He was easily the hardest of the three opponents. It was a brawl, from the first ring to the last bell. It was not the prettiest boxing you’ll ever see. It was pretty greasy at times.”

Emil said his opponent threw lots of looping hooks and after a while, Emil was a bit tired, so some of them landed.

“However, overall, I landed the better punches and won the second fight,” said Emil. “It went the full three rounds and it was a split decision.”

While Emil said he was excited ahead of his first fight, he had nerves prior to the bout, fought on the Sunday.

“Going into the final was pretty intense, but that third fight for me was definitely the most technical,” said Emil. “Even though I had a TKO in the first fight, the third was the easiest fight for sure.

“In the first 20 or 30 seconds, we exchanged a few back and forths, and I took charge probably a minute into the first round. I landed some really nice shots in the second round, getting inside with some nice uppercuts.

“He was a bit of a clincher. As soon as I got inside and got a couple of good punches, he would grab. However, in the third round, I knew I had it, so I played safe.”

On the basis of his performance in the three fights, Emil was awarded the provincial championship in the bronze gloves, which is for fighters with zero to five fights.

There is also the silver gloves, for boxers with five to 10 fights, and the elite category, for those who had 10 or more fights. Emil said he is hoping this tournament was the first of many, and that his interest in boxing has been lifelong.

“My dad was a fighter in his earlyish to mid-20s and I believe he had 10 to 12 fights,” said Emil. “I’ve got pictures of myself when I’m like two years old, with these big gloves, kind of the size of my head, just weighing down my arms. So, it’s always been there.”

Peter said he re-entered the fistic brotherhood that he was part of at Emil’s age.

“As a freshly minted boxing coach, I cornered Emil in his fights, thereby making it a true father and son experience in battle,” said Peter. “Indeed, my old coach was also part of Emil’s corner.”

Peter said Emil’s tournament was a superb start for a young boxer.

Emil said he has been with Powell River Boxing Club, training since his family moved here in the summer of 2021. He said his father, recently, came to him and asked if he wanted to make boxing real.

“He asked if I wanted to commit and get a fight,” said Emil. “He knew I wanted that and the only thing keeping me from committing beforehand was the lack of competition. I didn’t have any fights planned, but as soon as I had an end goal, I started training hard.

“Fitness can always be better, but I felt my cardio, especially, was the reason why I won all three of

my fights. I was able to outlast the other guy when he became tired and I still had something to give.”

Emil’s next card is on November 8 on Vancouver Island.

“It’s kind of the perfect amount of time between fights, so I’ll definitely be keeping up the intensive training,” said Emil. “It’s just the one fight, so I’m thankful. It will allow me to focus on being in that moment.”

He said he is at a good fighting weight, and doesn’t have to go to any special measures to meet his weight class.

Emil is an honours student in grade 12 at Brooks Secondary School and has also played for Powell River Villa soccer club. He plans on remaining in the fight

Teams exchange lopsided wins

Regals host Icebreakers to open WCSHL season

SHANE CARLSON editor@prpeak.com

The road team came out strong and took advantage of a rusty Powell River Regals squad in the opening game of West Coast Senior Hockey League action at Hap

Parker Arena on October 11. Hope Icebreakers first-ever appearance in the league resulted in a 6-1 win over the defending champions.

“Not having an exhibition game showed, along with a very energetic Hope team in their inaugural start in the WCSHL,” said Regals’ coach Tod English. “They came out hard and we were flat.”

Regals outshot their opponents 39-28 but were unable to solve Icebreakers’ goalie Brock Machholz until late in

the third period, when Davis Frank and Mike Behan set up Cory Burnett to prevent the shutout.

“Rookie netminder and third-generation Regal Nic Peters was solid and left hung out there by the lack of our defensive zone coverage,” said English. “And we couldn’t score when we had our grade-A chances.”

Veteran Travis Granbois bolstered the Regals’ lineup for the rematch the next night and contributed with

an assist on the scoreboard.

“We came to play, giving up very little in our own end, and we had a very strong performance from goaltender Ryan Fairgray,” said English.

The home team led 3-0 after 20 minutes of play courtesy of goals from rookie defender Tynan Peacock (from Nic Porchetta and Burnett), Bryson Cecconi (Granbois and Cohen Mastrodonato) and Mac Roy (Mastrodonato). Porchetta made it 5-0 with a pair of goals in the second pe-

game, even if he leaves town for post-secondary education.

While mixed martial arts are a popular fighting sport, Emil is drawn to boxing, largely from the impact his father has had on him.

“Boxing is separate from the martial arts,” said Emil. “Boxing is kind of its own thing. I’ve always been a huge fan. I’ve loved all the boxing movies and there’s a romanticized sense about it, which I don’t feel the martial arts have, but to each his own.”

Having his father be an active participant in his training and fighting has been a great bonding experience for Emil.

“Being down there and having him in my corner was definitely a special moment,” said Emil.

riod, assisted by Burnett and Frank, before the visitors finally beat Fairgray, who made 38 saves on the night.

A pair of Regals’ rookies combined for the team’s sixth goal. Lucas Wadsworth set up Mason Windsor, who added his second marker of the game five minutes later, this time unassisted, to increase the lead to 7-1 heading into the third period.

Hope outscored Powell River 2-1 in the final frame but fell 8-3. Mastrodonato

notched the final goal of the game for the Regals, converting a pass from Roy and Josh Gray.

“With a few new faces in the lineup, it was a great rebound game and put us in a three-way tie with Hope and Nanaimo Steelmen for second place,” said English.

In other action, Nanaimo edged Lake Cowichan Appollos 5-4 in a shootout. Regals face the Appollos on October 24 at Cowichan Lake Sports Arena.

Buy Canadian should fund Canadian jobs and news, not U.S. Big Tech

M e s s a g e f ro m C an ad a’s n ew s pub l i s h e r s

To the G overnment of C anada,

C anada’s sovereignt y and economy is under threat from abroad More than ever, C anadians mus t be free to decide our own countr y ’ s future.

A s trong, plural and free news media is an essential ingredient to our democrac y: a healthy indus tr y that ser ves and is beholden to C anadians, not foreign tech giant s.

O ur C anadian publications have always s tood for a s trong and independent C anada.

We applaud the G overnment of C anada’s ambition to build C anada s trong, and commitment in the for thcoming Budget to Buy C anadian

L as t year, our federal government including agencies and Crown corporations spent over $10 0 million on adver tising Mos t of it went to U. S . Big Tech.

Why are we funding American tech monopolies that ex trac t tens of billions a year out of C anada -- largely untaxed -- at the expense of local journalism and culture, and whose plat forms have become vec tor s for division and disinformation?

Unlike them, we are accountable to C anadians and legally liable for what we publish O ur professional journalis t s chase the tr uth, not algorithms We produce reliable, tr us t wor thy information, not click bait and AI slop.

L et’s reinvest our ad dollar s in C anada . In B udget 2025, the G ove r nme nt of C anada should follow O ntar io’s lead and set aside a minimum of 25% of it s ad ve r tising budget s for C anadian news media .

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Otago has rough outing

Depleted team has tournament action in Cowichan, losing its games

PAUL GALINSKI reporter@prpeak.com

A depleted Otago rugby team had its first tournament action of the 2025 –2026 season, facing some tough teams in Cowichan.

Otago Rugby Club spokesperson Jack Beardmore said the club had originally been scheduled for a tournament on September 27, but unfortunately, the team was unable to travel to Victoria because of a BC Ferries sailing cancellation.

He said October 11 was the second tournament, 12-a -side, situated in Cowichan.

“We travelled extremely short of players, due to being Thanksgiving weekend, which didn’t help matters,” said Beardmore. “There were also work commitments for three guys and our skipper, Edward Best, is still out with injury. When you have guys that are not able to travel, it really hurts us.

“I was able to pick up a couple of guys from Comox to

bring up our numbers, but it was tough, because you’re playing with guys that aren’t familiar with our team, so we really had a tough go of it.”

Beardmore said the first game was against Cowichan, which has a good young side, and they threw in a couple of first division players to bolster their numbers.

Beardmore said Cowichan beat Otago five trys to one.

“We had virtually no warmup because of travel, and everything is getting underway,” said Beardmore.

The second game came immediately after the first, so Otago didn’t have the opportunity to catch its breath.

Otago played the eventual tournament winners, West Shore, from Victoria.

“There were three premier league players and five first division players to fill in their third division players,” said Beardmore. “This was supposed to be a strictly third division tournament, but they said they wouldn’t have had enough numbers. They spanked us pretty good. It was like seven trys to nothing.”

Beardmore said that one of the Otago players had to come off with a shoulder injury, further depleting the club’s backfield.

The last game was against

Rising Tide, from Victoria, which has never beaten Otago.

“We were down one player, so we had no spares,” said Beardmore. “We still played them tough and ended up losing four trys to two.

“That is how our weekend went.”

Otago will be hosting the next tournament on October 25. It will also be a 12-a-side tournament. Beardmore said three teams will be coming, including Rising Tide, Nanaimo and West Shore; each indicated they would do everything in their power to be here for the tournament.

“It should be a fun afternoon of rugby at Cranberry Field,” said Beardmore. “We are already practising for the tournament and we are really putting the guys through the paces.

“We will again be suffering because some of our starting players won’t be available, but we’ll have some guys filling in. It should make a big difference compared to what we had at our first tournament.”

Action is scheduled to get underway at noon. Beardmore said that matches will start as early as possible because Otago will have to schedule six games for the day.

SCENE

AROUNDTOWN

Runway Revival

River City Coffee, along with Fits to a T, The Knack, Westerly Studio and Lavish Hair Salon, recently hosted the Dry Grad fundraiser Runway Revival, which featured a fashion show and cocktails with proceeds all going to the class of 2025.

Carol Patricia Gouthro (née Relihan)

Carol Gouthro of Powell River passed away on September 18 at the age of 84. She was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on December 10, 1940, to parents Thomas Relihan and Ruth Hadfield. The family moved to Vancouver when she was two.

The family later moved to Texada and she attended school in Powell River. This is where she met her husband Larry T. Gouthro; they were married August 22, 1957.

Carol started her hairdressing apprenticeship and enjoyed hairdressing. She opened her own salon, Classic Coiffures, and it was a longtime business on Marine Avenue. She was a very capable business woman. People would say that she gave the best perms in Powell River. She ended her career at the age of 69 and was working with her daughter Corinne. A wonderful retirement dinner was held and was well attended.

Carol is survived and loved by her children Dawn (Ed), Corinne (Norm) and Larry Gouthro Jr, her grandchildren Terry (Tawyna), Julie (Dennis), Kayla (Chris), Lauren, Kate, Kelsey, Chris and Shawn, and her many great-grandchildren.

Carol was the glue to our family, always making sure we spent quality time together. She made lovely family dinners with fancy desserts and the grandchildren had many happy sleepovers at their Nana (Nanny) and Papa’s house. We will greatly miss her and the love she gave us.

Carol was predeceased by her parents and husband Larry, siblings Joyce, Ralph and Morris, and father-in-law Lloyd Anderson.

Carol’s family wishes to extend its sincere thanks to the wonderful caring staff at Willingdon Creek Village and to Dr. Meyer for Carol’s care over the years.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date when we can all get together.

Georgina Ann

Vander Gulik (Huyder)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Georgina Ann Vander Gulik (Huyder) on August 20, 2025, at the age of 68.

Georgina was born on March 10, 1957, in Nakusp, British Columbia, and went on to live a life as bold and vibrant as she was. Known as Brown Owl, Baseball Coach and Organizer, flower garden enthusiast and Assumption school bus driver in Powell River. With her spunk, pizzazz and love of the open road, she was happiest behind the wheel of her gravel truck while working proudly at Bowmark in Calgary, or riding her Harley. She lived fast, loved hard, and left an unforgettable mark on everyone she met.

Georgina will be forever loved and remembered by her children Steven, Sandra and Melanie, and her loyal dog Nelson. She is also survived by many friends and extended family who will miss her laughter, strength and fiery spirit.

Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know her.

EVA TILLINGER: Shuswap friend, Linda Irvine (Nova Scotia) moving to PR soon. Please call 902.275.8522

• 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

AND JUNIOR MINT

Checkout our super cute kittens, best deal in town

SOPHIE

Quiet, pretty, snuggling guinea pig seeking matching humans

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

LENORA

Gorgeous, lucky black feline, super senior seeking her matching super senior human

FRANK SINATRA & ELVIS

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

MAVIS

Stunning, sweet, kid-loving, 4-year-old Mastiff mix

OREO

Affectionate white and black stunner, this young boy needs a new family

CITY OF POWELL RIVER

Volunteer Applications Invited for Municipal Appointments to the Powell River Library Board

The City of Powell River is inviting applications from interested individuals to serve as a Trustee of the Powell River Public Library Board ("Board"). There are two positions available starting January 1, 2026, each for a two-year term.

The Board sets policy and provides overall direction of library services, in accordance with Part 2 of the Library Act. Board members serve without remuneration and are expected to attend monthly meetings and to share in Board activities and responsibilities.

Applicants must be a resident or elector of the City of Powell River. Employees of the City of Powell River, the qathet Regional District, or the Library are not eligible to apply.

Interested individuals are invited to submit a letter describing their interest in serving on the Library Board. The letter should include references and any particular interests, work experience (volunteer or paid), and other qualifications relevant to the position.

Applications may be submitted by mail or e-mail to: City of Powell River

Attention: Jessica Walls, Deputy Corporate Officer 6910 Duncan Street Powell River, BC V8A 1V4 jwalls@powellriver.ca

Applications must be received by 4:00 pm on Thursday, November 12, 2025.

For further information about the Library, please contact the Chief Librarian, Rebecca Burbank, at RBurbank@prpl.ca or 604-485-4796, ext. 202.

For further information about the appointment process, please contact City Hall at 604.485.6291 or info@powellriver.ca.

All applications must be submitted online through the Employment Opportunities page at www.powellriver.ca

stable and rewardingopportunity,weinviteyou to apply.