DRIVE SMOOTH DRIVE CONFIDENT Book an appointment to upgrade your shocks and struts today
BC DL #7711
4494 Joyce Avenue 604.485.7927
NEWS...................... 3 OPINION .................8 CROSSWORD ...........9 COMMUNITY..........12 SUDOKU.................13 SPORTS..................15 SCENE....................16 CLASSIFIEDS ..........18
TIRED TRAVELLER
Keep smiling School is back
Ready to make a move in today’s market?
Search and rescue team answers hiker’s call PAGE 9
WATCH OUT FOR KIDS ON THE ROAD
Give me a call for an updated home evaluation and guidance through our current market.
LONG LOCKS
Resident donates hair to cancer survivors PAGE 13
HEATING & COOLING SPECIALISTS 7239 DUNCAN STREET • 604.485.5352
tempcohvac.com
BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, SELL WITH EASE
604.208.4050
ADVERTISING FEATURE
coryburnett@royallepage.ca
If you want your business to make Front Page News, call 604.485.5313
PRPEAK.COM
Thursday.September 4.2025
Vol.30 No.46
Canada Post Agreement 40069240
SPONSORED CONTENT
Firm connects with clients and community Lawyer builds practice rooted in empathy, accessibility and support
When Craig Mracek decided to open Orca Law in the qathet region, he was following through on a question he had asked himself for years: How can I help? “I went into law as a mature student because I’ve always believed in service to my community,” explains Mracek. “I’ve worked on major federal files and at the Supreme Court of Canada, but I didn’t feel I was connecting with people on a grassroots level. Orca Law allows me to do that every day.” Mracek’s legal career has spanned clerkships at the Federal Court, legal counsel for the Supreme Court of Canada, a ministerial appointment to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, and work with the Department of Justice on Indigenous law. While the roles were challenging and rewarding, Mracek says he often felt removed from the people he wanted to serve. “I loved the work, but I wasn’t able to connect directly with clients,” he adds. “Now I can meet people where they are, help them through difficult situations, and hopefully make a difference.” qathet became home after Mracek and his wife, Kersten Wuthrich, returned to her hometown to raise their two children. With strong OCEAN VIEW
WARREN BEHAN
[From left] Brittany Higgins, Barbara Poore, Ashley Walsh, Craig Mracek and Kersten Wuthrich.
family ties in the community, the couple saw it as the right place to put down roots. Orca Law focuses on family, criminal, real estate, and wills and estates law. Family law, in particular, represents a pressing local need. “Separations are tragically common and commonly tragic,” says Mracek, recalling a quote from a judge that has stuck with him. “It’s unfortunate there’s so much demand, but that’s why I dediOCEAN VIEW
5382 Laburnum Avenue
NEW PRICE 7143 Jordan Street
Beautifully updated 4 bdrm, 2 bath home Cozy fireplace, open layout, rec room, shop Super view, quiet spot, lovely landscaping
NOW $749,000
That spirit of connection guided the firm’s opening, which included a local food drive. Orca Law matched every donation, collecting 26 boxes for Powell River Action Centre Food Bank. “We are incredibly grateful for the community’s generosity,” says Mracek. Get the Peak to Go iPhone now The Orcaapp Law team is continuingavailable to grow,in the welcoming Brittany App Store or iTunes Higgins as a legal assistant. “Brittany is the newest member of our pod,” says Mracek. “She brings such positivity, and we’re excited to have her on board.” ESTATEheld CORPORATION ThePERSONAL firm alsoREAL recently a grand prize draw, with local resident Ashley Walsh taking home the WARREN BEHAN honours. PERSONAL ESTATE CORPORATION Get the PeakREAL toGet Go Peak tohe Go “Congratulations tothe Ashley,” iPhone app now iPhone app now adds. “We even snapped a photo available in the available in thetogether to celebrate.” App Store or iTunes App Store or iTunes WA Looking ahead, Mracek hopes Orca Law becomes a trusted presPERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION ence in the community. PERS “My goal is for the firm to give back at least as much as it receives. We want to grow with the community and be there when people need us.” Orca Law is located at 4685 Marine Avenue. For more information, call 236.328.4007, email contact@orcalawteam.com or go to PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION orcalawteam.com.
NEW PRICE
3 bdrm, 2 bath home with fantastic view. Walk to schools, beach and trail system. Quick drive to downtown shops & services
NOW $549,900
cate much of my practice to helping people through those difficult times.” The firm also handles more uplifting moments, such as real estate transactions. “I love seeing first-time buyers getting the keys to their new home. Those are exciting files.” Regardless of the situation, Mracek emphasizes empathy. “Sometimes the most helpful thing I can do is sit with a client in WILDWOOD
NEW PRICE 6143 Lois Street
4 bdrm, 2 bath home near Sunset Park ¼ acre property, detached garage Walk to school, easy access to trails
NOW $439,900
their dark place and say, ‘That must be really hard.’ Empathy goes a long way.” He also envisions Orca Law as a hub that connects clients with broader community resources, including Vancouver Coastal Health, Lift Community Services, counselling and housing services. “I’m not a social worker, and I stay in my lane. But if I can bridge the gap and connect someone to the right service, that’s a win.”
WATERFRONT
WARREN BEHAN
WARREN BEHAN
warrenbehan.com 604.485.2324 WARREN BEHAN 604.483.8173 PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION
2 – 10289 Finn Bay Road
Lovely 2 bdrm, 1 bath home with stunning views 30’ dock space, boat storage, on-site caretaker Waterfront entertainment area, walk to Lund
$779,900
Broker Owner
WARREN BEHAN PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION
WA
PERS