Category: Sports and Leisure


Merritt BC Canada

BC Nature

The provincial organization BC Nature is a nonprofit and consists of local member naturalist groups. The host is the Nicola Naturalist Society Incorporated and it’s Volunteer members are putting it on at the local facilities as well as incorporating field activities for viewing local flora and fauna.

The registration desk is open Thursday at 1:pm at the Merritt Civic center.

Venue

Civic center Mamette Ave

The Merritt Civic Centre is located at 1950 Mamette Ave, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8, Canada. You can contact them by phone at +1 250-315-1050.
Here’s some additional information:
* Rating: 4.1
* Hours:
   * Monday: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
   * Tuesday: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
   * Wednesday: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
   * Thursday: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
   * Friday: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
   * Saturday: Closed
   * Sunday: Closed
* Accessibility: The facility has wheelchair accessible entrance and parking.
* Summary: Friendly and knowledgeable staff at this well-maintained facility helped a Lytton fire survivor and a Vancouver Island resident.
Would you like to know more about other facilities in Merritt?

Opinion

An effort deserving of support.

Saturday the test for the 2025 addition of the Farmers Market was successful. A number of vendors put up displays and offered goods and services to many … The Market runs to The end of October with Saturday morning graced by locals and visitors alike. New city signage asks for entry from Mamette Avenue parking is available in the mall area anchored by the Arena and Aquatic center .

The Market is next to the downtown Tourist info center 2202 Voght Street in Merritt. The market is open Saturday mornings and early afternoon.

See Merritt.ca for times and details …

Neck guards

Adam Johnson is dead and four decades of neck guards in minor hockey have not persuaded broad usage in the big leagues.

Your injury is not your own it affects many

https://www.cps.gov.uk/yorkshire-and-humberside/news/no-charges-ice-hockey-player-following-death-adam-johnson

Neck guards in minor hockey have a history rooted in a tragic incident. In 1975, Ontario Junior A league goalie Kim Crouch suffered a severe neck laceration from a skate blade. Following this near-fatal injury, his father developed the first neck guard to allow Kim to return to playing. This event spurred the initial adoption of neck guards, particularly in Canadian minor hockey leagues.
Over the following decades, neck guards became increasingly common in minor hockey across Canada. Many provincial and local hockey organizations mandated their use for players under a certain age. The Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ) certification became a standard, ensuring the quality and protective capability of neck guards used in Canada.
In the United States, the adoption of mandatory neck guards in minor hockey has been less uniform historically, often varying by state or local association. However, following the death of Adam Johnson, who suffered a fatal neck cut in a professional game in England in October 2023, there has been a significant push for mandatory neck protection at all levels. As a result, USA Hockey mandated neck laceration protection for all players under the age of 18, effective August 1, 2024.
Use in Professional Hockey:
Currently, neck guards are not mandatory in the National Hockey League (NHL). While some players choose to wear them, the majority do not. Concerns about comfort, potential hindrance to performance, and tradition are often cited as reasons for this resistance.
However, the conversation around neck guards in professional hockey has intensified following recent serious neck injuries in hockey globally. Some NHL players have begun to wear neck guards voluntarily, and there is ongoing discussion about whether the league and the NHL Players’ Association might eventually agree to make them mandatory, similar to the evolution of helmet and visor rules.
Other professional leagues, such as the American Hockey League (AHL) and leagues in Europe (Germany, Sweden, Finland, and England), have implemented mandatory neck guard policies. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) also mandates neck guards for all its tournaments, including the World Junior Championships and the World Championships.
Effectiveness and Usefulness:
Neck guards are designed to protect the vulnerable neck and throat area from lacerations caused by skate blades, hockey sticks, and pucks. They are typically made of cut-resistant materials like Kevlar or Spectra fibers, often encased in a comfortable fabric.
Studies and real-life incidents suggest that neck guards can be effective in preventing or reducing the severity of neck lacerations. While no protective equipment can guarantee complete safety, neck guards provide a crucial barrier against sharp objects that could otherwise cause life-threatening injuries to major blood vessels and nerves in the neck.
Have they ever saved anyone from catastrophic injury?
Yes, there are documented cases where neck guards are believed to have saved players from severe or fatal injuries:
* The case of Kim Crouch: His injury in 1975 directly led to the development and subsequent use of neck guards, preventing similar incidents for countless players.
* Recent youth hockey incident in Eastern Ontario: Following Adam Johnson’s death, a young player was reportedly saved by a neck guard after being cut by a skate.
While less publicized, it is plausible that neck guards have prevented numerous other less severe but still significant neck injuries over the years.
In conclusion, the history of neck guards in hockey began with a serious injury that prompted their invention. They have become a standard and often mandatory piece of equipment in minor hockey, particularly in Canada, and are now gaining increased attention and mandatory status in youth hockey in the United States. While not currently mandatory in the NHL, the effectiveness and potential life-saving benefits of neck guards are becoming increasingly recognized, leading to more players choosing to wear them and ongoing discussions about a potential league-wide mandate in the future.

Sportsmen need Sportsmanship all ways.

The city of Merritt is on you round level 3 water restrictions 2 days a week watering on and off on even house numbers.

Hand held anytime

Enjoy

TGIF-Fishing

Is fishing back?

Based on the search results, here’s information regarding fishing licenses on the BC Coast:
Tidal Waters (Saltwater) Recreational Fishing Licenses:
* In the 2023 to 2024 season (April 1 to March 31), a total of 333,478 tidal waters sport fishing licenses were issued to residents of British Columbia. This includes various types of licenses such as annual, 5-day, 3-day, and 1-day for adults, as well as annual licenses for seniors and juveniles.
* For the 2022 to 2023 season, the total number of tidal water sport fishing licenses issued to BC residents was 302,179.
* Approximately 300,000 license holders participate in tidal recreational fishing in British Columbia.
* Juveniles (under 16 years old) are required to obtain a free tidal waters sport fishing license.
* A separate Salmon Conservation Stamp is required for anglers of all ages who wish to retain any species of Pacific salmon.
Commercial Fishing Licenses:
* The number of individual annual commercial license holders in the Pacific region has been declining. In 2023, there were 4,057 individual license holders, which is a 74% decrease from the peak in 1987.
* These individual license holders were issued a total of 5,512 species-specific commercial licenses in 2023.
It’s important to note the distinction between recreational (sport) fishing licenses and commercial fishing licenses, as they are managed and tracked separately. The data provided above gives a recent snapshot of the number of licenses issued for both categories on the BC Coast.

Wednesday charm NVCAC

New show on now… Runs till May 31st.

Reception Growing Creativity,

Cathy Cox Neill

4-7 PM

Artist reception Friday May 2nd 2025.Corner of Nicola and Voght,Merritt BC.Enter by Keklui cafe. Music by Chris Lepsol and (Strange Companions) friends. (Music 5-6 PM)

Summer is coming

Sweet nature
Look forward to a great summer
Long are the weeks for repose 
Short are the nights to compose,
Regeneration stay winters old man
Long months will fly, we comply.
Rest our souls till harvest supply.

April 22 2025 marks earth day, and a spooky sense of a past that was different before humans dominated everything through technologies.

Better time for the earth or just different depends on your perspective. Nature still remains recreational and exists in a few places ( besides AI).

Nature reserves

Many natural nature reserve places are worth visiting, each offering unique experiences and showcasing the beauty of the natural world. Here are a few examples from different regions, along with information about potential costs:
In Canada:
* Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (British Columbia): Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, this reserve boasts long sandy beaches, temperate rainforests, and the rugged coastline. You can enjoy activities like storm watching, beach walking, cycling, and hiking. The famous West Coast Trail and the Broken Group Islands offer more remote backcountry experiences.
   * Cost: Daily visitor fees apply, and there are separate fees for camping and programs. Admission is free for youth. You might need to purchase a Parks Canada pass depending on the duration of your visit. Backcountry camping on the West Coast Trail and in the Broken Group Islands also requires reservations and fees.
* Gros Morne National Park (Newfoundland & Labrador): This UNESCO World Heritage Site features towering granite mountains, deep fjords, forests, beaches, and waterfalls. It’s known for its geological significance, showcasing plate tectonics. Activities include hiking, wildlife spotting, boat tours, and kayaking.
   * Cost: Similar to other national parks in Canada, daily visitor fees and camping fees may apply. Check the Parks Canada website for the most up-to-date fee schedule.
In Other Parts of the World:
* Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Tanzania): This is the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera, teeming with wildlife, including the “Big Five.” It’s often called the “Garden of Eden.” You can experience safaris and visit the Olduvai Museum.
   * Cost: Entry fees to the conservation area apply, and safari costs can vary significantly depending on the type and duration.
* Yellowstone National Park (USA): The world’s first national park, located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is famous for its geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, including bison, elk, and bears.
   * Cost: Entrance fees are required, and they vary depending on the type of pass and duration of the visit.
* Corcovado National Park (Costa Rica): Described as one of the most biologically intense places on Earth, it has lush rainforests and abundant wildlife.
   * Cost: There are entrance fees for the national park.
General Information about Costs:
* Entrance Fees: Many national and natural parks charge daily or period-based entrance fees per person or per vehicle.
* Park Passes: If you plan to visit multiple times or several national parks within a certain region, purchasing an annual or multi-park pass can be more cost-effective.
* Camping and Accommodation: If you intend to stay overnight within the reserve, there will likely be camping fees or costs for other accommodations.
* Tours and Activities: Guided tours, wildlife viewing excursions, boat trips, and other activities within the reserves often have separate charges.
* Transportation: Factor in the cost of getting to the nature reserve, including fuel, flights, or public transport.
* Ecological Reserves: Some ecological reserves, like those managed by BC Parks, are open to the public for non-destructive observation without an entrance fee. However, they are primarily for conservation, and facilities might be minimal.
* Volunteer-Managed Reserves: Some smaller nature reserves managed by organizations like Ontario Nature do not charge entrance fees and rely on visitors to be respectful and minimize their impact.
It’s always best to check the official website of the specific nature reserve you plan to visit for the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees, hours of operation, and any necessary permits or reservations. Keep in mind that costs can change, and some reserves may have seasonal pricing.

Happy Earth Day 2025

Love and leave it better where you find it…

Maximize Your Late-Season Skiing in BC

Snow for Whistler in the cards.

Best Ways to Use Late Season Fresh Snow for Skiing in BC

Skiing on late-season fresh snow in British Columbia can be an exhilarating experience. Here are some tips to make the most out of those conditions:

1. Choose the Right Ski Area

  • Opt for higher elevation slopes where fresh snow is more likely to stick around longer. Areas like Whistler Blackcomb and Revelstoke often have great late-season conditions.

2. Timing is Key

  • Ski during the mornings when the snow is still fresh and untouched. The sun can quickly change the snow’s texture later in the day.

3. Stay Flexible with Your Plans

  • Conditions can vary day by day, so be ready to adjust your skiing plans based on the latest snow reports and weather forecasts.

4. Explore Off-Piste Terrain

  • Late-season snow can create exciting off-piste opportunities. Just make sure to check avalanche conditions and ski with a buddy in more challenging areas.

5. Focus on Technique

  • Take advantage of the softer snow by practicing your carving and turning techniques. This can improve your skills while enjoying the fresh powder.

6. Use the Right Gear

  • Ensure your skis are equipped for soft snow. Skis with wider waists will offer better floatation and control.

7. Hydrate and Rest

  • Spring skiing can be more taxing due to warmer temperatures. Stay hydrated, take breaks, and don’t forget to apply sunscreen.

8. Celebrate the Warm Weather

  • Embrace the warmer weather by dressing in layers. This allows for comfort as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day.

9. Enjoy the Scenery

  • Late season offers stunning views with longer daylight hours. Take some time to appreciate the beautiful surroundings of BC.

10. Join a Ski Clinic or Lesson

  • Improve your skills while learning to navigate late-season conditions by participating in a ski clinic or taking lessons.

Enjoy the late-season skiing and make the most of the fresh snow while it lasts!

This weekend is marked with the beginning of the cherry blossom festival in Vancouver. Along with that, the Juno awards are up. You’re invited to visit David Lamb Park.

Juno Awards

The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 will take place from March 26th to April 28th, 2025. This festival celebrates the blooming of the cherry blossoms and offers a variety of events and activities.Here are some of the must-attend events: * Blossoms After Dark (March 28-30): A magical nighttime event where cherry blossoms are illuminated, accompanied by live music, bubble performances, and glow-in-the-dark treats at David Lam Park. * The Big Picnic (March 29): A community picnic inspired by Japan’s Hanami tradition, featuring art workshops, music, and cultural performances under the blossoms at David Lam Park. * Blossom Block Party (April 5): A lively celebration with music, food, and dance at the Dunsmuir Patio at Bentall Centre. * Sakura Days Japan Fair (April 12-13): Experience Japanese culture through traditional food, performances, tea ceremonies, and crafts at VanDusen Botanical Garden.The festival will be held throughout Vancouver, with key locations including: * David Lam Park * VanDusen Botanical Garden * Queen Elizabeth Park * Stanley ParkWould you like more information about any of these events or locations?

Have Great weekend…

Get away

British Columbia is renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes, making it a prime destination for mountain resorts and getaways. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Accessibility:
* Accessibility varies depending on the resort. Some, like Whistler Blackcomb, are easily accessible from major cities like Vancouver. Others, located in more remote areas, may require longer drives or even flights.
* Many of the larger ski resorts are accessible by well maintained roads. However, winter driving in B.C. mountains requires appropriate vehicle and driving skill.
Affordability:
* Price points range significantly. Luxury resorts like those in Whistler can be quite expensive, while smaller, family-run resorts may offer more affordable options.
* Factors influencing cost include:
   * Time of year (peak ski season vs. off-season)
   * Accommodation type (luxury hotel vs. condo or cabin)
   * Activities and amenities offered.
Parks:
* Some resorts are located within or near provincial parks, offering access to beautiful natural surroundings.
* While many ski resorts exist within areas of natural beauty, they are not often located within national parks. National parks have very strict regulations regarding development.
* Provincial parks however, do have areas that allow for recreational resorts and areas. Manning Park Resort for example, is located within Manning Provincial Park.
Recommendations:
* Whistler Blackcomb:
   * This is one of North America’s premier ski resorts, offering world-class skiing, snowboarding, and a vibrant village.
   * It’s relatively accessible from Vancouver.
   * Price point: High-end, with a wide range of accommodation options.
* Revelstoke Mountain Resort:
   * Known for its incredible vertical drop and challenging terrain.
   * Offers a mix of skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.
   * It is located in a beautiful mountain setting.
   * Price point: Mid to high range.
* Sun Peaks Resort:
   * A family-friendly resort with a charming village atmosphere.
   * Offers a variety of activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing.
   * Price point: Mid-range, with various accommodation options.
* Panorama Mountain Resort:
   * This resort provides a wide range of activities, and has a very nice village area.
   * It is a good location for family vacations.
   * Price point: Mid range.
* Fernie Alpine Resort:
   * Known for its abundant snowfall and excellent powder skiing.
   * Located in the southeastern corner of B.C.
   * Price point: Mid-range.
Important Considerations:
* When planning a mountain getaway, consider the time of year. Winter is ideal for skiing and snowboarding, while summer offers hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities.
* Book accommodations and activities in advance, especially during peak season.
* Be prepared for varying weather conditions, particularly in the mountains.
I hope this information helps you plan your perfect mountain getaway in British Columbia!

Peace is part of BC

Where to view… Tic

SOU April 2025

Yellownife the ” Capital of light’s” paraphrased