It’s time to take a look back at 2025.
The past year was full of stories from North Island that made an impact to the local communities and beyond.
New child care spaces added in Powell River
A school in Powell River received additional child care spaces this year.
In January, the B.C. government announced Kelly Creek Community School would receive 28 new child care spaces.
Twelve of the spaces are for children younger than three, and the remaining 16 are for children aged three to five.
The addition was funded with a $1.1-million contribution from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund, covering construction and equipment, bringing the city’s total number of licensed child care spaces to 56.
28 childcare spaces to open in Powell River school : My Powell River Now
Funding boost for Powell River Rec Complex maintenance
The Powell River Recreation Complex received a funding boost this year to help maintain the facility.
In early February, the city announced more than $72,000 would be invested in two infrastructure projects at the complex.
Approximately $47,000 was directed to replacing an aging cold-water line that reached the end of its useful life in 2024, while the remainder was spent on upgrading heating, ventilation and air-conditioning controls and systems.
The upgrades were financed through the Canada-Community Building Fund, a source of predictable infrastructure dollars for local governments.
Over $72,000 invested to bring upgrades to Recreation Complex : My Powell River Now
Tla’amin Nation reaches agreement to reacquire portion of mill site
A historic agreement was reached this year between the Tla’amin Nation and Domtar over land at the tiskwat paper mill site in Powell River.
In March, Tla’amin Nation and Domtar signed an agreement under which the nation will reacquire a substantial portion of the former mill site, primarily land fronting the river and ocean that holds historical and contemporary significance for the Tla’amin people.
Under the agreement, the nation will manage part of the land for cultural and environmental values while Domtar retains a portion until it is sold to one or more third parties for industrial redevelopment that the partners say will help create economic benefits for the community.
The agreement followed years of negotiations that began with the renaming of the mill site to tiskwat in 2021.
Tla’amin Nation opens complex care housing program
Members of the Tla’amin Nation received specialised support through new housing this year.
In April, the nation officially opened t̓ɛχɛθot (teh-heh-thot), a complex care housing program aimed at providing support to citizens facing challenges with mental health and substance use.
The initiative features four homes purpose-built to offer a combination of medical, peer and daily living support alongside cultural healing and community services..
During the opening ceremony in the village of tišosəm, Community Services Housepost Brandon Louie said, “Our Tla’amin families have suffered many sudden losses. Taking care of our relations in the spiritual realm brings healing — both in their world and in ours.”
Situated near key community services, the housing ensures residents can readily access health, social and support resources.
Tla’amin Nation members to get support through four new homes : My Powell River Now
Float plane crashes near Refuge Cove in May
A float plane crash near Refuge Cove in May resulted in only minor injuries.
Powell River RCMP were notified just after 7 p.m. on May 19 that a float-equipped Cessna 185 with three people on board had overturned during a water landing near Refuge Cove, roughly 30 kilometres east of Campbell River.
After the plane overturned, the three people climbed onto the pontoons, and nearby boats assisted in the rescue before official responders arrived.”
None of the three suffered serious injuries from the crash. One was taken to hospital in Campbell River in stable condition, and the others received assessment and care without needing transportation to hospital.
RCMP said Transport Canada will conduct an investigation into the crash, and adverse weather may have been a factor.
Minor injuries after float plane crash near Refuge Cove : My Powell River Now
Texada Island grizzly saga
A grizzly bear drew widespread attention on Texada Island over several months in 2025.
The bear swam to the island in May and was reported chasing livestock in early June, sparking debate over whether it should be relocated or destroyed.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service later said relocation was not an option unless the bear posed a direct threat to public safety, at which point officers would respond.
The Mamallilikulla First Nation offered to relocate the bear to a marine refuge in Knight Inlet, citing concern for its safety, but said the proposal was discouraged.
In July, the bear was shot and killed. Two people were charged with failing to report the killing and appeared in court in September.
Island First Nation offers home for grizzly on Texada Island : My Powell River Now
Funding announced for new temporary Powell River shelter
Powell River received funding for a new temporary shelter in July to replace a closed emergency shelter.
The B.C. government announced a 40-bed temporary shelter will open at 7104 Barnet St., with 24-hour staffing, meals, showers and supports for people experiencing homelessness.
Powell River–Sunshine Coast MLA Randene Neill said that following the closure of the city’s emergency shelter in March, opening a replacement became a priority.
The shelter is expected to open this winter.
40-bed temporary shelter opening in Powell River this winter : My Powell River Now
Wildwood Hill fire burns in August
A fire on Wildwood Hill in August burned about one hectare of woods.
Powell River fire chief Rocky Swanson said crews were putting out hot spots and cutting down trees that posed a danger.
The B.C. Wildfire Service said the fire was quickly brought under control and that evidence from the area indicated someone had lit something on fire, causing the blaze.
The fire was part of an active wildfire season for the province, which included several larger fires on Vancouver Island and elsewhere.
Cause of Wildwood wildfire determined : My Powell River Now
New treatment beds open in Powell River
Powell River now has 12 new treatment beds for men struggling with addiction.
A grand opening for the Arbutus Facility inside the old Powell River fire hall was held on Oct. 3. The supportive recovery beds offer a range of services, including medical care, counselling and wellness programming tailored to help individuals through treatment and recovery.
The beds provide medical supports, counselling, wellness activities and cultural programming in a trauma-informed setting aimed at supporting men on their recovery journey. Eight men were receiving services in September, with average stays expected to be about 90 days.
New addiction treatment beds open in Powell River : My Powell River Now
BC Hydro removes transmission line from Jervis Inlet
BC Hydro marked a major marine milestone on the Sunshine Coast in October by successfully removing a decommissioned transmission line that once spanned Jervis Inlet.
BC Hydro said crews completed removal of the 138-kV line that spanned Jervis Inlet, using controlled cuts to lower sections of the structure into the water for retrieval in a week-long operation using controlled detonations to safely cut the massive steel conductors that had been under significant tension.
About 60 workers took part in the operation, which paused several times to allow humpback whales to pass safely through the area, BC Hydro said.
The project sets the stage for continued upgrades to transmission crossings at Jervis Inlet and Agamemnon Channel, which will boost capacity and reliability. The 138-kV crossings will be replaced with higher-capacity lines, ultimately providing two 230-kV circuits to support future demand.
BC Hydro plans to restring and upgrade the crossings over the next two years, with work expected to continue into 2027.
BC Hydro completes marine power line removal at Jervis Inlet : My Powell River Now
Recently elected MP makes first official visit to Lund in November
North Island–Powell River MP Aaron Gunn made his first official visit to Lund at the end of November.
Jason Lennox, area director for the qathet Regional District, said Gunn accepted his invitation and spent a few hours in the village.
At a regional board meeting on Nov. 26, Lennox said the visit was also an opportunity to discuss federal issues affecting the region.
Lennox said the trip offered Gunn a chance to learn more about life in an area with a treaty First Nation.
Gunn represents the riding of North Island–Powell River in the House of Commons, having been elected in 2025.
Gunn makes first visit to Lund : My Powell River Now
Powell River Kings lose financial backing, reach agreement to continue season
The Powell River Kings Hockey Club Society is seeking financial support to stabilize the BCHL team.
President Shaun Garvey said the organization that had been financially backing the team is no longer able to continue, leaving an expected shortfall of $200,000 by the end of the season.
The society said immediate support is needed, including increased attendance at home games, volunteers, new sponsors and potentially new ownership.
Garvey said the society held a town hall meeting last week that was well attended, and he said the community appears ready to support the Kings.
The team announced on Christmas Eve that it had reached an agreement to continue the remainder of the 2025-26 BCHL season uninterrupted.
Powell River Kings reach agreement to continue 2025-26 season : My Powell River Now
