In search of RCAF pilotѻý family
Dear Editor:
I am seeking assistance in the search for relatives of an RCAF pilot who was killed in December 1944, when his Halifax bomber, LL541, crashed on a training exercise near Rhayader, here in Wales.
Pilot Officer Gerald Lawrence ‘Gerry’ Lister was 22 when he died. Seven other RCAF crewmen died with him in the crash. In December 2024, we commemorated the 80th anniversary of their loss with a memorial service at Rhayader.
The RAF and RCAF and Canadian High Commission to the UK were represented at these services, as well as members of the local community.
So far, we have made contact with relatives of six of the eight crewmen, but it has not yet been possible to trace any living relatives of Gerry Lister.
He was a native of Amherst, Nova Scotia and had a younger sister, Katherine. She married Norman Trenholm in Nova Scotia and the couple later moved to Vancouver, where they raised their family. After retirement, Norman and Katherine moved to ѻý. Both have now passed away; Katherine in 2022, aged 90. At least one of their daughters, Linda, lived in West ѻý at that time with her husband Stephen. I do not know their surnames.
I kindly ask that if any members of this branch of the Trenholm family see this appeal that they get in touch with me via the email below. As a group of friends here in Wales we wish to reach out to the families of each of the eight brave young Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice over 80 years ago. We wish them to know that their sacrifice has not been forgotten here in Wales.
On VE Day 2025, the Mayor of Rhayader will lay a wreath in memory of the crew of Halifax LL541 at the townѻý war memorial.
It is also intended that a permanent memorial to the eight crewmen will be created near the crash site. We would simply like the families to have the chance to keep updated on progress and also to be able to share more information with them about the crew of Halifax LL541.
Lest we Forget!
Paul Sambrook
Neath, Wales, UK
Pickleballers used as political pawns
Dear Editor:
When the previous mayor and council in ѻý in 2021 abruptly scrapped the Parkinson Recreation Centre they had just unanimously approved ($240 million including interest) in favour of one that would cost $200 million more ($440 million with interest), part of the justification from staff was that there would now be plenty of pickleball courts.
Pickleballers endorsed the change.
Now the city has bought Michaelbrook Golf Course to convert to baseball fields (as per the official city plan). Only after being reminded that the baseball fields were used about 10-15% of the time compared to the golf course which is played sunup to sundown, city officials threw in some pickleball courts to gather support.
Great, more pickleball courts.
Now Denciti, hopeful developer (destroyer) of ѻý Springs Golf Course/ valuable flood plain has caught on and is making a spot where pickleballers can install a dome for more courts — the focal point of their initial destruction of the back nine 53 acres.
The local pickleball club really likes this offer.
In the interim, ѻý authorities have approved a $750,000 city sign north of the city that few will see as they speed past, approved a $500,000 KELOWNA sign on the waterfront and a $750,000 dog run next to the tennis courts in city park (the latter two sites perfect for pickleball).
Pickleballers, can you see what is being prioritized ahead of your courts? Golf courses do not need to be destroyed to fit in pickleball courts.
In this serious game, you are being played.
Don Henderson
ѻý
IH lacking in common sense
Dear Editor:
Interior Health is great at providing good medical care once a person arrives in hospital, at least in ѻý from what I have seen and read.
Unfortunately, common sense is not one of the virtues of the organization.
We had a close relative come to live with us lately and shorty after their arrival they ended up at KGH diagnosed with a serious medical condition.
We are going into week four and on our way to the hospital we stopped off to get our latest COVID booster shot. This action got us to wondering if our relative got the latest booster, as they would be eligible.
We asked and they had not had a booster.
We checked with the assigned nurse and found that he had not been offered any vaccinations. Apparently, you have to request it. We did that on his behalf but sure left us puzzled.
That should be a no-brainer. Everyone admitted to the hospital or other medical facility should be offered/encouraged to get all recommended vaccines.
That should be near the top of the list on admission.
More effort spent on prevention would save should reduce resources in treatments.
Gord Marshall
ѻý
ѻýѻý ferry saga continues
Dear Editor:
It is common knowledge that ѻý Ferries are touted as the end of the Trans-Canada Hwy 1. This service started in 1960 with two ferries. As of today, there are 37 ships in the fleet. Since 1960, there have been several changes. They range from crew changes, ship retrofits, to dock and infrastructural facilities.
However, irrespective of these changes, the service efficiency is at best questionable. Changes have been made in upper management on more than one occasion. The resulting changes showed marginal improvement.
Retrofits on several ferries including the original two (still in service today) again, have offered marginal changes. Over all, the ferries are supposedly the best method to connect Highway 1 with the island.
Having said that, over the years much talk has come about regarding the efficacy of replacing these “aging barges” with bridge connections. Many arguments were put forward and there were arguments against the concept. The residents of Saltspring Island were vehemently opposed to the bridge idea. Could it be that they want to selfishly protect their “Little Shangri-la?” Sounds like the “tail is wagging the dog” so to speak.
Other experts have expressed the fact that bridges would be impractical because of the varying water depths. That being said, most people have not heard of the Rogfast Tunnel in Norway. It is set to become the worldѻý deepest engineered undersea tunnel once completed. It will reach a depth of 390 meters (1,280 feet) below sea level. It will stretch 26.7 km. (16.6 miles).
This ambitious plan is part of Norwayѻý effort to create a ferry-free system along its west coast. Quite an undertaking for a small country. Canada take note.
Further to the efficacy of ѻý Ferries. It seems coincidental, no more ironic, that when a special holiday event, long weekend (etal) comes along, that there is invariably, a boondoggle that happens. Mechanical problems, staffing problems or infrastructure problems come to the fore.
Hypothetically, having a bridge or tunnel system would eliminate the above mentioned problems as overall efficiency would not be in question.
If this letter does nothing more than get you thinking, it will have achieved its purpose. It will make you reflect as you plan your next trip to Vancouver Island while riding our illustrious ferries.
Ron Barillaro
Penticton
Housing system rigged against us
Dear Editor:
Everyone needs a safe, decent, affordable place to call home. But for too long, our housing system has felt like an unfair game rigged against us all. Rents are skyrocketing. Mortgage rates are unpredictable. Buying a home is beyond reach. In our own community, there just isn’t enough housing for it to be affordable for all.
And our community isn’t alone — Trumpѻý trade war, itѻý more important than ever that we work together to protect all of us.
I’ve joined a campaign that I think more people should know about. The Housing Canada Coalition is made up of leading housing organizations from across the housing continuum, and they’ve figured out that even though they provide different kinds of housing, itѻý crucial they work together for solutions. So, they’ve built a 10-point plan to create a housing safety net and build a better system that works for everyone. The solutions are urgent and can really make a difference in this crisis.
I encourage everyone to read about it and become an advocate for housing this election. You can go to to learn more and join the campaign.
Together, we can end the unfair housing game, and build a fair, resilient housing system in Canada that works for everyone.
Connie Reynolds
ѻý