Northwest Kitchen Centre started more than 40 years ago, has been sold multiple times, and now has a new couple at the helm after the previous owners moved across the country.

Nick and Brooke Bandstra are the newest kids on the block, and are making a splash in the industry.

Nick, who has a background in carpentry, and Brooke, who went to school for marketing, have been married for 12 years, have four children together, and decided to buy Northwest Kitchen Centre when it went up for sale earlier this year.

The thought of marinating their passions together and owning their own business seemed like a great opportunity and a good fit for their family.

The shop strives to make people’s homes a space where family and friends come to gather with the durability and functionality for everyday life.

While they focus on kitchens and bathrooms, they are also known to create other custom furniture. They have installed kitchens from as far west as Kitimat to as far east as Burns Lake.

The couple, who were both born and raised in Smithers, knows the importance of community.

They shop here, their kids go to school and participate in activities here, and they have been known to stay-cation.

Research has shown that locally owned businesses circulate more dollars in the community compared to multinational organizations.

Local businesses have owners who live and provide jobs in the community. They provide more support for local events, sports teams, and charities, and are more likely to buy local services and stock local products.

Spending with a local business has ripple effects that contribute to the growth and health of the communities in B.C.

Most of Northwest Kitchen Centre’s products and supplies are sourced within the province and as close to home as possible. Not only do the high and ever-rising shipping costs make this necessary, but the Bandstras understand how critical it is to support their neighbours, and they aim to circulate their money as locally as possible.

While there are challenges and unknowns associated with buying a business, there are a lot of opportunities, perks, and benefits, they said.

“When a client’s happy, once you’ve installed their kitchen and they’re happy with it, that’s because you’ve done your job, there is a sense of accomplishment,” Nick explained.

Brooke echoed his optimism.

“So far, it’s just been fun,” she said. “It’s fun working with customers and designing, and bringing their vision to life.”

They have one employee, who was an owner of the business at one point, and who they say is the heart of operations. For now, they don’t want to stir the pot and are keeping things running as they were previously, before thinking about changing anything.

You can visit them at their storefront on Tatlow, check out the beautiful kitchen displays, and have them help make your renovation dreams come true.

Volunteers were treated to a dinner earlier this month for their hard work, which includes running the thrift shop, New to You, and the gift shop at the hospital.

Total Purchases made in 2025 totalled $287,750 from the local auxiliary.

Purchases for the Bulkley Valley District Hospital:

Pediatric Colonoscope: OR $41,205

Thermometers x 6: ER $4,729

ECG 15-Lead Cardiac Arrythmia Simulator $1,708

Exam lights x4: Maternity $7,255

Cardiac monitors: OR Recovery/Daycare $77,943

Exam tables: Visiting Specialist Office $48,335

Sim Man Essential Patient Simulator $63,572

Purchases for the Bulkley Lodge:

Topaz 8 alternating airflow mattress $3,354

ROHO Cushion single Valve 18×20 $1,041

ROHO Cushion Single Valve 18×18 $950

ROHO Cushion Single Valve 16×18 $950

ROHO Pressure Relieving Sections with External Foam Mattress $4,857

Various types of seatbelts and pieces $4,425

Purchases made for the Smithers Community Health Services:

2 mobile exam room lights $910

Wound Vac $22,500

4 bariatric waiting room chairs $3,702

2 bedside tables $307

During the most recent CMTN Board of Governors closed-door meeting, the board reviewed and agreed to the recommendation to sell the Hazelton campus building and land following its closure next summer.

On Oct. 20, CMTN announced that the Hazelton campus will cease operations as of June 30, 2026, as part of the plan to lower overhead costs.

CMTN is now working with the Government of B.C.’s Ministry of Infrastructure to sell the Hazelton campus to another government agency or public sector service provider. Proceeds from the sale will be put aside in retained earnings, to be used for future capital projects that will benefit students across northwest BC, as per provincial regulations.

The college will continue to provide educational opportunities in Hazelton and the surrounding areas through existing community spaces on an as-needed basis. The mobile training unit will also be deployed to the region for future trades and academic offerings.

Currently scheduled programs, including Introduction to Gitksanimx Language and Carpentry Foundations, will run as planned in 2026, providing there is sufficient enrolment.

Coast Mountain College has been sharing its plans to restructure and refocus operations within its operating budget with an overall reduction of $4 million, due to the sharp decline in international student enrolment.

Balancing the budget for 2026 has meant a 20 per cent workforce reduction across all employee groups and restructuring of operations across the college region.

On Sept 1, 2024, Bulkley Valley Search and Rescue responded to a late-night call for assistance near Witset. The subjects in need were located a few kilometres down a decommissioned logging road, so BVSAR members parked the vehicles and continued the journey using their side-by-side.

After providing assistance and confirming the subjects were unharmed, they returned to the parked vehicles and found their main rescue response truck destroyed by fire. All of its equipment and contents were lost.

BVSAR Admin Ruth Bredenhof said to make matters worse, their insurance provided minimal coverage, and they suffered great loss.

“We are thankful we did get a decent amount of coverage for the contents of the truck, but we still need to make up for a large shortfall,” she said.

“We are currently relying on the use of volunteers’ personal vehicles, so we are actively fundraising to replace the truck as soon as possible. We rely on the main rescue truck to transport our volunteers to the various call-out locations.”

The truck had a customized canopy that contained essential supplies and gear to help ensure the group can respond as effectively and in as timely a manner as possible, she added.

The truck also has a hitch and the ability to pull the group’s trailers with ATVs, snowmobiles, or a boat, as required by the type of call-out.

According to Brendenhof, details of the investigation have not been released to them yet, and she is unsure if it was vandalism or an electrical issue.

The money raised at last year’s Banff Mountain Film Festival by BVSAR volunteers went toward the truck replacement fund, and they are planning another film festival fundraiser in January 2026. Tickets will go on sale soon.

They have also been applying for grants from various companies and organizations.

BVSAR needs about $160,000 and so far have raised approximately $50,000.

Anyone wishing to donate can check out their website.

The investigation into the cause of the truck’s fire is still ongoing.

Lynn Van Cadsand is scooping up a $675,000 Set for Life prize – the game’s top prize.

She said she is headed straight for the appliance aisle to bring home the washing machine of her dreams.

She was at home in bed when she first discovered the surprising news after scanning her ticket on BCLC’s Lotto! App.

“I couldn’t believe it,” she said.

Van Cadsand first shared the news with her husband, who also reacted with disbelief.

“He asked me what I meant, and then, when he realized, he was very excited,” she said.

According to a press release from BCLC, Van Cadsand has a few additional plans for her prize besides purchasing her new washing machine, including putting a portion of it toward her retirement and treating herself to a nice dinner in Victoria.

The winning ticket was purchased at Pharmasave on 4th Avenue in Smithers.

Officers have followed all available avenues to locate the owner, but so far no one has come forward.

The saddles are described as:

1. Black Western saddle with silver star conchos.

2. Light brown Western saddle with floral-tooled skirts and fenders.

3. Dark brown Western saddle with a black seat.

Anyone who recognizes these saddles, or has information about who they may belong to, is asked to contact the Smithers RCMP at 250-847-3233.

Police are encouraging local riding groups, stables, and equestrian clubs to share this information so the saddles can be returned to their rightful owner.

On Nov. 16, the newly founded Bulkley Valley Harm Reduction Society opened the doors to the shelter it will operate until March 2026 as part of the Emergency Shelter Program by BC Housing.

The shelter is located at the intersection of Queen Street and Third Avenue in the old Fabrications building.

Rumblings from some members of the community about the lack of consultation and misinformation flying around on social media prompted the Town of Smithers to hold a town hall-style information session on Nov. 17.

Town staff knew a lot of people would show up and held the meeting in the gym of the Smithers Christian Reformed Church for more space. The idea was to give the Bulkley Valley Harm Reduction Society and BC Housing a chance to explain their plans while also providing an opportunity for the members of the public to speak their minds.

Approximately 100 people attended, and 18 people stood to speak, some in favour and some in opposition.

Mayor Gladys Atrill opened the meeting and acknowledged the need for better housing and healthcare for the homeless population and those with addiction and/or mental health issues.

She said she understands the frustrations of people surrounding the lack of public consultation, which was deemed unnecessary under zoning regulations.

The winter shelter, funded by BC Housing, has capacity for eight beds and is expected to close by March 2026 for the season. She added that when the new permanent Alfred Avenue shelter project is completed, there won’t be a need for the temporary shelter or the tent encampment, which has occupied Veterans Peace Park for several years.

The permanent shelter is slated for the area behind Town Hall and next to Goodacre Place. She emphasized the importance of community safety and involvement, and plans to ensure future shelter projects include local consultation.

The temporary shelter on Third Avenue is a 24/7 space where adults who don’t have a safe place to stay can come in from the cold, rest, and connect with support services. Guests will have access to warm sleeping spaces, hot meals, and washrooms, and a place to connect with supportive staff.

There will be at least two trained staff members on-site, 24 hours a day. Program manager Billie Kennedy explained at the meeting that three hours after they opened on Sunday, they were at capacity.

“We’ve been pretty overwhelmed with the need that’s out there right now, and we’re doing what we can to provide beds and food and support and referral to other services, and everything has been running really smoothly so far, and we are really excited about the potential for connecting folks to support and meeting needs,” she said.

Community members’ opinions at the meeting were split, with about half the speakers in favour and half opposed.

“It is not an exaggeration to say that this building will save lives,” said Smithers resident and soup kitchen volunteer Lee Corneau. “Thank you for choosing to save lives.”

Most of the people who spoke in opposition did not necessarily disagree with the need for a warming shelter, but with the location.

Dr. Wouter Morkel has his practice in the building next door, and said he was not properly consulted or informed about the project. He said he attempted to contact the operators multiple times and was unable to until he knocked on their door.

“I think there’s a right way of doing things and a wrong way, and I don’t think the process has been good, and I don’t think the transparency has been good, and I think there’s been no discussion about potential harms, and there’s been no discussion on how to mitigate those,” he said.

He also noted that Third Avenue is a major artery for the town, and a lot of children use it to walk to school. If people are using drugs at the site, it is unsafe for children, he said.

Dr. Matt Dysktra also has his practice in the same building and spoke about his concerns surrounding safety for his patients and his staff. He also argued that the shelter’s design facilitates addiction rather than helping individuals.

Not all medical professionals agreed with the opposition, though.

Dr. Jodi Preto, who works in the hospital emergency room, said this shelter is a necessary measure.

“I see time and time again, members of our community who have been dealt really unfortunate cards in their life, and as a result, they are unable to have safe housing,” she said.

“It is very difficult to have patients come into the department, be able to treat, very temporarily their ailment of that night, and then have to discharge them into temperatures of minus 20, minus 30.”

Two other nurses spoke out in favour of the need for a warm shelter after treating patients with frostbite or burns to their bodies from trying to light a fire.

Other concerns raised during the meeting were about the lack of consultation.

Scott Marko, who lives in the neighbourhood and owns a business, accused the Town of being blindsided and not engaging the neighborhood adequately. He urged the Town to close loopholes in the regulations and give the community a say in such decisions.

“We have been railroaded to the point of this useless meeting for an already approved project,” he said.

”So much for engaging the neighborhood. I was in the town office on Friday, talking with the CAO and on the phone with the mayor, trying to get the permit approval delayed until after this meeting. Unfortunately, I was not aware that the permit had already been issued. Nobody told me, so I was basically wasting my time.”

The ceremony began at the Legion, where parade participants marched to the cenotaph for the ceremony, then back to the Legion for an optional celebratory toast.

At 11 a.m. attendees bowed their heads for two minutes of silence. Many could be observed wearing the symbolic poppy in honour of those who sacrificed their lives for Canada.

Padre Douglas Campbell reflected on the history of Remembrance Day during the ceremony.

“On the 11th Hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, World War One, hostility ceased, deafening. Sounds of conflict were replaced by a very eerie silence. It was in those moments between the sounds of dying and the cries of relief that we were faced with all we had done.

“All we had lost and all we had sacrificed, and in that silence, we were confronted with the truth so obvious and so terrifying that we swore we would never take up arms again. This was the birthplace of Remembrance Day, and we vowed never to forget.”

Campbell thanked everyone for coming together in community at this hour in silence once more to remember the fallen and those who served in uniform, and to reflect on the anguish of families who endured forced separation and the greater grief of those separations made permanent.

“I had a dream some months ago, and share with you today that vision of 100,000 candles, all lit, each one representing a Canadian soldier who died in World War One and World War Two. To put that loss into perspective, imagine, if you will, individuals or families pausing today, holding a lit candle and reflecting for a few moments in the sacrifice of the soldier who died in conflict.

“Extinguish the candle and feel the loss, relight the candle in gratitude, recognition and confidence that the soul of our country is always aflame after that reverent moment, consider that if every single citizen in the town of Smithers so honoured the 100,000 who gave their lives, every man, woman and child would need to light 19 candles so not one would be forgotten.”

“The enormity of it all compels us to remember, if we do so with intention, the supreme sacrifice of those 100,000 fallen Canadians can be a profound, present-tense moment. They died for us, for their houses, their families, their friends, for a wealth of values and traditions they cherished as part of a future in which they believed they died for Canada. The meaning of their sacrifice rests with our collective national conscience, in short, our future and how we live.”

He ended his message with the Lord’s Prayer.

Local organizations and family members of fallen soldiers laid down commemorative wreaths dressed with poppies and a purple ribbon. These included RCMP, Smithers Firefighters, Emergency Support Services, and B.C. Paramedics and Ambulance Service among many others.

Following the successful completion of the first three phases, the society is proposing to begin Phase 4, which involves the development of a pump track adjacent to the existing skate park infrastructure. The addition of a pump track would expand the park’s recreational offerings for a range of users, including skateboarders, BMX riders, and scooter users.

The society has initiated preliminary design work by engaging a skate park design consultant to develop initial concepts. Early discussions have also been held with the Town’s Operations and Community Services Departments to review the proposal’s feasibility and alignment with Town plans.

The proposed footprint for the pump track fits within the boundaries outlined in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan under the Heritage Park Phasing Plan, ensuring compatibility with the long-term vision for the site.

The timeline is set for next summer.

The next phase will be in collaboration with the Office of the Wet’suwet’en Youth. It will also feature accessibility features, such as wheelchair-accessible benches.

Phase two was completed last summer with an eight-foot bowl and transition areas between the phase one and phase two areas. Phase three wrapped up this fall with landscaping and lighting features.

Earlier this year, skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, along with other professional athletes such as Mark McMorris, Grayson Fletcher and Lizzie Armont, made a surprise visit to help celebrate the expansion of the Smithers Skate Park.

At this stage, according to the town, there are no financial implications for the Town. The society is responsible for fundraising, sponsorships, and securing grant funding.

A newly founded society, The Bulkley Valley Harm Reduction Society, will operate a temporary winter shelter from mid-November 2025 through to March 2026 as part of the Emergency Shelter Program by BC Housing.

While they aren’t quite open yet, the shelter space is located at the intersection of Queen Street and Third Avenue in Smithers.

It will be a 24/7 space where adults who don’t have a safe place to stay can come in from the cold, rest, and connect with support.

Guests will have access to warm sleeping spaces, hot meals, and washrooms, and a place to connect with supportive staff. There will be at least two trained staff members onsite, 24 hours a day.

Program manager Billie Kennedy said beyond immediate shelter, they are focusing on connection and care. Staff will help guests link to housing supports, healthcare, and social services, while making sure the space itself is warm, kind, and judgment-free.

“This shelter is an emergency, temporary response to larger structural issues, but we think it’s an important piece of the puzzle in addressing homelessness and housing insecurity in the area. Our long-term goal is to learn from this work, strengthen partnerships, and keep filling in the gaps together so no one in our community is left without safety, warmth, or belonging,” she said.

Kennedy said the group of people who have formed the society care about meeting people where they are, treating everyone with compassion, and building safety and belonging into the fabric of the community so no one falls through the gaps. They officially incorporated last year.

“We’re a local non-profit made up of people who live and work here in the Bulkley Valley. Many of us have been doing outreach, harm reduction, and community care for years,” she explained.

“We knew each other as friends and fellow community members before deciding to come together as a society. Forming the nonprofit gives us a way to bring more structure and sustainability to the work we were already doing, and to collaborate in ways that reflect our shared values.”

She went on to say there are already so many incredible organizations doing great work in our community, but they noticed there was still a need for low-barrier support, especially for people who need help after hours or during the winter months, or who don’t fit neatly into traditional service models.

This shelter is one step toward filling that gap, she explained.

The society aims to support individuals who are unhoused, street-involved, or precariously housed — especially those who have historically faced the highest barriers to care.

Their focus includes: Indigenous people; people who use drugs; 2SLGBTQIA+ community members; people living with mental health challenges, and people with disabilities or neurodivergence.

Kennedy said the temporary shelter is a win-win for the community.

“It’s pretty simple. No one should have to face a northern winter without shelter. We all know how dangerously cold it gets here, and this project is about saving lives while offering support and care,” she said.

“It’s also beneficial for the community as a whole. When people have a warm, safe place to be, there are fewer folks sleeping outside, prevention of exposure and overdose-related harms, fewer crises happening in public spaces, and more stability for everyone. It helps make Smithers a safer, kinder, and more connected town.”

Anyone who wants to help can reach out to the society directly through its website. Kennedy said they are looking for practical items such as warm clothing, gloves and hats. She said people can also help by spreading the word and being a good neighbour.

“If you see someone in distress, reach out to us directly. Often, it’s someone in crisis who just needs warmth, safety, and connection – not punishment. We’d love to help,” she said.

There are other opportunities to volunteer as well, such as giving haircuts or providing wellness services.

The society can be reached at: info@bvharmreduction.org or 778 648 2372.