Winter’s doldrums—felt often in the second month of the year—used to be the best time for Powell River residents to look to the south for sun and a break from the bleak. But anyone tempted out of town this month would have missed the heart of what makes Powell River a closely knit and caring community, and the best place to live.
For the community-minded February was, in years past, the perfect time to get away. Few events were planned for the end of January and February. Then, as soon as spring’s warmth came, so too did the steady stream of out-of-town relatives and friends looking to experience Powell River’s coastal by nature living. Besides, everyone who already lives here knows that this is the best place to spend the summer.
This year, though, winter’s doldrums are less bleak. Sure, the skies are still grey and equally as wet, but instead of hibernating or escaping, the community has come together to celebrate the best of Powell River.
inclusion Powell River celebrated its 60th anniversary with its inclusion festival—a number of smaller community-oriented events that included a storytelling and comedy night, a family dance, a film night and a family pancake breakfast.
Then, once again, the community came out to show its support for local businesses and celebrate excellence at Powell River Chamber of Commerce’s Horizon Business Awards on Saturday, February 7. The event, held at Dwight Hall, is the chamber’s major fundraiser for the year and was sold out again. inclusion Powell River won this year’s newly added award for non-profits.
The 14th annual Powell River Film Festival kicks off next week, running from February 18 to 22, and showcases not only the best of Powell River filmmaking, but also gives those who are just starting out a chance to learn new skills, hone developed ones and take a step forward in a larger world. It also provides a nice opportunity to get dressed up for a night out and help Powell River’s arts community continue to build this town’s reputation for fine film making.
As countless stories from new residents to the Upper Sunshine Coast attest, people come for a visit and fall in love with area’s natural splendour. Soon, however, they realize that it is also the people in Powell River who make it a great place to live.
