Eagle Hound Media

Imagine the anticipation: salmon season is finally here. You’ve spent months preparing—your fishing gear is ready, your waders are packed, and you’ve been dreaming of standing by the Vedder or Chilliwack River, rod in hand, waiting for that perfect catch. But when you arrive at your favorite spot, the scene is not what you expected. Instead of pristine waters and rustling reeds, you’re greeted by piles of garbage—discarded tires, plastic bags, food waste, and construction debris strewn along the riverbank.

Would you still cast your line? Would you eat a fish caught in these waters? And do you know—or care—about what this garbage is doing to the environment?

Illegal dumping is more than an eyesore; it’s an environmental disaster. Garbage disrupts fish habitats in multiple ways:

Altered Water Flow: Trash can dam up streams, change the natural flow of water, and erode riverbanks, destroying the delicate balance that fish rely on.

Destroyed Spawning Grounds: Salmon need clean, oxygen-rich gravel beds to lay their eggs. Piles of debris smother these areas, making it impossible for the next generation of fish to survive.

Dead Zones: Food scraps and organic waste decompose, consuming oxygen and creating “dead zones” where insects, amphibians, and fish cannot live.

The problem doesn’t stop at habitat destruction. Trash releases harmful chemicals and microplastics into the water. These toxins accumulate in the food chain, affecting everything from tiny plankton to the salmon on your dinner plate.

Algal Blooms: Nutrients from decomposing waste encourage rapid algae growth. These blooms deplete oxygen and block sunlight, killing fish and plants.
Bioaccumulation: Toxins build up in the tissues of animals over time, leading to health problems and population declines. That salmon you caught? It could be carrying toxins from the garbage dumped at your favorite fishing hole.

The consequences of illegal dumping extend far beyond the riverbank:

Human Health: Eating contaminated fish can pose serious health risks, including exposure to heavy metals and carcinogens.

Economic Impact: Fishing is a cornerstone of local economies. When rivers are polluted, tourism and commercial fishing suffer, costing jobs and revenue.

Ecosystem Collapse: Over time, the entire ecosystem can be severely damaged, affecting not just fish but birds, mammals, and the health of the land itself.

The good news is that change is possible—but it starts with awareness and action.
Report Illegal Dumping: If you see garbage along the river, report it to local authorities or environmental groups.

Participate in Cleanups: Join or organize community cleanup events. Every piece of trash removed helps restore the river. The Four Wheel Drive Association of BC organizes garbage cleanup.

Educate Others: Share what you know. Many people don’t realize the long-term impact of dumping garbage near waterways.

Advocate for Stronger Protections: Support policies and initiatives that protect our rivers and hold polluters accountable.

The next time you head out to fish, take a moment to look around. If you see garbage, ask yourself: What kind of legacy do we want to leave for our rivers? The salmon, the wildlife, and future generations depend on the choices we make today.
Because in the end, a river is more than just a place to fish—it’s a lifeline for us all.

November 12, 2025
Yesterday, across North America, we paused to remember. We wore poppies, attended ceremonies, and bowed our heads in silence for the soldiers who never returned, and for those who carry the scars of war to this day. But as we stand in the quiet of remembrance, it’s worth asking: Do we truly understand what those soldiers—especially the young ones—faced a century ago?

Today, the idea of sending a 16-, 17-, or even 18-year-old into a war zone is almost unthinkable. Modern society recognizes the vulnerability of youth, the psychological toll of combat, and the irreversible impact of trauma. Yet, during World War I and World War II, teenagers and young adults were not only sent to the front lines—they were expected to endure the unimaginable.

On D-Day, June 6, 1944, thousands of young Canadians, many barely out of their teens, stormed Juno Beach as part of the 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade. Their mission: to secure an 8-kilometre stretch of coastline under relentless enemy fire. Paratroopers had already landed behind German lines after midnight, tasked with destroying artillery positions and capturing bridges. The beaches were lined with fortified German bunkers, perched at high vantage points, ready to rain down destruction on anyone who moved.

Can you picture it? Young men, some still boys, wading through icy water, weighed down by gear, as machine guns cut through their ranks. The history books tell us they overcame, they secured the beach—but at what cost?

Why Did They Fight?
The causes of World War II are well-documented: the rise of Nazism in Germany, Fascism in Italy, and Militarism in Japan. The invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany in 1939 triggered the war, and the attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941 drew the United States into the conflict. But for the soldiers on the ground, the reasons were both more straightforward and more profound. They fought for their countries, for their families, for freedom, and for the belief that someone had to stop the spread of tyranny.

Many veterans, when asked about their service, downplay their actions. “I didn’t do anything significant,” they say. But history tells a different story. The young soldiers of the World Wars faced horrors that would break most of us today. They endured trench warfare and the constant threat of death. They watched friends fall beside them. They carried on, not because they were unafraid, but because they had to.

Today, as tensions rise and the shadow of global conflict looms, it’s more important than ever to remember the lessons of the past. The ideologies that fueled the World Wars—militarism, fascism, and extreme nationalism—are not relics of history. They persist, and in some places, they are resurgent. The persistence of misinformation, rumours, and disinformation is pushing us toward a war.

We owe it to those who fought, and to those who continue to serve, to understand their sacrifices. We must ask ourselves: Are we doing enough to prevent future generations from facing the same horrors? Are we teaching our children the value of peace, the cost of war, and the importance of standing against oppression?

This Remembrance Day, let’s not just wear a poppy. Let’s commit to learning, to remembering, and to ensuring that the courage of those young soldiers was not in vain.

ABBOTSFORD, BC — Walking up to the Abbotsford Centre last night, the line of semi-trucks parked at the VIP entrance set the tone: this was going to be a big night. Inside, the stage was a spectacle of ambition—each artist had their own full band setup, complete with drum risers and amplifiers, making every set feel like a headline show.

Meghan Patrick: Ontario’s Star Shines Bright

Meghan Patrick, the Ontario native now calling Nashville home, opened the evening with a performance that left no doubt about her star power. Her commanding vocals and easy charm captivated the crowd from the first note. While her entire set was strong, it was her performance of “Country Music Made Me Do It” that truly stood out. But the real magic came later when she joined Brad Paisley for a breathtaking duet of “Whiskey Lullaby,” a moment that showcased both her vocal prowess and her ability to share the stage with one of country’s biggest names. Patrick’s journey from small-town Canada to Nashville’s songwriting circles is a testament to her talent and dedication, and last night, she proved why she belongs among country music’s elite.

Jackson Dean: Roots and Richness

Jackson Dean took the stage next, delivering a sound as rich as the Appalachian hills. His warm guitar tones and tight harmonies spoke to a band that has clearly grown up together, creating a set that was both modern and deeply rooted in tradition. For those unfamiliar with his music—myself included until this morning—his album is a revelation, filled with thoughtful songwriting and authentic storytelling.

Brad Paisley: A Legend in Action

Brad Paisley’s performance was more than a concert; it was a masterclass in entertainment. His guitar work, as always, was nothing short of breathtaking—each note crisp, each riff delivered with effortless precision that left the audience spellbound. But what truly sets Paisley apart isn’t just his technical skill; it’s his magnetic connection with the crowd.
The night sparkled with his signature humor, especially during a playful segment where he projected cartoonish caricatures of Burt Reynolds as Smokey and the Bandit, drawing roars of laughter. The fun didn’t stop there: Paisley “confiscated” a fan’s phone mid-show, snapping photos and jokingly offering to “answer emails,” a moment that kept the energy light and the smiles wide.
His setlist was a greatest-hits parade, featuring crowd-pleasers like “Ticks” and “Mud on the Tires.” He capped off the evening with an encore of “Alcohol,” transforming the venue into a massive sing-along, voices raised in unison.

The Sound of a Stadium

Of course, performing in a stadium comes with its challenges. From some seats, the sound mix made it difficult to hear every instrument and lyric with perfect clarity. But even with those minor technical hurdles, the energy and talent on display made for an unforgettable evening.

Meghan Patrick, Jackson Dean, and Brad Paisley each brought something unique to the stage, proving that country music is alive and thriving. If you ever get the chance to see these artists live, don’t miss it.

Last week, I was laid off from my position at Service Corporation International, a company that acquires funeral homes in the U.S. and Canada. My wife and I decided to travel to our property at 70 Mile House to determine my next steps. As we approached Bonaparte Road, we noticed horse-drawn carriages moving around a field, accompanied by a sign that read “Horse Carriage Driving Event.” I conducted some online research and discovered that the Cariboo Country Carriage Club was hosting an event on Saturday and Sunday. I reached out to the host on Facebook to inquire whether the event was open to the public.

On Saturday, the weather was cool, cloudy, and breezy, with forecasts predicting an incoming atmospheric river. We drove over to the Huber Farm and Equestrian Centre, located across Highway 97 from the 70 Mile House store. We planned to learn more about the event, take some photographs, and then drive to 100 Mile House to buy some groceries.

Horse carriage driving is an equestrian sport that tests the driver’s skills and horse handling abilities. The cone course features a series of cones that drivers must navigate without touching or knocking over the balls placed on top of each cone.

We were informed that the marathon would be the main event to watch, taking place on Sunday. During the marathon, drivers and horse carriages navigate a course filled with obstacles, including water features and gates. It is a timed event, and both the driver and the horse carriage must complete the course in the shortest time possible.

People from all over British Columbia, including Quesnel, Abbotsford, the Okanagan, and even the Yukon, travelled to attend this small event. I loved how the community was very friendly and helpful in guiding us through the event’s workings.