About qathet Living
A Gastropod Media publication
Gastropods may seem like they're going nowhere in a hurry, but our not-so-sluggish team is always busy. In addition to our monthly lifestyle magazine, qathet Living, we publish annual guides supporting local events, the arts, as well as our regional organizations and businesses.
qathet Living Magazine
Our flagship publication, this monthly magazine has been going since 2006. It's usually between 56 - 72 pages. qL first ran under the banner of Powell River Living. To reflect our wider regional roots, it was renamed qathet Living. Read about qathet Living's origin story.
Our special "Best of qathet" issue is published every July. Other annual guides include:
- qathet International Film Festival (February)
- Logger Sports (July)
- qathet Studio Tour (August)
- Powell River Fall Fair (August)
qathet Living is a member of the Magazine Association of BC, the Powell River Chamber of Commerce, Coastal Women in Business, and Tourism Powell River.
Home Grown
Local food and agriculture
Published: May
Page Count: 32
Home & Hammer
Construction and renovation
Published: June
Page Count: 72
Zest
Health and wellness
Published: October
Page Count: 32
Origins
Back in 2006, Isabelle Southcott founded Powell River Living magazine with the motto, “Showcasing the Best of Powell River.” And it did, winning multiple business and publishing awards along the way, for its unique ability to reflect local culture, and promote the business community during swiftly-changing times.
The magazine evolved with the region and staff. Now ‘qathet Living,’ the magazine is a trusted source for in-depth local journalism, remarkable stories and photos by volunteers, the region’s most thorough events calendar, obituaries, spicy personals, and vibrant, effective advertising from hundreds of local businesses.
In 2025, long-time staffer Pieta Goudron bought qL, under Gastropod Media.
qL is the proud recipient of the 2023 Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence of the Year Award.
What's in a name?
qathet is an ayajuthem word, from the tla’amin Nation, which means ‘working together,’ It is also the name of the Upper Sunshine Coast’s Regional District, encompassing Saltery Bay to Lund, Savary Island, Texada Island and Lasqueti Island, and the City of Powell River.
Our Pod
Pieta Goudron
Owner / Editor
Originally a Kitsilano-born daughter of hippies, Pieta is frankly shocked that she’s a business-owning adult. She has a degree in history and archaeology (SFU), a diploma in journalism (Kwantlen), and a journalism resume that ranges from The Hay River Hub (NWT) to the Georgia Straight (Vancouver), and several long-time freelance gigs. She is also mom to the two most exquisite and radiant teenagers.
Sean Percy
Publisher
A born-and-raised local, Sean started in journalism with the Powell River News, before spending 10 years as managing editor of the Hay River Hub in the NWT. He returned home to join the magazine in 2008. When he’s not making magazines, you’ll find him exploring back roads and trails, tending his wonderful wife Lauri’s gardens, or planning his next scuba diving adventure.
604-483-6576 (cell) | ac.gniviltehtaq@naes
Suzanne (Suzi) Wiebe
Sales
Suzi is a woman of many passions – defined by her love of community, adventure, and an unstoppable creative spark. She has been with qathet Living for the last 15 years. She started with PR Living, back in the day when it was a smaller, classic black-and-white publication. Watching the community, qathet Living Magazine and its stories evolve over the years helped fuel her own entrepreneurial and creative journey. Today, she channels that artistic energy into her own business as the proud owner of Found Stone Permanent Jewelry ~ Art ~ Decor, where she crafts beautiful, lasting pieces and curated decor.
604-344-0208 (cell) | ac.gniviltehtaq@izus
Lauren Diemer
Office Manager
Lauren runs our front office and accounts receivable, when she’s not at her other day job for the federal government. She also helps with editorial, proofreading (she’s the queen of the Oxford comma, so if you see we missed one, it’s in spite of, or to spite, Lauren), and generally making sure things run smoothly.
604-485-0003 (cell) | ac.gniviltehtaq@eciffo