THURSDAY, APRIL 13 2017 VOL. 74, NO. 15
SERVING FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES
$1.50 INC. GST.
alaskahighwaynews.ca
“The Only Newspaper in the World That Gives a Tinker’s Dam About the North Peace.�
WRITING HER WAY TO WORLD STAGE
LIELKE DOMINANT AT NATIONALS
SURGERIES PUTTING SPCA IN CRUNCH
NEWS A4
SPORTS B1
COMMUNITY B9
EXCELLENT EGGS
City mulls urban coops, cat bylaw ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca
Backyards in Fort St. John could soon be filled with more than the sounds of buzzing bees as councillors consider allowing backyard hens within city limits. Urban coops and a potential new cat control bylaw were on the council agenda at city hall this week, but there’s still plenty of issues to sort out before either become a reality. When it comes to allowing residents to keep backyard hens, Jim Rogers, the city’s protective services director, said noise, smell, population growth, and where to take seized animals all must be taken into consideration. “It’s not as simple as getting a hen and throwing in the backyard and it’s going to turn out well,� he said. The city is looking to start public consultations that would include online discussion, posters, handouts, and a public forum to gauge interest and educate. The issue landed on this week’s agenda after bylaw officer Bonnie Isenberg reached out to other communities in the province to see how they handled hen issues.
When You Are Out in the Field, Time IS Money. QUALITY PARTS, EXPERT SERVICE! HoursMon-Fri: 8am - 5pm Sat: 8am - Noon
9224 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC (250) 785-0463
After Hours - Leave Message
ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO
CONTACT US
phone 250-785-5631 fax 250-785-3522 email circulation@ahnfsj.ca online alaskahighwaynews.ca facebook AlaskaHighwayNews twitter @AHNnewspaper
See HENS on A14
Election 2016 wildfires spark review of campaign underway Charlie Lake fire coverage Counter-clockwise from top: Abby Sheppard, Seth Sheppard, Jack Stewart, and Gwenna Sheppard show off the new biodegradable plastic eggs the Kin Club of Fort St. John will use at this year’s Easter Egg Hunt on April 15.
Firefighters also want ability to respond to vehicle rescues, medical calls MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca
Last year’s wildfires are spurring an upcoming review of Charlie Lake’s fire services and whether to bring an estimated 800 homes and 1,500 residents into the department’s coverage area. The Peace River Regional District is planning to undertake a third party review of the Charlie Lake Fire Department to determine whether expanding its fire protection area is feasible and what new costs, if any, would come with upgraded coverage. While plans for the
Charlie Lake firefighters mobilize outside a home threatened by wildlfire last year.
review are still in the early stages, work is expected to start sometime this year, with David Mitchell & Associates undertaking the work. Area C Director Brad Sperling said he’s fielded inquiries from residents outside the current fire protection areas, including areas north of Charlie Lake, about the possibility of receiving firefighting services.
“Of course, after last year’s wildfires, we had a lot of calls,� he said. “We started thinking about what could we do and what it would look like if we did expand.� The 2016 wildfire season helped set a record volume of calls for the department at 110 for year, Fire Chief Dan Ross said.
PAVING 100 Canadian
Residential • Commercial • Industrial Roads • Driveways • Parking Lots
See FIRE on A13
The writ has dropped and the B.C. election campaign is officially underway. The 28-day race began Tuesday after Premier Christy Clark met with Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon at Government House to dissolve the legislature. Peace River North will be a riding to watch, with five candidates vying to be the region’s next MLA. Among them are BC Liberal candidate Dan Davies, NDP candidate Rob Dempsey, and three independents: Bob Fedderly, Rob Fraser, and Jeff Richert challenging Liberal dominance of the riding. Davies, a sitting Fort St. John city councillor, is looking to keep the BC Liberal incumbents in government for another four years. He’s been touring the region ahead of the official launch of the campaign, including stops to Fort Nelson, Hudson’s Hope, and Kwadacha First Nation. See ELECTION on A7
FREE ESTIMATES
250.719.0686
% COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL GRAVEL SALES AND DELIVERY
Owned
Serving Dawson Creek, Chetwynd, Fort St. John & Surrounding Areas
33490