AHN AUG 3 2017 by Alaska Highway News

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017 VOL. 74, NO. 31

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.”

ZIMMER TALKS LNG FALLOUT

SITE C LAYOFFS CONTINUE

FLYERS LOOK TO UPCOMING SEASON

NEWS A5

NEWS A8

SPORTS B2

RAINBOWS OVER SUBURBIA

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

DARCY SHAWCHEK PHOTO

The skies over Fort St. John were certainly otherworldy on Monday night, after a passing storm gave way to a brilliant orange sunset and this double rainbow.

Market plaza, inclusive play anchor Centennial Park plans ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

 phone 250-785-5631  fax 250-785-3522  email circulation@ahnfsj.ca  online alaskahighwaynews.ca  facebook AlaskaHighwayNews  twitter @AHNnewspaper

A permanent ice loop, public washrooms, an inclusive playground, market plaza and more will soon anchor a rejuvenated Centennial Park. All are primary and mandatory elements in a proposed redesign of the Park and revealed to residents at a series of open houses last week. The city is collecting public feedback on the park’s redesign, and presented three proposed designs by landscape architect Ernie Webster. The city’s flagship park is home to a number of big events every year, including the Santa Claus Parade, High on Ice, Canada Day festivities, and more.

“We think it’s important to activate 100 Street and make sure it feels like the park becomes more connected to the streetscape,” Webster said at a July 26 open house at the Pomeroy Sport Centre. A permanent ice loop was a primary feature in all three of Webster’s designs, as were mandatory elements including washrooms, an inclusive playground, and market plaza. The city will also cut down the massive lavender bushes that surround what used to be a bowling green to open up the sightline of the park. The designs were quick to generate discussion among residents. Theresa Mucci questioned the need for an ice loop in Centennial Park when there already was one in Matthews Par,

built last year. “I’m not looking at the warm and fuzzy right now, I’m looking at the budgeting and the realistic part of the fact that you’ve already got the Matthews Park used with that skating oval,” she said. Brant Churchill disagreed, saying the ice loop would be a great addition to the Park, and hearkened back to his own childhood. “We’re trying to encourage people in the winter to get outside,” he said. “Growing up in Fort St. John we were outside all the time, the outdoor loop that was where the Pomeroy is now got used regularly. I was out there every evening as a child.” See CENTENNIAL on A8

City buys Condill Hotel, Christy Clark done as Chamber boss throws hat plans for its demolition Liberal leader, MLA into city byelection race MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

The City of Fort St. John has bought the historic Condill Hotel. City councillors approved the $870,000 deal in a closed meeting July 24. The purchase will officially close in September. “The city created downtown plan through some fabulous consultation with the community. There was conversation about creating a safe and welcoming downtown,” Mayor Lori Ackerman said. “When you create something thats welcoming, you want it to be beautiful. This does give us a chance to influence the design of future buildings on the site.” Con Hergot and Joe Dill built the hotel in 1942 as a place for American soldiers to stay during the construction of the Alaska Highway. Seventy-five years later, the building is at “the end of its life cycle,” the city says, and will be demolished. See CONDILL on A9

Peace River North MLA Dan Davies was left blindsided by Christy Clark’s decision to step down as MLA and leader of the BC Liberals last week. The former premier announced her intentions in a brief statement released July 28. “We were shocked, disappointed, but it’s her decision at the end,” Davies said. “We’ll keep fighting, our caucus is really strong right now and Rich Coleman is a great interim leader.” Clark, 51, also plans to step down as the MLA for Kelowna West. Her resignation takes effect this Friday. “I took a long walk along the lakeshore on Friday morning and I knew it was time to leave,” Clark told reporters in a press conference on Monday. “I am done with public life,” she added. “There is nothing worse than a politician hanging on because they think they’re irreplaceable.” See CLARK on A7

PAVING 100 Canadian

Residential • Commercial • Industrial Roads • Driveways • Parking Lots

MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

And then there were two. Lilia Hansen, e x e c u t i v e director for the Fort St. John & District Chamber of Commerce, has filed to run in this fall’s byelection for city council. Lilia Hansen It’s her first time running for political office. “In my current role, I’m privileged to work with many businesses and non-profit groups. I’d like to bring their voices to the table,” Hansen said. See BYELECTION on A3

FREE ESTIMATES

250.719.0686

% COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL GRAVEL SALES AND DELIVERY

Owned

Serving Dawson Creek, Chetwynd, Fort St. John & Surrounding Areas

33490

A2 THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

CONTENTS

MILLION DOLLAR BIRTHDAY

Humour........................................ A2 Weather ....................................... A2 Local News .................................. A3 Opinion ....................................... A6 Business ..................................... A10 Crime .......................................... A11 Classifieds ................................. A12 Sports ........................................... B1 Arts & Culture ............................ B5

Fort St. John resident and businessman Gus McLeod had a million dollar birthday earlier this year. McLeod was a $1-million Lotto 6/49 winner after buying a ticket at the Safeway Gas Bar in Dawson Creek on May 17—his birthday.

THIS WEEK’S FLYERS No Frills 10,075 Walmart 8,552 Shoppers Drug Mart 9,438 M&M Food Market 8,529 Jysk 9,687 Save On Foods 10,204 Safeway 10,067 Staples 9,521 Home Hardware 8,932 Peavy Mart 9,224 The Brick 9,420 Canadian Tire 10,071 Windsor 9,754 London Drugs 7,504 Century 21 7,000

GAS WATCH KNOWBEFOREYOUGO PREVAILING PRICES Dawson Creek

101.9

“It was a great birthday present,” McLeod said. “I texted the picture of the validation slip to my wife to confirm what I was seeing!” McLeod has big plans for his winnings. “I’m going to pay off my mortgage first. Then I’m going to donate to the Rotary and help out my kids with university.” BCLC PHOTO

Talking Dogs, Superman’s Mustache, Barfing in New York GRENADE GIGGLE: Our news chewing starts in Vancouver, where the RCMP has now recovered something they lost. A member of the tactical response team forgot to close the back of a police truck, the item fell off and was missing somewhere in the city. The item in question? A grenade launcher. Yes, a grenade launcher. The Mounties use this type of weapon to fire smoke grenades when they are on riot control duty. Like, for example, when a crowd of over-excited women are at a Trudeau rally and they push through police lines because they just want to get close to hot handsome Justin. (I’m kidding.)

AMAZING AMAZON: Do you buy stuff online from Amazon? Last week, Amazon boss Jeff Bezos was named Richest Person On The Planet. Bezos has sold a lot of stuff. He rt St. John, BC - border 7 Day Forecast Canada Alberta-B.C. 101.9- Environment changed the way we use the Internet. Bezos is now worth $89 billion. What pushed him Fort Nelson over the top last week was when I went on 119.9 Amazon—and I purchased a copy of Newspaper Column Writing For Dummies. Groundbirch Fort St. John

110.9

Superman movie, we’ll know he’s not really clean shaven? Next they’ll be telling us Superman can’t really fly!

Bob Snyder

CPR LOL: Last week in England, a man had a heart attack while he was teaching a class in CPR. His life was saved by one of the students. The instructor gave the student an A++++++++.

CHEWS THE NEWS

he got sick after he drank from the toilet. THEY’RE WATCHING, LISTENING: A new documentary describes all the ways governments spy on their citizens. The first rule to avoid being spied on by the government: never Google “How can I avoid being spied on by the government?”

BARF BULLETIN: In New York, there’s a stage play based on the scary book 1984. The play has torture scenes that are so graphic, some people in the audience barf. I predict years from now—when they do a play based on 2017—people will do a lot more than barf.

PARROT PARTICULARS: In Michigan, TOURIST TALE: Travel agents say thou- a woman was convicted of murdering her sands of Americans are visiting Canada to husband after their parrot repeated the https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-78_metric_e.html escape triple digit temperatures. When Ca- words “Don’t shoot! Don’t shoot!” Ladies, nadians say they’ve experienced triple di- if you’re planning to shoot your husband— git temperatures they mean they lost three first blindfold your parrot. fingers to frostbite. COFFEE CHAOS: Another week, anoth102.9 SMOKE SURVEY: A new survey shows the er coffee study! A new study links coffee to WATER WOES: News from Europe: percentage of Canadians who smoke is at longevity. The bad news is: You’ll spend your me Chetwynd Environment and natural information Weather Local Columbia  all  British 110.9 resources There’sa Weather drought in Italy that isvery bad. an timeforecasts low. Hey, they may not smoke— extra years standing in line at Starbucks. Some cities are rationing water. Ironically, but many Canadians are FUMING. the streets of Venice are flooded. STAR STUFF: Astronomers have detected Tumbler Ridge 115.9 MUSTACHE MAYHEM: Paramount Pic- signals from a mysterious dwarf star, 11 light DOG DETAILS: A scientist predicts with- tures announced Henry Cavill’s mustache years from Earth. Dwarf stars are smaller rt Nelson, - 7 Day Forecast - Environment Canada https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-83_metric_e.html PrinceBC George 96.9 in 10 years we’ll develop the technology forat: Fort than regular will St. be digitally removed he stars in the1 August Observed John Airport 8:27when AM MST Tuesday 2017 stars. Plus, they never learned Current Conditions dogs and humans to have conversations. I next Superman movie. Another studio has how to twinkle. The signals come from 11 predict most of what dogs say to humans blocked Cavill from shaving it off, he’s under light years away but they’re very strong and Hythe 98.9 Condition: Fog Temperature: 9.2°C Wind: SW 12 km/h will be tattling on cats. contract with them to do a movie where he clear. Wow, strong clear signals from billions Pressure: 103.4 kPa Dew point: Visibility: 0.8bad km of miles away! And yet there are places here has a8.9°C mustache. Golly gee whiz, it’s too Grande Prairie 94.4 DOG DIFFERENCE: Last week in Scotthat 99% somewhere in the multi-million dollar in B.C. where cell phone reception is lousy. Tendency: Rising Humidity: land, a Golden Retriever gave birth to a movie industry they don’t have a makeup green puppy. The puppy has green I had  Bob Snyder can be reached at: artist who could create something called A me Calgary Environment and natural  Weather information  fur. Weather Local forecasts  British Columbia 84.9resources a dog with a green face. But that was when FAKE MUSTACHE. So, when we watch the chewsthenews@fastmail.com

Fort St. John, BC

9°C FortEdmonton Nelson, BC 85.9

WEATHER & ROAD REPORT Observed at: Fort Nelson Airport 8:00 AM MST Tuesday 1 August 2017

Vancouver 130.9 Current Conditions Forecast Victoria 121.9 Condition: Sunny

Temperature: 11.9°C Fri Sat Dew point: 9.7°C 4 Aug 5 Aug Humidity: 87%

Wind: SSE 12 km/h Sun Mon Visibility: 48 km 6 Aug 7 Aug

23°C

26°C

27°C

26°C

Tue B.C. avg 1 Aug

Wed Thu Pressure: 103.1 kPa 3 Aug 2 Aug 120.5 Tendency: Rising

Alberta Avg.

93.2

12°C

CAD$ per litre, prices as of Aug. 1. Source: GasBuddy.com 21°C 26°C

A mix of sun and Forecast cloud

Mainly sunny

General notice Tue Wed

A mix of sun and cloud

Sunny

Thu Night 3 Aug

Fri Night 4 Aug

Tonight Night The contents of this 1 Aug 2 Aug

newspaper are protected by copyright and may be used only for personal non-commercial purposes.

9°C 13°C 24°C 26°C All other rights are reserved

Issued: 5:00 AM MST Tuesday 1 August 2017

FORT ST. JOHN

Sunny

FORT NELSON

Sat Night 5 Aug

HIGHWAY CONDITIONS PEACE REGION 27°C

FOR CURRENT ROAD Sunny Sunny CONDITIONS Issued: 5:00 AM PDT Tuesday 1 August 2017 IN THE PEACE REGION, PLEASE Sun Mon SEE THE LINK BELOW.

Night 6 Aug

7 Aug

http:// www.drivebc.ca/

#listView&district=Peace 12°C 27°C

14°C 27°C

12°C 26°C

13°C 27°C

28°C

and commercial use is periods 30% A few clouds Cloudy Clear Clear Clear Clear prohibited. To make any Mainly sunny A mix ofuse sunofand Chance of showers A mix of sun and A mix of sun and Sunny this material you must first cloud cloud cloud obtain the permission of the Today owner of theAcopyright. mix of sun and cloud. Fog patches dissipating this morning. High 21. UV index 6 or high. Tonight Night Night Night Night Night

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 9.

Wed, 2 Aug Night 10°C Thu, 3 Aug A few Night clouds

Sunny. High 26. Cloudy periods. Low 13. 14°C 13°C 23. A mix of sun and cloud. High Cloudy periods Cloudy periods Clear. Low 12.

250-785-5631

12°C

13°C

Environment Canada Local Weather Forecasts (250)-785-7669

13°C

Clear

KEEN CSA FOOTWEAR

Clear

Fri, 4 Aug Today Night Tonight

Sunny. High 26. Mainly sunny. Fog patches dissipating this morning. High 24. Humidex 25. UV index 6 or high. Clear. Low 14. Clear. Becoming partly cloudy after midnight. Low 10.

Sat, 5 Aug Wed, 2 Aug Night

Sunny. High 27. A mix of sun and cloud. High 26. Humidex 28. Cloudy periods. Low 14.

f2 Thu, 3 Aug Night

Asheville

A mix of sun and cloud with 30 percent chance of showers. High 27. Cloudy periods. Low 13.

WeatherPhone

http://www.drivebc.ca

For further information contact the managing editor at

Sunny

Oshawa

Comfortable and Durable Design Hamilton

Tacoma Abitibi

8/1/17, 8:34 AM

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017 A3

LOCAL NEWS

ATTEMPTED HIT-AND-RUN An accident at the intersection of 93 Avenue and 86 Street had police directing traffic around the area Tuesday morning. RCMP did not respond to requests for more information by press time, however, CJDC-TV reported that one man had been airlifted to a hosptial in the Lower Mainland as a result of his injuries. The other vehicle involved in the incident tried to flee the scene, but an individual was apprehended by police and is in custody. Alcohol was reported to be a contributing factor in the accident. See www.alaskahighwaynews.ca for updates. ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Spray park could open this month

CAR WASH AND LUBE CENTRE IN PRIME CITY LOCATION. INCLUDES THE SHARES OF INLAND RENTALS LTD., THE LAND AND 4082 SF BUILDING PLUS EQUIPMENT. YOU BUY AND YOU ARE IMMEDIATELY IN BUSINESS. CALL ANNETTE FOR INFORMATION AND TO VIEW THIS GREAT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY. 250-793-4394

check website: www.annettereeder.com

NEW LISTING - $999,000

WOW! THIS IS A HOME LIKE NO OTHER! JUST A STONE’S THROW TO THE CITY, THIS 2 YEAR OLD FULLY DEVELOPED HUGE HOME WITH ATTACHED GARAGE PLUS RV CARPORT HAS TOO MANY FEATURES TO LIST. CONCRETE BSMT AND CONCRETE WALLS, MODERN CUSTOM KITCHEN, DINING & LIVINGRM, 7 BEDROOMS, 4 BATHS, FAMILYRM, OFFICE, HOT WATER IN FLOOR HEAT, DRILLED WATER WELL, SEPARATE BLDG. WITH SAUNA, JACUZZI, BATHRM, LARGE GREENHOUSE, ETC., PHONE ANNETTE TODAY FOR MORE INFO AND YOUR PRIVATE VIEWING 250-793-4394.

HUGE HOME & TRUCK SHOP ON 8.7 ACRES

1475 SF HOME ON ACREAGE

,0 00

MAKE AN OFFER

REDUCED

SPACIOUS FOYER, 3 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS, ISLAND IN KITCHEN, LIVINGROOM PLUS FAMILYRM WITH WOOD STOVE, 2 DECKS, APPLIANCES, RIDE-ON TRACTOR, ETC., CALL ANNETTE TO VIEW 250-793-4394

NEW LIST-SUNSET RIDGE 10507-109A ST

$5 19 ,0 00

GREAT FAMILY HOME, 4 BR, 2 BTHS; OVERSIZED LIVINGROOM HAS FIREPLACE & HARDWOOD FLOOR, DECK OFF DININGRM; LARGE FENCED BACKYARD; DEVELOPED BSMT; 2 CAR GARAGE CLOSE TO SCHOOLS. CALL ANNETTE 250-793-4394 TO VIEW.

3 BR HOME ON LARGE CITY LOT

FIXER-UPPER 3 BR HOME

1040 SF MAIN FLOOR & FULL CONCRETE BASEMENT, 3 BR, LARGE YARD, NEWER ROOF. ANNETTE 250-793-4394

2 UPDATED UNITS, EACH HAS 3 BR, FULL BASEMENT, FAMILYROOM, PATIO DOORS TO DECKS; APPLIANCES , RENT ONE AND LIVE IN THE OTHER SIDE OR RENT BOTH FOR GOOD INCOME.

4 BR. 3 BATH HOME & GARAGE- 9804-113 AVE

DUPLEX-2 UNITS 8804-89 AVE

$450,000

10703-109A ST, FULLY DEVELOPED 2 YEAR OLD HOME IN SUNSET RIDGE, MAIN FLOOR HAS 3 BR , 2 FULL BATHS, FIREPLACE IN LR, ALL APPLIANCES AND LAUNDRYRM; LARGE DECK; CONCRETE BASEMENT HAS 3 BR, FULL BATH, SEPARATE LAUNDRY; APPLIANCES. IDEAL FOR A LARGE FAMILY OR FRIENDS TO SHARE THIS SPACIOUS HOME WITH SEPARATE LIVING SPACE.

W NO

JUST 2 YEARS OLD,, QUALITY BUILT HOME CLOSE TO NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 1350 SF MAIN FLOOR PLUS FULL CONCRETE BASEMENT. MAIN HAS 3 BR, 2 FULL BATHS, OPEN CONCEPT , FIREPLACE IN LIVINGROOM, HIGH QUALITY KITCHEN CABINETS & EAT-AT ISLAND WITH GRANITE COUNTERTOPS, HOMEWARRANTY. NO GST TO PAY. CALL ANNETTE TO VIEW.

$2 19 ,0 00

The District of Taylor is preparing for its 45th annual Gold Panning Championship this upcoming long weekend. The weekend will kick off Friday with the Gold Panning Community Parade, starting off at the Taylor Arena parking lot at 6 p.m. The competition begins Saturday morning, with Class A (professional), Class B (nonprofessional), Class C (adultjuvenile), Media/Celebrity/ Sponsors, Claimstaking, Metal Detecting and Juvenile Open. The Class A competitors will be judged on speed panning, skill panning and fine gold panning. Sunday will be more panning, as well as a pancake breakfast, Church in the Park and the awards presentation. There will also be arts and crafts booths and food vendors on site.

2700 SF HOME WITH SUITE- 6 BR & 3 FULL BATHS

CALLING ALL TRUCKERS AND LARGE FAMILIES! WE HAVE THE HOME FOR YOU. SPACIOUS CUSTOM HOME 2527 SF MAIN PLUS 2527 DEVELOPED CONCRETE BASEMENT; 6 BEDRMS, 4 BATHS; SPACIOUS LIVINGRM; DININGRM; KITCHEN, HUGE FAMILYRM IN BSMT; NATURAL GAS & WOOD FURNACE; DRILLED WATER WELL; SAUNA WITH SHOWERS; PLUS MANY MORE FEATURES.

Unpaid property taxes aren’t posing a financial burden to the City of Fort St. John, but property owners should get their taxes in as soon as possible. City council received its property tax report at a recent meeting, outlining the amount of expected property tax revenue versus the outstanding taxes for this year. If every homeowner paid their property taxes in full this year, the city would receive $50.6 million. However, there is about $8.7 million still left outstanding after the July 4 deadline. While that’s more outstanding taxes than in previous years, the city’s tax base has increased over the last five years. In 2017, the city sent out 9,362 tax notices; in 2016 it was 8,889; in 2015 it was 8,402 notices; in 2014 it sent 8,135 notices; and in 2013 there were 7,959 notices sent out. Overdue taxes are charged 10 per cent after the annual deadline, and are charged daily interest compounded on the outstanding balance as of Jan. 1, 2018. Properties with outstanding taxes are put up for auction by the city.

JUST REDUCED - $700,000

City owed $8.7M in unpaid taxes

PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORP

Work continues on the Rotary Spray Park. The park was originally set to be open by now, but poor weather delayed construction activities. “We had an early winter last year, and a wet spring this year, which put us behind,” Director of Community Services Wally Ferris said during a Centennial Park consultation last week. He added that the city hoped to have it running in August. The splash pad is down and some of the water structures have gone up. Crews were compacting the ground for the path that will go around the structure last week.

Gold panning championships on all weekend

Annette Reeder 250.793.4394 areeder@telus.net

CAR WASH FOR SALE- 11204-100 AVE

$2 44 ,5 00

FARMLAND FOR SALE

ROSE PRAIRIE, ( 269 “S” ROAD) , 320 ACRES, GREAT LAND FOR CATTLE GRAZING , APPX 50 ACRES CULTIVATED, FENCED, ALSO MANY GOOD HOME SITES, OIL LEASE REVENUE APPX $4,600 YEAR. PHONE ANNETTE FOR DETAILS AND VIEWING 250-793-4394.

UPDATED 3 BEDROOM HOME AT 9419-97 AVE. ON A LARGE CITY LOT. CAL ANNETTE 793-4394 TO VIEW.

GARY REEDER REALTY LTD. "SPOUSES SELLING HOUSES"

AND COMMERCIAL, FARMS, SHOPS, LAND, PROPERTY MANAGEMENT.

BYELECTION FROM A1

“I’d like to take my representation of the community to a new level. It’s part of my day-to-day job to represent the community, so this will blend in nicely,” Hansen said. Hansen has worked as the chamber’s executive director since January 2014. Prior to that, she worked as an administrative section head for the Ministry of Environment in the Peace Region for 12 years. Hansen is the second candidate to file for the September byelection to replace outgoing councillor Dan Davies, who was elected MLA for Peace River North in May. Becky Grimsrud, a local helicopter pilot who ran for council in 2014, filed her nomination papers last week. The byelection takes place Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Pomeroy Sport Centre. Advance voting takes place, Aug. 30 and Sept. 6, also at the Pomeroy Sport Centre. The city will be accepting mail ballot requests until Thursday, Sept. 7, at 4 p.m. Candidate nominations close Aug. 4 at 4 p.m.

Supporting Our Communities TOLL FREE 877-785-4394

'B' 10756-100 St. Fort St. John, BC

Supporting Our Communities

R0011352385

ROAD CONSTRUCTION • ASPHALT PAVING AGGREGATE SALES • READY MIX CONCRETE SALES PORTABLE ASPHALT PLANTS AND CONCRETE PLANTS Servicing: OIL & GAS • MINING INDUSTRIAL • COMMERCIAL • MUNICIPAL • AIRPORTS

INTEROUTE CONSTRUCTION LTD.

NORTHEAST DIVISION

A4 THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Washed out trail an expensive fix, city says ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

More than a year after high winds and heavy rain washed out the trails in Fish Creek Community Forest, the future of one of them remains uncertain. The Silviculture Trail saw heavy damage when a landslide brought down a portion of the hillside near one of the forest’s bridges, according to Wally Ferris, the city’s general manager of community services. The trail remains closed indefinitely. “There was a mudslide and a landslide last year that caused a lot of damage,” Ferris said. “Those trails will remain closed until such time as we can assess what it will take to repair.” Heavy winds and rain closed the forest on June 15, 2016, with city crews clearing and reopening the Anatomy and Multi-Purpose trails a short week later. On the Silviculture Trail, shoring up the hillside

and repairing the existing trail would be “extremely expensive,” Ferris said, so the city may look into other options. “What we’re planning to do is have that whole area assessed and come up with some plans either to reroute pathways or repair that damage, which I’m not quite sure is going to be financially acceptable to the taxpayers.” A sign at the head of the trail behind Northern Lights College says residents should use at their own risk, but Ferris doesn’t encourage anyone to try. One section of the trail is barricaded. As to when the trail might reopen, Ferris said there’s no timeline. But the rest of the trails at Fish Creek are open and the city is working to keep those trails free of debris. “A lot of trees in and around there are cottonwood and they rot from the inside out, like a poplar tree,” he said. “So there’s a lot of issues with those, so we’re in making sure that those trails that are currently open are safe to use.”

No shooting groundhogs If you’re in Pink Mountain and carrying around a gun, don’t shoot the groundhogs. The groundhogs are endangered, regional district directors heard last week, and are just one of the reasons the area is ecologically sensitive. The issue arose during a discussion on signage for the area, which the board ultimately wants to see turned into an ecological reserve. The signs would indicate the region it is a delicate alpine habitat, that

rare plants exist in the area, and should read “no shooting” in the case of the local groundhog population. “As soon as you put up a sign that says ‘no shooting,’ it ends up full of holes,” director Karen Goodings said. She suggested the signage note that the animals were endangered to explain why people shouldn’t shoot them. The board approved $7,500 for the signage, which will be finalized with the province.

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

High winds and heavy rains caused a landslide that choked the Silviculture Trail in Fish Creek Community Forest with mud and fallen trees last June. More than a year later, the trail remains treacherous, with the damaged section closed.

Regional parks feedback wanted Boat launch upgrades, daytime picnic areas, better road maintenance, and more campsites are just a few of the improvements residents want to see at Montney Centennial Park. Around 40 families turned out the park on July 29 for Parks Day to give their input and take part in a day of outdoor activities with regional district staff and local community groups. “We thought if we can get people out here, it’s twofold: they can talk to our consultants about the park

design study and have a fun day of activities for the kids,” said Bryna Casey, parks and rural recreation co-ordinator for the regional district. The district is carrying out a regional park design study for both Montney Centennial, on the north end of Charlie Lake, and Blackfoot park, on the south shore of the Peace River near Clayhurst. “We want to improve them to get more use, and promote them to the public,” Casey said. The regional district manages five regional parks.

The Montney Centennial Regional Park was built on the northeast shore of Charlie Lake by the Montney Recreation Commission as a Canada Centennial project in 1967. It became a regional park in 1988. Consultations on the two parks under review will be ongoing throughout the summer and fall, with a final report of recommendations to follow from Lanark Consulting. Visit the regional district’s website for more information.

ST 2 7, 2 0 17 JU LY 1 — AU G U

What A YEAR!

Thank you to all the participants and all the generous sponsors! Your support is helping make our Summer Cruise 2017 an event to remember. See you NEXT YEAR!

Why not let us have a part in your vehicles future?

–5:15PM Monday-Friday 7:45AM 5PM Saturday 8:45AM–1:1 Sunday Closed 10405 8th St. Dawson Creek, BC

250-782-8666

EL TRAV

OSS ACR

A CAN

101 Rolla Road 250.782.3213

Weekly Draw Every Saturday 3pm: Early Bird Draw 8pm: Win $500 Cash or Double it for Free Play

July 13-15, 2018 C Dawson Creek B

m o c . s r e s i u r c o r e milez

Final Draw: August 19 for a chance to Qualify for a Trip to River Rock Casino Resort and a chance to win 2017 Volkswagen Jetta

Spend $5, $10 or $20 at Prospects Lounge and receive the same amount in Encore Points for Free Play Must be an Encore Rewards member to receive the value in Encore points. Take your receipt to the cash cage to receive your Encore points. Excludes alcohol. One per person per promotion.

400 Highway 2 • Dawson Creek 250.782.7752 chancesdawsoncreek.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017 A5

LOCAL NEWS

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies MP Bob Zimmer speaks to the Peace River Regional District board on July 27.

Regional district, MP Zimmer address LNG, CN Rail issues ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

CN Rail, liquefied natural gas, and rural mailboxes were just some of the issues bandied between regional district directors and local MP Bob Zimmer last week. The Prince George-Peace RiverNorthern Rockies MP appeared before directors July 27 to answer questions fon a variety of issues. The big issue on Fort St. John Lori Ackerman’s mind was, of course, the news last week that Petronas was abandoning its Pacific Northwest LNG project. “I’m looking for another company to acquire the property, just like we’ve seen in Tumbler Ridge or Chetwynd with the coal,” Zimmer said. Zimmer believes the change from a BC Liberal government to an NDP one was the last straw for Petronas, although Petronas officials have denied the theory, citing market conditions instead. “I think it’s awfully coincidental with the government change … to be threatened with unknown carbon taxes and other costs associated they decided it was just too much and it was the straw,” Zimmer said. “It was still proceeding, they told us it was always their intent to build the project. It just seems to me that with this last change it was just too much.” Zimmer was blunt in his frustration with protesters of the industry. “It’s very frustrating when we’re trying to promote the industry in Ottawa and all across the country, and we see everybody trying to protest that development,” he said. “I see (Vancouver) Mayor Gregor Robertson get on the same plane I do to Ottawa and back. I see David

Suzuki get on the same plane I do, and it’s extremely frustrating that these people that are so opposed to resource development are successful in killing the project using the resource they’re protesting.” Directors Don McPherson, Andre Lavoie, and Karen Goodings raised a number of concerns with CN Rail about rail access, upgrades, crossings on private lands, the lack of maintenance along their rail lines, as well as the trestle bridge near Pouce Coupe. “We’ve been trying to get them to have a meeting here and address the board with some of our issues,” said board chair Brad Sperling. “They tell us they’re too busy.” Zimmer offered to reach out on the regional district’s behalf. Sperling also raised community mailboxes in rural communities and the possibility of having Canada Post replace them with the current standard. “It’s becoming an issue with vandalism and theft,” said Sperling. “If it’s the new boxes, Canada Post replaces them and fixes them.” Directors Rob Fraser and Goodings shared the North Peace Economic Development Commission’s Gotta Go report on rest stops along the Alaska Highway and the need for funding to improve pullouts along the highway. Goodings also wanted to know how to bring the rest of the B.C. side of the Alaska Highway onto the Drive BC website—it currently only covers up to Mile 83, she said. “When you have something like Drive BC where notices are coming to your phone and stops at Mile 83 that doesn’t make any sense,” she said. “It’s part of B.C., if there’s a problem on the highway, there should be a notification that comes in.”

Special Delivery GIRL IT’S A Aleena n Autum tty Bea : Parents Beatty Tanya Craig &y’s Weight: Bab ounces 9 lbs 7 1 inches 2 Length: 4:25 pm Time: 2, 2017 July 2 ine, BC North P

BOY IT’S A Werle id Atle Davents: Par Werle Austin Lisa & s Weight: Baby’ lbs 9 es 21 inch Length:11:24 pm Time: , 2017 26 ly C Ju John, B Fort St.

IT’S A BOY Alex Jeremy Govorukhin Parents: Nick & Olga Govorukhin Baby’s Weight: 8 lbs 3 ounces Time: 2:05 am Length: 51 cm July 24, 2017 Fort St. John, BC

Rebe IT’S A GI cca L RL ynn M cGuir P e Robertarents: & McGuTeriney ire Baby 9 lb ’s Weigh Lengths 11 ounc t: es : Time: 20.5 inche July 28:06 am s 6, Fort St. Jo 2017 hn, B C

Drop off or mail your FREE birth announcement to: The Alaska Highway News, 9916-98 St., Fort St. John V1J 3T8 or email: compose@ahnfsj.ca

Fort St. John Hospital Foundation Baby Bouquet Wall This is a wonderful way for family and friends to acknowledge these special miracles

ated in the t Wall is loc re Baby Bouque Hospital Birthing Cent hn Jo . St Fort

Your minimum donation of $125 to the FSJ Hospital Foundation will not only purchase a flower petal, but the money raised will also go towards much needed medical equipment that will help to provide the best healthcare and service possible.

Ph: 250.261.7563 | email: fsjhf@northernhealth.ca

www.fsjhospitalfoundation.ca

If you are injured, choose the right legal team. Our experience, expertise and past results give you the confidence to focus on your recovery while we focus on your claim.

Ryan Irving

James Cotter

Michael Yawney, Q.C.

Contingency fees available—no recovery, no fees. WE DO NOT ACT FOR ICBC. Contact us for your free, no obligation personal injury consultation. Tel: 250-785-5252 • Tf: 1-800-243-5353

www.nixonwenger.com

Leah Volkers

Allyson Edwards

TRUSTED. RESULTS.

A6 THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017

Opinion

Published every Thursday at 9916 - 98th Street, Fort St. John, BC V1J 3T8 by Glacier Media Tel: 250-785-5631 Fax: 250-785-3522 Online at alaskahighwaynews.ca

regional manager

William Julian wj@ahnfsj.ca

managing editor

Matt Preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

reporter

Aleisha Hendry ahendry@ahnfsj.ca sports reporter

Dillon Giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

sales manager

Ryan Wallace rwallace@ahnfsj.ca

sales associate

Brenda Piper

bpiper@ahnfsj.ca

circulation manager

Lynn Novack

circulation@ahnfsj.ca

WHAT’S YOUR OPINION? Send your letters to: editor@ahnfsj.ca Please put “Letter to the Editor” in the subject line. All letters must be accompanied by a daytime phone number (for verification purposes only) and your full name. We reserve the right to edit letters for length, taste, accuracy and libel. Please keep letters under 600 words. We ask that submissions protest the policy - not the person. Opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor do not necessarily reflect those of the Alaska Highway News.

NATIONAL NEWSMEDIA COUNCIL The Alaska Highway News is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please let us know first. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

COPYRIGHT AND LEGAL NOTICES The Alaska Highway News retains sole copyright of advertising, news stories and photography produced by staff. Copyright of letters and other materials submitted to the Editor and accepted for publication remain with the author, but the Publisher and its licensees may freely reproduce them in print, electronic or other forms. Reproduction is prohibited without written consent of the publisher. Second class mail registration No. 0167

Financial transparency must be repaired with Site C

ransparency is a word commonly used by any government or agency wanting to demonstrate responsible, truthful, open, and candid governance. Easy to say, difficult commitment to fulfill. The former BC Liberal government has not been transparent with the public about our Crown corporation, BC Hydro, and their Site C construction costs and timeline. Several news organizations, as well as concerned citizens have tried their best to obtain various numbers and data regarding the Site C project over the past couple of years. They have been met with stonewalling and deliberate stalling tactics. Take the case of Sarah Cox, a reporter with the online news agency called DeSmog. Ms. Cox had been in this situation for almost nine long months. Three weeks after the May 9 election, former Energy Minister Bill Bennett’s office indicated that Cox would have her answers by May 30. But wait, that deadline came and went with yet another deadline of Aug. 2. This information request as filed under the Freedom of Information Act almost a year ago. Mr. Vince Gogolek, the executive director of the BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association, has called this delay “disturbing” and stated that, “they are actually throwing up roadblocks … there should be a penalty for that.” Where is this promised transparency from our previous government and Crown corporations? Another freedom of information request was attempted by Bob Mackin of theBreaker.news. He was interested in finding out cost overruns as well as time delay issues regarding newly discovered tension cracks at the dam’s construction site. In his case, he was actually given the

Rick Koechl Mike Kroecher TWO OLD GUYS WITH ISSUES

minutes of the April 10, 2017, meeting, chaired by Brad Bennett, and attended by BC Hydro CEO Jessica McDonald and board director Jack Weisgerber. What was missing, however, were the actual cost overruns incurred so far by the tension cracks that have arisen at the construction site. Mackin did indeed receive a copy of the minutes with an attached data sheet called Appendix D. The problem? All of the added costs were redacted or blacked out. Not one cost overrun was available to Mackin (hence to the B.C. taxpayer or ratepayer) concerning the latest figures that BC Hydro will be on the hook for. The dollar amounts, however, were censored. These two old guys counted 148 blackouts in Appendix D. The records also show that the engineering firms of Klohn Crippen Berger and SNC Lavalin will receive even more money than originally budgeted. The dollar amounts, however, were censored. Clearly, there is no transparency here. Nelson Bennett, another reporter working for Business in Vancouver, made a similar attempt with BC Hydro in his search for the lowest bid on the dam’s $1.75-billion civil works contract. There were four different consortiums bidding for the initial construction phase of Site C. It took Bennett more than a year-and-a-half of wrangling with the energy and justice

ministries as well as the office of the Privacy Commissioner. What did he learn? Well, we now know that Peace River Hydro Partners won the bid at $1.75 billion, and that the others placed bids of $1.86 billion, $2.13 billion, and $2.42 billion. We just don’t know which consortium matches up with the above numbers besides Peace River Hydro Partners. That remains a secret. More transparency? When Cox made her attempt through freedom of information to obtain the data on Site C financials, she also received an alert from the Ministry of Energy and Mines stating that “before” any release of information, there must be “mandatory consultation” with the Office of the Premier—then filled by former premier Christy Clark. Strange requirement, wouldn’t you say? In another part of the same response, it’s noted that more “consultation” is required with BC Hydro as “it is imperative to obtain their input to enable the disclosure of potentially harmful information.” What is harmful about revealing the numbers? What is clear to us is that, just as in warfare, the first casualty of war is the truth. Regarding the case for the “hearts and minds” of B.C. citizens by the previous government promoting the Site C dam, the first real casualty is clearly transparency. Mike Kroecher is a long time retired resident of the Peace, expressing his deep roots in the land through his art. Rick Koechl is a recently retired teacher of the Peace with an enthusiasm for politics and energy.

Timeless Potter continues to conjure magic in our minds

ow is it that a children’s book written two decades ago and still have such a huge cultural impact? Whether you’ve read the books, seen the movies, one or the other, both, or neither, you can’t deny that Harry Potter has had a massive impact on our lives. Walking around the Fort St. John Public Library’s Harry Potter Birthday Bash on July 31, the excitement on the faces of pretty much everyone was evident—from the parents that grew up with the stories, to their children whom they passed those stories on to. It didn’t matter how old they were—people were dressed for the occasion, be it in full wizard robes or a Hogwarts T-shirt. They wore their Harry Potter pride and represented their Houses to the best of their ability. It blows my mind how many fans of the series there are, it’s

Aleisha Hendry AS I SEE IT

right up there with the Stars Wars fandom in terms of pop culture influence. Some of the kids I talked to were only on the first or second book, and they were already dressing like Harry/Harriet Potter. That’s how good this series is. I will admit, I didn’t think much of the series when I first saw it was a thing. I saw book four, The Goblet of Fire, in a bookstore and didn’t think any kid would read a book that thick. Flash forward a year and one of my roommates in college was from Japan, taking ESL classes and reading the Harry Potter books to work on their English skills. The first movie

was playing at the local theatre and she begged me to come with her. “You’ll love it, I promise!” she said. I doubted it, but agreed to tag along anyway. Let’s just say as soon as we got back to the dorms she handed me the first three books and I devoured them in a matter of days—class assignments be damned. From there I got the box set of the first four books for my own, then proceeded to add my name to the pre-order lists for the remaining three. It was true, I’d become a Potterhead. I even signed up on the Pottermore website, the “digital heart of the Wizarding World.” I took the Sorting Hat test a couple years ago and was sorted into Gryffindor. I’ve always felt in my heart that I was a Hufflepuff—they value hard work, dedication, patience and fair play. Almost every fan I know has

feelings about which house they were sorted in to—some got the house they wanted, others not so much. But as the books say, the Sorting Hat takes your choice into consideration, so whichever house you feel you best belong in can be your house. The beauty of these stories is that because they take place in a world where they use parchment and quills to write, owls to send mail, and school uniforms in the form of robes, they can encompass any generation—they’re not bound by changes in technology. Harry doesn’t have an iPhone because he doesn’t need one. They are timeless, which means that generations to come will be able to read and enjoy these stories. Happy Birthday, Harry. Here’s to many more. Follow Aleisha Hendry on Twitter at @aleishahendry

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017 A7

LOCAL NEWS

Don’t let summer stifle your pets, local vets say ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

Local vets and animal advocates are preaching pet safety 101 with summer in full swing in the Peace Region. Summer officially began June 21, but calls about trapped pets in hot vehicles are already coming into the North Peace SPCA. While spending a few minutes locked in a vehicle on a sunny day may not seem like a big deal, it can be deadly for your pet. All it takes is an extra few minutes in the vehicle for your dog to become distressed. “It is an emergency, it is not something you can handle long term at home,” said Dr. Terill Udenberg, veterinarian and co-owner of Gentle Pet Clinic. “An overheated animal requires emergency veterinary care or that animal will die.” The risk is even greater for short-nosed dogs, such a boxers, bulldogs and terriers, said Udenberg. “Those dogs don’t have sweat glands. They don’t sweat on their body, only through their pads and hyperventilating and that’s all,” Udenberg said. Dr. Katharine North at North Peace Veterinary Clinic says it’s not just being in a hot car that can harm dogs—getting a lot of exercise out in the sun without an opportunity to rest and cool down can also be a problem. Cooling down a dog when it’s overheated can’t be done all at once—dropping them in an ice bath can do more harm than good, North warned. “We often think the best thing to do is get them cold as quickly as we can, but that actually causes them more body problems if we do it that quickly,” she said. Aside from getting the animal to the vet as soon as possible, she recommends cooling the dog gradually by misting them with cool water. Candace Buchamer of the SPCA warned wouldbe Good Samaritans from breaking into locked vehicles if they see a dog trapped inside. “There are very few people that are allowed to enter a vehicle. Unfortunately it is damage of private property when you do that. Even as the SPCA we have legal restrictions as far as that goes,” she said. “The best thing that people can do if they’re seriously concerned that the welfare of the animal is definitely at stake, they need to phone the RCMP. They will break the window if they feel it’s necessary.” Buchamer also warned pet owners against leaving their dogs unrestrained in the back of a truck, or even letting a smaller dog hang out on the driver’s lap with the window down. Shelly Donally, a groomer at Gentle Pets and animal trainer, suggested leaving a phone in a car to demonstrate how quickly the heat can become unbearable. “Take your phone out of its case, set it on the dash or between the seats and crack the window— it doesn’t have to be that hot of a day, it could be 20 C out—leave it just long enough to make yourself a cup of tea,” Donally said. “When you come out, guarantee your cell is going to say overheat alert. If your cell phone is already too hot and it’s overheating, and you pick it up and feel how hot it is, imagine your pet.”

THE RIGHT SLICE Fort St. John bladesmith and cutler Jesse Lambert shows off his wares at the Hunt Mania Gun & Sportsman Show on July 30. Lambert has been making custom knives of all kinds since 2009.

FORT CITY

David & Jacquline Devries

is Fort City Chrysler’s 4th Anniversary Givewaway winner of $

vries, Jodie Kluserits Chris Brown, David De

Roxanne Ouimet

2,500

We do ICBC Claims at shop 10996 Clairmont Frontage, Alaska Highway, Fort St. John • 250.785.3433

Britney Musyowski

from

Reese Kozoway, Joh n Muma, Ryan Clarke

yowski, Jodie Kluserits Dawn Page, Britney Mus

2016 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN CVP

was $17,991

16,791 $ 124

17GR169B

2016 DODGE DURANGO LIMITED AWD

39,891 $ 288 from

FORT CITY

from

+ TAXES AND FEES of $577

16C68A

B/W

$ was 53,991

49,991 $ 361

from

B/W

+ TAXES AND FEES of $577

20,491 $ 151

2016 RAM 3500 SXT C/C 4X4

was $43,591

was$22,991

B/W

+ TAXES AND FEES of $577

from

2,500

2016 DODGE DART SE $

AUTO GLASS

John Muma

trand e Ouimet, Sherry Hofs Jodie Kluserits , Roxann

CLARK FROM A1

FREE CHIP REPAIR

Years

is is is Fort City Chrysler’s 2nd Fort City Chrysler’s 1st Fort City Chrysler’s 3rd Anniversary Givewaway Anniversary Givewaway Anniversary Givewaway winner of winner of winner of $

The Peace River Regional District plans to meet with as many different ministries as possible during the Union of B.C. Municipalities conference in September. At last week’s meeting, directors suggested meetings be held with the ministries of environment, agriculture, energy and mines, housing and public affairs, health, and advanced education. “Make sure you wear running shoes,” board chair Brad Sperling joked.

GLASS HOUSE

Celebrating

2,500

PRRD preps for UBCM

The Liberals have announced former natural gas minister Rich Coleman as interim leader. Clark failed to win a second majority in the May election and stepped down as premier after her government lost a confidence vote in the legislature last month to the NDP and B.C. Green Party alliance. The Liberals have 43 seats to 41 for the NDP and three for the Greens. With Clark’s exit, the Liberals will be reduced to 42 seats. A byelection for her seat has yet to be called. Liberal Party president Sharon White said she must now call a meeting of the party executive within 28 days to set a date for a leadership vote. Some names being bandied about for leader of the BC Liberals include Peace River South MLA Mike Bernier, Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Andrew Wilkinson, and Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone. “Anybody could put their name forward, there’s a lot of experienced people that could do the job just fine,” said Davies.

CHRYSLER

PT843

+ TAXES AND FEES of $577

CHRYSLER

8424 Alaska Road Fort St. John

250-787-5220 1-877-787-5220

www.fortcitychrysler.ca

All payments are inclusive of taxes and fees of $577.00. Payments are calculated Bi-weekly over 84 months @ 4.24%. All payments are OAC - See Dealer for complete details. All offers and incentives are only in effect till August 15th 2017. Pictures are for display purposes only and vehicles may not be as illustrated. All units were available at time of printing. Cash giveaway winners were drawn live on location at Fort City Chrysler Friday’s at 5 PM Live on Moose FM. DL#10428

A8 THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017

LOCAL NEWS

Another 120 Site C workers laid off

Back to School R U Ready? :/

MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

Stock up on all your favorite products for the new school year...

More than 100 workers on the Site C project were laid off Monday while another 15 recover from an outbreak of a gastrointestinal virus. Peace River Hydro Partners confirmed 120 workers were laid off due to “ongoing workforce management.” “As with any construction project, the work and number of workers will vary from month-to-month based on the scope of work being performed,” Amber Harding, the company’s spokeswoman, wrote in an email. “When scopes of work are completed, PRHP transfers as many employees as possible to different areas of work before laying employees off. With this round of lay-offs,

ALL SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER LITRES are

10% OFF THIS AUGUST Mon, Tues, Friday 9-5:30, Wed & Thurs 9-7:30, and Sat 9-4:30 “Best Salon Gift Certificates Available 10440 100 Street, 250-787-1553 www.hbhealthspa.com

& Best Spa” 2016

How do you learn as a family? Tell us #FamilyLiteracyDay fl Have a shapes scavenger hunt, taking turns ﬁnding shapes indoors and outdoors. Then make each shape with your body — kids and adults work together.

LEARN AT PLAY, EVERY DAY.

ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

Find more ways to learn at play as a family at www.FamilyLiteracyDay.ca

TAKE PART IN THE ARTS IN AUGUST 2017

Monday Night at the Movies Brooklyn Feb 1 With the Fort St. John Film Society Aurora Cinema

Ballet Kelowna’s Boundless Feb 19 NPCC 7:30pm

Night at the in Movies “Celebrating 50 Years of the Arts inMonday Fort St. John 2017”

Aug 5 - Sep 9 | Summer Salon Show PrintsThe and Vagina PaintingsMonologues by Gallery ArtistsFeb at Peace 5 Gallery NPCC Resource Society at NPCC With theNorth Women’s Aug 8 and Aug 28 | Art Camp 5-12 years Art Exhibit “Dinner Talk” Feb 12- Mar 1 With Spectrum Studios at the Artspost 250-794With artists Mary Parslow, Alan White, 1383 Heathman, Peace Gallery North NPCC Karen Aug 11 | Cemetery Tour Alaska Highway Edition 13 (100 With Fred the NPPenner Historicalin Soc.Concert At the FSJFeb Cemetery NPCC 3:30pm Ave) 7pm August Artists in Residence PeaceFeb Gallery Koba’s Great Big ShowatLive 14 NPCC 1PM North NPCC Tues, Aug 15 Sherry Petryshyn and Barb Wagner Monday Night at the Movies 10am-4 pmSleeping Giant Feb 15 Fri Aug Barb With the 17 Fort St.Daley John 1-4 Filmpm Society Aurora Cinema Tues Aug 22 Lindsay Jardine 1-5 pm George Canyon Country Feb Thurs Aug 24 and Aug 31 BarbMusic Daley 1-4 pm15, 16 Lido Theatre 8pm

James White Feb 29

With theatFort John Film Society Aug 16 Species RiskSt. Exhibit Aurora at Cinema With the Royal BC Museum the FSJ NP Museum 10am-4pm AGM Dinner of North Peace Historical Aug 19-20 At theSociety Fall Fair Feb 24 Travelling Fall Fairat 250-787-0430 SeniorMuseum CitizensTrailer HallatTickets Best Pies in the World with the Arts Council Sheep to ShawlAGM event with the Spinners of PLRAC Feb and 20 Weavers With Peace Liard Regional Council Aug 20 –the Nov 30 Alaska HighwayArts Photo Exhibitin Dawson Creek By the late Rudy Schubert at the FSJ Museum Until Aug 15 Exhibit of World War Trench-Art Fort St. John Arts Council Meeting Feb 17 From Moose JawArtspost Museum at10320 the NP94 Museum At the Avenue Comers Welcome 12 noon Until AugNew 19 ARTWALK 2017 28 artists in 25 venues downtown Fort St. John Artist’s Juried Tickets onChoice Sale Now for Exhibition Jan 8 - 30 the Federation of Canadian Artists AlcanWith Craze of ’42 Live Theatre Sept 29 at Dawson Creek Art Gallery Creek and RON JAMES Touring Show NOV 21 At the North Peace Cultural Centre npcc.bc.ca

FOR MORE ON ARTS HAPPENINGS

www.fsjarts.org

R0011438861

Trent McClellan Comedy for High On High Feb 5, 6, 7 Lido Theatre 8pm

place at the project’s work camp to prevent the outbreak from spreading. “This includes notifying workers in the camp and on site about the outbreak and promoting hand-washing and the importance of reporting illness,” Hydro said in a statement. “Enhanced cleaning of common touch surfaces is being conducted and the medical clinic, the camp operator and contractors will continue daily monitoring of existing conditions and any new cases.” The 15 employees who are currently sick are not working, and will return when cleared by medical staff, Hydro says. There was a previous outbreak of gastrointestinal virus at the work camp in January.

Holding the fort at the Sally Ann

Imagine your family is anywhere in the world! Pick a spot on the map and learn about that country together online.

2017 BY-ELECTION GENERAL VOTING

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2017 BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 8:00 AM AND 8:00 PM Pomeroy Sports Centre 9324 – 96 Street, Fort St. John, BC ADVANCE VOTING Wednesday, August 30, 2017 - and – Wednesday, September 6, 2017 Between the hours of 8:00 am and 8:00 pm Pomeroy Sports Centre 9324 – 96 Street, Fort St. John, BC

ANY QUALIFIED ELECTOR MAY VOTE AT AN ADVANCE VOTING OPPORTUNITY

SPECIAL VOTING OPPORTUNITIES

A special voting opportunity will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at the following locations at the times indicated: • Peace Villa Care Centre, 8407 – 112 Avenue, Fort St. John, BC from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (noon) • Abbeyfield House, 8112 – 96 Avenue, Fort St. John, BC from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm • Peace Lutheran Apartments, 9812 – 108 Avenue, Fort St. John, BC from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm • Heritage Manor, 9819 – 107 Avenue, Fort St. John, BC from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm A special voting opportunity will be available to qualified electors who are patients or staff of the Fort St. John Hospital, 8407 – 112 Avenue from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm on Saturday, September 9, 2017

ELECTOR REGISTRATION There is no need to pre-register to vote as the registration of all electors for this election will take place at the time of voting. You will be required to make a declaration that you meet the following requirements: • 18 years of age or older on general voting day (September 9, 2017) • Canadian citizen • resident of BC for at least 6 months immediately preceding the voting day (March 7, 2017) • resident of OR registered owner of real property in the City of Fort St. John for at least 30 days immediately preceding voting day (August 9, 2017), and • not disqualiﬁed by the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election or otherwise disqualiﬁed by law.

Dave and Kim Maandag have been holding the fort at the Fort St. John and Dawson Creek Salvation Army for the last six weeks until the new majors arrive. The pair from Vancouver Island handled the annual Christmas in July food drive. “We brought in 3,600 pounds worth of food,” said Maandag. “It was pretty good, though it was a bit of a challenge as the rodeo was on and the air show was on.” Summertime is often a challenge for getting any donations, said Maandag, as people are away and not giving as much. “We ended up having to purchase some food to get us through,” he said. Maandag is the Salvation Army director for Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, while Kim works at the Nanaimo Salvation Army. The new Majors will be running both Salvations Armies in Fort St. John and Dawson

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Dave and Kim Maandag have been holding the fort at the Fort St. John and Dawson Creek Salvation Army for the last six weeks.

Creek. Maandag said there are differences between the communities, but both are very supportive. “In Dawson Creek we are not the official food bank, whereas in Fort St. John we are, so that creates a different dynamic.” The local Salvation Army emergency response unit was activated and sent to the Cariboo to help with the wildfire efforts last week.

Non-resident property electors must produce 2 pieces of identification (at least one with a signature) to prove identity, proof that they are entitled to register in relation to the property, and, if there is more than one owner of the property, written consent from the majority of the property owners. MAIL BALLOT VOTING Qualified electors may vote by mail if they: • have a physical disability, illness or injury that affects their ability to vote at another voting opportunity, OR • expect to be absent from the City of Fort St. John on general voting day and at the times of all advance voting opportunities

REQUESTING A MAIL BALLOT PACKAGE: The City will be accepting mail ballot requests up to 4:00 pm on Thursday, September 7, 2017. The following information must be submitted to City Hall: (1) (2) (3) (4)

(5)

Full name, Residential address, Address of the property in relation to which you are voting (for non-resident property electors), Method of delivery of your mail ballot package: (a) pick up at City Hall’s oﬃce, OR (b) regular letter mail through Canada Post to residential address, OR (c) regular letter mail through Canada Post to an alternate address that you provide when requesting the ballot package, If you are a non-resident property owner please indicate this information as part of your request. A non-resident property owner application will be included in the package.

This information can be submitted by: mail (10631 – 100 Street, Fort St. John, BC, V1J 3Z5), telephone (250-787-8150), fax (250-787-8181) or email (jprestley@fortstjohn.ca or lhowes@fortstjohn.ca) to receive a mail ballot. The City will send out mail ballot packages commencing on or about August 24, 2017. To be counted, your mail ballot must be received by the Chief Election Oﬃcer no later than 8:00 pm on Saturday, September 9, 2017.

CURB SIDE VOTING CURBSIDE VOTING will be oﬀered on general voting day (Saturday, September 9, 2017) for those electors who come to the voting place to vote but are unable to enter the voting place because of a physical disability or impaired mobility. Janet Prestley, Chief Election Oﬃcer

www.fortstjohn.ca

“That unit has a mobile kitchen, so they have it down for people coming back to their communities in Williams Lake,” said Maandag. “They’re serving the firefighters, the response people, the evacuees coming back to their homes so they don’t have to worry about the food end of things.” Majors Nelson and Deris Fillier will be arriving in the Peace Region on Aug. 8. CENTENNIAL FROM A1

Resident electors must produce 2 pieces of identification (at least one with a signature). Picture identification is not necessary. The identification must prove both residency and identity.

R0011447840

10442 100 Street 250-787-1552 www.hairbin.com

heavy equipment operators and labourers were the main job classifications impacted.” There may be future employment opportunities for the workers, Harding noted. The layoffs come after 72 workers were let go from the site last week because of a work stoppage and safety concerns related to ongoing slope excavation works on the north bank of the Peace River. There were 2,522 people employed on the dam project in some capacity in May 2017, according to BC Hydro’s latest available employment statistics. Meanwhile, 15 workers at the Site C dam site have caught the stomach flu, BC Hydro says. The company says measures have been put in

Webster noted that he’s heard from people that the park doesn’t always feel safe, so better lighting is one element the designs aim to improve. “Lighting is expensive, but it can also be really cool and in a winter city it adds so much,” he said. One of the designs suggested removing the formal garden area and replacing it with a community garden instead. Katy Peck liked this idea, as it would mean people could grow produce there and bring it right to the Farmers’ Market that would take place in the pavilion to either sell for themselves, or even for a food bank to use. “It’s happening in so many other places, why not take the opportunity to do that?” she said. Peck, business manager at the North Peace Cultural Centre, also wants to see an outdoor stage come to life in the park. “We’d love to utilize the park more for music festivals and events, and Shakespeare in the Park and things like that,” she said. Designs for the market plaza or the inclusive playground have not yet been completed. However, the plans show the inclusive playground would be located between the Fort St. John North Peace Museum and the Pomeroy Sport Centre. Some residents suggested moving it closer to the spray park instead.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017 A9

Business

“It’s a good thing for everybody involved. It’s been a real joy for Leo and I all these years having it.”

- Elaine Budnick, Condill Hotel

After 50 years of practice, vet has no plans to slow down Dr. Richard Wood began practicing animal medicine in his basement— today, his legacy continues to grow ALEISHA HENDRY ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

Dr. Richard Wood was adamant that a 50-year celebration of his career be more about the North Peace Veterinary Clinic he helped build than himself. “The conditions of me showing up today, I wanted to know if this was a funeral or a retirement party,” Wood said with a laugh. “They said neither one, so I said OK.” About 100 people gathered in the barn at the North Peace Fall Fairgrounds July 30 to hear about the history of the clinic and how much it has grown alongside Wood’s practice. “He’s a shining example of perseverance and dedication, and a little bit of stubbornness, which goes a long way,” said Dr. Corinne Spitzer, who not now co-owns the clinic with her husband, Dr. Perry Spitzer, but is also Wood’s niece. The day’s events included a slide show of old family photos, newspaper clippings,

Dr. Perry Spitzer : “Dr. Wood recently told me Dr. Cribb still owes him a couple weeks.”

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTOS

Dr. Richard Wood speaks at the celebration for his 50 years of practice at the North Peace Veterinary Clinic on July 30.

and shots of Wood at work in the clinic. The vet clinic got its start in 1965 when Dr. Peter Cribb set up shop in Fort St. John. Two years later, he hired a freshly graduated Wood to take over the practice. Wood had graduated at the top of his class from Ontario Veterinary College. “The deal was Dr. Wood would work for Dr. Cribb for

a month, then, when he took over, Dr. Cribb would work for Dr. Wood for a month,” said Dr. Perry Spitzer. “Dr. Wood recently told me Dr. Cribb still owes him a couple weeks.” Wood practiced out of his own home for many years, and it wasn’t unusual to see a truck backed into his carport with a cow needing surgery or help with a birth. “The neighbourhood

children were always excited when it was calving season, they’d watch and learn and were very attentive,” said Linda Wood, who has been married to Wood since 1969. “I don’t know if their parents ever knew or approved, but it was definitely an education.” As the only rural veterinarian, Wood travelled to distant farms to work, often gone for days at a time.

“You’d drive 12 or 14 hours to the farm, spend about half that doing your work, and then drive back,” said Wood. Eventually, Wood moved the clinic from his home to its current location just north of Fort St. John. It has grown from a single person to a staff of around 20 people, including veterinarians, technicians, and support staff. Wood has no plans to stop working, and is thankful the Spitzers allow him to continue performing surgeries and other work. “I really appreciate the staff at the North Peace Veterinary Clinic that have allowed me to carry on with my strange work schedule,” he said. “It’s really been a pleasure working there—more as an employee than a boss.”

SUPPLIED PHOTOS

Left: Dr. Richard Wood tends to a horse suffering from a horse laceration in the early days of his career. Right: Wood receives a gold medal for general proficiency from Dr. Trevor Lloyd Jones, Dean of the Ontario Veterinary College in 1967. The medal was awarded to Wood for achieving top marks in his graduating class. He would return to the North Peace after graduation to begin practicing. CONDILL FROM A1

The city hopes to demolish the building “as soon as possible,” Ackerman said. The vacant lot will be added to the city’s strategic land assembly plan and sold in the future as part of downtown redevelopment. “It was the place to go ... the social life of the community,” Ackerman said. “We certainly recognize the value facility had over the decades, but the building itself is no longer viable. That, I think, is in part the reason why the city got the price that it did.” The hotel, owned by Elaine and Leo Budnick since the 1980s, was listed by realtor and city councillor Trevor Bolin for $1,450,000. The city has had four closed-door meetings about the building’s purchase since May, and city officials confirm that Bolin declared a conflict of interest and recused himself from the meetings. In an interview, Bolin said he had the property listed before the city made an offer, and that he was not part of the city’s discussions on the deal. The Budnicks were looking forward to retirement and a lifestyle change, he said. Leo Budnick died during the selling process, with a celebration of life held at the Charlie Lake Church on July 27. Bolin said half of his listing commission, $15,000,

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Con Hergot and Joe Dill built the Condill hotel in 1942 .

will be donated to support a local group, to be chosen by residents. “I want people to be able to remember the great things Leo and Elaine did,” he said, recalling a time when they raised funds to rebuild the kid’s arena. “Leo never bragged about the things he did. With the Condill becoming the end of an era, I think we need something to keep that memory close.” The hotel is a “pivotal icon” in the city, Bolin said. “You talk to somebody who was here in the 50s, 60s,

HELPING YOU FIND REMOTE ACCOMMODATIONS LODGELINK.COM

70s, or even the 80s, and that’s one of the things they remember about Fort St. John,” he said. “We see times change and unfortunately with that so too do developers’ plans, and builders’ plans, and downtown plans.” While city officials confirm no future buyers have been lined up for the site, Bolin would like to see the lot redeveloped into a commercial square that blends with the new BC Government and Service Employees’ Union building next door, slated to open next month. “That building is a prime example,” Bolin said. “It’s a gorgeous building on a property that was not being used to its full potential. Now, there’s new trees and landscaping. “Everything they’ve done to the property, that’s the new downtown, that’s the new Fort St. John,” he said. Elaine Budnick was happy about the sale. “It’s a good thing for everybody involved,” she said. “It’s been a real joy for Leo and I all these years having it.” Budnick is planning to close down the hotel by Aug. 15. The hotel has around 10 long-term tenants. “Most of them got places already, or lined up places, there’s a few that haven’t, but they’ll manage as we do look after them,” she said.

A10 THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017

BUSINESS

Being prepared avoids last minute surprises

WORKING WITH WAX

oday’s market for selling is an inverse to what we experienced from 2012 to 2014, where there were 10 buyers for every home. Today, there is a home for every 10 buyers. Sales volumes have declined significantly over those experienced in the peak of a boom cycle. Selling a home today is much more difficult. Often appraisers are called in as the final checkmark before subjects are removed. They are often seen as deal killers or deal enablers, not unbiased valuation experts providing lenders with a neutral benchmark to make informed lending decisions, or providing purchasers with unbiased information on one of their largest purchases, or providing sellers with sound unbiased information to help them plan their marketing strategy. Appraisers are not building inspectors or surveyors. If we see a potential deficiency it is prudent to make note of the issue and request further investigation be completed.

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Encuastic artist Irene Gut works on a piece on July 28 as part of the artist in residence program at Peace Gallery North. Encaustics involve working with melted wax to created both abstract and realistic works of art.

Taylor mill upgrades planned Canfor is planning to carry out a Both projects will lower fuel $40-million upgrade at its pulp mill in consumption, water use, steam use, Taylor. The upgrades will be made to and natural gas consumption, the the mill’s refining line, to be funded in company says. part through BC Hydro conservation “These projects reflect Canfor incentives. Pulp’s commitment to sustainable It’s part of $105 million the company pulp production while continuing to isCITY BEAT spending on energy retrofits at two improve the cost competitiveness of ofUpdates from July 24, 2017 Council Meetings its mills. Canfor also plans to spend our pulp mills,” Canfor Pulp President $65 million on a new 32-megawatt Brett Robinson said in a statement. condensing turbo-generator at its Requests for more information on PRESENTATION OF FAREWELL GIFT TO COUNCILLOR DAN DAVIES Northwood mill in Prince George. the Taylor project were not returned. Council presented Councillor Dan Davies with a gift of appreciation for his years of service as a City Councillor from December 2005 to July 2017. Councillor Davies has resigned from Council to take on his new role as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Peace River North. Council wished Councillor Davies all the best in his future endeavours. LONG SERVICE AWARDS Updates from July 24, 2017 Council Meetings Council presented Long Service Awards to Jennifer Hammond (5 Years) and Linda Johnson (5 Years) in PRESENTATION OF FAREWELL GIFT TO COUNCILLOR DAN DAVIES recognition of their continued years of service as employees of the City of Fort St. John. Council presented Councillor Dan Davies with a gift of appreciation for his years of service as a City Councillor from December 2005 to July 2017. Councillor Davies has resigned from Council to take on his new role as a Member ofTHthe Legislative Assembly for Peace River North. Council wished Councillor Davies all the best in his future 75 ANNIVERSARY OF THE FORT ST. JOHN FIRE DEPARTMENT endeavours. Upon review of memorabilia at the Fire Hall, it was discovered that the Fort St. John Fire Department originated in 1942 and therefore 2017 marks 75 years of service to the community. The organization LONG SERVICE AWARDS Council presented Long Service Awards to Jennifer Hammond (5 Years) and Linda Johnson (5 Years) in recognition was formed after two children lost their lives in a tragic fire and the residents of the area decided that of their continued years of service as employees of the City of Fort St. John. some type of help should be available. The Fire Department would like to recognize the 75 th Anniversary of the Fort St. John Fire Department with a department celebration and an Open House on the weekend 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FORT ST. JOHN FIRE DEPARTMENT Upon review of memorabilia at the Fire Hall, it was discovered that the Fort St. John Fire Department originated of September 9 and 10, 2017. in 1942 and therefore 2017 marks 75 years of service to the community. The organization was formed after two children lost their lives in a tragic ﬁre and the residents of the area decided that some type of help should be available. The Fire Department would like to recognize the 75th Anniversary of the Fort St. John Fire Department 2017 PROPERTY TAX REPORT with a department celebration and an Open House on the weekend of September 9 and 10, 2017. For the 2017 property tax season, 9,326 tax notices were issued. By the end of July 4, 2017, collection was at PROPERTY 82.84% of the $50,630,342.31 2017 TAX REPORT charged for property taxes. The five year comparison in tax For the 2017 property tax season, 9,326 tax notices were issued. By the end of July 4, 2017, collection was at collection is as follows:

CITY BEAT

CRACKED FOUNDATIONS CAN BE A HOMEOWNERS NIGHTMARE On a recent inspection of a property, I noticed a crack in the front of the foundation (the low side of the property), generally not a big deal and not always noteworthy. In this particular instance, I walked around the home and found a crack on the rear of the home. Both cracks were in approximate alignment from front to rear. What also was noteworthy was the retaining wall at the front of the home was also showing signs of movement. There was a cistern located in the basement on this hillside home, again in line with the location of the cracking. As I am not a qualified building inspector, I completed my report with due diligence, requesting further investigation be completed by a qualified inspector. The final estimate of value was subject to adjustment pending conclusions of a qualified building inspector.

Edwina Nearhood LIFE AT GROUND ZERO

REAL ESTATE REALITY CHECK Have a real estate problem or question you want answered? Email editor@ahnfsj.ca to have it featured in a future article.

Following up, the cost to repair was significant. The potential purchaser’s outlay of appraisal fees and inspection fees saved them tens of thousands of dollars in repair costs. While disappointed in the loss of a purchase, it’s my assumption that they are very happy to not have purchased an unknown problem. The professional realtor involved as their selling agent was able to support them with a well-written contract that included subject clauses protecting their rights as purchasers. DISCLOSING PROPERTY ISSUES On the seller’s side, it is very important to disclose any known property issues to avoid any liabilities or potential loss of sales later on. As a licenced realtor, it would be unethical for them to knowingly list a property that has not disclosed all issues. UNBIASED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE When we are offering marketing appraisals, we will supply the seller with a checklist of things that they can do to support a smooth sale experience. One of those items would be to have a building inspection on hand to supply to potential buyers. This will avoid any unnecessary delays or potential stops for the financing part of the purchase. Edwina Nearhood is a life-long resident of Fort St. John, with 30 years experience in the appraisal industry.

Did You Know? The Rotary Clubs of Dawson Creek are the hosts of the Annual Fall Fair Parade held Friday morning during the DC Exhibition.

82.84% of the $50,630,342.31 charged for property taxes. The ﬁve year comparison in tax collection is as follows: 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 Taxes Receivable 50,630,342.31 50,720,065.17 47,267,585.34 45,455,025.02 38,755.648.31 Taxes Outstanding 8,687,932.26 7,106,742.01 4,996,745.99 4,772,809.36 4,888,671.76 Percentage Outstanding 17.16% 14.01% 10.57% 11.24% 12.61%

Ave

100B Ave

tree t

101 A

12 S

Wil so

oad

tree

11 S

13A Street

tree

102

103 A

105A Ave

104

CO-OP

Main Parade starts here 103 Ave

Parade Route DC Fall Fair Exhibition

10 S

llar D

106

Ave

Rotary

8A S

107

tree t

Friday, August 11 • 10:00 am Mc Ke

Theme: Time to Celebrate!

7 Street

Main Parade ends here

107 Ave

tre et

105

Ave

Clubs of Dawson Creek

105A Ave

The Dawson Creek Chamber of Commerce Canada’s 150 ﬂ• oat Alaska Highway’s 75 • Fall Fair’s 95 manages the registration and entry intake • All entries will begin assembling on 103rd Ave, coming in on • Undecorated vehicles (except those in the Vintage Category) need not register. grateful for all Highway 49 (Rolla at 8:00 a.m. withyear. parade commencing for usRd) every We atare truly • Entrants understand that photos will be taken of the parade 10:00 a.m. sharp. and may be used in future publications and promotional • they Judging of pre-registered entries and note ribbon distribution do. Please there are some changes to will take place at 9:15 a.m. prior to the parade beginning. If you materials. • NOTE: Candy throwing is NOT permitted floats for safety this year’s Categories asfrom well as are not in line at 9:00 am –Rules you will not beand judged Entry • Entrants who have not registered with the Chamber of reasons, but can be handed our using walkers beside your float. a New Route due• to construction. Paradebridge ends at The Kin and the Memorial Arena Parking Lot. Commerce will not Parade be judged! 8 Street

materials; stubble or grass fires of any size over any area; the use of burning barrels or burning cages of any size or description; the use of sky lanterns, tiki torches or fireworks; and the use of stove and other portable campfire apparatuses that are not CSA-approved or ULC-approved. In the event of additional province-wide fire bans or changes in local weather conditions, Council will make decisions as necessary with regard to fire bans within City limits that reflect the local situation.

12 A Street

The Finance Department will follow its usual communication and follow-up procedures by issuing letters and working with

The Finance Department will follow its usual communication and follow-up procedures by issuing letters residents and businesses to establish full payments and/or flexible formal payment arrangements. and working with residents and businesses to establish full payments and/or flexible formal payment 2018 BUDGET CALENDAR arrangements. Council approved a calendar which establishes the timelines for the creation of the 2018 budget, which is part of the 5-year financial plan that the City is required to prepare under the Community Charter. Adoption of the budget calendar will allow Council and staff to set the meeting dates and to establish dates for the public meetings 2018 BUDGET CALENDAR and for the legislated notification process. While final approval of the operating budget does not occur until early Council approved a calendar which establishes the timelines for the creation of the 2018 budget, which 2018 after final assessment values and school requisitions are established, substantial completion of the operating budget is targeted to be finished prior to Christmas. The Capital budget deadline for submission to the Province is part of the 5-year financial plan that the City is required to prepare under the Community Charter. is January 31st, 2018. Administration suggests having the Capital budget adopted in principle and the proposed Adoption of the budget calendar will allow Council and staff to set the meeting dates and to establish bylaw request completed by December 11th to allow staff time to work on the required submissions. dates for ST. the JOHN public ARTS meetings and for the legislated notification process. While final approval of the FORT COUNCIL operating budget does not occur until early 2018 after final assessment values and school requisitions The Fort St. John Arts Council requested that Council replace the current tax exemption for the ArtsPost with an annual grant tosubstantial cover the property taxes each yearoperating until the lease agreement expires on 30, 2019. prior The to are established, completion of the budget is targeted to June be finished change from a permissive tax exemption to a monetary contribution will assist the Arts Council since they will Christmas. The Capital budget deadline for submission to the Province is January 31st, be able to apply for a matching grant from the BC Arts Council. To accomplish this, the existing Permissive Tax2018. Administration suggests having the Capital budget adopted in principle and the proposed bylaw request Exemption Bylaw for the Arts Council which was valid for 2017, 2018 and 2019 has to be repealed. Therefore, Fort St. John Arts Council Permissive Tax Exemption Repeal Bylaw No. 2389, 2017 was introduced and read for the first completed by December 11th to allow staff time to work on the required submissions. three times by title only. In addition, Base Budget Grant Policy No. 105/14 was amended to reflect the necessary changes. FORT ST. JOHN ARTS COUNCIL WATER METER ISSUES Council discussed an issue regarding water metering and billing that had arisen on the City’s Facebook site. Staff The Fort St. John Arts Council requested that Council replace the current tax exemption for the ArtsPost was directed to review the water meter bylaw and related administrative procedures and to provide options to with an annual grant to cover the property taxes each year until the lease agreement expires on June 30, clarify and improve the water meter billing process at an upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting. 2019. The change from a permissive tax exemption to a monetary contribution will assist the Arts FIRE BANS Council since they will be able to apply for a matching grant from the BC Arts Council. To accomplish Provincial legislation regarding fire bans does not cover municipalities that have adopted burning bylaws. Upon review of local fire hazard conditions, Council approved the responsible use of backyard fire pits within City this, the existing Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw for the Arts Council which was valid for 2017, 2018 limits. This applies only to properties within City Boundaries, not those in the rural fire protection area. Council and 2019 has to be repealed. Therefore, Fort St. John Arts Council Permissive Tax Exemption Repeal continues to support the Provincial fire bans through the prohibition of the burning of any waste, slash or other

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS

The next Regular Council meeting is scheduled for Monday August 14, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in the City Hall Council Chambers and the public is welcome to attend.

10 Street

110 Ave

13 Street

• Entries must be able to keep up with the flow of the parade or • We will need to know if you will have sound/music on the 111 Ave float. they will be excused.

Club ofentry CATEGORIES: Marching Bands/Band on Float • Commercial/Business Entry • Draft Horse/Pony/Mounted

of • Non-Commercial, Non-ProfiClub t Club/Organization, Cultural Group • Vintage Cars, Trucks, TractorsDawson • Civic / Municipal Creek Rotary Rotary Dawson Creek

www.fortstjohn.ca

Meets Tuesdays, NOON At The GEORGE DAWSON INN 13A Street

14 Street

112 Ave

113 Ave

Sunrise

Meets Fridays, 7:00 a.m. At The DC CURLING RINK

Northern Lights College

113 Ave

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017 A11

LOCAL NEWS

PEACE REGION

COURT DOCKET

COPS COLLAR CANCER

A summary of what went on in Peace Region courts for the week ending July 28. There were no cases up for sentencing in Fort Nelson or Hudson’s Hope. Fort St John Law Courts • Josh Clark Higgins (born 1978) was fined $500 and assessed a $150 victim surcharge for one count of uttering threats. Higgins was fined an additional $250, and assessed a $75 victim surcharge for two counts of breach of undertaking. • Shonn David Johnson (born 1973) was fined $300, and assessed a $45 victim surcharge for one count of breaching probation. • Joshua Edward Profeit (born 1989) was handed a 12-month probation order with a suspended sentence, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for two counts of causing a disturbance. • Ghislain Leonard Cormier (born 1996) was assessed a $100 victim surcharge for one count of breaching probation. — Tom Summer

Youngster with toy gun prompts police warning Reports a kid waving a gun in public turned out to be a false alarm, according to police. Fort St. John RCMP were called to a parking lot near 101 Avenue and 96 Street on July 27 after receiving a weapons complaint from nearby residents. Officers ordered the youth to stop and drop his gun, however, the youth ignored the command and took off running. Police pursued, catching the youth in the 9700 block of 102 Avenue and taking him into custody. The gun, it turned out, was a toy. “The guardians of the youth were located and police learned that the youth has several disabilities and may not have been able to comprehend the severity of his actions,” Sgt. Dave Tyreman said in a statement. “Police spent considerable time explaining the possible consequences when police receive a report of an individual with a handgun.” Police are not releasing the age of the youth, and no charges will be laid, Tyreman said, citing the child’s mental capacity.

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

Sheriff Amy McGuire, Cst. Rebecca Bojczuk and Cst. Tristan Williams were collecting donations for Cops For Cancer outside Save On Foods on July 24. All three will be riding in the Tour De North in September and want to raise as much as they can for a worthy cause. They raised $1,500 and filled the high brown boot.

Police shoot, kill dog to stop park attack One dog is dead while another is recovering following a dog attack in Fort St. John last month. Fort St. John RCMP were called to the attack in a park at 118 Avenue and 105A Street on July 24 around 3:38 p.m. After the dogs’ owners, bystanders, and police made several failed attempts to separate the two dogs, officers had no option but to shoot to protect public safety, police say. “While responding to the call,

officers received more information that the owners of the dogs attempted to separate the dogs but were unsuccessful. Other bystanders attended the scene of the attack in order to assist but were also unable to separate the animals,” Sgt. Dave Tyreman said in a release. “The first officer who arrived on scene was also unable to initially stop the attack and noting that both dog owners had suffered undisclosed injuries while attempting to stop the

attack, the officer was faced with no other alternative than to discharge their service pistol to protect the safety of the public.” The animal alleged to have started the attack died at the park. The dog that was attacked was taken to a local veterinary clinic for emergency care. The dog has returned home with its owner and is making a slow recovery, Tyreman said. The breeds of the dogs are not being released, and charges are unlikely, Tyreman said.

PacificNorthWestLNG.com

Thank you to everyone who has supported Pacific NorthWest LNG We appreciate you welcoming us into your community, providing feedback and working with us. Sadly, following a lengthy review by our partners, the project will not be proceeding. We will complete our outstanding business commitments by the end of September. Our Prince Rupert and Port Edward offices will be closed effective August 25, 2017. – the Pacific NorthWest LNG team

A12 THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017

Classifieds Career OppOrtunities

Career OppOrtunities

In MeMorIaM

Book Your Ad Now!

Announcements

GET RESULTS! East Fraser Fiber Co. Ltd. Our Fingerjoint manufacturing operation in Mackenzie, BC. is seeking to fill the following Fulltime Permanent positions: • •

General Labourers Certified Millwright or Equivalent Experience

Dorothy Folk ~ 1927-2013

The family chain is broken, But memories will live forever, To us, you have not gone away, Nor have you travelled far, Just entered God’s eternal home And left the gate ajar.

communityclassifieds.ca 1-866-669-9222

Book by province or whole country and save over 85%!

Accommodation assistance may be Love Darlene & Family available with conditions. To Apply: submit your resume to SAMPLE NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENT jobs@parallel55.com

Recycle this Paper

LAND ACT

LegaL/PubLic Notices

Reach almost 2 million people in 101 papers for only $395/week for a 25-word text ad, or $995/week for a formatted display ad

LegaL/PubLic Notices

General employment

Announcements

TOPS (take off pounds sensibly). Weigh in 5-5:45 Meeting 6-7. Northern Lights College Room #104. For more information Call Connie 250-785-1419. join for Weight Loss Success. Non-profit, low cost program. Ongoing support and Recognition.

Coming EvEnts KNIT NIGHT: Thursdays at Faking Sanity Cafe in Dawson Creek6:30 to 8:30 PM.

General employment

Land Act: Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land

Take notice that Peaceland Oilfield Services Ltd. from Fort St. John, BC, has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), Northeast Region, for a Licence of Occupation situated on Provincial Crown land located at Mason Creek.

Apply now Fish and wildlife grants available

The Lands File for this application is 8015944. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to Jason Pederson, Authorization Officer, Northeast Region, MFLNRO, at 100, 10003110 Avenue, Fort St. John, BC, V1J 6M7, (250) 261-2063. Comments will be received by MFLNRO up to September 15, 2017. MFLNRO may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the website at www.arfd.gov.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/index.jsp for more information and a map of the application area.

Career OppOrtunities

1. Read our Action Plans and find out what’s eligible for a grant. 2. Submit a short mandatory Notice of Intent by Friday, September 8, 2017. It’s easy; we need a simple description of your project idea and where it would take place.

Career OppOrtunities

The Financial Consultant will perform a wide variety of duties including providing advice, and on-going sales and service to members and potential members by actively promoting a full range of deposit and lending products and services by identifying and pursuing relationship building opportunities through referrals and active business development. The Financial Consultant will champion NPSCU’s sales and service culture by participating in campaigns, promotions, and establishing member and potential member relationships and business contacts, with the ability to provide superior service. If you are a ﬁnancial services professional with excellent sales and service skills, work well on your own, have a strong commitment to member service, excellent communication skills, and the understanding of business strategies and the competitive environment in which North Peace Savings and Credit Union operates, please provide a cover letter and résumé in conﬁdence to:

Olivia Young, Human Resources Specialist North Peace Savings and Credit Union 10344-100th St Fort St. John, BC, V1J 3Z1 Fax: 250-787-9191 or E-mail: careers@npscu.ca For a complete role description, visit: www.npscu.ca

It’s your life. Build it here. Announcements

MILE 0 QUILTERS GUILD: Tuesdays & Thursdays 7PM at Calvin Kruk Performing Arts Centre in Dawson Creek

Auctions

THREE DAY COLLECTOR AUCTION Sept. 8, 9 & 10 Abbotsford, BC. Granny & Grumpa’s Antiques. V i e w o n l i n e w w w. prodaniukauctions. com. EmploymEnt opportunitiEs MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In- demand career! Employers have work-athome positions available. Get online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep. ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your workat-home career today!

PICK UP THE LATEST EDITION TODAY!

Home Support Worker. Willing to drive Elders to appointments and shopping. Will assist with personal care and housekeeping. Call Agnes 1-604-578-8889 TRAFFIC CONTROL TRAINING BCCSA/WCB Certified DC: Aug. 8 & 9 FSJ: Aug. 10 &11 PG:, July 13 & 14, Aug 14 & 15 1-866-737-2389 or roadsafetytcs.com

Alaska Highway NEWS

Announcements

CALL (250) 785-5631

New In Town... Getting Married... Had A Baby... New in Business...

For sAlE

SAWMILLS from only $4,397 - MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www. N o r wo o d Saw m i l l s . com/400OT 1-800-5666 8 9 9 E x t : 4 0 0 O T.

Announcements

lEgAl sErvicEs CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer Employment/ Licensing loss? Travel/ Business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US Entry Waiver. Record Purge. File Destruction. Free Consultation 1-800-347-2540. accesslegalresearchinc. net.

mAnuFActurEd HomEs

N E W 2 0 1 7 MANUFACTURED HOMES starting under $80,000 delivered! Best Buy Homes Kelowna www.bestbuyhousing. com - Canada’s largest in-stock home selection, quick delivery, custom factory orders! Text/call 25 0 -76 5 -2 2 2 3.

Carolynn Theoret 250-262-0078 Baby

Obituaries

Announcements

Trades Help

Northwell Oilfield Hauling Shop Foreman We are a Progressive Oilfield Hauling Compa− ny. Looking for a Jour− neyman HET with CVIP licence. Candidate needs to be able to manage a busy shop along with working on the floor. Competitive wages and benefits. 780−960−4597 jobs@ northwelloilfield.ca northwelloilfield.ca

For Sale MiSc 1996 MacGregor 26x sailboat. Fiberglass hull, rigged for solo sailing. 50hp Honda outboard. Ideal for freshwater as well as salt. With tandem axle trailer. Asking $18,000. Call (250)827-3887 80 20 FT Lengths or 10ml rebar @ $5.00 a length. 250-785-4986 Small Engine Parts & Supplies. For Most Makes of Small Engines. Call Al: 250-7825353 or 250-650-7751

Monday, Aug. 14, 7pm 11520 East Bypass Road Everyone Welcome For Further information stagenorth@stagenorth.ca or phone 250-785-6214

Obituaries Business For sale A profitable on-going small business, all stock & assets. Owner retiring, a great opportunity. Be you own boss. Phone 250-261-8352

Business services

SUNDAYS: FAMILY TREE HELP - Peace Country Roots Group Meeting - Fourth Sunday of each Month at the CALVIN KRUK CENTRE in Dawson Creek 1:30pm The Gathering Artisan Market Saturdays from May 6 - Oct 14 8:30am - 1:30pm 1444 102nd Ave, Dawson Creek, BC All Homemade Market

Arctic Duct Cleaning, Furnace & duct cleaning, Chimney sweep. 250-787-7217 (FSJ) Arctic Duct Cleaning, Furnace & Duct Cleaning, Chimney Sweep. 250-787-7217 (FSJ)

General employment

Announcements

sErvicEs GET RESULTS! Post a classified in 101 newspapers in just a few clicks. Reach almost 2 million people for only $395 a week for 25word text ad or $995 for small display ad. Choose your province or all across Canada. Best value. Save over 85% compared to booking individually. www. communityclassifieds.ca or 1-866-669-9222. stEEl Buildings STEEL BUILDING SALE ...”PRICED TO SELL!” 20x21 $6,296 Front & Back Walls Incuded. 25x25 $6,097 No Ends Included. 32x35 $9,998 One End Wall Included. Check Out www.pioneersteel. ca for more prices. Pioneer Steel 1- 8 5 5 -212-70 3 6.

Announcements

STAGE NORTH THEATRE SOCIETY ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

South Peace Historical Society Meetings Third Wednesday of the month. In Dawson Creek at the Calvin Kruk Centre Archives Room at 2 pm.

1562 Week of 7.31.2017

Auctions

BUD HAYNES & Ward’s Firearms Auction. S a t u r d ay, A u g u s t 19, 10 a.m., 11802 145 St., Edmonton, Alberta. Estate Bill Manarey of Edmonton, Collection Wilfred Allerie of Penticton. Over 500 lots - Online bidding. To consign call Linda Baggaley 403-597-1095; Brad 780-940-8378; www. budhaynesauctions. c o m / w w w . wardsauctions.com.

General employment

TAKE THE NEWS WITH YOU!

You Should Call

Thursday at 9:30 amNew Beginnings Baptist Church in DC, 10221-18th St.-TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly). Phone: Mary Kidd at 250-782-6628 for info.

North Peace Savings thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Announcements

“Better at Home is looking for Volunteers who can help local seniors by driving them to shop or to appointments. Please Call 250782-2341 or stop in to the Better at Home office in the Co-op Mall.

Ha Hea Enterprises Inc, dba Redwood Esso 10216-100St, Box 30, Taylor, BC V0C 2K0 Job Title: Convenience Store/Gas Station Clerk N0C 6421 (3 positions Available) Duties: Assisting customers. Conducting sales by cash register (cash, debit, credit transactions). Monitoring inventory levels. Assist in display of merchandise. Stocking and maintaining product shelves. Requirements: Prior retail experience is an asset. Secondary School or equivalent. Salary & Benefits: $12.50/hour, Subsidizing housing, 10 days paid holidays. Permanent-Full-time position (40 hours per week) Location of work: Redwood Esso Station at 10216-100St, Taylor BC How to Apply: By Fax: 250-789-3195 By Email: redwoodesso@hotmail.com

SATURDAYS: LEARN YOUR ROOTS - Genealogy information NAR PARK ROOTS BUILDING 10:00am peacecountryroots.ca

North Peace Savings is recruiting experienced financial service professionals with excellent sales, service and marketing skills, and have an expert knowledge of mortgage underwriting including expertise in construction mortgage financing, excel in relationship building and negotiations and have the ability to work independently with confidence.

Announcements

Volunteers

We’re here to help. Contact our Peace Region Manager, Chelsea.coady@bchydro.com or 250-561-4884

Employment Opportunity – Fort St. John, BC Financial Consultant

Announcements

NEWS

3. Submit your completed grant application online by 5 p.m. Friday, October 27, 2017.

The Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program is a partnership between BC Hydro, the Province of B.C., Fisheries & Oceans Canada, First Nations and Public Stakeholders to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife impacted by existing BC Hydro dams.

Career OppOrtunities

WEDNESDAYS: COMPUTER INFORMATION -Seniors Computer Club - Dawson CO-OP Bistro 1:15pm 250-782-4668 for more information

General employment

R0011352389

Learn more about our grants and the projects we fund at fwpc.ca. Subscribe and we’ll let you know more about our projects at fwcp.ca/subscribe.

Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submissions.

Career OppOrtunities

We’re looking for First Nations, groups, businesses, agencies or individuals who want to help conserve and enhance fish and wildlife in the Williston and Dinosaur Reservoir watersheds. Interested? Apply for an FWCP grant.

Coming EvEnts

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

General employment

Looking for a new opportunity? Submit your resume today! Human Resources Assistant: Our clients, an oil and gas cooperation are currently seeking a Temporary Human Resources Assistant. This position will run for about 2 months, with good potential of it turning into a permanent position. Duties will include: assisting the HR Manager in recruiting, interviews, reference checks, setting employees up with training and courses, creating and following procedures, creating job description and more! Requirements: Minimum 4 years experience in a related HR role, Human Resources Management Certificate or equivalent experience and Valid Drivers License Payroll & Benefits Administrator: Our clients, a large oil and gas corporation are looking to hire a full time, permanent Payroll and Benefits Administrator. The Payroll and Benefits Coordinator is responsible for payroll, leave, and benefit administration. The administrator ensures that payroll and benefits services are provided in a timely and accurate manner. Working in the Human Resources department, the incumbent works closely with staff, managers, and human resources personnel to manage payroll administration, short term disability and other leaves, new hire paperwork, terminations and benefit administration. Requirements: Knowledge of employment standards and government regulations of all aspect of payroll, College degree or diploma in accounting, finance or business administration, Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) or active pursuit, Two years of experience processioning full-cycle payroll. Data Entry Clerk: Do you have great attention to detail and enjoy working in a busy office environment? We might have just the opportunity for you! Our clients are looking for a Data Entry Clerk for a two month term. This position will be full-time, Monday to Friday until the end of September. Candidates should have good data entry and Microsoft office skills and be able to work with minimal supervision. Some administrative experience is preferred. 10139 Ave.a fit Fort BClisted V1J positions, 2B4 | p.please 250.785.8367 | If you think101 you’re forSt. anyJohn, of our email us your f. 250.785.4795 | www.macenna.com resume with 3 work related references today! e. apply@macenna.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017 A13

Classifieds Notice of Disposition of Abandoned Property. Tenants: Kelsey Gauthier, Amber Lipinski. Abandoned: 5’X8’ utility trailer. Left at 8968 Golata Creek Road, Landlord: Wesley C. Giesbrecht, 9307-106Ave Fort St John, BC V1J 2N5 This property will be sold or retained unless claimed within 30 days, storage charges pending. Tenancy Abandonment Notice of Personal items. Tenant: Kerry Nelson 250-219-4611. Rental Property Location: #13490 257Rd Land Description: SE 1/4 Sec 27 TP84 Rg 18. Landlord: Con Isenbecker Box 6502 FSJ V1J 4H9 250-787-2910. This is a posted, 30 Day Abandment Notice of Kerry Nelson’s personal property at the above address of rental location. Items include; personnel belongings, tools, misc items. Any person having claim can contact the above landlord. Property will be depose 30 day from now Sep 3/2017.

Real estate seRvices

Houses for sale

and Commercial, Farms, Shops, Land, Property Management Gary 261-1214

9419-97Th AVE

is having your message, your offer, remembered by your customer. The advantages of print advertising in the Alaska Highway News, The Northerner & The Mirror

DUPLEX 8804-89Th

LAND AND BLDG. FOR SALE-11204-100 AVE

EXcELLENT REvENuE DupLEX (NOT STRATA TITLED) cLOSE TO NpSS AND ELEmENTARy SchOOL AS wELL AS pARk AND pLAygROuND, EAch uNIT hAS 3 bR, FAmILy ROOm, pATIO DOORS TO SmALL DEck, uNIT 2 IS FENcED wITh LARgE LAwN AREA AND bAck ALLEy AccESS, uNIT 1 hAS LARgE DEck AT ThE FRONT. pRIcED AT $450,000.00

INcLuDES buILDINg- 4282 SF, cARETAkER SuITE, FRONT OFFIcE/RETAIL, 3 bAyS ON 2 LOTS; pLuS EquIpmENT & SuppLIES FOR cAR wASh AND LubE cENTRE. wELL mAINTAINED, gREAT LOcATION, cONTAcT ANNETTE FOR INFO & TO vIEw by AppOINTmENT ONLy. 250-793-4394

COMMERCIAL SPACES AVAILABLE

PRINT IS EDUCATIONAL

RVs/CampeRs/ TRaileRs

For Rent: FURNISHED SMALL SUITE in Dawson Creek, Downtown. WiFi & Internet. Phone: 250-782-7042

Wanted to Rent Young working couple looking to rent a house or trailer in the Fort St John area. Pet friendly, fenced in. Around $1500 month 1-2 bdrms

AircrAft Looking to Purchase Cessna 175 or similar airplane. 403−339−7747 welreno@gmail.com

New motorcycle Royal Enfield Classic 500cc single. 216kms. Tan with maroon stripes. $800/extras on it. Asking $6000. 250-974-8293

RVs/CampeRs/ TRaileRs

For Sale

news@ahnfsj.ca

ApArtments/ Condos for

SuiteS For rent

Motorcycles

Ryan Wallace @ 250-785-5631 rwallace@ahnfsj.ca Debbie Bruinsma @ 250-785-5631 dbruinsma@ahnfsj.ca Brenda Piper @ 250-785-5631 bpiper@ahnfsj.ca

email Us

Solid 1040 SF home, large dining room, 3 Br , Full concrete BaSement. updated Bathroom, new ShingleS approx. 2 yrS ago. large lot, Back lane acceSS, green houSe, Shed. electrical upgrade to 100 amp

NORTh EAST buNgALOw, 4bR, 2bTh, DbLE gARAgE, FuLLy DEvELOpED bSmT. $369,000.

ALpINE vILLAgE cOmpLEX 1200/1500/2400 Sq FT SpAcES AvAILAbLE $12.00/ Sq FT pLuS TRIpLE NET cALL gARy @ 250-261-1214 FOR LEASE DETAILS

Have News ???

9608-104Th AVE - $219,000

FAMILY hOME IN ThE NORThEAST

PRICED AT $244,500

PRINT IS PERSUASIVE

PRINT WORKS WELL WITH OTHER MEDIA The KEY of advertising is repetition - having your message come first in your customers mind. With print advertising you can do it. Call your Alaska Highway News sales rep today

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY- 9803-102 ST

SupER STARTER hOmE wITh gREAT cuRb AppEAL. 2 bR, LARgE LIvINg AREA, NIcELy LANDScApED wITh LILAc buShES FOR pRIvAcy. Rv pARkINg, 60X150 LOT SIZE.

PRINT IS PERSONAL

PRINT IS COMPATIBLE

RESIDENTIAL FOR RENT 8516-86 Street - duplex in quiet neighborhood 3 bdrm, 1 & 1/2 bathS, lotS of room with partially finiShed baSement, fenced back yard. aSking $1,500 per month pluS utilitieS. phone gary 250-261-1214

A TwO STOREy OFFIcE buILDINg , IN A gREAT LOcATION. ThE mAIN FLOOR IS 3145 Sq FT OF OFFIcE, kITchEN AND bAThROOmS. ThE SEcOND FLOOR OF 3145 Sq FT hAS cLASSROOmS & bOARDROOmS. AN ADDITIONAL 3098 Sq FT IS cuRRENTLy OccupIED by A RADIO STATION TENANT. ThE TOTAL uSAbLE SpAcE IS 9388 Sq FT. ThE buILDINg cOuLD bE uSED AS muLTI-TENANT OFFIcE RENTALS.

PRINT IS MEMORABLE

Houses For rent

Houses forPROPE sale

REDUCED - $895,000

The Key To Advertising

BIRCHVIEW MANOR Clean, quiet, newly renovated 1 bedroom suites. Move-in Special: 1st month 1/2 price. Adults only. Senior Discount. On bus route. 250-843-7337 or 250-784-5817

Houses for sale

3 bdrm, duplex for rent. family room on main floor. full baSement. available immediately. 8804 - 89th avenue. Small pet friendly, no SmokerS. $1,400/mth pluS utilitieS. phone gary 250-261-1214

Annette 793-4394

Gary Reeder Realty Ltd.

RENTFSJ.CA Home away from home

ApArtments/ Condos for

Houses for sale

'Spouses Selling Houses'

778-834-RENT(7368) We have a variety of furnished units ready to move in! Options of 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms units, with all furnishings

155 Acres of land just off the pavement and only 10 minutes from DC. 250-784-4256

Houses for sale

RENTFSJ.CA

ProPerty For Sale

QUIET ADULT LIVING Large Farmhouse with Big Yard-on Working Ranch-6 Miles West of DC. No Dogs & Call Before 8:00 PM. Available Immediately $1200./month + Utilities. 250-784-8074.

Real estate seRvices R0011448135

LegaL/PubLic Notices

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

Book Your Ad Now!

ApArtments/ Condos for

Furnished or unfurnished rooms/private bath. Pouce Coupe. From $550/month includes utilities/Cable/ Laundry Facilities. Call 250-719-8111

R0011352381

Rooms

Rooms for Rent in Tumbler Ridge. Bathroom Up & Down. Laundry Facilities Included. Phone: 250-242-5888

General employment

Li-Car Management Group

We have a variety of apartments, town homes, executive homes, and duplexes for rent. To apply for these,please email reception@licar.ca or visit our website at www.licar.ca

1981 Okanagan Holiday Trailer

•14 ft long •Good Condition •Call for more information

Asking $2500 Call 250-782-5873

Phone: 250-785-2662

General employment

REPORTER/ PHOTOGRAPHER The Dawson Creek Mirror is looking for a Full-time reporter / photographer. The Mirror is appealing to prospective journalists who are hard workers, writers, and excited at the prospect of producing both research-based features and day-to-day coverage with a direct focus on Dawson Creek and the South Peace region of Northeast B.C. Candidates should have at least two years of journalism experience, and be eager to experiment with existing forms of community news gathering through the written word, social media, photography, video, and other mediums. Beginning immediately, the reporter will work with a paper that reflects both their skills and areas of interest to report, and write stories under the guidance of the managing editor. Some stories will be assigned while successful candidates will be free to create their own leads and beats. The goal is to stretch the candidate’s journalism with the guidance of an office that has earned more than 25 BCYCNA, AWNA, MCNA, and CCNA awards. Proficient use of a camera, reliable vehicle, and valid driver’s licence are a must. Candidates must be willing to relocate and live in Dawson Creek. No phone calls please - only shortlisted applicants will be contacted Position closes aug. 31, 2017.

DO YOU WANT THE NEWS? We’ve got the news covered! From local events to top stories that affect you, we will ensure that you are kept in touch with happenings in our area. If it’s local news you are looking for go to

www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

Please email a cover letter and writing samples to: robert Brown Managing Editor Dawson Creek Mirror editor@dcdn.ca

LOCAL • LOCAL • LOCAL

901-100 Ave Dawson Creek, BC

www.dawsoncreekmirror.ca

informative • innovative • indepth

A14 THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017

PERSPECTIVES

An idea for a garden tour for the not-so-green thumbs among us

he airbrakes release on the tour bus with a whoosh: the door opens and large group of women, overflowing wine glasses clenched in hands, stumble down the steps, giggling and laughing. Marie, the tour guide, who is also clutching a full glass of white wine, leans against the side of the bus and waits for the group of ladies to quit laughing and talking long enough so that she can begin her description of the final garden of their tour. Draining her glass, Marie clears her throat and begins (slurring slightly). “To our left is a triangular flower bed filled with long forgotten perennials and a generous abundance of peace country weeds. Oh, and the weird circle on the lawn is called Fairy Ring.” Raucous laughter breaks out, with one woman yelling “Bravo! It’s beautiful.” Marie is unfazed by the silliness—to be fair, this is the fifth or sixth glass of wine for the many in the group and it’s been a long day. She speaks loudly to be heard amongst the chatter. “Let’s make our way into the backyard where our host promises an obstacle course of children’s toys and unfinished projects. Note the partially stained deck with the expensive paint-brush left out to be destroyed in the hot sun.” The group gives a collective “ahhhhhhhhhhh” in response to the description, nodding in unison. In case you were wondering, this is no ordinary summer garden tour— this garden tour is titled, “Lowered Expectations,” and is an imaginary garden tour of 80 per cent of homes. Wouldn’t it be fun? Wouldn’t it be fun to go on a garden tour of overgrown vegetable plots and aphid eaten flowerbeds? The homeowner telling you, “Don’t worry about where you walk—I can’t tell where the weeds end and the vegetables begin.” The Lowered Expectations tour would not be designed to inspire anyone, it would be designed to give a collective middle finger to the expectation that our summer be spent

FORT ST. JOHN & DISTRICT CHURCH DIRECTORY ANGLICAN CHURCH of CANADA NoRTH PEACE PARISH Please join us at our temporary location at the Good Shepherd Anglican Church Taylor for July & August. Services @ 9:30am Ph: 250-785-6471 “All are Invited and Welcome Here” - (Luke 14:23) SERVICES St. Martin’s, fort St. John, BC Sundays 1:30 p.m. Rev. Enid Pow ********** Church of the Good Shepherd Taylor, BC - Sundays 9:30 a.m. ********** St. Matthias, Cecil Lake, BC 3rd Sun. of the Month 3:00 p.m. Holy Communion BAHA’I fAITH BAHA’I fAITH National Baha’i Information 1-800-433-3284 Regular Firesides Mondays @ 8:00 p.m. Deepenings continued Wednesdays at 250-7870089 Next Feast Info. 250-787-0089 ********** BAPTIST CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH 9607-107th Ave., fSJ Ph. (Office) 250-785-4307 Pastor: Michael Hayes Associate Pastor: Doug Janzen SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE 10:30AM ********** CATHoLIC RoMAN CATHoLIC CHURCH (Resurrection Church) Pastor: Rev. Vener Sabacan Phone 250-785-3413 www.fsjcatholic.ca MASSES: Saturday 7:30 p.m. Sunday - 10:00 a.m. oNLY OFFICE HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. BAPTISM: Contact the Pastor 3 months before baptism. MARRIAGES: Contact the Pastor 3 months before the wedding. ********** ALLIANCE CHURCH 9804-99 Ave., fort St. John, BC V1J 3T8 Ph: 250-785-4644 fax: 250-785-8932 e-mail: office@fsjalliance.ca www.fsjalliance.ca SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE: 9:15am & 11:00am KIDVILLE: for ages 2yrs.-Gr.6 @ 9:15am **********

Judy Kucharuk THE DESK OF THE GREEN-EYED GIRL

hunched over a raised vegetable bed, pulling weeds in preparation for an afternoon where strangers trample through your yard in silent judgement (unless of course that is your thing). Don’t get me wrong. This is written very tongue in cheek. Of course I admire those who devote all of their time and energy to their lovely yards, and I have been one of those touring and trampling through in silent judgment. I am not judging them. The silent judgment is directed at myself and why I can’t have the same type of tidy yard and then I remember, “Oh right, Judy—you are lazy.” Speaking with friends the other day via Facebook, we agreed that we should have a garden tour for the average woman and perhaps a few under achievers to make ourselves feel better. Oh, and wine. The tour bus needed wine. Can someone make this happen? I promise you the tickets would sell out. Let’s get back to the tour. Marie gathers everyone and asks for silence. “Ladies! Can I have your attention please! We saved this until the very last home. If I could get you all to look up a bit… yes, up toward the roof. Do you see it?” The group begins to clap and cheer as they all see what Marie is pointing to on the home. Faded Christmas lights dangle from the eavestrough —the perfect ending to an imperfect garden tour. Judy Kucharuk is a lover of sarcasm, witty people and footnotes. You can read her book “Naked Tuesday” or catch her on CBC Radio Daybreak North where she shares her “Peace of Mind”. Follow her on twitter @ judylaine

CoMMUNITY CHURCH CHARLIE LAKE CoMMUNITY CHURCH Associate Pastor: Jared Braun 250-785-1723 fax: 250-785-4136 clcc@pris.ca SUNDAY SCHooL: 9:30am SUNDAY WoRSHIP: 10:40am 1st left turn off Alaska Highway past the Charlie Lake Store. ********** PEACE CoMMUNITY CHURCH 10556-100th Street, Taylor, BC Pastor: Wally Pohlmann Phone: 250-789-3045 HoURS: 9:00am-Noon Monday-Wednesday & friday Email: office@taylorchurch.ca Website: www.taylorchurch.ca SUNDAY ADULT CLASS - 9:30am SUNDAY WoRSHIP SERVICE - 10:30am ********** EVANGELICAL foRT ST. JoHN EVANGELICAL MISSIoN 8220-89th Avenue, fSJ Pastor: Andy Wiebe Sunday School September-June begins at 9:30am Sunday mornings. Worship Service - 10:45am Phone: 250-787-2550 ******* INTERDENoMINATIoNAL UPPER PINE GoSPEL CHAPEL Church Phone: 250-827-3833 Email: upgc@pris.ca Board Chairman: Andy Burkholder 250-827-3811 Box 66, Rose Prairie, BC ********** LUTHERAN PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH 9812-108th Avenue, fort St. John, BC V1J 2R3 Office Phone: 250-785-2718 Pastor: Rev. Kebede Dibaba Regular Worship Schedule: 9:00am Youth, Adult Bible Study 10:00am Sunday Worship Service & Sunday School ********** PEACE RIVER MUSLIM ASSoCIATIoN Information: 250-787-1264 Jumm’a (Friday) Prayer @ 1:00pm 203-10903-100th Street, fort St. John, BC email: tahermorsi@shaw.ca ********** MENNoNITE NoRTH PEACE MENNoNITE BRETHREN CHURCH North Peace Mennonite Brethren Church 10816 106 St. fort St. John, BC V1J 5V2 250-785-3869

Lead Pastor: Andrew Eby Associate Pastor of Youth & Young Adults: Don Banman SUNDAY SERVICE TIMES: 9:15am & 11:00am ********** MENNoNITE MoNTNEY MENNoNITE CHURCH SUNDAY MoRNING: Sunday School & Worship: 9:30am SUNDAY EVENING: 2nd & 4th Sundays: 7:00pm Everyone Welcome! Pastor Warren Martin Phone: (250) 827-3231 ********** NoNDENoMINATIoNAL CHRISTIAN LIfE CENTRE “Associated with “Fellowship of Christian Assemblies” “King Jesus is Lord Over the Peace” 8923-112th Avenue, fort St. John, BC V1J 6G2 website: www.christianlifefsj.ca Ph: 250-785-4040 fax: 250-785-4021 Pastor Steve Oboh Principal of Christian Life School: Garry Jones Everyone Welcome Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00am Nursery available and Sunday School is held during the sermon for ages 3-12 years. Christian Life Centre is “Home of Christian Life School” ********** foRT ST. JoHN NATIVE BIBLE fELLoWSHIP Sunday Worship: 11:00am Wed., Night Bible Study: 7:30pm Pastor John A Giesbrecht 250-785-0127 ********** GIDEoNS INTERNATIoNAL Fort St. John Camp Ray Hein 250-827-3636 John Giesbrecht 250-785-0127 ********** NoRTHERN LIGHTS CHURCH INTERNATIoNAL (Rose Prairie, BC Sunday Service: Pre-Service Prayer: 10:30am Worship Service: 11:00am Everyone Welcome ********** THE SHELTER CHURCH “...the Lord will be a shelter for His people” Joel 3:6 9808-98A Ave. fort St. John, BC 250-785-3888 SUNDAY SERVICE: 10am Pastor: Oral Benterud 250-785-9151 ********** PENTECoSTAL THE PENTECoSTALS of foRT ST. JoHN Phone: 250-787-9888 Pastor: Jason McLaughlin Sunday 10am Service, Sunday School Youth Sunday 11am Worship Service Tuesday 7pm Prayer

Wednesday 7pm Bibile Study Friday 7pm Youth ********** PENTECoSTAL ASSEMBLIES of CANADA EVANGEL CHAPEL 10040-100 St., fort St. John Phone: 250-785-3386 Fax: 250-785-8345 Lead Pastor: Tony Warriner Sunday Services: 9:30am, 11:00am www.evangelfsj.com ********** The Journey 10011-100 St., fort St. John Phone: 250-785-6254 Pastor: Larry Lorentz Services: Sundays: 10:30am Tuesdays: 7:00pm ********** PRESBYTERIAN fort St. John Presbyterian Church 9907-98th St., fort St. John, BC Phone: 250-785-2482 fax: 250-785-2482 12:30 p.m. - Pie and Coffee 1:00 p.m. - Worship Service Everyone is invited to participate ********** REfoRMED TRINITY CoVENANT CHURCH Sunday Service: 10:00am Meets at the North Peace Cultural Center fort St. John, BC Elder: Mike Donovan Phone: 250-787-7702 matthew@trinitycovenant.ca Affiliated with C.R.E.C. ********** THE SALVATIoN ARMY THE SALVATIoN ARMY Sunday Worship Service: 10:30am 10116-100th Ave., fort St. John, BC Come Worship With Us. For information; Phone 250-785-0506 or food Bank 250-785-0500 ********** SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 9008-100th Avenue, fort St. John, BC Phone: 250-785-8632 Pastor: Cavin Chwyl Phone: 250-719-7949 Saturday Service: 9:30am ********** UNITED CHURCH of CANADA ST. LUKE’S UNITED 9907-98 St., fort St. John, BC Office: 250-785-2919 Rev. Rick Marsh Email: stlukeuc@telus.net Sunday Worship Service @ 10:00am All are Welcome! The United Church of Canada is a Union of Congregationalist, Methodist & Presbyterian Churches in Canada formed in 1925.

R0011352390

R0051169490

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY 250.785.5631/250.782.4888 TO PLACE YOUR AD

ACCOMMODATIONS

Workers Seeking Rental Accommodations

Summer 2017 Dawson Creek, BC Fort St John, BC Call 250-219-0097

Please call our hotline and leave a message regarding your rental availability

www.banister.ca

ARBORIST Len’s Tree Service Ltd. Call today for your FREE ESTIMATE

(250) 794-2041 • www.lenstreeservice.com With over 20 years experience, Len can help you with all your dangerous tree removal and pruning needs.

• BUCKET TRUCK with 65’ reach & 12” Chipper • Now with a STUMPGRINDER to serve you better

L WE WIL R BEAT MEET O ANY TITOR COMPE ! PRICES

GREENHOUSES

ROOFING

Walker Greenhouses On SALE NOW

HUGE VARIETY OF TREES, SHRUBS and FRUITS TREES

Great selection of Flowers, Trees, Shrubs and much more! HOURS: Monday - Saturday: 9am - 6pm Sundays - 11am - 5pm

4 kms west on Hudson’s hope Hwy (Hwy 29) only 15 mins from FSJ.

250-262-1656 or 250-785-4562

DENTURES

the Battle g n i s Lo ur Teeth? o y h t i w

Carousel Design & Decor “Ask our Blind Man”

Blinds, Bedding & Draperies Hunter Douglas, Plus Two Top-Line or Budget Prices

Call 250-785-5754

Denturist Jodie Atkinson

milezerodentureclinic.ca

Also located in Fort St. John

Get your smile back with a denture or a partial denture 250-782-6004 103-816 103 Ave

Dawson Creek, BC

www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

DECOR

Ryan Wallace

Advertising Manager Email: rwallace@ahnfsj.ca | Office: 250-785-5631 9916 98 Street, Fort St. John, BC V1J 3T8

Brenda Piper Sales Associate

Email: bpiper@ahnfsj.ca | Office: 250-785-5631 9916 98 Street, Fort St. John, BC V1J 3T8

www.alaskahighwaynews.ca

We are a locally owned business and are WCB Certiﬁed with $5,000,000 personal and property liability. “MAKE SURE YOU’RE PROTECTED”

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017 A15

PERSPECTIVES

Sun power prospects only getting brighter by the day

MASSIVE GROWTH Solar power is expected to be the most economical source of energy on the planet in just three years, beating out both coal and gas. This was not predicted or expected, and has taken everybody by surprise. Throughout 2016, approximately 500,000 solar modules were installed around the world every day. This year, that number is expected to almost double. The World Energy Agency predicts that within 30 years solar will be the world’s biggest single source of electricity. By 2040, Bloomberg New Energy Finance predicts that onequarter of Australia’s power will come from rooftop solar,

Don Pettit WATT’S HAPPENING

30% OFF SELECT MERRELL FOOTWEAR

and renewables will provide as much power in the U.S. as natural gas. Meanwhile, three-quarters of all the money spent in China for new energy is going into renewables, mostly solar and wind. Likewise India. WHY SOLAR? Solar energy is extremely plentiful. Ask any plant. And everybody has some. Each year, about nine million kilowatt-hours of solar energy fall on each acre of generally sunny earth. That means that the solar energy falling on the roof of your home, even at the modest conversion efficiency of a modern photovoltaic (PV) panel (about 20 per cent) is enough to power your house and charge your electric car. With solar power on your roof and an electric car in your driveway, you can kiss your electricity bills goodbye and never go to a gas station again. PV panels now come with a 25-year warranty for this very reason. Most of my home solar array is more than 25 years old, and my first panel, bought almost 40 years ago, is working just fine. These things last a long, long time with no maintenance. Silicon, in case you’re wondering, is the most abundant element on the surface of the Earth. We won’t be running out of silicon for solar panels anytime soon. Don Pettit can be reached at dpettit@pris.ca

NO NEED TO PURCHASE YOUR FOOTWEAR ONLINE WE HAVE A GREAT SELECTION TO CHOOSE FROM RipsShoeRenu.com • ripsshoerenu@shaw.ca

Dawson Co-op Mall • Phone: 250-782-8283 Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM • Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

of the

House

MARSEILLE

The Marseille has a decidedly French Eclectic flavor. Telling elements include: a steeply pitched hip roof, a wrought iron balcony railing, and shutters that flank arched, multipaned windows. Popular from about 1915 to 1945, this style passed out of fashion for several decades. Neo-eclectic homes regained popularity in the 1960s, and the trend is still growing. This plan is designed for construction on a lot that slopes up to the left. The garage is one level below the first floor. Families who enjoy entertaining will delight in the large gathering spaces that fill the main floor. A dining room is to the right of the foyer, and a living room with a fireplace is to the left. The kitchen, nook, and family room flow together at the rear. This windowrich space has a French door that opens onto a partially covered deck. Four sets of multipaned windows sparkle across the back wall, and two more border the fireplace. In the kitchen, a raised eating bar rims

the lengthy work island. Cupboards and counters line three sides of the kitchen as well, and lazy Susan shelving makes corner access a breeze. A handy powder room is near everything, and the generously sized utility room is also close, along with a large recreation room. This room could house a pool table, home entertainment center, etc. Each of the four bedrooms upstairs has direct access to a bathroom. Bathrooms for the Marseille's owners' suite and one additional bedroom are private, while the other two bedrooms share a two-section bathroom. Other owners' suite amenities include: a roomy walkin closet, dual vanity, spa tub, and walkin shower. Associated Designs is the original source for the Marseille 30-421. For more information or to view other designs, visit www.AssociatedDesigns. com or call 800-634-0123.

Marseille PLAN 30-421

First Floor Second Floor Living Area Garage Dimensions

2040 sq.ft. 1343 sq.ft. 3383 sq.ft. 941 sq.ft. 62'x52'8''

3000 SERIES

Deck 19'2'' x 10'2''

Living 17'6'' x 17'8''

www.AssociatedDesigns.com

Owners’ Suite 15' x 17'4''

Kitchen

Patio 18'2'' x 12'2''

Nook 10'4'' x 13'2''

Family 18'4'' x 15'

Dn Utility Up Foyer

Dining 11'2'' x 14'10''

Recreation Room 21' x 20'

Covered Porch

Bedroom 14'8'' x 12'

Balcony

Open to Foyer Bedroom 11'2'' x 11'2''

Bedroom 13'4'' x 13' Up

Arlen Brekkaas REDUCED

$309,900

55+ condo with full basement and garage. Care free living without giving up your space! Nice master with ensuite, spacious living area and garage to keep the car or toys warm in winter too!

ACTION REALTY DIRECT - 785-1234 CELL - 793-2438 OFFICE - 785-5520

$329,900

Shiny new with yard space, access and no parking restrictions! Big room sizes and lots of space for families too! Full warranty here and walking distance to Elementary & High Schools. Great value!

$339,900

$389,900

$454,460

$549,900

$579,900

$229,900

Shiny new with yard space access and no parking restrictions! Big room sizes and lots of space for families too!

A big 2400 sq ft of living space on 2 fully-ﬁnished ﬂoors with full ensuite and walk-in closet in the huge master bedroom! Excellent room sizes up and down

Privacy and family! Solid home, one block from Bert Ambrose and Kin Park, has a modern feel with classic charm! South-facing backyard is perfect for summer BBQs!

Less that 10 minutes from town, huge mechanic's garage on 0.69 ac of bliss with a well-renovated family home which has warm wood fireplaces!

Lots to offer, and higher-end quality here! 5 bedroom home in Finch looks great from the street and even better inside!

Invest 2 ways! 2 homes on one lot and either rent covers your mortgage completely with a small down payment! RM2 zoned for future high density development makes a great holding property or very low cost living. Perfect for camp workers!

$269,900

$599,995

$625,000

$299,900

$699,000

$289,900

Modern, roomy and close to schools is what you will enjoy here! Nice layout with corner lot access means easy to park and storage space is readily accessible. Full ensuite and walk in closet here, 2 more bedrooms and you can get started in home ownership or make this a low maintenance home base to work from.

Gorgeous 1-acre just outside city limits, with 1500+ sq ft brick home and attached garage! Inside there is a woodburning fireplace with built-in charcoal grill. Outside there is a dream shop (28x32), paved parking and pickup-box height storage building, too!

So clean! Rare to see one in this kind of condition! Finished up and down, huge RV parking area and a cul-de-sac lot that begs for kids and pets for summertime fun. Well-thought-out ﬂoor plan for families plus entertaining, and a garage that ﬁts a good-sized truck...this is a house to see today!!

3 bed duplex with mud room entrance! Fenced yard, alley parking added for extra storage space too! Appliances included and furniture negotiable.

Westridge home with all the comforts and an amazing back yard too! Excellent room sizes are just the beginning here with great room styling and hot tub in a gazebo to quell those tough days. Excellent rec room area is big enough for a games room and a TV space too! Mater suite is spacious and a concrete driveway with RV parking! Too much to list, come and see for yourself!

REDUCED

Clean & tidy! Large lot with good access for future garage and parking! Close to amenities, this property has good zoning and a great layout for a rental suite or just enjoy all the space!

R0021356723

hat is that big bright thing up there in the sky, anyway? Is it a bird? A plane? Is it Superman? No, it’s the sun! But like Superman, it’s coming to our rescue. What is the sun, anyway? It’s an utterly immense nuclear fusion reactor. A very, very large one, and it’s a nice, safe 93 million miles away. It came free with our cozy little planet, and it makes life here possible. The sun will happily burn for the next several billion years, no maintenance required. All we have to do is soak up the pollution-free energy it’s sending us, every day, just like every other living thing on our planet. How much energy is the sun giving us? A lot. Many thousands of times more than our global economy could ever use, and many thousands of times more than the energy stored in all the planet’s fossil fuels. And—here’s two real bonuses—it doesn’t run out, ever, and it pours from the sky, free for the harvesting.

PEOPLE’S

CHOICE 2017

You Could Win One of 3 Fabulous Prizes!!!

1 nd 2 rd 3 st

RETURN AIRFARE FOR 2 TO VANCOUVER, BC donated by

250-785-4481

ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS BOX SEATS (seats 6) at the Lido for any public Lido hosted event!

NAME: ADDRESS:

PHONE NUMBER:

$150

Deadline for Entries: September 28, 2017, 5pm

GIFT CERTIFICATE

Winners will be announced

BALLOT BOX LOCATION - The Alaska Highway News 9916-98 St., Fort St. John, BC

or enter online at

OCTOBER 26, 2017 Select Your Favorites in this year's

People’s Choice Awards BEST IN THE AREA Church________________________________________ Community Festival/Event ________________________ School ________________________________________ Fundraising Event_______________________________ Service Club ___________________________________ ALL AROUND Appliance Store ________________________________ Appliance Service & Repair_______________________________________ ATV’s/Motorcycles/ Snowmobiles __________________________________ Auto Body Shop ________________________________ Auto Repair Shop _______________________________ Auto Parts Store ________________________________ Bar ___________________________________________ Beauty Salon ___________________________________ Bottled Water Retailer ___________________________ Building Supplies _______________________________ Carpet Cleaner _________________________________ Car Rental _____________________________________ Car/Truck Dealership (New) _______________________ Car Wash ______________________________________ Cell Phone Dealer _______________________________ Children’s Wear _________________________________ Computers ____________________________________ Convenience Store ______________________________ Daycare _______________________________________ Dental Clinic ___________________________________ Department Store ______________________________ Driving School _________________________________ Equipment Rental_______________________________ Eyeglasses _____________________________________ Farm or Industrial Equipment Dealer ________________________________________ Financial Institution _____________________________ Fitness Club ___________________________________ Flooring Store __________________________________ Florist ________________________________________ Furniture ______________________________________ Gas Station ____________________________________ Gift Shop ______________________________________ Glass Dealership ________________________________ Golf Pro Shop __________________________________ Hardware Store _________________________________ Heavy Truck Dealer______________________________ Home Entertainment Retailer _______________________________________ Hot Tub Dealer _________________________________ Hunting/Camping Supply ________________________________________ Insurance Agency _______________________________ Jewellery ______________________________________ Land Surveying_________________________________ Landscaping ___________________________________ Lawn & Garden Products _________________________ Law Firm ______________________________________ Lingerie Store __________________________________ Liquor Store ______________________________ Locksmith _____________________________________ Meat _________________________________________ Medical Clinic __________________________________ Men’s Wear ____________________________________ Motel/Hotel ___________________________________ Muffler Shop ___________________________________ Notary ______________________________

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE! *Minimum of 50% of the categories must be filled to be valid. Use the official form only! DON'T FORGET TO ATTACH YOUR LIST OF NOMINEES!

Nursery/Greenhouse Products________________ Office Supplies _________________________________ Oilfield Company _______________________________ Oilfield Service _________________________________ Optometrist ___________________________________ Paint Supplies _________________________________ Petroleum Cardlock________________________ Pharmacy/Drug Store____________________________ Plumbing Shop ________________________________ Printers _______________________________________ Produce _______________________________________ Radio Station __________________________________ RV Park/Campground ___________________________ Shoe Store ____________________________________ Spa __________________________________________ Sporting Goods Store____________________________ Supermarket ___________________________________ Supermarket Biscuits or Rolls _____________________ Supermarket Bread _____________________________ Supermarket Deli _______________________________ Tanning Salon __________________________________ Tire Store _____________________________________ Transmission Repair Shop ________________________ Travel Agency _________________________________ Used Car Dealership ____________________________ Vet Clinic ______________________________________ Work Wear_____________________________________ Western Wear __________________________________ Women’s Wear _________________________________ BEST PEOPLE Accountant ___________________________________ Auctioneer ____________________________________ Bank Manager/Where: ___________________________ Bank Teller/Where: ______________________________ Barber/Where: _________________________________ Bartender / Where: ______________________________ Bus Driver _____________________________________ Carpenter _____________________________________ Car Salesman/Where: ____________________________ Cashier/Where: ________________________________ Civic Leader ___________________________________ City Employee _________________________________ Club President/Where: ___________________________ Coach/Team ___________________________________ Customer Service Clerk __________________________ Dentist _______________________________________ Dental Hygienist ________________________________ Doctor _______________________________________ Electrician ____________________________________ Esthetician ____________________________________ Firefighter ____________________________________ Hairdresser ____________________________________ Home Caregiver ________________________________ Local Band ____________________________________ Local Newspaper Columnist ______________________ Local Radio Personality __________________________ Office Staff ____________________________________ Paper Carrier __________________________________ Personal Trainer ________________________________ Pet Groomer/Where: ____________________________ Pharmacist ____________________________________ Photographer __________________________________ Politician _____________________________________ Principal/Where: ________________________________ RCMP Officer___________________________________ Real Estate Agent/

Where: ________________________________________ Receptionist / Where: ________________________________________ Salesperson, Retail/ Where: ________________________________________ Teacher: _______________________________________ • Elementary ___________________________________ • Junior High __________________________________ • Senior High __________________________________ Travel Agent ___________________________________ Truck Driver/Where: _____________________________ Volunteer _____________________________________ Waitress/Waiter/Where: __________________________ ______________________________________________ BEST FOODS/BEVERAGES Appetizers _______________________________ Breakfast ______________________________________ Caesar (Cocktail) ________________________________ Chicken Wings _________________________________ Chinese Restaurant________________________ Coffee ________________________________________ Coldest Beer In Town ____________________________ Desserts ______________________________________ Doughnuts ____________________________________ Dinner ________________________________________ Ethnic Restaurant __________________________ Fast Food ________________________________ French Fries____________________________________ Hamburger ___________________________________ Hot Dogs _____________________________________ Ice Cream/Yogurt _______________________________ Lunch ___________________________________ Pizza _________________________________________ Pub __________________________________________ Kid’s Meal _____________________________________ Restaurant_____________________________________ Salads __________________________________ Sandwiches ____________________________________ Seafood _______________________________________ Service _______________________________________ Steak _________________________________________ Sushi ___________________________________ Tacos ___________________________________ Vegetarian _______________________________ Wine Selection ____________________________ BEST PLACES FOR Bargains ______________________________________ Cleanest Store _________________________________ Customer Service _______________________________ Golfing _______________________________________ Oil Change / Lube ______________________________ Recycling______________________________________ Working ______________________________________ Shopping _____________________________________ Store Window Displays___________________________ Tanning _______________________________________ Waste Disposal _________________________________ Wheelchair Accessibility__________________________ BEST ATHLETE Male _________________________________________ Female _______________________________________

R0011300131

A16 THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017

Sports & Leisure

THURSDAY AUGUST 3, 2017 CONTACT US 250-785-5631 editor@ahnfsj.ca

TRADITIONS CONTINUE AT VIKES CAMP

CANOLAFEST & COMMUNITY ROUND UP

SPORTS B3

COMMUNITY B8

9224-100 Street, Fort St. John, V1J 3X2

PHONE: 250-785-0463

HAIRPIN TURN

Living through summer camp blues Dillon Giancola THE DILL ZONE

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Parker Hoppe rounds a corner during motocross action in Taylor on July 30. The Edmonton racer finished first in his MX 3 Expert class twice on the day, finishing 11 laps in 18:51.775, and later finishing seven laps in 12:20.438. Motocross action continues this Sunday at the Fort St. John Motocross track.

Schwarz saves best for last at Indigenous Games DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

Most kids finish their swimming season in April. If they qualify, they’ll go on to provincials, or maybe they’ll sign on with the summer club and swim at meets throughout B.C. during July. But few will get to go to a special meet in Toronto. Yet that’s where Kade Schwarz found himself in July as he attended the 2017 North American Indigenous Games to complete in under-14 male swimming. Schwarz was successful, medaling in all eight of his events and taking gold in four. “It was great, I thought it was really, really fun,” Schwarz said. “I learned a lot just about swimming and being independent.” Whether it was learning new techniques, how to pace himself more, or how to go faster and pusher harder, Schwarz said he learned lots from the competition. He was happy enough just to be there at the Games, as it was his first time at such a big facility and event. But the success he achieved shocked him. “I thought I wouldn’t do as well as I did, but I’m super surprised.”

SUPPLIED PHOTO

Kade Schwarz with some of the medals he earned at the 2017 North American Indigenous Games in Toronto.

He was the only swimmer from Fort St. John that qualified to go, which also meant a lot to him. “It’s such a great event, I learned a lot

and made a lot of relationships from different people,” Schwarz said. Schwarz learned about the Games after his mom saw an advertisement online and figured it would be a cool event. Neither realized it would be such a big ordeal, but they got excited as they learned more about it. Leanne Sirup, Schwarz’s team B.C. coach, was a scout and attended the AA provincial swim meet in Richmond June 16-18, which he attended with the Inconnu Swim Club, and decided he was good enough to join the team, and she was certainly right. Schwarz didn’t have the meet at provincials that he hoped for, but swam a good season nonetheless with plenty of best times. He certainly saved the best for last. In the coming years, Schwarz is looking forward to swimming even better times, and going even faster at the 2020 Indigenous Games. Schwarz earned gold in the 100m and 200m backstroke, as well as the 200m breaststroke. He also finished first in the 16U 4 by 50m medley relay. He earned silver in the 50m and 100m breaststroke, and the 50m backstroke, as well as the 16U 4 by 50m freestyle relay.

Halfway River Rodeo quickly approaching DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

Cowboys and cowgirls, it’s time to pull those denim shirts back out of the wardrobe and get ready for another awesome weekend of rodeo. The Halfway River Rodeo is returning for a 16th year August 19 and 20, and it is a jam-packed weekend full of extra events. The event features two one-day rodeos, Saturday and Sunday, with rodeo events getting started at noon

each day. All the favourite events will be held, including bull riding, saddle bronc, barrel racing and breakaway roping. In addition to the rodeo, there are other featured events. Friday, Aug. 18, will see the rodeo grounds hosting a family day Gymkhana horse show, followed by a family dance at the rodeo grounds from 9 until midnight. On Saturday, there will be a pancake breakfast for the public at the community hall, and at night there

will be a steak supper for the public as well, first come first serve. “It’s a pretty popular event, a nice steak supper after a good day of rodeo,” said rodeo committee member Jeff Metecheah. Lastly, after the steak supper, there will be a 19-plus rodeo dance at the grounds, where 300 people will be dancing along to the band Smoking Country. A talent show will also be held for cash prizes. See RODEO on B4

his week in the Peace it was all about summer sports camps. Whether it was a basketball camp for high school kids, soccer camp with University of Victoria players, or just a sport discovery camp for younger kids which involved cool things like archery, they were all over the place this week. And all summer, for that matter. Down in Dawson they had extreme sports camps for kids, and a camp that teaches you how to use a compass and go rock climbing. And of course there’s hockey summer schools, and then volleyball and hockey summer training camps coming up in August. It’s a busy time to be an athlete. And I would say that this reminds me of my youth, except I was never allowed to go to sports camps. OK I’m exaggerating, I probably would have been allowed, except we never had any where I grew up. We didn’t have much of anything, I didn’t even get to play baseball except in Grade 4 when my dad coached our team and we were winless. Thanks Jimmy. But to think of the joys my childhood would have sprung forth if I would have gone to extreme sports camp. Maybe I would be able to ride a skateboard. Maybe I wouldn’t be scared to snowboard. I at least wouldn’t have turned out to be a skiier. No offense to all the skiiers out there, including myself. But then maybe that was a blessing in disguise. Because if my parents would have said they were sending me off to compass and map reading camp I would have begged them to stay home. I was allowed to go to church camp at least. And this is no knock on that, it was great, and I became really good at tetherball. But like fooseball, bocce ball and the other pseudo sports that I’m above average at, they don’t have camps. I also never went to training camp of any sort. It was once again the blame of the town I grew up— Boyle. That’s because you didn’t have to try out, you just made the team because there weren’t that many kids. So I made the basketball team because I was taller than everyone else but I wasn’t really that tall, or good. I won MVP of a tournament for my team once because I whined and got mad more than the other kids. Hey, whatever it takes to win. And that’s the attitude I carry with me to this day. Whether it’s as a journalist, athlete, or a friend, I’ll do whatever it takes to succeed. It also means I probably would have been better if I went to camps. Dillon Giancola covers Peace Region sports for the Alaska Highway News. Email him at sports@ahnfsj.ca

Motorhome Clearance Sale ALL UNITS MUST GO!

#"//*45&3

Payments as low as $267 bi-weekly oac Only 4 units left in stock; trades welcome!

%"840/ $ %"840/ $3&&, $3&&,

250.782.8589 1609 Alaska Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC

Bannisterford.com

This weeks customers are Cody & Jody Bougerolle pictured with their daughter Audria. Cody & Jody were looking for a good low mileage 2nd hand Jeep and found the perfect one at Bannister Ford. After working out a fair trade with Cam a deal was made! Why not get yourself a Bannister deal from Cam today?!

R0011355336

A “Family” Business with “Family” Values

All unitss have walk around beds, power awnings, slides and 4000 watt g generators.

B2 THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017

LOCAL SPORTS

Flyers celebrate, look ahead to coming season DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

Senior Flyers General Manager Lee Hartman, left, presents the award for team MVP to Rick Cleaver July 29.

NOTHING BUT NET

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

Logan Reed goes in for a layup during a drill at the FSJ Basketball Camp held at NPSS July 24 to 28. The camp was full of kids looking to improve their game, taught by high calibre athletes.

R0021217976

As the Fort St. John Senior Flyers celebrated last season on July 29, they also looked ahead to the 2017-18 season which will begin in October. Team members, volunteers, coaches and management were on hand at the Fort St. John Links golf course to have a fun round of golf followed by an awards barbecue. President Paul van Nostrand began the ceremony with a tribute to Rod Fonteyne, one of the directors of the team who passed away earlier this year. He was referred to as Mr. Hockey of Fort St. John. Van Nostrand, along with General Manager Lee Hartman, then distributed the awards to the players in attendance. Rookie of the Year went to Marshall Sidwell, while Dan Pappin was named Most Gentlemanly Player. Brady Busche was the Top Defensive Player, and Travis McLean was the Most Dedicated and Most Popular Player. The big awards went to Rick Cleaver, who was named Regular Season MVP and Top Scorer, and Adam Horst won the Playoff MVP award. Cleaver also won the award for MVP of the league. Head Coach Andrew Leriger, who was named head coach of the year by the league, said 90 per cent of the players are coming back for next season. However, a couple players may be retiring but it hasn’t

been made official yet. Although the Flyers have had success in recent seasons, Leriger remarked they have yet to win the overall championship and it’s still in their sights. “As a whole, as long as the same guys come out as last year minus a couple, we’ll be one of the top teams in the league again.” Leriger said the league is getting more competitive every year, not just with the tough west division of Dawson Creek, Spirit River, and Grande Prairie, but the East division is better too. In years past, they could sometimes mail a game in if an opposing team only showed up with 10 players, but now that doesn’t happen and they have to constantly be on guard. Cleaver was honoured to be named MVP, but attributes a lot of his success to playing with good linemates like Adam Horst and Jeff Shipton. “In a perfect world, I’ll be playing with them again and you just hope we can repeat what we did last year,” said Cleaver. Cleaver echoed Leriger’s message that the team wants to compete hard and win the league this year. “We want to win the league and beat Spirit River, we’re a little fed up of losing to those guys in the playoffs,” he said. “You just hope that the commitment’s there and guys are able to play and we learn from last year and hopefully win it.”

PRO GOLF WEEKLY UPDATE Golf News, Tips, Trivia & Stats

This Week: WGC - Bridgestone Invitational

The Bridgestone Invitational is part of the World Golf Championships set that became a fixture on the PGA Tour in 1999. In general, any player Defending: Dustin Johnson in the top 50 of the Official World Golf Winning Score: 6-under par Rankings is eligible to play. Also, all Winning Share: $1,620,000 members of the Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup teams can participate and all previous winners from the Bridgestone Invitational will be extended an invitation to play. The tournament is played at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio. The par-5 16th hole is the most famous at Firestone, given the nickname “The Monster” years ago by Arnold Palmer. Firestone CC (South Course) Akron, Ohio 7,400 yards, Par 70

Golf TV Schedule

PGA Event: WGC - Bridgestone Invitational Day Time Network Thu, 8/3 1:30pm-6:30pm GOLF Fri, 8/4 1:30pm-6:30pm GOLF Sat, 8/5 12pm-1:30pm GOLF Sat, 8/5 2pm-6pm CBS Sun, 8/6 12pm-1:30pm GOLF Sun, 8/6 2pm-6pm CBS

Last Week: Jhonattan Vegas won the Canadian Open

Jhonattan Vegas successfully Tournament Results defended his RBC Canadian 1. Jhonattan Vegas Score: -21 *won in playoff Open title Sunday at Glen Earnings: $1,080,000 Abbey, beating Charley 2. Charley Hoffman Score: -21 Hoffman with a birdie on the first Earnings: $648,000 hole of a playoff. Vegas closed with 3. Ian Poulter a 7-under 65 to match Hoffman at Score: -20 Earnings: $408,000 21-under 267. Hoffman, the thirdround leader, birdied the 18th for a 68. Ian Poulter was a stroke back after a 64, the best round of the day. Vegas has three PGA Tour titles, also winning the 2011 Bob Hope Classic. Jim Furyk was the last golfer to win back-to-back Canadian Opens. He did it in 2006 and 2007.

Golfing News

Rory McIlroy has parted ways with his long-time caddie J.P. Fitzgerald, ending a partnership that took the Northern Irishman to four major titles and the top of the world rankings. Fitzgerald’s firing, comes barely a week after he publicly thanked his caddie for jolting him into gear when he made a poor start to the British Open. McIlroy, who won his Golf Trivia last major at the 2014 PGA Championship, employed Fitzgerald in 2008 shortly after What golfer invented the modern sand turning professional. The caddie change comes wedge? at the start of another one of those critical stretches on the golf calendar, with a WGC title a) Ben Hogan c) Byron Nelson and the season’s final major coming in the next b) Sam Snead d) Gene Sarazen Answer: d) Gene Sarazen invented the modern two weeks and then the lucrative FedExCup, where Rory is the defending champion. sand wedge in 1930.

Lessons from the Golf Pro The putting game is such a fickle part of the process that we can easily ruin it if we do not keep a consistent setup. One of the big problems the amateur golfer faces during a putt is to make sure that your wrists do not move during the putting stroke. More times than not, the wrists are moving during a putting stroke and since we are so used to it, there is no way to identify this as a recurring problem. The key to making sure that your wrists do not move during the putting stroke is to focus on keeping the end of the putter pointed at the center of your body. If the end of the putter does not stay centered, this shows you that your wrists have been moved during the putting process. By keeping the wrists still, the shoulders and back move the putter head and your hands can stay passive to make a good stroke.

Player Profile

Jhonattan Vegas

Turned Professional: 2008 FedEx Cup Ranking: 28th World Ranking: 48th PGA Tour Wins: 3

FedEx Cup Standings Through July 30, 2017

1) Jordan Spieth 2,579 pts. / 8 top tens

2) Dustin Johnson 2,359 pts. / 7 top tens

3) Hideki Matsuyama 2,204 pts. / 5 top tens

4) Justin Thomas 2,060 pts. / 8 top tens

5) Jon Rahm

1,718 pts. / 7 top tens FedEx Cup Standings continued... Player Points 6) Rickie Fowler 1,634 7) Brooks Koepka 1,629 8) Daniel Berger 1,573 9) Brian Harman 1,492 10) Kevin Kisner 1,474

PLACE YOUR AD HERE!

Top 10s 7 6 6 7 6

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017 B3

LOCAL SPORTS

Keen spirits of local youth a standout for UVic team DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

When it comes to Fort St. John, the kids are keen. At least that’s what Bruce Wilson, head coach of the University of Victoria’s Vikes men’s soccer team, believes. “We like coming up. It’s a long drive for us but you know what we always find the kids here are nice to work with, and they’re all soccer people,” Wilson said last week in between drills at the team’s summer camp in Fort St. John. Perhaps that’s why Wilson and members from his team keep coming up here. It appears that the arrangement between the Vikes and the Fort St. John Soccer Club is a good one, as the kids keep coming each year and so do the Vikes. “At U Vic you get a mix of everybody, but here in Fort St. John there’s real soccer people. It give our coaches who are all Vikings players a good chance to get another week of real work in before pre-season,” said Wilson. The camp, which ran last week from July 24 to 28, was excellent, according to Wilson. It took place at both the Dr. Kearney school fields for the younger kids and the Surerus soccer fields for the older highschool kids. “There’s some excellent kids that have been coming for a number of years. Some very good younger ones in particular. And they’re keen,

very keen.” One of those standouts is Max Palfy, 11, who was attending the camp for the second time. “I’m just having fun playing some good soccer, and enjoy working on control and trapping the ball,” Palfy said. The players from Victoria enjoy travelling here too as much as the kids enjoy participating. It was Vikes midfielder Austin Schneebeli’s second year up here, and he greatly enjoys it. “The kids are great up here, and really smart and good soccer players. It’s always great weather too.” Schneebeli is in his second year with the Vikes after playing two seasons with Thompson Rivers University. As for the actual camp, the kids start in the morning grouped by age and work on different fundamentals. Then in the afternoon they are mixed and play some world cup games. At lunch they went inside the gym and watched English Premiere League highlight reel videos. “They get a little mixture of everything. It’s good and we think the camps like it,” Wilson said. The team handed out camp shirts and balls to everyone, partly as a way to promote that there is a University in Victoria to play for at the end of the day. Now that camp is done, the Vikes players and Wilson are in pre-season mode, which began on July 31.

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

Max Palfy chases after the ball in scrimmage action during the University of Vikes soccer camp in Fort St. John last week.

STRIKERS STRIKE SILVER

SUPPLIED PHOTO

The U16 Boys Northern Strikers went to Calgary July 22-23 for the ASA Outdoor 2017 Tier 4 provincials. They won two out of three round robin matches, including a 5-2 victory over Twin Brooks. However, they lost a close finals game 2-1 to Rio Terrace to take home silver.

W EEKLY P RO R ACING U PDATE Racing News, Stats & Trivia

2017 Standings Cup Series Top Ten Points 1) Martin Truex Jr.

Race Det Race Detail tail ils s

Location: Watkins Glen, N.Y. Date: Aug. 6th, 3:00 p.m. TV: NBCSN Last Year’s Pole: Carl Edwards s - 126.562 mph Last Year’s Winner: Denny Hamlin

Watkins Glen International

Points: 823 Wins: 3 Top 5: 8 Top 10: 14

2) Kyle Larson

Points: 738 Wins: 2 Top 5: 9 Top 10: 12

3) Kevin Harvick

Points: 726 Wins: 1 Top 5: 8 Top 10: 14

Xfinity Series Top Ten Points R0021159210 Driver 1) Elliott Sadler 2) William Byron 3) Justin Allgaier 4) Brennan Poole 5) Daniel Hemric 6) Cole Custer 7) Matt Tifft 8) Ryan Reed 9) Dakoda Armstrong 10) Blake Koch

4) Kyle Busch

Points: 723 Wins: 1 Top 5: 8 Top 10: 11

5) Brad Keselowski

Watkins Glen International is a 2.45 mile road course located near Watkins Glen, New York, at the south end of Seneca Lake. With its rise from ragged infancy in 1948 to its position as America’s premier racing facility, the Glen continues to be an astounding success story. In addition to holding major NASCAR and SCCA events, Watkins Glen also hosts one of the nation’s premier vintage events, the Zippo U.S. Vintage Grand Prix. Current points leader, Martin Truex Jr., finished 7th in last year’s race.

Points: 649 Wins: 2 Top 5: 11 Top 10: 14

6) Denny Hamlin

Points: 649 Wins: 1 Top 5: 7 Top 10: 11

7) Chase Elliott

Points: 616 Wins: 0 Top 5: 6 Top 10: 12

8) Jamie McMurray

Points: 615 Wins: 0 Top 5: 2 Top 10: 11

9) Matt Kenseth

Racing News

Target will focus its sports marketing budget on soccer and drop its 16-year NASCAR sponsorship of Chip Ganassi Racing after the 2017 season. The decision leaves Kyle Larson, second in the NASCAR Cup Series standings, without an announced sponsor for the majority of 2018. Target had a 28-year relationship with Ganassi and was a major sponsor of his IndyCar, NASCAR and sports-car programs throughout the past three decades.

Racing Trivia

Which current driver has the most wins at Watkins Glen International? a) Kyle Busch c) Joey Logano b) Denny Hamlin d) Kevin Harvick

Points: 594 Wins: 0 Top 5: 5 Top 10: 9

10) Clint Bowyer

Points: 577 Wins: 0 Top 5: 4 Top 10: 9

Answer : a) Kyle Busch

Shape: Road Course Distance: 2.45 miles Banking: None

Points 707 653 564 518 488 474 436 424 388 374

Last Weekend’s Race: Kyle Busch won the Overton’s 400 Kyle Busch’s winless streak is finally over. Busch performed a bump-and-run move on Kevin Harvick with 16 laps remaining to take the lead in Sunday’s Overton’s 400 at Pocono Raceway and held on for his first victory in 36 races. It’s also Busch’s first career Cup win at Pocono, leaving Charlotte Motor Speedway as the only track at which he’s not won a points-paying race. Unlike last Sunday’s caution-ridden Brickyard 400, only five yellow flags were shown at Pocono, with the final 60 laps finishing under green. This brought into play a number of fuel strategies for drivers looking to punch their ticket to the playoffs with just five races remaining before the start of the final stretch.

Kyle Busch Born: May 2, 1985 Crew Chief: Adam Stevens Car: Toyota

Year 2017 2016

Wins 1 4

Top 10s 8 17

“Get The Good Stuff”

STOP

PLACE YOUR AD HERE!

BY AND PICK UP YOUR

FREE

Avg. Finish 13.0 11.5

9224-100 St., Fort St. John

250-785-0463

R0011358416

Overton’s 400 Top Ten Driver 1. Kyle Busch 2. Kevin Harvick 3. Martin Truex Jr. 4. Denny Hamlin 5. Brad Keselowski 6. Clint Bowyer 7. Daniel Suarez 8. Erik Jones 9. Matt Kenseth 10. Chase Elliott

B4 THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017

LOCAL SPORTS RODEO FROM B1

Metecheah expects the both the entries and the stands to be full, just as they were last year. “Every time I looked out at the stands, all four stands were full and had a steady attendance at the beer gardens and dance.” He said there will be quite a few riders from the Northern B.C. High School Rodeo Association participating, including locals from Halfway River and Fort St. John. Metecheah is also excited to have the “famous saddle bronc lady Kayla Muscle from Chiliwack” participate in the rodeo. The event is important for the Halfway River community as it is the only event that they host, since they stopped having Treaty Days in 1998. “Ever since we built our rodeo grounds we’ve been hosting a rodeo the third weekend of August. It’s good for everyone that attends, and brings other residents out. People come out and enjoy western culture,” Metecheah said. The organizers are happy that the rodeo comes on the heels of the successful Fort St. John Rodeo. “Everybody gets together to host it for all of us. Rodeo is popular in northern B.C.”

MULTI-GENERATION BLIZZARD BIKERS

SPORTS CLUBS! We want your news! We try to make every game, tourney, & training camp that we can, but sometimes we need your help. Help us keep the community up to date! Submit your team news, photos, scores and more to sports@ahnfsj.ca.

SUPPLIED PHOTO

Three generations of Woods participated in the North Pine road race on July 30. From left to right: Jon, Albert, Dan and Richard. Jon Wood won the 50km race by inches over Dan Wood with a time of 1:32:45. Tanner McCracken won the 20km race with a time of 42 minutes. Over in Edmonton, Lukas Brand won a bronze medal at the ITU Triathlon last weekend.

SCOREBOARD MAYHEM CUP MOWER MAYHEM, JULY 29 1. Derek Vogel 2. Travis Mytron 3. Achmed Hauch 4. Blain Austin on his mod 5. Tyler Huillery 6. Cale Heibert 7. Blain Austin on allis 8. Jamie

9. Clayton Carlson 10. Jason C, Jayden Miedema, Ron Gilmore 11. Derek Vogel on 08 12. Vince Esau, Trevor Laminski 13. Ron Gilmore (pro stock) 14. Kyle Wissman 15. Griffin Frederickson 16. Jayden Stafford, Dan Heibert 17. Jason Westgate 18. Tyler Laminski

CANADIAN HIGH SCHOOL RODEO FINALS GIRLS BREAKAWAY ROPING 4. Fallyn Mills TIE DOWN ROPING 8. Ben Jackson 13. Tyrel Roberts

9224-100 Street, Fort St. John, V1J 3X2

PHONE: 250-785-0463

STEER WRESTLING 3. Ben Jackson 5. Wade Roberts TEAM ROPING 7. Derek Hadland 17. Tyrel and Wade Roberts GIRLS CUTTING 8. Falyn Mills

North Peace District 4H Report Beef Results: Top Sr. Groomer: Savannah Loewen (PC) Top Intermediate Groomer: Stephanie Gilbert (SW) Top Jr. Groomer: Logan Denzler (SW) Overall Groomer: Savannah Loewen (PC) Top Sr. Showman: Connor Harmon (GV) Top Intermediate Showman: Mikayla Loewen (PC) Top Jr Showman: Lacey Wiebe (PC) Overall Showman: Connor Harmon (GV) Grand Champion Heifer: Adaline Drschiwiski (LS) Reserve Champion Heifer: Seth Harmon (GV) Grand Champion Mature Cow-Calf: Lacey Wiebe (PC) Reserve Champion Mature Cow-Calf: Quinne Mailman (SW) Overall Female of the Show: Lacey Wiebe (PC) Reserve Overall Female of the Show: Quinne Mailman (SW) Grand Champion Steer: Melissa Dick (PC) Reserve Champion Steer: Stephanie Gilbert (SW) Sr Management Feedlot: Lynette Wiebe (PC) Grand Champion Pen of 3 Steers: Prespatou Reserve Champion Pen of 3 Steers: Wonowon Steer with the Best Rate of Gain: Bella Lucas Jarnigan (SW) Herdsman of the Day: Mackenzie Clovis (LS) Top Sr. Member Overall: Savannah Loewen (PC) Top Inter. Member Overall: Carter Collins (SW) Top Jr. Member Overall: Adaline Drschiwiski (LS) Horse Results Unit 1&2 High Point 1. Molly English 2. Raelle Amboe Unit 3&4 High Point 1. Tory Snider 2. Gracie English Husbandry Award: Emilia Dyksterhuis Showmanship: Gold: Tory Snider Josie Lawlor Aurora Lea Mollie English Silver: Raelle Amboe Kayli Taylor Emry Clay Kyra Taylor Tamsyn Clay Jordana Whitford Gracie English Bailey Fell Danica Fehr

Shaelyn Leuenberger Teneah Kimmie Paeton Palfy Emilia Dyksterhuis Isabel Amboe Equitation: Gold: Shaelyn Leuenberger Isabel Amboe Raelle Amboe Tory Snider Kayli Taylor Emry Clay Gracie English Silver: Mollie English Danica Fehr Bailey Fell Jordanna Whitford Tamsyn Clay Kyra Taylor Aurora Lea Josie Lawlor Emilia Dyksterhuis Paeton Palfy Teneah Kimmie Photography Results: Overall Photography Member: Anita Wiebe Sheep Results: Top Sr. Groomer: Kendra Gilbert (SW) Top Jr. Groomer: Joelle Shipley (SW) Overall Groomer: Joelle Shipley (SW) Top Sr. Showman: Kendra Gilbert (SW) Top Jr Showman: Blake Collins (SW) Overall Showman: Kendra Gilbert (SW) Ewe Lamb: 1st Lorna Loewen (PC) 2nd Ella Bennett (SW) 3rd Joelle Shipley (SW) Ewe with Lamb(s): 1st Karlee Ballard (SW) Overall Ewe: 1st Lorna Loewen (PC) 2nd Karlee Ballard (SW) Wool Ewe Lamb: 1st Emily Babcock (SW)

The North Peace District held their annual achievement day on July 7 & 8 at the North Peace Fall Fair Grounds. There was many different projects on display throughout the weekend, as well as a Friends of 4-H Supper that followed the market animal sale, and a family dance. Fun was had by all. Wool Ewe with Lamb(s): 1st Brooke Buerge (WOW) Overall Wool Ewe: 1st Emily Babcock (SW) 2nd Brooke Buerge (WOW) Grand Champion Market Lamb: Ella Bennett (SW) Reserve Champion Market Lamb: Hailey Shipley (SW) Lamb with the Best Rate of Gain: Brooklyn Morton (GV) Top Jr. Member Overall: Joelle Shipley (SW) Top Sr. Member Overall: Kendra Gilbert (SW) Shepard of the Day: Brooke Buerge (WOW) Swine Results: Top Jr. Groomer: Liam Koop Top Sr. Groomer: Heather Carlson Overall Groomer: Clayton Carlson Top Jr. Showman: Clayton Carlson Top Sr. Showman: Owen Carlson Overall Showman: Owen Carlson Grand Champion Market Hog: Evan Koop Reserve Champion Market Hog: Walker Milton

A huge THANK YOU to all the trophy and awards sponsors and to all the buyers of market projects.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017 B5

ARTS & CULTURE

GOLDEN HARMONIES

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

The newly formed quartet The Golden Hour (From top, left to right: Amber Busche, Lorissa Scriven, Emilee Aitken, and Anjali Spooner) played a delightfully sweet set of harmonies during CanolaFest on July 29.

LANDMARK CINEMAS 5 AURORA FSJ

UNIT 2000, 9600 - 93 AVE, FORT ST. JOHN, BC PH: 250-785-8811 (MOVIE INFO LINE) WWW.LANDMARKCINEMAS.COM/FORT-ST-JOHN

CURRENT MOVIE LISTINGS FROM AUGUST 4 TO AUGUST 10

THE DARK TOWER Nightly: 7:20, 9:55 Matinees: 1:00, 4:10

THE EMOJI MOVIE Nightly: 6:30, 9:00 Matinees: 12:30, 3:30

ATOMIC BLONDE Nightly: 7:00, 9:40 Matinees: 12:50, 3:50

DUNKIRK Nightly 6:50, 9:50 Matinees: 1:10, 4:00

VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS Nightly: 6:45, 9:45 Matinees: 12:40, 3:40 (August 10 - Matinee Only)

ANNABELLE CREATION Arrives August 10 7:10, 10:05

B6 THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017

ARTS & CULTURE

ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

The Playarts Preschool Summer Camp were getting creative outside the North Peace Cultural Centre July 31. It was Water Balloon Week at the camp and the kids were throwing balloons with a mix of water and paint at at their canvases to see what cool designs and patterns they could make.

The art of choosing eggs

hese days, it seems there are more brands of eggs than potato chips at the grocery store. Big or small, white or brown, free range, free run, Omega3, whites or yolk only, and, now, premixed with omelet ingredients. They can be purchased in a box, a bag, a carton or a bucket. For many years, however, eggs came one way— from a local egg farmer. Factory farmed eggs are easy to spot. An ink stamp on the shell tells you they have been radioactively pasteurized with X-rays for shelf life and government certification. The yolks are often anemic yellow, lacking amino acid density and other micronutrients. Store bought eggs tend to be older so the whites fall apart when cooked. The shells are thin and fragile, but look symmetrical and uniform, worst in show. Eggs are unique to the environment the birds live in. This determines what each layer tastes, smells, looks and feels like. The strength of the translucent albumin tells you how fresh the egg is. The thickness of the shell tells you how much nutrients were available to the hens. The size, colour, texture, flavour, and smell can tell you how the hens were treated. Good eggs from well-treated hens have a deep yellow, almost orange yolk. Their whites hold together when cooked. Chickens that are able to live almost like wild birds produce delicious and healthy eggs. Quality ingredients don’t always look the way you might expect. Choosing food for flavour rather than look is an art. CHOCOLATE CREME ANGLAISE OVER FRESH BC CHERRIES SOAKED IN BOURBON 1 cup milk HOROSCOPE ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 19) Yesterday, you had big ideas about travel, publishing, the media, medicine and the law. Today, something might jumble those plans or force you to change them. (Stay on top of things.) TAURUS (APRIL 20 TO MAY 20) Double-check details concerning other people’s money, shared property, inheritances and your responsibilities for others, because something unexpected might affect these areas. Know what’s happening. GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20) A friend or partner might throw you a curveball today. Get ready for something unexpected and surprising. You can handle this, because you are fast on your feet. CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22) Computer crashes, power outages, canceled meetings and staff shortages are just some reasons a few hiccups will occur at work today. Take it easy, and cope as best you can. LEO (JULY 23 TO AUG. 22) This is a mildly accident-prone day for your kids, so be vigilant. Likewise, social plans might suddenly change. Guard against sports accidents as well. VIRGO (AUG. 23 TO SEPT. 22) A family member might surprise you about something today. Keep an open mind so that you can be ready to hear new information. Don’t be stuck in

Judah Koile FROM THE FARM TO THE TABLE

1 cup half and half 4 egg yolks 2 eggs 1/2 cup sugar 1/8 tbs salt 1/2 tbs vanilla 1/2 cups semi sweet Baker’s chocolate, shaved BC cherries pitted and soaked in 3-4 ounces of bourbon In a saucepan over low heat, combine the milk, half-andhalf and sugar, saving yourself four tablespoons of sugar. Heat to just below boiling to dissolve the sugar. In a pot, heat a cup of water and place a steel mixing bowl on top, called a double boiler. In this mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and eggs until just blended. Then, add four tablespoons sugar, salt, and vanilla. Whisk the hot milk mixture into the eggs gradually so not to cook the eggs. This is called tempering. Place the mixing bowl full of your ingredients on the double boiler on low heat. Stir continuously with a spatula until the custard thickens. To check if it’s done, dip a soup spoon into it and draw your finger across the back. It should leave a clean path behind it. Remove from heat and fold in your chocolate with the spatula. Pour hot or cold over pitted cherries soaked in bourbon. Judah Koile is a Fort St. John chef and co-owns The BEAM with his wife, Jiwon. For Thursday August 3, 2017

a rut. LIBRA (SEPT. 23 TO OCT. 22) You’re full of bright, clever ideas today, which is why you’re talking fast and on the move. Unexpected short trips are likely for many of you. SCORPIO (OCT. 23 TO NOV. 21) Keep an eye on your money scene today, because something unusual might affect your cash flow. You might find money, or you might lose money. (Keep your eyes open.) SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 TO DEC. 21) Today the Moon is in your sign for most of the day (not all of it), and it is dancing with wild, wacky Uranus. This means that today is completely unpredictable. Good luck. CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 TO JAN. 19) You might feel restless today. You have that feeling that you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop. Keep waiting. AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 TO FEB. 18) A friend, especially a female acquaintance, might surprise you today or suggest something unusual. Alternatively, you might meet someone who is a real character! PISCES (FEB. 19 TO MARCH 20) Be extra clear during all your communication with bosses and VIPs. This is a poor day to agree to anything important, especially late in the day or this evening. Give everything a sober second thought.inheritances.

Drowning in Responsibility Dear Annie: I am overwhelmed by life right now, and I’m hoping you can help. My wife and I have demanding jobs and two small children. We are dedicated to our jobs and to our children, and we excel in our careers and in parenting. Because almost all of our time is spent working or paying attention to our kids, all of life’s other responsibilities have started adding up. For example, though we have plenty of money, sometimes we get behind on bills because we file them away for when we have a minute to take care of them, and then forget about paying them. Things that need to get fixed go unfixed for long periods of time. We would like to cook healthful meals for the family, but it’s very hard to find the time to do so. We have about an hour and a half each night between the time the kids go to sleep and the time we should go to bed to get a good night’s rest. I find it hard to do chores during that time because I want to decompress -- have a drink

Annie Lane DEAR ANNIE

and watch TV. I fantasize about being able to afford a personal assistant, but that’s not an option. Can you help? -Trying to Stay Afloat Dear Trying to Stay Afloat: Technology can be a lifesaver for young parents on the go, and anyone else who is feeling overwhelmed. Try a finance-management app, such as Mint, which can remind you of upcoming bills or be set up to automatically pay them. As for healthful meals, you might consider trying a meal-kit delivery service, such as Blue Apron or Green Chef. These companies will deliver a cooler to you each week containing ingredients and recipes for delicious, healthful dinners. They subtract a lot of time and stress from cooking, and you’ll feel proud of having prepared a gourmet meal. Dear Annie: I’m having a hard time. My soon-to-be

husband’s family hates me. Well, it’s actually just his aunt. I don’t understand what I have done to her, but she treats me like dirt. She spreads lies about me. I’ve done everything in my power to get her to like me and treat me with respect, and I can’t think of anything else to do. She is pushing me away, and I’ve not done anything to her. -- Confused Dear Confused: I’m willing to bet your fiance’s aunt had that mean streak in her long before you ever arrived on the scene. If she weren’t chewing you out, it would be something or somebody else. Talk to your fiance and let him know how his aunt’s behavior has hurt your feelings. He can (and should) talk to her on your behalf. Perhaps he can get clarity on what, if anything, sparked this animosity. But at the end of the day, she might never like you -- and that’s OK. She doesn’t have to. What matters is that you and your fiance love each other. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. To find out more about Annie Lane and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2017 CREATORS.COM

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017 B7

ALEISHA HENDRY 250-785-5631 ahendry@ahnfsj.ca

MIKE ELLERINGTON

$699,900 13136 Paradise Street MLS# R2154215

$359,900 8216 - 95 Ave MLS# R2171086

$649,900 9337 - 120 Ave MLS# R2190081

250.794.1511

$269,900 10211 – 105th Ave MLS# R2170766

mikee@remaxaction.ca www.mikeellerington.com

Gorgeous lake view home on 2.77 hillside acres. Unique layout with eye catching views from every room.

This spacious home is loaded, 4 bedrooms 2 bath, finished basement with 24 x 30 detached garage.

Amazing 2,700 sq. ft. 6 bed/3 bath home sitting on a large .36 acre lot on the north edge of Fort St John.

Looking for that perfect family home, start here 4 bedroom, 2 bath with fully finished basement

$175,000 5782 Baldonnel Rd MLS# R2149165

$989,900 13133 Paradise Lane MLS# R2187955

$539,000 10508 – 114 Ave MLS# R2167054

$319,900 #160, 10104 – 114A Ave MLS# R2062787

Great place to start. 2 bdrm (could be 3) 1976 mobile on 1 acre 10 minutes from Fort St John.

2970 sq. ft 5 bed/3 bath waterfront home located in private Hosker Subdivision at Charlie Lake.

TODAYS PUZZLE

This is no ordinary home! High-end upgrades, 4 bedroom 3 bathrooms.

hOW TO PLAY: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once. Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3x3 box. PREVIOUS PUZZLES ANSWERS

• • • • • • • • •

ABRASION ALLERGIES ASTIGMATISM BLEPHARITIS CATARACT COLOR BLIND COMPUTER CORNEA CROSSED

TODAY’S PUZZLE

1. Defunct phone company 4. Rural area in Guinea 9. Hairstyles 14. Makes a good meal 15. Nats’ CFer Adam 16. El __, painter 17. Midway between south and southeast 18. Baseball’s “The Big Hurt” 20. A serialized set of programs 22. A woody climbing plant 23. Japanese metropolis 24. Whirlpool 28. Toddler 29. Integrated circuit 30. WWII British fighter Blackburn __ 31. Ancient Briton tribe 33. Injurious weeds (Bib.) 37. Nonredundant

38. Turf 39. Canned fish 41. Team’s best pitcher 42. Touchdown 43. Woody perennial plants 44. Rattling breaths 46. Smaller quantity 49. Of I 50. When you’ll get there 51. Adventures 55. Type of chip 58. Having wings 59. Mutilated 60. Considered 64. Wrath 65 A citizen of Iran 66. American state 67. Explosive 68. One who challenges 69. ___ senilis 70. Affirmative CLUES DOWN

1. Move rapidly in music 2. Brief are one type

3. Repeated 4. Quitter 5. Paddles 6. Broadway actress Hagen 7. Politician Paul 8. Joint 9. Ottoman military men 10. Covers for illegal operations 11. Comment 12. Office of Consumer Affairs 13. Distress signal 19. ‘__ death do us

PREVIOUS PUZZLES ANSWERS

CLUES ACROSS

part 21. S. Korean boy band 24. Bishop’s hat 25. Learning environment 26. Measurement 27. Equines 31. Hard plant fiber 32. Protocols 34. Stands up 35. Linear unit 36. Songs 40. One of the six noble gases 41. Cheerful readiness 45. Zoroastrian concept of holy fire 47. Having only magnitude 48. Containing salt 52. Chadic language 53. Fed 54. Beef or chicken intestine 56. Hill in Australia and London 57. “Waiting for Lefty” playwright 59. A list of available dishes 60. Have already done 61. Geological time 62. Swiss river 63. Twitch

DIABETES DRYNESS EYELID EYES FLOATER FLUID GLAUCOMA HYPEROPIA INFLAMMATION

kathy@bugkathymiller.com www.bugkathymiller.com

9711 100 Ave #101, Fort St John, BC V1J 1Y2 (250) 785-5520 | remaxaction.ca

RE/MAX ACTION REALTY (1991) INC.

1 Block from the College. West-facing 2 storey unit, 3 bedroom/3 bath with 14 x 24 attached garage.

• • • • • • • • •

Personal Real Estate Corporation

250-793-2528

• • • • • • • • •

IRRITATION KERATITIS LAZY MACULA MIGRAINE MOVEMENT OCULAR PRESBYOPIA REDNESS

• • • • • • • •

SCRATCH STRABISMUS STRAIN STY SWELLING SYNDROME ULTRAVIOLET VISION

R0011438286

Coffee Corner

B8 THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017

COMMUNITY

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

Alexander Daraselia of the Fort St. John Stingrays Swim Club swims hard on his way to a first place finish in the Boys Division 3 100m IM on July 22 in Dawson Creek. ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTOS

Roadworn FSJ (above) and Travis the Farmer (below) closed out the first night of CanolaFest July 28.

Mike Yang, Ryan Phillips, Juan Garcia, and Mike Tompkins of the Peace Region Motorsports Association at the race in Taylor July 22. Phillips finished first and Garcia second. DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

Dolly Standalone, 9, and Alivia Bordeleau, 8, were found cycling as fast as they could at CanolaFest to help raise money for juvenile diabetes research. MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Construction at the Rotary Spray Park continues. The city hopes to have the park up and running in August. ALEISHA HENDRY PHOTO

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

“Nutella is a gateway spread”: It was a full house of laughs for Tim Nutt at the Lido Theatre July 28.

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

James Hogarth rolls out of a handstand with the help of a coach on July 26. Hogarth was participating in the Engage Sport Discovery Camps that occur every week until Aug. 25. On this day, the campers visited the North Peace Gymnastics Association at the Stonebridge Hotel for some gymnastics fun.