AHN FEB 22 2018 by Alaska Highway News

THURSDAY, february 22, 2018 Vol. 74, No. 8

Serving Fort St. John, B.C. and Surrounding Communities

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ROUND DANCE

Council delays vote on Condill Hotel demolition budget increase matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

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Nate Pahtayken from Onion Lake, Saskatchewan, delivers one of his songs. Traditional drummers from all over Saskatchewan and Alberta travelled to Taylor Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, help host a Round Dance Ceremony.

NDP to restore timber harvest rules, premier says

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Rural communities and resource development received scant mention in the BC NDP’s latest speech from the throne last week, but Premier John Horgan has noted one important change coming to forestry rules in the province. Following the speech last week, Horgan confirmed his government plans to restore mill appurtenancy provisions tying forest tenures to processing at nearby mills. They rules were eliminated by the BC Liberals in the early 2000s and devastated economies in forestry dependent communities in rural B.C., including Fort Nelson. Restoring the rules is part of a move to “revitalize the forest industry’s social contract with British Columbians,” according to the throne speech. “We have lost, I believe,

the connection between resources and communities over the past number of years,” Horgan told Vancouver Sun columnist Vaughn Palmer last week. “I want to re-establish that relationship. I want to make sure that every log that is taken from a public forest, the benefit is maximized to the people in the community.” It’s a move that has Bill Streeper, mayor of the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, pleased. Since the NDP took office last summer, the municipality has been working with Forestry Minister Doug Donaldson to restore the provisions, Streeper said. “We explained the whole Fort Nelson situation completely, from stump to dump,” Streeper said. “He completely understood it … what was happening, what it was doing to the community, and the major effect it was having on our economy.”

Fort Nelson has been working to rebuild its forestry sector after a pair of timber processing plants closed more than a decade ago, shortly after the appurtenancy rules were eliminated. Oil and gas exploration and drilling filled the gap, but a downturn in that has put the town in “very grave hardship,” Streeper said. “We are, as council, trying to create jobs,” he said. “In the oil and gas industry there’s nothing at all on the horizon in that. It’s something we don’t have any control over. Forestry we do have some input into.” The municipality has rich mixed stands of spruce and poplar, and harvesting licences that aren’t being used. Investors are looking to restart the shuttered OSB mill as the municipality works with the Fort Nelson First Nation on a community forest licence to help feed it. See TIMBER on A10

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Firefighters supporting youngster’s cancer fight

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matt preprost Fort St. John firefighters say they’ll match every dollar raised to help support the family of a young Fort St. John girl battling cancer. The Fort St. John Firefighers Charitable Society says it will match community funds up to $5,000 with a goal to raise $10,000 to help the Small family, whose four-yearold daughter Natalie was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma. The funds will support the costs of travelling to Vancouver for treatment, Natalie’s medication, and the costs of maintaining a household with two other children at the same time.

“We are just moved by the story. Anything like this especially with a child involved we will always do all we can to help,” society president Adam Winn said. “We want to make sure the family knows they have the community’s support.” Neuroblastoma is a type of childhood cancer that starts in nerve cells in the sympathetic nervous system, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. Natalie has already undergone four rounds of chemotherapy, with two more rounds to go, as well as surgery to remove a tumour between her live and kidney. Natalie will need bone marrow transplants and radiation after that. See CANCER FIGHT on A4

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Natalie is in high spirits and happy, despite the sickness that comes with chemotherapy, her mom says.

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Fort St. John city councillors deferred a vote Monday on whether to approve a budget increase to buy and demolish the Condill Hotel. Council has been waiting for legal advice after its demolition contractor NAPP Enterprises went grossly over budget after underestimating the amount of asbestoscontaining materials it would need to clean up when it bid on the work. A rare special open meeting on the matter was called, but council wanted to discuss its legal advice first in a closed meeting. However, it was unable to waive council procedure and go into a closed session without notice due to the absence of Coun. Gord Klassen, who was en route to a meeting in Fort Nelson. Council is allowed to waive process under the province’s Community Charter, but only if it has the unanimous consent of all members. Klassen could not be reached Monday morning to give his consent. The city has budgeted $1.5 million for the purchase and demolition of the Condill after buying the 75-year-old hotel in a meeting closed to the public last July. Staff have since requested the project’s budget be increased to $2,150,981 after NAPP says it found three times more asbestos-containing materials than expected. Along with the budget increase, councillors were also being asked Monday to direct city staff to negotiate a final contract price and scheduling adjustment for the rest of the demolition to be completed. The budget overruns would be covered by the city’s 2018 land purchases budget, set at $1 million, if approved. Mayor Lori Ackerman declined to comment after the meeting. The matter will be on the agenda for council’s Feb. 26 meeting, city officials say. Included in the budget was the $867,000 purchase of the hotel, which had been listed by Coun. Trevor Bolin. Councillors had given NAPP the demolition contract for $457,480, but last month the company and city staff told council that costs have increased an extra $823,500 since demolition began, a 180 per cent increase after NAPP crews encountered three times more asbestos containing materials than it had expected. See CONDILL on A10

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A2 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Local News

contents

a lifelong student of histoRy

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Weather Humour News Opinion Crime Business Site C Perspectives Sports Arts Classifieds

It’s near impossible to measure the contributions Joan Patterson has made to preserving and sharing the history of the North Peace, but it can at the very least be measured in time. At left, Patterson receives an award from North Peace Historical Society President Evelyn Sim honouring Patterson’s more than 30 years of dedicated volunteer service to the museum. More help is always needed — visit Join Helping Hands For The NP FSJ Museum on Facebook, or drop by the museum Feb. 28 for its annual general meeting starting at 6 p.m. with a Chinese food dinner at 6:30 p.m. Ron Yipp will make a special presentation on his memories as a Chinese cowboy from Penalty Ranch.

this week’s flyers Canadian Tire Napa Safeway Save On Foods No Frills Marks Staples Wal-Mart M&M Foods Home Hardware Brads Furniture & Appliances Jysk Shoppers Drug Mart The Brick Pipeline News North

Grande Prairie Is Oh So Romantic!

GAS WATCH KNOWBEFOREYOUGO Prevailing Prices

ACCENT ACCIDENT: As I searched for news items we can chew on, I came across one of the strangest stories in a long time. In Arizona, a woman has a rare medical condition that caused her to suddenly start talking with a British accent. She went to bed one night sounding like an American. Next morning when she woke up she talked like she lived in England all her life. Doctors say they’ve seen this condition before, but it’s extremely rare. And this news just in from London: Prince Charles is talking kind of like Larry the Cable Guy.

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They caught the guy when he stopped and opened the door at the railroad tracks. GOOD DOGGY: The famous Westminster Dog Show was held in New York City. Hundreds of dogs were in town. There wasn’t a vacant fire hydrant. They turned down my idea for a new dog show prize category: Best Plastic Surgery To Give a Dog Two Tails.

Bob Snyder Chews the news

commentator explained the history of curling. Curling was invented in Scotland. It was a way to get rid of bad haggis. You waited until the entire neighborhood was frozen. You took the haggis outside, you slid it down the street.

DOGGY DETAILS: And speaking of dogs, last week a scientist said his “dog translator” will be ready soon. Finally, dogs will be able to talk and say things we understand. This is not good news. Thousands of dog owners are thinking: “We’ll have to put Rover to sleep. He’s sure to blab about all the stupid stuff he’s seen me do.”

WINE WAR: The war of words between Alberta and BC continues over the pipeline issue. Alberta banned sales of Fort St. John 129.9 BC wine. Sources say BC plans to retaliate this summer by sending thousands of reAlberta-B.C. border tired people in motorhomes and campers 113.9 to Alberta to clog the highways, to drive t St. John, BC - 7 Day Forecast - Environment Canada slow in the fast lane and make Albertans Fort Nelson N/A crazy. Oh wait, BC already does that every summer. Dawson Creek

ROMANCE REPORT: Last Wednesday was Valentine’s Day. A day for romance. I guess you know the romance is over when you fill a heart-shaped box with recycled Halloween candy. My wife always does something romantic on Valentine’s HUBBLE HA HA: On TV there was a https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-78_metric_e.html Day. This year she used candy hearts to fascinating documentary about how the spell out the words: Please Take Out The Hubble Telescope is currently looking Garbage. for signs of life on other planets. It uses Groundbirch large mirrors to magnify images. Here’s N/A GAMES GAGS: The Winter Olympics GP LOL: Did you know Grande Prairie, my question: If the Hubble Telescope uses all week. It’s extremely cold Alberta, is one of Canada’s most romantic mirrors, will we ever know if there are Chetwynd 129.0 continued in South Korea. You know it’s cold when places? Online retailer Amazon Canada space vampires out there? Home  Environment and naturalyou resources information through  Weatherdid  Local forecastsDay  British can seeaWeather guy’s goosebumps a Valentine’s study Columbia of Canadian Tumbler Ridge N/A his luge suit. The weirdest Olympic sport cities where romantic books, movies, and LOTTERY LUCK: In Massachusetts last is the biathlon. People ski cross country, gifts were purchased. Grande Prairie was week, a man went to the lottery office to then they pull out a gun and shoot. It’s a near the top of the list. So, a poem: claim a $10,000 prize. They told him he Prince George 92.9 strange combination of skills. How about Roses Are Red, was mistaken and he should check his Observedend at: Fort St. JohnViolets Airport 10:00 AM MST Tuesday 20 February 2018 Current Conditions a sport where figure skaters their Are Blue. ticket again. He wasn’t a $10,000 winner Hythe t Nelson, BC - 7 Day Forecast - Environment https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-83_metric_e.html 116.8 routine Canada then they pull out a ukulele and We First Met At Costco, — he was a TEN MILLION DOLLAR winplay aPartly tune? Cloudy Was Love In Aisle 2. ner. The guy’s plans include a new house, Condition: Temperature:It-18.4°C Wind: W 13 km/h a new car, and a new pair of glasses. Grande Prairie 105.4 Pressure: 102.9 kPa Dew point: -22.4°C Wind C… -27 CURLING CHAOS: TV ratings for THE WHEELS ON THE BUS GO ROUND Tendency: Rising Humidity: 71% Visibility: 81 km Olympic curling were good, the sport has AND ROUND: In Ohio, speeds reached 100 Bob Snyder can be reached at: Calgary 112.4 many fans in the Peace. An Olympic TV MPH as police chased a stolen school bus. chewsthenews@fastmail.com

Fort St. John, BC

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Forecast Victoria Current Conditions 132.0 Tue

B.C. avg 20 Feb Alberta Avg.

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Thu

Pressure: 102.7 kPa Tendency: Falling 108.9

CAD$ per litre, prices as of February 20. Source: GasBuddy.com 40%

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Local forecasts

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Issued: 5:00 AM MST Tuesday 20 February 2018 FORT JOHN Airport 10:00 AM MST Tuesday 20 February 2018 Observed at: FortST. Nelson

Condition: Mainly Sunny 130.2 22 Feb 21 Feb

-18°C -10°C

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WEATHER & ROAD REPORT

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Vancouver

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Fri Sat -18.0°C 23 FebTemperature: 24 Feb Dew point: -20.4°C Humidity: 82%

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A few ﬂurries

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Forecast General notice

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HIGHWAY CONDITIONS PEACE REGION

Sun Mon Wind: S 12 km/h 25 Feb 26 Feb Wind C… -26 Visibility: 48 km

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FOR CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS IN THE PEACE REGION, PLEASE SEE THE LINK BELOW.

A mix of sun and Sunny Sunny cloud Issued: 5:00 AM MST Tuesday 20 February 2018

FORT NELSON

Tonight Night Wed The Tue contents of this newspaper are protected by21 Feb 20 Feb copyright and may be used only for personal non-commercial purposes.

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Night Night Night Night WeatherPhone Mainly cloudy with 40 percent chance of ﬂurries this morning. Clearing this afternoon. Wind west 20 km/h. Environment Canada Local For Today further information contact High Weather Forecasts the managing editor at minus 10. Cold wind chill minus 28 this morning. Risk of frostbite. (250)-785-7669 Tonight Increasing cloudiness this evening. Wind west 20 km/h. Low minus 13.

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250-785-5631 Wed, 21 Feb -14°C Night

Flurries. Amount 2 to 4 cm.-9°C Wind becoming -12°C west 20 km/h near-21°C noon. High minus-18°C 7. -16°C Clear. Low minus 13. 40% 60%

Thu, 22 Feb Night

Sunny. High minus 3. Clear. Low minus 6.

Today Fri, 23 Feb Night Tonight

Mainly with 40 percent chance of ﬂurries early this morning. Clearing this morning. Wind up to 15 Sunny. cloudy High zero. Packaged km/h. minus 7. Cold wind CloudyHigh periods. Low minus 11. chill minus 27 this morning. Risk of frostbite. T-Shirts Increasing cloudiness. A few ﬂurries beginning near midnight. Amount 2 cm. Low minus 14.

Sat, 24 Feb Wed, 21 Feb Night

A mix of sun and cloud. High minus 7. A few ﬂurries ending late in the afternoon then cloudy. Amount 2 cm. Wind becoming northwest Stanfi eld’s 30 km/h near noon. High minus 4. Boxers and Clear. Low minus 16. Briefs

Thu, 22 Feb

Sunny. High minus 2.

A few ﬂurries

Clear

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Clear

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018 A3

Local News

Hudson’s Hope district council news tom summer Alaska Highway News

Evolving emergency services

Highlights from the district council meeting held Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018.

Council is looking at adopting new mass communication software for emergency services — alerts would be available by text, phone, email, and a smart-phone app to residents that sign up for the service. This comes at the recommendation of Director of Protection Services Robert Norton, who has spent time demoing the software, and was quite impressed. The software costs $500, and has the potential to replace aging and expensive sirens still in service.

Councillors in Hudson’s Hope are looking to implement bylaw and zoning changes to regulate the sale, production, and consumption of marijuana in the municipality. The goal is to get ahead of federal cannabis legislation expected next summer. While it can’t be banned outright, the small town does have control over anyone looking to set up shop as a grower, distributer or retailer. Councillors stressed that locking down bylaws in advance of legalization is their best option to ensure that the public space is reasonably protected. They’ll be reaching out to the District of Taylor for advice on starting the legal process, which has already banned the cultivation, distribution, and sale of the product in the municipality. Hudson’s Hope included in rural roads plan Beryl Prairie and Farrell Creek are in the top five roads considered for the Rural Roads Taskforce, according to Mayor Gwen Johansson. These roads are provincial and not maintained by the municipality. Still, “none of this guarantees anything,” Johansson wrote in a report to council. The taskforce relies on funding

tom summer Photo

Hudson’s Hope district office.

from the province, with a shelf-ready proposal. Consultant Jackie Kjos, will be presenting a Rural Roads Report to ministry representative Katherine Styba on Feb. 27, noted Johansson. Council floats support for water research Geoscience BC has tapped an observation well in Hudson’s Hope as part of its aquifer research. Additionally, they are a sponsor of UBC’s methane migration study in the area. According to Mayor Johansson, Carlos Salas of Geoscience BC and Dr. Aaron Cahill of the University of British Columbia are looking to present findings in early March. Landslide expert Marten Geertsema from the University of Northern BC has also arranged a sediment study at Brenot Creek. Johansson sees potential for a “living lab” in Hudson’s Hope, with the possibility of the district offering assistance to encourage research in the small town.

Winter Carnival woes Council is looking to scale back future winter events after this year’s meagre turnout. The attendance was substantially lower compared to previous years, around half. Condensing the carnival into four days, instead of seven, was just one of the suggestions made by special events co-ordinator, Kaitlyn Atkinson. “Better to hold the attention in a shorter time span,” said Atkinson. Councillor Dave Heiberg also expressed interest in making next year’s carnival volunteer-driven to incentivize community involvement. Atkinson noted the carnival has been volunteer-driven, this year being the exception. BizzyBody events was contracted to run the 2018 carnival. Tom Summer is a Hudson’s Hope correspondent for the Alaska Highway News. Email your news tips to thomas.a.summer@gmail.com.

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OY IT’S A B Oker n h o J n so Ma Parents: al ardin Mandi C Oker & Denny eight: Baby’s W ozs 5 lbs 11 cms 8 Length: 4 9, 2018 . Date: Feb:15 am Time: 2 hn, BC o Fort St J

OY IT’S A B m Oker a li il Easton Wrents: Pa ardinal Mandi C Oker y n n e D & eight: Baby’s W ozs 3 1 5 lbs 8 cms Length: 4 9, 2018 . b e F : Date 7 pm Time: 2:0hn, BC o J t Fort S

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Local News

Crowdfunding campaign launched after Valentine’s Day fire guts home matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to help a couple who lost their belongings in a stubborn house fire just outside Fort St. John on Valentine’s Day. Charlie Lake firefighters were called out to the home on the 269 Road in Grandhaven around 1:49 a.m. after a smoke alarm awoke the residents, Deborah JonesMiddleton, protective services manager for the Peace River Regional District, confirmed. The department arrived on scene to find light smoke coming from the home, JonesMiddleton said. Crews were on scene for several hours throughout the morning to extinguish the blaze and hotspots, with the home receiving extensive damage, JonesMiddleton said. Two apparatus and 12 firefighters responded

from Charlie Lake, while Fort St. John assisted with water provision, and Taylor lent an additional five firefighters and truck, she said. The residents, Ivan and Shauna Polley, managed to escape with their two dogs, and suffered only minor smoke inhalation. Their friends Jessy Horsfield and Lake Pickell. are looking to raise $5,000 for the Polleys, and have kickstarted things with a $200 contribution. $2,700 had been raised as of press time. “They’re really great people. I can’t imagine something like that happening to them,” Pickell said. Ivan Polley said he and his wife had been renting the home for several years. The fire is believed to have started in a fuse panel in the basement, and was thought to have been extinguished several hours later, Polley said. The damage was

repairable at the time, Polley said, however, the fire had reignited somehow and spread later in the morning. “It’s a complete loss,” said Polley, who works in construction. “It burned the roof right off the home.” The property owner did not return a request for comment. JonesMiddlton couldn’t confirm the cause and location of the fire, or how the fire had spread. Fire chiefs in Fort St. John and Taylor declined comment, and Charlie Lake Fire Chief Dan Ross deferred all comment to the regional district. The Polleys have salvaged what furniture and belongings they can and have found a temporary place to rent. “(We move) forward, I guess. We can’t go backwards any farther,” Ivan said. To learn how to help, visit search for Relief For the Polleys on GoFundMe.

cancer fight from a1

An online crowdfunding campaign has also raised more than $10,000 for the family, with other local businesses pitching in to help. Natalie’s mother Deanne says the family is overwhelmed by the community’s support. It helps pay for living costs in Vancouver, including groceries and housing at the Ronald McDonald House, she said, while one medication Natalie needs costs $433 every week, and airfare costs quickly add up. “It’s definitely an overwhelming feeling to have so many people cheering Natalie

on and helping our family,” Deanne said. “We are so grateful for everyone who has helped and has contributed to making this long trying journey a bit easier.” Natalie is in high spirits and happy, despite the sickness that comes with chemotherapy, Deanne said. Deanne hopes to bring Natalie’s sisters Emma and Hayley down for a visit during the spring break if Natalie is in good condition. Donations made through the firefighters’ charity are tax deductible. For more information, call Winn at 250-2642857, or the fire hall at 250-785-4333.

supplied Photo

The destruction caused by a fire on the 269 Road on Valentine’s Day.

Charlie Lake fire hall open house Thursday matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

The Charlie Lake Fire Department will host an open house Feb. 22 at the fire hall. The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. and will give chance for residents to review the department’s budget for the coming, take in a tour and meet firefighters, and enjoy a barbecue. Deborah JonesMiddleton, protective services manager for the Peace River Regional District, said the department has a budget of $1.4 million for 2018.

Included in that is $730,000 for the purchase of a new fire engine and water tanker. The department will be selling one of its engines, now 20 years old, and trading in a newer one to help fund the purchase along with some money from capital savings. The newer engine, a 2006 sterling, is “too heavy and too large for the roads and driveways in the Charlie Lake area,” Jones-Middleton said. “Instead we’re getting a smaller but more efficient engine.” The regional district

plans to present a feasibility study to the board in March about the implications of extending fire protection boundaries around Charlie Lake, Jones-Middleton said. The department is managed by the regional district and has a full-time fire chief and a deputy chief. The department averages around 30 volunteers on its force, with recruitment every fall. It takes three months to become a probationary firefighter, with more training provided to NFPA Level 1 and 2 standards.

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We have had another great month at the Fort St John Hospital Foundation. Our events included a successful poker tournament on February 17th when 19 players enjoyed an evening of Texas Hold’em playing for a pot of over $,900. Our thanks to Chances and Sun FM for sponsoring this event. On February 22nd, we held our annual Radiothon with Sun FM as the sponsor. Both events raised funds towards a new Panda Warmer for the Birthing Centre. This portable machine helps to give our newest arrivals a head start in life. Our next big event is Bluey Day on May 26th. The packages are ready and we will be reaching out to past individuals and potential ones to ‘Be Brave & Shave’, encouraging their friends, family, neighbours, and customers to support their bravery with a financial pledge in support of the Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Fund. We encourage you to give it some thought as this is always a fun event with dedicated members of our communities shaving their heads for charity. And yes, your hair will grow back! A reminder of our other programs that we run on a constant basis. There are a number of ways to give to the Foundation: • Bequest • Life Insurance • Real Estate

• Residential Interest • RRSP’s or RRSP’s • A gift in memory of a friend or loved one • Securities • Charitable Remainder of Trust And there are many tax benefits to planning your gift today! The Foundation can accept monthly donations in addition to one time gifts. One of the more common questions we often get asked is “What does the Endowment Fund do for the Foundation and the Hospital and Peace Villa? The Fund ensures sustainable income from the investments is available to support equipment purchase that enhance patient care and comfort in the Fort St John Hospital and Peace Villa. The Foundation also provides annual update to our cumulative donor wall and In Memory wall. We also sponsor the Baby Bouquet Wall where you can purchase special petals to recognize our new arrivals. Lots going on and we continue to appreciate the great support you give us. And speaking of support, did you know that as of this week, there have been 700 MRI scans conducted at our hospital?

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018 A5

Local News

Universal washrooms at Ma Murray school built for safety and inclusivity, district says matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Fort St. John’s newest elementary school is being built with universal washrooms that won’t be designated by gender. While the decision has generated debate on social media, School District 60 Superintendent Dave Sloan said every student will have access to a secure toilet stall when Margaret ‘Ma’ Murray Community School opens for classes this fall. The school is being built with a number of washroom “pods,” Sloan said, with each having four floor-to-ceiling toilet stalls and a common sink area instead of gendered facilities. Primary and intermediate students will have access to their own pods, while Kindergarten students will have a washroom of their own. Wheelchair accessible washrooms will be available on both floors of the school, and there will be stalls designated for school staff, Sloan said. “A bathroom is a bathroom,” Sloan said. “It’s about equity of access, safety, and making sure everybody can go comfortably in safety in a washroom suited to their needs. You do your business so you can get back to the business of learning.” The school will have designated change rooms for boys and girls in its

gymnasium, which will each have their own washrooms. There will also be a universal washroom area near the gym. While a number of the district’s schools already have universal washroom stalls, the new Ma Murray school is being built with an open concept throughout to reflect 21st Century learning and instruction styles, Sloan said. Prospective teachers and other staff throughout the district have already taken tours, Sloan said, and the district hopes to host tours for the public when construction is completed later this year. “To date, the feedback on the washroom designs has been very positive,” Sloan said. “It’s going to be safer, it’s going to be easier to supervise, it’s going to be less of a mess, and potential for misbehaviour.” School board chair Erin Evans pointed to other Canadian school divisions, including Prairie Valley in Saskatchewan, that have switched to universal washrooms to be as inclusive for students as possible. “I think there may some misunderstanding as to what the bathrooms will look like,” Evans said. “They won’t look like the traditional bathrooms that we have now; they look completely different. I would encourage parents who have questions to ask for clarity.”

Parents raise safety concerns with board matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Panic buttons, hallway cameras, and allowing students to go the bathroom in pairs are just some of the ideas parents have to address their safety concerns over new universal washrooms being built at Margaret ‘Ma’ Murray Community School. Five parents showed up to Monday night’s board of education meeting to question trustees and district staff about the facilities after news of their design made its way onto social media last week. While the district says the bathroom designs are meant to promote safety and inclusivity while discouraging bad behaviour, parents still had concerns the facilities would do the opposite. “If a girl or boy needs assistance from somebody, is there some way to call for help?” one parent asked. That was echoed by another parent, who noted how her daughter could feel uncomfortable sharing a bathroom area with boys, especially during the onset of puberty. Other concerns were raised about the stalls, which are being built from floorto-ceiling to ensure privacy. While that may give privacy, teaching staff won’t be able to tell if there’s something inappropriate happening, whether that’s two students entering a stall together, or even a teacher entering one with a student, one parent said. “If something is going on in that washroom that’s not appropriate ... how are we going to know?” one parent asked. “Segregated washrooms create a safe space for boys and girls,” said another

parent. “I want to see options. We’re training society, and this is a pretty fast move.” Parents suggested having panic buttons installed in the bathrooms so a child can call for help if they need, and hallway cameras to monitor any potential misbehaviour. Other suggestions included allowing students go to the bathroom in pairs. Superintendent Dave Sloan noted the validity of parents concerns and took notes throughout a 30-minute discussion that started the evening meeting. “We will certainly be taking a look at it as a senior team and with the board,” Sloan said after the meeting. The washrooms are part of an open design concept for the school that extends to the classroom. The school will feature four fourclassroom pods to allow for collaborative learning between classes. Teachers in each pod will plan as a team how the space is used for instruction throughout the week, Assistant Superintendent Stephen Petrucci said, whether that’s using a so-called “Da Vinci” lab-styled classroom for art projects, or a standard classroom for guided reading. Kindergartens will have their own learning pod. “The building is now going to assist in what’s already happening in schools today with collaborative learning,” trustee Jaret Thompson said. “This removes barriers to facilitate that.” Despite rumours to the contrary, the school will have a library called a Learning Commons, and will have two playgrounds, one for the YMCA daycare, and one for students. The district, however, won’t be able to start construction on the playgrounds until the spring.

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Ma Murray school is being built with a number of washroom “pods” with four floor-to-ceiling toilet stalls and a common sink area instead of gendered facilities. school district 60 Photo

CITY BEAT

Updates from February 13, 2018 Council Meetings PROCLAMATIONS •

The week of February 11 – 17, 2018 was proclaimed as “Women’s Institute Week” in the City of Fort St. John. The Women’s Institute is a diversiﬁed group of interested, involved and educated women from all walks of life who sponsor and promote programs in agriculture, citizenship, home economics, health and welfare and cultural pursuits. They function at the local, regional, provincial, national and international level with a range of activities broad enough to encompass the interests of women.

•

The week of February 19 – 23, 2018 was proclaimed as “Chamber of Commerce Week” in the City of Fort St. John. The intent of the proclamation is to raise awareness of the Fort St. John & District Chamber of Commerce, a business organization dedicated to strengthening Fort St. John’s business community and helping the Regional District to thrive. Every year, members of the Fort St. John & District Chamber of Commerce dedicate countless volunteer hours in service to local businesses and the community.

•

The month of February 2018 was proclaimed as “CDC Month” in the City of Fort St. John. The Fort St. John Child Development Centre (CDC) has been serving Fort St. John and area since 1973 and is currently striving to raise $100,000 at this year’s talent show to assist with continued costs of Project Build-A-Fort and the development of future initiatives. Throughout the month of February, the CDC will increase community awareness by hosting various events within the community that will lead up to the 44th Annual Talent Show scheduled for March 2, 2018 at the North Peace Cultural Centre.

TEMPORARY USE PERMIT FOR HEALTH SERVICES FACILITY IN C-4 ZONE Council approved the issuance of a Temporary Use Permit which will allow a Health Services Facility (Internal Medicine Clinic) to continue to operate on a 0.05 ha portion of 8615 – 100 Street for a term of three years, with an option to renew the permit for an additional three years. Health Services Facility is otherwise not a permitted use within the C-4 (Service Commercial) zone.

NEW RCMP FACILITY – PROCUREMENT OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES A report was provided to Council requesting approval of a sole source contract with KMBR Architects Planners Inc. from Vancouver, BC, to provide prime architect services related to the new RCMP Facility for $1,305,000 plus taxes. Upon consideration of the report, Council chose to direct staﬀ to prepare and issue a request for proposals for the procurement of architectural services for the new RCMP facility to provide equal opportunity for other companies to bid on this project. Council will also reach out to the Federal Government to determine if there is any funding available to assist with the costs of this facility.

NORTHEAST ABORIGINAL BUSINESS CENTRE WALK IN BALANCE FIVE WELLNESS CONFERENCE Council approved a grant in the amount of $3,000 to the Northeast Aboriginal Business Centre for the Walk in Balance Five Wellness Conference scheduled for April 17 – 19, 2018. The goal of the conference is to encourage individuals, families and communities to enjoy a healthy, balanced life and to reconcile the pain within.

PRRD MASS COMMUNICATION PROPOSAL The City has been invited, along with the other member municipalities in the PRRD, to participate in the implementation of a Mass Communications platform designed by Everbridge. The software is designed to provide notification of emergency and non-emergency events and was utilized to great success in the Cariboo Regional District in 2017 during the wildfire events. The software also allows for the distribution of routine messaging which would be of great benefit to various City departments who are tasked with issuing garbage pick-up notices, snow removal, notice of elections, public meetings or events of significance. The cost to utilize the platform is $500 per year and the PRRD has indicated that, if all of the member municipalities subscribe, the PRRD will pay for the software under regional communications.

CENTENNIAL PARK REDEVELOPMENT – STAGE OPTIONS In November 2017, Council approved the preferred concept for the redevelopment of Centennial Park. One of the key elements and focal points for the park will be the bi-directional stage that can serve either event area or the park in its entirety. Renderings of two options for the stage were provided to Council at the Regular meeting and, after consideration, Council selected Option 2 – Geometric Form. Both options provide ample storage and will work well for event coordinators and staﬀ. Acoustics will work for both the smaller event area as well as the larger event area. Option 2, which contains the panels attached to the support beams, does provide more ability to direct acoustics as well as more options to display other materials, posters, projections, etc. The costs for the stage are contained within the 2018 capital budget program.

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS The next Regular Council meeting is scheduled for Monday February 26, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. All meetings will be held in the City Hall Council Chambers and the public is welcome to attend.

www.fortstjohn.ca

A6 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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

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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

Winter, you’re miserable, and it’s time we break up

oes this winter seem longer than other winters? It feels like it is following the directions on a shampoo bottle, but instead of rinse and repeat, it is an endless loop of freezing cold, warm slightly, snow heavily, blow, drift, and repeat. I have been looking to the west for an arch to appear in the sky — for the wind to bring along a warming Chinook and give us a slight reprieve. You remember a Chinook right? That weather event that acted like an upper for all of us living in the frozen north and we all got a bit silly and went outside without jackets or proper footwear. When the kids would come home from school with soaking wet snowsuits and their cheeks rosy from finally getting to play outside. Reminders to “Put a jacket on! You are going to get sick!” were not taken seriously because, freedom! Years ago, while filming The Revenant near Calgary, Leo DiCaprio reportedly called the Chinook “scary” and “dramatic,” but we Canadians know it to be a golden ray of sanity! Some might even say that the Creator is throwing us a bone. It is amazing what changes occur when our bodies begin to thaw ever so slightly even if it is just for one day. If living without sunshine causes S.A.D.

Judy Kucharuk the desk of the green-eyed girl

(Seasonal Affective Disorder) then this sudden appearance of warm winds and sunshine causes D.O.V.E. (Delusions of Vernal Equinox). Speaking of Seasonal Affective Disorder. have any of you purchased one of those special lights for your office or home? I bought one two years ago and have yet to turn it on. It sits beside my computer in my office and I look at it every morning, but, honestly, it is so darn bright! Plus, it came with a disclaimer that you should only use it for a certain amount of time every day and because I am a chronic worrier, I worried that I might overdo the light therapy. I am not sure what would happen if I did use it for longer than recommended but that disclaimer was enough to make me paranoid. I guess I would rather be S.A.D. than suffer the ill effects of light therapy and the result is that I have a really cool looking lamp thingy on my desk that I never use. Anyway, back to the Chinook.

I wonder if the E.R. sees an increase of injury following these winter warming weather events? I can see it happening because when we suffer from D.O.V.E we think we can attempt all sorts of things. We go snowshoeing and snowboarding and skiing and tobogganing, and our bodies pay the price. Our delusional brain embraces the Nike slogan and says, “Just do it!” and so we do, and then follow up with a visit to the emergency room with bruised tailbones, sprains, and concussions. In the meantime, we can be reassured that spring is coming as it always does. Even if we do not receive a mighty wind from the west, in the meantime we know that the days will continue getting longer and warmer and our piles of snow will melt. Our neighbour across the street will be out fertilizing his south facing lawn while we continue to shovel snow off of our front yard. Window ledges will be cluttered with a collection of seedlings destined for the warm soil of the garden. Winter boots will be stored away in favour of soccer cleats. Spring… it will come. 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

Northern B.C. represents at Winter Olympic Games

he Olympics are a time for the country to come together a cheer on our athletes as they compete on the world’s biggest stage. This year in PyeongChang, South Korea, we have already seen some amazing performances and Canadians have medaled in several different events. While we all want to see our athletes make the podium, for many of them, just getting to the Olympics and being able to compete in the sport they love is a victory in itself. The perfect example of this is Northern B.C.’s own Denny Morrison. Currently competing in his fourth Olympics, the fourtime medalist had no less than two brushes with death since competing in the 2014 Olympics in Sochi. In 2015, he was in a near fatal motorcycle accident that left him with a long list of injuries including a broken femur and punctured lung. Not even a year later he suffered a stroke. I know that he has been a role model for many in our region throughout his career, but the way that he has handled the

Bob Zimmer MP REPORT

adversity he has faced in recent years has shown a new level of character. As he recently stated: “I had broken bones but my spirit remained unbroken.” It has been remarkable watching him once again compete in long track speed skating at the Olympics knowing what he has been through. Of course, Denny isn’t the only athlete from our region competing in PyeongChang. His wife Josie is also competing in long-track speed skating in her first Olympic Games and finished 21st in the women’s 1500 metre. Sarah Beaudry, from Prince George, finished in 29th place in the women’s biathlon 15-kilometre race in her Olympic debut after having to replace Megan Tandy,

HaveYOUR

also from Prince George, who had to withdraw due to sickness. Megan placed 57th in the women’s 7.5 kilometre sprint. Tess Critchlow, who was born in Prince George, competed in the women’s snowboard cross and finished ninth overall. Unfortunately, Meryeta O’Dine, also from Prince George, had to withdraw from the same event after suffering a concussion during training. Jamie Macdonald from Fort St. James is competing in short-track speed skating. To all of our local athletes who are competing in PyeongChang, know that you have the whole region and country behind you cheering you on regardless of the results. What you have done in getting to the Olympics is a remarkable achievement and we look forward to celebrating you all when you return to Canada. Go Canada Go! Bob Zimmer is the Member of Parliament for Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies.

Do you have something to say or a story to share? The Alaska Highway News wants to hear from you. Email us at editor@ahnfsj.ca with “Have Your Say” in the subject line. Letters should be kept under 300 words, and must be accompanied by your full name, city, and a daytime phone number (for verification purposes only). We reserve the right to edit letters for length, taste, accuracy and libel. Letters will be published each Thursday.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018 A7

Local News

No guns stolen in ‘senseless’ attack on Backcountry store Police are seeking a demolition doofus who stole a truck and rammed it through the wall of the Backcountry outdoor sporting and recreation store in Fort St. John early Tuesday morning, as well as a pedestrian they believe may have been witness to the crime. Fort St. John RCMP say they responded to an alarm at the store along the Alaska Highway frontage road around 4:30 a.m. Feb. 20 to find extensive damage to the store and its merchandising displays. Investigators have so far learned that the male suspect stole a green 1996 Ford F250 from a nearby parking lot to drive through the wall, which was later found on fire on Tucker Road near the 267 Road. The man was wearing dark high-visibility coveralls overtop a light coloured hoodie, police say. “Investigators are still working with Backcountry staff to identify what was stolen from the store,” Staff Sgt. Steve Perret said in a news release. “Our primary concern was with firearms, which all are accounted for. This was a senseless act, causing extensive damage to the store and merchandise. It will be some time for the damage to be repaired.” The owner of the store could not be immediately reached for comment Tuesday morning, as he was attending to the aftermath of the incident. According to CJDC-TV News, owners say they will begin fixing the damage once police complete their investigation and hope to have the store reopened by Friday. Police are looking to speak with a pedestrian caught on surveillance who was walking eastbound along the frontage road moments before the break and enter happened. Anyone with information is asked to call the detachment at 250-787-8100 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. A $2,000 cash reward will be paid by Crime Stoppers for any information that leads to an arrest and charge.

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Fort St. John RCMP believe this man may have been witness to a robbery at the 110th Street Liquor Store on Feb. 17, 2018.

Man holds up liquor store Fort St. John RCMP are looking for a knifewielding thief who held up the 110th Street Liquor Store last Saturday evening, as well as a man who may have witnessed the robbery. A male suspect walked into the store around 5:10 p.m. on Feb. 17, wearing a black Adidas tracksuit and disguised by his hood and a blue bandana covering his face, police say. Police say the man brandished a knife and demanded cash from the clerk before fleeing the store with an undisclosed amount of money. The suspect was last seen running northbound on 110 Street, police say. Police have released a series of surveillance images in hopes of identifying the suspect and a man who may have been witness to the robbery. The man they believe to be a witness is asked to call police. Anyone with information is asked to call the detachment at 250-787-8100 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. A $2,000 cash reward will be paid by Crime Stoppers for any information that leads to an arrest and charge.

peace region

court docket A summary of sentences and fines handed out in Peace Region courts for the week ending Feb. 16, 2018. Fort St John Law Courts • Ashley Joan Johansson (born 1994) was ordered to provide a DNA sample, given nine months of probation with a suspended sentence, ordered to pay $350 restitution, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for committing an indictable offence while breaking and entering. Johansson also received a nine-month conditional sentence, ordered to pay $147 in restitution, and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for possession of stolen property over $5,000. Johansson was further handed a sixmonth conditional sentence and assessed a $100 victim surcharge for breaching probation. • Nicolas Gerald Auger (born 1960) was fined $1,400, handed a 14-month criminal driving ban, and assessed a $210 victim surcharge for care or control of a vehicle or vessel while impaired. — Tom Summer

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A8 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Local News

Police arrest boy in ‘sextortion’ case

New RCMP detachment design put to competitive bids “This report was to sole source one of the best architects in the country to do this,” Ferris said. Fort St. John city councillors “They’ve got the team ready voted against sole sourcing to do this now. The danger of a contract to design a new us not proceeding is time and RCMP detachment at its Feb. potentially losing that team.” 13 meeting, opting instead to In his report, Ferris noted a put it to a competitive bid while competitive bid was likely to pressing the federal government result in a similar price point, for funding support. and estimated that sole sourcing City staff had wanted to sole- would save between three and source a $1.3-million contract four months on the project. to KMBR Architects Planners Councillors, however, expressed of Vancouver, allowing the firm concern about not giving other to start designing the facility architects a chance to bid. immediately in hopes of having “I’d like to see it go out as a shovels in the ground as early as (request for proposals) and next year. KMBR had completed we find out if there are those the city’s feasibility study and who may have that expertise initial concept designs for a and knowledge and pricing we new detachment last year, and can compare to,” Coun. Gord letting the contract now would Klassen said. give the project consistency and The existing detachment is 35 efficiency, Wally Ferris, general years old and nearing the end of manager of community services, its service life with no ability to told council. meet the future policing needs There are no local, qualified of the city. The city has estimated architects with a new detachment will cost as THE experience SOUTH PEACE designing a police detachment, much as $43 million to build. he said, and noted in a report Under the current plan, the to council that the city’s province would pay for 40 per procurement policy allows cent of the construction costs for sole sourcing when it’s in annual lease payments over considered in the best interests 20 years. The city is looking to of the community. fund the rest through its Peace matt preprost

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and children about the dangers of sharing images and videos through electronic devices,” Cpl. Denise Perret of the Fort St. John RCMP said in a statement. “We are also cognizant there may be additional victims who have not reported, if during discussions with your child you believe your child may be a victim, please report to the police in your community or the Fort St. John RCMP if you live within our jurisdiction.” In January, police made a public plea for possible ‘sextortion’ victims to come forward, after several teens were victimized after after sharing intimate photos of themselves to a person posing as a friend online The investigation began after police received reports from the victims and information from the BC Integrated Child Exploitation unit. A search of court records does not indicate whether the youth has yet to appear before a judge. He has not been found guilty of the charges.

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A Fort St. John teenager faces 10 counts of child sexual exploitation and fraud charges in connection with a ‘sextortion’ case police say targeted victims and conned them into sharing intimate photos to a person they thought was a friend. The boy, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been charged with four counts of luring a child, four counts of extortion, one count of distributing child pornography, and one count of identity fraud, according to Fort St. John RCMP’s Integrated Child Exploitation Team. The charges come after a search warrant was executed on an unidentified home in Fort St. John on Feb. 15, the Team said in an announcement Friday “While we believe that we have identified those victims in our community, we would encourage you to continue to speak with your teenagers

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018 A9

Business

“BC Hydro is committed to following rigorous standards for all of its procurement activities.” — Dave Conway, A11

Trade war rhetoric heats up

Alberta files objection to $1.4B North Montney Mainline MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

The Alberta government has filed its objection over TransCanada’s $1.4-billion North Montney Mainline project, though both it and the B.C. government say the move has nothing to do with the current Trans Mountain dispute between the two provinces. TransCanada is looking to build to the repurposed pipeline to bring B.C. gas to markets in the east, after originally planned to bring gas to the shuttered Pacific NorthWest LNG project on the west coast. However, the move has prompted backlash and opposition from Alberta producers who say the project will flood an already glutted natural gas market and drive down their prices. “Our filing has nothing to do with the recent dispute with the government of B.C.,” Alberta’s department of energy said in a statement released to the Canadian Press. “The filing is consistent with Alberta’s past positions relating to fair and just toll principles as well as consistent, well-established and accepted pipeline tolling principles.” The Alberta government says the tolls would give project proponents an unfair advantage, and could have consequences on it Crown royalties, future natural gas development, and timely access to markets, according to a report by the Daily Oil Bulletin. B.C. Energy Minister Michelle Mungall told Global News it was common for governments to intervene in projects where tariffs are involved. “There is going to be a tariff,” Mungall told Global. “There was always going to be a tariff. And this has absolutely nothing to do with what is going on right now in terms of our desire to consult with British Columbians on what we do in the case of an oil spill.” The opposition BC Liberals, however, say the move is no coincidence as trade tensions continue to simmer between the two provinces over the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion. B.C. plans to review the impacts a diluted bitumen spill would have the environment, with an eye to restrict the flow of increased volumes of the product

through the province. Alberta has already suspended electricity purchase talks with B.C., and imposed an import ban on B.C. wine in protest. “While the Premier goes about grandstanding to his activist friends, British Columbian workers are suffering and our reputation as a safe place for investment is being tarnished,” BC Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson said. “Alberta’s actions are a direct consequence of John Horgan’s provocative approach – this is has to end, John Horgan has to go to Edmonton and sort this squabble out now.” Peace River South MLA Mike Bernier said Alberta hasn’t expressed opposition to the project until now. “The trade war is expanding and the job losses are mounting. It is ridiculous that another project is being dragged into Horgan’s trade war,” Bernier said. TransCanada had planned to start construction of the project this year, subject to regulatory approvals. It would feed into its existing existing NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL) mainline, and give producers various options including deliveries to the oilsands, local distributors, Eastern Canada, the U.S. Midwest or to California/Pacific Northwest. TransCanada has also announced a $2.4-billion expansion of its NGTL System to deal with the increased supply. The National Energy Board approved North Montney in April 2015, attaching 45 conditions to the project. B.C. granted the project an environmental certificate in January 2017, adding another 21 conditions. Then environment minister Mary Polak and then natural gas minister Rich Coleman said the pipeline would pump more than $800 million into the provincial economy, including $8 million in property taxes to the Peace River Regional District. The NEB recently wrapped up hearings on the scaled-back project. Eleven gas producers have signed 20-year commitments to ship up to 1.5 billion cubic feet of gas per day on the mainline, including Progress Energy, which says the project is key to it developing its North Montney assets after the cancellation of Pacific NorthWest LNG in the summer of 2017.

Fort St. John resource forum looks to inform energy plan for B.C. MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

A resource forum taking place next week is looking to tap into local energy expertise to help inform an energy plan for B.C. The Northeast B.C. Resource Municipalities Coalition will hold the forum Feb. 28 in Fort St. John, billed as an opportunity to give input on the future of energy development in the province. “This forum will help us to get better ideas from two places,” Coalition Chair and Taylor Mayor Rob Fraser said. “One, from the government: what is it exactly you’re looking for in a plan going forward? And then from our industry partners as well as our business partners, what are the boots-on theground ideas that we can feed into that? And, if necessary, build a made-in-thenorth energy plan that we can submit. “We know the environmental NGOs are going to have a plan. They’re going to be ready. So we have to be.”

Fort St. John Mayor Lori Ackerman said the province’s plan must be “holistic,” and look at the opportunities all sources of energy can provide in a transition to a lower carbon economy. “However the energy comes to us, there’s different uses for the different types of energy,” Ackerman said. “The energy that warms our homes and lights our rooms are used differently to provide us those things, they’re also used differently to make the man-made clothes (we wear).” The forum’s event includes a morning panel discussion, with BC LNG Alliance President David Keane delivering a keynote speech before lunch. The afternoon will include group discussions on issues facing the energy sector, from climate action and carbon taxation policies, to social responsibility and relationships with First Nations and landowners. The forum runs Feb. 28 at the Pomeroy Hotel in Fort St. John. To register and view the full schedule, visit Eventbrite.

MATT PREPROST PHOTO

Nelson Stowe, president of the Fort St. John and District Chamber of Commerce, speaks to city council last week about the organization’s growth and trip this week to Victoria.

Fort St. John Chamber has audience with provincial cabinet this week MATT PREPROST editor@ahnfsj.ca

The president of Fort St. John and District’s Chamber of Commerce is in to Victoria this week to meet with provincial cabinet ministers on everything from pipelines to taxes. Nelson Stowe travels south Feb. 22 and will join chambers across Northern B.C. to meet with Jobs Minister Bruce Ralston, Labour Minister Harry Bains, Finance Minister and Deputy Premier Carole James, Forestry and Natural Resources Minister Doug Donaldson, and Environment Minister George Heyman. “We have three key issues at this point that have been echoed, but we will echo them again,” Stowe told city council on Feb. 13. “One is the continued support for pipelines and the oil and gas industry in the province. The second is health related, our health services in the north. The third is levelling the playing field in regards to interprovincial bidding on contracts and things like that in this region.” The meetings have been organized by BC Chamber President Val Litwin, who arranged for Northern B.C. chambers to meet with ministers to address the rural-urban divide identified in a recent Chamber survey. More meetings may be added to the schedule, the Chamber notes.

The Chamber grew its membership 5.5. per cent in 2017, and now has 403 members, Stowe said. It also posted a small surplus last year despite the challenging economic headwinds. “The Chamber is completely supported by its membership dues and we’re proud of that,” Stowe said. The last two to three years have been challenging as oil and gas revenue leaves the community, while new business growth has slowed, Stowe said. But the board has worked hard to explain the benefits of the Chamber to the business community. “One of the first things that gets cut in a lot of businesses when times are tough are those memberships and things like that. You step away and you drop the dollars,” Stowe said. “So, the first thing was to try to have high retention and we tried to demonstrate to our membership that we’re of good value. Secondly was reaching out to everyone who would listen to us and talking about what the Chamber does.” The goal is to be ready when strong economic growth returns, Stowe said. “We all believe that time is coming soon with hopefully some announcements in the coming year,” he said, adding the Chamber is targeting to build its membership to 500. City council proclaimed Feb. 19 to 23 Chamber of Commerce Week in Fort St. John.

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A10 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

BUSINESS

The edge of the sword

A CONDILL FROM A1

Some of the extra costs for the Condill demolition have already been paid for through project contingencies, however, there’s another $636,827 worth of change orders currently before the city. NAPP was supposed to have the hotel abated and torn down by Dec. 15, 2017. However, it blamed an environmental assessment of the building for the project overruns and a resulting 14week delay of the work. Barry Barnes, president of NAPP, admitted to council that the increase was substantial, but said abating the hotel was like peeling back the layers of an onion. Up to 16 layers of extra flooring was found in some

places, and amounts of plaster containing asbestos were found up to three times more than expected. ACM Environmental carried out two environmental assessments of the hotel, one of which was done while residents were still living in the building. Barnes said it resulted in inadequate estimates of contaminated materials that went out with the city’s tender when it put a bid in for the work. ACM, however, noted in a final report included with the tender that its estimates were “approximations only and are not to be relied upon for the purposes of preparing a demolition quote.”

TIMBER FROM A1

But, you can’t log one tree without the other, Streeper said. While the OSB plant would take the poplar, the spruce would still need to be shipped out while the municipality develops a long-term plan to build a sawmill to take it. “You can shut a mill down overnight but you can’t start one up overnight,” Streeper said. Ninety-nine per cent of the community forest plan is in place, Streeper said, with ongoing talks on the working relationship between the

municipality and the First Nation. They hope to submit their application to the province this spring, and smaller, private operations are also interested in timber from that licence, Streeper said. “Hopefully upon awarding we can get that going pretty quick,” he said, “As council we are trying to pull out all the roadblocks we can to get somebody interested and create jobs pretty well immediately.”

sword has two sharp edges. In life, we’ve come to talk about these edges as something that has both good and bad parts, or results. The petroleum industry in the north has been the main economic contributor to the economy for as long as I can remember. Big industry has both good and bad parts. There is a fine line between not enough regulation and too much regulation. Northeast B.C. is seeing first-hand the impact of changes in technology, global competition, and declining market share. There is also significant impact in the area due to political uncertainty. This wouldn’t be the first time long-timers know to ride it out. There are new projects and investments coming. The Supreme Court of Canada is currently hearing a case of a junior oil and gas company to determine how industrial sites across the country are cleaned up when a company goes bankrupt. What are the ramifications of this? There is a season for everything. Our local farmers are pretty tough and count their wins when the weather works in their favour and they can get their crops off in the short growing season of the north. Petroleum surface lease revenue has been a welcome relief to struggling farmers to subsidize farm incomes over the past several decades. Is it about to become a very large liability that agriculture land owners have little control over? The petroleum resource industry is aging and there are a growing number of

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 and analysis by Edwina Nearhood.

abandoned and orphaned wells that, in the past, oil companies continued to pay the annual lease to avoid any environmental clean-up costs. According to CAPP, when an oil or natural gas well is no longer productive, the operating company is required by regulation to remove equipment and reclaim the site. Reclamation is the process of replacing soil and re-establishing vegetation on a wellsite so it can support activities similar to those it could have supported before it was disturbed. Once a well has been abandoned, the site must be remediated in accordance with provincial requirements. An orphan well is a well or facility confirmed to not have anyone responsible or able to deal with its closure and reclamation. With a growing amount of junior oil companies filing for bankruptcy, there is potential to have a growing number of liabilities in the form of orphan wells or abandoned pipelines. According to regulatory agents, every company that explores and develops

Canada’s petroleum resources is financially responsible for safely managing each well or facility it develops throughout the life cycle of the project including abandonment and reclamation. The Supreme Court’s findings will be very important as there is potential for catastrophic impact on farmland for years as a result of surface rights. The case will address public policy about what happens when a resource company files for bankruptcy. Who is responsible for the reclamation or cleanup? Is the site abandoned or do taxpayers pay the price? What does that mean for the landowner? Mortgages are not issued on property with environmental contamination. This has some pretty serious implications. The regulatory agents that should be paying attention include federal, provincial, regional districts, agricultural land reserve are just a few off of the top of my head. FINAL WORD I would say there are some alarm bells sounding here on many different levels and encourage everyone to stay involved and informed. It is becoming increasingly evident that there is less and less room for junior companies or small business. Is this a result of shifting public policy and/ or globalization? How much Canadian ownership is left in the big business that supports the petroleum resource sector? Edwina Nearhood is a lifelong resident of Fort St. John, with 30 years experience in the appraisal industry.

PUBLIC NOTICE FortisBC Energy Inc. 2017 Long Term Gas Resource Plan

On December 14, 2017, FortisBC Energy Inc. (FEI) filed its 2017 Long Term Gas Resource Plan (LTGRP) for acceptance by the British Columbia Utilities Commission (Commission), in accordance with section 44.1(2) of the Utilities Commission Act. FEI’s 2017 LTGRP presents FEI’s long term view of the demand-side and supply-side resources identified to meet expected future natural gas demand and reliability requirements taking into consideration the cost to FEI’s customers over the 20-year planning horizon (2017-2036). The 2017 LTGRP includes a 20-year vision for FEI and an Action Plan that describes activities that FEI intends to pursue over the next four years. HOW TO PARTICIPATE There are a number of ways to participate in a matter before the Commission: • Submit a letter of comment • Register as an interested party • Request intervener status For more information, or to find the forms for any of the options above, please visit our website at the link below or contact us using the information below. http://www.bcuc.com/get-involved/get-involvedproceeding.html All submissions received, including letters of comment, are placed on the public record, posted on the Commission’s website and provided to the Panel and all participants in the proceeding.

NEXT STEPS 1. Intervener registration Persons who are directly or sufficiently affected by the Commission’s decision or have relevant information or expertise and that wish to actively participate in the proceeding can request intervener status by submitting a completed Request to Intervene Form by Friday, March, 9, 2018. GET MORE INFORMATION All documents filed on the public record are available on the “Current Proceedings” page of the Commission’s website at www.bcuc.com. If you would like to review the material in hard copy, or if you have any other inquiries, please contact Patrick Wruck, Commission Secretary, at the following contact information. British Columbia Utilities Commission Suite 410, 900 Howe Street Vancouver, BC Canada V6Z 2N3 Email: Commission.Secretary@bcuc.com Phone: 604-660-4700

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018 A11

business

BC Hydro monitoring national security review of Aecon sale matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

BC Hydro says its monitoring the national security review into a foreign takeover of Aecon Group Inc., the Canadian construction firm leading the preferred partnership tapped to build the Site C dam’s generating station and spillways. Aecon announced Feb. 12 it has pushed the outside date for completing its $1.5-billion sale to China Communications Construction Company Ltd. (CCCC) to March 30, as Ottawa continues its review of the deal under the Investment Canada Act. It’s the final hurdle before the deal can close. Aecon holds a 30% stake in the the AFDE Partnership, BC Hydro’s preferred bidder to build the civil works portion of Site C’s powerhouse, penstocks, spillways, and power intakes. The partnership also includes Flatiron Constructors Canada, Dragados Canada, and EBC Inc. BC Hydro had wanted to close its deal with the partnership early this year, and have it mobilize to the site this spring. The Crown utility is monitoring the potential acquisition and considering any impact it will have on the delivery of the work, spokesman Dave Conway said. It expects to award the contract within the next “couple of months” and still have it mobilize to the site in spring, according to Conway. “BC Hydro is committed to following rigorous standards for all of its procurement activities,” Conway said. “We completed a comprehensive evaluation and due diligence process for the GSS civil works contract and the potential acquisition of Aecon has not changed our overall evaluation of the preferred proponent team.”

bc hydro Photo

An aerial view of the Site C construction zone on the south bank of the Peace River, showing excavations for the Site C powerhouse, spillway buttress, and approach channel, November 2017.

The federal government has been reviewing the potential sale of Aecon after shareholders voted 99 per cent in favour of the deal with CCCC. Still, it’s been hotly contested by Aecon’s competitors, who have requested the government block the sale, while the federal Conservative Party has raised concerns over CCCC’s ties to China’s Communist Party, according to a Globe and Mail report. Ottawa’s review falls under a section of the Investment Canada Act that allows it to gather information on “whether there are reasonable grounds to believe that an investment by a non-Canadian could be injurious to national security.” Aecon said the Competition Bureau has “cleared the transaction,” while the Ontario

Superior Court of Justice has also given its approval of the arrangement. CCCC, for its part, has received approval from China’s National Development and Reform Commission, Aecon said. “Both companies remain committed to working with the Investment Review Division to obtain approval of the transaction,” Aecon said in its announcement last week. “Completion of the proposed transaction remains subject only to approval under the Investment Canada Act and other customary closing conditions for a transaction of this nature.” If approved, Aecon expects the deal to close by the end of the second quarter. Aecon CEO John Beck released a statement last week

pushing back on “misleading” criticisms of the sale, saying Aecon will continue to be led by its Canadian management team, and will operate within Canadian laws and regulations. Beck also refuted claims of Communist Party influence and government subsidies, while adding the deal has the support of its unions and government agencies that include BC Hydro. “Aecon welcomes the review on the merits of the proposed transaction and will continue to seek to obtain all the necessary regulatory approvals to close the transaction and get on with the work of building a stronger Aecon and a better Canada,” Beck said. BC Hydro is “confident” in the AFDE Partnership’s ability to perform the work, Conway said. It intends to award

the generating station and spillways contract “within the next couple of months and the contractor to mobilize to site this spring,” he said. At the same time, BC Hydro has requested an amendment to its environmental assessment certificate to “to reflect improvements to the design of the generating station and spillways,” Conway said. A draft request was sent to B.C.’s Environmental Assessment Office in December, with a final request to be submitted in March, Conway said. Design changes include connecting each of the dam’s generators to a transformer upstream of the units, and building the spillways with three radial gates and six lowlevel outlets to meet water discharge requirements, instead of the seven gates that were originally proposed. The footprint of the station and spillways will remain the same, Conway said. “These improvements will optimize capacity, minimize environmental risks, improve safety, and facilitate the ease of long-term maintenance during operations,” Conway said. “As with any large construction project, refinements to the design are expected. We do not anticipate any impacts to the cost of the generating station and spillways.” A previous estimate of the design-bid-build contract had been billed around $1.2 billion, however, the cost of the contract won’t be known until it’s awarded and publicly announced. BC Hydro has said it will be the second-largest contract awarded for Site C, and within the $10.7-billion budget set by the NDP government in December.

FORT ST. JOHN & DISTRICT CHURCH DIRECTORY ANGLICAN CHURCH of CANADA NoRTH PEACE PARISH Please join us at our temporary location at the Peace Lutheran Church @ 1:30pm 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 10:00 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 250-787-0089 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. Louis Kwena Phone 250-785-3413 www.fsjresurrectionchurch.com 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 6 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 **********

CoMMUNITY CHURCH CHARLIE LAKE CoMMUNITY CHURCH Associate Pastor: Jared Braun 250-785-1723 fax: 250-785-4136 clcc@pris.ca SUNDAY SCHooL: 10:40am 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 The Plaza 8111 100th Ave fort St. John, BC Elder: Desmond Jones Phone: 250-785-8289 www.trinitycovenant.ca 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.

A12 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Local News

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Approved Centennial Park stage celebrates forestry, pipeline industries matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

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Fort St. John city councillors approved a design for a new stage in Centennial Park at their Feb. 13 meeting. Councillors voted 5-2 for a mixed wood and steel geometric design from landscape architects IBI Group, after some debate on the merits of the materials and functionality of the stage. “I’m perfectly fine the way it is presented to us,” Mayor Lori Ackerman said. “It celebrates our forestry industry and our pipeline industry.” The stage is part of a $4-million revamp of Centennial Park set to get underway this year, and will be built in the middle of the park. The revamp includes another $2 million in spending in 2019, and another $1.2 million “festival/ frostival” market development at the site of the old visitor centre this year. Couns. Larry Evans and Gord Klassen voted against the design. It was up against a more natural-looking design using wood, however, Evans said neither of the concepts up for consideration were what he had in mind. “They’re just wide open spaces, this is not what I envisioned when I wanted

a stage in Centennial Park,” Evans said. Klassen said the more natural design would give the stage and park more open visibility, while Coun. Byron Stewart said it would match the look and feel of the wood pillars at the Pomeroy Sport Centre. However, councillors were told that design would cost the city roughly $20,000 more to build, and be costlier and more challenging to maintain in a northern climate. There was some discussion on whether the metal panels in the approved design could be changed to wood, however, that would also drive the price tag higher. Coun. Trevor Bolin supported the approved design noting its costs, and that it allowed for more clearance to the edge of the stage, while the panels could be used for acoustics and marketing purposes. The metal panels set at the back of the stage to support the weight of the bandshell would be able to move to direct acoustics, council was told. “My understanding from the design architect is those actual fins can be configured to move so if you want to direct sound in a particular way it could be done,” said Wally Ferris, the city’s general manager of community services.

House

of the

KELSEYVILLE

This multilevel plan is designed for construction on land that slopes up at the rear. A two-car garage is at the lowest level. Entry and foyer are half a ﬂight up, as are secondary bedrooms. Both have direct access to a two-section bathroom.

Another half flight of steps brings you to a bright and spacious vaulted great room, where windows fill most of the rear wall. A set of atrium doors admit still more light and provide access to a partially covered patio. Due to the upslope, the patio is at ground level here. Double doors access a large storage area, ideal for gardening equipment, barbecue grills, etc. The dining room is every bit as bright as the great room. Colorful flames and

warmth in the gas ﬁreplace can be enjoyed from either side.

A wide opening links the great room to a large kitchen, expanded by a sunny nook. Storage and counters wrap around three sides, and a large walk-in pantry ﬁlls one corner. A long work island with builtin prep sink is at center. Sliders in the nook access a covered deck, ideal for warm weather meals. Potted plants are sure to thrive in the windowed triangle in front of the sink.

Patio 13'4'' x 12'

Kelseyville PLAN 30-476

Main Floor 1849 sq.ft. Upper Floor 640 sq.ft. Living Area 2489 sq.ft. Garage 735 sq.ft. Dimensions 55'10''x54' 2000 SERIES www.AssociatedDesigns.com

Dining 12'6'' x 15'8''

Up Bedroom 11' x 11'2'' Kitchen Up Dn

The Kelseyville's vaulted owners' suite is yet another half ﬂight up. Soft light ﬁlters into the luxurious bathroom through glass blocks in the spa alcove. In front of the sleeping area, it's delightful to imagine reading or daydreaming in the wide window seat.

Associated Designs is the original source for the Kelseyville 30-476. For more information or to view other designs, visit www.AssociatedDesigns.com or call 800-634-0123.

Vaulted Great Room 17' x 22'6''

Storage

Foyer Bedroom 12'8'' x 11'

Utility

The Kelseyville's Craftsman-style front facade is intriguing. Stone veneer wainscoting and columns draw eyes to the lower sections, while shake-textured siding and decorative supports highlight low gables on four different levels.

Vaulted Nook 12' x 11'

Vaulted Entry Porch

Covered Deck 9'6'' x 9'

Garage 27' x 24'8''

Vaulted Owners’ Suite 15' x 17'4''

Arlen Brekkaas REDUCED

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018 A13

Local News

matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Kathy Scheck has been named the first principal of the new Margaret ‘Ma’ Murray Community School. Scheck is currently principal of Robert Ogilvie Elementary, where she has previously worked as vice-principal, and has also served as principal of Baldonnel Elementary. “Ms. Scheck is one of our district’s most capable and experienced administrators and we share her excitement at her taking on this new challenge,” School District 60 Superintendent Dave Sloan said in an announcement Feb. 13. Scheck will continue as principal of Robert Ogilvie before transitioning to her new job through the spring, Sloan said. Ma Murray school is scheduled to open for its first classes this fall. “In the weeks and months to come there will be a lot of work to attend to in preparation for the opening of our new school,” Sloan said. “We look forward to supporting Ms. Scheck as she takes on this new assignment.”

Smoking bylaw talks revived ahead of cannabis legalization matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Four years after the idea was rejected, a smoking bylaw is once again on the table in Fort St. John. At the Feb. 13 council

meeting, Mayor Lori Ackerman moved to bring forward a resolution to revisit the issue at the next meeting set for Feb. 26. With the legalization of recreational cannabis later this year, the province said this month that smoking or vaping the product will be banned on beaches, parks and playgrounds. The city right now follows provincial regulations that only bans smoking near doorways, windows or air intakes, and a city bylaw would address the issue in parks and city-owned properties, Ackerman said. “Believe me, we hear about it on Facebook each and every summer that there’s people smoking in the park around playgrounds and it just shouldn’t be, and you know what, they’re right,” Ackerman said. “So, sometimes you just need to put a bylaw in place.” In September 2013, councillors voted down a proposed smoking ban at public parks, opting instead to increase the amount of signage to label playgrounds and sports fields as no-smoking zones. Councillors at the time expressed concerns over enforcement costs, and how bylaw officers would enforce an outdoor ban with an already heavy workload.

FSJ flight makes emergency landing in PG matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

A Vancouver-bound flight from Fort St. John was forced to make an emergency landing in Prince George on Feb. 14. WestJet flight 3205 was diverted to Prince George due to a fire detection warning light, spokeswoman Lauren Stewart said. The crew declared an

emergency to establish priority landing and the positioning of emergency vehicles and the flight landed normally a short while later at 8:15 a.m., Stewart said. “All guests, crew and baggage have been offloaded and a preliminary inspection indicates at this time that no fire was present,” Stewart said. “We appreciate and recognize that this would be an unpleasant experience for all involved and we apologize to our guests for the inconvenience.” There were 44 guests and four crew members on board, Stewart said. WestJet brought in an extra plane from Calgary to pick them up and bring them to Vancouver later hat morning, Stewart said.

Adam Winn enters CBC Searchlight Fort St. John’s firefighting troubadour Adam Winn is looking to capture the ears of music fans across Canada. Winn has entered his song Burnout in CBC’s popular Searchlight contest, which unearths hidden music talent across the country. The first round of voting started Feb. 13 and ends Feb. 28 at 3 p.m. From there, 100 finalists will be whittled down through voting and judging from March 1 to 7. Top 10 finalists will be announced March 8, with the grand prize winner announced on March 19. The winning act will get a week-long mentorship with industry leaders at the Allan Slaight Juno Master Class in Toronto, a week-long residency at the National Music Centre’s Studio Bell in Calgary, and performance slots at JunoFest 2019 in London, and the 2018 CBC Music Festival in Toronto. Visit bcmusic.ca/searchlight to search for and vote for Winn.

Pedestrian crosswalk report ordered matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

City staff were ordered to provide a report on the programming and timing of pedestrian crosswalk signals. Mayor Lori Ackerman would like to have walk signals automated when a traffic light turns green as a matter of convenience for pedestrians, especially during winter months. “You know how you have to rush up to the intersection and push the button and if you miss the timing you get to wait?” Ackerman said. “For a lot of people, it prevents them from walking.” City staff noted a change would “significantly impact” the timing of traffic lights and vehicle movements, especially for advanced turn signals. “There’s a definite tradeoff between pedestrian convenience and vehicle movements, because it takes many seconds longer if you add a walk to a signal movement,” said Victor Shopland, the city’s integrated services director.

the new fiscal year. The society, which delivers restorative justice programs in the community, has said it needs $7,500 in emergency funding to carry through to April and keep its doors open as it waits for grants to come through. But Coun. Gord Klassen noted the society wasn’t the only agency struggling at the start of the calendar year to get funding and solidify their planning for the year ahead, and wondered whether the city could change its processes. “The process doesn’t work for a lot of the organizations,” Klassen said. David Joy, the city’s general manager of corporate services, said there were no issues in releasing the annual grant early, and said that council could pass an interim budget at the start of a year to release grants to community groups earlier. Mayor Lori Ackerman noted the thoughts, and said council could consider forwarding the justice society a portion of the grant instead of the entire amount. A financial decision will come from the meeting with the society.

Medical clinic permit Justice Society approved matt preprost makes plea Council approved a for early grant temporary use permit for the city’s new internal medicine release clinic, opened in 2017. editor@ahnfsj.ca

matt preprost editor@ahnfsj.ca

Council will meet with the North Peace Justice Society, which is requesting an early release of its annual city grant to alleviate funding pressures. The society has been approved for $14,677 for 2018, which won’t be released until April in

The Fort St. John Internal Medicine Clinic at 8615 100 Street is currently zoned for C4 for service commercial. While the zoning allows for everything from an art gallery to a daycare centre to a restaurant or retail store, it does not allow for a medical clinic. The permit allows the clinic to continue operating at the location for three years.

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A14 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

PERSPECTIVES

Gender equality within the Christian church “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10)

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HOROSCOPE

For Thursday February 22 2018

ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 19) Be careful about shopping. Ideally, you should spend money only on food or gas today. If you shop for anything else, you might regret it.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23 TO OCT. 22) Postpone important decisions about inheritances and shared property until tomorrow. Just fill your databank today. “Just the facts, ma’am.”

TAURUS (APRIL 20 TO MAY 20) The Moon is in your sign for most of today, but it is looseygoosey! This is why you feel indecisive and adrift. However, you are very creative today.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 TO NOV. 21) You will enjoy conversations with loved ones today, because life is a bit silly and goofy. Just relax. Postpone important decisions until tomorrow. Take things easy

GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20) Take it easy today. Run away and hide somewhere if you can. However, with the Sun high in your chart, you likely will be high-viz! CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22) This is a wonderful day for a frank, honest discussion with a friend, especially a female acquaintance. Don’t agree to anything important. Just hang out. LEO (JULY 23 TO AUG. 22) If others approach you to take on increased responsibilities today, tell them you will get back to them tomorrow. Don’t volunteer for anything. Avoid making any important decisions. VIRGO (AUG. 23 TO SEPT. 22) Feelings of escape are strong today, which is why you want to leave work early or run away and join the circus. Explore what you can of the world around you. Spend money only on gas or food.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 TO DEC. 21) Today you might be plagued with shortages and silly little mistakes. Just go with the flow, because all of this is minor. Postpone important decisions until tomorrow. CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 TO JAN. 19) This is a wonderful, creative day for you! You will make great strides if you work in the arts, the entertainment world or the hospitality industry. Enjoy playful times with children. AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 TO FEB. 18) If you can relax at home and just cocoon for a while — do it. Today is full of minor mistakes. Furthermore, people are indecisive. PISCES (FEB. 19 TO MARCH 20) This is a poor day for important decisions. It’s also a poor day to change your mind about something that was important. Just go along with what’s happening and make your important decisions tomorrow.

hough inherently flawed, fairy tales have succeeded in setting the tempo of our lives as they subliminally construct gender expectations for males and females alike. Males are groomed to be stoic heroes who will rescue the damsel-in-distress. Of course, in fairy tales the hero is ineffectual at best. He’s always kissing the wrong corpse for one thing. As for the damsel, she is raised to compete with her sisters for the affections of the only suitable prince in the kingdom. In fairy tales, women are good only when they are passive or dead. If she is active, she is evil. The virtuous maternal figure dies at the beginning of the story. The surviving maternal figure, active in the lives of her daughters, becomes the villainess of the story. The father figure in fairy tales stands by while his beloved progeny is abandoned, abused or slaughtered by his wicked wife. He never gets anything right nor does he ever take a valiant stand for anything that truly matters. What of the gender roles in Christianity? Have we ushered in a sense of equality for our youth within the contemporary church? Young women are particularly vulnerable to low levels of self-esteem, and high schools can be hotbeds of eating disorders, unhealthy relationships, and bullying from male counterparts though not exclusively. For many adolescent girls it is difficult for them to stand before a mirror. They harbour feelings of uncertainty about their bodies and the opposite sex. They also have to juggle all of these realities while being judged for their academic performance within a competitive setting. There remains inequality in many settings. Has the Christian tradition become a place where our young women and our young men can be lifted up together? The differences between women’s and men’s

Angela Griffin PEACE REFLECTIONS

achievements and activities have not to do with immutable biological differences, but have more to do with the global disadvantages met by women. Women’s issues — including their human rights — have moved to the center of the world’s political agendas. We need male heroes to change the face of this world but we need female heroines too. Christian churches need strong women as social change advocates to end the feminization of poverty, the abuse of women, and the sex trade that are still global problems. In light of this, Christian churches cannot afford to drive strong women from its doors. The prince in fairy tales is at times said to be a symbol of Christ. When He kisses us with “love’s true kiss” we are infused with love for our fellow man and ourselves. We have faith in Him as our Savior and we awake from our slumber to live a life that is very different because we live for Him. Christ elevated the status of women when He was here on earth. He never relegated the feminine to a position that was secondary. It was the women who didn’t run away in fear, or deny Christ when He was crucified, and Mary Magdalene was the first person to whom Christ appeared after He rose from the dead. Women and men are called to serve together within the Church as equals. It is imperative that we acknowledge this immutable truth and proceed with building the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth with our unique and precious gifts that are equal in the eyes of God, gender notwithstanding. The Peace is a place of many peoples and faiths. In this space, readers are invited to share their own reflections of faith in the Peace. If you have a story of faith you’d like to share, email angelamarygriffin@gmail.com.

Don’t Talk to Mama With That Mouth Dear Annie: I’ve been married for 10 years. My husband and I live about 15 minutes from his mother. Things have never been great between my mother-in-law and me, but we’ve always tried to overlook our differences. When my husband and I were first married and didn’t have kids, we spent a lot of our free time with his mom, but now that we have young children, I have decided to do what makes me happy. My husband visits his mother every Saturday, but I usually stay home. A few months ago, I joined my husband, and there was an incident in which my mother-inlaw yelled profanity at me in front of my young son -- claiming she was angry that I had “taken him away” from her. She was yelling at my husband and me, not our son, but the stress still impacted him greatly. He asked about it afterward. I’ve talked about it with her. The first time, she apologized but said I took it the wrong way or overreacted. So we talked again, and I explained that she hadn’t offered a true apology. She couldn’t promise it wouldn’t happen again, so I am just done. I don’t want my child in that position ever again. Then my mother-in-law approached my parents about it. I feel that she has no boundaries. My husband felt it was fine, saying she was an adult talking to other adults. I couldn’t disagree more.

Annie Lane DEAR ANNIE

We talked about counseling for my husband and me, but that was almost four months ago. I am lost, and it affects our relationship. I believe that it’s driving a wedge between us. -- Lost and Frustrated Dear Lost and Frustrated: You are not married to your motherin-law. Your instinct to go to marriage counseling is a good one, especially because this problem reached a fever pitch four months ago and nothing has been resolved. Your husband has to speak with his mother about her unacceptable behavior. Yelling in front of children is never a good idea, but cursing out a child’s mother or father in front of the child is just plain unacceptable. The issue is her verbal abuse of you, and until she accepts responsibility and stops doing it, she will have to suffer the consequences of not seeing her grandchild. Marriage counseling will give you and your husband suggestions for bringing her back to her grandchild on your terms. Dear Annie: I am in mourning for the loss of greeting cards in today’s world. I send many cards throughout the year for birthdays, anniversaries, deaths

and illnesses. Even when I cannot afford a birthday gift for a friend, I try to pick out a greeting card that conveys my best wishes and matches my friend’s personality. I happily remember going to my mailbox on the days prior to my birthday and receiving cards from friends and relatives. Now it’s just a Facebook post saying, “Happy birthday!” To me, Facebook “happy birthday” posts are for acquaintances, not friends you have known for years or family members you love and respect. Is no one today capable of actually purchasing, addressing and mailing a greeting card? -- Discouraged Dear Discouraged: The decline in sending greeting cards is another unfortunate byproduct of our convenience-driven culture. I totally agree with you. There’s something special, perhaps more so now than ever, about receiving a physical card in the mail from a loved one. Buying and mailing a card only takes a few minutes and a few bucks -- or less, if you make a card yourself -- yet can mean so much. Here’s hoping we see a comeback.

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, FEBRUARY 22, 2018 A15

Coffee Corner $567,500 9813 269 Rd MLS# R2208403

2,899 sq. ft 3 bedroom/2 bath family home sitting on 5 acres just minutes from FSJ waiting for a new owner.

$159,900 5782 Baldonnel Rd MLS# R2149165

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

$15.50/sq. ft + NNN D, 10503 - 89 Ave, MLS# C8012982

3600 sq. ft. attached shop available for lease. Office reception area +3000 sq ft 2 bays shop No drop-ins.

$23/sq. ft + NNN 11579- 85 Chevron Front, MLS# C8014514

Access to Alaska Highway, 2 storey office bldg w/ 7 offices, attached 18,000 sq. ft. shop.

TODAYS PUZZLE

$789,900 13318 Gourley Sub MLS# R2167731

Picture perfect country property 18 minutes from town. 2 storey 4 bed 2970 sq ft home on 10 acres.

$2,100,000 8300 - 21 Street, DC MLS# C8015114

8,000 sq. ft. Dream building situated on 2.5 acres in Dawson Creek. Level/graveled yard is fully fenced.

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

$549,900 10904 111 Ave, MLS# R2233389

Stunning home in desired Westridge with all the features you could want! Vaulted ceilings, hardwood & tile floors, stone fireplace and more!

• • • • • • • • • • • •

$7,500,000 DL 2606 Woelki Ranch MLS# C8007247

1hr north west of Fort St John in Buick. fully operational ranch waiting for a new owner.

AIR BILL OF LADING BROKER CARGO CARRIER CHARGE COMPLIANCE CONSIGNOR CONTAINER DISTRIBUTION DUNNAGE EXPORTER

• • • • • • • • • • • •

FEE FREIGHT FUEL HIGHWAY INTERMODAL LAYOVER MARITIME OPERATOR OWNER PALLET PLACARD RAILROAD

• • • • • • • • • • • •

SAFETY SERVICE SHIPPER SURCHARGE TANDEM TARPS TEAM TRANSPORT VALUE VAN VEHICLES WIDE LOAD

TODAY’S PUZZLE

40. Misleading ads

13. Type of smartphone

41. Atomic number 76

16. Football’s big game (abbr.)

44. Sunscreen rating

43. A type of castle security

17. Crocodilian reptile

45. Very fast airplane

20. Swamp plant

48. 007’s creator

19. Of I

47. Vigor

22. Sun can help you get one

51. __ and that

25. Cuckoos

56. Nocturnal insects

23. Hops, __ and jumps 26. Small cavities in rocks

28. American traitor 29. Tooth caregiver 30. Popular fish

31. Ottoman military leader 33. Anger

34. Fish of the mackerel family 36. Some people can’t eat it

53. Indicating silence

55. Brown and gray rail 58. Make an incision

Where do sheep go to get haircuts ?

Why can’t a leopard hide?

59. Norwegian village 60. Commercial 61. Criminal

64. Northeast

65. Clouds of gas and dust in outer space 67. Mysterious things

69. One who won’t be forgotten 70. Starts over

PREVIOUS PUZZLES ANSWERS

14. Fall apart

A: Because he’s always spotted.

7. Overlapping part of a garment

38. Amer. Revolutionary War battle

tronaut’s What is an as on favourite place a computer?

A: To the baa baa shop.

1. Shaded inner regions

Material for your weekly game page

. A: The space bar

CLUES ACROSS

11. Electron volt 12. Tuned 13. Syrian leader 15. Reduces 18. Congress’ investigative arm 21. Make uneasy 24. A fake 26. Any thick messy substance 27. Goad 30. Titan 32. Continental Congress delegate for NY 35. Peyton’s younger brother 37. Fiddler crab 38. Delivers the mail 39. Liliaceous plant 42. Mountain Time 43. Where wrestlers work 46. Secured 47. Dog breed 49. Where rockers CLUES DOWN perform 1. Straighten 50. Nostrils 2. Gives medical advice 52. Express doubt (abbr.) 54. Pointer 3. Touts 55. Slang for sergeant 4. One’s job 57. Selling at specially 5. Afflict in mind or reduced prices body 59. Six (Spanish) 6. Proofed 62. Holds 7. Capital of Angola nonperishables 8. Social insect living in 63. Between northeast organized colonies and east 9. Ones who are 66. Exist financially compensated 68. Meitnerium 10. Jacket

COMPLETE EACH GRID WITH NUMBERS FROM 1 TO 6, KEEPING IN MIND THAT: - a number can only appear once per row - a number can only appear once per column - a number can only appear once in each box of 6 squares

A16 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Local News

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Olympic-sized disappointments Dillon Giancola

GRACE & POISE

THE DILL ZONE

Emma Stevens placed second in the Women’s Silver Interpretive event at the Totem Figure Skating Competition in Fort St. John on Feb. 17, 2018. Stevens also finished second in both the Star 6 and Star 7 Freeskates, and first in Star 6 Elements. Turn to B4 for the results from the competition. DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

Seventh Crystal Cup begins Friday night DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

After two months of registration, the 7th Annual Crystal Cup Pond Hockey Challenge begins this Friday, Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. Spots have been filling up fast, with 27 teams registered across the three adult divisions as of press time. Organizer Neil Evans is expecting more teams to join, and hopes there is at least 40 teams participating at the start of the weekend. The event usually has 40 to 50 teams. This is in addition to the Sid Davis Memorial Youth Pond Hockey Challenge, which has a lot of teams

registered with more still to join. A father of five, Evans said he is more excited for the tournament than usual because of the amount of family and kids events that have been added this year. “To have more things for kids to do out there it’s going to be a riot. It will be a blast of a weekend for literally everyone in the family,” Evans said. Games will be played on Friday from 6 to 10 p.m., and will resume at 10 a.m. on Saturday until around 9 p.m. at night. Depending on the number of teams registered, the finals will either be Saturday evening or Sunday around

noon. Then, the Sid Davis tournament will run Sunday afternoon and into the evening. In spite of the rumors that there wouldn’t be anywhere to enjoy a drink, the large beer gardens are coming back this year. It will be open from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, with the times Sunday to be announced. What won’t be returning this year, however, is the live music. “We want to tone down the party atmosphere just a bit and make it more of a hockey and family event. Every year it evolves into something different,”

Evans explained. There will be more events than ever before, including sleigh rides, helicopter rides, and the new snowmobile poker run. A schedule of all event times and specifics will be posted on thecrystalcup.ca before Friday night. Evans and his team have been busy planning and preparing for what they feel will be the best Crystal Cup yet. Now, all they can do is sit back and wait for the weekend. “It’s a combination of excitement and stress, this weird happy medium. But we know the weather will be good and it’s going to be an awesome event.”

Sr. Flyers advance to NPHL final, await opponent DILLON GIANCOLA sports@ahnfsj.ca

For the first time since returning to NPHL playoff eligibility in the 2013-14 season, the Fort St. John Senior Flyers are headed to the NPHL final. They will face the winner of the bestof-seven East semi-final between the Falher Pirates and the High Prairie Regals. As of press time, Falher was leading the series 2-0. The Flyers had to forfeit the playoffs for a number of seasons while they were a AAA team, but became a AA team again five years ago. The Flyers advanced to the final after Grande Prairie beat the Dawson Creek Senior Canucks 7-6 on Feb. 17, knocking them out of contention. The Flyers were the last team standing, and their playoff record was 5-0-1. “When this playoff format was developed, none of us thought that one team would run away with it, but we’re very happy and

excited,” said Flyers General Manager Lee Hartman. The Flyers now have more than a week to rest up and practice before the final series starts on March 3 in Fort St. John. All seven potential dates for the final are set, regardless of when the East semi-final ends. “We have a good group of veterans and they’re due to win it. I don’t think we’ll have issues getting guys up for this,” said Hartman. The Flyers played two games against both the Pirates and the Regals, winning all four games. However, they haven’t played either of those teams since mid-December. Both teams have improved since the Flyers last played them, with the Pirates in particular adding more players from last year’s championship-winning Spirit River Rangers squad. The Rangers won the NPHL title the last five years, and the Flyers were never able to beat them in the playoffs. No matter who gets

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

Jake Ebner fires a shot on net during the Flyers’ 3-2 overtime victory against the Canucks on Feb. 13, 2018.

through, Hartman said the Flyers are expecting a tough series. It was an up and down year for the Flyers, as the team dropped its first two games before going on a roll. Once again, the Flyers struggled in the middle of January, before playing their best hockey to end the regular

season and throughout the West division playoffs. “It’s been a typical year for us. We tend to make things harder than they should be,” Hartman said. Once the final finally gets underway, the Flyers will be looking to make things harder for their opponents instead.

s a Canadian, from a macro point of view, these Winter Olympics have been fairly free of disappointment. As of Feb. 20, Canada was comfortably in third place with 19 medals, including eight golds, and in range of setting a Canadian Winter Olympics record with 27 medals, and with five more days of competition still to come. This never happened when I was a kid. My first Winter Olympics memory is from the Nagano games in 1998. I stayed up until 3 a.m. as a 12-year-old just to watch Canada lose in the hockey semi-final. It was utterly disappointing. However, Canada would win gold just four years later, and still had 15 medals in Nagano. Just six years prior, at the 1992 games in Albertville, Canada had a measly seven medals. Canadians really don’t have much to complain about anymore. Well, those who care about national sport achievement, anyway. However, that doesn’t mean I haven’t found a way to be disappointed by these Olympics. I just had to look a little harder. I was disappointed when a Russian athlete was busted for doping. I’m naive when it comes to athletes cheating, and long for redemption. But after 43 Russian athletes were banned from these Olympics for doping, the mixed-doubles curler Aleksandr Krushelnitckii failed a test for meldonium. There is no word yet on if he will have his bronze medal stripped away. If you’re going to cheat, don’t do it while curling. I have my reservations on if he took it intentionally anyway, since it is a heart drug that increases endurance. Just have a coffee, for crying out loud, or three. That’s enough endurance for curling, I would presume. Although the caffeine-induced hand shakes might cause you to do a Rachel Homan impersonation and miss your shot. I was also disappointed when I realized that landing jumps backwards on skis was so not a big deal that skiers just do it all the time, literally every-second jump. It goes without saying, I can’t land jumps backwards when I’m skiing. Despite all that, I was most disappointed with not seeing Denny Morrison on the podium, as perhaps a lot of Fort St. John residents were. But we shouldn’t feel that way. Morrison was at his fourth Olympics, an incredible feat in itself, and means he was at the peak of his sport for over 12 years, as an amateur athlete. Most of us are never at the peak at whatever it is we actually get paid to do. If these Olympics have taught Canadians anything, it’s that we really don’t have any right to be disappointed at all. Dillon Giancola covers Peace Region sports for the Alaska Highway News. Email him at sports@ahnfsj.ca

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B2 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Local Sports

Bateman, Loewen, and Alexander win NWJHL awards for Huskies Dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

The North West Junior Hockey League announced its award winners for the 2017-18 season on Saturday, Feb. 17, and three Fort St. John Huskies were among those listed. Jonathan Bateman won the Top Goaltender award, Jared Loewen won the Top Defenceman Award, and Todd Alexander was the Coach of the Year. The awards were well deserved for the Huskies, who finished first in the regular season with 56 points. The Huskies didn’t win any NWJHL awards for the 2016-17 season. Bateman, in his second year with the

Huskies, was arguably the team’s most important player this season. Both his 14-6 record and 2.05 goals against average were the best in the league, while he finished second with a 0.919 save percentage. Bateman sufferred a broken collarbone late in the season and is expected to miss most, if not all, of the NWJHL playoffs. “For him to come through night after night for us is pretty big, and he gives us a chance to win every game he’s in,” said Huskies General Manager Jeremy Clothier. Bateman said this was by far the best season he’s ever had in hockey and the best team he’s had in front of him. “I’ve been working really hard this

year to make sure I’m the top goaltender and it feels good to be rewarded,” Bateman said. Loewen, in his second full season with the Huskies, was second in scoring for defencemen with 11 goals, 28 assists, and 39 points, one point behind Mark Simpson of the North Peace Navigators. His 18 points on the powerplay were the most by any defenceman in the league. “It feels good, it’s a great honour to accept that award, but the goal is still to win playoffs and provincials,” Loewen said. Loewen, who only had 15 points a season ago, said he spent a lot of time working with the coaches this year and it gave him a lot of confidence to become

the player he is now. Alexander, the long-time assistant coach of the Huskies under his father Gary, is in his first year as head coach of the team. He was well-deserving of the award after coaching his team to a first place finish for the first time in more than a decade. “He puts a lot of time and work in. He’s at the rink daily, not just with our team but every team in town,” said Clothier. The Huskies are currently enjoying a first-round bye in the NWJHL playoffs. The team will face the winner of the five-game series between the County of Grande Prairie Kings and the Fairview Flyers. The Flyers led the series 2-1 at press time.

NPSS basketball winds down

Ninjas in training

The NPSS junior boys basketball team finished their season at Zones in Dawson Creek last weekend, coming in fifth place. Liam Peterson won MVP for his team. Likewise, the junior girls team’s season is over after placing fourth at zones. They were named the most sportsmanlike team at zones. Mackenzie O’Brien, Kaylie Willeboordse, Alandra Herrling

and Jordynn McPherson were all recognized for their great play at the tournament. The girls curling team has one more week of practice before heading to provincials in New Westminster, March 1 to 3. Both senior basketball teams had the weekend off, and are continuing to practice in preparation for the 4A B.C. provincials at the beginning of March.

Lumberman’s Bonspiel returns

dillon giancola Photo

Quinn Bath breaks her last board of the day at Red Dragon Martial Art’s Annual Board Break Challenge on Feb. 17, 2018. The athletes broke 2,000 boards and raised $9,360, which will be donated to Community Bridge to help fund Coldest Night of the Year. R0021217976

For the second time since 2012, the Lumberman’s Mixed Bonspiel is returning to the Taylor Curling Club. From March 2 to 4, 24 teams will participate in the longtime event, and this time organizers are hoping it sticks around for years to come. “It’s just a classic event that went back well before our time. It’s a good time and there’s good memories and it helps create that bond across the mill,” said Kristina Stark, one of the bonspiel’s organizers.

The event is open for anybody from within the forest industry to participate in. Stark said many workers and contractors in the industry are very excited to have the Lumberman’s back. “Just about taking the time to enjoy your peers, it’s a good event and good fun.” The deadline to register is Feb. 28. To register, or for information, contact Stark at 250-640-7300.

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

This Week: The Honda Classic

The Honda Classic has been part of the PGA Tour since 1972 when it began as the Jackie Gleason Inverrary Classic. Tom Weiskopf won Defending: Rickie Fowler the inaugural event, besting Jack Winning Score: 12-under par Nicklaus by one stroke. Nicklaus Winner’s Purse: $1,152,000 would get his revenge, winning the event in consecutive years, 1977 and 1978. In fact, only three men have won the event twice in its illustrious history: Nicklaus, Johnny Miller (1980, 1983) and Mark Calcavecchia (1987, 1998). Rickie Fowler returns this week to defend his title against a strong lineup fronted by FedEx Cup champions Justin Thomas, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods. PGA National Champion Course Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. 7,110 yards, Par 70

Golf TV Schedule The Honda Classic Day Time Thursday 3:00pm-6:00pm Friday 3:00pm-6:00pm Saturday 1:00pm-2:45pm Saturday 3:00pm-6:00pm Sunday 1:00pm-2:45pm Sunday 3:00pm-6:00pm

Bubba Watson ended two Tournament Results years without winning with 1. Bubba Watson his third victory at Riviera. Score: -12 Earnings: $1,296,000 Watson seized control T-2. Kevin Na Sunday with two par putts as Score: -10 Earnings: $633,600 everyone around him was dropping T-2. Tony Finau shots. He pulled ahead after holing Score: -10 a bunker shot on the par-3 14th Earnings: $633,600 hole. He closed with a 2-under 69 for a two-shot victory over Kevin Na and Tony Finau. “My goal has always been to get 10 wins. So many emotions going through my head right now,” Watson said, choking back tears.

Golfing News

Network GOLF GOLF GOLF CBS GOLF CBS

Golf Trivia How many times has Bubba Watson finished the season ranked No. 1 in driving distance? a) 1 c) 5 b) 3 d) 7 Answer: c) 5

Last Week: Bubba Watson won the Genesis Open

John Daly did not win the Chubb Classic on Sunday on the PGA Tour Champions, but he did hit the shot of the day. Daly, clad in American flag pants, aced the 162-yard, par-3 16th hole. The 51-year-old golfer celebrated by hugging his caddie, pumping his fist and giving a high-five to a woman from the gallery. Daly is currently ranked No. 1,157 in the world, but he finished eighth after Sunday’s final round of the Chubb Classic. The top 10 is Daly’s first of the season on the PGA Tour Champions. He also made the cut at the Safeway Open on the PGA Tour last fall. Daly had just two top-10 finishes, including a win, in 2017 on the PGA Tour Champions.

Lessons from the Golf Pro One of the first things that we need to learn when we get ready to tee off is to have the proper ball position. More than half the time, the ball is not lined up with our body properly, resulting in an errant drive. For every inch that the ball is teed up too far back in your stance, it puts the flight of the ball some 15-20 yards off of your intended line. It is almost a universal rule that the ball should be close to even with the tip of your front shoulder. This will allow the clubface to make a full rotation through the ball, maximizing your distance, accuracy and consistency. Place the ball in line with your front heel and make sure that the heels of your feet are shoulder width apart.

Player Profile

Bubba Watson

Turned Professional: 2002 FedEx Cup Ranking: 18th World Ranking: 40th PGA Tour Wins: 10

FedEx Cup Standings Through Feb. 18, 2018

1) Patton Kizzire 1,247 pts. / 4 top tens

2) Dustin Johnson 952 pts. / 3 top tens

3) Jon Rahm

936 pts. / 2 top tens

4) Brendan Steele 820 pts. / 2 top tens

5) Jason Day

814 pts. / 2 top tens FedEx Cup Standings continued... Player Points 6) Tony Finau 814 7) Chez Reavie 792 8) Pat Perez 790 9) Justin Thomas 758 10) Patrick Cantlay 757

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Top 10s 3 2 3 2 2

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018 B3

Local Sports

Cleaver, Leriger win NPHL awards

dillon giancola Photo dillon giancola photo

Rick Cleaver, seen here in a game against Dawson Creek on Feb. 13, won the MVP award for the 201718 season, his third straight year accepting the honour.

dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

The NPHL announced its annual award winners on Feb. 14, and once again, there was a strong Fort St. John presence. Senior Flyers forward Rick Cleaver was named co-MVP along with Braden Gamble, goaltender of the Manning Comets, and Flyers Head Coach Andrew Leriger was named Coach of the Year. For Cleaver, this is his third straight MVP. Cleaver’s stat line of 22 goals, 17 assists, and 39 points was down considerably from the 2016-17 season when he led the league in scoring with 31 goals and 63 points. Still, he finished second in scoring to Cedric Harvey of the Falher Pirates, who had 41, and was once again the most reliable player on a Flyers team that has championship aspirations. “It’s a little surprising to be honest with you,” Cleaver said. “I had a bit of an up and down year. Last year, our line clicked and we were on

fire, but this year was more of an up and down year and a grind.” At 34, Cleaver is one of the older players in the league, but doesn’t play like it. “I like the challenge and the fact that I am getting older, but I’m still able to produce and be one of the better guys in the league,” he said. Leriger wasn’t surprised that Cleaver was the MVP. “He’s physically in shape all the time. He’s so strong and thinks the game so well, he’s such a big asset to us and he keeps himself in good shape and healthy,” said Leriger. For Leriger, it was his second straight year winning Coach of the Year, and it came as a bit of a surprise. He said that he doesn’t coach for the personal awards, but was grateful for the recognition. “At the end of the day, we’re all volunteers and everyone does their best. We all want to win but it’s good to be recognized for what you’ve done,” Leriger said.

Mackenzie Jabrin (centre) wrestles the ball from a teammate during the Pan African Caribbean Association’s soccer match at NPSS on Feb. 16, in celebration of Black History Month.

Predators prepare for provincials dillon giancola sports@ahnfsj.ca

The BC Peace LB Energy Midget Predators were in Williams Lake last weekend for a three-game exhibition series. It was the first time the Predators had played since Jan. 7. The games against the Williams Lake Timberwolves were just what they needed to get them back in playing-mode in advance of the BC Midget Female A Championships, also in Williams Lake, from March 20 to 25. The Predators lost their first two games, 4-0 and 4-1, before beating the Timberwolves 5-3 on Sunday. It was the first time the Predators had beaten Williams Lake in five games this season, and the first time in the Predator’s two-year existence. They were 0-2-1 against the Timberwolves last season. “It was a bit of an adjustment, as the

pace was faster than with the house teams that the girls have been playing with lately. We had a slow start our first game, but by the third game we had our scoring touch and finally broke the barrier against them,” said Predators Head Coach Rob Larson. Charla Graham was in net for the final two games of the series, including the win, and was the player picked MVP for the 4-1 loss. Hanah Piket and Beth Conelly led the team with two points each in the series, and Keagan Goulet was the team MVP in the win. The Predators now have a month to prepare for the provincial tournament. The team went last year when it was held on Vancouver Island, and went 1-2. “It was a good experience for our first year. We know we’ll be in tough at provincials bit if we’re firing on all cylinders we’ll be OK,” Larson said.

PRO RACING THIS WEEK Racing g News,, Stats & Trivia Race Preview

Location: Hampton, Ga. Date: Feb. 25, 2:00 p.m. Last Year’s Pole: Kevin Harvick - 190.398 mph Last Year’s Winner: Brad Keselowski

Atlanta Motor Speedway

Track Details Distance: 1.54 miles Shape: Quad-Oval Turns/Straights: 24º / 5º

The biggest names in racing will battle this weekend for 500 miles in the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 Cup Series race. The Atlanta Motor Speedway is a superspeedway located 20 miles south of Atlanta with a seating capacity of over 125,000. It opened in 1960 and was almost completely rebuilt in 1997. In the process it has become one of NASCAR’s fastest tracks. Bobby Labonte has achieved more wins than any other fulltime driver at this speedway. Last week’s winner of the Daytona 500, Austin Dillon, finished 32nd last year. The race will be broadcast live on FOX on Sunday, Feb. 25 at 2:00 pm. Qualifying will be broadcast on FS1 on Friday at 5:15 p.m.

Last Weekend’s Race: Austin Dillon won the Daytona 500 Austin Dillon won the 60th Daytona 500 in overtime on Sunday and he didn’t lead the race until the final lap. The win for Dillon, 27, came as he raced in the iconic No. 3 car, which was made famous 17 years ago after racing icon Dale Earnhardt was killed in his last lap at NASCAR’s famed International Speedway. “It was so awesome to take the 3 car back to victory lane,” Dillon said. Dillon wasn’t a factor until the final lap when he got a push from Darrell Wallace Jr. that helped him get to leader Aric Almirola. Dillon spun Almirola then whizzed by for the victory.

Austin Dillon Born: April 27, 1990 Crew Chief: Justin Alexander Car: Chevrolet

Year 2018 2017

Wins 1 1

Top 10s 1 4

Avg. Finish 1.0 18.6

2018 Standings Cup Series Top Ten Drivers 1) Ryan Blaney 2) Austin Dillon 3) Paul Menard 4) Joey Logano 5) Darrell Wallace, Jr. 6) Michael McDowell 7) Denny Hamlin 8) Aric Almirola 9) Chris Buescher 10) Martin Truex, Jr.

Points 48 42 42 41 39 39 35 33 32 30

Xfinity Series Top Ten Top 10s 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 0

Drivers 1) Tyler Reddick 2) Elliott Sadler 3) Spencer Gallagher 4) Ryan Truex 5) Ryan Reed 6) Kaz Grala 7) Garrett Smithley 8) Ross Chastain 9) Brandon Jones 10) Jeff Green

Points 50 41 39 35 34 33 32 28 27 26

Top 10s 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0

Danica Patrick crashes out of last NASCAR race Danica Patrick got one of the largest applauses when introduced for Sunday’s Daytona 500, her last NASCAR race. She then made her ceremonial lap around the famous Daytona International Speedway soaking in the cheers, and good wishes and genuinely moved by the standing ovation she received from the sold-out crowd. Unfortunately her time in the race car ended a lap past the halfway mark of NASCAR’s greatest race as she was collected in a multicar accident that also ended the day for race favorites Chase Elliott, Brad Keselowski and Kevin Harvick among others. “It just wasn’t meant to be today,” Patrick said after getting the “all-clear” from Daytona’s infield care center. “I’m grateful for everything. Thank you to all the fans.” Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. races to historic finish in Daytona 500 The first full-time AfricanAmerican driver in NASCAR’s premier series since the 1970s fell 0.28 of a second short of outrunning Austin Dillon for the victory in the Daytona 500. Emotions overflowed when members of Wallace’s immediate family and friends saw him in the media center to discuss his second-place finish. Wallace’s mother, Desiree, walked to the podium and gave him a long hug. “I’m so proud of you, baby,” she said, over and over again.

Racing Trivia Austin Dillon won the Truck Series championship in 2011. What year did he win the Xfinity Series championship? a) 2012 b) 2013

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c) 2014 d) 2015

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Answer : b) 2013

This Week’s Cup Series Race: QuikTrip 500

B4 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

LOCAL SPORTS

Stretch out of winter and into spring this March

tretching doesn’t take much time, but it’s not a priority for most people. It has enormous benefits, both physically and mentally, and only takes about 10 to 20 minutes of your day — you can even do it while you watch TV in the evening. I began stretching every evening before bed in the middle of January, and I really enjoy it. I find it relaxing, and I feel like it helps me sleep better. It’s nice to sit down and chill for about 20 minutes and be doing something that is really good for me at the same time. Physical Benefits: • Stretching helps with posture by helping to loosen tight muscles in the back, shoulders, and chest. • It improves range of motion and increases flexibility. An improvement

workout. • It promotes blood circulation throughout your body.

Stephenie Sutherland

time, and doing each stretch properly. Wellness Round Up:

Mental Benefits:

It has long been thought that stretching before and/or after exercise will help minimize soreness, unfortunately that is a myth. Studies have found that stretching doesn’t help with soreness after exercise. Health researchers at Cochrane have shown that it doesn’t matter if you stretch before or after exercise, it has little to no effect on soreness due to physical activity.

• It helps to relieve stress and promotes relaxation.

HEALTH HACKS

in flexibility and range of motion allows your body to make the same movements, but with less energy and effort. • It helps to prevent injuries due to increased range of motion, improved flexibility of joints, and increased circulation, which increases the nutrient supply to muscles. • It can improve your athletic performance. Muscles are less likely to spend their day already contracted, which may cause fatigue. Stretching regularly can help to relax your muscles and they will be more prepared for a

For the month of March, give regular stretching a try. If you spend some of your evening reading or watching TV, stretching can easily be done at the same time. Try to make time for at least 10 minutes and try to hold each stretch for about 30 seconds. Ease into each stretch and don’t push yourself — you want to be able to continue to breathe easily throughout each stretch. If you are unsure of what stretches to try, look them up; there are plenty of stretching videos and instructions to ensure that you are getting the most out of your

Stephenie Sutherland is a Fort St. John student studying nutrition and food sciences. She can found at the gym, hiking local trails, and serving up a hot cuppa joe at Whole Wheat and Honey. Have a question? Email her at stephenie. sutherland13@gmail.com.

SCORES TOTEM RESULTS FORT ST. JOHN FIGURE SKATING CLUB

Star 1 Cheyanne Ralph - silver Kolby Schultz - silver Carly Thompson - silver Kelsie Hardy - Bronze Dani Steiner - Bronze Gihanna Vorobets-Magee - bronze Layla Samis - bronze Shyanna Hildebrand - bronze Haley Loewen - bronze Ella Forrest - Merit

DILLON GIANCOLA PHOTO

PHONE: 250-785-0463

Emily Brain - silver Noopur Rathod - silver Kendall Fleming - bronze Claire Thomas - bronze Nora Demoulin - bronze Kamryn Fleming - bronze Morghan Oberlin - bronze Chloe Stokes - bronze Tyneesha Fehr - bronze Catilyn Ferguson - bronze

FREESKATE

Addison Stone performs her program during the Star 5 U13 Freeskate at Totem, where she finished second.

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

Star 3 Harlee Peck - gold Madlyn Peebles - silver Star 4 1. Shaye Peebles 6. Jasmine Whitford

Star 2 Naomi Batten - gold Kassia Pajoy - silver Katelynn Hardy - silver Peyton Elliott - silver Kenzie Steiner - silver Madeline Perret - silver

Star 5 - U13 1. Sophie Stevens 2. Addison Stone 3. Ashlyn Goertzen 5. Emma Eggimann 8. Jillian Stone

Star 5 - 13 & Over 2. Haley Patterson 11. Emma Shipalesky Star 6 & 7 2. Emma Stevens Star 9 1. Yuri Kunimara Gold Women 2. Yuri Kunimura Bronze Interpretive 1. Sophie Stevens 1. Emma Eggimann 1. Jillian Stone 2. Ashlyn Goertzen 2. Emma Shipalesky 4. Haley Patterson Silver Interpretive 2. Emma Stevens GOT SPORTS NEWS? SPORTS@AHNFSJ.CA

Silver Willow

4-H Report

This time I will be going into uncharted territory and not tell you how and we’ve been doing, but rather how we’ve been doing it. This is a huge area to cover this time, let’s see if I can condense it all to ﬁt in one article. This February was all about one thing, communications. For those of you who don’t know, communications are basically presenting one (or several) ideas to the public by either a speech, a speak and show, a display board, or a demonstration. I will explain these four ways of communicating in the following. A speech is exactly what it sounds like; You get up in front of the judges and crowd and talk for 3 to 5 minutes with no visual aids.

If you are a senior it has to 5 to 7 minutes long, then you have to do and an impromptu speech with 1 minute preparation. The topic can be anything that is educational. A speak and show is a combination speech and a demo. You get to talk by yourself to the judges and audience about an agricultural topic or food, with the help of whatever physical things you think are relevant. Junior or senior, it has to be 8 to 10 minutes long. A demonstration is a speak and show done with two members, and you take turns talking and demonstrating what the other is doing. This can be done on any topic and has to be 8 to 10 minutes long. A display board is an educational display done on any topic and is kept rather short and is a three panel display board. Bella Lucas-Jarnagin, Silver Willow 4-H Club Reporter

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018 B5

ARTS & CULTURE

Explicit empowerment

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEN PIMM

The cast of the 2018 Vagina Monologues hits the North Peace Cultural Centre stage Feb. 23, 2018.

2018 Vagina Monologues a timely collection of local stories about sexual harassment and violence ANGELA MARY GRIFFIN Alaska Highway News

Time has marched on since The Vagina Monologues made its debut in 1995. A more complex, contemporary world now perpetuates violence against new generations of women through sexting and social media. But the production wasn’t designed to be static. Each year, a new monologue is added to highlight a current issue affecting women. This year, as the play celebrates its 20th anniversary and its 13th year being performed in Fort St. John, feminine issues will land on global political agendas due to the Me Too and Time’s Up movements. In conjunction with this, director Jennifer Pimm’s production offers a timely piece involving stories of local sexual harassment. In the end, these monologues are stories of pain and pleasure, suffering and empowerment that celebrate what it means to be a woman. “Shame gains strength in silence. Empowerment comes through sharing stories of trauma and speaking truth to pain,” Pimm says. “When victims step out of the shadows to speak their truth, healing happens and victim blaming ceases. If just one person is strengthened by our performance, then we’re

successful.” The Monologues were created in 1995 after American playwright Eve Ensler interviewed 200 women about sex, relationships, and violence against women. It’s been performed in 48 languages and in 140 countries, launching the V-Day movement, a non-profit group that funds programs working to end violence against women around the world. Proceeds from Fort St. John’s performance will benefit the Women’s Resource Society. Some feminists have criticized the play, saying that women are about more than their vaginas. Some complain that the play imposes white, feminist assumptions on visible minorities. Social conservatives have denounced it as a piece replete with graphic language and explicit sexual content. But Pimm calls her players activists rather than actors. These Fort St. John performers lend a collective voice of empowerment to women’s stories, which honour the voice of truth-sayers courageously speaking truth to power in the face of misogyny, disbelief, mockery, and victim blaming. The artistic community that these local feminists have created and nurtured offers a safe place to talk about what it means to be a woman.

As much as they honour established relationships, Pimm says newcomers are welcomed into their protected circle of vested individuals. This year, four local men join their ranks. “Men too have been victimized by violence perpetrated by men, but also women. Men are the allies of women in a culture of gender bias, rape and sexual harassment,” says Pimm. It’s the second year that NPSS Aboriginal Student Support Worker Sage Birley has performed in the production. “In a community like Fort St John, with the issues here, it’s important for men to collectively step-up to end violence against women, and also to create safe spaces for women,” Birley says. His past experience with the play was positive and his performance well received. Last year’s audience was 50 per cent male and Birley expects the same this year. “It’s imperative to see men in that space, starting a conversation and answering a call to action to end violence against women, ” said Birley. The Vagina Monologues will be performed Feb. 23 at the North Peace Cultural Centre at 7 p.m. Admission is by donation at the door, and reserved seating is available. For more, visit npcc.bc.ca.

Imagine your family is anywhere in the world! Pick a spot on the map and learn about that country together online. How do you learn as a family? Tell us: #FamilyLiteracyDay

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

NOW PLAYING Visit WWW.LANDMARKCINEMAS.COM/FORT-ST-JOHN for the latest movie listings

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

B6 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

Classifieds

Book Your Ad Now!

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

Card of Thanks

Coming EvEnts

Mile “O” Quilter’s Guild meets every Tuesday & Thursday in Dawson Creek at KPAC in Studio #10 at 7pm

Dawson Creek Seniors Hall Activities 1011 McKellar Ave. Floor curling, carpet bowling, pool, line dancing, bridge, crib, darts, bingo, Wellness Exercise, craft classes. Schedules are available at the hall. Come and see our hall and try out our activities.

Career OppOrtunities

PC Roots Group Meeting: 4th Sunday/month - from Sept-June 1:30pm in the Archives Room at The Calvin Kruk Center. Getting started on family tree research, need Help? Come learn & share experiences with other amateur genealogists. New members welcome. For more info call: Lynn- 250-7824058. Neil- 250-7827651. Website http://peacecountryroots.ca

Save the Dates July 13, 5:00 pm to July 15, 2018 at 3:30 pm for the Annual Mile Zero Cruisers Summer Cruise weekend starts with Registration held at the Dawson Co-op. Bring down your pride and joy and register for the Summer Cruise Car Show weekend. All registrants will receive access to all weekend events as well as a chance to win prizes. Check in this paper for more details closer to the show!

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

1-800-581-8288

The Kiwanis Club of Dawson Creek is looking for straw bales for their Annual Easter Event. If you have any that you would be willing to donate or sell, please contact Allan Cameron at 250-7822174 or waacameron@gmail.com

Obituaries

PC Roots Group Building Open: Every Saturday Sept-June 10:00am-12:00pm to members wanting to use the genealogy library. A member will be available by appointment to anyone requiring help on how to get started on your family history. Everyone is welcome. We are located in the small building in NAR Park. For appointment call: Lynn- 250-7824058. Neil- 250-7827651. Website http://peacecountryroots.ca Thursday at 9:30 amNew Beginnings Baptist Church in DC, 10221-18th St.-TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly). Phone: Gail at 250-782-7208 for more info. Tuesday,February. 27th, 2018- 1:30pm Income Tax Seminar for Seniors. Topics & Resources to help Seniors receive their full benefits. Presenters: Lorraine Michetti & Wilma Rasmussen-A & D Office Services Ltd. Seniors Access Office in the Co-Op Mall. EVERYONE WELCOME!

Announcements

Are You In Debt with your Credit Cards? Consolidate your credit card for less. With rates from 2.3% APR offer bad credit or low income OK.

PLACE YOUR AD IN THE

Fort City Chrysler is expanding

GROW WITH US! Journeyman Technicians Sales Associates

631 85-5 2 50-7 2 Ph: 2 0-785-35 5 2 : Fx

CIRCLE YOUR AD!

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

Announcements

AND MAYBE SOMEONE WILL

Obituaries

SUNDAYS: FAMILY TREE HELP - Peace Country Roots Group Meeting - Fourth Sunday of each Month at the CALVIN KRUK CENTRE in Dawson Creek 1:30pm

90th Birthday CeleBration For

Wetop oﬀwages, er topbonuses, wages, and a We offer benefit package. Possible moving beneﬁ ts and moving allowance for previous Chrysler experience. allowance to Fort St. John.

r001947782

Must have valid driver’s licence. Fax toJodie Jodie Faxresumes resumes to 250-787-5210 250-787-5210 email jodie@fortcitychrysler.com jodie@fortcitychrysler.com Or email No phone calls please. Toll-free: 1-877-787-5220

Fort City

Aileene Snider Saturday, March 3 at 2:00 PM Senior Citizen’s Hall 10908 - 100th St Come Celebrate with our Family Please No Presents

Career OppOrtunities

SANDMAN INNS RURAL BC recruiting management couples, both full-time and part-time roles available. Ask us about our great employee perks and accommodation. Apply on https://sandmanhotels.prevueaps.com

Career OppOrtunities

FIELD OPERATOR POSITION The Role

Kelt Exploration has an excellent opportunity for an experienced full time operator in the Fort St. John operating area. Working in a high paced, high energy work team the primary responsibility of the successful person will be to effectively participate as a team member by providing safe and cost effective operation and maintenance for our wells, gathering systems, and process facilities. The operations team ensures the superior performance of mechanical, instrumentation and facilities by implementing cost efficiencies and maximizing production. The successful applicant must be willing to work extra hours and be on-call as required.

LegaL/PubLic Notices

The purpose of this IPMP is to manage vegetation and invasive weed control on facilities, rights-of-way, lease sites and related infrastructure. This IPMP will cover various activities within the Peace River Regional District and nearest communities such as Fort St John, Dawson Creek, Taylor, Wonowon, and other small communities in those regions. Using the principles of integrated pest management plan (IPM), the pest management methods proposed for use may include seeding, re-vegetation, hand-pulling/cutting, mowing, string trimmers, brushing, biological control agents, and the use of herbicides. The common names and some example(s) of trade names of the herbicides proposed for use under this plan include:

• Minimum 5+ years of oil and or gas operating experience • Must have a minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent • Possess excellent communication skills, a positive attitude and the ability to work effectively in a team environment • Self-motivated with a strong work ethic and the ability to work in an unsupervised work environment • Ability to work within a team environment • Strong troubleshooting and problem solving skills • Strong computer skills (proficient in MS Office Suite) • Possess a valid Class 5 driver’s license - drivers abstract is required • This is a safety sensitive position and will be subject to the relevant requirements of the Kelt Exploration (LNG) Alcohol and Drug Policy • Must reside in the Fort St. John area

General employment

•

antage XRT, VP480, Clearview, Milestone, Navius VM, Escort, Tordon V 22K, Banvel VM, MCPA Amine 600, Truvist, Esplanade SC, Transline, Lontrel 360, Garlon, Arsenal.

•

ctive ingredients are: Aminopyralid, metsulfuron-methyl, diflunfenzopyr, A MCPA, Picloram, Chlorsulfuron, Dicamba, Aminocyclopyrachlor, Indaziflam, Clopyralid, Glyphosate.

The proposed duration of the IPMP is from April 15, 2018 to April 14th, 2023. Diagrams, maps and the draft IPMP document are available and may be viewed upon request by phoning the following contact or by contacting the agent: Applicant: Lee Robinson, Leucrotta Exploration Inc. phone 780-712-6561 or E-mail lrobinson@leucrotta.ca

We thank all applicants. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Applicants must include a copy of their resume and updated drivers abstract to be considered.

General employment

48006

Agent: E-Qwest Consulting Ltd. 2579 Sylvia Road, Lake Country, BC V4V2R8 250-766-2677 E-mail e-qwest@shaw.ca

General employment

Any person wishing to contribute information about a proposed treatment sites, relevant to the development of this IPMP may send copies of the information to the address above within 30 days of the publication of this notice.

DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN Reference #105-751-18/23

Shell Canada Ltd. is renewing current Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP) under British Columbia’s Integrated Pest Management Act and associated regulations.

YOU HAVE A BUSINESS TO RUN. Time spent hiring and training could be time better spent running your business. You need a recruitment partner.

The purpose of IPMP is to manage vegetation and invasive plants on facilities, Right-of-Ways (RoW’s), lease sites and related infrastructure. This IPMP will cover various activities within the Peace River Regional District and nearby associated communities such as Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, Taylor, Groundbirch, Chetwynd and other small communities in that region.

Did you know that approximately 75% of all business expenses are related to human resources, including recruitment costs, benefits, absenteeism, and turnover?*

Using the principles of integrated pest management (IPM), the pest management methods proposed for use may include seeding, re-vegetation, hand-pulling/cutting, mowing, string trimmers, brushing, biological control agents, and the use of herbicides. Trade names of the herbicides proposed for ground application use under this plan may include:

Employers can control those costs by hiring Macenna Staffing Services. Save time, money and aggravation by outsourcing.

• V antage XRT, VP480, Clearview, Milestone, Navius VM, Escort, Tordon 22K, Banvel VM, MCPA Amine 600, 2,4-D Amine, Truvist, Esplanade SC, Transline, Lontrel 360, Garlon, Arsenal, Payload, Fierce.

OUTSOURCING ALLOWS YOU TO: Tap into Macenna Staffing Services comprehensive database of candidates or take advantage of their broad advertising capabilities. Shorten the process, eliminate steps and benefit from quick response time.

Get up to $50,000

Urban Systems Civil Engineering Technologist Our Fort St John office is looking to hire a Civil Engineering Technologist. For more information, please visit our website. www.urbansystems.ca/ careers

For Sale MiSc COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE: $0.99/each for a box of 180 ($178.20). Also full range of tree, shrub, and berry seedlings. Free shipping most of Canada. Growth guarantee. 1-866-873-3846 or TreeTime.ca. OVER ONE MILLION DOLLARS of Safety and Workwear Clear-Outs. Serving Rural Municipalities and Farms across Canada since 1986. Great deals. Don’t Miss Out! directworkwear.com. 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.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT 1800-567-0404 Ext:400OT.

Career OppOrtunities

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Home Care Wanted Caparros Family Child Caregiver − Private Home Caparros Family Child Caregiver Full Time/Contract $11.35/hour Duties: 1. Supervise & care for the baby at the employ− er’s residence. 2. Sterilize bottles, pre− pare formula, feed, bathe and change dia− per. 3. Prepare and serve nutritious food. 4. Maintain a safe and healthy environment in the home. 5. Plan, organize and participate in activities such as games, crafts, reading and outings to the nearest park to pro− vide entertainment and exercise. Qualifications: Comple− tion of Secondary edu− cation and must have completed healthcare or care giving training in a classroom setting. archie_queenie @yahoo.com

Career OppOrtunities

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Society Community Bridge is an accredited non−profit organization established in Fort St. John in 1974 and currently offering 17 counselling and social support programs in the Fort St. John area, 5 in the Dawson Creek area and 2 in the Fort Nelson area. Community Bridge works in collaboration with federal and provincial fund− ing bodies, many local business and partner agencies to strengthen and enhance social services in our community. North Peace Community Housing Society is a non−profit society providing 24 units of low income housing in Fort St. John. Position Description We are seeking an Executive Director for Com− munity Bridge and the North Peace Community Housing Society. The Executive Director re− ports to a Board of Directors. The position is responsible for executing the strategic plan while overseeing the day to day operations of the society which include program delivery, human resources, finance and administration. The successful candidate will have proven leadership ability, financial and business man− agement experience, including labour relations in a unionized environment. The position is ac− countable to ensure the programs are deliv− ered and maintained within accreditation stan− dards, while ensuring strong relationships with the funding and community partners. Exten− sive experience in social services is required with proven ability to achieve excellence in client service and provide inspired and innova− tive leadership to a team of approximately 50 energetic, professional and caring staff. The position requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to create and sustain ef− fective working relationships with staff, fun− ders, board members and community stake− holders. A strong work ethic, decision making and problem−solving skills, communication and interpersonal skills are essential. Working Conditions Located in Fort St. John, BC, this position pro− vides an opportunity to work in a diverse, re− source based community. Community Bridge is a respected organization with ties to the re− gion it serves built on strong relationships and a history of professional support to the com− munity. Salary will be commensurate with ex− perience and includes an attractive benefits package. Application Process

The proposed duration of the IPMP is from May 30, 2018 to May 29th, 2023.

Application Deadline: March 9, 2018 Only short−listed applicants will be contacted.

Dusty Cooper, E-Qwest Consulting Ltd., 2579 Sylvia Road, Lake Country, BC V4V 2R8, Tel: 250-766-2677, Email: e-qwest@shaw.ca R0011508820

COMMUNITY BRIDGE & NORTH PEACE COMMUNTIY HOUSING SOCIETY

To apply, email cover letter and resume detail− ing your qualifications and experience to Con− nie Chilcott, Board Chair: communitybridge.board@gmail.com

Ross Luo, Shell Canada Ltd., 6814 Airport Road, Fort St. John, BC V1J 4M6, Tel: 250-794-3953, Email: Zhu.Luo@shell.com

Macenna Staffing Services can coordinate your entire recruitment process. Call us for more information today! | f. 250.785.4795 | e. apply@macenna.com | www.macenna.com

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1855-768-3362 to start training for your workat-home career today!

• A ctive ingredients are: Aminopyralid, metsulfuron-methyl, diflunfenzopyr, MCPA, Picloram, Chlorsulfuron, Dicamba, 2,4-D, Aminocyclopyrachlor, Indaziflam, Clopyralid, Glyphosate, Triclopyr, Flumioxazin, Pyroxasulfone.

Maps and the draft IPMP document are available and may be viewed by contacting the appropriate office or contact persons below.

Save on costs associated with hiring, and 'try out' a candidate before you hire.

10139 101 Ave. Fort St. John, BC V1J 2B4 | p. 250.785.8367

HealtH ServiceS

Leucrotta Exploration Inc. is developing an Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP) under British Columbia’s Integrated Pest Management Act and associated regulations.

Qualifications

General employment

LegaL/PubLic Notices

Reference #110-705-18/23

• Manage and maintain day-to-day operation of wells, pipelines and processing facilities • Compliance with production accounting utilizing FieldView • Manage wells by utilizing SCADA • Contribute to successful daily execution of the area Business Plan (i.e. production volume targets, HSER, OPEX,) identifying opportunities to maximize production, minimize operating costs and minimize downtime • Provide equipment maintenance and troubleshooting • Provide training and mentoring for team members to assist in completion of assigned production tasks that required additional competencies or in depth problem solving • Consistently meets and strives to exceed Kelt Exploration expectations including: Health, Safety & Training; community relations; environment; regulatory; company policy; corporate values; and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. • Perform housekeeping, performance monitoring and maintenance activities

careers@keltexploration.com

LegaL/PubLic Notices

DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities

To apply, please email your resume to:

LegaL/PubLic Notices

Career OppOrtunities

Any person wishing to contribute information to the development of this IPMP please contact the above within 30 days of the publication of this notice.

X THIS IS WHERE YOUR AD SHOULD BE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018 B7

Classifieds Obituaries

Obituaries

Business OppOrtunities

Obituaries

HIP OR KNEE RE-

Obituary of

PLACEMENT? Arthritic

Kevin McKenzie Smith

Conditions/COPD? Re-

It is with great sadness that the family of Kevin M. Smith announce his passing on February 1, 2018 in Prince George University Hospital at the age of 52. Surrounded by family Kevin passed peacefully to join his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

strictions in Walking/Dressing? Disability Tax Credit $2,000 Tax Credit $20,000 Refund.

He leaves to mourn his mother Geraldine Smith, brother Bob(Hope), brother Bill, brother Rod, sister Micki (Keith) Materi, and brother Andy(Debbie). He’ll be sadly missed by the many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, all of whom were adored by their Uncle Kevvy.

Apply Today For Assistance: 1-844-453-5372.

Business services

Taralei(Al) Currie-Taylor(Dahlin), Kiana(Ryan), Blair (Samantha)-Paizley, and Luke, Tyler(Erin) Smith-William and Noah, Chad (Felicia) Smith, Daylene(Noel) JohnsonHarper, Justin(Michelle) Smith-Angelica, Heidi, and Kadyn. 48014

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Kevin’s life will take place on March 24, 2018 at 2pm in Fort St. John BC., downstairs at the North Peace Mennonite Brethren Church.

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

250-785-5631 classifieds@ahnfsj.ca

Book Your Ad Now!

Business services

ApArtments/ Condos for

GET RESULTS! Post a classified in 98 newspapers in just a few clicks. Reach almost2 million people for only $395 a week for 25-word 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 1866-669-9222.

BIRCHVIEW MANOR Furnished and Unfurnished 1 Bedroom Suites. Adults Only, Senior Discount. Bus Stop at Front Door. 250-784-5817

CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer Employment/Licensing loss? Travel/Business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US Entry Waiver. Record Purge. File Destruction. Free Consultation 1-800-3472540. accesslegalmjf.com

Pine Ridge Modular Homes 14’, 16’ & 20’ Singles. 24’-30’ Double Wides. S.R.I. Homes, Fort St John-Mile 49.5 (250)262-2847

Steel BuildingS / granarieS STEEL BUILDING SALE... “REALLY BIG SALE-EXTRA WINTER DISCOUNT ON NOW!!” 20X23 $5,798 25X27 $6,356 30x31 $8,494 32X33 $8,728 35X35 $11,670. One end wall included. Pioneer Steel 1-855-212-7036 www.pioneersteel.ca

LegaL/PubLic Notices

IndustrIal/ CommerCIal

Real estate Wanted

Commercial & Office Space for Lease and Rent. Pouce Coupejust outside Dawson. From 1200 sq ft of office or 2800 sq ft of shop with small upstairs “great accom” to a 4800 sq ft shop with fenced yard. www.silexpoucecoupe.ca available now.

WANTED TO BUY A ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT IN TUMBLER RIDGE. PHONE: 250-784-1952

Mobile/Manufactured HoMes for sale

Townhouses For renT For Rent in DC Newer 2 BDRM townhouse close to downtown. No Smoking/No Pets. #1200/month plus utilities. Mature adults only(55 yrs+). 250786-5449

Business services

Tires TIRES in DC P215/70R15 97S-Qty 4 @ $30.00/Each. Mounted on 15” Rims, Used One Winter. 250-782-8747

Business services

Get that spring fresh feel early! Drywall re− pairs, trim painting, or get those tired walls a fresh look. cmcpainting99@gmail.com

LegaL/PubLic Notices

LOCAL • LOCAL • LOCAL

DO YOU WANT THE NEWS? $1.50 inc.

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ApArtments/ Condos for

Notice of Public Hearing

OCP & ZONING AMENDMENT BYLAW NO. 2305 & 2306, (BEAUMONT) 2018

When:

Monday February 26, 2018 | 7:00 pm*

Daw

ApArtments/ Condos for

PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT

ApArtments/ Condos for

Where:

North Peace Leisure

R0011352381

Pool, 9505 – 100 Street, Fort St. John, B.C.

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

Phone: 250-785-2662 LegaL/PubLic Notices

LegaL/PubLic Notices

Managing Participant

Canfor Canfor Canfor Canfor Canfor Canfor

LegaL/PubLic Notices

Location

Inga Lake South Blueberry Wonowon Aikman Creek Kobes Creek West Ferrell Creek

LegaL/PubLic Notices

# of Blocks

7 11 24 1 7 1

Road 259 (Swanson Lumber Road) Lot 1, Sec 34, TWP 83, R 18, W6M, Peace River PL 11543 (9259 259 Rd.) The Peace River Regional District is hosting a meeting to discuss the proposed Official Community Plan and Zoning Amendment. Proposal: To redesignate the subject property from MDR “Medium Density Rural Residential” to LSI “Light/Service Industrial” within the NPFA OCP and to rezone the subject property from R-3 “Residential 3 Zone” to I-1 “Light Industrial Zone”.

For More Information: Contact: Development Services Tel: 250-784-3200 Toll Free: 1-800-670-7773 Email: prrd.dc@prrd.bc.ca *Please note: There will be two public hearings this evening. This meeting, for Bylaw No. 2305 & 2306, 2018, will be held second.

prrd.bc.ca

This notice is in general form only. Relevant background documents may be inspected from Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, between the hours of 8:30am – 4:30pm at the PRRD Dawson Creek office (1981 Alaska Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC) or 8:30am – Noon and 1:00pm – 4:30pm at the PRRD Fort St. John office (9505-100th Street, Fort St. John, BC). Written comments or concerns accepted. Chris Cvik, Chief Administrative Officer

diverse. vast. abundant.

48279

seRving

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B8 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018

COMMUNITY

DILLON GIANCOLA/AVI SINCLAIR PHOTOS

Left: Cade Hackman had the honours of breaking the last board at Red Dragon Martial Art’s Board Break Challenge on Feb. 18, 2018. However, he had to wear a blindfold, and rely on his hearing to locate the board and holder. Middle: Jana Leslie enjoys a dance with a member of the Fort St. John RCMP, who donned their Red Serge uniforms and joined seniors and Pembine Pipeline volunteers at North Peace Seniors Housing Apartment 3 for a Valentine’s Dance on Feb. 17, 2018. Right: Fort St. John Senior Flyers goalie Travis McLean and Flyers President Paul van Nostrand enjoyed some free pizza at Intricate Group’s Pizza and Dollars event on Feb. 16, which raised money for KidSport.

The heart of the problem

ebruary is widely recognized as the month to focus on the heart in humans — whether this is for Valentine’s Day, or from a heart health point of view. Now, we can’t possibly comment on the romantic inclinations of our patients, but we can certainly say that, just like humans, our patients can suffer from diseases of the heart. Greater awareness of heart disease and the increase in the average age of our patients means that we are diagnosing and treating more heart disease than in the past. Many people are all too familiar with heart disease, but here is a little recap. Hearts are muscles containing four chambers that pump the blood around to provide oxygen and nutrients to the rest of the body. The chambers are separated by valves, like little gates that open and close to control the movement

Dr. Katharine North NORTH PEACE CREATURE FEATURE

of the blood in the heart. When heart disease happens in animals, it is because the muscles are not pumping the blood properly or because the valves are not opening and closing properly. Unlike humans, animals do not suffer from clogged arteries in the heart because of their slightly different anatomy. Heart problems in animals occur for two main reasons. One is that the heart formed incorrectly to begin with and these patients can suffer right from birth or early in their lives. Often murmurs or abnormal heart sounds will be heard by the veterin-

arian at a puppy or kitten’s first wellness exam. The other, more common, presentation we see is when damage occurs to the heart over time, causing it to not function properly. These animals present at an older age with signs coming on so slowly that it can be easy chalk them up to ‘old age’ unless they are examined by a veterinarian. It is often a change in the heart sound heard through the veterinarian’s stethoscope at a regular wellness exam that raises the warning that the heart should be further investigated. Veterinarians listen for murmurs, which happen when the valves aren’t closing properly, or irregular patterns in the heart beats to help them decide if a heart is healthy or not. Early signs of heart disease that an owner might see in their pet at home can be very subtle, and include changes in the amounts

of eating and drinking, decreased exercise tolerance, more sleeping than usual, a cough (especially when lying down), or increased breathing rate and weight fluctuations. Later on in the disease, animals can show a significant difficulty with breathing, have big bellies that don’t match their bony backs, and quite often a distressed look with an inability to rest comfortably. The good news is that through regular screening at wellness exams, veterinarians can pick up possible heart disease and perform screening tests. In fact, wellness exams for senior pets are scheduled more frequently than regular wellness exams — in part because of the increasing risk of heart disease in this age group. Bloodwork, chest X-rays and ultrasounds of the heart are commonly used tests that diagnose heart disease and help veterinari-

ans judge how advanced it is. Early diagnosis of many types of heart disease can result in a longer, happier life through the use of the right medications and minor lifestyle changes – such as diet and exercise. Appropriate early use of heart drugs can extend life for several years. Cutting-edge research and surgeries in veterinary cardiology are also more accessible than ever and are improving the lives of many animals. Now that’s something we can all ‘heart’! Dr. Katharine North has been a resident and active participant in the Fort St. John community since her family immigrated to Canada from the United Kingdom as a child. Dr. North spent many hours at the North Peace Veterinary Clinic as a student and joined the practice as a veterinary associate upon graduation.

Clubs of Dawson Creek

Annual Fishing

Derby

March 4, 2018

Swan Lake Provincial Park

Great Prizes

$40 OR $100

Angler Fees:

per hole

3 holes for

s t a He :30 pm

30 am - 11 :30 pm

10:0 pm - 1 pm 0 0 12:0 pm - 3:3 2:00

Must Have Valid Fishing License

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 July 13-15!

Contact: Alex 250-719-4760 Dale 250-719-7427

Experience the rence True Service Diffe Kal Tire 800-107 Avenue Dawson Creek, BC 250-782-5544

Find out more on our facebook page www.facebook.com/ DCRotarySunrise/events

Rotary

Club of Dawson Creek

Meets Tuesdays, NOON At The GEORGE DAWSON INN

Rotary

Club of Dawson Creek Sunrise

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

July 13-15, 2018 C Dawson Creek B

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